Intro to Business and Tech

Course Description:

Introduction to Business & Technology is the foundational course for the Financial Services pathway, and Entrepreneurship pathway. The course is designed for high school students as a gateway to the career pathways above, and provides an overview of business and technology skills required for today's business environment. Knowledge of business principles, the impact of financial decisions, and technology proficiencies demanded by business combine to establish the elements of this course. Emphasis is placed on developing proficient fundamental computer skills required for all career pathways. Students will learn essentials for working in a business environment, managing a business, and owning a business. The intention of this course is to prepare students to be successful both personally and professionally in an information-based society. Students will not only understand the concepts, but apply their knowledge to situations and defend their actions/decisions/choices through the knowledge and skills acquired in this course. Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the skills required by business and industry. Competencies in the co-curricular student organization, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), are integral components of both the employability skills standards and content standards for this course. Various forms of technologies will be highlighted to expose students to the emerging technologies impacting the business world. Professional communication skills and practices, problem-solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are taught in this course as a foundational knowledge to prepare students to be college and career ready. Introduction to Business & Technology is a course that is appropriate for all high school students.

Introduction to Business & Technology__________________ Pacing Guide

Course Pacing Overview

Duration (Weeks)	Unit/Topic	Standard
1.5	Introduction to Technology	IBT-1, IBT-2
2	Word Processing Applications	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3
1.5	Effective Communication Skills	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3, IBT-6, IBT-12
2	Introduction to the World of Marketing	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3, IBT-5, IBT-12
2	Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3, IBT-7, IBT-12
1	Leadership and Management	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3, IBT-4, IBT-12
2	Accounting 101	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3, IBT-8, IBT-12
2	Money Management Basics	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3, IBT-9, IBT-12
2	Managing Risk	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3, IBT-10, IBT-12
2	Introduction to Human Resources	IBT-1, IBT-2, IBT-3, IBT-11, IBT-12

Electronic Resources Used in Course Throughout Semester:

Title/Topic			Duration
Introduction to Technology			3 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
BMA-IBT-2: Apply technology as a tool to increase productivity to create, edit, and publish industry-appropriate documents. 2.1 Practice respectful and responsible use of technology. 2.2 Demonstrate ethical and legal actions with regards to plagiarism, fair use, and copyright laws. 2.3 Execute efficient online searches for specific and credible resources. 2.4 Model the ability to work independently and as a team member. 2.5 Demonstrate time-management and organizational skills to complete tasks in allotted time. 2.6 State how changes in technology affect the workplace and society. Social media, cell phones, tablets, cloud computing, operating systems, and other emerging technologies. 2.7 Apply good design principles to create professional appearing and functioning business documents. 2.8 Compare and contrast technology tools’ uses for efficiency in business. 2.9 Apply practices that deter, detect, and defend against identity theft for business and personal safety. 2.10 Utilize technology in a variety of ways while solving business problems.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. ELACC9-10SL2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
Activities/Projects	Changes in Technology Identity Theft Solving Business Problems
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Contributor: 9 & 23 Leader: 1, 11, 20, 29
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Desktop Application Programming Management Information Systems Help Desk Client Services Computer Gaming and Simulation Programming
Notes	Remember, the purpose of this unit is to increase student awareness of technology, to understand the responsibilities of users and to encourage efficient use of technological applications in business settings.

Title/Topic			Duration
Word Applications			4 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
BMA-IBT-3 Master word processing software to create, edit, and publish professional-appearing business documents. 3.1 Create, share and maintain documents. Apply different views and templates, protect the document, manage document versions, share and save documents. 3.2 Format document content. Apply font and paragraph attributes, navigate and search, create and manipulate tables, and apply bullets. 3.3 Apply page layout and reusable content to documents. Apply and manipulate page setup settings, apply themes, construct content using the Quick Parts tools, create and manipulate page backgrounds, and create and modify headers and footers. 3.4 Insert illustrations and graphics in a document. Insert and format pictures, clip art, shapes, WordArt, and SmartArt, and apply and manipulate text boxes. 3.5 Proofread documents to validate content. Use spelling and grammar check, configure AutoCorrect settings, and insert and modify comments in a document. 3.6 Apply references and hyperlinks in a document. Apply hyperlinks; create endnotes, footnotes, and a table of contents. 3.7 Perform mail merge operations. Setup and execute a mail merge.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Activities/Projects	Embedded Microsoft Word Activities
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Contributor: 13 Leader: 1,2, 9, 17, 19, 21
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Desktop Publishing Word Processing I
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to expose students to the *proper* uses of Word features and how many of the features are used in business.

Title/Topic			Duration
Effective Communication Skills			3 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
BMA-IBT-6 Use professional oral, written, and digital communication skills to create, express, and interpret information and ideas. 6.1 Exhibit appropriate business (oral, written, and digital) communication skills needed in the workplace to facilitate information and communication. 6.2 Explore social media etiquette and importance of digital presence. 6.3 Produce written communications that utilize proper tone, grammar, and bias-free language for the workplace. A. Resume 6.4 Employ critical thinking and problem-solving strategies both individually and collaboratively to solve real-world and/or business-related problems. 6.5 Using presentation software, create and deliver simple, clear and compelling presentations effectively to target audiences. 6.6 Use technology to enhance the effectiveness of communication in a business environment. Email, video conferencing, phone conferencing, instant messaging, online chat, blogs, newsgroups, list serve, etc. 6.7 Use appropriate technology to plan, develop, practice, and present material to different types of audiences for specific business purpose. A. Research paper, web site, multimedia presentation, publications, speech, online media, video, avatar, etc.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. ELACC9-10SL2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source. ELACC9-10SL4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. ELACC9-10SL5: Make strategic use of digital media
Activities/Projects	Oral Communication \| Written Communication \| Digital Communication Social Media Etiquette Target Audience Presentations Technology to improve written and oral communication
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Leader: 6, 8, 10, 23, 30
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Client Services Public Speaking I Impromptu Speaking Intro to Business Communication Job Interview Intro to Parliamentary Procedure
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to explore the ways that oral, digital and written communication is used in business how each is used effectively and when each type is most appropriate.
Title/Topic			Duration
Introduction to the World of Marketing			4 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
BMA-IBT-5 Demonstrate understanding of the concept of marketing and its importance to business ownership. 5.1 Explain the fundamental marketing concepts used by a small business. 5.2 Understand target market and demographics in marketing strategies. 5.3 Create a customer database using database software to create and maintain an accurate customer list. 5.4 Use customer database to pull specific data to target for marketing campaign. 5.5 Evaluate different types of promotional tools for business product and/or services. a. Traditional tools and online tools, personal networking. 5.6 Use innovation to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Activities/Projects	Fundamental Marketing Concepts Target Markets and Demographics Marketing Campaign Creating Promotional Tools Gaining Competitive Advantage
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019, Excel 2019
FBLA Integration	Contributor: 2, 10, 24 Leader: 4, 25
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Marketing
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to expose students to marketing and its basic principles as an essential component of business. Students should explore ways to market their business efficiently and according to the resources available.

Title/Topic			Duration
Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership			4 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
MA-IBT-7 Demonstrate an understanding of entrepreneurship through recognizing a business opportunity, how to start a business based on the recognized opportunity, and basics of how to operate and maintain that business. 7.1 Identify the unique characteristics, traits, and concepts of the successful entrepreneur. 7.2 Describe the importance of developing and organizing a successful business plan. 7.3 Identify components and format of a business plan. 7.4 Examine the business opportunities available in local school and community. 7.5 Participate as part of a team in an effort to accomplish a common goal leading to a successful business endeavor. 7.6 Differentiate between the types of business ownership. 7.7 Explain the implications of technology on business development and future growth.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. ELACC9-10SL4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
Activities/Projects	Characteristics of an Entrepreneur Importance of a Business Plan Creating and Formatting a Business Plan Exploring Business Opportunities Types of Business Ownership Technology and Business Development
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Contributor: 3, 12, 15, 16 Leader: 14, 26
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Business Plan E-Business Introduction to Business Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure Job Interview Entrepreneurship American Enterprise Project
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to understand the basic principles of business ownership and how they can be applied to any type of business venture.

Title/Topic			Duration
Leadership and Management			2 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
BMA-IBT-4 Analyze and integrate leadership skills and management functions within the business environment. 4.1 Explain the interrelationships between the functions of business: accounting, finance, production, marketing, sales, and management. 4.2 Define, explain and apply various management functions including planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. 4.3 Explain the importance of a vision, a mission statement, and goal-setting within the context of the business environment. 4.4 Apply the decision making process to a business situation. 4.5 Discuss the impact of the business and personal reputation and image including online presence as part of the management of the business. 4.6 Understand employee impact and management’s role in contributing to successful business operations. 4.7 Exhibit organizational skills while planning and executing business projects. 4.8 Implement strategic plans to manage business growth, profit, and goals. 4.9 Investigate leadership skills within a successful business environment.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Activities/Projects	Management Functions Importance of Visions, Missions and Goals in a Business Reputation and Image Strategic Plans
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Contributor: 7,20,22 Leader: 27
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Future Business Leader Job Interview Management Decision Making Virtual Business Management Challenge
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to understand the importance of being an effective leader/manager in a business setting. Students will explore what managers do, their responsibilities and why their role is essential to the success of a business.

Title/Topic			Duration
Accounting 101			4 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
BMA-IBT-8 Understand, interpret, and use accounting principles to make financial decisions. 8.1 View financial statements of a business and utilizes those statements to make informed business decisions. 8.2 Explain the purpose of the various steps in the accounting cycle. 8.3 Differentiate between debits and credits. 8.4 Analyze and describe sources of income for the business venture (i.e., sales and labor). 8.5 Using basic features of spreadsheet software to produce professional financial statements representative of a small business.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Activities/Projects	Reading and Creating Financial Statements The Accounting Cycle Debits and Credits Sources of Income
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Leader: 15
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Accounting I Business Financial Plan Business Math Personal Finance Spreadsheet Applications
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to explore the financial components of a business by learning the basic accounting principles and how major transactions are categorized.

Title/Topic				Duration
Money Management Basics				4 weeks
GPS Standards			Common Core GPS
BMA-IBT-9 Develop effective money management strategies and understand the role and functions of financial institutions. 9.1 Develop a budget including all essential elements for personal and business use. 9.2 Compare and contrast the types of financial institutions, both depository and non-depository including the functions and purpose. a. Commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, investment banks, financial services companies, and insurance companies. 9.3 Examine the principles of banking transactions and the various services of a bank. a. Item processing, collection functions, procedures, bookkeeping, loans, investments, and trust operations. 9.4 Apply mathematical operations and processes as well as financial planning strategies to commonly occurring situations in the workplace to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance. 9.5 Examine the features and effects of online banking including mobile banking for the business and the consumer. 9.6 Explore a personal credit report and the impact of credit on business and personal life.			ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Activities/Projects	Developing a personal and business budget Types of Financial Institutions Principles of Banking Online Banking Credit Scores and Credit Reports
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Contributor: 11
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Business Calculations Business Financial Plan Personal Finance Accounting I Spreadsheet Applications Business Math
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to understand the elements of financial planning for both personal and business uses.
Title/Topic				Duration
Managing Risks				4 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
MA-IBT-10 Research and interpret the various risks involved in operating a business while determining the role of insurance for a business. 10.1 Identify possible business threats and employ risk management strategies and techniques to minimize potential financial loss. 10.2 Identify types of business insurance and the need for insurance in a business. 10.3 Explain basic insurance concepts: insurance, policyholder, premium, probability, risk, claim, coverage, deductible, policy, insured, insurer, and liability. 10.4 Analyze risks to make insurance decisions. 10.5 Explore the various career options associated with the insurance field.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Activities/Projects	Threats to Business Success Business Insurance Insurance Concepts Analyzing Risks
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Organizational Leadership
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Banking and Financial Systems
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to explore the risks involved with business ownership and ways such risk can be minimized (insurance, security, etc.)

Title/Topic			Duration
Introduction to Human Resources			4 weeks
GPS Standards		Common Core GPS
BMA-IBT-11 Examine basic human resources and the legal aspects of a business while incorporating the methods into business practices. 11.1 Differentiate among types of business crimes and identify the strategies that business can use to deter crimes. 11.2 Demonstrate understanding of specific legal areas that most commonly affect personal and business relationships. a. Contract law, insurance, bankruptcy, property law, computer law, harassment, discrimination. 11.3 Describe the legal requirements of obtaining a business license, permit, contract, patent, copyright, trademark, and logo. 11.4 Create a plan for recruiting, hiring, and retaining a new employee and the associated costs. a. Job application, social media impacts, credit report analysis, appearance impact, etc. 11.5 Review employment and labor laws impacting business.		ELACC9-10SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Activities/Projects	White Collar Crimes Areas of Business Law Obtaining a Business License Recruiting and Hiring New Employees Employment and Labor Law
Microsoft IT Integration	Microsoft Office Specialist - Word 2019
FBLA Integration	Leader: 13
FBLA Competition	If a student excels in this unit, suggest they consider competing in: Ethics Business Law Emerging Business Issues Introduction to Business Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure Virtual Business Management Challenge
Notes	The purpose of this unit is to understand the employment processes for businesses with special emphasis on the legalities of business owner responsibilities.

IBT Syllabus

IBT Pacing Guide