Foundations of Business Management

This unit introduces core MBA concepts across management, finance, marketing, operations, HR, and entrepreneurship to give learners a practical foundation for advanced study. Students examine strategic versus tactical thinking, globalization, basic accounting and funding, team and talent management, customer relationships, risk and negotiation, and emerging business models.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze core organizational functions and strategic choices—distinguishing strategy from tactics, managers from leaders, and assessing when an MBA or an entrepreneurial path best supports career and business goals
• Apply basic financial literacy by interpreting key financial statements, managing cash flow and accounts receivable, and developing a simple funding plan that incorporates primary and secondary market considerations
• Demonstrate effective people-management skills by applying motivation theories, designing hiring and retention strategies, constructing team structures, and outlining lawful and ethical disciplinary/termination procedures
• Evaluate market and operational decisions by identifying target customers and needs, designing relationship-based marketing and negotiation approaches, assessing manufacturing and operational risks, and proposing mitigations