ABSTRACT
The minicompany is a curricular programme that is currently widely used in second level schools in the Republic of Ireland. The minicompany may be described as a business enterprise undertaken by young people using real money under circumstances where they can make decisions, take risks and sometimes make major mistakes without serious consequences. It is a simulation of the real business world where a school can provide a structured series of experiences aimed at helping the young participants to come to terms with aspects of the adult working world
In a minicompany a group of young people: • organise a company or cooperative; • raise money by selling shares; • decide on a product or service; • carry out market research; • make decisions and take risks; • produce a product or offer a service; • sell the product or service; • pay wages and expenses and, in the event of profits, a dividend; • liquidate the company/cooperative and return money to shareholders, if possible.
