If you are considering going into business for yourself and using the Internet as your vehicle, then you will want to ensure you have the best background possible to make your venture a success. With open courseware readily available, there is no reason why you can’t provide the knowledge for yourself that many business students gain from some of the top universities in the world. The following open courseware selections will give you the edge when it comes to knowing about business.

Marketing

Every entrepreneur needs to know about marketing if he intends his business to become popular enough to make it. These courses will help you learn what you need to know about marketing.

1. Introduction to Marketing. An excellent place to start for those just starting out in marketing, this course covers all the basics.
2. Marketing Management. This introductory course offers a basic overview of the concepts of marketing and is a great place to start before moving to more advanced marketing courses.
3. Marketing Strategy. This course looks at marketing in conjunction with the strategy for a company as a whole. The course is recommended for entrepreneurs, consultants, project managers, and investment analysts.
4. Entrepreneurial Marketing. Focusing on the general concept of marketing problems, this course examines basic marketing and new venture issues to help the student learn to have a better understanding for her specific needs.
5. Special Seminar in Marketing: Marketing Management. Teaching students the basics of marketing ideas and phenomena as well as honing students’ abilities for market analysis and planning are the high points of this seminar.
6. Strategic Marketing Management. Understanding the market (rather than the customer) is the focus of this course, which will teach the skills necessary to complete a marketing research survey.
7. Listening to the Customer. This is the companion course to Strategic Marketing Management where the needs of the customers are examined in terms of marketing.
8. e-Marketing. This course, in Spanish, teaches about marketing on the Internet as well as using it in conjunction with more traditional marketing techniques.
9. Marketing Communications As a Strategic Function. This course covers the basic arguments for marketing communications as an important strategy, the changing role of communications, and customer preferences.
10. The Market-led Organization. Looking at both understanding marketing orientation and managing a market-led organization, this course examines the benefits of market-led organization.

Finance

From how to gain capital in the early stages of your business venture to learning about investments and equity finance, these courses will help you get a handle on anything financial.

11. Early Stage Capital. This course offers lessons on start-ups and early stage capital generation with a focus on building relationships with investors and advisors.
12. Entrepreneurial Finance. Entrepreneurs and venture capitalists will benefit from this course that looks at raising money for technology-based companies and the early stages of development.
13. The financial markets context. This course examines financial markets as well as the Efficient Markets Hypothesis.
14. Financial Management. Take a look at corporate finance and capital markets in this course, which relies heavily on using empirical research in managerial decisions.
15. Investments. With an analytical approach, this course teaches how to make sound financial investment decisions based on financial theory and empirical evidence.
16. Equity Finance. Learn all about equity in both the public and private sector in this course that brings a decidedly international flair to the information.
17. Introduction to the context of accounting. Learn all the basics of accounting in this course.
18. Business Analysis Using Financial Statements. The purpose of this course is to prepare the student to successfully use financial statements as a tool to understand and place a value on businesses.
19. Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning. Getting personal finances in order and planning for the future has an impact on your business as an entrepreneur. Learn the basics to get you off to a great financial start with this course.
20. Investment Risk. This course focuses on risk aversion, qualifying risk, risk factors, and discounted cash flow and the net present value rule.

Economics

Knowing the basics and beyond when it comes to economics will give you a huge lead in business. These courses cover everything from introductory courses to statistics for economics to economics for managers.

21. Introduction to Economics. This course offers the basics in economics with topics such as the history and principals of economics, public vs. private sectors of the U.S. economy, and more.
22. Introduction to Statistical Method in Economics. If you plan to know much about economics, you must have a solid foundation in statistics in order to make sense of the data you will be reviewing. This class provides the tools you need specifically to analyze economic data.
23. Economic Analysis for Business Decisions. This course examines the topic of microeconomics and teaches basic analytic tools to help the student make smart economic decisions.
24. Principles of Microeconomics. This is a great basic course to get a foundation for the concept of microeconomics.
25. Principles of Macroeconomics. Focusing on macroeconomics in the U.S. as well as other economies, this course provides the basics in macroeconomics.
26. Behavioral Economics and Finance. This course looks at a wide variety of topics that incorporate psychology into economics.
27. Applied Economics for Managers. Examining the results of scarcity on the market, this course teaches ways economists study consumer reactions to these allocations as well as the markets’ response to these reactions.
28. Special Topics in Economics: The Challenge of World Poverty. Thinking about the various potential agents of change for world poverty and who ultimately is responsible, this course offers a thought-provoking opportunity to examine the possibility of impact on poverty through economics.
29. Applied Macro- and International Economics. Using case studies, this course takes a look at the macroeconomics of businesses.
30. International Economics. This course offers an introductory look at international trade theory, policy, and international finance.
31. International Political Economy of Advanced Industrial Societies. This advanced course examines international trade, international monetary and financial relations, and security.
32. Economics Research and Communication. This course will teach how to do original research on economic questions with a hands-on approach to the lesson.
33. Economic Applications of Game Theory. Take a look at Multiperson Decision Theory as it applies to economics. This course is heavy on mathematics as well.

Technology

If you plan on having a web-based business, then chances are good you will want to know as much as you can about business and technology. These courses will give you a wide base for the history and modern practices when it comes to business and technology.

34. Information Technology Essentials. This basic course offers an overview of technology concepts and trends, concepts, and hardware and software.
35. Internet Technology in Local and Global Communities. This course looks at programming, Internet technology, open source programs, and entrepreneurship and is a part of the MIT-African Internet Technology Initiative.
36. Data Mining. This course examines data mining methods that have evolved from both statistics and artificial intelligence and looks at recognizing patterns and making predictions with this information.
37. The Software Business. Specifically targeted at those founding or working for a software company, this course is a must for entrepreneurs who are interested in selling software.
38. Information Technology and the Labor Market. This course examines how information technology and computers have changed the American labor market.
39. Competition in Telecommunications. Examining the convergence of computers, cable TV, and telecommunication alongside the competition of the Internet within the market, this course offers lectures from leaders in the industry.
40. Innovation, markets and industrial change. With a heavy emphasis on technology’s impact on innovation and industrial change, this course examines the relationship between innovation, technology, and market changes.
41. Media Industries and Systems. This course examines the trends, audience, and creative process as forces shaping content in media industries and systems.
42. Technology for Professional Writers. This course teaches important technology skills with at focus on the writer’s perspective. Whether your entrepreneurial endeavor focuses on writing or not, it is highly unlikely you won’t need to draw on a combination of writing skills and technology at some point.
43. Information technology: a new era?. Take a look at technology and how it has impacted the economy, productivity, and more in this course.
44. Search Engines: Technology, Society and Business. Learn from a distinguished group of lecturers in the course that examines Internet searches and how they relate to business.
45. Practicum in Enterprise Security. Students participate in an opportunity to act as employees in charge of security for an online business in this course that teaches what you need to know about securing your online business.
46. The Anthropology of Computing. Take a look at the people behind computing from the early days to the modern world with issues such as hackers, privacy, and more.
47. New Global Agenda: Exploring 21st Century Challenges through Innovations in Information Technology. This course examines how IT development has affected globalization and international politics.

Management and Leadership

Being a good manager, understanding how to manage a business, and knowing how to become the person others look to for guidance are all important factors when owning your own business. These courses will tell you how to do all that and more.

48. Special Seminar in Management The Nuts and Bolts of Business Plans. Specifically targeted to entrepreneurs, this seminar looks at the basics of creating a business plan.
49. Communicating with Data. This course is designed to teach the student to think critically when looking at data so that decisions made for the business are firmly rooted in a solid understanding of the information.
50. Pricing. Looking at cases, this course aims to teach an understanding for pricing strategies and techniques for businesses.
51. Designing and Leading the Entrepreneurial Organization. With a focus on design and organizational behavior, this course teaches how to design, build, and grow a business.
52. Entrepreneurial behavior. This course looks at the definitions, qualities, function, and work styles of entrepreneurs.
53. Competitive Decision-Making and Negotiation. Learn negotiation tools and get plenty of practice using them in this course.
54. Advanced Corporate Risk Management. Examining how corporations make use of "insights and tools of risk management," this course teaches managing risk, liability management, and much more.
55. Management Communications for Undergraduates. A great course for polishing those managerial skills, the content includes a focus on writing, speaking, team work, and interpersonal relationship skills.
56. Managerial Economics. This course covers the basics of microeconomics as it pertains to management decisions and is a must for any entrepreneur.
57. Negotiation and Conflict Management. Learn negotiation theory, strategy, and styles in this class with both first and third party negotiations covered.
58. Organizational Management and Leadership. Find out management principles and techniques in this course that aims to teach what kind of management leads to a successful business.
59. Analyzing Projects and Organizations: How Organizations Behave. This course hopes to teach analytic skills in evaluating programs, projects, and organizations.

Strategy and Innovation

Staying ahead of the game with both a well-planned strategy and the ability to continually evolve with original ideas are both important aspects of running a successful business, and these courses will teach you how to do that.

60. Taxes and Business Strategy. Focusing on the unique combination of tax planning opportunities and tax strategies for a business, this course seeks to bridge a gap frequently found in both tax and finance courses.
61. Strategic Management in the Design and Construction Value Chain. Specifically targeted to students learning about real estate, construction, and architecture, this course offers management strategies for business enhancement.
62. Game Theory for Managers. This strategy course aims to teach managers the "game theory" and how to use it effectively when dealing with competitors, customers, and more.
63. The Sociology of Strategy. Rather than looking at strategy itself, this course examines such topics as the nature of competition and market interactions, organizational capabilities, and strategic change.
64. How to Develop "Breakthrough" Products and Services. Likely the goal of every entrepreneur, this course teaches how to create breakthrough products and services through concrete, systematic concepts.
65. Technology Strategy. This course is designed for those who will invest in or run a business where technology will play a major role and will cover investment planning and behavior of competition, suppliers, and customers.
66. Innovative Product Development. Examine new product development in the context of technology, the innovation process, and more in this course.
67. Too unimportant to fail? Innovations and competitive selection in markets. Learn about such topics as innovation and creativity in economies, the changing role of research and development, and much more.
68. Strategic view of performance. Find out what strategy is, learn market and research-based approaches to strategy, and begin to look at strategy as rational planning in this course.
69. Optimization Methods in Management Science. Learn how to optimize your management strategy in this course that looks at several different types of optimization theories.

The Global Community

If you are planning to do business on the Internet, then you must become familiar with the global community through economics, culture, development, and more. These courses will get you up to speed on international issues.

70. Planning in Transition Economies for Growth and Equity. This course examines the global shift from "centrally planned economies to market-oriented ones" with a focus on reconsidering many long-standing economic issues.
71. Developmental Entrepreneurship. By looking at historic examples of both failed and successful business ventures in developmental entrepreneurship.
72. Marketing, Microchips and McDonalds: Debating Globalization. Discussing what globalization means and the impacts it has on the global community, this course aims to give a firm foundation in understanding it’s impact economically, socially, and culturally.
73. Global Markets, National Policies, and the Competitive Advantages of Firms. This course looks at the fast-changing world of global markets and examines how national policies are no longer adequate for today’s global economy.
74. Capital Markets. This course focuses on global capital markets and teaches a working knowledge of investor relations.
75. The Politics of Global Finance Relations. This course examines the impact of globalization of finance on American politics and policy as well as international relations.
76. Media in Cultural Context. Learn about how culture defines itself through TV programs and how international markets are impacted by these identities and others perceptions of these identities.
77. International Trade. This course looks at international trade and finance as well as current topics such as globalization, free trade, and more.
78. International Relations: New Approaches in a Complex World. Learn about global economy, the World Trade Organization, Latin America, and more in this class that examines the changes that have taken place in the global business world.
79. Managing local practices in global contexts. This course covers a lot of ground as it examines several aspects of business in the global economy.
80. International Multilateral Negotiation. By looking at case studies, this course provides examples of several types of negotiation strategies and processes.
81. International Relations. Learn such important topics as international economy, values and attitudes, and global issues in this course that is a must for anyone dealing with international business contacts.
82. Economic Development, Policy Analysis, and Industrialization. This course teaches how government plays a role in developing countries that affects global business. One topic of interest is the introduction of the high tech industry in these countries.
83. Working in a Global Economy. This course examines global economy and the practice and policy changes that have occurred since the development of the current "new" economy.
84. Globalization, Migration, and International Relations. Learn about globalization and its impact on businesses and people around the world.

Women in Business

Women in business have a unique experience and perspective as this field has traditionally been one for men. Whether you are a woman entrepreneur or are a man who wants to gain another perspective when it comes to the challenges and successes of business, then these courses will give you the knowledge.

85. Enterprising Women Exhibition . Meet four successful business women and learn how they made it big in the world of business (part 1 of 4).
86. Entrepreneurship in Contemporary America. Find out what several American business women have faced in a field that has typically been a man’s realm (part 2 of 4).
87. Women without Money and Women as Commodities. Learn about how poverty, welfare, and bankruptcy affects women and then learn "the value of gender" as you study surrogate motherhood, the sex trade industry, and genteel marriage (part 3 of 4).
88. Women and Economic Development. Study women entrepreneurs across time and in various countries. There is also a strong focus on the women in India who developed the Self-Employed Women’s Association (part 4 of 4).
89. Technology and Gender in American History. Learn about the history and present-day presence of women in technology and how it shapes the field and society itself.
90. Gender, Power and International Development. Take a look at women in developing countries and how poverty, economics, and development effect women and men differently.

Law and Government

From copyright to privacy to international law, any smart business person will want to know the legal basics before starting her venture.

91. Law for the Entrepreneur and Manager. This law class aims to educate the learner in the basics of the legal issues that affect a business from start-up to going public.
92. The Law of Corporate Finance and Financial Markets. Focusing on mergers and acquisitions, the course also looks at financial services and financial markets in this introductory business law course.
93. Government Regulation of Industry. This course looks at firm behavior, economic regulation, and social regulation and the impact government has on business.
94. Justice. Looking at the ethics of societal justice, this course also examines some of the ongoing debate over the moral-political controversy.
95. Ethics and the Law on the Electronic Frontier. Law, policy, and technology come together in this course that discusses several timely topics concerning the Internet and law.
96. Introduction to Copyright Law. This course covers the basics of copyright law with a heavy emphasis on Internet-related topics.
97. Information Law and Policy. Find out about copyright law, protecting databases, licensing of information, privacy and much more in this course.
98. International Law. Get the basics of International Law in this course that covers such topics as dispute settlements, state responsibility, and international resource management.
99. Innovative Businesses and Breakthrough Technologies–the Legal Issues. This introduction to business law covers several areas of legal concerns ranging from the legal framework of R&D to intellectual property protections.
100. Business Law. This course looks at the "legal environment among businesses, government and consumers" with both a national and international approach to the topics.
101. Public Economics. This course examines the reasons for government involvement in the economy, the extent of that involvement, and reactions by private agencies to the involvement.
102. The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights. While studying the civil rights of citizens in America, this course also looks at privacy issues and the law of criminal procedure, which would be helpful for entrepreneurs to know before starting out.

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