Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Foundations of Business Specialization

Foundations of Business Specialization

Business Foundations And Strategic Decision Making.

Build Skills In Strategy Management, Marketing, Finance, And Business Operations

Instructor: Pearson

Included with Learn more

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8 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

8 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Analyze the core functions of a business and the environmental forces that impact its strategy and structure.
Develop a foundational business plan that integrates key management, marketing, and financial concepts.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

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Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Pearson

Specialization - 8 course series

This Specialization provides a comprehensive overview of core business functions, including management, marketing, finance, operations, and human resources within both domestic and global environments. Learners will develop practical skills to analyze business structures, evaluate ethical and strategic decisions, and create a business plan using integrated business concepts and tools.

Applied Learning Project

This Specialization incorporates a range of interactive learning activities and assignments that actively engage learners throughout the experience. These elements are intended to promote consistent participation while providing meaningful opportunities to apply, practice, and refine essential concepts and skills.

The Business Environment

Course 1, 2 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze how foundational economic principles, including supply, demand, and competition, govern business operations within a market economy.
Evaluate the core functions of business in relation to the external environment, emerging challenges, and strategic opportunities.

Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

Course 2, 2 hours

What you'll learn

Apply ethical principles and decision-making models to navigate common business challenges.
Analyze the dimensions of social responsibility and its impact on a company's stakeholders.

Global Business

Course 3, 3 hours

What you'll learn

Assess the critical factors for launching and structuring a new business, from initial planning to long-term success.
Analyze the core strategies and challenges of expanding a business into the global marketplace.

Managing Business through Operations

Course 4, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Evaluate different management styles and organizational structures to lead teams and foster a strong corporate culture.
Apply principles of operations, quality, and supply chain management to improve organizational productivity.

Organizational Behavior and HR Management

Course 5, 3 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze the core functions of human resource management, including staffing, employee development, and legal compliance.
Apply motivational theories and labor relations strategies to foster a productive and satisfied workforce.

Marketing

Course 6, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze market research and buyer behavior to develop effective target marketing strategies.
Develop integrated marketing strategies by applying the marketing mix elements: product, price, promotion, and distribution.

Finances

Course 7, 3 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze financial statements and key accounting principles to assess a company's fiscal health and performance.
Evaluate the role of financial institutions and central banking systems in shaping the domestic and global economies.

Risk Management

Course 8, 2 hours

What you'll learn

Evaluate corporate finance strategies for securing capital and making investment decisions within regulated securities markets.
Apply a structured risk management process to identify, analyze, and mitigate financial and operational threats to a business.

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Pearson

8 Courses49 learners

Offered by

Pearson

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Frequently asked questions

This introductory specialization is designed for learners at all levels and does not require any prior background knowledge.

Yes, it is recommended that learners complete the courses in sequence, as each course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills developed in the previous one. This structured progression ensures a deeper and more cohesive understanding of key concepts throughout the specialization.

Completing the Specialization may qualify you to earn university credit, depending on the institution’s credit policies and requirements. Learners are encouraged to check with their college or university to confirm whether the Specialization is eligible for credit transfer, prior learning assessment, or other credit-bearing opportunities.

Upon completing this Specialization, learners will be able to analyze core business functions, including management, marketing, finance, operations, and human resources within both domestic and global environments. Learners will also be able to develop a comprehensive business plan and apply ethical, strategic, and data-driven decision-making to address real-world business challenges.