Course Outline
School:
Business
Department:
Business Management
Course Title:
Fundamentals of Business
Course Code:
BUSN 119
Course Hours/Credits:
56
Prerequisites:
N/A
Co-requisites:
N/A
Eligible for Prior Learning,
Assessment and Recognition:
Yes
Originated by:
Drew Smylie
Creation Date:
Fall 2008
Revised by:
Linda Donville, Shanker Seetharam,
Kerri Shields
Revision Date:
Summer 2014
Current Semester:
Summer 2015
Approved by:
Chairperson/Dean
Students are expected to review and understand all areas of the course outline.
Retain this course outline for future transfer credit applications. A fee may be charged for
additional copies.
This course outline is available in alternative formats upon request.
BUSN 119
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Fundamentals of Business
Course Description
This course is an introduction to a broad range of business concepts, practices and theories relevant to
today’s global business environment. Students will examine the interrelationship among functional areas
of a business enterprise; specifically, human resources, operations management, marketing and sales,
and accounting and finance. Students will develop an understanding of how these functional areas of
business are impacted as the economy, technology, global competition, and consumer decision making
continue to evolve.
Throughout this course students will develop and enhance their ability to work effectively in teams,
conduct research, analyze cases, and will begin to develop the skills and confidence requisite to
delivering professional business presentations. These essential business skills will establish a foundation
for future academic success, while preparing students for the professional demands of a career in
business.
Program Outcomes
Successful completion of this and other courses in the program culminates in the achievement of the
Vocational Learning Outcomes (program outcomes) set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities in the Program Standard. The VLOs express the learning a student must reliably demonstrate
before graduation. To ensure a meaningful learning experience and to better understand how this course
and program prepare graduates for success, students are encouraged to review the Program Standard by
visiting http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/pepg/audiences/colleges/progstan/. For apprenticeship-based programs,
visit http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/training-standards.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will reliably demonstrate the ability to:
1. Outline the components of an environmental scan and describe how political,economic (e.g. fiscal
and monetary policies,population dynamics,emerging markets,economic cycles), sociocultural,technological, and competitive factors create favourable opportunities for, or set constraints
upon, a business enterprise
2. Describe the impact of environmental and ethical issues (e.g. public safety,disposal of waste,false
advertising,bribery, confidentiality, corporate social responsibility, conflict of interest and corruption)
upon both an organization's operations and its stakeholders
3. Discuss the impact of major international trade agreements and organisations on international
business opportunities (e.g. NAFTA,WTO,EU,ASEAN,COMESA and MERCOSOR)
4. Discuss the impact of existing and emerging technologies on business opportunities (e.g. social
media, ecommerce, wireless technologies)
5. Discuss the major activities involved in the functional areas of an organization (i.e. Human
Resources, Marketing, Accounting/Finance, and Operations/Production)
6. Discuss the considerations entrepreneurs make when starting a business as well as the importance
of, and elements of, a business plan
7. Discuss risk management strategies (e.g. insurance,contingency plans,SWOT analysis
8. Recommend possible courses of action an organization might pursue based on the analysis of
information gathered through research conducted using both LRC databases,business cases, and
other qualified/approved sources of information
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BUSN 119
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Fundamentals of Business
9. Identify sources of information gathered in order to give proper recognition to the works of others
(e.g. avoiding plagiarism, applying APA formatting)
Essential Employability Skills (EES)
The student will reliably demonstrate the ability to*:
1. Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the
purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
6. Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information
systems.
7. Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
9. Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships
and the achievement of goals.
10. Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
11. Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.
*There are 11 Essential Employability Skills outcomes as per the Ministry Program Standard. Of these 11 outcomes, the following will be
assessed in this course.
Global Citizenship and Equity (GC&E) Outcomes
The student will reliably demonstrate the ability to*:
4. Analyze the use of the world's resources to achieve sustainability and equitable distribution at the
personal, professional, and global level.
*There are 6 institutional Global Citizenship & Equity outcomes. Of these 6 outcomes, the following will be assessed in this course.
Text and other Instructional/Learning Materials
Text Book(s):
Binder Ready Version with WileyPLUS (eBook included)
Boone, L., Khan, M., et. al. (2013). Contemporary Business, Canadian Edition. John Wiley & Sons
Canada, Ltd. ISBN: 978-1-118-79831-7
WileyPLUS alone (eBook included)
Boone, L., Khan, M., et. al. (2013). Contemporary Business, Canadian Edition. John Wiley & Sons
Canada, Ltd. ISBN: 978-1-119-01337-2
Online Resource(s):
WileyPlus
Material(s) required for completing this course:
Textbook, WileyPlus, and additional reading of news, magazines, company annual reports, or other
materials as indicated by professor.
Evaluation Scheme
➮ In-class Exercises: Pertaining to weekly topics as determined by professor. May be individual or
group-based tasks (e.g., quizzes, group discussions, mini-cases, mini-presentations, research,
reflection).
➮ Case Analysis (Individual): Students analyze a business situation, make observations and
recommendation regarding strategies to best improve the situation. Based on content from chapters
1-4.
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BUSN 119
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Fundamentals of Business
➮ Concept Check Assessment 1: Test on concepts from chapters 1-5.
➮ Company Research Assignment (Individual): Students will research an enterprise of international
scope to be approved by professor
➮ GC & E Assignment (Individual): GC & E Learning Outcome #4: Analyze the use of the world’s
resources to achieve sustainability and equitable distribution at the personal, professional and global
level.
➮ Case Analysis (Group): Student analyze a business case working in groups. Group members will
evaluate their peers' performance on this assignment. Each group member's mark on this
assignment may vary.
➮ Group Project and Presentation (10 minute presentation): Students will work in groups to complete
an assigned project then present results. Presentations will be no longer than 10 minutes.
➮ Concept Check Assessment 2: Test on concepts from chapters 6-11, 14-15, 17.
Evaluation Name
In-class Exercises
Case Analysis (Individual)
Concept Check Assessment 1
Company Research Assignment (Individual)
GC & E Assignment (Individual)
Case Analysis (Group)
Group Project and Presentation (10 minute
presentation)
Concept Check Assessment 2
Total
CLO(s)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8
1, 2, 3, 8, 9
1, 2, 3, 5
1, 2, 4, 5, 7,
8, 9
2, 9
1, 2, 4, 5, 7,
8, 9
1, 4, 7, 8, 9
2, 4, 5, 6, 7
EES
GCE
Weight/100
Outcome(s) Outcome(s)
10
1, 6, 7, 10,
11
1, 10, 11
1, 6, 7, 10
1, 6, 11
1, 6, 7, 9,
10, 11
1, 6, 7, 9,
10, 11
1, 10, 11
10
10
10
4
10
15
20
15
100%
If students are unable to write a test they should immediately contact their professor or program Chair for
advice. In exceptional and well documented circumstances (e.g. unforeseen family problems, serious
illness, or death of a close family member), students may be able to write a make-up test.
All submitted work may be reviewed for authenticity and originality utilizing Turnitin®. Students who do not
wish to have their work submitted to Turnitin® must, by the end of the second week of class,
communicate this in writing to the instructor and make mutually agreeable alternate arrangements.
When writing tests, students must be able to produce official College photo identification or they may be
refused the right to take the test or test results will be void.
Student Accommodation
It is College Policy to provide accommodation based on grounds defined in the Ontario Human Rights
Code. Accommodation may include modifications to standard practices. Students with disabilities who
require academic accommodations must register with the Centre for Students with Disabilities. Students
requiring accommodation based on other human rights grounds should talk with their professors as early
as possible. Please see the Student Accommodation Policy.
THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)
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BUSN 119
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Fundamentals of Business
Use of Dictionaries
•
•
English-Additional Language (e.g. English-Chinese) or Additional Language-English (e.g. RussianEnglish) dictionaries may be used in regular class work.
Dictionaries may be used in tests and examinations, or in portions of tests and examinations, as long
as they are non-electronic (not capable of storing information) and hard copy (reviewed by the
invigilator to ensure notes are not incorporated that would affect test or examination integrity).
Program or School Policies
N/A
Course Policies
Assignments are due as indicated by the professor. Late assignments will incur a late assignment
penalty of 20% loss of marks per day late (including weekends and holidays). There will be no penalty for
work missed for a justifiable reason with supporting documented evidence of reason. Students need to
inform their professor of any situation that arises during the semester that may have an adverse effect on
their academic performance, and request, well in advance, any necessary considerations according to the
policies. Failure to do so will jeopardize any academic appeals.
College Policies
Students should familiarize themselves with all College Policies that cover academic matters and student
conduct.
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from
discrimination and harassment and promotes respect and equity. Centennial policies ensure all incidents
of harassment, discrimination, bullying and violence will be addressed and responded to accordingly.
Academic honesty is integral to the learning process and a necessary ingredient of academic integrity.
Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and impersonation. All of these occur when the work
of others is presented by a student as their own and/or without citing sources of information. Breaches of
academic honesty may result in a failing grade on the assignment/course, suspension or expulsion from
the college.
For more information on these and other policies, please visit www.centennialcollege.ca/aboutcentennial/college-overview/college-policies.
Students enrolled in a joint or collaborative program are subject to the partner institution's academic
policies.
PLAR Process
This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). PLAR is a process by
which course credit may be granted for past learning acquired through work or other life experiences. The
PLAR process involves completing an assessment (portfolio, test, assignment, etc.) that reliably
demonstrates achievement of the course learning outcomes. Contact the academic school to obtain
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BUSN 119
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Fundamentals of Business
information on the PLAR process and the required assessment.
This course outline and its associated weekly topical(s) may not be reproduced, in whole or in
part, without the prior permission of Centennial College.
THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)
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BUSN 119
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Fundamentals of Business
Topical Outline (subject to change):
Week
1
Topics
Course Overview
Readings/Materials
Course Outline
The Changing Face of Chapter 1
Business
2
Business Ethics and
Social Responsibility
Course Outline
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
3
Economic Challenges Chapter 3
Facing Contemporary
Business
Case Analysis Method
Handout
Weekly Learning Outcome(s)
Instructional Strategies
•Distinguish the differences amongst private,
public and not-for-profit organizations
•Identify and describe the factors of
production
•Describe the private enterprise system,
including basic rights and entrepreneurship
•Identify the six eras of business, and explain
how the relationship era—including alliances,
technology, and environmental
concerns—influences contemporary business
•Explain how today’s business workforce and
the nature of work itself are changing
•Identify the skills and attributes managers
need to lead businesses in the 21st Century
•Identify the characteristics that contribute to
a company being considered outstanding in
the business community
•Explain the concepts of business ethics and
corporate social responsibility(CSR)
•Describe the factors that influence business
ethics
•Discuss how organizations shape ethical
behavior
•Describe how CSR is measured, and
summarize the responsibilities of businesses
to the general public, and stakeholders
•Distinguish between microeconomics and
macroeconomics
•Explain the factors that drive demand and
supply
•Compare the three major types of economic
systems
•Describe the four stages of the business
cycle
•Explain how productivity, price level
changes, and employment levels affect the
stability of a nation’s economy
•Discuss how monetary policy and fiscal
policy are used to manage an economy’s
performance
Each week a mixture of
the following
instructional strategies
will be used (these may
vary as determined by
instructor):
Lecture
Discussions
Video
THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)
Evaluation
Name
Evaluation
Date
Group work
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Group work
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Group work
In-class
Exercises
Weeks 3-13
(as
determined by
professor)
(10%)
Case Analysis
Assign Case Analysis
Assignment
7
BUSN 119
Week
4
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Topics
Competing in World
Markets
Readings/Materials
Chapter 4
Case Analysis Method
5
6
Forms of Business
Ownership and
Organization
Understanding
Accounting and
Financial Statements
Chapter 5
Chapter 15
Weekly Learning Outcome(s)
•Describe the major global economic
challenges of the 21st century
•Explain the importance of international
business and the primary reasons nations
trade
•Discuss the concepts of absolute and
comparative advantage in international trade
•Identify the major barriers that confront
global businesses
•Explain how international trade organizations
and economic communities reduce trade
barriers to international trade
•Compare the different levels of involvement
used by businesses when entering global
markets
•Distinguish between small and large
businesses
•Discuss the contributions of small
businesses to the economy
•Describe the features of an effective
business plan
•Describe funding opportunities for small
businesses, including the role of the Business
Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
•Explain how franchising provides
opportunities for both franchisors and
franchisees
•Outline the three main legal forms of
business ownership and summarize the
features of not-for-profit organizations
•Describe mergers, acquisitions, and joint
ventures
•Explain the functions of accounting, and
identify the three basic activities involving
accounting
•Describe the roles played by public,
management, government, and not-for-profit
accountants
•Identify the foundations of the accounting
system, including GAAP, IFRS, and the role
of the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB)
•Outline the steps in the accounting cycle,
and define double-entry book-keeping and the
THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)
Fundamentals of Business
Instructional Strategies
Evaluation
Name
Evaluation
Date
Lecture
Class discussions
Group work
Lecture
Class discussions
Case Analysis
(Individual)
(10%)
Video
Group work
Case Analysis
Assign Company
Research Assignment
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Concept
Check
Assessment 1
(Ch 1-5)
(10%)
Group work
8
BUSN 119
Week
7
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Topics
Financial
Management
Readings/Materials
Chapter 17
Appendix D
Risk Management
8
9
Management,
Leadership, and the
Internal Organization
Human Resources
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Weekly Learning Outcome(s)
accounting equation
•Explain the functions and major components
of the four principal financial statement: the
balance sheet, the income statement, the
statement of changes in equity, and the
statement of cash flows
•Discuss how financial ratios are used to
analyze a company’s financial strengths and
weaknesses
•Describe the role of budgets in a business
•Outline the accounting issues facing global
business
•Define finance, and explain the role of
financial managers
•Describe the parts of a financial plan and the
financial planning process
•Outline how organizations manage their
assets
•Compare the two major sources of funds for
a business, and explain the concept of
leverage
•Identify sources of short-term financing for
business operations
•Discuss long-term financing options
•Describe mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, and
divestitures
•Define management and the three types of
skills necessary for managerial success
•Explain the role of vision and ethical
standards in business success
•Summarize the major benefits of planning,
and distinguish among strategic planning,
tactical planning, and operational planning
•Contrast the two major types of business
decisions, and list the steps in the decisionmaking process
•Define leadership and compare different
leadership styles
•Discuss the meaning and importance of
corporate culture
•Identify the four main types of organizational
structure
•Explain the role and responsibilities of
THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)
Fundamentals of Business
Instructional Strategies
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Evaluation
Name
Evaluation
Date
Company
Research
Assignment
(Individual)
(10%)
Group work
Assign GC & E
Assignment
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Group work
Lecture
GC & E
9
BUSN 119
Week
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Topics
Readings/Materials
Management: From
Recruitment to Labour
Relations
10
11
Top Performance
through
Empowerment,
Teamwork, and
Communication
Production and
Operations
Management
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Weekly Learning Outcome(s)
human resource management
•Describe how recruitment and selection
contribute to placing the right person in a job
•Discuss how orientation, training programs,
and performance appraisals help companies
develop their employees
•Describe how firms compensate employees
through pay systems and benefit programs
•Discuss employee separation and the impact
of downsizing and outsourcing
•Explain the different methods and theories of
motivation
•Discuss the role of labour unions, the
collective bargaining process, and methods
for settling labour management disputes
•Describe why and how organizations
empower employees
•Distinguish among the five types of teams in
the workplace
•Identify the characteristics of an effective
team, and summarize the stages of team
development
•Relate team cohesiveness and norms to
effective team performance
•Describe the factors that can cause conflict
in teams and ways to manage conflict
•Explain the importance, process, and types
of effective communication
•Explain external communication methods of
managing a public crisis
•Explain the strategic importance of the
production function
•Identify and describe the four main
categories of production processes
•Explain the role of technology in the
production process
•Identify the factors involved in a plant
location decision
•Explain the major tasks of production and
operations managers, and outline the three
activities involved in carrying out the
production plan
•Identify the steps in the production control
THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)
Fundamentals of Business
Instructional Strategies
Class discussions
Evaluation
Name
Assignment
(Individual)
(10%)
Evaluation
Date
Video
Group work
Assign Case Analysis
(Group)
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Group work
Lecture
Case Analysis
(Group) (15%)
Class discussions
Video
Group work
10
BUSN 119
Week
12
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Topics
Customer-Driven
Marketing
Readings/Materials
Chapter 11
Group Presentations
13
14
Using Technology to
Manage Information
Starting Your Own
Business: The
Entrepreneurship
Alternative
Chapter 14
Chapter 6
Weekly Learning Outcome(s)
process
•Discuss the importance of quality control
•Summarize the ways in which marketing
creates utility
•Discuss the marketing concept
•Describe not-for-profit marketing, and identify
the five major categories of nontraditional
marketing
•Outline the basic steps in developing a
marketing strategy
•Describe the marketing research function
•Identify and explain each of the methods
available for segmenting consumer and
business markets
•Outline the determinants of consumer
behavior
•Discuss the benefits of and tools for
relationship marketing
•Identify the 4 Ps of marketing
•Distinguish between data and information,
and explain the role of information systems in
business
•List the components and different types of
information systems
•Outline how computer hardware and
software are used to manage information
•Describe networking and
telecommunications technology and the types
of computer networks
•Discuss the security and ethical issues
involving computer information systems
•Explain the steps that companies go through
in anticipating, planning for, and recovering
from information systems disasters
•Review the current trends in information
systems
•Define the term entrepreneur, and distinguish
among entrepreneurs, small-business
owners, and managers
•Discuss factors that support and expand
opportunities for entrepreneurs
•Summarize the process of starting a new
venture
THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)
Fundamentals of Business
Instructional Strategies
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Evaluation
Name
Evaluation
Date
Group Project
and
Presentation
(10 minute
presentation)
(20%)
Group work
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Group work
Lecture
Class discussions
Video
Concept
Check
Assessment 2
(Chapters 611, 14-15, 17)
(15%)
Group work
11
BUSN 119
Week
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Topics
Readings/Materials
Weekly Learning Outcome(s)
•Explain how organizations promote
intrapreneurship
THIS COURSE ADHERES TO ALL COLLEGE POLICIES (See College Calendar)
Fundamentals of Business
Instructional Strategies
Evaluation
Name
Evaluation
Date
Concept Check
Assessment
12