LAP Modules

Environmental scanning, which involves gathering information about a business’s surroundings, analyzing that information, and determining its future impact, helps business leaders adapt their strategies to capitalize on opportunities and minimize threats. Proactive business leaders regularly scan their business environment so they can adapt strategies to remain competitive in an ever-changing market. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

All businesses rely on information for decision-making and other important business activities. Successful businesses learn to manage information efficiently and effectively through the use of people, processes, and technology. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about the nature of Information...

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Businesses need plans when they undertake projects. Creating an effective plan can mean the difference between the success or failure of your project. Use LAP-OP-001—Chart Your Course (Developing a Project Plan) to teach your students more about the essential components of project plans, as well as how to develop and use them. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student...

All types of projects require resources, even the simplest one. Without resources, you would not be able to achieve the project goal. Get What You Need (Identifying Project Resources) explains the different types of resources and guides students through the step-by-step process for identifying them. With relevant examples and hands-on activities, students will master this skill and become stronger project managers. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that...

Show your students how shopping for the best deals can become a career with Buy Right. In this LAP, they’ll learn about the importance of purchasing, the types of purchasing, and the process that purchasing specialists follow. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about purchasing, a (So What?) discussion...

Production is all around us and crucial to businesses and society. This LAP gives a detailed look at the resources used in production and explains the importance of each stage of the production process. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about the nature of production, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

Every business needs to manage its operating costs, or overhead expenses, if it wants to be successful. This LAP describes different types of operating costs, how they affect selling prices, and ways a business can keep its costs under control to increase profitability. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information...

The LAP Buck Busters highlights ways that employees can help control business expenses so that companies can reinvest more of their profits and improve their facilities, equipment, and products. When employees have a good work ethic, they can produce higher-quality work while also minimizing company costs and expenses. The LAP also discusses the importance of time management, limiting personal activities at work, and treating customers professionally. Activities ask students to consider...

Everything starts with a project—a short-term undertaking that creates a unique good or service. Projects help businesses maintain flexibility so they can take advantage of new opportunities quickly and effectively. Teach your students more about projects, the elements of a successful project, why projects are important, and how businesses manage them effectively. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented...

Quality control is a lot more than weeding out defective products! Teach your students about the quality-control methods and measures that contribute to customer satisfaction and business success. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about quality-control measures, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

Teach your students the importance of every activity involved in the operations process—from production planning to expense control—and the impact those activities have on the overall production of goods and services. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about the nature of operations, a (So What?)...

Business owners, managers, and employees must learn how to handle big ethical conflicts as well as minor ones that come up in day-to-day operations. Teach your students more about the ethical dilemmas that arise in operations. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about ethics in operations, a (So What?)...

Quid Pro No (Ethics in Purchasing) introduces students to ethical practices in purchasing. This LAP discusses the impact of unethical purchasing methods on businesses and the importance of developing socially responsible supplier relationships, as well as warning signs of potentially unethical practices. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT!...

Top of the (Supply) Chain (Nature of Supply Chain Management) introduces students to the essential functions and activities powering supply chain management (SCM). Students will explore emerging trends within SCM, including changes in technology, the evolving workforce, and growing consumer demand. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT!...

Deliver the Goods (Concept of Supply Chain) introduces students to one of the most essential components of the business world: the supply chain. Students will learn about the different activities and roles within the supply chain, such as suppliers, manufacturers, and supply chain managers. Furthermore, this LAP describes various types of supply chain models and how different designs meet the needs of different businesses. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional...

Chain Reaction (Impact of Supply Chains on Business Performance) introduces students to the impact that effective supply chains can have on business performance. This LAP discusses the basics of supply chains, details the characteristics of an effective supply chain, and outlines how effective supply chains benefit businesses and their customers. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP...

No matter the size or nature of any project, they all require planning. Plan On It! (Planning Projects) focuses on teaching students the importance of planning ahead when completing all kinds of projects—at work, at school, and in their personal lives. This LAP includes the benefits of planning projects, factors that impact project planning, tools for project planning, and steps to planning a project. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

While working on a project, it is important to check on its progress periodically to make sure the work is turning out the way it should be. Check Your (Project) Pulse (Monitoring Projects and Taking Corrective Actions) explains why it is important to monitor projects and what aspects of the project should be monitored. It also provides step-by-step instructions so students can learn how to monitor projects and take the necessary corrective actions to get their projects back on track. LAPs...

Once a project has been completed, how do you know whether it was successful? At the end of any project, it is important to evaluate its success. This LAP guides students through the process of evaluating project success so they can understand what went well, what didn’t, and how to improve in the future. Students will also gain an understanding of why it is important to measure the success of a project. With hands-on activities and relevant examples, this LAP will help students master a key...

Many traits are beneficial to project management. One of the most important ways to lead a project to success is by being ethical. Projects With Principles (Ethics in Project Management) teaches students the importance of being ethical throughout the course of a project. Students will also learn about common ethical dilemmas in project management, as well as ways to be ethical role models to project team members. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that...

The Supply Chain Standard (Ethics in Supply Chain Management) introduces students to the ethical considerations within supply chain management. Students will learn the importance of ethics in supply chain management, ethical issues today’s supply chain professionals face, and ethical practices they can adopt to resolve them. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student...

Help your students understand how their personal appearance impacts their self-confidence, self-concept, self-esteem, and the image they present to others. Look Good, Feel Good (Personal Appearance) teaches students the importance of a strong personal brand in interviews and for professional success. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT!...

Creativity is important in all aspects of life! Teach your students how they can enhance and develop their own creative skills. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about demonstrating creativity, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn, and a short (Gray Zone) case addressing ethical...

Decision-making skills are crucial for success in life, so prepare your students with Weigh Your Options (Decision-Making). Not only does this LAP teach students an organized way to make good decisions at home, in school, and at work, but it also explains the benefits of using a decision-making model. The LAP provides student activities that promote critical thinking and include opportunities to make hypothetical personal and business decisions in their daily lives. LAPs (Learning Activity...

Time-management skills can help students keep up in school, keep up with friends and family, and still have time left over for the activities they enjoy. Time is a valuable natural resource that we must use wisely. This LAP teaches the importance of time management, general principles of time management, and a step-by-step process for creating your own time-management plan. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Careers in business come in many shapes and sizes. The possibilities are endless, but it’s important to know what options are available. Teach your students more about different business careers and what it takes to succeed in the business world. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about careers in business, a (So What?) discussion...

Events are everywhere! Whether they are large sporting events or small community picnics, events all create career opportunities in sports and event marketing. Score a Career in Sports and Event Marketing (Careers in Sports/Event Marketing) will show your students the different talents, skills, and interests that can help them excel in a variety of sports/event marketing careers. Activities, videos, and much more show students many careers available in sports/event marketing and how they can...

Every year, more and more people start their own businesses—and many of those entrepreneurs are teenagers! This LAP describes the benefits and risks of entrepreneurship and explains what it takes to be successful. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about career opportunities in entrepreneurship, a (So...

Problems aren’t always easy to solve, but that doesn’t mean solving them is impossible! This LAP explains the three basic categories of problems and why problem-solving is an important skill. It also details how to solve problems by using intuition, the seven-step method, and creativity. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that...

Innovation. It drives business and economic growth. Businesses create, design, and redesign to compete in today’s changing market. This LAP, Ideas in Action (Innovation Skills), will teach your students the importance of innovation and how companies achieve it. Its videos and activities will expose students to some inventive products from the past as well as the newer innovations of 4D printing, autonomous driving, and virtual reality. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive...

Whether we like it or not, rules are a part of life—at home, at school, and at work. Learning how to adhere to organizational guidelines is an integral skill for students of all backgrounds and interests, as well as for current job-seekers and young professionals. In this LAP, students will learn the importance of company protocols, policies, and procedures, as well as the personal and organizational benefits of adhering to them. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive...

Learning how to follow rules of conduct is essential to being a member of any organization, team, or workplace. This LAP will guide your students in learning what rules of conduct are, what consequences occur when rules are broken, and techniques to successfully follow rules of conduct. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that...

Businesses of all shapes, sizes, and industries implement chains of command to keep their operations flowing smoothly and efficiently. Whatever career path students decide to pursue, they will need to know how to work within a chain of command. In Don’t Cheat the Chain (Following Chain of Command), students will discover the personal benefits of following the chain of command, as well as concrete steps for working within a hierarchical system. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are...

A person who knows what they want is much more likely to achieve success. That’s why goal setting is so important! This LAP explains what goals are, what makes them work, and how anyone can benefit from setting them. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about goal setting, a (So What?) discussion of why...

Pricing is much more complicated than simply placing a tag on an item—in fact, many factors play into determining an effective price. With your students, explore what makes pricing effective, who sets pricing, and why pricing objectives are so important. Discover the answers to these questions and more as you learn about the key role that pricing plays in the marketing mix. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Calculating the break-even point is a valuable skill that all businesses need, so help your students learn all about it with Tipping Point! This LAP teaches students how to calculate the break-even point—step by step—and explains to students how calculating breakeven can help every business. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about...

Pricing With Purpose (Ethics in Pricing) introduces students to the importance of ethics in pricing. This LAP explores factors that impact prices and highlights the benefits of ethical pricing practices. Students will learn to identify strategies that businesses use to implement ethical pricing practices. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT!...

Many sports and event consumers look for prices that give them the most bang for their buck. Others are willing to pay top dollar for an elite product or to attend a big event. Teach your students the many factors that help marketers determine and establish prices for sport/event products. LAP-PI-047—Gauge Your Prices (Pricing the Sport/Event Product) explains price’s power to distinguish products, segment the market, and convince consumers to buy. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are...

Sellers don’t just pull prices out of thin air. Each business goes through its own unique process for pricing products. Teach your students what factors go into a product’s final selling price, what expenses the price needs to cover, and how companies use selling price to reach their goals. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that...

Deciding what products to offer is one of the most important decisions a company makes. This LAP delves into the components of the product mix, explains product mix dimensions, and explores the strategies used by businesses to manage their product mixes. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information...

Consumer protection measures attempt to minimize the risks of purchasing and using consumer products. Teach your students about the need for consumer protection and the steps that businesses and the government take to keep consumers safe. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about consumer protection, a (So What?) discussion of why...

Product/Service management is important for all businesses--large, small, and in between! This LAP explains the factors that influence product/service management, the ways that product/service management affects marketing, and the phases of product/service management that all businesses must handle. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT!...

People encounter graded products every day, but what do these grades mean? This LAP explains why grades and standards are used, how they are set, and what types of products have grades and standards. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about grades and standards, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

What makes a brand name good? Why is branding so important? And does every product need to be branded? This LAP explains brand strategies and the important stages of the branding process. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about product branding, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn,...

Just like living things, products on the market experience a life cycle. In this LAP, students will learn the characteristics of each stage of the product life cycle as well as various marketing techniques used by companies during each stage. In the Gray Zone, students will consider the ethicality of selling products in foreign countries with less stringent employment, health, and safety regulations to boost profits on products in later stages of their life cycles. LAPs are comprehensive...

Between choosing wording for labels, selecting packaging materials, and monitoring product quality, product managers often face serious ethical dilemmas. In this LAP, students will examine several common ethical issues that product managers deal with on a daily basis—and gain an in-depth understanding of the importance of ethical behavior in product/service management. In the Gray Zone, students will consider the case of a product manager who is facing pressure to label a new product with “no...

Every product needs a position! Positioning shows customers how a product is unique. Getting Piece of Mind (Factors Used to Position Products/Services) will teach your students about this important marketing activity, detail several different positioning strategies, and explain how the four P’s of marketing can be used to assist with positioning.LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP...