MADISON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Madison High School
Introduction to Business
Authored by: Timothy Maseker
Reviewed by: Lee Nittel,
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Kathryn Lemerich,
Supervisor of Mathematics and Business Education
Approval Date: January, 2013
Members of the Board of Education:
Lisa Ellis, President
Patrick Rowe, Vice-President
Kevin Blair
Tom Haralampoudis
Linda Gilbert
James Novotny
David Arthur
Shade Grahling
Superintendent: Dr. Michael Rossi
Madison Public Schools
359 Woodland Road, Madison, NJ 07940
www.madisonpublicschools.org
I.
OVERVIEW
Introduction to Business is a course designed to introduce students to a broad range of
business concepts. Whether acting in the role of consumer or business owner, all individuals
participate in various business situations and scenarios on a daily basis. Introduction to
Business seeks to introduce students to these various business concepts in a generalist way.
Students will be introduced to a wide range of business topics ranging from; 2008 Credit
Crisis, Licensing, Franchising, Business Ethics, Business Etiquette and Interviewing
Protocol. Introduction to Business is a highly practical class that teaches invaluable life skills.
II.
RATIONALE
Acting as the entry point within the Business Department at Madison High School,
Introduction to Business seeks to acquaint students to the world of business in a broad sense
which will help prepare them for a more meaningful and beneficial interaction with
businesses and our economy. Taking the perspective of consumer and business owner, this
course will provide students with insight into various concepts that influence the decisions of
both consumers and business owners. Through the study of both the business and economic
environment in which they live, students will develop knowledge and appreciation of the
role the American business system plays in our global economy.
This course will provide students with an understanding of various business concepts
including; conflict resolution, business ethics, licensing & franchising and business etiquette.
Students will develop a base knowledge of business, which will provide them with a
foundation from which to further explore in other business courses at Madison High School
such as Global Marketing and Personal Finance.
III.
STUDENT OUTCOMES (Link to New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards)
The following Technology, Career Education and Consumer, Family, and Life Skill Standards
will be addressed in this course of study.
8.1.12. A.3
Participate in online courses, learning communities, social networks, or
virtual worlds and recognize them as resources for lifelong learning.
8.1.12. D.1
Evaluate policies on unauthorized electronic access (e.g. hacking) and
disclosure and on dissemination of personal information.
9.1 21st-Century Life and Career Skills: All students will demonstrate the creative, critical
thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to function successfully as both
global citizens and workers in diverse ethnic and organizational cultures.
9.3 Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation: All students will apply knowledge
about and engage in the process of career awareness, exploration, and preparation in order to
navigate the globally competitive work environment of the information age.
IV.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS AND CONTENT
Students enrolled in Introduction to Business will demonstrate the ability to:
a. Identify the causes of the Credit Crisis of 2008 – parties involved and factors that
contributed to the real estate crash and subsequent recession.
b. Resolve business conflicts within a role play situation – understanding the
importance of compromise and goal of “win-win” resolutions.
c. Explain the concept of licensing and the significance of this business strategy in the
business world.
d. Identify franchised businesses and explain the mechanics behind applying for and
owning a franchised business.
e. Understand the importance of business ethics within the workplace and examples of
poor ethics and potential consequences.
f. Conduct themselves in a business environment by understanding proper business
etiquette and protocol
g. Research and prepare for a business interview. Understand the nuances of the
interview process and how to effectively prepare for an interview.
V.
STRATEGIES
Strategies may include:
a. Guest Speakers
b. Power Point Presentations
c. Student Presentations
d. Business Week Case Studies
e. Small Group Discussions/Projects
f. Debate
g. Virtual Business: Computer Simulation
h. CNBC Original DVD’s – Inside the Golden Arches, House of Cards, Inside the Minds of
Google, Smartest Guys in the Room – The Enron Story, Costco
VI.
EVALUATION
Evaluations may include:
Case Study Analysis
Quizzes
Role play scenarios
Debate: In-class discussions
Student Presentations/Projects
VII.
REQUIRED RESOURCES
A. Resources
Internet
PowerPoint
Video Cameras
VIII.
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
Number of Weeks
Unit 1
Credit Crisis
3
Mortgage Analysis, “Player’s Chain”, and Sequence of events
Watch CNBC “House of Cards”
Unit 2
Conflict Resolution
2
Role play 5 different business scenarios
Unit 3
Licensing
2
Licensor vs. licensee
Unit 4
Franchising
2
Franchisor vs. franchisee
Watch CNBC “Inside the Golden Arches”
Unit 5
Business Ethics
2
Watch “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room”
Unit 6
Business Etiquette
4
Interview etiquette & protocol
Email etiquette
Unit 7
Road Trip Nation
Unit 8
Article Summaries
`
1
2
Research and discuss current business articles
TOTAL
18