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IC162610 Introduction to Business

COURSE INFORMATION

. Credits: 4

. Semester: 2026 Summer

. Teaching Methods: Online

. Time: May  18 - July 31, 2026

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to the key principles and practices of business management, focusing on the fundamental aspects of finance, marketing, operations, organizational behavior, and general management. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the business environment, explore essential management functions, and develop skills to make informed decisions in various business contexts.  Through case studies, discussions, and practical assignments, students will be prepared to approach business challenges with a strategic, ethical, and global perspective.

PREREQUISITES

None.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1.   Gain an overview of essential business concepts, including economic systems, organizational structures, and the global business environment;

2.   Develop knowledge of management principles, including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, with an emphasis on    leadership styles and decision-making;

3.   Learn marketing strategies, market research, consumer behavior, and  the components of the marketing mix to effectively address business challenges;

4.   Understand financial management tools, accounting principles, and operational strategies, including supply chain management,  quality control, and production processes;

5.   Study how organizational culture, human resource management, and business ethics impact business performance and decision-making.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

. Required Text: William G. Nickels, James M. McHugh,  Susan M. McHugh, Understanding Business. 10th Edition, Boston, Irwin/McGraw Hill, 2010.

. Recommended Texts & Other Readings: None.

COURSE OUTLINE

Lectures

Topics

Tasks

1

Introduction to Business and Its Environment

2

Ethical Decision-Making and Social

Responsibility in Business

Case Study 1

3

Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business

4

Global Business and International Trade

Quiz 1

5

Principles of Management and Leadership

6

Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Case Study 2

7

Marketing Strategies and Consumer Behavior

Quiz 2

8

Financial Management and Accounting Basics

Midterm Exam

9

Operations and Supply Chain Management

10

Legal and Regulatory Framework in Business

Case Study 3

11

Business Information Systems and Technology

12

Principles of Finance and Investment Management

Quiz 3

13

Innovation and Technology Management in Business

Case Study 4

14

Effective Business Communication

15

Strategic Management and Business Policy

Quiz 4

16

Future Trends in Business and Sustainability

Final Exam

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Assessment

Percentage

Format/Grading

4 Case Studies

40%

Computer/Instructor

4 Quizzes

20%

Computer/Instructor

Midterm Exam

15%

Computer/Instructor

Final Exam

25%

Computer/Instructor

Total

100%


Grade

Percentage

A

93-100%

A-

90-92%

B+

87-89%

B

83-86%

B-

80-82%

C+

77-79%

C

73-76%

C-

70-72%

D+

67-69%

D

60-66%

F

0-59%

*Since there is no physical class attendance in online courses, it is crucial to regularly log in to the course platform, submit assignments on time, take exams, or communicate with instructors. You must engage in these activities to ensure that your participation is properly recognized and documented.

COURSE POLICIES

Technology Policy

You need to have access to a personal computer or laptop with a working webcam and microphone in order to access all features of the course. Exams are proctored remotely using Zoom, which records you and your environment during the exam. You must  install Zoom to  take an exam. Any student who accesses a phone or any internet-capable device during an exam for any reason automatically receives a score of zero. All such devices must be turned off, put away, and made inaccessible during the exam. Since there is no physical class attendance in an online class, online instructors will certify last days attended/participated based on verifiable participation only, such as submitted assignments, exams taken, participation in online discussions, or communicating with the instructor by email.

Academic Honesty

Academic integrity is of utmost importance. All students are expected to adhere to the university's policies on academic honesty. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action, which may include failure of the assignment, failure of the course, or further action by the university.

Course Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from the course according to the university's withdrawal policy. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of the deadlines and procedures for withdrawing from a course. Withdrawal forms must be submitted by Withdrawal Deadline.

Late Work Policy

Assignments are expected to be submitted on time. Late submissions will incur penalties as follows: a  10% deduction per day  for submissions  1-3 days  late, a 20% deduction per day for submissions 4-7 days late, and submissions more than 7 days late will not be accepted without prior arrangement. Students are allowed one 48-hour grace period for one assignment per semester, provided they notify the instructor before the original deadline. Extensions may be granted for documented emergencies, and students observing religious or cultural events should  notify the instructor in advance to arrange alternative deadlines.

Special Needs or Assistance

Students with disabilities or who require special accommodations should contact the instructor as early as possible. The university provides  resources and support for students with special needs, and the instructor will work with the  university's disability services to ensure that appropriate accommodations are made.