Part A
Compare the essential characteristics of partnerships (20 marks), co-operatives (20 marks) and companies (20 marks) 'the business structures'.
In your answer you must discuss:
• the respective advantages and disadvantages of each of these business structures
• the steps required in forming a partnership, a co-operative and a company - and how each business structure can be ended
• further structural options within each of the business structures (eg provided certain requirements are met a partnership may be a general partnership or a limited partnership)
• how capital may be raised, and any restrictions on capital raising for each business structure
• the regulatory environment for each business structure (is there a specific regulator? Does specific legislation apply to that structure? If so, is it state, commonwealth or a combination of both?)
• internal management and governance requirements for each business structure.
Part B
Based on your comparison in Part A, advise Liam, Nisha, Saul and Jing which business structure is most appropriate given the specific circumstances of the Bio Breads operations as set out above. In your answer you must give reasons for your advice.