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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

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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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Better Business, 2^nd Edition – Michael R. Solomon, Mary Anne S. Poatsy, Kendall Martin. ISBN 978-0-13-249733-6 which you may purchase at the book store.  Please be sure to purchase the mybizlab software.  You will need the following course ID in order to access this course: spears17989

Supplies

Better Business, 2^nd Edition – Michael R. Solomon, Mary Anne S. Poatsy, Kendall Martin. ISBN 978-0-13-249733-6 which you may purchase at the book store.  Please be sure to purchase the mybizlab software.  You will need the

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

Grading Policy

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

Your grade will consist of class participation with discussion questions, chapter assignments, individual article report, and exams.  Please reference Introduction to Business Schedule Summer 2012 for course breakdown, homework/exam dates, and report due dates.

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

 There are 1,000 points that can be earned in this class.  Here is the breakdown of those points:

Attendance

Although this class is an online class, regular participation is monitored.  It is your responsibility to read all communication.

Calendar

Additional Information

Exam Policy

Examinations will consist of short answer/essay questions.  I expect complete sentences and will grade on this as well as spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  I do not allow makeup exams, and as a rule, I do not curve test grades unless I deem it necessary.

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.  The cover sheet does not count as one of the two pages of your report.  If possible, include a copy of the article with your report or the web address 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 July 8, 2012.  Each day your report is late, 10 points will be deducted and no reports will be accepted after three days.  Please submit your report to me via AC Online email.