Financial Literacy Program Georgetown University Hoya Dollars & Cents Financial Literacy Program Georgetown University

The proposed business case idea is entitled Hoya Dollars & Cents (HDC), which will be a financial literacy program as part of the financial aid department of Georgetown University. Hoya’s will offer three courses in financial services, will be taught by professors, adjunct faculty and graduate students with expertise in economics, and will be for one academic credit per course. The target market consists of students, faculty, and staff. Stakeholders are the board of directors, financial aid department, and the Provost.

Business Model and Financial Plan The Direct Sales Business Model seems to fit best as it allows courses or online learning programs to be offered directly to learners without broker involvement (Stephen, Stephen, & Makosz, 2000). The unit will be paid for as part of a yearly budget for the financial aid department. Once Provost Approval is received we can then add the cost to tuition to pay for the program. Justification for this plan is to require all students to complete at least one session per academic year online in addition to loan entrance counseling or enrollment in classes.

Benefits to key stakeholders Providing additional content online regarding finances, in conjunction with the financial aid department, can be a cost savings to the university by using resources that are already available. Addressing the needs of the students outside of the classroom such as designing a financial literacy program should also be a priority for higher education, as what students learn here they take with them and apply in the real world. In regards to economies of scale, cost complementarities include sharing of resources such as facilities, teachers, materials and so on (Li & Chen, 2012). Technology allows for a lower price point to manage education by having quantity with quality (Islam, 2011).

This program is important because it teaches students the value in learning about finances which is a part of everyday life. We understand that people who know better do better. Learning of finances is a valuable asset that is priceless and can be put into practice during and after college. The ramifications of not having financial literacy can be lifelong and devastating to families and communities. HDC aims to educate students about savings and debt and how to manage their finances.

DE provides a viable strategy for delivery because online learning is growing as the demand for convenience and flexibility is becoming a part of the higher education experience. As many customers have Internet access, providing content online is logical from a business perspective. The three courses offered during the first year will include credit cards, personal savings, and student loans. Taught by instructors and adjunct faculty with expertise in the field of economics.

There is an ever-present rise of new entrants into the higher education sector. Many for-profit institutions have sprung up in response to the demand for access to higher education that is affordable and flexible. Competition from private and public universities remains at large.

Conclusion The business plan estimates the costs of this program, how it will be delivered, content to be given to students, the competitive environment, benefits to the university and students, and projected revenue. Evidence has proven the justification for the establishment of the financial literacy program at Georgetown University and how being financially savvy can be the difference between debt and bankruptcy or savings and prosperity.

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