Course Description

Introduction to Business and Management online class focuses on developing the fundamentals needed for success in the business world. This course examines the foundations for business, ethical behavior and decision making, management, operations, and global business. The student will also learn about human resources, managerial styles, and improving employee motivation. After completion of this course, students will understand key components of business and management. This online course is intended for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of business administration. This is a 5 week, self-paced, online course. If you need additional help understanding the material presented, you can communicate with the instructor and fellow classmates. The instructor will monitor and track your progress throughout the class. LVS Online offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course, including an online portfolio service that manages all your course registrations, certificate of completion option, a class discussion board to interact with your instructor and fellow classmates, free hosting account, and a student upload area. LVS is a Corel Training Partner. LVS students may purchase Corel products at a significant savings. Follow this link for details. LVS students are eligible to receive software and hardware at a discount. Follow this link for details. Students are also eligible take advantage of special offers made available specifically for LVS by famous software developers such as Andromeda, AV Bros, Extensis, Harry Heim, namesuppressed, Nik Multimedia, and Ulead. Details are provided in the classinfo link found in the confirmation of registration. Show off your LVS Online spirit with an item from the LVS Store Visit the LVS Blog for updates. If you would like to receive more information regarding this course, click on the "Contact Us" link in the Information section and we'll try to answer any of your questions within the day.

Course Requirements

Computer with Internet access. Students must know how to effectively search for relevant and valid information in regards to the topics to be discussed. Students must have a working knowledge of their operating system, especially: How to create and name new folders How to locate files How to open and save files Here are a few free tutorials available at LVS which may be helpful to you: PC Users: Free Windows Class Directory Structure Tutorial Mac Users: Basic Computer File Systems Tutorial (Mac) Homework must be reviewed by the instructor in order to earn a certificate. If applicable, students have the option of using either the Student Upload Area or free web hosting made available for LVS students. Details are provided in the classroom. If you prefer to use your own web space, you must know how to upload your files to a server. Free tutorials are available: Basic HTML Page WS_FTP All lessons are available in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view/print the lessons. Plan to devote 2 - 3 hours per week on the lesson and assignment.

Course Prerequisites

None

Course Syllabus

Lesson 1 U.S. Business System - Understanding the concept of business by exploring topics such as business environment, supply and demand, profits, economic system will allow students to get a grasp on how the U.S. Business System works. Lesson 2 Ethical Behavior - Examining ethical responsibility, implications of decisions, and how to respond effectively when presented with ethical dilemmas will aid in promoting ethical behavior and decision making. Lesson 3 Business Management and Organizational Leadership - This concept will explore the multiple functions of management and the changing roles of managers. Topics explored will be the difference between managers and leaders and comparing the various types of leadership styles. Lesson 4 Business Management and Organizational Leadership (Continuation of Lesson 3) - This concept will explore the multiple functions of management and the changing roles of managers. Topics explored will be the difference between managers and leaders and comparing the various types of leadership styles. Lesson 5 Managing and Motivating Employees - Topics to be discussed are employee behavior, motivation theories, and strategies and techniques for enhancing employee motivation. Lesson 6 Global Business - Topics to be discussed include globalization, the global economy, international business management, and barriers to international trade.

Course Excerpt

Lesson 1 What is business? Business can be defined as an organization that provides goods and services to others who want or need them. The history of business can be divided into three phases - business in pre-industrialized world, business during the industrialization, and finally business in the networked world. BUSINESS IN THE PRE-INDUSTRIALIZED WORLD The primary economic activity prior to industrialization, across the globe was agriculture. However, even during those times, there were substantial non-agricultural activities in the form of trade, handicrafts, rural and household industries etc. Trade began as barter between individuals and households, but gradually grew in an organized form, and spread even across countries and continents. Continued... Please note: Lessons provide step-by-step instructions with detailed screen captures.

Course Goals

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: Assess the U.S. Business System and explain how it operates Discuss how to conduct business in an ethical manner Explain how to manage a business Discuss different managerial styles and effective forms of leadership Discuss how to manage and motivate employees Discuss the global context of business

Course Reviews

New Class March 2010 More...