Montcalm Community College
Instructor - Mr. James Brown

Phone - 328.2111 ext. 215

www.montcalm.cc.mi.us/jamesbrown

jamesb@montcalm.edu

Spring 2003

BUSN-135 Introduction to Business

Text: Ferrell, O.C., Hirt, G. (2003) Business: A changing world (4th edition), McGraw-Hill Irwin, N.Y.

Use of the Textbook

The textbook represents an important resource to the student. It is the responsibility of the student to read assigned materials and chapters to be incorporated into class discussions. Additional materials and reading should be expected throughout the course.

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of American free enterprise and its functions and the role of business as an institution in society from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Topics include business organization, management, marketing, finance, legal and regulatory environment, and global opportunities.

Special Accommodations:

Any students who require specific accommodations must contact me during the first week of class so I may arrange to appropriately meet your needs.

Attendance:

A student is responsible for completion of all projects and tests.

If a student misses a class he or she is responsible to make up the missed lecture and lab time on their own time.

If a student misses a test, he or she may reschedule within seven (7) days, but will receive no better grade than a B.

Students whose absence level exceeds 20% of classes met, will be considered "not in regular attendance." 

Withdraw Policy:

After the regular drop/add period students will have the opportunity to withdraw no later than March 25th. Students will be given a withdraw either passing or failing based on the current grade and completion of assignments. Withdraw must be initiated by the student.

Late Assignments:

Assignments that are turned in late will be reduced by 5 percent for each day they are late without exception.

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due.

Assignments will not be accepted after seven (7) days past the date they are due.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is defined in the student catalog and considered a very serious matter. Evidence of this academic indiscretion will be considered grounds for removal from this class with a failing grade.

Electronic Devices:

The use of cellular telephones and paging devices during the class is not acceptable and should be turned off if brought to class. I also request that you do not use any type of recording device during the class sessions. You may be asked to leave the class for failing to comply with these simple requests.

Course Requirements

Tests:

There will be a total of three tests administered throughout the class. The test may include multiple formats including but not limited to objective (T/F, Multiple choice) and written essay. The penalty for missing a test is outlined above in the section titled Attendance.

Quizzes:

Six quizzes will be administered throughout the course. These will be administered at the beginning of class only. Students arriving late for class will not be eligible to take the quiz.

Business Portfolio:

A business portfolio will be developed throughout the semester. This is a personal portfolio of your understanding what constitutes critical issues for contemporary businesses.

Research and Presentation:

Two short research papers will be written about topics regarding business which interest you. These can relate directly to issues covered in the chapter or outside the scope of the book. Each research paper will be five (5) pages in length and should site a minimum of three (3) sources. Sources can be found using books, journals, or from the Internet. Sources MUST conform to appropriate research criteria, thus they must include Author, publication date, source, publisher etc. This will be discussed further in class. If you are not sure, consult with the instructor. The first paper will be due at mid-semester and the final paper will be due the week before the last class.

 

Requirement

Percentage

Tests (3)

50

Quizzes (6)

10

Business Portfolio

15

Research with presentation (2)

25

 

Grades will be recognized at the following standards:

A-, A

90, 95

B-, B, B+

80, 84, 87

C-, C, C+

70, 74, 77

D-, D, D+

60, 64, 67

E

Below 60 Percent