NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	Introduction to Business
Course Prefix & Number:		BUSG1301	Section Number:	310	Semester/Year:	Spring 2018
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	48	Lab Hours:	0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Fundamental business principles including structure, functions, resources, and operational processes.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required or Recommended Course Materials: N/A Business Foundations A Changing World Eleventh Edition Authors O. C. Ferrell, Geoffrey Hirt & Linda Ferrell

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Dr. Michael Woods
Campus/Office Location:	Canvas
Telephone Number:	940 -367-1094
E-mail Address:	jwoods@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
		7:00
		9:00

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
	Identify business functions of accounting, management, marketing, and economics.
	Describe the relationships of social responsibility, ethics, and law
	Describe the scope of global business enterprise.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
8	Discussion Responses / Participation	100
2	Individual Business Papers	200
2	PowerPoint Presentations	200
4	Individual Case Study	200
1	Mid Term	100
10	Quizzes	100
1	Final	100

Total points 1,000

Grading Scale

100-90 =A

89- 80 =B

79-70 =C

69-60 =D

59-Below =F

PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT

NCTC seeks to implement its goal of providing quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences that parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities by offering a coherent sequence of courses with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare student for transfer to a university.

DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Business Management program is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills directly applicable to a career in management as well as to update and sharpen their personal management skills. It provides quality workforce education to men and women seeking to qualify for positions of managerial responsibility in business and industry.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Class Calendar

If you choose to not print the entire syllabus, it is vital that you at least print the class calendar. The calendar will be your guide throughout this course. It displays when each module will open and also due dates for all assignments. You will have one week to complete each module.

Do not use the to-do-list!!! You must go directly to the modules to see all assignments.

The module will be made available each Monday at 8:00 a.m. and will be disabled the following Sunday at 11:00 p.m., which means all assignments will need to be completed by 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Discussion Forums have different due dates. Due to the forums having two different due dates, you will not see a date beside the assignment in the module. Please see discussion forum instructions for instructions about when the initial and response posts are due.

The due date for the Final Exam is different. You will only have three (3) days to complete the final exam. (May 8th – May 10th). The final will be available May 8th 2018 at 8:00 a.m. and will shut off at 12:00 p.m. NOON on May 10th 2018.

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Case Study	Google Unique Culture	January 26
Individual Paper	Ethics and Social Responsibility	February 4
Presentation	Growing A Business	March 2
Quizzes	Unit 1, 2 & 3	Jan. 26 Feb. 2, 16, 23
Case Study	Netflix Engaging Employees	February 23
Mid-Term Exam	Unit 1, 2 & 3	March 6-8
Case Study	Starbucks Leadership	March 23
Individual Paper	Motivating the Workforce	April 6
Case Study	Toyota Organizational	April 20
Presentation	Marketing Strategy	April 27
Quizzes	Unit 3, 4 & 5	Mar. 2, 23, 30 Apr. 13, 20, 27
Final Exam	Unit 3, 4 & 5	May 8-10

 

COURSE CALENDER

Module 1 January 16 - January 19

1. Read course information
2. Read the Course Syllabus
3. Introduce yourself
4. Read Learning Objectives
5. Read Chapter 1 along with the Power Point presentation
6. Participate in Discussion Forum 1

Module 2 January 22 - January 26

1. Read Learning Objectives
2. Read Chapter 2 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Google Unique Culture Case Study
4. Quiz #1

 

Module 3 January 29 - February 2

1. Read Learning Objectives
2. Read Chapter 3 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Participate in Discussion Forum 2
4. Quiz #2

Module 4 February 5 - February 9

1. Read Learning Objectives
2. Read Chapter 4 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Complete Ethics and Social Responsibility paper

Module 5 February 12 - February 16

1. Read Learning Objectives
2. Read Chapter 5 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Participate and Discussion Forum 3
4. Quiz #3

Module 6 February 19 - February 23

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 6 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Quiz #4
4. Netflix Engaging Employees

Module 7 February 26 - March 2

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 7 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Complete: Growing A Business presentation
4. Quiz #5

 

Module 8  March 5 - March 9

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 8 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Participate in Discussion Forum 4
4. Complete: Mid-Term Exam Unit 1-3

Spring Break - March 12 - March 17

Module 9 March 19 - March 23

1. Read Learning Objectives
2. Read Chapter 9 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Quiz #6
4. Starbucks Leadership Case Study

Module 10 March 26 - March 30

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 10 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Participate in Discussion Forum 5
4. Quiz #7

Module 11 April 2 - April 6

1. Read Learning Objectives
2. Read Chapter 11 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Complete: Motivating the Workforce paper

Module 12 April 9 - April 13

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 12 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Participate in Discussion Forum 6
4. Quiz #8

Module 13 April 16 - April 20

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 13 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Quiz #9
4. Toyota Organizational Case Study

Module 14 April 23 - April 27

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 14 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Participate in Discussion Forum 7
4. Quiz #10

Module 15 April 30 - May 4

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 15 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Complete Marketing Strategy presentation

Module 16 May 7 - May 11

1. Read Learning Outcomes
2. Read Chapter 16 along with the Power Point presentation
3. Participate in Discussion Forum 8
4. Complete: Final Exam Unit 4-6

Note: Please be mindful that this is a tentative calendar and changes can be made at instructor’s discretion. The instructor will notify students of any changes. Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 5, 2018

100 points (12.5 Points each) Discussion Forums

You are required to participate in a total of eight (8) discussion forums. In order to receive credit for the discussion forum you must do the following: (1.) Post your response to the initial question(s) on time, (2.) Respond to 2 of your classmates (3.) Answer all parts to the initial post very detailed (4.) Response is on time and is thought provoking and not just “a general statement.” (5.) Make sure your initial post and response post are written in a scholarly manner. Do not respond by just saying I agree. Be sure to tell why and add supporting fact. ANYONE

Those who post their initial posts and responses on a Sunday will receive a zero (0). The rubric for the discussion forums is as follows:

Rubric for Discussion Forums

Requirement Points

Post your response to the initial question (s) on time Minimum 0 Maximum 2.5

Respond to 2 of your classmates Minimum 0 Maximum 2.5

Answered all parts to the initial post very detailed. Minimum 0 Maximum 2.5

Responses are on time and is thought provoking and not just “a

general statement” Minimum 0 Maximum 2.5

Make sure your posts are written in a scholarly manner with at least

one citation from the textbook Minimum 0 Maximum 2.5

Total possible points for each discussion forum 12.5

1. The question for the initial post will be posted in the forum. You must answer the question in its entirety and on time. Most good answers will be at least 5 sentences in length. Note: If you do not make your initial post, you will not receive credit for the forum. Post reflecting only a response to your classmates will be considered as incomplete and will receive a zero.
2. You must respond to two of your classmates. In your response, you should give feedback on their response, ask probing questions and provide intellectual feedback. A response stating “I agree with you” only is not acceptable and will result in you losing five points. This is a discussion forum. Please create a dialogue between you and your classmates.
3. Your answer to the initial question must be posted by day 4 of the week and you must respond to two classmates by day 6. For example: The week starts on a Monday, Thursday is day 4 and Saturday is day 6. It is unacceptable to post all of your responses at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday.
4. ANYONE WHO POSTS THEIR INITIAL POST AND RESPONSE POSTS ON A SUNDAY WILL RECEIVE A 0. This does not give your classmates adequate time to read your posts.
5. This is a college class. It is important for you to display your intellect. Your initial post and at least one of your response posts should be written in a scholarly manner. In the past, students have posted more than 3 times, which is fine. All I ask is that 2 of your post be well written.
6. Please make sure you write your post in a scholarly manner. Be sure that all sentences have punctuation marks, start with a capital letter and reflect the usage of spell check. You must also make at least one citation from your textbook in your initial post supporting your response. For example: One could say that business ethics is “the application of ethical behavior in a business context. Acting ethically in business means more than simply obeying applicable laws and regulations (pg. 59 Skripak, S. 2016).

Case Studies will consist of answering the Business Scenario and will be assigned by the Instructor to the student’s.  Students will be required to read the entire scenario.  Each student is required to read the assigned material and answer the assigned questions for that assigned scenario.  Each student will present information for their assigned scenario and ‘teach’ real-World Evidenced Based information to the instructor.  This will allow the class to cover the material in addition to learning about different management that fit within the context of Introduction to Business.

Students are strongly encouraged to use Collaboration Tools (e.g. http://www.emaze.com/ , http://www.wikispaces.com/ , http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/ , etc).  The more venues used, the more time is effectively used to complete projects timely.

 

HOW TO PRESENT CASE STUDIES:

 

The following should help you in creating your Case Study Presentation.  Case Study Presentations will be via Power Point or other Presentation Tool.  REMEMBER:  Presentations must be no longer than 6 slides.  These presentations should not be extremely laborious.  Use APA to cite your references.  Information on APA formatting can be located at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/11/

The responses to the questions must:

1. Define a purpose (Exploratory, Descriptive, Explanatory or a combination thereof)
2. Address the question as the subject
3. Sell the answer you are presenting
4. Address any issues or risks

Your Case Study can be Exploratory, Descriptive, Explanatory, or a combination thereof if the Business chosen has no data that can be cited to specifically address the question. 

• Descriptive cases are narratives that provide a detailed account of a circumstance or situation. Descriptive cases solely convey information; thus, the reader is free to use the information unconstrained by any pre-existing goals of the writer.
• Explanatory cases require that writer assume the role of an expert and use that expertise to translate a difficult subject into a language accessible to the reader. Explanatory cases remove obscurity; they exist to make the difficult comprehensible.
• Exploratory cases invite the reader to join a tour of new terrain. The writer assumes the role of a knowledgeable but unobtrusive guide. In these cases, the reader is left alone to explore and experience the case. Like a professional guide leading a whitewater trip through the Grand Canyon, the case writer remains in the background secure in the knowledge that all potentially dangerous contingencies have been identified and planned for in advance.

Your Case Study must be organized in the following manner:

1. The Introduction, to outline the issues and draw the reader's interest.
2. The Background section, providing insights into the broader context of events and forces surrounding the decision-making process.
3. The Core Analysis section, containing information directly relevant to the decision at hand.
4. Cite using APA on the last PowerPoint slide.

 

 

 

Business Ethics Paper

 

The paper will define business ethics (source needed) as well as determine an activity a business has conducted in the last five years ethical or unethical. The paper will also distinguish between ethics and social responsibility (source needed). In your opinion, why has ethics become so important to this business selected? Finally, what is the business code of ethics and how would you reduce unethical behavior in the selected business?

 

500 words minimum

 

1 Scholar Source

 

Growing a Business Presentation

 

What are two different types of partnerships and briefly describe each?

As a business owner would you rather own preferred stock or common stock? (source needed)

Name five advantages of a sole proprietorship (source needed)

Which form of business organization has the least regulation compared to the most?

Contrast how profits are distributed in sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.

 

Limit each bullet point to 12 to 15 words

No more than 5 bullet points

Header needed on each slide

8-10 Slides

2 Scholar sources

Motivating the Workforce Paper

The paper will explain, why managers need to understand the needs of their employees. Describe the motivation process (source needed). The paper should explain the goal of the Hawthorne studies and how does this assist managers. The paper must also explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and what does it tell you about employee motivation at your current (previous) employer. Finally, contrast the assumptions of Theory X and Theory Y plus which one would be appropriate for your current manager.

 

500 words minimum 700 words maximum

 

1 Scholar Source

Marketing Strategy Presentation

How can marketers utilize digital media to improve a business (Fortune 500)?

What do the terms (accessibility, addressability, connectivity, interactivity and control) have to do with digital marketing? (source)

How is the Internet changing the practice of marketing?

What impact do digital media have on the marketing mix of your organization?

How can your Fortune 500 utilize the new digital and social networking channels in their marketing campaigns?

 

Limit each bullet point to 12 to 15 words

No more than 5 bullet points

Header needed on each slide

8 minimum - 10 Slides maximum

2 Scholar sources

DISABILITY SERVICES (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112). http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is _April 5, 2018__________.

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________     

 

          Communication

          Mathematics             

          Life and Physical Science

          Language, Philosophy & Culture

          Creative Arts

          American History

 

          Government/Political Science

          Social and Behavioral Sciences

          Component Area Option

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

          Critical Thinking

          Communication

          Empirical and Quantitative

 

          Teamwork

          Personal Responsibility

          Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

          Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

          Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

          WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

 

 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

• Assignment not accepted
• No grade received for the course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Dr. Cheryl Furdge
Office Location:	Corinth Campus Suite 331 Office 339
Telephone Number:	Office (940) 498-6238 Mobile (972) 922-7978
E-mail Address:	cfrudge@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Debbie Hoffman
Office Location:	Gainesville Career and Technical Center
Telephone Number:	Office (940) 668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu