School of Business Administration
_____________________
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS AND WORLD AFFAIRS
Business Administration (BA) 101 Section 002
Course Record Number (CRN) 60221
________________________________
CLASS MEETING DATES
AND TIME
Tuesday and Thursday
Beginning at 10:00 AM and Ending at 11:50 AM
CLASS MEETING ROOM
Room 490, School of Business Administration (SBA) Building
INSTRUCTOR
Ron Johnson
CONTACT INFORMATION
Course Weblog: http://getdowntobusiness.typepad.com/
Faculty Web Site: http://www.pdx.edu/sba/fp-ronald-johnson
Electronic Mail: ron@summitknollfarm.com
Telephone: 503-312-4229
OFFICE HOURS
By Appointment
______________________________________________________________________________
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction to the local, national and global commercial marketplace. Emphasizes
integration of functional areas of business as a firm evolves from its entrepreneurial origins
into a mature entity.
REQUIRED TEXT AND COURSE-PACK


Madura, J. (2010). Introduction to Business (5th Ed.). St. Paul, MN: Paradigm
Publishing
Course-Pack available at Clean Copy, 1704 Southwest Broadway
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
 Creation and organization of a business.
 Basic vocabulary and understanding of each functional area within a business (marketing,
finance, accounting, production, distribution and human resources).
 Relationships between functional areas of a business.
 Team-building and small-group/team development.
 Global dimensions of business.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (BA-101)
SPRING 2014 SYLLABUS
PAGE 2
STRUCTURE AND EXPECTATIONS
This course is an overview of business organizations and their operating environment. In
addition to lectures based on the course text and supplementary materials, the course will
include group projects, discussions, quizzes and examinations. A major component of the
course will be participation in a Business Team that will be responsible for designing,
producing and presenting a Business Plan.
ACADEMIC HONESTY AND DIVERSITY OF OPINIONS
Academic honesty is a cornerstone of any meaningful education and a reflection of each
student’s maturity and integrity. Portland State University is committed to the highest
standards of academic honesty. The Student Conduct Code prohibits all forms of academic
cheating, fraud and dishonesty including, but not limited to, plagiarism, buying and selling of
assignments, performing academic assignments for others, unauthorized disclosure and
receipt of academic information, and other practices commonly understood to be
academically dishonest.
All discussions will be grounded in mutual respect for differing beliefs and opinions.
Discussion that includes disagreement and opposing views is encouraged and will be
supported so long as it is not disrespectful nor infringes on the University’s values of
academic freedom and free expression.
ACCOMMODATION
Students with a documented disability requiring accommodation should immediately inform
the Instructor. To receive accommodation, students must register with the Disability
Resource Center (DRC), Room 435, Smith Memorial Center.
WITHDRAWAL
PSU requirements specify the dates when (A) a student may withdraw from a course at their
discretion and (B) a student may withdraw subject to the Instructor’s approval and the
Business School’s concurrence. These dates, and the terms and conditions for withdrawals,
are published in the current term’s Academic Calendar in the Schedule of Classes.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS OFFICE AND SERVICES
The School of Business Administration provides academic advisors as well as career and
internship advisors to assist students in making the most of their collegiate experience.
Academic advisors are trained to provide counsel in a wide range of issues. From selecting a
business major to evaluating transferred transcripts, academic advisors are here to help
students with all of their degree related questions. The following is a brief summary of the
type of issues with which academic advisors can offer assistance:




DARS reports
SBA admissions requirements
Major selection and requirements
Transcript evaluation




Course overrides
Transfer credit petitions
Career planning
Portland State rules and policies
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (BA-101)
SPRING 2014 SYLLABUS
PAGE 3
In addition to academic advising, the SBA provides career and internship advisors to
assist students in landing a job upon graduation or a summer internship while students are
still in pursuit of their degree. Career and internship advisors can also provide resume
and interview guidance.
All SBA advisors are available by appointment, which must be scheduled in advance.
Drop-in hours are available as well. Drop-in hours are held regularly throughout the
week and are designed to help answer routine or simple questions. For more information
about SBA advising and drop-in hours, please visit the School of Business website at
www.sba.pdx.edu and click on Student Resources.
CLASSROOM STANDARDS
1. Punctual attendance at every class session is recommended. Information and discussions
from class sessions are essential elements of the course’s learning objectives.
2. Mute the audible signal of mobile telephones, pagers or other electronic devices during
class sessions. Laptop computers should be similarly muted.
3. Class sessions are not to be tape-recorded, video-taped or photographed except as an
Accommodation or with the Instructor’s prior written consent. Food and drink is
permitted during class sessions to the extent it is not disruptive.
4. Pace and order of instruction may vary at the Instructor’s discretion, in response to class
or other circumstances and events.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
TASK
Weekly Quizzes (4 at 10 Points Each)
Mid-Term Examination
Final Examination
Case-Briefs (3 at 15 Points Each)
Case Presentation
Business Plan Concept Submission
Final Business Plan Submission
Team Contribution
Team Member Evaluation
Total
*
MAXIMUM
POINTS
40
100
100
45
15
50
100
25*
25
500
PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL
8%
20%
20%
9%
3%
10%
20%
5%
5%
100%
Minimum number of points may be less than zero if necessary to represent individual team member
contributions or lack thereof.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (BA-101)
SPRING 2014 SYLLABUS
PAGE 4
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS
WEEK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Finals
Week
CLASS ACTIVITIES
ASSIGNMENTS DUE
April 1
Course Preview
Weekly Quiz
April 3
Business Team Formation
April 8
Team Time
April 10
Weekly Quiz
April 15
Team Time
April 17
Weekly Quiz
April 22
Team Time
Weekly Quiz
April 24
STRATEGIC CONCEPT PLAN DUE
Review for Mid-term Examination
April 29
Team Time
May 1
MID-TERM EXAMINATION
May 6
Team Time
First Case Brief and Presentations
May 8
(We Googled You)
May 13
Team Time
Second Case Brief and Presentations
May 15
(The Team that Wasn’t)
May 20
Team Time
Third Case Brief and Presentations
May 22
(Gen Y in the Workforce)
May 27
Team Time
May 29
FINAL BUSINESS PLAN DUE
June 3
Semi-Final Round: Plan Presentations
Review for Final Examination
June 5
Championship Round: Plan Presentations
Tuesday, June 10
Begins at 10:15 AM and Ends at 12:05 PM
DATE
READING
(TEXT CHAPTERS)
1 and 5
3, 6 and Appendix
B, Part VI
12 and 13
15 and 16
2 (Not included in
Mid-Term)
7 and 8
9 and 10
4 and 11
14 and 17
Appendixes C and
D, Part VI
FINAL
EXAMINATION
Policy regarding Extra Credit and Missed Quizzes and Examinations
It is not possible to earn points in excess of the awardable maximum nor can points be earned
for work outside the course’s scope. However, teams may enter the “Elevator Pitch”
Competition to be held during the Tenth Week and possibly earn extra-credit points.
The schedule of assignments, quizzes and examinations will be strictly enforced. Exceptions
may be granted only for documented circumstances beyond the student’s control that
prevented the student from being present for the quiz or examination or completing an
assignment.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (BA-101)
SPRING 2014 SYLLABUS
PAGE 5
GRADING STANDARDS
COURSE
GRADE
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL
POINTS EARNED
GRADING
STANDARDS
A
92.6% to 100.0%
A-
90.0% to 92.5%
Excellent work; highest level of mastery of material and
scholarship. Shows distinction in quality of thinking,
effort and results.
B+
B
BC+
C
C-
87.5% to 89.9%
82.6% to 87.4%
80.0% to 82.5%
77.5% to 79.9%
72.6% to 77.4%
70.0% to 72.5%
Exceeds expectations in mastery of material and
scholarship. Quality of thinking, effort and results are
more than acceptable.
Work meets expectations in the level of mastery and
scholarship. Quality of thinking, effort and results are
acceptable.
Work does not meet basic expectations in terms of
mastery and scholarship. Quality of thinking, effort and
results are below acceptable levels.
Work shows little mastery of material and scholarship.
F
Less than 60.0%
Quality of thinking, effort and results are unacceptable.
Incomplete. Issued when Student unable to complete course assignments and
I
agreement reached with Instructor for satisfying all requirements. Deadline for
completing requirements is one calendar year from end of term.
This grading system is intended to fairly but effectively distinguish among levels of student
performance. It provides (A) feedback based on learning performance and (B) information for future
educational advancement. No specific grading distribution will be used. It should not be expected
that a large majority of the class will received the highest grade. Questions about grading standards
and grades awarded should be first directed to the Instructor.
D
60.0% to 69.9%
Electronic Mail Communications
Electronic mail will be the most effective method for communicating with the instructor. All
such communications should (1) contain “BA-101” in their subject line, (2) be concise and
relevant and (3) observe generally accepted standards for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Electronic mail is not an informal method of business communication; it should be regarded
with as much importance as a memorandum or letter. A reply can be expected within 24
hours after receipt absent extenuating circumstances.
In-Class Quizzes
Each quiz will have ten questions. Four or five questions will be Multiple-Choice type; Two
or three questions will be True-or-False type; One or two questions will be Completion type;
and one question will be Short-Answer (two or three sentences) Essay type.
Quizzes will be administered during the first 15 minutes of class. Questions will pertain to
reading assignments for week of quiz. Missed quizzes cannot be made up.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (BA-101)
SPRING 2014 SYLLABUS
PAGE 6
Mid-Term Examination
Questions in the Mid-Term Examination will pertain to all materials covered during the
course’s first five weeks. The test will consist of a variety of question forms (True or False,
Multiple Choice, Completion or Essay) with a maximum of 100 possible points.
Final Examination
The Final Examination’s format will be similar to the Mid-Term Examination. Questions
will pertain to all materials covered after the Mid-Term Examination. The test will consist of
a variety of question forms (True or False, Multiple Choice, Completion and Essay) with a
maximum of 100 possible points.
Team Participation
Each student will be a member of a Business Team. Each team should have about six
members. Team member attributes are consistent indicators of likely success. Member skills
should be organized around the functional needs of the assignment.
Individual teams will be required to prepare the Team Business Plan and make the case
presentations. Teams may also serve as study groups and participate in class discussions.
Once formed, Teams cannot disassociate or switch members.
Points earned for each team assignment will be awarded only to team members who have
substantively contributed to an assignment’s completion, submission or presentation. During
the Tenth Week, team members will confidentially evaluate the contributions and
performance of all other team members. The Instructor will grade each Team’s overall
performance and make any adjustments necessary to account for the contributions, or lack
thereof, of any team member.
Team Business Plan
Each Team will be responsible for preparing a Business Plan (see the “Business Plan Project”
handout). The Plan will be submitted and graded in two phases: a “Strategic Concept” and a
“Final Submission.” The Business Plan will integrate the course materials and is intended to
provide a “hands-on” experience with business development.
Team Time
Approximately 15 to 20 minutes of each week’s class time will be available for Teams. The
Instructor will be available during this time for consultation. Teams may use this time for
any appropriate, class-related purpose. This time will not be sufficient to prepare the Team
Business Plan. Team members should expect to communicate about and to coordinate their
work outside regular class meeting times.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (BA-101)
SPRING 2014 SYLLABUS
PAGE 7
Case Analysis Guidelines and Requirements
Business case studies link theory and practice. They are intended to provoke problemsolving analysis and discussion. The Course’s “Case Presentations” component has two
elements:
1. Case Brief. Each team will prepare a Case Brief for each Case. Briefs will be due at the
beginning of the Class Session pertaining to each Case. The form and analysis of each
Brief should follow the “Case Analysis Guidelines.”
The Case Brief cannot be more than one-page long, excluding an Identification Block for
the Team and its Members, single-spaced, using 12-point font and one-inch margins.
Points will be deducted for exceeding the length requirement.
The Case Brief should concisely, using best business writing practices, identify and
analyze the Case’s facts and issues and convincingly recommend actions. All
recommendations should be consistent with and apply each Team’s ethical standards and
organizational values.
2. Presentations. Each case will be analyzed in a class discussion. A case will be assigned
to each team. Teams will present key topics about the case and lead a discussion about
the case’s issues and possible resolution. Team selections will be announced about one
week before the first Case session.
Any effective presentation technique may be used. Non-presenting Teams are expected
to comment on or challenge a Presenting Team’s analyses or recommendations. All
Teams, therefore, must be prepared to discuss all aspects of each case.
3. Scoring criteria will include, but not be limited to:
A. Whether the analysis, evaluations or recommendations were cohesively presented
and consistently applied;
B. Whether innovative solutions were developed or creative insights were offered;
C. Whether all analysis, evaluations and recommendations were relevant and
persuasive; and,
D. Whether a Team questioned or solicited clarification about analysis, evaluations
or recommendations presented by other Teams.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (BA-101)
SPRING 2014 SYLLABUS
PAGE 8
CASE ANALYSIS GUIDELINES
CASE PROBLEM AND ISSUE IDENTIFICATION
1. What are the Case’s essential facts? What is its situation? Have or should any assumptions
be made based on these facts and situation? How did these facts and this situation occur?
2. What are the Case’s principal, relevant issues? What are the primary causes of the situation
or what could be the primary factors of its resolution? Are there secondary, less-relevant
issues that either should be disregarded or given only minimal attention?
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
3. Identify the Case’s affected parties, that is, those persons or organizations who either have a
financial interest in the situation or are or will be practically affected by its continuance or
resolution. Do these parties and their circumstances pose threats, challenges or opportunities
to one another? What are the characteristics of any threats, challenges or opportunities; e.g.,
could someone be financially damaged or a competitive advantage lost?
4. Identify the responsibilities that the Case’s affected parties have to one another. What is the
nature and extent of these responsibilities? Are they economic, legal or ethical?
5. Evaluate the actions that caused the current situation. What were the motives for those
actions?
RECOMMENDATIONS
6. What courses of action, or inaction, are recommended? Explain and support these
recommendations. What might be the timing for their implementation? Could these
recommendations have conflicting long-term versus short-term implications? Do these
recommendations include preventative measures?
***