Introduction to Business 3 credits

This course is designed to provide students with a foundation for business and management studies. It contextualizes business operations and management in the wider economic and societal context and facilitates understanding of some topical areas in business. For this purpose, the course comprises the following five parts: _Economics_ – introducing students to how markets function and influence business. _Business and Society_ – introducing students to the interconnectedness between society and business. _Business organizations and ownership_ – introducing students to the different ways of setting up, owning, and operating businesses. _Finance and business models_ – introducing students to how businesses are financed. Overview of business models and how this relates to revenue flow and sustainable finances. _Sustainability & SDGs_ – introducing students to sustainability and SDGs, elaborating the role of business in sustainable development. **Connection to research and practice** The subject introductions are provided by research-active faculty, ensuring that the content mirrors concepts and assumptions in current research. Students are required to read and comprehend basic academic literature. Parts of the course specifically focus on connecting business operations with society. Examples from practice are utilized to facilitate students’ understanding of the effects of managerial decisions.