Business lessons 1
Business lessons 1
Definition of Business: Understanding the essence of business, its purpose, and the
various types of business structures (sole proprietorship, partnerships,
corporations, etc.)
Functions of Management: The core functions of management (Planning, Organizing,
Leading, Controlling). How these functions are interrelated and why each is
important.
Types of Businesses: Understanding industries (manufacturing, service, technology,
retail, etc.) and their impact on the economy.
Business Ethics: Basics of ethical decision-making, corporate social responsibility
(CSR), sustainability.
Practical Applications:
Competitive Advantage: What makes a company’s strategy work (Porter’s Five Forces,
SWOT Analysis, Value Chain).
Strategic Planning Process: How businesses develop long-term plans and adapt to
changing markets.
Innovation and Growth Strategies: Exploring how businesses can innovate and expand
(Diversification, Mergers and Acquisitions, Product Development).
Practical Applications:
Exercise: Use a SWOT analysis to assess a real company’s position in the market.
Real-World Example: Analyze a strategic shift in a company (e.g., Apple’s shift
from computers to consumer electronics).
6. Operations and Supply Chain Management
Exercise: Create a supply chain strategy for a company producing consumer goods.
Case Study: Evaluate the supply chain strategies of companies like Amazon and
Walmart.
7. Human Resources Management
Recruitment and Selection: The process of hiring, from job analysis to onboarding
new employees.
Performance Management: How companies evaluate and improve employee performance.
Employee Motivation and Development: Understanding Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,
Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, and how businesses motivate and retain top talent.
Practical Applications:
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: What makes a successful entrepreneur and how they
approach problem-solving.
Business Model Innovation: How to create new business models that can disrupt
industries.
Funding Startups: Overview of venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding.
Practical Applications:
Corporate Finance: Raising capital (equity vs. debt), managing financial risks, and
advanced financial metrics.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Understanding how and why companies merge or acquire
other businesses.
International Finance: Foreign exchange markets, international investment, and
global financial risks.
Practical Applications: