COMM_V 101 - Business Fundamentals

Course Description

COMM 101 provides a broad introduction to the field of business. It gives students a big-picture understanding of the different business functions they may study at Sauder, including finance, accounting, marketing, operations and logistics, entrepreneurship, organizational behaviour and human resources, and strategy.
The course also provides an introduction to AI and how students can determine which tasks to delegate to AI, communicate with AI, evaluate AI outputs critically, and use AI responsibly as part of business decisions.

COMM 101 is designed for students to bring their unique perspectives and backgrounds into lessons and discussions. Your instructors bring diverse experience and expertise to the classroom to provide a multidimensional look at business.

Responsible Business Content

This course addresses responsible business and sustainable development through real-world case studies and a consulting project that provide opportunities to apply discipline-specific decision-making techniques across a variety of industries and contexts. Students assess whether proposed business models are feasible, realistic, and socially responsible, including whether they support fair compensation, inclusive hiring, employee well-being, and long-term organizational sustainability. Students also reflect on their use of AI in academic contexts and how to use artificial intelligence thoughtfully and responsibly.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Explore the building blocks of business, including various specializations, analytical tools, and real-world cases.
• Apply knowledge from diverse business disciplines to address business opportunities.
• Develop practical oral and written communication skills through class participation and course assignments.
• Collaborate on a team of peers to consult for a business using course tools and creative thinking.
• Use AI effectively, critically, and responsibly across business contexts.

Students Will Gain Confidence In

• Critically diagnosing business problems by evaluating evidence, applying frameworks, and identifying assumptions to distinguish material insights from unsupported, misleading, or strategically irrelevant claims.
• Integrating quantitative and qualitative insights across business functions to assess trade-offs and make decisions under uncertainty.
• Developing practical, evidence-based strategies that balance customer value, financial impact, operational feasibility, risk, and stakeholder interests.
• Collaborating effectively with diverse teammates and AI tools to create, communicate, and defend high-quality work.