Business Foundations Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This specialization offers a comprehensive introduction to core business disciplines taught by Wharton School professors. Designed for beginners, it covers finance, marketing, economics, and organizational management through real-world case studies and practical applications. The program spans approximately 38–53 weeks of flexible learning, with a total time commitment of around 120–160 hours. Learners will build foundational business knowledge and apply it in a final capstone project.

Module 1: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Estimated time: 20 hours

• Understanding financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement
• Key accounting concepts: assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity
• Revenue recognition and expense matching principles
• Interpreting financial data for business decision-making

Module 2: Marketing Fundamentals

Estimated time: 30 hours

• Consumer behavior and market segmentation
• Branding strategies and brand equity
• Pricing models and competitive positioning
• Product lifecycle and go-to-market strategies

Module 3: Business Economics & Decision Making

Estimated time: 40 hours

• Supply and demand fundamentals
• Market structures: competition, monopolies, and oligopolies
• Elasticity and pricing decisions
• Applying economic thinking to business strategy

Module 4: Managing People & Organizations

Estimated time: 50 hours

• Leadership styles and their impact on performance
• Organizational behavior and culture
• Team development and motivation theories
• Managing change and organizational design

Module 5: Strategic Business Analysis

Estimated time: 30 hours

• Competitive strategy and industry analysis
• Value creation and sustainable advantage
• Strategic decision-making frameworks
• Data-driven planning and execution

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 60 hours

• Deliverable 1: Identify a real-world business challenge
• Deliverable 2: Conduct financial, marketing, and organizational analysis
• Deliverable 3: Present a comprehensive strategic plan with actionable recommendations

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of high school-level mathematics
• Interest in business, management, or entrepreneurship
• No prior business coursework required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Analyze financial statements to inform business decisions
• Develop effective marketing and branding strategies
• Apply economic principles to real-world business scenarios
• Lead teams and manage organizational dynamics effectively
• Design and present data-driven strategic business plans