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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Unit 1: Business Fundamentals

• Chapter 1: Economic Basics
• Chapter 2: Types of Businesses
• Chapter 3: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
• Chapter 4: International Business

Unit 2: Functions of a Business

• Chapter 5: Production
• Chapter 6: Human Resources
• Chapter 7: Management
• Chapter 8: Marketing
• Chapter 9: Accounting

Unit 3: Entrepreneurship

• Chapter 10: Characteristics and Skill of an Entrepreneur
• Chapter 11: Invention and Innovation

Unit 4: Finance

• Chapter 12: Income Management
• Chapter 13: Banking
• Chapter 14: Savings and Investing
• Chapter 15: Credit

Unit 1: Business Fundamentals

Chapter 1: Economic Basics

Visit the Strategis website for business and consumer information. You can also access federal services and documents, for example, patent application forms, copyright searches, and trademark information. Users can subscribe to a weekly newsletter for current information.

Chapter 2: Types of Businesses

The Canadian Franchising Association is the national voice of Canadian franchising. Visit the website for facts on Canadian franchise opportunities, to view upcoming events, or to explore the kinds of marketing opportunities available to franchisers.

The internet has had a huge impact on the business world. Web-based businesses have exploded in the marketplace, with some existing solely online, and others offering their goods and services in a retail setting and allowing customers to view and purchase products over the internet. eBay and Amazon.ca are two examples of online marketplaces, while Staples Canada, Chapters Indigo, and Mountain Equipment Coop are examples of retail outlets that have extensive websites for their customers who prefer to shop online.

Chapter 3: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

Telemarketing is a common practice used by some businesses to inform potential customers of their products and services and to solicit sales. Telemarketing scams can occur and it is important to be vigilant in order to protect your identity and your money. PhoneBusters is a national anti-fraud call centre which informs the public about current telemarketing scams and collects evidence against telemarketers. You can visit the PhoneBusters website for information on how to spot a scam and how to protect yourself from fraud.

As an employee, you should know that there are a number of laws that protect you from discrimination and ensure that your workplace environment is healthy and safe. Human rights laws protect you from discrimination based on race, gender, age, and religion, among others. To see a full list of protected categories, visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission website. You can also process a complaint through this website.

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for Ontario website has information related to occupational health and safety. An employer is required to provide a safe working environment and proper training. Employees are also responsible for maintaining a safe workplace. Learn about Worker Rights and Obligations from the WSIB.

Chapter 4: International Business

Trade between countries is an important source of revenue and diplomacy. The Ontario Economic Development website lists Canada’s top 10 trading partners for both the import and export markets.

The Central Intelligence Agency publishes the World Fact Book annually. You can order a print copy or view it online. Searchable by country, you can learn important facts such as population, government structure, maps, flags, and details about the economy.

Statistics Canada has information related to international trade, including imports, exports, and trade patterns.

Unit 2: Functions of a Business

Chapter 5: Production

Read about new technologies at the FANUC Robotics and Research In Motion websites and the impact of industrial robots and the BlackBerry on the modern workplace.

Chapter 6: Human Resources

Find out about your rights at work from the Ontario Ministry of Labour and read a copy of the Employment Standards Act. Find out how to protect yourself in the workplace from these tips for young workers.

Chapter 7: Management

Environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly important in the corporate world. Find out how businesses can be more environmentally friendly by reading these green business tips. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada posts employee and corporate action tips making their headquarters more green.

Chapter 8: Marketing

Businesses market their products and services through their brand, logo, and advertising slogans. Find out about the different types of logos here. To learn the features of successful and unsuccessful advertising slogans, visit the AdSlogans website. You can also find a list of current slogans.

Chapter 9: Accounting

For an overview of the accounting profession select the accountants and financial auditors link from the Independent Learning Centre website. Read these industry websites, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Certified Management Accountants of Ontario, and the Certified General Accountants of Ontario, for more information.

Search public securities documents at the Sedar website. You can find annual and monthly reports, as well as financial statements and news releases for a variety of companies and industries.

Unit 3: Entrepreneurship

Chapter 10: Characteristics and Skill of an Entrepreneur

Find out if you are the entrepreneurial type by taking this quiz from the Business Development Bank of Canada website.

Are you ready for self-employment? Take the quiz at the Montreal Youth Employment Services website and find out.

The Young Entrepreneurs section of the Business Development Bank of Canada website has information on financial planning and creating a business plan for entrepreneurs between the ages of 19 and 35. You can also listen to outstanding achievements of the winners of the annual Young Entrepreneur Awards.

Chapter 11: Invention and Innovation

Some of the world’s greatest inventions were invented by Canadians. Visit the All About Canadian Inventors and Inventions website to learn more.

Find out what was recently selected as the Greatest Canadian Invention by the CBC.

The Mount Allison University website describes and details the impressive history of invention and innovation in Canada.

Discover a century of innovation from this government of Canada website.

Unit 4: Finance

Chapter 12: Income Management

Find out how to manage your money from the Canadian Bankers Association website.

Chapter 13: Banking

Read about the similarities and differences of online and virtual banking at the Bankrate website. To learn more about virtual banking, explore the ING Bank of Canada website.

Visit the Office of Consumer Affairs for information on debit card fraud and tips on how to protect your account.

If you have an unresolved complaint with a bank or investment firm, you can bring your case to the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, an independent service for resolving disputes.

For objective information about financial products and services, as well as your rights and responsibilities when dealing with financial institutions, go to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada website.

Chapter 14: Savings and Investing

Visit It's Your Money and The Money Belt websites for information on credit, investing, budgeting, and how to protect your money. You can also learn about what type of investing is right for you , take quizzes, and try out online invenstment calculators.

Visit the Investor Ed website to learn more about financial planning.

Chapter 15: Credit

Credit bureaus are important in obtaining and protecting credit. Find out more at the Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada websites.

Credit Counselling Canada oversees not-for-profit credit counselling agencies across Canada. If you think you have a credit problem, experienced counsellors can look at your financial situation and help you develop a course of action to enable you to deal with your credit crisis.

Are you in a credit crisis? Take the Debt Quiz and read Dealing with a Credit Crisis to find out. Also, take a look at these helpful tips.

Determine your credit IQ with this quiz. Read how to manage credit and some tips on smart credit use.

Discover more about credit management at the Credit 101 website. Before you get a credit card, you may want use The Money Belt's Compare Credit Cards tool.