Business Education

Back to the Basics is a five-part series designed to introduce young adults to the work world. It addresses the issues of Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution and Etiquette, Communication Skills, Stress Management, and Professional Image. Specialists in career planning, organizational behavior, and workplace wellness share their advice on how to navigate the business world successfully. A diverse group of young adults also share their experiences in the workforce, giving the viewer a complete look at what works and what doesn't. The entire series is led by a host who shares information from our research, tests viewers on their current skills, and introduces each of the program's players. After watching these programs, viewers will know how to act and react in any business situation, providing a comfortable, knowledgeable start to any career. A Cambridge Educational Production. 5-part series, 18-23 minutes each.

This two-part series focuses on key concepts to help young adults put their best foot forward when joining the work force in an entry-level position. The basic skills needed to survive and prosper in a business office are addressed: how to file, sort mail, organize a desk for maximum efficiency, prioritize tasks, and provide good customer service. Viewers also learn about punctuality, dependability, and neatness-three important skills that every employee needs on every job. Viewable/printable instructor's guides are available online. Correlates to the National Business Education Association's National Standards for Business Education. A Meridian Production. 2-part series, 16-19 minutes each.

Boss is for young people who love a challenge, are doers, and have lots of energy. The BIZ WHIZ QUIZ will help them identify characteristics that are necessary if they want to be in charge. Boss talks about the various hats people who own a business must wear, such as a business planning hat and a marketing hat. Entrepreneurs of all ages offer insightful hints into a variety of businesses, emphasizing that it takes a lot of money and hard work to make a go of it. (18 min.) A Meridian Production.

This program updates the philosophy of branding, a practice that has evolved to define personal identity through a product line, a lifestyle, or simply a concept. Cultural anthropologist Ted Polhemus explains the theory of branding and its evolution in the global marketplace. Nicolas Hayek, CEO of Swatch, uses his company's success story to discuss the emotional nature of buying-and buying into-a brand. The indie skateboard entrepreneurs of Girl & Chocolate describe their brand as representative of a lifestyle. And the advertising duo who created do," a brand with a lot of attitude but no products, look at brands as a form of personal statement that replaces worn-out cultural identity tags such as political affiliation. (42 minutes)"

This series offers a comprehensive report on the globalization of business. CEOs, economists, management experts, and journalists from Europe, Asia, and North America discuss global macroeconomic trends. 7-part series.

The eureka moment," the ups and downs of starting a business, where to get advice-in this four-segment program, Freeserve founder Ajaz Ahmed, a shop owner, a software developer, an inventor of a better children's toothbrush, and others share their experiences and insights. Motives and Traits describes what makes an entrepreneur; Risks and Rewards tells how entrepreneurs find balance amidst the chaos of a startup; Developing Business Plans explains key elements such as the market profile, sales forecast, and income and cost statement; and Sources of Information and Guidance discusses who to turn to for help. (37 minutes)"

This unique video series explains to beginning workers the basic skills needed to survive and prosper. Includes Thank You For Calling! Effective Telephone Techniques and May I Help You? Commendable Customer Service. Excellent preparation for working in an office! A Cambridge Educational Production.

This program begins with a look at some of the most basic yet most important of all job skills: being punctual, dependable, and positive; dressing appropriately; and abiding by company rules. Next, the art of organizing tasks and work areas is demonstrated, as viewers learn how to make folders for filing, compile a to do" list to help control work flow for the day, and much more. Voicemail and e-mail are also discussed-vital elements of today's office, both can prove useless if messages are not transcribed accurately or organized properly for quick retrieval. Clerical Skills for New Employees closes with a look at the processing of incoming and outgoing mail and proper use of the postage machine and fax machine. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to the National Business Education Association's National Standards for Business Education. A Meridian Production. (19 minutes)"

What is it like to open a new business? And, once started, what does it take to keep it going and growing? Filmed in the U.K., this series profiles three small-business owners to see how they deal with stress and uncertainty as they skillfully guide their startups through the first stages of operation-a period when everything is still new, and bankruptcy is an ever-present danger. 3-part series, 25 minutes each.

Very few consumer products enter the full-blown production stage without undergoing a strict assessment. This program shows viewers the ins and outs of that vital phase in product creation. Beginning with important design concepts, the program lays out basic aesthetic principles and how they are utilized to enhance an item's appeal. Functional efficiency and its incorporation into design are explored, followed by the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal. Finally, planned obsolescence is illustrated by showing how manufacturers carefully balance quality and durability against a limited useful life of the product. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (26 minutes)

A good business plan is a roadmap to success. The three modules of this program look at the process of creating a business plan from three different perspectives: the transformation of an idea into a marketable product, the determination of financial feasibility, and negotiation with potential investors. German airship manufacturer Cargolifter, the Swiss musical production Space Dream, and data broadcasting innovator The Fantastic Corporation serve as case studies. (30 minutes)

Building a better mousetrap is not enough to guarantee success in business; its builder must also be able to schedule its manufacture, control inventory, set the correct price, devise marketing strategy, collect receivables, deal with taxes, hire and motivate employees, finance his business... These video seminars are addressed to those who are or are studying to be owners/managers of small businesses; the lessons are equally applicable to the study of any business or business management. Led by nationally-known experts in their respective fields, the seminars deal with management and planning techniques and strategies that are at least as important as the quality of the proverbial mousetrap in determining the success of small business. 8-part series, 23-31 minutes each.

Shell of Australia is a part of one of the world's largest oil and gas companies. Australia-based Intrepid Travel is a medium-size adventure vacation company. In this program, human resource professionals from these two companies discuss the processes of recruitment, performance appraisal, and termination; explore the dynamic relationship between employees and employers; and describe the methods used by organizations to manage people and maintain a motivated and productive workforce. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (31 minutes)

Which part of a company has the most impact on product design? On employee training? On forming relationships with customers? This business case study addresses those questions by examining the needs, strategies, and goals of a major corporation's departments. Going behind the scenes at Holden, a thriving General Motors subsidiary, the program features interviews with managers and directors in Finance, Human Resources, Manufacturing, and Sales and Marketing. From the challenges of efficient assembly to the demands of accurate budget forecasting, a dynamic portrait of the company emerges, emphasizing dependence on teamwork as well as on expertise. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (29 minutes)

Starting a business is like learning a musical instrument-certain steps and practices are required, or you just make noise. This video shows aspiring entrepreneurs ten principles for creating a solid, profitable company. Developing a realistic plan, seeking guidance from experienced mentors, building rapport with suppliers, and maintaining client relationships are a few of the subjects covered. With in-depth interviews featuring young owner/managers of recent computer gaming and graphics start-ups, Keys to Success in Business provides specific advice on recognizing, enhancing, and fine-tuning company strengths, and on increasing harmony among partners. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (30 minutes)