Business Foundations

CRN: Section A: 10199, Section B: 10379
Note: There will be two separate sections of this 8-credit program. Section A will meet Tuesday evenings (5 to 8 p.m. in LIB 2617) and Thursday evenings (5 to 8 p.m. in Longhouse 1007C). Section B will meet Tuesday afternoons (1 to 4 p.m. in LIB 2619) and together with Section A Thursday evenings (5 to 8 p.m. in Longhouse 1007C). Students should register for either section A or Section B. Students will be required to have online access to use Moodle for some assignments.

This program is an introduction to management, leadership, and the basic concepts of entrepreneurship (starting, financing, growing, and running a successful business). It provides theoretical and practical frameworks for the realities of starting and running a business in a global economy. Topics include business structure, financial management, financing operations, growth and leadership, business practices and protocol, and cultural aspects of doing business in today's world. The program will explore how organizations are defined, legally and financially, and advantages and disadvantages of each type. Using seminar, case studies, simulations, guest speakers, discussions and assigned tasks, we will focus on strategic planning, organizational development, forecasting, budgeting, startup funding, and financial management. Students will build the foundations for a solid understand­ing of how businesses work and how to manage and lead. These foundations are essential for developing the confidence, objectivity, and vision necessary to make effective decisions both as an individual and as a leader.