Lone Star College-Montgomery
COURSE SYLLABUS FOR
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES 1301
BUSI 1301 • Fall 2008 • INTERNET
4W001 and 4W081
Instructor:  Penny Westerfeld

Print Version  

Catalog Description:

A general survey of business functions and activities, including basic history of business, basic economic systems, types of ownership, management, marketing, finance, law, manufacturing, and other topics of business operations.  Subject matter includes an analysis of the specialized fields within the business organization, career planning as related to the fields, starting your own business and current trends in profit and nonprofit business activities.

This is a college transferable course.

CREDITs: 3

Prerequisites: None

LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course is designed to present an overview of business and the business environment in a global context. It will introduce the student to advanced study opportunities in business.

In successfully completing this course, the student will complete the following:

  • Be able to read, comprehend and discuss contemporary business issues;
  • Understand the significance of business to the American (domestic) economy and the international economy;
  • Study key economic issues affecting business, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, etc.;
  • Explore career opportunities within the world of business;
  • Examine the foundations of the capitalist economic system while contrasting other forms of national economic organization;
  • Apply course principles to an actual business case studies;
  • Consider the factors of business law and ethical behavior in conducting business.

COURSE TOPICS:
In providing a general overview of business principles, the course will explore and discuss each of the following topics:

  • The world of business
  • Business organization and formation
  • Management’s functions
  • Marketing & distribution of goods and services
  • Financial management & analysis
  • Human resource management
  • Business law
  • Ethics
  • Financing a business
  • Careers in business/ Starting a business

  REQUIRED MATERIALS:

  • Understanding Business 8th Edition, Nickels, McHugh and McHugh.

RECOMMENDED READINGS:

  • The Wall Street Journal
  • Business Week
  • Fortune Magazine
  • Houston Chronicle (Business Section)

PARTICIPATION:
It is ultimately the student's responsibility to withdraw from the course in order to receive a "W".  Students who wish to withdraw from the course must complete all of the processes and paperwork.  

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFO:
Name:             Penny Westerfeld
Office:             Lone Star College-University Center
Office phone and voice mail:  936-273-7505    
Email: penny.s.westerfeld@lonestar.edu

ADA Statement:
Lone Star College System is dedicated to providing the least restrictive learning environment for all students.  The college system promotes equity in academic access through the implementation of reasonable accommodations as required by The Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title V, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which will enable students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from all post-secondary educational programs and activities.


CHEATING & PLAGIARISM:
Cheating, plagiarism, and/or collusion, or other techniques for meeting a requirement for this course with other than the student's own, personal demonstrated abilities will not be tolerated.  Any such activities will be cause for immediate suspension from the course with a failing grade and possible further disciplinary actions by the College.

GRADING AND EVALUATION:

COURSE SCHEDULE -- Class Assignments
Reading and homework will be required for each class. The course schedule is a guide for reading and assignments.  Follow it to stay on target! 

EXAMINATIONS
Three exams and a comprehensive final examination will be administered to assure that the course objectives have been achieved. The format for these exams may include true/false, multiple choice, and short Question/Answer. The final exam is mandatory and comprehensive to the course.


COURSE CONTENT -- ASSIGNMENTS - Key Terms, Video Cases, and Learning Assessments
Students will be required to complete assignments and key terms, video cases, and learning assessments for each chapter studied.  Additional information regarding homework and/or other projects will be provided separately in the icon "Course Content."

DISCUSSIONS
Discussions will be used to simulate classroom discussions and participation is required. Click on Discussions then on the topic "Introductions." Then, after reading about the instructor and fellow students, reply to the instructor's message about yourself.  You will be required to participate in all ten discussions in the semester.


GRADING
The following is a table of how the student will be evaluated:
Exams (3 @ 100 pts.)                          25%
Assignments                                         25% 
Discussions                                          25%
Final Exam                                            25%
Course Grade                                     100%                                                                        
A = 90% or greater      
B = 80% to 89%          
C = 70% to 79%
D = 60% to 69%
F = 59% or less

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