MBA 6001 – Foundations of Business: Course Overview

MBA 6001 – Foundations of Business: Course Overview

MBA 6001 – Foundations of Business is a core course in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, offered at Walden University. This foundational course provides students with a comprehensive overview of key business concepts, practices, and strategies that are essential for succeeding in today’s global and dynamic business environment. The course introduces fundamental business topics such as management, finance, marketing, operations, and business ethics, laying the groundwork for more advanced business coursework.

Designed for individuals who wish to enhance their business acumen, whether they are new to the field or seeking to advance their careers, MBA 6001 prepares students to understand the core areas of business and how they interconnect in the creation and execution of a business strategy.

Course Overview of MBA 6001 – Foundations of Business

MBA 6001 focuses on providing students with a solid understanding of essential business concepts that are applicable across various industries. Through this course, students will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles that guide business operations, including how organizations are structured, the key drivers of business success, and how leaders make decisions based on data, trends, and market conditions.

This course prepares students to enter the MBA program with a strong foundation, ready to explore specialized topics in business management, leadership, finance, and marketing.

Key Learning Outcomes and Focus Areas

1. Introduction to Business Functions and Practices

   • Students will gain an understanding of the core functions of business—including management, marketing, finance, and operations—and how these functions interact to drive organizational success.

   • The course covers key concepts in business operations, organizational structure, and strategic planning, focusing on how businesses create value in competitive markets.

2. Management and Leadership Principles

   • An exploration of the roles and responsibilities of managers and leaders within organizations. Students will study topics like organizational behavior, leadership styles, and the importance of effective decision-making.

   • The course will also cover management strategies that help businesses achieve their goals, including strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving.

3. Financial Concepts and Business Metrics

   • An overview of essential financial concepts, including financial statements, budgeting, and financial analysis. Students will learn how to evaluate the financial health of an organization and use financial data to make informed business decisions.

   • Key performance indicators (KPIs) and other business metrics will be introduced to help students assess business performance.

4. Marketing Fundamentals

   • The course introduces basic marketing principles, including market research, consumer behavior, product development, and marketing strategies. Students will understand the importance of customer-centricity and how to design effective marketing campaigns to reach target audiences.

5. Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

   • An essential part of the course is the focus on business ethics and the role of businesses in society. Students will explore ethical decision-making frameworks and the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the modern business world.

   • Students will also be introduced to the ethical challenges that businesses face in a globalized economy and how to handle them with integrity.

6. Global Business Environment

   • The course introduces students to the global business landscape, including trends in international trade, cultural differences, and global supply chains.

   • Students will explore how businesses operate in an international environment and the importance of adaptability and cultural awareness in managing global operations.

Key Topics Covered in MBA 6001 – Foundations of Business

1. Business Structures and Functions

   • Overview of business structures (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation).

   • Exploration of the main functions in business: finance, marketing, operations, and human resources.

2. Business Management and Leadership

   • Management practices and their role in organizational success.

   • The significance of leadership styles, motivation, and the management of teams.

3. Financial Management

   • Understanding financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, cash flow).

   • The role of budgeting and financial planning in business.

4. Marketing Strategies

   • Fundamentals of marketing research, branding, advertising, and customer relationship management (CRM).

   • The role of digital marketing and online marketing strategies in modern business.

5. Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

   • Ethical decision-making frameworks for business leaders.

   • The importance of business ethics in a globalized economy, including sustainability and CSR.

6. Global Business Trends

   • The impact of globalization on business operations and strategies.

   • Trends in international trade, global supply chains, and cross-cultural management.