Foundations of Management Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This specialization provides a comprehensive foundation in management principles across accounting, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. Through a blend of theory and practical application, learners will develop essential skills for effective decision-making and leadership in professional settings. The program consists of five core courses followed by a hands-on capstone project, requiring approximately 60 hours of learning, including readings, assignments, and case analysis. With lifetime access, learners can progress at their own pace and gain valuable competencies applicable across industries.

Module 1: Accounting: Principles of Financial Accounting

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Introduction to financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement
• Understanding accounting principles and the accounting cycle
• Interpreting financial data for business diagnosis
• Using financial reports for managerial decision-making

Module 2: Finance for Managers

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Analyzing financial statements to assess company performance
• Managing current assets and liabilities
• Working capital management and short-term financial decisions
• Applying financial analysis to operational challenges

Module 3: Marketing: Customer Needs and Wants

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Identifying and segmenting customer groups
• Understanding consumer behavior and purchase decision processes
• Classifying customer needs and wants
• Developing customer-centric marketing strategies

Module 4: Organizational Behavior: How to Manage People

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Understanding motivation and employee engagement
• Leadership styles and their impact on teams
• Building effective teams and teamwork
• Shaping and managing organizational culture

Module 5: Analysis of Business Problems

Estimated time: 9 hours

• Introducing a six-step methodology for problem analysis
• Integrating insights from accounting, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior
• Diagnosing real-world business dilemmas
• Developing holistic, evidence-based solutions

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Deliverable 1: Analyze a real business case using the six-step framework
• Deliverable 2: Apply financial and accounting insights to diagnose performance
• Deliverable 3: Propose an integrated solution incorporating marketing and organizational behavior strategies

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of business concepts
• Proficiency in English
• No prior degree required; open to all learners

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Read and interpret financial statements for business decision-making
• Analyze financial performance and manage working capital effectively
• Develop marketing strategies based on customer insights
• Lead and manage teams using principles of organizational behavior
• Solve complex business problems using an integrated, structured approach