NVCC COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
BUS 100 - INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (3 CR.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Presents a broad introduction to the functioning of business enterprise within the U.S. economic framework. Introduces economic systems, essential elements of business organization, finance, marketing, production, and risk and human resource management. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

BUS 100 is a basic introduction to the world of business. Emphasis is placed on the economic and social environments of business and forms of ownership, as well as the management, organization, finance, operations, production, marketing, automation, and control functions of business firms. As an introductory course in the field of business administration, the student is offered a broad survey prior to advanced study in business and related subjects.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

An ability to read, comprehend, analyze material written at a college level. An ability to write and present ideas using standard English.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
        A. understand the environment of business in the United States
        B. distinguish the major forms of business ownership and to compare advantages and disadvantages of each
        C. understand the role of organization in the achievement of business goals
        D. familiarize him/herself with the basic functions and levels of management
        E. have an appreciation of what is involved in operations and production management
        F. understand what is included in marketing - the system to plan, price, promote and distribute products and services to satisfy want
            or need
        G. understand elementary factors of business finance
        H. familiarize his/herself with the fundamentals of human resource management and labor relations
        I. understand the role of automation in achieving a firm's objectives
        J. familiarize his/herself with fundamentals of small business
        K. explore the realm of international business
        L. understand the role of the control function in business, including becoming familiar with the format and use of the Income Statement
            and Balance Sheet

MAJOR TOPICS TO BE COVERED

        A. Business and Its Environment

      1. The essential characteristics of capitalism, socialism, and communism
      2. The role of business
      3. Social responsibility
      4. The role of government in business
        B. Establishing a Business: Legal forms of ownership
    1. Proprietorships
    2. Partnerships
    3. Corporations
        C. Business Finance and control
    1. Financial Statements: Income Statement and Balance Sheet
    2. Equity and debt financing
    4. Sources of financial information, including purpose of an accounting system
        D. Operating a Business
    1. Principles of Organization
    2. Marketing
    3. Functions of Management
    4. Production of goods and Services
    5. Management Information a. Source - internal and external
    b. Information system and the computer     6. Human Resources
    7. Labor Relations and Unions
    8. Automation in Business
OPTIONAL TOPICS

        A. The Future of Business

1. Trends of the future
2. Career Opportunities
        B. Applications of Business functions through computer software projects

Revised 8/96

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