Class Introduction to Business

The "Introduction to Business" course aims to provide students with an integrated understanding of the nature, organization, and functioning of businesses, as well as their role in the economy and society. The course covers key concepts related to value creation, business objectives, internal organization, interaction with various stakeholders, and the company's positioning within competitive environments. It also introduces tools for analyzing the business context, strategy, competitive positioning, business models, and the financial function. This course serves an introductory and foundational role within the study program,equipping students with the fundamental knowledge required to understand business decisions and to pursue further study in areas such as strategy, finance, management, innovation, and business economics.

Not applicable

1. The Firm and Its Role in the Economy Concept and evolution of the firm; Corporate objectives and value creation; Firms and economic development; Stakeholders and corporate responsibility. 2. Foundations of the Theory of the Firm The firm as an economic organization; Theory of the firm; Production function; Costs, efficiency, and value maximization; Introduction to transaction costs and firm organization. 3. Business Environment and Competitiveness Market structure; Competitive environment; Porter's Five Forces model; Value chain; Competitive advantage. 4. Strategy and Business Models Corporate strategy formulation; Strategic positioning; Business models; Innovation and entrepreneurship. 5. Fundamentals of Financial Management Objectives of the finance function; Introduction to investment analysis; Time value of money; Value creation and decision-making. 6. Firms and Contemporary Challenges Digital transformation; Corporate sustainability and ESG.

The course employs active, student-centered methodologies, combining interactive lectures with case studies, problem-based learning, discussions on economic and business news, and analyses of real-world companies. A "flipped classroom" approach encourages advance preparation through the study of literature and digital resources, allowing in-person sessions to focus on applying concepts, debating ideas, and solving problems. Additionally, the course incorporates collaborative activities, oral presentations, and the critical use of digital tools and artificial intelligence, thereby fostering autonomy, critical thinking, and analytical and decision-making skills within a business context.

ASSAF NETO, A. Matemática Financeira e suas Aplicações. 15.ª ed. Atlas, 2024. BARNEY, J. B.; HESTERLY, W. S. Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage. 7th ed. Pearson, 2023. BESANKO, D.; DRANOVE, D.; SHANLEY, M.; SCHAEFER, S. Economics of Strategy. 8th ed. Wiley, 2024. DAFT, R. L. Management. 15th ed. Cengage Learning, 2024. PORTER, M. E. Competitive Strategy. Free Press, 1998.