Introduction to Business Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

BUSI-1301-004 Introduction to Business

Prerequisites

Course Description

Survey of modern business activities; basic industries, forms of organization, banking, credit, problems of management, business risks and the relation of government to business.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Better Business, 2^nd Edition – Michael R. Solomon, Mary Anne S. Poatsy, Kendall Martin. ISBN 978-0-13-249733-6  

Supplies

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Student Performance

Course Description

Survey of modern business activities, basic industries, form of an organization, banking, credit, problems of management, business risks and the relation of government to business.

Course Objectives

• List the factors of production and differentiate between the three major economic systems based on the way each controls and uses the factors of production.
• Identify the major forms of business ownership and their appropriateness for small business, franchises, or multinational corporations.
• Describe the Federal Reserve System’s mission and the tools it uses to accomplish its mission.
• Identify the types of financial institutions that make up the U.S. financial system and the services they offer.
• Differentiate between the three basic financial statements and the budgeting process. Illustrate how the computation of key ratios from financial statements helps in analyzing a business’ financial strengths and weaknesses.
• Discuss the sources, instruments, and techniques of short-term and long-term financing.
• Describe the activities of the management process and the basic skills needed by managers.
• Identify the purpose of goal setting and differentiate between strategic, tactical, and operational plans.
• Discuss the bases for organizational structure. Describe the effect authority, responsibility, leadership, corporate culture and the informal organization have on the organization.
• Identify the functions of a specialized human resource department and explain the continuing responsibility of all departments for the effective training, development, motivation, and use of human resources.
• Discuss why labor unions were organized, their primary goals, and methods for achieving these goals.
• Identify the major components and tasks of operations and production management.
• Define marketing and discuss the marketing function in product development, pricing, promotion and distribution.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Academic Integrity

See Students responsibility Web Site http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=291#AcademicInformation

Disability Policy

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Student Service Center (Room 119, Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Miscellaneous

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate drop or withdrawal procedures through the registrar.Students who stop attending class but do not officially drop or withdraw from this course will receive a letter grade at the end of the semester.  

Grading Criteria

 90-100%=A; 80-89%=B ; 70-79%=C ; 60-69%=D; Below 60%=F

Your grade will consist of in class participation, individual article report, group project and presentation, and exams.  Please reference Introduction to Business Schedule Fall 2011 for course breakdown, exam dates, and report due dates.

Instructor reserves the right to subjectively influence the final grade relative to class participation and attitude.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend regularly. It is your responsibility to read all communication. If you miss a class or information, it is your responsibility to determine what you have missed and take appropriate action.

Calendar

Additional Information

Exam Policy

Examinations may consist of essay or multiple choice questions.  Exams will be taken on the AC Online ANGEL Learning site.  Final exam will all essay.  If you miss the exam and want to make it up, your grade will not be higher than the lowest grade earned by another student on that test. 

Individual Report

Each student will prepare a report on a current event in business.  The purpose of this assignment is to gain a better understanding of current events in business and relate them to class topics and develop writing skills.  Each student will pick a business article on a topic relevant to this.  Feel free to use chapters in the book as guidance for your report.  You can choose one chapter to relate to, or multiple chapters.

A two page, double spaced, typed report with one inch margins shall be written by each student.  Please include your name, the title of the article, the date, and the topic it relates to on the cover sheet of your report.  If possible, include a copy of the article with your report (i.e. the link to the article if found online).  The report should provide a summary of the article and relate it to topics covered in the course, assigned readings, etc.  (Be sure to cite references used.)  Depending on the article you choose you may wish to also report on other issues such as why the event is taking place, the impact it is having on the industry or the company, what others can learn from this event, etc.  Spelling, grammar, and punctuation will be graded.  The report is due October 13, 2011.  Each day your report is late, 10 points will be deducted and no reports will be accepted after three days.

Group Project

Small groups will be formed and asked to choose a publicly traded business to analyze and report on.  A formal written report as well as oral presentation will be prepared by each group.  The reports should provide details on the company’s history, products, competitors, financial information, and SWOT analysis.  In the financial information section, please include copies of the company’s financial statements, a tracking chart and graph (non-web generated) of the company’s stock from October 20 through November 30, 2011.  Also include a discussion of the company’s financial situation.  In your SWOT analysis, please brainstorm ways the company could embrace, improve, face, and/or overcome their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.  You may also wish to report on other issues the company is experiencing as they relate to topics covered in the course.  (Be sure to cite references used)

All reports should be double spaced, typed reports with one inch margins and at least 4 pages long, not including the financial statements.  Please include each group member’s name, my name, the course name, the date of the presentation, and the name of the company you chose on the cover sheet of your report.     

A presentation will also be given by each group which outlines the main points of your report.  A PowerPoint presentation is required.  Each group will have approximately 20 minutes to give their presentation and answer questions.  All group members are expected to participate in the presentation.  The report shall be submitted at the conclusion of your report.  The date of the presentations is December 1, 2011.