Principles of Business Management Semester 1

Enrollment Message

Students need access to a webcam or video recording device.

Course Description

Principles of Business Management Semester 1 introduces students to the basics of how businesses operate in today’s global world. Students will explore why businesses exist, how they are organized, and how managers and leaders make decisions. The course explores different types of business ownership, entrepreneurship, leadership styles, communication skills, ethics, and financial planning.

Students will practice real-world skills by working on case studies, discussions, and projects. They will learn how to use the P-O-L-C framework (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) to understand and solve business problems. The course also focuses on professional communication, including writing emails, giving presentations, using visuals, and working with digital tools.

By the end of the course, students will be able to think critically about ethical, legal, and global business challenges and make informed decisions using data and technology. Students will also explore career options in business and create plans that connect their interests and strengths to future career goals.

• Indiana Core40 Diploma Applicable through class of 2028
• Counts as a directed elective or elective for all diplomas
• Indiana NEW Diploma Applicable for students entering school in 2025-26 (Class of 2029) 
• Fulfills an Elective Credit

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• evaluate ethical, legal, and global challenges that businesses face and propose responsible solutions.
• design and communicate clear business ideas using professional writing, speaking, visuals, and digital tools.
• apply the P-O-L-C framework (planning, organizing, leading, controlling) to analyze and solve organizational problems.
• use business technology and data to make informed decisions.
• develop and adapt a career action plan that aligns with your strengths, interests, and industry requirements.
• collaborate with others by demonstrating leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and stress management.

Indiana Academic Standards

• Next Level Programs of Study Competencies

Units of Instruction

• Unit 1 What is Business?
• Unit 2 Business Ownership and Entrepreneurship
• Unit 3 Leadership and Management Basics
• Unit 4 Business Communication
• Unit 5 Business and Ethics
• Unit 6 Finance and the Marketplace

Grading/Evaluation

Indiana Online does not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue transcripts or diplomas. A final score reported as a percentage of total points earned will be sent to students upon completion of a course. Your school of record can also access this score within the Student Information System, Genius. The final score will be shown as a percentage in Canvas and Genius. The student’s school of record will determine the letter grade based on their specific grading scale.

Assessments

Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, teacher-graded writing assignments including hands-on projects, model building and other forms of authentic assessments. The course includes the following assessments

• 7 Discussions
• 24 Assignments
• 15 Quizzes

Teacher Contact Response Time

Students can use email or the private message system within Genius or Canvas to access highly qualified teachers when they need teacher assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside Canvas. The Teacher Information page of their course may describe additional communication options.

The teacher will respond to student inquiries (email, text, call) within one business day. Assignments will be graded and posted within two business days.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the student handbook to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Indiana Online supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students are required to have a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• access software needed for the course
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Indiana Online Helpdesk.