Warwick School District

Course Description

"Introduction to Business" is a foundational course that introduces students to the dynamic world of business. Students explore key business concepts including entrepreneurship, marketing, management, finance, economics, and ethics. Through project-based learning, case studies, and presentations, students will examine how businesses start, grow, and respond to challenges in the modern marketplace. Intro to Business emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and communication while helping students connect business principles to everyday life and future career paths.

Core Curriculum Content Standards

Economics (2009-2012)

• Scarcity and Choice

• GRADE 9

• Analyze how choices are made because of scarcity.(6.1.9.A)
• Identify the origin of resources and analyze the impact on the production of goods and services. Analyze how unlimited wants and limited resources affect decision making.(6.1.9.B)

• Markets and Economic Systems

• GRADE 9

• Explain how competition between buyers and sellers affects price.(6.2.9.B)
• Explain the laws of supply and demand and how these affect the prices of goods and services.(6.2.9.D)
• Analyze the characteristics of economic expansion, recession, and depression.(6.2.9.E)
• Compare and contrast various economic systems.(6.2.9.G)

• Functions of Government

• GRADE 9

• Analyze the process through which government provides public goods and services.(6.3.9.A)
• Examine how and why the government acts to regulate and stabilize the state and national economy.(6.3.9.B)
• Explain why governments limit or promote international trade.(6.3.9.D)

Business, Computer and Information Technology (2012)

• Career Management

• GRADES 9 - 12

• Apply networking skills as a resource for further career portfolio development and career opportunities.(15.2.12.K)

• Communication

• GRADES 9 - 12

• Employ appropriate presentation skills to lead discussions and team activities.Reference English Language Arts CC.1.5.11-12.A(15.3.12.G)
• Evaluate presentations for language, proper techniques and media choices.Reference English Language Arts CC.1.5.11-12.C, CC.111-12.E(15.3.12.H)
• Apply strategies to overcome barriers to active listening.(15.3.12.J)
• Identify the diverse communication skills necessary within an organization (e.g., customer relations, sales, management).(15.3.12.O)
• Analyze communication channels and their effectiveness within the corporate culture.(15.3.12.Q)
• Evaluate best practices of communication based on culture, practice, and laws related to supervising others in a corporate entity.(15.3.12.R)
• Evaluate electronic communication options based on need.(15.3.12.S)
• Collaborate via electronic communication with peers, educators, and/or professionals to meet organizational goals.(15.3.12.W)

• Entrepreneurship

• GRADES 9 - 12

• Analyze personal choices in preparation for entrepreneurship.(15.5.12.A)
• Evaluate legal forms of business entities when considering entrepreneurship (e.g., existing business, franchise, new business, corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship).(15.5.12.E)
• Evaluate strategies for incorporating emerging technologies into specific business operations.(15.5.12.J)
• Analyze an innovation/ business concept and develop a comprehensive business plan.Reference Career Education and Work 13.4.12 A - B(15.5.12.L)

• Finance and Economics

• GRADES 9 - 12

• Develop financial investment plans to accommodate various economic and personal scenarios.(15.6.12.P)
• Apply the “Rule of 72” to estimate the number of periods required to double an investment.(15.6.12.Q)
• Compare and contrast various investment plans to achieve goals of liquidity, income, and growth.(15.6.12.R)
• Analyze the role of government in investment planning and retirement planning.(15.6.12.S)

• Management

• GRADES 9 - 12

• Analyze the costs and benefits of organizing a business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.(15.8.12.B)
• Critique major social and ethical decisions made by business and organizations throughout history.Reference Economics 6.5.12.C(15.8.12.C)
• Analyze leadership skills necessary for leading at various management levels.(15.8.12.G)
• Analyze and select appropriate managerial communication skills based upon context. Reference Economics 6.5.9.D; Health, Safety, and Physical Education 10.3.9.C; Career Education and Work 13.3.11.C; Student Interpersonal Skills SIS 2.D(15.8.12.I)
• Explain the purpose and activities of a human resource department in a business or organization.(15.8.12.L)
• Analyze the impact of different management strategies used by global businesses.Reference Business, Computer and Information Technology 15.7.12.L(15.8.12.T)

• Marketing

• GRADES 9 - 12

• Evaluate the influence of members of a marketing channel, including company, intermediaries, retailer, and consumer.(15.9.12.C)
• Research and analyze consumer behavior patterns and the effect of those patterns on business and the economy.(15.9.12.E)
• Evaluate processes needed to obtain, develop, maintain, and improve products or services; including product development, packaging, branding, product mix, product life cycle, and product positioning.(15.9.12.F)
• Evaluate the impacts of various pricing strategies on the consumer and businesses at the local, domestic, and global level; including penetration, skimming, supply/demand, and exchange rates.(15.9.12.H)
• Design a comprehensive promotion plan for a product or service.(15.9.12.I)
• Create a comprehensive marketing plan.(15.9.12.K)

Units

Unit #1 - Economic Systems

Unit #2 - Decision-Making & Ethics

Unit #3 - Forms of Ownership

Unit #4 - Introduction to Investing

Unit #5 - Networking

Unit #6 - Communication

Unit #7 - Management

Unit #8 - Marketing

Unit #9 - Leadership

Unit #10 - Presentation Tips & Practice

Unit #11 - Final Project

Course Resources