Introduction to Business is a great course for students trying to figure out whether a career in business is right for them, employees looking to understand more about their companies and build their business acumen, and entrepreneurs planning to start businesses.

In our online Introduction to Business course you will study the concepts, principles and operations of private enterprise. You’ll compare and contrast sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations – and the advantages and disadvantages of each. You will explore the functions of modern business management, marketing, and ethics and social responsibility that can improve or tarnish a brand. You’ll also look at the human resource management side of running a business, and learn how employers can motivate their employees. Finally, you’ll address the numbers side of running a business and examine bookkeeping, accounting, financial management, and financial statements.

This Course Includes:

Proctored Exams

48 hours grading turn-around

Live technical and student support

Free transcription to your destination school

150+ partner college and universities with direct articulation

Online Course

Introduction to Business +$79.00

Tutoring (included)

Proctoring

Proctoring +$0.00

Etextbook

BUS101 eTextbook (a $38.90 value) +$0.00

Introduction to Business

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Introduction to Business

Course Content from McGraw Hill

Course Number: BUS101 Download Course Syllabus

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This Course Includes:

Proctored Exams
48 hours grading turn-around
Live technical and student support
Free transcription to your destination school
150+ partner college and universities with direct articulation

Self Paced
Business
Content by McGraw Hill

Online Course

Introduction to Business +$79.00

Tutoring (included)

Proctoring

Proctoring +$0.00

Etextbook

BUS101 eTextbook (a $38.90 value) +$0.00

Credits 3

Plus Membership [?]

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Course Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Exhibit an understanding of the concepts, principles, and operation of the private enterprise system.
Evaluate and contrast major economic systems in businesses throughout the world.
Describe the various legal forms of business ownership such as sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation, the nature of each, the processes involved in creating each and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Identify the functions of modern management in business organizations and how these functions are evolving in response to changes in the external and internal environments in technology, diversity, competition and governmental regulations.
Exhibit an understanding of the marketing function and describe the concepts and processes involved in designing product strategy, promotional strategy, distribution strategy, and pricing strategy.
Explain the importance of and the role of the financial management function and illustrate the concepts and processes involved in managing the acquisition and allocation of short- and long-term funds.
Describe the risk management functions and explain the concepts, processes and strategies involved in managing risk in a business.
Demonstrate the importance of business ethics and social responsibility to the long-term success of businesses and society's well being.

Topic	Lesson Topic	Subtopics	Objectives
1	Introduction to Business and Economics	The Nature of Business Risk and Profit Economics Economic Systems Supply and Demand	List the main elements comprising the business environment and the importance of each. Describe the process of risk-taking in business and the relationship to profit or loss. Define economics, classify the key economic indicators, and the impact on the American economy. Identify and describe the four major economic systems and distinguish which type the U.S. system most closely resembles. Define supply and demand and explain how the equilibrium price is found.
2	International Business	Theories of Comparative and Absolute Advantage Importing and Exporting International Business Strategies Forces Affecting Trade Trade Agreements and Organizations	Describe the roles of comparative and absolute advantage in the global market. Compare and contrast the effects of importing and exporting on a country's economy. Examine the different methods of expanding a business internationally. Identify and characterize the different forces affecting international trade. Appraise the trade agreements and trade organizations that structure the international marketplace.
3	Ethical Business Behavior	Social Responsibility Types of Corporate Responsibility	Explain why a business should be held to certain standards of ethics and in what ways a business is responsible to the community. Describe the responsibilities a business has to its employees, customers, and investors.
4	Types of Business Ownership	Sole Proprietorship Partnerships Corporations Mergers and Acquisitions Other Forms of Ownership	Describe the features of a sole proprietorship. Compare and contrast the two types of partnerships. List the main types of corporations and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Explain the various ways that a business can be purchased or merged. Identify other forms of business ownership and the reasons for not choosing a conventional form of ownership.
5	Small Business	Entrepreneurship Starting a Small Business Small Business Difficulties Small Business Resources	Define entrepreneur and describe the characteristics one should possess. Explain the steps in starting a small business and the importance of a comprehensive business plan. Analyze reasons why small a business may succeed or fail. Evaluate the resources a small business can use.
6	Management	The Functions and Responsibilities of Management Levels of Management Planning	Express the purpose of business management and its position in business procedures. Describe specific functions management serves and the various types of responsibilities. Define the levels of management and diagram a simple management structure. Examine the methods of planning management employs and how it affects the operations of a business.
7	Business Organizations	Centralized and Decentralized Authority Broad and Narrow Span of Control Departmentalization Organizational Structure	Examine both structures of authority and how each structure affects the management of a business. Assess the process of determining the optimum number of employees per member of management. Describe the various ways that a business can departmentalize its organization. Explain the different ways of structuring an organization.
8	Human Resource Motivation	Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Herzberg's Theory McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y Ouchi's Theory Z Other Motivational Theories	Explain Maslow's level of needs theory. Describe Herzberg's two factors. Differentiate between Theory X and Theory Y. Identify the aspects of Theory Z. Evaluate any additional theories that concern the motivation of employees.
9	Human Resource Management	Planning and Needs Assessment Recruiting and Selecting Training and Developing Appraising and Compensating Turnover and Legal Issues	Explain how human resources plans and assesses the company's hiring needs. Describe recruiting and examine how candidates are selected. Explain the different methods of training and development. Identify the ways a business appraises an employee's performance and the different forms of compensation. Describe the ways an employee can leave a business and explain the laws affecting employment.
10	Marketing	Purpose of Marketing Marketing Mix Market Research Marketing Environment Buying Behavior	Describe the goals and purpose of marketing. Identify the four P's of the marketing mix and explain the significance of each. Examine the ways a business can collect data on its target group and how the information is used. Identify the factors that influence marketing strategies. Define consumers' buying habits and examine how marketers react to these habits.
11	Pricing Products and Services	Product Differentiation Packaging Branding The Product Life Cycle Price and Nonprice Competition	Assess how and why a business differentiates its product lines. List what must be on a label and explain why there is legislation concerning this. Compare and contrast the major kinds of brand categories. Analyze the rise and decline of a product. Examine the ways a product can be competitive, based on both pricing and nonpricing strategies.
12	Accounting	Accounting Versus Bookkeeping The Uses of Accounting The Accounting Cycle Types of Financial Statements Ratio Analysis of Financial Statements	Differentiate the purposes of accounting and bookkeeping. Identify the uses of accounting as they pertain to a business. Illustrate the accounting cycle and describe the various steps. Examine the types of financial statements and the relevance of each. Demonstrate the different ratios used to asses the financial health of a business.
13	Financial Management	Financial Planning Funding Capital Budgeting Loans Debt and Equity Financing	Explain the need to plan and budget the flow of money in a business. Describe the sources of funding a business can seek for operating expenses. Illustrate the process of capital budgeting. Assess the different types of loans and the benefits associated with each. Compare and contrast debt and equity financing and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
14	Financial Institutions and Money	The Function of Money Federal Reserve Types of Banking Institutions Nonbanking Institutions Technology in Banking	Explain the purpose and function of money. Classify the roles of the Federal Reserve System. Compare and contrast the types of banking institutions. Evaluate the merits of the different nonbanking institutions. Describe the various means of electronic banking.
15	Course Review	Review	Review of the course topics

There are no prerequisites to take Introduction to Business.

The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost. More information on StraighterLine eTextbooks

Prefer the hard copy? Simply purchase from your favorite textbook retailer; you will still get the eTextbook for free.

This course does not require a text.

StraighterLine provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.

If you have chosen a Partner College to award credit for this course, your final grade will be based upon that college's grading scale. Only passing scores will be considered by Partner Colleges for an award of credit.

There are a total of 1000 points in the course:

Topic	Assessment	Points Available
3	Graded Exam #1	125
5	Graded Exam #2	125
7	Graded Midterm Exam	200
10	Graded Exam #3	125
13	Graded Exam #4	125
15	Final Graded Exam	300
Total		1000

Final Proctored Exam

The final exam is developed to assess the knowledge you learned taking this course. All students are required to take an online proctored final exam in order complete the course and be eligible for transfer credit.

Learn more about Proctored Exams

9/22/14 by tiff2312

The course was easy to following and the quizzes were helpful in preparing for the graded exam.

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9/22/14 by tiff2312

The course was easy to following and the quizzes were helpful in preparing for the graded exam.

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6/16/14 by emilylm

Wonderful course. I learned so much about business basics. I feel it has given me a great foundation to stand on as I move towards starting my own business.

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6/16/14 by emilylm

Wonderful course. I learned so much about business basics. I feel it has given me a great foundation to stand on as I move towards starting my own business.

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9/23/13 by evorayosvel

It was really hard. Provide useful study material

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8/31/13 by jdavism

Good course, well laid out quizzes and tests. I used this course as my first and the proctoring and everything was very easy.

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8/2/13 by bhouston64

It was great to do it at my pace. I completed the class in 7 days.

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7/19/13 by kdlilley16

Good course to take to give you a basic understanding of business.

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7/6/13 by shawn.stegall

Very straightforward.

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4/8/13 by alana9four

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2/24/13 by theball01

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12/31/12 by schulmansm

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12/31/12 by kyle.bisconer

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12/6/12 by pnoll13

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12/3/12 by Carter.m2302

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11/30/12 by aankoop

Awesome speed of earning three college credits!

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11/26/12 by aankoop

Awesome speed of earning three college credits!

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11/11/12 by wrgentry

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11/11/12 by wrgentry

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11/8/12 by irish_jess

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11/8/12 by irish_jess

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10/12/12 by cjvzamory

I liked all of it

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10/2/12 by shane.c.leblanc

I liked Blackboard, multiple choice, go at your own pace... etc...

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9/2/12 by clasmaldonado

I liked that I could go at my own pace.

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8/20/12 by haldak

I liked that it was self directed

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8/15/12 by naeml8

I liked that it was self- paced and for independent studies.

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8/5/12 by a_rena_g

I liked that the tests were only 25 questions

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8/2/12 by cjvzamory

I liked all of it

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7/9/12 by shane.c.leblanc

I liked Blackboard, multiple choice, go at your own pace... etc...

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6/18/12 by andrearoy

I liked the games that helped me retain the information and I liked having access to my grades to help me prepare for my final.

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5/29/12 by early

I liked the lessons because the reading was difficult but the lessons somewhat helped me understand better.

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5/2/12 by powers.david14

I liked the simplicity

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4/30/12 by clasmaldonado

I liked that I could go at my own pace.

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3/31/12 by haldak

I liked that it was self directed

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3/17/12 by naeml8

I liked that it was self- paced and for independent studies.

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3/13/12 by figq

I would have to say the reading assignments and grasping the information in a timely manner.

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3/2/12 by a.e.lynn

It was very interesting and engaging.

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2/29/12 by Brucet3

I've been in Business for QUITE a while. This was a GREAT refresher. Tests challenged my knowledge!!!

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2/25/12 by mcvittiethomas

No written assignments.

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2/24/12 by a_rena_g

I liked that the tests were only 25 questions

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2/21/12 by tport144

Overall, the course was great

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11/3/11 by andrearoy

I liked the games that helped me retain the information and I liked having access to my grades to help me prepare for my final.

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10/3/11 by axelpargas

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10/2/11 by michaelbullock1

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10/1/11 by chrislane125

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10/1/11 by damian.k.baker

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10/1/11 by desantotony

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9/30/11 by galvin42

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9/30/11 by hcfromtheoc

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9/29/11 by holly

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9/28/11 by kylehausam

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9/27/11 by marty80606

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9/27/11 by mcvittiethomas

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9/26/11 by mcvittiethomas

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9/24/11 by smeredith65

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9/23/11 by trevinsclark

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9/16/11 by early

I liked the lessons because the reading was difficult but the lessons somewhat helped me understand better.

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7/15/11 by powers.david14

I liked the simplicity

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3/19/11 by figq

I would have to say the reading assignments and grasping the information in a timely manner.

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2/20/11 by a.e.lynn

It was very interesting and engaging.

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2/15/11 by Brucet3

I've been in Business for QUITE a while. This was a GREAT refresher. Tests challenged my knowledge!!!

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2/7/11 by mcvittiethomas

No written assignments.

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1/27/11 by tport144

Overall, the course was great

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2/28/10 by axelpargas

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2/27/10 by michaelbullock1

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2/26/10 by amyartiga

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2/25/10 by chrislane125

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2/24/10 by damian.k.baker

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2/23/10 by desantotony

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2/22/10 by galvin42

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2/21/10 by hcfromtheoc

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2/20/10 by holly

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2/19/10 by jenntalley69

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2/18/10 by johnbettsva

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2/17/10 by johwilson

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2/16/10 by kylehausam

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2/15/10 by marty80606

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2/14/10 by mcvittiethomas

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2/13/10 by mcvittiethomas

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2/11/10 by moe77oh

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2/10/10 by oh2bluved

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2/9/10 by oh2bluved

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2/8/10 by samedu21

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2/7/10 by smeredith65

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2/6/10 by trevinsclark

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Course Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Exhibit an understanding of the concepts, principles, and operation of the private enterprise system.
Evaluate and contrast major economic systems in businesses throughout the world.
Describe the various legal forms of business ownership such as sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation, the nature of each, the processes involved in creating each and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Identify the functions of modern management in business organizations and how these functions are evolving in response to changes in the external and internal environments in technology, diversity, competition and governmental regulations.
Exhibit an understanding of the marketing function and describe the concepts and processes involved in designing product strategy, promotional strategy, distribution strategy, and pricing strategy.
Explain the importance of and the role of the financial management function and illustrate the concepts and processes involved in managing the acquisition and allocation of short- and long-term funds.
Describe the risk management functions and explain the concepts, processes and strategies involved in managing risk in a business.
Demonstrate the importance of business ethics and social responsibility to the long-term success of businesses and society's well being.

Topic	Lesson Topic	Subtopics	Objectives
1	Introduction to Business and Economics	The Nature of Business Risk and Profit Economics Economic Systems Supply and Demand	List the main elements comprising the business environment and the importance of each. Describe the process of risk-taking in business and the relationship to profit or loss. Define economics, classify the key economic indicators, and the impact on the American economy. Identify and describe the four major economic systems and distinguish which type the U.S. system most closely resembles. Define supply and demand and explain how the equilibrium price is found.
2	International Business	Theories of Comparative and Absolute Advantage Importing and Exporting International Business Strategies Forces Affecting Trade Trade Agreements and Organizations	Describe the roles of comparative and absolute advantage in the global market. Compare and contrast the effects of importing and exporting on a country's economy. Examine the different methods of expanding a business internationally. Identify and characterize the different forces affecting international trade. Appraise the trade agreements and trade organizations that structure the international marketplace.
3	Ethical Business Behavior	Social Responsibility Types of Corporate Responsibility	Explain why a business should be held to certain standards of ethics and in what ways a business is responsible to the community. Describe the responsibilities a business has to its employees, customers, and investors.
4	Types of Business Ownership	Sole Proprietorship Partnerships Corporations Mergers and Acquisitions Other Forms of Ownership	Describe the features of a sole proprietorship. Compare and contrast the two types of partnerships. List the main types of corporations and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Explain the various ways that a business can be purchased or merged. Identify other forms of business ownership and the reasons for not choosing a conventional form of ownership.
5	Small Business	Entrepreneurship Starting a Small Business Small Business Difficulties Small Business Resources	Define entrepreneur and describe the characteristics one should possess. Explain the steps in starting a small business and the importance of a comprehensive business plan. Analyze reasons why small a business may succeed or fail. Evaluate the resources a small business can use.
6	Management	The Functions and Responsibilities of Management Levels of Management Planning	Express the purpose of business management and its position in business procedures. Describe specific functions management serves and the various types of responsibilities. Define the levels of management and diagram a simple management structure. Examine the methods of planning management employs and how it affects the operations of a business.
7	Business Organizations	Centralized and Decentralized Authority Broad and Narrow Span of Control Departmentalization Organizational Structure	Examine both structures of authority and how each structure affects the management of a business. Assess the process of determining the optimum number of employees per member of management. Describe the various ways that a business can departmentalize its organization. Explain the different ways of structuring an organization.
8	Human Resource Motivation	Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Herzberg's Theory McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y Ouchi's Theory Z Other Motivational Theories	Explain Maslow's level of needs theory. Describe Herzberg's two factors. Differentiate between Theory X and Theory Y. Identify the aspects of Theory Z. Evaluate any additional theories that concern the motivation of employees.
9	Human Resource Management	Planning and Needs Assessment Recruiting and Selecting Training and Developing Appraising and Compensating Turnover and Legal Issues	Explain how human resources plans and assesses the company's hiring needs. Describe recruiting and examine how candidates are selected. Explain the different methods of training and development. Identify the ways a business appraises an employee's performance and the different forms of compensation. Describe the ways an employee can leave a business and explain the laws affecting employment.
10	Marketing	Purpose of Marketing Marketing Mix Market Research Marketing Environment Buying Behavior	Describe the goals and purpose of marketing. Identify the four P's of the marketing mix and explain the significance of each. Examine the ways a business can collect data on its target group and how the information is used. Identify the factors that influence marketing strategies. Define consumers' buying habits and examine how marketers react to these habits.
11	Pricing Products and Services	Product Differentiation Packaging Branding The Product Life Cycle Price and Nonprice Competition	Assess how and why a business differentiates its product lines. List what must be on a label and explain why there is legislation concerning this. Compare and contrast the major kinds of brand categories. Analyze the rise and decline of a product. Examine the ways a product can be competitive, based on both pricing and nonpricing strategies.
12	Accounting	Accounting Versus Bookkeeping The Uses of Accounting The Accounting Cycle Types of Financial Statements Ratio Analysis of Financial Statements	Differentiate the purposes of accounting and bookkeeping. Identify the uses of accounting as they pertain to a business. Illustrate the accounting cycle and describe the various steps. Examine the types of financial statements and the relevance of each. Demonstrate the different ratios used to asses the financial health of a business.
13	Financial Management	Financial Planning Funding Capital Budgeting Loans Debt and Equity Financing	Explain the need to plan and budget the flow of money in a business. Describe the sources of funding a business can seek for operating expenses. Illustrate the process of capital budgeting. Assess the different types of loans and the benefits associated with each. Compare and contrast debt and equity financing and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
14	Financial Institutions and Money	The Function of Money Federal Reserve Types of Banking Institutions Nonbanking Institutions Technology in Banking	Explain the purpose and function of money. Classify the roles of the Federal Reserve System. Compare and contrast the types of banking institutions. Evaluate the merits of the different nonbanking institutions. Describe the various means of electronic banking.
15	Course Review	Review	Review of the course topics