This course provides a general introduction to business and financial concepts and consists of two modules. The first module introduces students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and management covering topics including opportunity identification, idea generation, business and competitive strategy, and certain managerial aspects. We will also discuss the role of entrepreneurial activity in Kazakhstan’s economy. The second module focuses on fundamental concepts of financial reporting and the economics of financial markets. Financial reporting plays a key role in corporate management and control as well as investment and credit decision-making. Financial markets serve as a key platform for issuing and trading of various types of securities. The course will equip students with a fundamental understanding of the most common securities traded on financial markets and teach them how to estimate their value, risk, and return.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. explain the basic concepts and tools of analysis of the entrepreneurial process: both from a management as well as a financial perspective.
2. understand basic entrepreneurial and managerial concepts as well as the application of these concepts in the development, reporting and presentation of a business idea.
3. impart knowledge of the fundamentals of financial accounting and its role in business organization.
4. apply what they have learned by working in teams to develop their own entrepreneurial opportunity.

This course aims to convince students that financial accounting provides decision-relevant information to external parties (including investors, creditors, and regulators). Students will learn the principles for preparing the four basic financial statements: (i)
balance sheet, (ii) income statement, (iii) statement of stockholders’ equity, and (iv) statement of cash flows. In addition, students will interpret financial information and discuss the potential limitations of GAAP-based financial reporting. Finally, current accounting topics and trends will be discussed (e.g., non-GAAP earnings), and an introduction to business valuation and managerial accounting will be given.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. read, analyze, and interpret financial accounting information
2. understand four major financial statements
3. comprehend the mechanics of basic financial accounting concepts
4. compare a firm’s financial position and performance to its competitors
5. use financial accounting information in making informed business decisions

The course is about the principles of finance as they are, or should be, applied by households (personal finance) and companies (business finance, or, when we consider startups, entrepreneurial finance). The central theme is the value creation through sound investment and financing decisions.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. identify basic finance theory.
2. model consumer finance problems in Excel.
3. recognize the basics of personal investing.
4. perform financial analysis of business projects.
5. model business projects in Excel.

6. describe the importance of functioning financial markets for the economic prosperity of a country.

This course is an introductory course on the management process, with particular emphasis on the skills, competencies, techniques and knowledge needed to successfully manage in an organization. This course examines the logic and working of organizations and the key role that managers play in the success of an organization. It investigates how organizations develop and maintain competitive advantage within a changing business environment influenced by political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors. It also examines how to work with diverse others, motivate employees, and build successful working teams.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a familiarity with  the evolution of management theory and current trends in management practice.
2. apply concepts and techniques for setting organizational objectives and implementing strategies for achieving these.
3. apply tools and techniques for managing change and diversity.
4. describe the differences between managers and leaders and be able to apply tools and techniques for motivating, communicating and leading teams.
5. apply tools and techniques for managing and controlling an organization’s resources and outputs.

This Marketing course provides a foundational understanding of marketing principles and strategies. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical applications, students delve into topics such as market analysis, consumer behavior, and strategic marketing planning. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects and case studies to enhance students' abilities to develop and implement effective marketing campaigns. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern marketing environments and contribute meaningfully to marketing strategy development and execution.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles and strategies by analyzing real-world market scenarios and effectively applying theoretical concepts to solve marketing challenges.
2. evaluate consumer behavior patterns and preferences using a variety of research methods, and synthesize insights to develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with diverse consumer segments.
3. develop strategic marketing plans through the integration of market analysis, competitive intelligence, and SWOT analysis, showcasing the ability to identify market opportunities, threats, and effective positioning strategies for products or services.
4. apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to design and execute marketing campaigns, utilizing appropriate channels, messaging, and metrics to measure campaign effectiveness and adapt strategies for continuous improvement in a dynamic marketing landscape.

Responsible Leadership is designed to cultivate ethical and sustainable leadership practices in students. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students explore the principles of ethical decision-making, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The curriculum emphasizes critical reflection on personal values and their impact on leadership roles within organizations and communities. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical case studies, students develop the skills and mindset necessary to lead responsibly in diverse contexts, fostering positive change and societal impact.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. analyze and evaluate ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes in leadership contexts, demonstrating an understanding of ethical theories and their application to real-world scenarios.
2. integrate principles of social responsibility into leadership practices, identifying opportunities to promote sustainability, equity, and social justice within organizations and communities.
3. reflect critically on personal values, biases, and assumptions, and their influence on leadership behaviors and decision-making, fostering self-awareness and authenticity in leadership roles.
4. apply multiple perspectives and evidence-based approaches to address complex societal challenges, demonstrating the ability to collaborate effectively, navigate ambiguity, and inspire positive change as responsible leaders.

This undergraduate Entrepreneurship course offers a comprehensive overview of entrepreneurial fundamentals, including the nature of entrepreneurship and its economic/societal significance, particularly focusing on entrepreneurial activities in emerging markets, such as Kazakhstan. It is designed to address the needs of students who hope to pursue startup opportunities, join a new venture as early employees, lead new ventures in established firms, or pursue careers where the ability to evaluate startups would be helpful (e.g., venture capital, mergers and acquisitions). It provides students with tools and information for evaluating entrepreneurial projects, negotiating with business partners, and developing strategies for starting their ventures. Students delve into practical aspects such as opportunity identification, value proposition development, and business model formulation, alongside strategic analysis for competitive advantage. Through hands-on experiences in prototype development, customer feedback integration, and scaling strategies, students gain practical skills essential for success in dynamic business environments.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. explain the main concepts used in the business discipline of entrepreneurship
2. demonstrate a familiarity with the entrepreneurial process and its role in society
3. apply the concepts and techniques learned in the course as well as adjust them to a particular context
4. practice design thinking techniques, team and project management skills
5. practice presentation, negotiation, leadership, critical thinking skills
6. practice pitching their startup idea for further development and investment opportunities through local incubators/accelerators

Business Communication is an essential undergraduate course designed to develop students' proficiency in written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills within professional business contexts. Through interactive lectures, practical exercises, and real-world simulations, students will learn to craft clear, concise, and persuasive messages tailored to various stakeholders, including colleagues, clients, and executives. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication strategies in diverse business settings, including presentations, meetings, emails, reports, and interpersonal interactions. Additionally, students will explore the impact of cultural differences, technology, and ethical considerations on business communication practices, preparing them to navigate complex communication challenges in today's globalized and digital business environment.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate proficiency in written business communication by composing clear, concise, and professionally formatted documents, adhering to industry standards and best practices.
2. develop effective verbal communication skills for presentations, meetings, and interpersonal interactions, including the ability to articulate ideas persuasively, engage audiences, and respond to questions and feedback with clarity and confidence.
3. utilize appropriate communication technologies and tools to enhance collaboration, productivity, and information sharing in virtual and remote work environments, demonstrating proficiency in virtual meetings, video conferencing, and online collaboration platforms.
4. recognize and navigate cultural differences, ethical considerations, and communication barriers in diverse business contexts, demonstrating sensitivity, adaptability, and cultural competence in cross-cultural communication interactions and negotiations.

Strategic Management is a cornerstone course in the business curriculum, designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to formulate and implement effective strategies in organizations. This course delves into the principles, theories, and practical applications of strategic management, emphasizing the critical role of strategic thinking in achieving competitive advantage and sustainable success. Students will explore the strategic management process from environmental analysis and strategy formulation to strategy implementation and evaluation. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding industry dynamics, competitive positioning, and the role of innovation in shaping organizational strategies. Topics covered include strategic planning frameworks, such as SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, and Porter's Five Forces, as well as strategic decision-making models and tools for assessing organizational capabilities and resources. Additionally, the course will address contemporary issues in strategic management, such as digital disruption, globalization, and corporate social responsibility.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. analyze the internal and external environments of organizations using strategic management frameworks and tools, such as SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, and industry mapping, to identify key strategic factors influencing organizational performance.
2. formulate effective business strategies that leverage organizational strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and address threats, demonstrating the ability to develop clear, actionable plans aligned with organizational objectives.
3. evaluate strategic alternatives and make informed decisions based on rigorous analysis of competitive dynamics, market trends, and industry disruptions, showcasing critical thinking skills and strategic foresight in navigating complex business landscapes.
4. implement and monitor strategic initiatives, employing project management techniques, performance metrics, and feedback mechanisms to ensure successful execution of strategic plans and timely adaptation to changing internal and external circumstances.

Global challenges such as energy transition, water availability, inequality, natural resource degradation, biodiversity, and climate change increasingly put people and businesses at risk. Yet these same trends can create opportunities for companies if innovation is harnessed to create products, processes, and business models that provide solutions that address growing global threats. As environmental and social challenges grow, companies are increasingly under regulatory pressure to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into operations, strategies, investments, and supply chains, creating a rapidly evolving range of new standards, regulatory requirements, and market expectations for companies to navigate. In this course, students will learn and analyze the concept of sustainable development and its relevance for business across its governance, social and environmental dimensions.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Cultivate an informed point of view on broader debates regarding the relationship between business, environmental challenges, regulation, and societal well-being.
2. Comprehend key concepts, standards, strategies, and practical applications of ESG principles.
3. Explore the relevance of ESG principles to corporate operations, risk management, disclosure requirements, and investment.
4. Critically review industry case examples to understand how ESG risks, opportunities, and practices are evolving across industries and organizations.
5. Identify the roles and influences of different stakeholders on businesses—including shareholders, communities, customers, employees, NGOs, government and business partners – and the kinds of collaboration required to pursue sustainable solutions.

Operations Management is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the principles and practices involved in effectively managing business operations. This course explores key concepts, techniques, and methodologies used to design, plan, execute, and control the processes that transform inputs into goods and services. Students will examine topics such as process optimization, supply chain management, quality control, inventory management, and capacity planning. Emphasis will be placed on developing analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making acumen essential for enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering value to customers in various organizational contexts.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze business processes and opportunities for improvement using appropriate methods, such as process mapping, value stream analysis, bottleneck analysis, and performance measurement, to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
2. Develop strategies for managing the supply chain effectively, including sourcing, procurement, logistics, and distribution, to optimize inventory levels, minimize lead times, and mitigate risks associated with demand variability and disruptions.
3. Implement quality management techniques, such as Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Statistical Process Control (SPC), to monitor and improve product and service quality, reduce defects, and enhance customer satisfaction.
4. Evaluate capacity planning methods and production scheduling techniques to balance demand and capacity constraints, optimize resource utilization, and meet customer expectations while minimizing costs and maximizing profitability in dynamic business environments.

This course is designed to empower business leaders with the essential knowledge and skills to harness the power of data for strategic decision-making. In today's data-driven business environment, managers need to leverage data analytics to gain insights, optimize processes, and drive organizational success. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to data analytics tools, techniques, and applications, emphasizing their relevance in managerial decision-making. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, students will learn to transform data into actionable intelligence, enhancing their ability to lead data-driven initiatives within their organizations. The Data Analytics course is a foundational research methods course that will significantly contribute to student success in the capstone.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Possess a foundational understanding of key concepts, terminology, and principles in data analytics.
2. Apply foundational data analytics tools to extract, clean, and analyze data sets to inform and support strategic decision-making processes.
3. Interpret business data and communicate insights effectively to stakeholders.
4. Create simple visualizations and reports that enhance understanding of market phenomena and facilitate decision-making.
5. Evaluate the impact of data-driven insights on organizational performance.
6. Assess the ethical implications of data collection, analysis, and decision-making using ethical guidelines for responsible and non-harmful data use.

The Business Capstone (Practicum) is the culminating experience for senior undergraduate students in the business major, providing an opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge gained throughout their academic journey to solve real-world business challenges. In collaboration with local businesses, students will work in teams to analyze complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and present actionable recommendations to industry partners. Through hands-on experiential learning, students will engage in consulting projects, research initiatives, or strategic analyses tailored to the needs of participating organizations. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical decision-making, and effective communication, this course equips students with the skills and competencies required to succeed in dynamic business environments and make meaningful contributions to the community. Each team will have an assigned faculty advisor for their semester-long project.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout the business major to address real business challenges, demonstrating the ability to analyze complex problems, develop creative solutions, and make informed recommendations.
2. Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to leverage diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources in problem-solving processes, fostering teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills.
3. Conduct comprehensive research and data analysis to assess market trends, competitive dynamics, and organizational capabilities, synthesizing insights to inform strategic decision-making and drive business innovation.
4. Communicate findings, recommendations, and project outcomes clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including company executives, peers, and academic faculty, through written reports, oral presentations, and interactive discussions, showcasing professional communication skills and strategic thinking abilities.

This course provides undergraduate business students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience through an internship experience. Students who elect to complete an internship may engage in various business settings, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations. Through supervised work experience and reflective reports, students will develop essential skills, expand their professional networks, and gain insight into their chosen field. The course aims to enhance students' readiness for the workforce and prepare them for successful careers in business.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Integrate academic knowledge with practical experience to solve business problems.
2. Effectively communicate through written reports, oral presentations, and professional interactions in the workplace.
3. Use critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by analyzing and addressing challenges encountered during the internship.
4. Exhibit professionalism, adaptability, and teamwork in various professional settings.