This course is offered in the 16-week, 12-week, and 8-week formats. This course will introduce you to the basics of business, including the economic environments in which they operate, how they are organized, how they produce and market their goods and services, and how they manage and finance their operations. You will put your new knowledge to use by building and developing skills such as analyzing a business case study, discussing current business topics and issues in a portfolio you create, and using correct business terminology and vocabulary. You will have the oppportunity to practice critical-thinking, learn problem-solving skills, and plan business strategies. By the end of this course, you will be well-informed about the basics of business; capable of researching any business for career or investment purposes; and be better prepared to study business in more detail in other courses and pursue a career in business.

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

1. Describe the economic environment of business in the United States and explain how large and small businesses are impacted.
2. Identify and describe the major forms of business ownership and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.
3. List and describe the levels of organizational management and the strategic goals used to achieve the organization's mission and vision.
4. Identify and describe the leadership styles as it relates to achieving organizational goals and objectives.
5. Describe the components of operations and production management and how they impact business productivity.
6. Describe the development of the marketing mix as it relates to product, price, promotion and the distribution of goods and services to satisfy wants or needs.
7. Examine the different instruments businesses use in debt and/or equity financing.
8. Identify and describe at least three fundamental human resource management principles and the relationship management has with labor in motivating employees to improve performance and overall business productivity.
9. Summarize the role of emerging technologies including robotics and automation in achieving a firm's objectives.
10. Identify economic, legal, political and social challenges that might arise in growing businesses internationally.
11. Describe the control function accounting provides through formatting and use of the Income Statement and Balance Sheet.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:  

There are two (2) proctored online exams in this course. You can complete these exams at a campus testing center, with an approved proctor, or ProctorU.

Last Updated: May 9, 2017