Introduction to Business

Introduction to Business Module 1
Understanding Economic System and Business

• The Nature of Business
• Understanding the Business Environment
• How Business and Economics Work
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Competing in a Free Market
• Trends in the Business Environment and Competition

Introduction to Business Module 2
Ethical Decisions and the Global Marketplace

• Understanding Business Ethics
• How Organizations Influence Ethical Conduct
• Managing a Socially Responsible Business
• Responsibilities to Stakeholders
• Global Trade in the United States
• Why Nations Trade
• Fostering Global Trade
• Threats and Opportunities in the Global Marketplace
• Trends in Global Competition

Introduction to Business Module 3
Business Ownership and Entrepreneurship

• Sole Proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Corporations
• Franchising
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Trends in Business Ownership
• Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs
• Managing a Small Business
• The Small Business Administration

Introduction to Business Module 4
Management and Leadership in Organizations

• The Role of Management
• Planning
• Organizing
• Leading, Guiding, and Motivating Others
• Controlling
• Managerial Roles
• Managerial Skills

Introduction to Business Module 5   
Designing Organizational Structures

• Building Organizational Structures
• Contemporary Structures
• Using Teams to Enhance Motivation and Performance
• Authority
• Degree of Centralization
• Organizational Design Considerations
• The Informal Organization

Introduction to Business Module 6
Human Resources and Labor Relations

• Employee Recruitment
• Employee Selection
• Employee Training and Development
• Performance Planning and Evaluation
• Employee Compensation and Benefits
• The Labor Relations Process
• Managing Grievances and Conflicts
• Legal Environment

Introduction to Business Module 7
Motivating Employees

• Early Theories of Motivation
• The Hawthorne Studies
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
• McGregor’s Theories of X and Y
• Herzberg’s Motivator-Hygiene Theory
• Contemporary Views of Motivation
• From Motivation Theory to Application

Introduction to Business Module 8
Operations Management

• Production and Operations Management
• The Production Process
• Resource Planning
• Production and Operations Control
• Improving Production and Operations
• Transforming with Technology

Introduction to Business Module 9
Pricing and Distributing Products and Services

• The Marketing Concept
• Creating a Marketing Strategy
• Developing a Marketing Mix
• The Product Life Cycle
• Pricing Strategies and Future Trends
• Functions of Distribution
• Wholesaling
• Retailing
• Promotion Strategy
• Sales Promotion
• Public Relations
• Trends in Social Media
• Trends in E-Commerce

Introduction to Business Module 10
Using Technology to Manage Information

• Transforming Business Through Information
• Computer Networks
• Management Information Systems
• Technology Management and Planning
• Protecting Computers and Information

Introduction to Business Module 11
Understanding Money and Accounting

• Basic Accounting Procedures
• The Balance Sheet
• The Income Statement
• The Statement of Cash Flows
• Analyzing Financial Statements
• The Federal Reserve System
• U.S. Financial Institutions
• Insuring Bank Deposits
• International Banking

Introduction to Business Module 12
Financial Management and Your Career in Business

• The Role of Finance and the Financial Manager
• How Organizations Use Funds
• Obtaining Short-Term Financing
• Raising Long-Term Financing
• Equity Financing
• Securities Markets
• Buying and Selling at Securities Exchanges
• Developing Interpersonal Skills
• Making Your Future Happen

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**