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Student Learning Outcomes -

• Analyze standard business cases and their implications on the management and operation of a for profit or non-profit enterprise, using relevant business terminology, concepts, principles, and frameworks. [SLO1:Theory].
• Demonstrate the ability to collaboratively define problems, analyze and determine course (s) of action, apply solutions, communicate results to pertinent stakeholders, and reflect on the outcomes.

Description -

Examination of the principles and functions of business and the objectives and operations of the corporate and small business managerial decision-making process. The course examines the relationship between businesses and consumers, internal and external stakeholders and how those relationships impact business operations. The course topics include the impact of globalization on business operations, and how economic, political, legal, and social issues impact business operations. In addition, the course covers basic business and corporate ethics and social responsibility topics. As an honors course, this course will use advanced teaching methods and current real-world business situations to enhance and deepen student learning of critical business concepts and frameworks. With an emphasis on research and analysis, students will apply critical thinking skills and business concepts to develop their knowledge of how businesses succeed within today's global business environment.

Course Objectives -

1. Describe the basic nature and operation of formal business organizations, the functions and responsibilities of the businessperson, and the development of current knowledge in business administration.
2. Examine the full range of international business challenges in finance, trade, marketing, and management.
3. Explain the importance, complexity and interrelationship of the economic, political and social environments within which business persons must pursue their careers and develop social responsibilities.
4. Develop a framework for further study of business and career guidance.
5. Describe the changes taking place in the American business economy and understand their significance.
6. Demonstrate a global sensitivity to management issues such as outsourcing and contract manufacturing.
7. Develop decision-making skills and to think critically and communicate effectively.
8. Demonstrate basic knowledge of key components of a business plan.
9. Describe and apply the Business Model Canvas framework to a standard business.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment -

Course Content (Body of knowledge) -

1. The nature and environment of business, career opportunities, organizational development.
2. Ownership, management, and organization of formal organizations including small business, publicly held corporations, private companies and franchising operations.
3. Production, purchasing, location and layout, marketing (domestic and international), retailing, and advertising as it affects the business enterprise.
4. Personnel functions including selection, training, compensation; role of unions and labor legislation.
5. Finance, financial institutions, stock and commodity exchanges; risks and insurance as they affect the economy.
6. Quantitative controls for decision making: accounting and financial statements, business statistics, data processing, budgeting, and forecasting.
7. Legal and regulatory environment of business, taxation, regulation of competitive business; business ethics.
8. Consumerism and future trends and influences on business.
9. The international arena.
10. Equal employment opportunity (EEO).
11. International dimensions of organizational behavior.
12. Organizational behavior in perspective.
13. Entrepreneurship Building Blocks, representative survey of the critical components of a business plan. (e.g. elevator pitch, mission statement, business model, customer segmentation, SWOT Analysis, Risk Analysis, Breakeven Analysis, etc.).

Methods of Evaluation -

1. Class discussions
2. Written critical analysis of text, case studies, and entrepreneurship building blocks
3. Weekly discussions of written article analysis of current business events
4. Oral/Online reports/projects: individual and team
5. Business plan/concept paper development skills (individual or team)
6. Quizzes and Exam(s)
7. Business Model Canvas Framework Analysis
8. Development of research paper topic, or problem statement and outline
1. Written Ten Page Research Paper or Analytical Project assignment on specific topic of interest, directly related to specific areas of interest
2. Group Oral presentation (Power Point) on assigned topic
3. Consistent participation in course demonstrating mastery of key business concepts across multiple functions within a business
4. Demonstrated ability to systematically research, analyze, synthesize, and present findings within the context of a paper or analysis

Representative Text(s) -

Disciplines -

Method of Instruction -

1. Lectures
2. Cooperative learning exercises
3. Demonstration
4. In-class and/or online discussions
5. Oral and/or online presentations
6. Individual reading/research
7. Weekly intensive Seminar style discussions that are highly interactive
8. Weekly written notes on reading assignments that demonstrate substantial and systematic understanding of material
9. Literature search on topics of class discussions

Lab Content -

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing and Outside of Class Assignments -

1. Critical thinking cases or article analysis, through handouts or student research.
2. Term project-team/individual written business plan/concept paper and presentation.
3. Special Applied Projects: Students will submit a report addressing at least one applied, real-world business situation. These special applied projects will require students to apply the related business concepts and theory to current business situations, and form their own point of view, using critical thinking, accurate business language and professional business writing. Projects may require the use of a computer and may require field visits and research.
4. Worksheets: Problems and activities covering the subject matter. Such problems and activities will require students to think critically. These worksheets may be completed inside or outside of class.