Welcome to introduction to business!  I hope you are as excited as I am to start a new semester learning about careers.  In this course, you will learn more about economic systems, types of business organizations, marketing functions, and the role of government.

    Course Objectives
    Course Curriculum
    Grading Policy
    Late Work Policy
    Classroom Rules
    Materials
 

In this course you will:

·        State the differences between wants and needs, and identify business activities used to satisfy wants and needs

·        Explain scarcity, the four factors of production, and market and command economies

·        Identify how economic activity is measured and list the four phases of the business cycle

·        Explain business ethics and describe the social responsibilities of business

·        List the three types of business ownership and alternative ways of doing business, and five types of businesses in our economy

·        Explain how managers lead their organizations, and list the responsibilities of a leader

·        Identify a leader’s characteristics, style of leadership, and leadership in teams

·        Give examples of how the Internet has changed business communications, commerce and consumerism

·        Explain why nations trade with each other, and describe currency exchange, trade barriers, and trade alliances

·        Name ways government protects and promotes business

·        Describe the functions of money and the Federal Reserve System, and explain the types of banks and the services they provide

·        List the functions of marketing and identify the importance of market research

·        Identify the different types of media and corresponding advantages and disadvantage

·        Explain how doing business internationally is affected by cultural differences

·        Identify ways government and business manage diversity

·        Explain important aspects of financial planning, and name the responsibilities of a financial manager

·        Describe the types of budgets and financial records businesses use

·        Identify different ways technology has changed the workplace

·        Describe the role of information technology in business, and identify how businesses share information

·        Identify hardware components of a computer system, and describe software programs used by businesses

Unit 1:  The Economy and You (4 weeks)

Chapter 1       A Look at Needs and Wants

Chapter 2       Economic Resources and Systems

Chapter 3       Economic activity in a Changing World

Chapter 4       Business Ethic and Social Responsibility/Magic Island Simulation

Unit 2:  Owning and Operating a Business (4 weeks)

Chapter 5       Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Chapter 6       Business Ownership and Operations

Chapter 7       Organizational Structures

Chapter 8       Leadership in Management

Chapter 9       Technology’s Impact on Business

Unit 3:  Groups Affecting Business (2 weeks)

Chapter 10   Business in the Global Economy

Chapter 11   The Role of Government in Business

Chapter 12     Money and Financial Institutions

Unit 4:  Marketing to the Consumer (3 weeks)

Chapter 13     Marketing in Today’s World

Chapter 14     Advertising: The Art of attracting an Audience

Unit 5:  The Human Resources Advantage (2 weeks)

Chapter 15     Human Resources Management

Chapter 16    Culture and Diversity in Business

Unit 6:  Managing Financial Resources and Technological Resources (2 weeks)

Chapter 17     Managing Business Finances

Chapter 18   Technology advancements in the Workplace

Chapter 19    Basics of Computers

Assessment of knowledge and skills will be varied throughout the course to include class participation, assignments, projects, and quizzes. Each unit will comprise of a variety of assignments culminating in a test and final project.

Extra credit is not a given but can be negotiated with the teacher during the course of the semester based on student interest.

Students with excused absences will be allowed the same number of days absent to complete all missing work. For example, if you are absent for 2 days, you will have 2 days once you return to complete all missing work including quizzes and tests. If you are absent, see your row leader for your make-up work. It is your responsibility to get the information needed to complete all assignments if you were absent.

Late work is for unexcused absences or not completing your work on time after returning from an excused absence. All late work will be reduced one letter grade per day.

We will decide the classroom rules together during our first week. Additionally, we will decide as a class what the consequences will be for breaking the rules. It is the expectation that everyone, including me, adhere to these rules and consequences once created.

You will maintain an individual notebook during the course. It is required that you purchase a 1.5 inch binder, 8 binder tabs, and loose leaf paper with three holes (lined or unlined based on personal preference) and bring it with you to class everyday beginning on February 2^nd. Your career notebook will contain class notes, book notes, handouts, worksheets, exercises, journal articles, homework, assessments, special projects and other material that will help you participate and learn.

Brown, B.J. & Clow, J.E.  (2006).  Introduction to business.  Glencoe:  Woodland Hills, California.