Business 1220E is one of the most popular first-year courses. It is available to students in all faculties; it is offered at main campus as well as all three affiliate colleges. Although not required for the Ivey HBA program, AEO students often take this course so that they can familiarize themselves with the case-study method before taking Business 2257, a requirement for entrance into Ivey.
The course is comprised of 5 major units: Finance, Marketing, Operations, Organizational Behaviour, and General Management (taught in that order). Our marks are determined by 3 exams and 2 reports, one of which is individual and the other is done as a group with members from your class. The overarching theme within each of these topics is the ability to make a decision. Within the business world, there are numerous times where people must make tough decisions, regardless of their position within a company. Business 1220 consistently teaches us how to make a decision, and it gives us the tools we need to know how to support our decision. On our exams, no matter how correct your work is, if you do not write a final decision to the problem you are faced with, you will not pass. This stresses how important decision-making is, not just within this course or in a business career, but in all areas life in general.
Upon returning from winter break, we started learning about Organizational Behaviour, and being over halfway through this course I can say that I absolutely love it. For me, it is not just the course material, which is new and unfamiliar, but also the way in which this course is taught. I attended a small, private high school where my biggest class was 20 people. Not surprisingly, walking into my Psych 1000 lecture on the first day with 700 other students was a bit of a shock. The primary reason why 1220 is my favourite course is due to the environment of the class. Each class consists of about 70 students, and sometimes even less, which gives students the opportunity to actually get to know their peers.
For me, it is not only the aspect of the small classroom size that I am comfortable with. I learn best by interacting with my classmates and my professors about the course material. In Business 1220, 10% of our final grade is allocated to class contribution. This means that students are required to participate on a daily basis if they wish to receive a high mark. However, it is not just about how often a student participates, but rather the quality of what they choose to say. Students who make insightful contributions to the class discussion will receive a higher participation grade than those who simply re-state case facts.
This classroom environment is one that, for most students, is very similar to their high school experiences. I believe that this makes it easier for students to participate and engage during class. I also think it is what makes Business 1220 such a popular course. Like my Intro to Psych course, most first year courses that are offered are taught by one professor standing in the front of a large classroom lecturing to hundreds of students. Although tutorials and labs are smaller, and allow for a more hands-on way of learning, they still don’t compare to 1220.
It is the unique atmosphere and environment that exists solely within the Business 1220 classrooms that make it such a beloved course. It allows for the diversity of student opinions and it encourages students to take an active role in their education. It differs from all other courses offered because of the relationships that develop between you and your classmates, almost all of whom you will not know before classes begin. I am looking forward to the remainder of this class, and I am already anticipating Business 2257, where I will be able to expand my knowledge of business and thrive in a classroom setting that perfectly suits me.
Wishing you all a safe and relaxing reading week!
Caitlin Pitblado