COURSE SYLLABUS
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND (CSM)
COURSE NO. ECN 1015.60622 COURSE NAME: INTRO TO BUSINESS IN A
MARKET ECONOMY
CREDIT HOURS: 3 LECTURE HOURS: 3 DATE: FALL 2007
DEVELOPED & PREPARED BY: ATHENA MIKLOSPHONE: 301.934.7595
301.870.3008 x7595 &
E-MAIL: 301.884.8131 x7595
FAX: 301.934.7698
PROFESSOR: ATHENA MIKLOS OFFICE: BU 494
OFFICE HOURS: T/TH 11:45 - 2:00 PM
T/TH 3:30 – 3:45 PM
REQUIRED TEXT: NICKELS, W.G.; McHUGH, J.M.; McHUGH, S.M.; UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS, 8TH ed.;IRWIN/McGRAW-HILL, BOSTON, MA.
OPTIONAL MATERIALS:UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS SELF-TEST ASSESSMENT & LEARNING GUIDE AND UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS AUDIO CD’S by NICKELS
PREREQUISITE:ENG 0900 or placement and RDG 0800 or placement.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students examine business in the United States as a social institution. Topics include the U.S. economic system, legal factors, government regulation, formsof ownership, management, employee relations, finance, accounting, and marketing.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
I Identify and describe the basic functions of business.
1. Determine the role of human relations in successful businesses.
2. Identify the major finance statements necessary to the decision
making process and to identify their major components.
- Identify and discuss the relevance of social responsibility to
today’s business environment.
IIDemonstrate an understanding of application of business vocabulary
1. Define the language of business as in the text glossary.
2. Name and describe the elements of the marketing mix and define the marketing concept.
3. Synthesize information in the text and knowledge gained through analysis.
4. Name and describe the different types of financial institutions.
IIIUnderstand the role of American business in a technologically driven global economy.
1. Discuss the role of American business in a global economy.
2. Discuss and appreciate the role of cultural diversity in today’s work force.
3. To recognize ethical and social issues affecting today’s business.
IVIdentify and describe business management processes and practices pertaining to leadership, decision making and the drive to satisfy stakeholders.
- Define the role of marketing within the management philosophy.
- Identify and describe the major functions of management.
- Relate the role of economics to the business decision making process.
- Describe the use of finance in the decision making process.
- Describe the use and role of the financial exchanges in the decision
making process.
TOPICAL OUTLINE
TOPIC I:Introduction: A general overview of business trends and the economic environment surrounding the global nature of firms today. A discussion on developing a business and understanding basic marketing concepts will be conducted.
TOPIC II:Management: An examination of the role of today's manager in organizing the business, operation and production, high tech management and working with people of diverse cultures will be emphasized.
TOPIC III:Fiscal Functions: This section will focus on basic accounting principles, financing, and making sound financial decisions.
TOPIC IV:Other Business Concerns: Risk management and insurance concepts will be discussed. Students will deliberate the legal and ethical performance of business today and their international roles.
STATEMENT ON GENERAL EDUCATION
Business in a Market Economy (ECN1015) is designated a general education course by the College of Southern Maryland and the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Successful completion of this course provides the transfer student with three general education credits in the area of Social/Behavioral Science.
Faculty of the College of Southern Maryland consider general education a body of value, skills, and knowledge to which all graduates with associate degrees should be exposed and for which we may determine certain levels of competency
GENERAL EDUCATION VALUES ADDRESSED IN THIS COURSE
1.Learning
Graduates should be able to:
a.apply course theories to solve practical problems.
2.Reasoning
Graduates should be able to:
a.identify, evaluate, and solve problems.
3.Political/Historical
Graduates should:
a.be aware of historical, philosophical, and ideological foundations of major systems of government and of social organization.
4.Cultural/Social
Graduates should:
a.have a basic understanding of how individuals and groups behave, develop, and function;
5.Economic
Graduates should:
a.be familiar with basic economic principles (e.g., supply and demand) and economic systems (e.g., socialism and capitalism) and;
b.be aware of the role played by business, consumers, and government in influencing our economy.
6.Natural/Technological
Graduates should:
a.have a basic knowledge of local, national, and world geography and
b.be familiar with the role of technology and human activity in shaping our society and environment.
THE COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
EVALUATION OF THE STUDENT
COURSE NO. ECN 1015. 60622 COURSE NAME: INTRO TO BUSINESS IN A
PROFESSOR: ATHENA MIKLOS MARKET ECONOMY
DATE PREPARED: FALL 2007
The objective of instructors, in our department, is to help the student learn some of the concepts of business. The purpose of evaluation is to indicate, to some degree, the extent to which the student learned. Learning is a shared responsibility between instructors and students. The process of evaluation,while the ultimate responsibility of the instructor, should also be shared with the student. Certainly, you should be aware, at any given point, what your status is in terms of academic accomplishment.
SPECIFIC FACTORS
1.EXAMS & LATE WORK: There will be a test to coincide with the completion of each section of the course. The test will then cover several chapters and may be comprised of multiple choice, true or false, short answer or short essay questions or a combination of two or more of these types of questions. Quizzes may or may not be given and may or may not be announced.
You should try your utmost to avoid missing scheduled exams, quizzes, or failing to turn in work at assigned times. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND ANY MISSED EXAMS, QUIZZES, OR HOMEWORK WILL RESULT IN A ZERO (0) FOR THAT GRADE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY IN ADVANCE OF THE EXAM, QUIZ, OR DUE DATE FOR AN ASSIGNMENT. IF EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY ARE GRANTED, THE ASSIGNMENT WILL LOSE 10 POINTS PER DAY BEYOND THE MY DESIGNATED DUE DATE.
IF A YOU ARE ABSENT ON THE DAY OF AN ANNOUNCED EXAM, AN ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE MUST BE PRESENTED TO ME IN ORDER TO BE PERMITTED TO MAKE UP THE EXAM. IF I APPROVE, THE EXAM MUST BE TAKEN WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED EXAM. MAKE UP TESTS ARE A PRIVILEGE--NOT A RIGHT-AND, ONLY UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS WILL BE GIVEN AT A SPECIFIC TIME AND PLACE DESIGNATED ONLY BY ME. THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO CONSIDERATION FOR MAKE UP EXAMS FOR FINALS THAT MAY BE MISSED.
2. STUDY GUIDE: There is no required study guide for this course. However, you may find it a useful tool in preparing for exams and studying chapters.
3. ATTENDANCE: Classroom attendance is highly recommended. Class discussion will be an integral part of this course.
It is understood that there are times when you will be absent due to illness or other acceptable reasons. When it is necessary to be absent, you should discuss this with me prior to the absence. Call me if you are not going to be in class. Treat this class in the same manner you would treat your job. If you arrive ten minutes after the class begins, you are considered late and will be so designated in the record book. Three lates equal one absence. If you come in after attendance is taken it is your responsibility to make me aware of it after class.
While there is no set penalty for absences, attendance is necessary for proper comprehension of the course material as well as for classroom effort, a portion of the grade, which may become important in the case where some may have borderline grades. For example, if your grade point average is 79.999999% the grade will not be rounded off to 80%. Instead, bonus points are awarded to you for attendance. The following schedule is used to determine bonus percentage points. These percentage points are added to the your final grade.
Absences% Points
0 - 1 4%
2 2%
3 0%
4. CLASS PARTICIPATION: This is very subjective in nature and while class participation is strongly encouraged, in general, it will not be used in evaluation, except in very positive cases and under unusual circumstances.
5. EXTRA CREDIT PROJECTS: There are no extra credit projects in this course.
6. GRADING SCALE: Letter grades are assigned based on a mathematical calculation. All points awarded, throughout the semester, will be added together and divided by the total number of possible points for the course. Letter grades will correspond with the following scale:
100 - 90% = A EXAM I = 20%100 points
89 - 80% = B EXAM II = 20%100 points
79 - 70% = C EXAM III = 20%100 points
69 - 60% = D EXAM IV = 20%100 points
BELOW 60% = F ASSIGNMENT A or B = 20%100 points
100%500 possible points
Using all of the preceding factors, you should constantly be aware of a potential final grade in the course. You are welcomed and encouraged to initiate discussion with me regarding progress or other aspects of this course.
7. WRITTEN WORK: Throughout the semester, youare required to submit written work. YOU SHOULD KEEP A PERSONAL COPY OF ALL WORK SUBMITTED TO ME. It is important for you to realize that your written work is designed to enhance critical thinking and your ability to articulate written thoughts. Those who are able to write well are more competitive when seeking employment. Your written work must be well thought out and supported with facts. Mere opinions are irrelevant and only research will adequately support your thoughts. You will be graded on content, structure and style, and mechanics. Please note that there is no such thing as a paragraph containing only one sentence. Your work must have substance. Critical thinking and drawing conclusions based on the information you gather is a sure way to earn high marks in this course.
Written work MUST BE TYPED. All work submitted must be double spaced using complete sentences. This allows me the opportunity to make comments where necessary. Please do not put your paper in any type of binder; simply put the paper together and staple it in the top left hand corner. If you submit a paper in a binder you will forfeit the binder. All assignments, other than the term paper, must comply with these requirements. If they do not, papers will not be graded, but returned to you. You then have one week to make corrections and return it to me. In these cases, the point value of the assignment will be lowered the equivalent of one letter grade before evaluation. Term papers and case studies are required to use the format designated in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA). All term papers and case studies submitted must use this format. If not, points will be subtracted before evaluating the paper.
I adopted certain standards by which all written work is graded. These are standards supported by the college. Since the college is committed to writing across the curriculum, I will use them when grading your papers. They are attached to this syllabus. READ THEM CAREFULLY!
8. POLICY REGARDING AUDITS: It is my policy to not penalize you for auditing a class. Therefore, no failing grade will be issued for auditing the course. The Student Handbook details the College's policy regarding audits. Read it for specific information.
9. POLICY REGARDING HONESTY: It is assumed that you are honest. You are expected to perform your own academic work. Using the words and ideas of another is considered a form of theft and is called PLAGIARISM. Plagiarism is blatantly dishonest. All academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action. If there is a situation in which you are observed in dishonesty during testing, I will tear up your exam, the grade recorded for that test will be a zero (0), and the incident will be reported. A plagiarized paper will receive a zero (0) grade and be reported. Other offenses will lower your final grade and be reported. Disciplinary action is defined, in these cases, in the Student Handbook and can result in a warning, probation, interim suspension, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or other penalties.
10. UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS IN THE WORKPLACE: In order to preserve academic integrity, CSM strongly discourages unauthorized persons from attending any college sponsored instructional activities. Therefore, if, for example, you have childcare difficulties, contact me immediately to make arrangements for any missed work. Recognize, however, that you may seriously jeopardize your grade because of excessive absences, regardless of the reason for them. See the Student Handbook for more details on this policy.
11. ASSIGNMENTS: You may follow one of two assignment tracks, Assignment A or Assignment B. Details of those assignments are found on pages 10 and 12. Read them carefully.
12. DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES: If you believe you may have a disability and believe that you may need accommodations for this class please contact Disabled Student Services at ext. 7614 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
13. ELECTRONICS: The use of all electronic equipment during class time is inappropriate and unacceptable. Please turn them off when you come to class. This refers to all equipment such as cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, cameras, or any other hand held or hands free devices. There will be no text messaging during class. If you feel the urge to use these devices during class, you must leave class for the day.
These devices disrupt classroom scheduled activities and are rude behavior. Proper deportment will be observed during class time. Employers want people with high moral and ethical standards and those who use proper etiquette in the workforce. We begin now. With that said, if you feel that you will have an emergency to deal with during class time, let me know and you may put your device on vibrate. If you get a call, you will then be allowed to step out of the room to take care of your concern and then return to class.
14. STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES: This is a valuable service provided to students needing assistance in tutoring, skills assessment, national testing, and writing assistance. Contact this department at the following phone numbers: La Plata Campus – 301.934.7657, Leonardtown Campus – 240.735.5300, & Prince Fredrick Campus – 443.550.6000 or visit the web site at:
15. EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: Hotline – 301.369.1999; Toll Free – 1.800.650.4023
GRADING STANDARDS FOR ALL WRITTEN WORK
A - 90 - 100 points
CONTENT: An interesting topic, adequately restricted, handled with intelligence.
STRUCTURE AND STYLE:
1. A well-planned theme, with carefully organized paragraphs and use of concrete detail.
- Relative maturity in style: insight, honesty, originality of thought in the presentation
of the topic.
3. Precisely stated with vigor and originality.
MECHANICS:
1. No spelling errors, sentence fragments, or run-on sentences.
2. Punctuation conforming to good usage, expect in a few minor or debatable cases.
3. No serious grammatical faults or outstanding awkwardness such as lack of pronoun agreement.
B - 80 - 89 points
CONTENT: A topic worthwhile developed and handled with competence.
STRUCTURE AND STYLE:
1. A well proportioned and adequately developed theme with clear and logical
presentation.
2. Writing of some fluency and consistency.
3. Ideas expressed in careful diction.
MECHANICS:
1. No sentence fragment, run-on, or comma splice.
2. Only a few misspellings of words not ordinarily used.
3. Minor and slight lapses in punctuation and grammar.
C - 70 - 79 points
CONTENT: Informative topic, presentation.
STRUCTURE AND STYLE:
1. Adequate organization and structure with evidence that the writer understands paragraph development.
2. Sentences clearly and correctly presented.
3. Diction somewhat limited.
MECHANICS:
1. No more than one fragment, run-on, or comma splice.
2. No misspellings of common words.
3. Only minor errors in grammar and punctuation.
Page 1
D - 60 - 69 points
CONTENT: A trivial subject treated perfunctorily and sometimes confused.
STRUCTURE AND STYLE:
1. Ideas recognizable, but awkwardly and obscurely expressed.
2. Sentence structure somewhat confused.
3. Diction, at times, inaccurate with word misused.
MECHANICS:
1. Instances of comma splices, run-ons, fragments, fused sentences and misspellings of common words.
2. Errors in spelling and grammar.
3. Errors in punctuation.
F - 59 points & below
CONTENT: A poorly restricted subject treated with confusion.
STRUCTURE AND STYLE:
1. Few, if any, ideas to communicate.
2. Sentence structure monotonous, juvenile, and incoherent.
3. Very weak vocabulary.
MECHANICS:
1. Instances of comma splices, run-ons, or fragments.
2. Gross misspellings.
3. Inconsistent and inaccurate punctuation.
COMMENT:
The content of a paper is important, but no matter how interesting and well organized the ideas are, carelessness in mechanics should keep the paper from passing. A higher grade should not be given any paper than that indicated by the level in mechanics demonstrated.
In the same respect, a paper that is merely technically correct in mechanics but poor in content and style should not be considered passing.
Assigning Grades
In some cases a student may submit a paper whose content indicates a "B" grade could be awarded. However, there may be a sentence fragment or other mechanical or structural error. In this case that student may be awarded up to 79 points, one point away from what qualifies as a "B." In other cases a student may havewritten a "C" paper that contains more than one mechanical or structural error, two sentence fragments for instance. In this case that student may receive 69 points, which is one point away from a "C" grade. Finally, if a student submits a paper that is clearly demonstrates "C" work, then that student may receive 75 points.
RESEARCH PAPER
ASSIGNMENT A
ATHENA MIKLOS, PROFESSOR
Business decision-taking is guided by national and global economic conditions, political and social events and resolutions, and the global competitive environment. Work teams are charged with the responsibility of examining this competitive environment to choose important strategic decisions. The impact of these decisions is undeniable. Therefore, it is critical that business students become aware of news and world events that create changes in a firm's competitive environment and affects its future. This knowledge allows you to take control of your future, careers, and better prepares you for management roles in a global economy.