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Overview The MAP curriculum aims to serve microentrepreneurs, small business owners and other professionals who are interested in knowing more about the benefits of using ICT in their businesses. Whereas many microentrepreneurs have a background in using computers for personal purposes (including word processing, Internet, email, and more), they may not be as familiar with ways that ICT can benefit their businesses. The curriculum aims to demonstrate the practical business benefits of a range of technologies and to provide the skills needed to use technology to address business challenges. Pre-requisites Participants should have some familiarity with using computers, email, and the Internet. Participants also should be familiar with the basics of running a business, such as marketing and sales, finance, and business management. Ideally, participants who have attended the “Business and Technology Skills for Beginners” MAP curriculum, or have solid technology skills and already use basic technology effectively in their businesses. Contents The curriculum is designed using the perspective of the microentrepreneur – it highlights business challenges that microentrepreneurs face and how technology solutions can address those challenges. This curriculum focuses on advanced topics in each module to provide more sophisticated training 
As shown above, the curriculum has four thematic modules that contain 9 business topics. Each topic presents tools that can help address a different business challenge, and takes around 2 hours to complete. Overview of the Technologies & Outcomes for each Topic | Module 1: Operations and Management (4h). Managing day-to-day operations can be one of the most crucial and challenging aspects of running a business. In this regard, business owners must be able to juggle a number of competing priorities. | | Information Management (Creating and Analyzing Records through Databases) Featured Technology - Database Features of Spreadsheets (MS Excel)
- Additional: Database Software (MS Access - Simulation)
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about information management, create their own database and be able to take home an electronic copy of it for future use.
- Participants will create a contact directory mail merge and be able to take home a print and electronic version for future use. (Advanced Material)
- Participants will learn features of more advanced database software. (Additional)
| | Project Planning (Creating Project Schedules) Featured Technology - Project Management Software (MS Project - Simulation)
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about project planning and learn features of project management software.
| | Module 2: Finance (6h). Accurate and timely financial information is essential to running a successful business. Electronic tools are available to help business owners establish and maintain effective financial records and transactions. | | Financial Graphics (Seeing Your Financial Picture) Featured Technology - Chart Features of Spreadsheet Software (MS Excel)
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about financial graphics, create their own charts, and be able to take home an electronic copy of these for future use.
| | Cash Flow Analysis (Conducting Analysis and Projections) Featured Technology - Spreadsheet Software (MS Excel)
- Additional: Spreadsheet Software (Simulation)
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about cash flow, create their own cash flow statement, and be able to take home an electronic copy of it for future use.
| | Financial Accounting (Learning about Accounting Software) Featured Technology - Accounting Software (Simulation)
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about account tracking and integration and learn features of accounting software
| | Module 3: Communications (4h). Whether communicating internally with partners and staff or externally with customers, suppliers, and associates, business owners need effective tools and techniques for instant communication anytime, anywhere. | | Communication Devices (Additional Communication Tools) Featured Technology - Cell Phones and Text Messaging
- Instant Messenger (Yahoo! Messenger)
- Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about communication software and devices, gain experience with Instant Messenger, and learn features of other communication devices, such as cell phone text messaging and PDAs.
| | Virtual Collaboration (Internet-Based Team Collaboration) Featured Technology - Internet Conferencing (Yahoo! Messenger)
- Web Groups (Yahoo! Groups) and Other Online Tools
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about virtual collaboration, gain experience with Internet conference chats, and learn features of web groups and other online tools.
| | Module 4: Marketing (4h). It can be a challenge for small businesses to craft effective marketing materials with limited resources. Technology tools are available to help business owners tap their creative energy and customize materials to fit their own business needs. | | Electronic Marketing (Understanding Email Marketing Tools and Document Imaging Software) Featured Technology - Email Marketing Tools (Simulation)
- Additional: Document Imaging Software (Adobe PDF Reader and Writer – Simulation)
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about electronic marketing and learn about email marketing tools.
- Participants will learn features of document imaging software. (Additional)
| | Websites (Learning about Websites) Featured Technology - Basic Website Template Tools (Simulation)
- Additional Website Options (Simulation)
Outcomes and Take-Homes - Participants will work on a business scenario about website marketing and learn features of website template tools.
- Participants will learn about website options and considerations including e-commerce and security. (Additional)
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