COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS
Code Course Type Regular Semester Theory Practice Lab Credits ECTS
BUS 103 B 1 3 0 0 3 5
Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) NA
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: Dr. Besjon Zenelaj bzenelaj@epoka.edu.al
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: NA
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: NA
Language: English
Compulsory/Elective: Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) Bachelor in Electronics and Digital Communication Engineering (3 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time: Conference Hall / 08:45 Thursday
Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics of EPOKA University
Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:
Course Description: Introduction to Business is a course that offers essential information related to the business landscape and business functions (Operations & Production, Marketing, Finance & Accounting, Human Resourced Management, IT). The course has been designed in such a way that it provides to the students the updated information on the business reality which changes very rapidly. At the same time, it provides the necessary information for more advanced courses related to the aforementioned business functions. Through real life examples and case studies, both national and international; the content of this course has been aligned with the contemporary developments in the field of business, and aims to provide the basics for the understanding of business organizations and people who operate them.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course you will demonstrate the ability to describe and explain: Basic business concepts, terminology, and institutions Basic environments (legal, social, economic) in which a business operates; Basic concepts of management and recognize problems faced in operating a business enterprise; Basic concepts related to the marketing of goods and services; Basic elements of accounting, computers, data processing, and quantitative methods with emphasis on the role these play in business;
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
1 Production
2 Sustainability
3 Marketing
4 Human Resources
5 Management
6 Finance
7 Accounting
8 Environment
9 Entrepreneurship
10 Business
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topics
1 General Introduction/ During this week the students are going to be introduced to the course content, procedures, evaluation and practices. Furthermore during this week the lecturer is going to ask for the feedback from the students on any potential request that might occur.
2 Introduction to Business / Cultivating a Business in Diverse, Global Environments; Taking Risks and Making Profits within the Dynamic Business Environment; Understanding Economics and How It Affects Business (p. 2-55)
3 Business & Entrepreneurship: An introduction/ Doing Business in Global Markets and Demanding Ethical and Socially Responsible Behavior (p.56- 86)
4 Business Ownership: Starting a Small Business/ How to Form a Business: Entrepreneurship and Starting a Small Business( p. 110-168)
5 Empowering Employees to Satisfy Customers/ Management and Leadership; Structuring Organizations for Today’s Challenges 168-215
6 Management of Human Resources: Motivating Employees to Produce Quality Goods and Services 240-266
7 General Introduction / During this week the first three part of the whole term is going to be reviewed. Further more; It is going to include interactive session.
8 Midterm
9 Human Resource Management: Finding and Keeping the Best Employees; Dealing with Employee–Management Issues (p. 266-300)
10 Human Resource Management: Finding and Keeping the Best Employees; Dealing with Employee–Management Issues (p. 266-300)
11 Marketing: Developing and Implementing Customer-Oriented Marketing Plans Marketing: Helping Buyers Buy; Developing and Pricing Goods and Services; Distributing Products; Using Effective Promotions (p.326-408)
12 Managing Financial Resources: Understanding Accounting and Financial Information 434 Financial Management 434- 462
13 Project Presentation
14 Project Presentation
Prerequisite(s): No
Textbook(s): Understanding business / William G. Nickels, James M. McHugh, Susan M.McHugh. —Eleventh edition.-- ISBN 978-0-07-802316-3
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work: No
Computer Usage: Yes
Others: No
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Review Syllabus. Business in a Global Environment: Blending People, Technology, and Ethical Behavior
2 Business ethics & Social Responsibility and Economic Challenges Faced by Businesses
3 Competing in Global Markets
4 Options for Organizing Small &Large Businesses
5 Electronic Commerce: Strategies for Business Success in the Relationship Era and the Entrepreneurship Alternative
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)
No Program Competencies Cont.
Bachelor in Electronics and Digital Communication Engineering (3 years) Program
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
Method Quantity Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)
1
35
Presentation
1
0
Project
1
20
Final Exam
1
45
Total Percent: 100%
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
Activities Quantity Duration(Hours) Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) 16 3 48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 16 4 64
Mid-terms 1 2 2
Assignments 0
Final examination 1 2 2
Other 1 9 9
Total Work Load:
125
Total Work Load/25(h):
5
ECTS Credit of the Course:
5
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

Introduction to Business covers the scope and sequence of most introductory business courses. It provides detailed explanations in the context of core themes such as customer satisfaction, ethics, entrepreneurship, global business, and managing change. Introduction to Business includes current business examples from a range of industries and geographic locations, which feature a variety of individuals. The outcome is a balanced approach to the theory and application of business concepts, with attention to the knowledge and skills necessary for student success in this course and beyond.