Instructor Resource
Neck, Entrepreneurship, 1e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Answers to Questions in the Text
Chapter 9: Planning for Entrepreneurs
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ACTION
Michele Pytko, Bark ‘N Leash
1. What evidence of planning can you identify in Michele Pytko’s launch of Bark ‘N Leash?
2. Pytko’s plan also caters for “worst case”—do you think all plans should include this
element? Why or why not?
Sample Answer: Answers may differ from student to student. There are various viewpoints
3. What aspects of Pytko’s planning strategy would you apply to your own business?
Sample Answer: Answers will vary from student to student. Point out that entrepreneurial
ENTREPRENEURSHIP MEETS ETHICS
Ethical Business Planning
1. Can you think of instances when the quality of a product or service was exaggerated and
you were disappointed or even angry?
2. How many times are you willing to give a company another chance once you have had a
bad experience?
Sample Answer: Answers will vary from student to student. It is worth pointing out that one
bad experience can poison the water for many, so entrepreneurs should do everything they can
3. How do you think these ethical considerations should be built into the planning process?
Sample Answer: Clear codes of conduct and ethical behavior should be written into Corporate
MINDSHIFT
The Vivid Vision Checklist
1. Is three years a useful and reasonable time period to look ahead and envision your
business? If you think three years is too long or too short, explain why.
2. In the Vivid Vision checklist, which questions did you find the most useful? The most
challenging? Explain your answers.
3. Is there anything in your plans for your business that is not covered in the Vivid Vision
checklist? Anything that is not relevant to your business?
Instructor Resource
Neck, Entrepreneurship, 1e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
RESEARCH AT WORK
How Valuable Are Business Plans?
1. What value do you think a business plan adds to an early-stage venture?
2. Do you think writing a business plan is a worthwhile exercise for every entrepreneur?
Why or why not?
3. At what stage do you think you might start writing a business plan for your start-up?
Summary Questions
1. Define “planning” from an entrepreneurial perspective.
From an entrepreneurial perspective, planning helps to clarify the entrepreneurial vision and
2. Define TRIM and explain its importance to entrepreneurial planning.
3. Explain the different types of plans used by entrepreneurs.
4. Debate the value of writing business plans
Experts disagree on the value of spending the time writing a business plan. Some see a business
5. Implement the tips for writing business plans.