FIN230 Budgeting, Supplies, & Resource Planning for Programs
This course develops practical quantitative skills for planning, estimating, and managing resources in recreational, outdoor, and community-based programs. Students learn to calculate quantities, budgets, timelines, and contingency needs for activities, trips, and daily operations. Emphasis is placed on stewardship, efficiency, and responsible decision-making through applied planning projects that mirror real-world program operations.
Credits: 3
Student learning outcomes
- Construct and manage a detailed program budget that accounts for fixed and variable costs, per-person expenses, and resource constraints for multi-day events.
- Calculate and forecast supply needs (e.g., food, equipment, consumables) using appropriate quantitative methods, including scaling, unit conversion, and margin-of-error planning.
- Apply basic quantitative models (e.g., cost-per-day, cost-per-participant, bulk pricing comparisons) to make informed decisions about purchasing, allocation, and resource efficiency.
- Evaluate trade-offs and constraints in program planning by analyzing cost, availability, durability, and logistical limitations, and selecting solutions that balance effectiveness and stewardship.
- Develop and present a comprehensive resource plan for a multi-day program—including budget, supply list, procurement timeline, and contingency strategies—clearly communicating quantitative decisions to stakeholders.