BBB4M – International Business Fundamentals course provides an overview of the importance of international business and trade in the global economy and explores the factors that influence success in international markets. Students will learn about the techniques and strategies associated with marketing, distribution, and managing international business effectively. This course prepares students for postsecondary programs in business, including international business, marketing, and management.
BBB4M International Business Fundamentals, for Grade 12, Ontario Online Courses
Course Title: International Business Fundamentals, Grade 12 (BBB4M)
Course Name: Introduction to Business Fundamentals
Course Code: BBB4M
Grade: 12
Course Type: University / College Preparation
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Curriculum Policy Document: Business Studies, The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, 2006 (Revised)
Course Developer: Spadina International School
Department: Business Studies
Department Head: Business Studies Department
Development Date: 2021
Most Recent Revision Date: 2021
Tuition Fee (CAD): $359
Main Curriculum
Unit Titles and Descriptions | Time Allocated |
Business, Trade, and the Economy This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to define the basic terminology of international business (e.g., international trade, multinational enterprise, global company, exports, imports); demonstrate effective use of business communication techniques (e.g., in business reports, presentations); evaluate the benefits (e.g., decreased prices, increased quantity and quality of products, technological developments) and drawbacks (e.g., loss of jobs, increased foreign ownership of Canadian companies) of international trade for Canada; describe ways in which international business activity develops interdependence among nations. | 20 |
The Global Environment for Business By the end of this course, students will explain, drawing on information from a variety of sources, including the Internet, how Canadian and international companies, industries, and markets are being affected by increased global business activity; analyse the rationale for, and the impact of, Canadian government initiatives and policies relating to international trade (e.g., intergovernmental contacts, embassy and consulate networks, government trade missions; taxa analyse ways in which the workplace, occupations, the nature of work, and working conditions in Canada have changed as a result of the growth of a global economy (e.g., growth opportunities, downsizing, plant transfers, increase in contract work). | 20 |
Factors Influencing Success in International Markets In this unit, students will describe the modifications made to goods and services to adapt them to the cultures of other countries; describe the challenges an international company may encounter with regard to ethics, values, language, and business practices in the various countries in which it operates; identify and describe the problems that some companies have experienced when exporting goods and services; explain why some Canadian businesses enjoy success in a variety of international markets while others do not. | 20 |
Marketing Challenges and Approaches, and Distribution In this unit, students will identify the types of products that trade freely into and out of Canada and those that are restricted in their movement (e.g., textiles, softwood lumber, firearms); analyse the legal, political, and financial challenges a company faces in getting a product to different markets; compare the logistics of delivering a product to a local, a national, and an international market; compare the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transportation for distributing a product to a different world markets. | 20 |
Working in International Markets In this unit, students will analyse the ways in which international development agencies (e.g., United Nations organizations,Word Health Organization) and non governmental organizations (e.g., Greenpeace,World Safety Organization) promote economic progress in developing countries; analyse differences across cultures in perceptions, interpretations, and attitudes (e.g., in relation to gender, hierarchical structure, communication, actions, events) that might affect how individuals work in another country; explain the role of the Canada Border Services Agency (e.g., facilitating legitimate cross-border traffic, supporting economic development). | 20 |
Final Assessments | |
Final Project The final project is worth 30% of the final grade. | 10 |
Total | 110 |
Overall Curriculum Expectations
A. Business, Trade and the Economy | |
A1 | Demonstrate an understanding of terminology, concepts, and basic business communication practices related to international business. |
A2 | Analyse the impact of international business activity on Canada’s economy. |
A3 | Demonstrate an understanding of how international business and economic activities increase the interdependence of nations |
B. The Global Environment for Business | |
B1 | Analyse ways in which Canadian businesses have been affected by globalization. |
B2 | Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence a country’s ability to participate in international business. |
B3 | Assess the effects of current trends in global business activity and economic conditions. |
C. Factors Influencing Success in International Markets | |
C1 | Analyse the ways in which cultural factors influence international business methods and operations. |
C2 | Assess the ways in which political, economic, and geographic factors influence international business methods and operations. |
C3 | Identify and describe common mistakes made by businesses in international markets. |
C4 | Evaluate the factors currently affecting the international competitiveness of Canadian businesses. |
D. Marketing Challenges and Approaches, and Distribution | |
D1 | Assess the challenges facing a business that wants to market a product internationally. |
D2 | Compare the approaches taken by various companies to market their products internationally. |
D3 | Demonstrate an understanding of the logistics of, and challenges associated with, distribution to local, national, and international markets. |
E. Working in International Markets | |
E1 | Analyse the ways in which ethical considerations affect international business decisions. |
E2 | Assess the working environment in international markets. |
E3 | Demonstrate an understanding of the process for crossing international borders as it relates to international business. |
Additional Information
BBB4M Business Fundamentals is entirely online and does not require or rely on any textbook. Students may obtain appropriate textbooks to assist them as reference texts for BBB4M International Business Fundamentals but any text is entirely optional. Not optional however, is an internet connection.
- Business Studies courses lend themselves to a wide range of approaches in that they require students to discuss issues, solve problems using applications software, participate in business simulations, conduct research, think critically, work cooperatively, and make business decisions.
- In Business Studies, the use of case studies and simulations, teamwork, brainstorming, mind mapping, problem-solving, decision-making, independent research, personal reflection, seminar presentations, direct instruction, portfolios, and hands-on applications.
- Teachers must help students to relate the knowledge and skills gained to issues and situations in the business world. It is essential to emphasize the relationship of business studies to the world outside the school, it affects their lives, their communities, and the world.
- The diversity of subjects and approaches represented in the Business Curriculum will allow students to find courses that are well-suited to their particular learning styles and interests.
- By ensuring that students engage in experiential learning and real-world applications, teachers can help them develop the practical, current business knowledge and skills they need They also focus on employability skills, thereby building a foundation for the development of school-to-work transition programs.
At Spadina International School all International Business Fundamentals curriculum overall expectations outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Education are accounted for instruction and accordingly for evaluation. A student’s achievement of the overall expectations is evaluated on the basis of his or her achievement of related specific expectations. Likewise, SIS Teachers develop learning goals based on the BBB4M curriculum expectations and share them with students through the BBB4M Business Syllabus.
Evidence of SIS student achievement for evaluation is collected on every lesson from three different sources: observations, conversations, and student products. Observations are gathered from discussion areas or video evidence. Effective conversations will be fostered through apps that enable forums, discussions, or feedback. Student products may be in the form of tests or exams and/or assignments for evaluation. Assignments for evaluation may include rich performance tasks, demonstrations, projects, and/or essays, contributions to online discussions, completion of online assignments, portfolio submissions, projects and presentations, website development, electronic presentations, Online collaborative projects, oral presentations, interviews, dissertations or Student-led conferencing or Student-led conferencing
Achievement Chart
Spadina International School student learning is assessed and evaluated in a balanced manner with respect to four levels of the achievement chart, defined as follows:
Level Below 50%: represents achievement way below the provincial standard
Level 1 represents achievement that falls much below the provincial standard, obtained if Performance is under 59% of marks.
Level 2 represents achievement that approaches the provincial standard, obtained if performance is between 60% and 69% of marks.
Level 3 represents the provincial standard for achievement, attained if performance is between 70% and 79% of marks.
Level 4 identifies achievement that surpasses the provincial standard, reached if performance is over 80% of marks
Categories of Knowledge and Skills
The following are the four broad areas of knowledge and skills within which SIS subject/course expectations are organized. The categories are to be considered interrelated, reflecting the wholeness and interconnectedness of learning, therefore each one accounts for 25%:
- Knowledge and Understanding: Subject-specific content acquired in each grade/course (knowledge), and the comprehension of its meaning and significance (understanding)
- Thinking: The use of critical and creative thinking skills and/or processes
- Communication: The conveying of meaning through various forms
- Application: The use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts
Learning Skills and Work Habits
The development of learning skills and work habits is an integral part of a Spadina International School student’s learning, and are Responsibility, Organization, Independent Work, Collaboration, Initiative, and Self-regulation, and will be evaluated and reported as E – Excellent, G Good, S Satisfactory, N Needs improvement.
SIS students will develop most of their duties and responsibilities online, such as consulting the Grade 12 Business syllabus, accessing the reading material and teacher’s lectures, watching videos or conferences, participating in forums or discussions, uploading student products, and writing exams. Students’ products and homework assignments could be developed offline depending on the task but will have an online component to upload the results.
The evaluation for Grade 12 BBB4M Business is based on the student’s achievement of Ontario curriculum expectations and the demonstrated skills required for effective learning. The final percentage grade represents the quality of the student’s overall achievement of the expectations for the BBB4M Grade 12 and reflects the corresponding level of achievement as described in the achievement chart for the discipline. A credit is granted and recorded for Introduction to Business Fundamentals Grade 12 if the student’s grade is 50% or higher. The final grade will be determined as follows:
- 70% of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the Business Grade 12 BBB4M. This portion of the grade will reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement throughout the BBB4M International Business Fundamentals, although special consideration will be given to more recent evidence of achievement.
- 30% of the grade will be based on final evaluations administered at the end of the Grade 12 Business. The final assessment may be a final exam, a final project, or a combination of both an exam and a project.
Spadina International School will issue a Report Card following the guidelines of the Ontario Ministry of Education. It will contain information about the International Business Fundamentals online course, the percentage mark, the evaluation of the six learning skills and work habits, strengths, and steps for improvement. The report card will be issued once the SIS Student has completed 50% of the Grade 12 International Business Fundamentals or at the end.
Spadina International School report cards ensure that all SIS Students and their parents receive standard, clear, detailed, and straightforward information about student progress and achievement based on the expectations and standards outlined in the Ontario curriculum.
Program Planning Considerations
Classroom teachers are the key educators of students who have special education needs. They have a responsibility to help all students learn, and they work collaboratively with special education resource teachers, where appropriate, to achieve this goal. Special Education Transformation: The Report of the Co-Chairs With the Recommendations of the Working Table on Special Education, 2006 endorses a set of beliefs that should guide program planning for students with special education needs in all disciplines.
In Online High Schools in Canada classroom, students may demonstrate various strengths and needs. Teachers plan programs that recognize this diversity and give students perform tasks that respect their particular abilities so that all students can derive the most significant possible benefit from the teaching and learning process at the best high school in Canada. The use of flexible groupings for instruction and the provision of ongoing assessment are essential elements of programs that accommodate diverse learning needs.
Spadina International School is the best high school in Canada, and as such delivers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for students whose first language is a language other than English, or is a variety of English significantly different from that used for instruction. Appropriate adaptations include:
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Modification of some or all of the subject expectations so that they are challenging but attainable for the learner at his or her present level of English proficiency, given the necessary support from the teacher;
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Use of a variety of instructional strategies (e.g., extensive use of visual cues, graphic organizers, scaffolding; previewing of textbooks, pre-teaching of key vocabulary; peer tutoring; strategic use of students’ first languages);
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Use of a variety of learning resources (e.g., visual material, simplified text, bilingual dictionaries, and materials that reflect cultural diversity);
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Use of assessment accommodations (e.g., granting of extra time; use of oral interviews, demonstrations or visual representations, or tasks requiring completion of graphic organizers or close sentences instead of essay questions and other assessment tasks that depend heavily on proficiency in English).
When learning expectations in any course are modified for an English language learner, this information must be clearly indicated on the student’s report card.
The implementation of antidiscrimination principles in Spadina International school influences all aspects of school life. It promotes a school climate that encourages all students to work to attain high standards, affirms the worth of all students, and helps students strengthen their sense of identity and develop a positive self-image. SIS encourages staff and students alike to value and show respect for diversity in the school and the wider society. As the best high school in Canada, SIS adopts measures to provide a safe environment for learning, free from harassment, violence, and expressions of hate.
Antidiscrimination education encourages Spadina students to think critically about themselves and others in the world around them in order to promote fairness, healthy relationships, and active, responsible citizenship.
Financial literacy strategy is a fundamental component to gaining the OSSD diploma in Spadina International School by covering OSSD diploma requirements and includes the four key components of citizenship, economic understanding, personal finances, and consumer awareness. Financial literacy builds students’ understanding of personal finances, the local and global economy, and the results of their choices as consumers.
Financial literacy means having the knowledge and skills to make responsible economic and financial decisions with confidence. In today’s complex world, young people need a wide range of skills and knowledge to make informed choices. Financial literacy will help students to:
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Carefully consider their financial choices. This can apply to everyday decisions, like buying groceries to bigger investments, like paying for tuition or buying a car.
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Understand basic money management.
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Develop their own perspectives on financial matters, such as interest rates, mortgage rules or the Canadian or global economy.
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Participate fully in society as knowledgeable, responsible citizens who can confidently make decisions about where and how to invest their money.
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Stay financially stable and healthy throughout life.
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Understand the impact of economic choices on the world they live
Teachers who are planning a program in International Business – BBB4M will make an effort to take into account considerations for Gaining the accredited high school diploma online, which aligns with the Ontario Ministry of Education policy and initiatives in a number of important areas. The Business Studies curriculum also builds on and reinforces certain aspects of the mathematics curriculum. For example, clear, concise communication involves the use of various diagrams, charts, tables, and graphs to organize, interpret, and present information.
In Business studies courses, students will develop their ability to ask questions and conduct research as they plan and manage projects. They need to learn a variety of research methods in
order to carry out their investigations and to know which methods to use in a particular inquiry. Students need to learn how to locate relevant information in a variety of print and
electronic sources, including books and articles, manuals, newspapers, websites, databases, tables, diagrams, and charts. As they advance through the grades, students will be expected to use these sources with increasing sophistication. They will also be expected to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, to determine their validity and relevance, and to use them inappropriate ways. This is especially true with respect to electronic research sources.
Critical thinking is the process of thinking about ideas or situations in order to understand them fully, identify their implications, and/or make a judgment about what is sensible or reasonable to believe or do. Critical thinking includes skills such as questioning, predicting, hypothesizing, analyzing, synthesizing, examining opinions, identifying values and issues, detecting bias, and distinguishing between alternatives.
Spadina International School is a Canadian online high school where Students use critical thinking skills in science when they assess, analyze, and/or evaluate the impact of something on society and the environment; when they form an opinion about something and support that opinion with logical reasons; or when they create personal plans of action with regard to making a difference. In order to do these things, students need to examine the opinions and values of others, detect bias, look for implied meaning in their readings, and use the information gathered to form a personal opinion or stance while availing of a High School Diploma.
The nature of Spadina International school is one of the Online High Schools in Canada, whose students´ personal computers and the internet become the most valuable lab and resource. SIS teachers will guide students to reach pedagogic, scientific, academic, and practical material on the internet. To follow the pedagogical approach of Spadina International school, students will develop skills to find updated statistical data produced by reliable public and private institutions, as well as current investigations published by recognized institutions such as research labs, universities, or recognized scholars.
Information and communications technology provide a range of tools that can significantly extend and enrich teachers’ instructional strategies and support students’ learning. For Spadina International school is the best high school in Canada, technology plays a fundamental role, and it’s inherent to its e-learning pedagogical model. The use of technology helps SIS students collect, organize, and sort the data they gather and write, edit, and present multimedia reports on their findings. Technology also makes it possible to use simulations – for instance, when field studies on a particular topic are not feasible. Students can also use digital or video cameras to record laboratory inquiries or findings on field trips, or for multimedia presentations on scientific issues.
Although the Internet is a powerful learning tool, SIS students must be made aware of issues of privacy, safety, and responsible use, as well as of the potential for abuse of this technology, particularly when it is used to promote hatred.
The Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) is a free, bilingual, web-based resource that provides teachers and students with clear descriptions of the “Essential Skills” and work habits important in work, learning, and life. Spadina International School as a compliment to the High School Diploma Online can engage students by using OSP tools and resources to show how what they learn in class can be applied in the workplace and in everyday life. For further information on the Ontario Skills Passport, including the Essential Skills and work habits, visit the Ontario Skills Passport.
Cooperative education programs allow students to earn Ontario high school credits online while completing a work placement in the community. These programs complement students’ academic programs and are valuable for all students, whatever their post-secondary destination. A cooperative education program comprises, at a minimum, one cooperative education course and its related course on which the cooperative education course is based.
The cooperative education course consists of a classroom component and a placement component. The classroom component includes pre-placement sessions and classroom integration sessions. The pre-placement sessions prepare students for the workplace and include instruction in areas of key importance, such as health and safety. The classroom integration sessions provide opportunities for students to reflect on and reinforce their learning in the workplace as the program progresses.
A personalized placement learning plan (PPLP) must be developed for all students in a cooperative education program. A student’s progress in achieving the curriculum expectations and in meeting the requirements identified in the PPLP must be assessed and evaluated by a teacher through regular workplace monitoring meetings with the student and the student’s workplace supervisor.
Education and career/life planning helps students develop the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices for their education, career, and life outside school. Spadina International School students get a chance to learn more about themselves and their opportunities, set goals, and make plans to achieve them, as part of their High School Diploma. This program helps students choose the courses and activities that support their goals and interests
The goals are to:
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Ensure that students develop the knowledge and skills they need to make informed education and career/life choices through the effective application of a four-step inquiry process;
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Provide opportunities for this learning both in and outside the classroom;
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Engage parents and the broader community in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program, to support students in their learning.
The guidance and career education program have three areas of learning – student development (i.e., the development of habits and skills necessary for learning), interpersonal development (i.e., the development of the knowledge and skills needed in getting along with others), and career development (i.e., the development of the knowledge and skills needed to set short-term and long-term goals in planning for the future). Student development and interpersonal development areas are integrated within the learning skills and work habits in all the courses at Spadina International School.
Pursuing a High School Diploma at Spadina International School is a major challenge that must also include self-care. The major health and safety concerns associated with computer use are musculoskeletal injuries (including repetitive strain injuries) and eye strain. Teachers should not only ensure that workstations are ergonomically arranged but also encourage students to maintain good posture and to take regular breaks to stand and stretch. It is also important to inform students of the mental and emotional health risks associated with social isolation – a familiar condition among heavy computer users. Various kinds of health and safety issues can arise when learning involves field trips. Out-of-school field trips can provide an exciting and authentic dimension to students’ learning experiences. They also take the teacher and students out of the predictable classroom environment and into unfamiliar settings. Teachers must preview and plan these activities carefully to protect students’ health and safety.
Ontario curriculum provides varied opportunities for Spadina International School students to learn about ethical issues and explore the role of ethics in both public and personal decision-making. During the inquiry process, students may need to make ethical judgments when evaluating evidence and positions on various issues, and when drawing their own conclusions about issues, developments, and events.
Spadina International School teachers ensure that they thoroughly address the issue of plagiarism with students. In a digital world in which we have easy access to abundant information, it is very easy to copy the words of others and present them as one’s own. Students need to be reminded of the ethical issues surrounding plagiarism, and the consequences of plagiarism should be clearly discussed before students engage in an inquiry.