BUS 100 – Foundations of Modern Business

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About Course

Course Overview

This course provides a practical foundation in understanding the modern business environment. Learners will explore how economic, social, technological, political, and environmental forces influence organizations, and how businesses respond strategically. The course is designed for individuals with little to no prior business education who want to gain an up-to-date, real-world understanding of how businesses operate and succeed in today’s competitive world.


Course Format

  • Delivery Mode: 100% Online, Self-Paced

  • Estimated Duration: 20 hours total (including readings, case studies, activities, and assessments)

  • Learning Materials: Readings, short explainer articles, infographics, real-world examples, and self-check quizzes

  • Assessment: Knowledge checks at the end of each module 


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

  1. Identify and describe key components of the business environment.

  2. Recognize how external and internal factors impact business decisions.

  3. Understand basic business structures, functions, and stakeholder roles.

  4. Analyze current trends shaping the business world.

  5. Apply foundational knowledge to assess and respond to business challenges.


Teaching & Learning Approach

  • Bite-Sized Learning: Short modules with clear learning goals

  • Real-World Relevance: Examples from current business news and case studies

  • Active Engagement: Interactive readings, mini-research tasks, self-check quizzes

  • Flexible Assessment: Final project allows creativity and application

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Course Content

Chapter 1 – Understanding the Business Environment
• Definition & importance of the business environment • Internal vs. external environment • Key environmental forces: PESTLE framework (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) • Activity: Identify external factors affecting a well-known company today

Chapter 2 – Types of Businesses & Economic Systems
• For-profit vs. non-profit organizations • Business sizes: micro, small, medium, large enterprises • Sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, cooperatives • Overview of economic systems: capitalism, socialism, mixed economies • Case Study: How different economies influence business models

Chapter 3 – Internal Business Structure & Functions
• Core business functions: operations, marketing, finance, HR, R&D • The role of leadership and organizational culture • Departmental collaboration and decision-making • Self-Check Quiz: Match functions with their role in an organization

Chapter 4 – Stakeholders & Corporate Social Responsibility
• Identifying stakeholders: internal vs. external • Balancing stakeholder needs and expectations • CSR and ethical business practices • Case Study

Chapter 5 – The Global Business Environment
• Globalization and its impact • International trade and market entry strategies • Cultural considerations in global business • Current global challenges (supply chain disruptions, sustainability issues) • Case Study

Chapter 6 – Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Business
• The role of technology in shaping industries • Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 • Emerging trends: AI, automation, green technologies • Case Study

Chapter 7 – Adapting to Change & Business Trends
• Change management basics • Recognizing and responding to market trends • Resilience and adaptability in uncertain environments • Case Study

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