A survey of the basic functions, objectives, and structure of a modern business within the framework of a free-enterprise system and the value of the continuing organization. The course also involves a survey of the ways of managing a firm's resources via planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. The latter focus is given to marketing, with attention to customer-related products, pricing, distribution and promotion. The course discusses specialization and interdependence of business functions and skills in decision- making. It is a prerequisite for all business major courses except accounting, ethics, and statistics. (3 units)

The business environment is dynamic and influenced by the rapidly changing physical environment. Businesses must adapt rapidly and competition is strong. Business leaders need to demonstrate the durable skills needed to communicate, emulate business ethics, demonstrate cultural intelligence, sustain customer relationships, and promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Business leaders must understand the impact of government regulation on business, finance, accounting, marketing, and technology. Through this course, students will identify the principles of the American enterprise system and its impact on a global marketplace, understand the nature of management and the dimensions of marketing strategy, and be able to describe the steps necessary when growing any business. The course identifies the basic environment in which businesses operate (economic, operations management, and management principles).