Course Number:
BA 101
Transcript Title:
Introduction to Business
Created:
Jul 26, 2022
Updated:
Apr 26, 2023
Total Credits:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
Yes
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement; placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98

Course Description

Examines business operations in the local, national, and global marketplace. Studies the integration of the various functional areas of business such as management, finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, production, information technology, investments and other areas of general business interest. Introduces evolution from entrepreneurial origins to mature corporations. Prerequisites: IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement; placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Define the fundamental concept of ‘business,’ and identify and describe the forces that shape the business and economic environment in the United States.
  2. Identify and discuss the major functions of business including management, accounting, finance, sales, marketing, human resources, and information technology.
  3. Apply ethical decision-making when operating a business as part of a private enterprise system.
  4. Analyze and outline how to be successful in an environment characterized by uncertainty and risk.
  5. Communicate effectively about and within the business environment.

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major
1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)
Major
2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)
Minor
3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)
Not Addressed
4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)
Minor
5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Define the fundamental concept of ‘business,’ and identify and describe the forces that shape the business and economic environment in the United States.

  • Business definitions:
    • Organization
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Small business
    • Franchising
  • Business Structures:
    • Proprietorship
    • Partnership
    • Corporation
    • Mergers & acquisitions
  • Business economics:
    • Micro (supply and demand interaction in individual markets)
    • Macro (market interaction in the U.S. and global economies)
  • Business environment:
    • Internal stakeholders (owners, board, employees)
    • External stakeholders (customers, suppliers, lenders, investors, community, government)
    • Competition (direct and indirect)
    • Legislation
    • Implications of American multi-cultural society

Outcome #2: Identify and discuss the major functions of business including management, accounting, finance, sales, marketing, human resources, and information technology.

  • Management:
    • Planning
    • Organizing
    • Leading & motivating
    • Span of management & delegation
    • Controlling
  • Accounting:
    • Determining information requirements
    • Functions of an information system
    • Financial statement preparation and analysis
      • Balance Sheet
      • Income Statement
      • Statement of Cash Flows
      • Managerial accounting reports
  • Financial management:
    • Planning process
    • Short- and long-term needs
    • Financing alternatives:
      • Short-term debt
      • Long-term debt
      • Equity
    • Capital investments
  • Sales and marketing:
    • Strategic planning:
      • Target market and segmentation
      • Marketing mix
    • Sales forecasting and marketing plan
    • Product line, product mix, and pricing strategies
    • Branding and public relations
    • Value proposition
    • Consumer buying decision process and influences
    • Customer relationship management
    • Distribution channels
    • Competition
  • Human Resources:
    • Planning, job analysis, recruiting, selection, hiring, training & development, appraisal & feedback, discipline, and termination
    • Compensation & benefits
    • Cultural diversity
    • Legislation and legal environment
  • Information technology in each functional area.

Outcome #3: Apply ethical decision-making when operating a business as part of a private enterprise system.

  • Ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest
  • Consumer movement
  • Social responsibility
  • Sustainability
  • Decision-making framework:
    • Legal
    • Ethical
  • Corporate culture

Outcome #4: Analyze and outline how to be successful in an environment characterized by uncertainty and risk.

  • Business ownership
    • Entrepreneurial mindset
      • Opportunity recognition
      • Selection
      • Planning
      • Risk taking
      • Execution
    • Traits, habits, and skills of successful owners/managers
    • Reasons for business failure
  • Business risk:
    • Market risk vs. pure risk
    • Importance of information to reduce risk

Outcome #5: Communicate effectively about and within the business environment.

  • Key terms in content for learning outcomes 1-4
  • Factors affecting the local and global business environments
  • Contributions of small business to the U.S. economy
  • Evolution of social responsibility & business ethics
  • Future challenges for American businesses
  • Effect of technology on productivity and competitiveness of U.S. firms in the global marketplace
  • Importance of timely and accurate accounting information

Suggested Texts and Materials

Text: Foundations of Business, 6th Ed; Pride, Hughes, Kapoor; Cengage Learning

Department Notes

Introduction to Business is designed to expose the interested student to many functions of modern business. The course shows the student how these functions exist in a changing society and the type of decisions which must be made within that environment. The course is also designed to expose the student to the multitude of career fields in the areas of business. The importance of business in the modern society is also stressed throughout the course.