AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 

BUSINESS PRINCIPLES BUSI 1301

SYLLABUS Fall 2007

MW 5:40 TO 6:55PM

 

COURSE MATERIALS

            Nickels, McHugh, McHugh, Understanding Business, 8^th ed. 2008

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVE

A general survey of the entire field of business and management in the free enterprise system. Concepts of business and management functions, organizational considerations, and decision-making processes. Explores areas of specialization in the business world.

 

PREREQUISITE

            NONE

 

ATTENDANCE

            The ACC Business Division policy states that unexcused absences should not exceed 10% of the total number of class meetings. Attendance at all class meetings is required and necessary in order to do well in this class. The instructor may drop students missing more than 10% of the scheduled classes. Classes will start and end on time. If you are late please come anyway. It would be nice if we all arrived on time but due to the parking it is not likely.

 

WITHDRAWALS

            If you do not intend to complete the class, please inform me and then complete a withdrawal form at the Admissions Office. It is your responsibility to drop this class should you decide not to the complete the course requirements. Be aware that the last drop date is Nov 26.

 

 

 

CLASS PREPARATION

            Each class hour will require at least three preparation hours. Significant responsibility is placed on you to properly prepare for class. Students should read the assigned chapters in depth before coming to class. Class will start and end on time. Ask questions. Share your experiences from the business and financial world with others.

 

HOMEWORK

            Do the required readings before class. Come prepared to discuss. Study your notes from class.

 

 

ATTENDENCES

You need to attend class for the quizzes, details of what will be on the tests, to ask questions and to find out the quick and easy way to use Excel to work many of the problems. Excel is not explained well in the text. It is much easier to get it in class than to figure it out by yourself.

 

 

IN-CLASS PROJECTS

            Projects are given in order to encourage frequent class attendance and timely preparation. If you come to class prepared, your project grades should only help your final average. No make-up Projects! 

 

COURSE GRADE

            See Schedule for dates

            EXAM 1 (Chapters 1,2,3,4, 5, 6)          22.5% FINAL AVERAGE GRADE ASSIGNMENT

            EXAM 2 (Chapters 7, 8, 10, 11, 12) 22.5%                     A      90 – 100%

            EXAM 3 (Chapters 9, 13, 14, 15, 16)   22.5%             B          80 – 89%

            EXAM 4 (Chapters 18, 19, 20, D) 22.5%                      C          70 - 79%

            PROJECTS and attendance 10.0%                      D          60 – 69%

                                                                                                            F          Below 60%

            FINAL AVERAGE                                             100%              

                                   

           

LATE EXAMS

            Being on time in business is very important and so is it in business statistics. For every day you are late taking an exam your score will be lower by 2%. Be prepared and be on time. Late exams must be scheduled with my assistant, as computers are not allowed in the testing center.                     

 

BLACKBOARD

I will try to get up and running on Blackboard this semester where I would post study guides and your scores.

 

COMMENTS FOR SUCCESS

You are responsible for all assigned readings, problems and materials even if we do not cover or review the material in class. Read the assigned chapters before attending class and be prepared for class discussions. Note that 10% of your final grade is based on your projects, attendance, positive and active participation and preparation.

 

            Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the instructor for assistance whenever needed. Refer to my office hours listed above. If these are not convenient for you, I will be happy to schedule appointments at other times. Many resources are available to help you succeed in this course - you need only ask for help.

           

Ø     Attend all classes. Get there on time and do not leave early.

 

Ø     Read text chapters before you attend class. Reread them after class.

 

Ø     Study your notes from class.

 

Ø     Get in a study group. Work homework together. Prepare for exams together

.

Ø     Take advantage of the free help available at ACC.

 

Free Tutoring

 

Free tutoring is available (223-3367). There is also a free tutoring computer lab (223-3367). Give them a try!

 

 

If you have any problems with anything let me know. Don’t just spin your wheels!

 

SCANS

 

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Workplace Skills (SCANS) is a project of the Secretary of Education and Secretary of Labor. The consensus is that students must develop and cultivate workplace skills as part of their college courses.

 

The SCANS competencies (workplace skills) that will be assessed during this course include:

 

Responsibility

 

Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance toward goal attainment; works hard to become excellent at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details, and displaying a high level of concentration even when assigned an unpleasant task; and displays high standards of attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, vitality and optimism in approaching and completing tasks.

 

Assessments

Attends class regularly.

Arrives on time.

Completes homework on a timely basis.

Participates positively in class group activity.

Prepares for class by reading material and attempting exercises ahead of lecture presentation.

 

Apply Technology

 

Understands the overall intent of the course. Demonstrates competence in approaching and solving real-world business problems.

 

Assessments

Completes readings and can contribute to class discussions and projects.

 

Communicate Information

 

Selects and analyzes information and communicates the results to others using oral, written, graphic, pictorial or multimedia methods. Competently performing the tasks of communications and interpreting information to others includes determining information to be communicated; identifying the best methods to present information (e.g., overheads, handouts); if necessary, converting to desired format and conveying information to others through a variety of means including oral presentation, written communication, etc.

 

 

Assessments

Communicates mastery of the material through examination and written assignments.

Meets with instructor to gain additional assistance as needed.

Assists other students to better learn the material.

 

Academic Freedom Statement

 

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

 

 

Scholastic Dishonesty Statement

 

Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework” (Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 32). Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an F in the course and/or expulsion from this institution.

 

Student Discipline Statement

 

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 32.

 

Students with Disabilities Statement

 

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester” (Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 14).

 

SUMMARY

 

These competencies will be assessed throughout the course as indicated above and through the student’s performance in group activities, in-class activities, writing assignments, computer assignments, homework assignments, class discussions and exams.

 

Fall 2007

Business Principles – BUSI 1301

SEMESTER SCHEDULE (subject to change)

 

 

DATE                          TOPIC                                    ASSIGNMENT

8/27-29          Introductions, syllabus                              

                        Dynamic Business Environment                         Rd. ch. 1

                        Economics in Business                                        Rd. ch. 2

9/5                  Competing Globally                                                            Rd. ch. 3

9/10-12          Ethics/Social Responsibility                                 Rd. ch. 4

                        Forms of Business Ownership                            Rd. ch. 5

9/17-19          Entrepreneurs/Small Business/Franchises      Rd. ch. 6

Review for Exam                                          Study for EXAM

9/24                EXAM 1 (ch 1,2,3,4,5,6)     

                       

9/26   Management/Leadership Rd. ch. 7           

10/1-3            Organizational Structures                                      Rd. ch. 8

                        Human Resources Management                                    Rd. ch.11

10/8-10          Motivation/Communications                                 Rd. ch 10                  

10/15-17        Employee - Management Relations                    Rd. ch. 12

                       Review for Exam                                          Study for EXAM

10/22              EXAM 2 (ch. 7,8,10,11,12) 

                       

10/24              Production & Operations Mgmt                            Rd ch. 9

10/29-31        Marketing/Customer Relationships                    Rd. ch. 13

                        Product & Price                                                       Rd. ch. 14

11/5-7            Product & Price                                                       Rd. ch. 14

                        Distribution                                                               Rd. ch. 15

11/12-14        Promotions                                                               Rd. ch. 16

                        Review for Exam                                          Study for EXAM

11/19              EXAM 3(ch.9, 13, 14, 15, 16)

 

11/21              Accounting & Financial Info                                   Rd. ch. 18                 

11/26-28        The Securities Markets                                          Rd. ch. 19

12/3-5            Money & Banking System                                      Rd ch. 20

                        Personal Finance                                                    Rd ch D

12/10              EXAM 4 (ch. 18, 19, 20, D)

Please note dates may change based on how the semester progresses.