Liberty High School

Virtual Enterprise Syllabus

Fall 2011

Instructor:Mr. Hayes

Email:

Website:

Room:A23

Planning Period:2nd Period

Class Period:5th and 6th

Phone:School: 645-4500 ext 1010Cell:232-2868

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Virtual Enterprise is part of a national curriculum called Virtual Enterprises International and the California Virtual Enterprises Network that allows students to experience within a simulated business environment all facets of being an employee in a firm. Currently, more than 3,600 virtual enterprises in over thirty-six countries are part of the International Practice Enterprise Network. The program provides students with interdisciplinary instruction and an in-school work experience to develop school-to-career skills. Virtual Enterprise is a very fast paced class. It requires students to be self-disciplined, able to work alone or in teams with little supervision and have very high work ethics.

REQUIREMENTS:

The students must:

  1. Attend all class sessions.
  2. Participate in all class activities.
  3. Bring materials (pencils, notebook) to class daily

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

The main objectives of a Virtual Enterprise simulation is to improve the students skills to use acquired knowledge, to develop and present problem-solving strategies, to engage in teamwork, and to communicate and cooperate with supervisors and other employees in the firm. In addition, students working in the Virtual Enterprise will be able to:

  1. Develop skills and competencies to succeed in employment
  2. Develop business plans
  3. Analyze financial documents
  4. Develop marketing strategies
  5. Conduct weekly meetings
  6. Establish agendas
  7. Participate in the network of Virtual Enterprises.
  8. Understand economics as it relates to monetary and business systems of the countries participating in the international network.
  9. Expand their knowledge of history, English and foreign language through the completion of tasks and projects and by interacting with other firms/enterprises.
  10. Apply academic and work-related knowledge learned in class to real-world situations.
  11. Gain “hands-on experience” about a variety of careers associated with business and industry.
  12. Use technology as applied in business, including the use of the Internet for global transactions and communications.
  13. Understand management objectives and organizational structures.
  14. Make decisions, analyze data, and refine methods and procedures to accomplish tasks.
  15. Negotiate transactions and assess results of decisions.
  16. Develop initiative, creativity, and readiness to work in a team.
  17. Deal with personal finances (banking and spending “virtual salaries.”)

Because of the simulation aspect of the program, students are able to engage in more complex and challenging tasks than is normally possible in other school-to-career experiences, such as internships.

ITEMS TO BRING TO CLASS DAILY

Students are expected to come to class with either a pen or pencil.

Students will be required to keep a notebook containing all graded class work,

vocabulary study sheets, review questions, class notes, and study information.

A 3-ring binder that allows for taking papers in and out easily is requested.

These notebooks will be checked periodically for a quiz grade.

All other materials will be provided.

COURSE EVALUATION

The focus of assessment will be on the demonstration of knowledge and skills the student has gained during their VE experience. Student assessment in all course work and will include regular assessment of individual and group performance by respective departments and will serve as the basis of teacher evaluation; references and report card grade. Thus, the grade reflects the review of tasks for completion, quality, organization, accuracy, etc. observation of student performance as an individual and as a team member including the ability to organize and to present work, his/her attitudes toward work, his/her independence, initiative, cooperation and ability to solve conflicts.

Discussion with the employee and self-evaluation are important components of grading.

Obtain a minimum of 70% mastery on all examinations.

Daily Grades – At times, student work will be printed and turned in to be graded. This will include assignments from online or printed materials, article assignments, and group assignments.

Quizzes - Quizzes will be given throughout the semester. Notebook Check - Notebooks will be checked periodically. This is 10% of the grade.

Tests - These will be typed problems covering the skills emphasized by each unit as well as short answer questions (fill in the blank, multiple choice, etc.) The final project, the Career Portfolio will also be considered as a test grade.

Attire

Dress for Success one day a week to be determined (dress in business attire) May be a uniform to be decided and designed by the new company or:

Dress for Success for Females: dress, skirt with blouse, pantsuit, dress shoes

Dress for Success for Males: slacks, belt, long sleeve dress shirt, tie, dress shoes

Professionalism

Virtual Enterprise (VE) students are expected to act in a professional manner. The classroom setting is not a typical classroom; it is a business. Students are considered to be employees of Liberty High Virtual Enterprise. It is up to the VE employees to work as a member of the team and promote a positive work environment.

Each grading period your grade will be based on the following:

Class Participation/assignments40%

Notebook10%

Weekly Employability/Productivity25%

Tests25%

Grading Scale

A = 90 – 100

B = 80 – 89

C = 70 – 79

D = 60 – 69

F = 59 or below

Missed Work/Make Up Policy

If the absence is excused, the student will have up to five (5) school days to make up the work, quiz or test. Students are responsible for all work and notes missed due to an absence. Any special circumstances will be handled as the need arises on an individual basis.

Academic Integrity:

The skills that are taught in this course can only be learned by use of the computer. Although students are encouraged to work together, assignments and tests are to be completed on an individual basis.

Libertty High is dedicated to learning. Therefore, the school demands a high level of scholarly behavior and academic honesty. No form of academic dishonesty is acceptable. If two or more students turn in the same hardcopy or computerized assignment or collaborate on a test, punitive measures as described in the school handbook will be enforced.

STUDENT COMPUTER USE:

Computers are only to be used for the purpose of operating Liberty High Virtual Enterprise and other Virtual Business class assignments. The computer labs are provided as a service to students. Use of the computer lab is a privilege, not a right. Users must refrain from doing anything that annoys others or disrupts their education. The computer lab should be used for school related work only. If you notice anyone violating the policy of the computer lab, notify the teacher immediately.

Class Rules/Attendance/Tardy Policies

Class rules have been reviewed with the students, and according to school policy, three issues that will be taken most seriously are tardy, attendance, and classroom behavior. The school has developed steps to handle infractions of these.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. ATTENDANCE POLICY: One of the most important workplace ethics is attendance. As an advanced student you are expected to arrive at work on time, prepared to work, and to give 100% for the time you are at work. Tardies and unexcused absences are not tolerated in this class. More than 5(five) unexcused absences (“company personal/sick days”) in each semester period will be grounds for denial of credit. Parents will be notified of unexcused absences. After an absence, you must have a re-admit note from the office to enter the room. If you report to class without a re-admit notice, you will be sent to the office to get one and you will receive a tardy. Note: (Absences from class will result in the employees pay being docked.)

In the real world, No CALL, No Show = Dismissal from employment.

B. TARDY POLICY: Students must be in the room when the bell rings. Arriving late for work is unacceptable. For every 3 tardies, the student’s salary will be docked 1(one) full day’s pay. Please refer to the tardy policy in the handbook for consequences.

CLASSROOM RULES

In order to guarantee that all the students in my classroom have the excellent learning climate they deserve, I am utilizing the following classroom rules and Discipline Plan.

C. General Classroom Rules

  1. NO FOOD, DRINKS, CELL PHONES, IPods, MP3 players, head phones, etc. in class.
  2. Be Respectful. Everyone is expected to be courteous and respectful to the feelings and property of others. Do not deface the property of others or that of the school. Rudeness and disrespect in any manner will not be tolerated. Do not use vulgar or offensive language. No talking during instruction.
  3. Be Prepared. Come to class prepared to work. Bring a pencil/pen/notebook everyday.
  4. Be Attentive. Listen carefully to all directions.
  5. Be Patient. Raise your hand and wait to be recognized. Allow others time to finish speaking before you begin speaking.
  6. Be Positive. Successful people have both the attitude and the determination to succeed.

NOTE: Abide by all School Policies as outlined in your student handbook.

D. Computer Usage Rules

  1. Do not share your password or touch another computer that has been logged into by another person..
  2. Do not load any programs or software on the hard drive.
  3. Do not change any settings on the computer.
  4. Follow all posted computer rules.
  5. Follow all rules in the Student Use of Technology Agreement.

E. Hall Passes

  1. Students should use the restroom between classes. Teacher will sign out students for emergencies..
  2. No student will be allowed to leave the class during the first 10 minutes of class or the last 10 minutes of class.

If a Student Chooses to Break a Rule

This class will follow the school progressive discipline program.

SEVERE DISRUPTION--Immediate Referral to Office/Principal

Other:

Mutual respect for colleagues and coordinator is expected.

Adhere to any other policies as set by the employees of this company including those related to attendance, missed work, etc.

Every employee is an 'at-will' employee; an employee may be demoted or dismissed at any time during the semester, without recourse.

Your behavior outside of this classroom will also affect your grade/position in this classroom. You may be dismissed from your duties as a result of inappropriate behavior on or off campus.