BADW_Understanding North America

About Course

This course is designed to give international students a greater understanding of North America and its people.
The underlying theme is cross-cultural understanding and the key role that it plays in cultural interaction, including international business initiatives.
Towards this theme, students begin with an introduction to the history and geography of North America in order to better understand the contemporary political, economic and social landscapes of the continent.
Each of these components is studied in separate but closely linked modules, highlighting the distinctions between Canada, the United States and Mexico, but paying attention to the Pacific Northwest region.

After completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
● Be familiar with North American history and geography as well as the social, political and economic organization of the continent.
● Develop an understanding the role of cultural differences in the planning and operating of international business initiatives.
● Learn about some the special issues and attributes of the Pacific Northwest that could both influence their business practice as well as increase their understanding and participate in Canadian life during their visit.
● Understand what is important to North Americans in the classroom and workplace.

Course Content

Topic 1: Introduction to North American Business Context

Topic 1: Introduction

00:00
LO1: Define the key Characteristics of the North American Business environment and its role in the global Economy

00:00
LO2: Describe the major Economic, Cultural, and Institutional factors that influence Business Activities in North America

00:00
LO3: Analyze the Opportunities and Challenges faced by organizations operating within the North American Business context

00:00

Topic 2: Social, Political, and Economic Structures of North America

Topic 3: Overview of North American Business Practices

Topic 4: Cultural Differences in International Business

Topic 5: Core Elements of North American Business Culture

Topic 6: Unique Business Characteristics of the Pacific Northwest

Topic 7: Exploring Business Opportunities in the Pacific Northwest

Topic 8: Canadian Society and Business Environment

Topic 9: Regional Variations in Canadian Business Practices

Assessment I

Topic 10: Understanding Classroom Culture in North America

Topic 11: Workplace Norms and Culture in North America

Topic 12: Technological Influence on North American Business

Topic 13: Current Economic Trends in North American Business

Topic 14: Globalization and Its Impact on North American Business

Topic 15: Cross-Border Business and International Trade

Topic 16: Basics of Business Math and Financial Analysis

Topic 17: Foundations of Financial Planning and Decision Making

Topic 18: Investment Strategies for Personal and Business Growth

Assessment II

Topic 19: Borrowing, Lending, and Financing in Business

Topic 20: Final Exam Review

Final Exam

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Topic 1: Introduction to North American Business Context

Topic 1: Introduction

LO1: Define the key Characteristics of the North American Business environment and its role in the global Economy

LO2: Describe the major Economic, Cultural, and Institutional factors that influence Business Activities in North America

LO3: Analyze the Opportunities and Challenges faced by organizations operating within the North American Business context

Topic 2: Social, Political, and Economic Structures of North America

Topic 2: Introduction

LO1: Explain the Social, Political, and Economic systems that shape Business operations in North America

LO2: Describe the relationship between Government policies, Economic conditions, and Business performance

LO3: Evaluate how Social and Political factors influence Organizational Decision-making and Market outcomes

Topic 3: Overview of North American Business Practices

Topic 3: Introduction

LO1: Identify common Business practices and Management approaches used in North American Organizations

LO2: Describe the importance of Professionalism, Ethics, and Communication in business settings

LO3: Analyze how business practices contribute to Organizational Effectiveness and Competitiveness

Topic 4: Cultural Differences in International Business

Topic 4: Introduction

LO1: Define Culture and explain its significance in International Business interactions

LO2: Compare Cultural dimensions and Communication styles across different countries and regions

LO3: Analyze the impact of Cultural differences on Negotiation, Leadership, and Business relationships

Topic 5: Core Elements of North American Business Culture

Topic 5: Introduction

LO1: Describe the fundamental Values and Beliefs that characterize North American Business Culture

LO2: Explain the role of Individualism, Innovation, and Diversity in Workplace environments

LO3: Evaluate how Cultural values influence Business behavior and Organizational success

Topic 6: Unique Business Characteristics of the Pacific Northwest

Topic 6: Introduction

LO1: Identify the distinctive Economic and Business features of the Pacific Northwest region

LO2: Describe the major Industries and Market sectors contributing to Regional Growth

LO3: Analyze how Geographic, Environmental, and Technological factors influence Business Development in the Pacific Northwest

Topic 7: Exploring Business Opportunities in the Pacific Northwest

Topic 7: Introduction

LO1: Describe emerging Business opportunities within the Pacific Northwest Economy

LO2: Explain the factors that attract Entrepreneurs and Investors to the region

LO3: Evaluate potential Business ventures based on Regional Economic and Market conditions

Topic 8: Canadian Society and Business Environment

Topic 8: Introduction

LO1: Explain the key Social, Cultural, and Economic characteristics of Canadian Society

LO2: Describe how Canadian Values and Institutions shape the Business environment

LO3: Analyze the influence of Diversity, Inclusion, and Government policy on Canadian business practices

Topic 9: Regional Variations in Canadian Business Practices

Topic 9: Introduction

LO1: Identify the major Regional differences in Business practices across Canada

LO2: Describe how Economic activities vary among Canadian Provinces and Territories

LO3: Analyze the impact of regional Cultural and Economic factors on Business Decision-making

Assessment I

Assessment I

Topic 10: Understanding Classroom Culture in North America

Topic 10: Introduction

LO1: Describe the Expectations, Values, and Norms commonly found in North American Classrooms

LO2: Explain the importance of Participation, Critical Thinking, and Academic Integrity in higher Education

LO3: Analyze how Classroom Culture supports Student Learning and Academic Success

Topic 11: Workplace Norms and Culture in North America

Topic 11: Introduction

LO1: Identify common Workplace Norms, Expectations, and Professional Behaviors in North America

LO2: Explain the significance of Teamwork, Communication, and Workplace Ethics

LO3: Evaluate Strategies for adapting successfully to North American workplace Culture

Topic 12: Technological Influence on North American Business

Topic 12: Introduction

LO1: Describe the role of Technology in shaping modern Business Operations and Strategies

LO2: Explain how Digital Transformation affects Productivity, Communication, and Innovation

LO3: Analyze the Opportunities and Challenges created by Technological Advancements for Businesses

Topic 13: Current Economic Trends in North American Business

Topic 13: Introduction

LO1: Identify major Economic trends currently affecting Businesses in North America

LO2: Explain how Economic indicators influence Organizational Planning and Decision-making

LO3: Evaluate the potential impact of changing Economic conditions on Business performance and growth

Topic 14: Globalization and Its Impact on North American Business

Topic 14: Introduction

LO1: Define Globalization and explain its significance for North American organizations

LO2: Describe the Benefits and Challenges associated with Global Business Operations

LO3: Analyze how Globalization influences Competitiveness, Market expansion, and Business strategy

Topic 15: Cross-Border Business and International Trade

Topic 15: Introduction

LO1: Explain the fundamentals of Cross-border Business and International trade

LO2: Describe the role of Trade agreements, Regulations, and Logistics in International Commerce

LO3: Analyze the Opportunities and Risks associated with conducting business across National Borders