COURSE OVERVIEW

First Day Handout

Instructor: T. Walters

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Tutorial times: Period 4 on Monday, Tuesday and Friday on Week One;

Period 4 on Monday, Thursday and Friday on Week Two

Course Outline

This course is designed to give students an understanding of business principles, practices and skills. Emphasis is also placed on understanding technical innovation and day-to-day business functions of marketing, human resource management and finance. However, a fundamental feature of the course is the concept of synergy – a concept that means and organization should seek an overall return greater than the sum of its parts. It necessitates a style of teaching and learning based on integrating and linking the various modules to give students a holistic view at the end of the course.

Teaching and learning include the application of tools and techniques of analysis to enhance the understanding of complex business activities. Students should imbibe the ethical concerns and issues of social responsibility in the business environment. Finally, students should be able to make sense of the forces and circumstances that drive change in an interdependent and multicultural world. This would enable students to assimilate the principles of business and management, and to become critical and effective participants in local and world affairs.

Assigned Textbook: Business Studies, Ian Marcousé, et al, 1999

Additional Reference Materials: see attached list

Learning Outcomes

Students will have a knowledge and understanding of:

¨ª       Organizations

¨ª       Marketing

¨ª       Human resource management

¨ª       Accounting and Finance

Assessment Model

School Assessment (Semester Grade = 100%)

Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Reports                      40%

Homework, exercises, seatwork                         30%

Organizational and Behavioral Skills                10%

Semester Exam                                                      20%

Assessment policies:

a.                   For submitting work.

1)      The student is responsible for turning in class assessments on the set deadline. Hand in the printed work to your teacher personally As a department policy, 10% is deducted for each day of late work. Tests & quizzes are usually given at the start of class; and so are the submission of assignments and homework.  There will be no make-up time for tardiness.

2)      For absences, see your student handbook for the guidelines. It is best to call up your classmates and ask for lesson notes, or the high school office and request for due assignments. It is up to you to schedule the make-up test as soon as you come in class and stick with the set schedule.

b.                   Organization & Behavior.

1)      Punctuality and participation in class is highly encouraged. Be polite by listening when your classmates or teacher are talking.

2)      Make sure you have gone to the bathroom or have your water bottle filled before coming into the classroom.

Recommended items to bring to class:

A three-ring binder or folder with binder papers (to keep graded and returned assessments, class handouts, student notes)

Writing instruments (pens, pencils, eraser, highlighter)

Calculator

Textbook or appropriate business reference materials

Laptop (very useful but optional)

Inherent Skills from Business and Management Students

1.       Reading

1.1.      Be able to read and comprehend textbooks, magazines and newspapers related to business and management

2.       Writing

2.1.      Be able to write a business and management essay in a correct manner. (grammar & spell-checked)

2.2.      Be able to write a short business and management essay based on case studies given.

2.3.      Be able to cite sources properly in any written  report

3.       Productive Group Skills

3.1.      Is able to work as a constructive member of a group of peers

3.2.      Is able to complete individual tasks for a group on time and with quality

3.3.      Encourages others to participate in a constructive manner

3.4.      Is able to be a active listener

3.5.      Is able to reach compromises

3.6.      Shares the responsibility of helping the group get the task done according to direction on time

3.7.      Is able to defend a point of view in an agreeable manner

4.       Oral Proficiency

4.1.      Is able to express ideas clearly, with organization, details, elaboration and explanation where necessary.

4.2.      Is able speak to a group of varying size

4.3.      Speaks clearly and strongly and can be heard and understood by everyone

4.4.      Makes eye contact, shows warmth and makes the audience feel comfortable

4.5.      Shows enthusiasm and interest in the topic when speaking

4.6.      Is able to encourage audience participation

4.7.      Is able to use visuals, handouts and activities to engage the audience

4.8.      Is able to anticipate possible problems and use a variety of strategies to deal with them

5.       Media Literacy

5.1.      Is able to comprehend information and to deliver information through a variety of media, including multi-media and interactive presentations

6.       Research Skills

6.1.      Is able to research relevant information from a variety of sources e.g. textbooks, journals, newspapers, internet sites

7.       Problem Solving Skills: Calculation of formulae, Analysis and Interpretation

7.1.      SWOT Analysis

7.2.      PEST/STEP analysis

7.3.      Investment Appraisal

7.4.      Ratio Analysis

7.5.      payback period

7.6.      cash flow forecast

7.7.      break-even analysis

7.8.      Final accounts

8.       Interpretation:

8.1.      Distinguish between positive and normative statements

8.2.      Distinguish between and interpret the journalist¡¯s use of language and the language of business and management and economists.

8.3.      Is able to critically evaluate information, distinguish bias and implied points of view

9.       Examination Skills

9.1.      Interpretation of multiple choice questions

9.2.      Interpretation of graphical data

9.3.      Interpretation of numerical and tabular data

9.4.      Interpretation of written information

9.5.      Be able to plan, organize and write a short essay

10.    Reasoning Skills

10.1.   Be able to reason deductively.

10.2.   Be able to analyze information presented in a variety of forms

11.    Service Learning

11.1  Be able to apply business concepts with ethical and social responsibility theories outside of the classroom.

12.    Information Technology

12.1.   Is able to use word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software