Understanding Businesses and Their Functions

• The presentation discusses businesses and the business world, focusing on the functions of a company
• Session 1 covers the course outline and icebreaker activities.

Course Structure

• Week 1 covers the course plan, evaluations, the economic/social roles of businesses, and business classifications.
• Week 2 focuses on the Canadian and Quebec legal context.
• Week 3 covers the roles of managers and the administrative cycle.
• Week 4 involves the SWOT analysis model and external environment
• Τ.Ρ. 1 (7.5%)
• Week 5 focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development, global/business strategies, organizational models, and decision-making styles.
• Week 6 includes Exam 1 worth 25%

Icebreaker Activity Relevance

• Icebreaker activities are designed to simulate real-world work scenarios
• Includes collaborating with colleagues from various departments.
• Requires making quick decisions as a group
• Involves listening to different ideas
• Advancing projects even with incomplete information and finding creative solutions to issues

Classroom Environment

• Class conduct expectations includes punctuality, respect, and active participation

Importance of Eating

• Eating a healthy meal or snack helps improve memory
• Eating supports concentration, and improves mood

Communication Tools

• Use Omnivox to download course documents, take note of deadlines, and hand in assignments.
• initial contact should be made via email at [email protected], and then on Mio.

Company Functions

• Overview of the different functions needed in order for Altitude Sports to operate

Production as a Company Function

• Production involves manufacturing the goods or services that a company offers
• The primary goal is to ensure production occurs under optimal conditions.
• Conditions include reasonable cost, high quality, and timely delivery
• Production must respect safety and environmental standards
• In Altitude Sports, this function provides home delivery of a wide range of sports items.

Information Technology as a Company Function

• IT manages computer systems, networks, databases, and IT security
• The objective of IT is to ensure these systems function as intended
• Altitude Sports utilizes IT, with a website that allows customers to order sports-related goods.

Accounting and Finance as a Company Function

• Manages the financial flows of the company, including accounting, treasury, financial analysis, budgeting, and investments
• The main goal is to ensure sound and transparent financial management
• To then optimize financial resources
• Altitude Sports uses accounting by calculating real-time sales data via a dashboard for its directors

Research and Development as a Company Function

• R&D focuses is focused on innovation and improving existing products/services
• Includes crafting new products or services for the company
• The main objective is to boost competitiveness through innovative products
• Altitude Sports exemplifies this by creating the in-house brand Vallier, produced and sold by the company.

Administration as a Company Function

• Administration involves the management and coordination of the company's various functions
• The aim is to ensure smooth administrative processes, facilitate internal/external communication, ensure regulatory compliance, and streamline organizational processes
• At Altitude Sports, the CEO ensures consistent and professional communication with suppliers.

Marketing as a Company Function

• MArketing focuses on analyzing market needs and consumer expectations, designing appropriate goods/services
• Involves promoting and selling those goods/services
• The main goal is to attract and retain customers by implementing communication, promotion, distribution, and pricing strategies to boost sales/profitability
• Altitude Sports uses this by implementing ad campaigns for Boxing Day sales on running gear.

Purchasing and Logistics as a Company Function

• Purchasing focuses on acquiring raw materials, goods, and services needed for production and managing the flow of merchandise and inventory to final customer delivery.
• The main goal is to ensure a continuous supply of necessary resources for production, optimize purchasing costs, and effectively manage inventory
• It also ensures smooth distribution of finished goods.
• Altitude Sports demonstrates this by negotiating and purchasing items from brands like North Face, available on their website.

Human Resources as a Company Function

• HR manages company personnel, including things like recruitment, training, career management, compensation, employee relations, and prevention of psychosocial risks
• The main objective is to ensure the company has the needed skill sets, motivate and develop talent, cultivate a positive social environment, and ensure legal compliance in labor practices
• Altitude Sports hires temporary warehouse staff during peak holiday season.