Introduction to Commerce and Accounting Basics

Introduction to Commerce

• First-semester B.Com courses typically cover foundational concepts in business and commerce.
• Subjects often include an introduction to accounting, economics, business law, and perhaps principles of management.
• The focus is on developing a broad understanding of business principles and practices.

Accounting Fundamentals

• Introduction to accounting concepts and principles.
• Learning about the accounting equation (assets = liabilities + equity).
• Understanding different types of accounts (assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses).
• Recording transactions using the double-entry bookkeeping system.
• Basic journal entries, ledger posting, and trial balance preparation.
• Different accounting methods (cash vs. accrual).
• Introduction to financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement).

Basic Economics

• Introduction to microeconomics: supply and demand, elasticity, consumer behavior, production, costs, and market structures.
• Introduction to macroeconomics: national income, inflation, unemployment, and monetary policy.

Business Law Fundamentals

• Introduction to Indian Contract Act, 1872 (essential elements of a contract, breach of contract).
• Introduction to the Sale of Goods Act.
• Introduction to the Indian Partnership Act.
• Understanding relevant legal concepts for business operations.
• Introduction to intellectual property rights (e.g., copyrights, patents, trademarks).

Principles of Management (or Organization Behavior)

• Introduction to the different management functions (planning, organizing, directing, controlling).
• Types of organizational structures and their characteristics.
• Understanding principles of motivation and leadership.
• The relationship between management and social responsibility.
• Introduction to team dynamics.
• Basics of organizational communication.