2024 – 2025
Business Technology
Guy Shepherd, Academy C Administrator – Ext. 113
Course & Program of Studies
Statement of Purpose
The Business Technology program at GNBRVTHS is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving technological business landscape. Our program emphasizes a holistic approach, combining technical expertise with strong business acumen.
Key Program Goals:
- Technical Proficiency: Develop students’ proficiency in a range of technologies.
- Business Acumen: Cultivate a strong understanding of business principles, including marketing, finance and management.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Foster students’ ability to analyze complex problems, think critically, and develop innovative solutions.
- Communication and Collaboration: Enhance students’ communication and teamwork skills, enabling them to work effectively in diverse teams.
- Career Readiness: Prepare students for a variety of careers in business and technology, including IT support, web development, network administration, and business analysis.
Program Highlights:
- Hands-on Learning: Students gain practical experience through hands-on projects and real-world simulations.
- Industry Certifications: Students have the opportunity to earn industry certifications from Microsoft and Intuit through Certiport.
- Career Counseling and Guidance: Students receive personalized career counseling and guidance to help them make informed decisions about their future.
By combining technical skills with business knowledge, our program empowers students to become well-rounded professionals who can adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape.
Junior Program
Financial Management & Data Analysis
This course provides students with a strong foundation in financial management and data analysis, essential skills for success in today’s business world. Key components of this course include:
Technology Skills:
- Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, including:
- Creating professional documents, reports, and presentations
- Using advanced formatting techniques
- Mastering complex formulas and functions
- Analyzing and visualizing data
- Graphic Design and Data Visualization: Creating visually appealing graphics, charts, and infographics to communicate data effectively.
- Digital Tools and Applications: Utilizing a variety of digital tools and applications to enhance productivity and creativity.
Financial Literacy and Business Mathematics:
- Financial Management: Understanding fundamental financial concepts, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.
- Business Mathematics: Applying mathematical principles to solve business problems, including calculating interest, profit and loss, and statistical analysis.
- Data Analysis: Using data analysis techniques to extract insights from data, including data cleaning, data visualization, and statistical analysis.
By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared to:
- Use technology effectively to solve complex problems.
- Analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions.
- Create professional-quality documents and spreadsheets.
- Manage personal finances responsibly.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to business challenges.
This course will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of careers, including accounting, finance, marketing, and information technology.
Junior Related 1
Business & Professional Communications
This course provides a comprehensive overview of business and finance principles, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a variety of business careers. Key topics include:
Business Fundamentals:
- Business Structures: Understanding different types of business organizations (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC).
- Business Ethics: Exploring ethical principles and their application in business practices.
- Financial Management: Budgeting, financial planning, and cost analysis.
- Marketing and Sales: Developing marketing strategies, sales techniques, and customer relationship management.
- Human Resources: Understanding recruitment, hiring, training, and employee relations.
Economic Concepts:
- Microeconomics: Supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behavior.
- Macroeconomics: Economic indicators, inflation, unemployment, and monetary policy.
Technology and Business:
- Technology in Business: Utilizing technology to improve business operations and increase productivity.
- E-commerce: Understanding online business models and digital marketing strategies.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze business problems and develop effective solutions.
- Make informed financial decisions.
- Communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
- Adapt to changing business environments.
This course will prepare students for further education in business, finance, or related fields, as well as for successful careers in a variety of business settings.
Junior Related 2
Marketing, Design & Media
This course delves into the synergy between marketing and design, exploring how visual communication can amplify marketing messages. Key topics include:
Marketing and Design Integration:
- Brand Identity: Developing strong brand identities through logo design, color palettes, and typography.
- Print Design: Creating effective print materials, such as brochures, flyers, and posters.
- Digital Design: Designing for digital platforms, including social media graphics.
- Marketing Campaigns: Integrating design into marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and drive conversions.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Create visually appealing and effective marketing materials.
- Use design tools and software to create professional-quality designs.
- Develop marketing campaigns that incorporate strong visual elements.
- Analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and make data-driven improvements.
This course will equip students with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of marketing and design roles, including graphic design, social media marketing, and digital marketing.
Senior Program
Accounting & Information Systems
This course provides a solid foundation in accounting principles and information systems, equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in various business roles.
Key Components:
Accounting Fundamentals:
- Financial Accounting: Understanding the accounting cycle, financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement), financial analysis, and accounting standards (GAAP and IFRS).
- Managerial Accounting: Analyzing financial information to make informed business decisions, including cost accounting, budgeting, and performance analysis.
Information Systems:
- Database Design and Management: Creating and managing databases using tools like Microsoft Access.
- Data Analysis and Visualization: Extracting insights from data using tools like Excel and data visualization software.
Technology Skills:
- Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Access, including:
- Creating professional presentations
- Designing and managing databases
- Automating tasks with macros
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Applying analytical skills to solve complex business problems.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze financial statements and make informed business decisions.
- Design and implement effective information systems.
- Utilize technology tools to enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Communicate financial information clearly and concisely.
- Think critically and solve problems creatively.
This course prepares students for a variety of careers in accounting, finance, information technology, and business analysis.
Senior Related 1
Entrepreneurship & Management
This senior-level course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship and business management. Key components of this course include:
Entrepreneurial Principles:
- Business Idea Generation: Identifying and evaluating business opportunities.
- Business Planning: Developing a comprehensive business plan, including executive summary, market analysis, financial projections, and operational plan.
- Market Research: Conducting market research to identify target markets and customer needs.
- Financial Management: Understanding financial statements, budgeting, and cash flow management.
- Marketing and Sales: Developing marketing strategies, sales techniques, and customer relationship management.
- Operations Management: Managing day-to-day operations, including inventory control, supply chain management, and quality control.
- Human Resource Management: Recruiting, hiring, training, and managing employees.
Practical Application:
- Business Simulation: Engaging in business simulations to apply entrepreneurial concepts and make strategic decisions.
- Real-World Projects: Developing and implementing real-world business projects, such as creating a business plan, launching a small business, or participating in a business competition.
- Hands-On Application: Working in the School Store, the Den for hands-on experience in operations, financial management, inventory management, and product development.
By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify and pursue business opportunities.
- Develop and implement effective business plans.
- Manage finances and make sound financial decisions.
- Market products and services effectively.
- Lead and motivate teams.
- Adapt to changing market conditions.
This course provides a solid foundation for students who aspire to start their own businesses or pursue careers in entrepreneurship, management, or related fields.
Senior Related 2
Career Readiness – Elective
This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate the modern job market successfully. Key components of this course include:
Career Exploration and Planning:
- Self-Assessment: Identifying personal strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values.
- Career Exploration: Researching various career paths and industries.
- Goal Setting: Setting short-term and long-term career goals.
- Creating a Career Action Plan: Developing a personalized plan to achieve career goals.
Job Search Strategies:
- Resume Writing: Crafting effective resumes that highlight skills, experiences, and achievements.
- Cover Letter Writing: Writing persuasive cover letters tailored to specific job applications.
- Job Search Techniques: Utilizing online job boards, networking, and other job search strategies.
- Interviewing Skills: Preparing for interviews, practicing common interview questions, and developing effective interviewing techniques.
Professional Skills:
- Communication Skills: Developing strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Professional Etiquette: Understanding professional etiquette, including dress code, punctuality, and workplace behavior.
- Time Management: Effectively managing time and prioritizing tasks.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Analyzing problems, identifying solutions, and making informed decisions.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively in teams and collaborating with others.
By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to:
- Identify their career goals and develop a plan to achieve them.
- Create effective resumes and cover letters.
- Successfully navigate the job search process.
- Ace job interviews and make a positive impression.
- Demonstrate strong professional skills and work ethic.
This course will empower students to take control of their career paths and achieve their full potential.
Certifications
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Access
- PowerPoint
- Excel
- Word
- Expert
- Intuit
- Personal Finance
- Certified Bookkeeping Professional
- Online QuickBooks Certified User
- Certiport
- Professional Communication for Business
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business
- Generative AI Foundations
Career Opportunities
- Teller
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Clerk
- Travel Agent
- Parts Salesperson
- Advertising Sales Agent
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting and Audit Clerk
- Court, Municipal and License
- Insurance Claims Check
- Policy Processing Clerk
- Real Estate Sales Agent
- Hotel/Restaurant Manager
- Financial Manager
- Accountant and Auditor
- Loan Officer
- Advertising Promotions Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Property, Real Estate Manager
- Tax Examiner
- Collectors and Revenue Agent
- Insurance Underwriter
- Financial Analyst
- Chief Executive Office
Post-Secondary Education
- UMass Dartmouth
- UMass Amherst
- UMass Boston
- UMass Lowell
- Bridgewater State University
- Bristol Community College
- Bentley University
- Suffolk University
- Babson College
- Boston College
- Northeastern University