INTRO-BUS.AS1

Introduction to Business

Don’t let gaps in your know-how slow you down. Master the business fundamentals, sharpen your skills, and own the game like a professional.

19 Interactive Lessons and 249 topics mapped to the official exam objectives

Beginner Self-paced · 1 year access

19Interactive Lessons

249Topics

577Flashcards

577Glossary of terms

01 / Skills you'll get

What you will be able to do

This introduction to business course covers everything from economics and ethics to global trade, entrepreneurship, and financial management…we focus on giving you the real-world knowledge to thrive.

Dive into core concepts like customer satisfaction, corporate responsibility, and competitive strategy. Learn how economic systems shape markets, what it takes to lead a team, and how to price products for success.

From small-business ownership to multinational corporations, you’ll explore operations management, HR strategies, and legal environments.

Economic systems
Corporate social responsibility
Global trade
Entrepreneurship
Sole proprietorships
Partnerships &Franchising
Mergers & acquisitions
Organizational structure
Human resources
Supply chain efficiency
Product planning & development
Pricing strategies
Market segmentation
Advertising & sales promotion
Retail & distribution
E-commerce
Financial accounting
Securities markets
Risk management
Business law

Course Highlights

19 Structured Lessons Comprehensive coverage of core course objectives
1 Year Full Access Self-paced learning accessible anytime on all devices

02 / Lessons & labs

See exactly what you will learn and practice

Download outline (PDF)

Lessons

19 Interactive Lessons · 249 topics

01 Preface

02 Understanding Economic Systems and Business 15 topics

Introduction
The Nature of Business
Understanding the Business Environment
How Business and Economics Work
Macroeconomics: The Big Picture
Achieving Macroeconomic Goals
Microeconomics: Zeroing in on Businesses and Consumers
Competing in a Free Market
Trends in the Business Environment and Competition
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

03 Making Ethical Decisions and Managing a Socially Responsible Business 12 topics

Introduction
Understanding Business Ethics
How Organizations Influence Ethical Conduct
Managing a Socially Responsible Business
Responsibilities to Stakeholders
Trends in Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

04 Competing in the Global Marketplace 16 topics

Introduction
Global Trade in the United States
Why Nations Trade
Barriers to Trade
Fostering Global Trade
International Economic Communities
Participating in the Global Marketplace
Threats and Opportunities in the Global Marketplace
The Impact of Multinational Corporations
Trends in Global Competition
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

05 Forms of Business Ownership 14 topics

Introduction
Going It Alone: Sole Proprietorships
Partnerships: Sharing the Load
Corporations: Limiting Your Liability
Specialized Forms of Business Organization
Franchising: A Popular Trend
Mergers and Acquisitions
Trends in Business Ownership
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

06 Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing Your Own Business 15 topics

Introduction
Entrepreneurship Today
Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs
Small Business: Driving America's Growth
Ready, Set, Start Your Own Business
Managing a Small Business
Small Business, Large Impact
The Small Business Administration
Trends in Entrepreneurship and Small-Business Ownership
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

07 Management and Leadership in Today's Organizations 15 topics

Introduction
The Role of Management
Planning
Organizing
Leading, Guiding, and Motivating Others
Controlling
Managerial Roles
Managerial Skills
Trends in Management and Leadership
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

08 Designing Organizational Structures 15 topics

Introduction
Building Organizational Structures
Contemporary Structures
Using Teams to Enhance Motivation and Performance
Authority—Establishing Organizational Relationships
Degree of Centralization
Organizational Design Considerations
The Informal Organization
Trends in Organizational Structure
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

09 Managing Human Resources and Labor Relations 17 topics

Introduction
Achieving High Performance through Human Resources Management
Employee Recruitment
Employee Selection
Employee Training and Development
Performance Planning and Evaluation
Employee Compensation and Benefits
The Labor Relations Process
Managing Grievances and Conflicts
Legal Environment of Human Resources and Labor Relations
Trends in Human Resource Management and Labor Relations
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

10 Motivating Employees 15 topics

Introduction
Early Theories of Motivation
The Hawthorne Studies
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
McGregor's Theories X and Y
Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Theory
Contemporary Views on Motivation
From Motivation Theory to Application
Trends in Employee Motivation
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

11 Achieving World-Class Operations Management 15 topics

Introduction
Production and Operations Management—An Overview
The Production Process: How Do We Make It?
Location, Location, Location: Where Do We Make It?
Pulling It Together: Resource Planning
Production and Operations Control
Looking for a Better Way: Improving Production and Operations
Transforming the Factory Floor with Technology
Trends in Production and Operations Management
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

12 Creating Products and Pricing Strategies to Meet Customers' Needs 16 topics

Introduction
The Marketing Concept
Creating a Marketing Strategy
Developing a Marketing Mix
Buyer Behavior
Market Segmentation
What Is a Product?
Creating Products That Deliver Value
The Product Life Cycle
Pricing Strategies and Future Trends
Trends in Developing Products and Pricing
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

13 Distributing and Promoting Products and Services 18 topics

Introduction
The Nature and Functions of Distribution (Place)
Wholesaling
The Competitive World of Retailing
Using Supply Chain Management to Increase Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction
Promotion Strategy
The Huge Impact of Advertising
The Importance of Personal Selling
Sales Promotion
Public Relations Helps Build Goodwill
Trends in Social Media
Trends in E-Commerce
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

14 Using Technology to Manage Information 13 topics

Introduction
Transforming Businesses through Information
Linking Up: Computer Networks
Management Information Systems
Technology Management and Planning
Protecting Computers and Information
Trends in Information Technology
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

15 Using Financial Information and Accounting 15 topics

Introduction
Accounting: More than Numbers
The Accounting Profession
Basic Accounting Procedures
The Balance Sheet
The Income Statement
The Statement of Cash Flows
Analyzing Financial Statements
Trends in Accounting
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

16 Understanding Money and Financial Institutions 13 topics

Introduction
Show Me the Money
The Federal Reserve System
U.S. Financial Institutions
Insuring Bank Deposits
International Banking
Trends in Financial Institutions
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

17 Understanding Financial Management and Securities Markets 15 topics

Introduction
The Role of Finance and the Financial Manager
How Organizations Use Funds
Obtaining Short-Term Financing
Raising Long-Term Financing
Equity Financing
Securities Markets
Buying and Selling at Securities Exchanges
Trends in Financial Management and Securities Markets
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills
Ethics Activity
Working the Net
Critical Thinking Case
Hot Links Address Book

18 Your Career in Business 7 topics

Introduction
Learn the Basics of Business
Developing Interpersonal Skills Is Key to Your Success
Make Your Future Happen: Learn to Plan
Going to College Is an Opportunity of a Lifetime—Never Drop Out
Get Your Career Off on the Right Track
Self-Test Scoring Guidelines

19 Appendix A Understanding the Legal and Tax Environment 3 topics

Understanding the Legal Environment
Contract Law
Understanding the Tax Environment of Business

03 / FAQs

Questions before you start

What is an introduction to business studies?

An introduction to business online course covers the fundamentals of business operations, including economics, ethics, marketing, finance, and management. It provides a broad understanding of how businesses function, compete, and adapt in today’s global market.

How to start a business?

Identify a viable business idea.
Conduct market research.
Create a business plan.
Secure funding (loans, investors, or bootstrapping).
Choose a legal structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation).
Register your business and obtain licenses.
Build a brand and launch your product/service.

How to be successful in business?

Develop a clear strategy and business model.
Understand your target market deeply.
Manage finances efficiently (cash flow, budgeting).
Build a strong team and delegate effectively.
Adapt to industry trends and technology.
Prioritize customer satisfaction and retention.
Maintain ethical practices and corporate responsibility.
Continuously learn and improve (courses, mentors, networking).

Learn Business Basics

In our Introduction to Business course, you’ll master real-world skills: financial literacy, market analysis, and decision-making. Enroll now and start tomorrow.

1 year of full access
Certificate of completion