Understanding the Business Environment

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the business environment, covering fundamental concepts and principles that govern how businesses operate. The curriculum is designed to give students a broad understanding of various aspects of business, rather than an in-depth exploration of specific areas. Key topics include economic systems, with a focus on capitalism and free markets, global markets and their impact on business operations, corporate social responsibility and its importance in modern business practices, and the significant role of small businesses in the American economy. Throughout the course, students will learn to view business operations through a stakeholder lens, understanding how different business practices affect various groups involved with or impacted by the business. This approach allows students to grasp the complexities of business decision-making and the far-reaching effects of business operations. The course is structured to provide a foundation for further study in business administration or to give professionals in other fields a better understanding of the business world they interact with.