Business Fundamentals for Technical Leaders (September 2024)

Course Overview

This entry-level business basics course provides technical professionals with a solid foundation in business concepts. Through a series of focused modules and engaging live interactions with industry experts, learners can expect to develop financial literacy skills, to make informed decisions and effectively sell innovative solutions. This course equips learners with the ability to decipher financial and accounting documents, corporate reports, and strategic plans, enabling learners to contribute innovative ideas aligned with organizational goals. By the course's conclusion, participants will grasp the critical link between financial decisions and technical innovations, mastering the art of communicating how solutions directly impact the bottom line.

What to Expect

In this course students will build knowledge through course material. Weekly assignments will emphasize application and be paired with live sessions with faculty and industry experts. Learners will learn and develop skills to impact their contribution to innovation in technical contexts.

Weekly live sessions will also require journal reflections. Learners will earn the digital credential for completing this microcredential with a passing score of >80%.

This course includes live synchronous sessions with faculty or professional experts each week. While they are highly beneficial to participate in live, accommodations will be made for those that cannot attend.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this micro-credential you will be able to:

• Recognize strategies for innovation investment within a corporate structure
• Distinguish among three financial statements
• Describe the budget planning process
• Discuss the importance of financial knowledge for a technical leader
• Articulate a value proposition

Leading Through Innovation Series

This course is part of a four course microcredential series titled Leading Through Innovation.  Courses in this series will run periodically throughout the year. Learners’ successful completion of all four courses will earn a Leading Through Innovation series badge. For questions on this opportunity contact microcredentials@engr.psu.edu.

Instructor

Ted Graef
Professor of Practice

Brad Groznik
Assistant Teaching Professor

Recognition

Upon completion of this course, you will receive a College of Engineering Certified Microcredential titled Business Fundamentals for Technical Leaders. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile and other digital media.