VIRTUAL ENTERPRISES, INTERNATIONAL
The ToyChest, Inc.
The ToyChest, Inc. at the Erasmus Hall Campus: High School for Business and Technology is a part of the network of virtual firms that operate in select New York City public high schools. The Virtual Enterprises organization is associated with a worldwide organization of virtual and practice firms. The NYC program takes its cue from the practice firms of Austria.
The ToyChest, Inc. is a very good example of in-school, hands-on, experience for high school students to develop and solidify their school-to-career skills.
The “employees”
(students) are responsible for the work-related realistic goals and
transactions similar to ones that are undertaken in the real business world. To
ensure that this is done properly, there are facsimile machines, telephones,
and internet-ready computers. Students create business plans and employee
handbooks for the effective operation of the business. They establish links
with similar organizations in Australia, Europe, Canada, and South America. In
addition, other firms are now operating in California, Nebraska, South
Carolina, and Rochester, NY.
OUR FIRM IS DESIGNED TO:
n
Develop
strategies for solving problems at the work place-as a team or individually.
n
Use
technology as applicable in business
n
Participate
in the international network of practice firms through regular communications
and Trade Fairs.
n
Assist
students to make decisions and analyze results
n
Understand
management objectives and organizations
There’s a centralized banking service in the VEC bank and students use an online banking system. International trade is undertaken through the direction and guidance of the VE trading company.
Human Resources
Employees assume responsible positions. A vice-president heads each department. A chief executive officer oversees and manages the company.
THE COORDINATOR OF TOYCHEST, INC. DOUGLAS CLARKE was selected to chaperone 16 NYC students to Salzburg, Austria. In March 1999 to attend their trade fair. Students from the program have also visited Quebec City, Canada and Bakersfield, CA to attend their trade fairs. They were able to share ideas with their counterparts and to learn new methodology of conducting a business.
THE TOYCHEST, INC. IS A TOY DISTRIBUTION FIRM, and the employees are mainly seniors. We do have a few juniors as well as students from the Special Education department. Special Education Department students have a track record of excellence in the program.