Business Studies

✅ Course Title:

Foundations of Business Studies: An Online Course for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Professionals

🎯 Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand core business principles and terminology.

• Analyze various types of business organizations and structures.

• Develop foundational skills in marketing, finance, operations, and HR.

• Explore the global and ethical dimensions of business.

• Create a basic business plan or case study project.

📚 Course Modules & Content:

Module 1: Introduction to Business

• Definition and purpose of business

• Types of businesses (profit vs. non-profit, local vs. international)

• Key roles in business (owners, managers, employees, stakeholders)

• Basic business terminology

Module 2: Business Environments

• Internal and external business environments

• PESTLE analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental)

• SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

• Trends impacting business (e.g., digital transformation, sustainability)

Module 3: Forms of Business Ownership

• Sole proprietorships

• Partnerships

• Corporations

• Limited liability companies (LLCs)

• Franchises

• Pros and cons of each

Module 4: Marketing Essentials

• The role and function of marketing

• The marketing mix (4Ps: Product, Price, Place, Promotion)

• Market research

• Customer segmentation and targeting

• Branding basics

Module 5: Finance in Business

• Basic accounting and financial statements (income statement, balance sheet)

• Cash flow and budgeting

• Revenue vs. profit

• Raising capital (loans, investment, crowdfunding)

• Financial decision-making

Module 6: Operations Management

• What is operations management?

• Supply chain basics

• Quality control and productivity

• Inventory management

• Technology in operations

Module 7: Human Resource Management

• Recruitment and selection

• Training and development

• Motivation and leadership

• Employment law and workplace ethics

• Organizational structure

Module 8: Business Ethics & Social Responsibility

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

• Ethical decision-making

• Sustainability in business

• Case studies in business ethics

Module 9: Entrepreneurship & Business Planning

• What is entrepreneurship?

• Traits of successful entrepreneurs

• Steps to start a business

• Writing a simple business plan

• Pitching an idea

Module 10: Global Business & Trade

• Globalization and international trade

• Import/export basics

• Trade organizations (e.g., WTO, IMF)

• Cultural considerations in global business

🧠 Assessment Methods:

• Quizzes at the end of each module

• Discussion forum participation

• Case study analysis

• Final project: Create a basic business plan or company profile

🎓 Target Audience:

• High school and college students

• Aspiring entrepreneurs

• Entry-level professionals

• Anyone interested in understanding how businesses work