Business can refer to a particular organization such as WalMart or to an entire market sector—for example, “the music business.” Compound forms such as agribusiness represent subsets of the word’s broader meaning, which encompasses all activity by suppliers of goods and services in the agricultural industry.  Business can also refer to an individual who earns his or her income by working from home selling items through an online auction site like eBay.  The concept of business has enough definitions and applications that we could almost say that everything is business. Throughout this course we will explore the various functions, roles, and characteristics of business while keeping in mind that business is like the air we breathe—everywhere!

This ready-to-adopt Introduction to Business course develops students’ understanding of business fundamentals with learning design structured around timely, real-world case studies and examples. Key topics include the role of business, the global economic and legal environment, ethics, marketing, accounting and finance, and managing processes and operations. Enriched OER content (text, video, simulations, etc.) orients students to the shifting business landscape and prepares them for success in business program curriculum and the workplace.

This course was written by Linda Williams of Tidewater Community College and Lumen Learning and is supplemented by content from OpenStax Principles of Economics, Boundless Business, and videos from multiple sources.

-----------------------------Review------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Criteria
Accuracy and Currency
How accurate is the material, based on current standards in the field?
If the material is inaccurate, does it acknowledge conflicts in perspectives and changes over time?
If the material is outdated, does it serve other purposes (to provide historical perspective, to provoke discussion, or to serve as an example)?

Within this review of Lumen's Open Educational Resource (OER) Introduction to Business by Linda Williams, I chose to pick one part of the course content to review - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The material is based on current standards within the business ethics foundation. This portion of CSR goes over current terminology such as "green-washing" and connects to current controversies within CSR, which is important to students going forward in business. Thus far, I see that this information serves discussion purposes, as well as historical relevance. The chapter starts with President Calvin Coolidge's vantage to of business not being a part of business, outside of people being a foundation to business.

Bias
How does the material acknowledge perspectives (of the authors, of other experts in the field, of critical voices, etc.)?
How does the material present facts, opinions, and judgments?
How does the licensing of the material allow the instructor to remix or revise biased content?

The material doesn't acknowledge the author's perspective, which doesn't give a bias. It does present facts within the chapter. In my review, I am unsure if educators can revise the content; but, educators can add portions of the course OER to their classrooms, i.e. CANVAS or Blackboard.

Ability to Overcome Barriers to Engagement
How does the material engage students? Does the material reflect student experience and views?
How do students access the material? Does it require technology skills? Can it be accessed in multiple ways through multiple means?
How does the material/resource respond to accommodative and adaptive technologies?

In reviewing the CSR chapter, I was happy to see video supporting "Increased Pressure from Consumers" subsection of the chapter. This could be a great reflection of students views. This material does require technology skills in order for access to this chapter and OER book. In my review, I was able to connect to the OER course and chapter through a desktop computer, but I did not connect via a mobile phone. For accessibility (ADA) purposes, it is possible to use "talk to text" or "speechnotes" with this OER.

Publishing Process & Licensing
How was the material published? What kind of review/editing process was used?
How is the material licensed and stored? Can it be remixed and revised as needed? Is it subscription-based and if so, who pays for the subscription?
What is the 'permanence' of this material? Is it temporal (likely to be removed or taken down)? What would be the back-up plan if license/access to this material is lost?

Depending if the educator uses "Waymaker", "OHM", or "Candela", each student could pay between $10 to $25 per student as a subscription, in comparison to over $100 for a textbook. Lumen offer workshops and training within their OER program.

Relevant to Course & Institution
How does this material align with course objectives and learning activities?

At the beginning of the CSR chapter, it gives student outcomes such has the definition of CSR, describe the impact of CSR to its stakeholders, and give examples to students of what CSR is within business. This material is align to "Introduction to Business" student outcomes, as well as to AACSB International accreditation.

Relevant to Students
How does the material reflect student interests and learning goals?
How does the material give student autonomy in their learning?
How does the material encourage interaction, critical thinking, and deeper learning/processing

Introductory Business Statistics with Interactive Spreadsheets - 1st Canadian Edition is an adaptation of Thomas K. Tiemann's book, "Introductory Business Statistics". In addition to covering basics such as populations, samples, the difference between data and information, and sampling distributions, descriptive statistics and frequency distributions, normal and t-distributions, hypothesis testing, t-tests, f-tests, analysis of variance, non-parametric tests, and regression basics, the following information has been added: the chi-square test and categorical variables, null and alternative hypotheses for the test of independence, simple linear regression model, least squares method, coefficient of determination, confidence interval for the average of the dependent variable, and prediction interval for a specific value of the dependent variable. This new edition also allows readers to learn the basic and most commonly applied statistical techniques in business in an interactive way -- when using the web version -- through interactive Excel spreadsheets. All information has been revised to reflect Canadian content.

The Learning Prism is on a mission to transform the lives of underserved and underprivileged communities through the power of education. They are committed to providing accessible high-quality learning resources to empower communities and unlock the potential of countless individuals who deserve a brighter future.

Free online curricula include a variety of courses in categories such as Administrative Skills, Career Development, Human Resources, Microsoft Suite, Personal Development, Sales and Marketing, Supervisors and Managers, and Workplace Essentials.

This course looks at the role of accounting in the management process, cost systems, capital investment, and more.

Mastering Strategic Management is designed to enhance student engagement in three innovative ways. The first is through visual adaptations of the key content in the book. It is well documented that many of today’s students are visual learners. To meet students’ wants and needs (and thereby create a much better teaching experience for professors), Mastering Strategic Management contains multiple graphic concept pages in ever section of every chapter of the book. Think of graphic concept pages as almost like info-graphics for key concepts in each

My Future AZ utilizes proven technology and infrastructure from Pipeline AZ, an Arizona career development and job skills exploration platform, to offer students comprehensive resources and support to plan for their future careers.

Pipeline AZ (PAZ) is a community-funded platform supporting student and adult career explorers, job seekers, workforce organizations, education and training providers, and employers. The platform has received statewide support as the end-to-end solution for stakeholders across workforce development due to its unique features and benefits, as well as its comprehensive reporting capabilities.

My Next Move is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, and developed by the National Center for O*NET Development.

Retail offers a fresh start and a way forward for millions of American job seekers. As the philanthropic arm of the National Retail Federation, we build a bridge between a growing industry with hundreds of thousands of open positions and people looking for a first start, or a second chance. In January 2017, we launched our RISE Up (Retail Industry Skills and Education) training and credentials program.

OpenStax business education resources are specifically designed to appeal to all levels of business interest, exposing students to the core concepts of business in familiar ways to build a strong foundation that can be applied across business fields. Thoughtfully designed examples are presented throughout each chapter, allowing students to build on emerging knowledge. Concepts are further reinforced through applicable connections to more detailed processes. Students are immersed in the "why" as well as the "how" aspects in order to reinforce concepts and promote comprehension over rote memorization.

Introduction to Business covers the scope and sequence of most introductory business courses. The book provides detailed explanations in the context of core themes such as customer satisfaction, ethics, entrepreneurship, global business, and managing change. Introduction to Business includes hundreds of current business examples from a range of industries and geographic locations, which feature a variety of individuals. The outcome is a balanced approach to the theory and application of business concepts, with attention to the knowledge and skills necessary for student success in this course and beyond.

Workplace Software and Skills is an online textbook designed to flexibly support a range of courses covering computer literacy, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite applications.

The textbook covers both hard and soft skills that apply to a broad range of academic majors and careers. Chapters combine studio learning and guided practice with scaffolded activities designed to reinforce a student’s ability to perform higher-order tasks independently. Workplace Software and Skills leverages complementary product features in spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, and similar applications.

Modules are designed for maximum flexibility by including both Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite applications, to reflect best the skills needed for today’s workforce. Authentic activities and real-world contexts develop a cumulative and thorough understanding, which reinforces the importance of cross-platform proficiency.

Highly visible features also note Apple/Mac functions as needed.

This OpenStax resource aligns to introductory courses in Organizational Behavior. The text presents the theory, concepts, and applications with particular emphasis on the impact that individuals and groups can have on organizational performance and culture. An array of recurring features engages students in entrepreneurial thinking, managing change, using tools/technology, and responsible management; furthermore, the unique chapter on Social Media and Communication contextualizes the importance and implications of various platforms and communications methods.

Pear Deck is helping Phoenix keep classrooms connected and engaged in remote and hybrid learning
Imagine if you could engage every student in your class, every day. What if you could instantly see who’s confused and who’s ready for more — even when teaching remotely? That’s the power of Pear Deck.

Join us for a special webinar just for Phoenix educators to see how easy it is to get started! Learn how easy it is to create Pear Deck slides, present lessons in Instructor- and Student-Paced modes, add formative assessments, and more!

Register below to ensure you'll receive communications regarding these trainings moving forward. Reserve your seat by January 14 — three of our attendees will win Pear Deck swag!

January 16, 12:00pm MST
January 21, 5:00pm MST

Explore Careers, Industries, and Education Programs in Arizona. Pipeline AZ is a cloud based workforce ecosystem helping people figure out who they are and what they can do.

Business Management & Administration

Are you entrepreneurial? Would you enjoy a career that involves planning, directing and evaluating business functions essential to effective business operations? Careers in the business management & administration industry involve planning, oversight, and organizational tasks needed to run a business. More than half of these occupations typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, but specific designations range from less than a high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training for stock clerks and order fillers to a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of work experience in a related occupation for those such as computer and information systems managers.

Financial Services
Do you like to work with numbers? Do you want to help people plan for their financial futures? This industry includes careers in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management. Careers in the finance industry involve managing and working with money. Many of the occupations in this industry typically require a bachelor’s degree for entry, although specific designations range from a high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training for occupations such as loan interviewers and clerks to a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of work experience in a related occupation for financial managers.

Sales & Marketing
Do you like to sell products or services? Are you friendly and outgoing? This industry includes careers in planning, managing, and performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives. Careers in the marketing industry involve promoting and selling products and services. Many of the occupations in this industry typically require a high school diploma or equivalent; however, specific designations range from less than a high school diploma for models to a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of work experience in a related occupation for occupations such as public relations and fundraising managers.

Introduces accounting principles with respect to financial reporting. Demonstrates how decision makers use accounting information for reporting purposes. Focuses on the preparation of accounting information and its use in the operation of organizations, as well as methods of analysis and interpretation of accounting information.

Principles of Accounting is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of a two-semester accounting course that covers the fundamentals of financial and managerial accounting. Due to the comprehensive nature of the material, we are offering the book in two volumes. This book is specifically designed to appeal to both accounting and non-accounting majors, exposing students to the core concepts of accounting in familiar ways to build a strong foundation that can be applied across business fields. Each chapter opens with a relatable real-life scenario for today’s college student. Thoughtfully designed examples are presented throughout each chapter, allowing students to build on emerging accounting knowledge. Concepts are further reinforced through applicable connections to more detailed business processes. Students are immersed in the “why” as well as the “how” aspects of accounting in order to reinforce concepts and promote comprehension over rote memorization.