Queensborough Community College
DEPARTMENT:
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Business
June 2013
YEAR: 2012-2013
A. DEPARTMENT SERVICES/ACTIVITIES REPORT IN 2012-13
1.
Department-sponsored services (fall and spring semesters combined)
Area of Service
Eva Bobrow Learning Center – 12 Computer workstations in room A – 405 available for student use from 8 am until 7
pm daily
Open Computer Lab Time – A 416, 308, H 3339, 344, 347, 349 308, 335, 406
Number Served
350
350
Area of service (for example): a department-run learning laboratory (not laboratories for which students register as part of their courses), the reference desk or reserve area of the Library, department
tutoring program, etc. (Note: Do not report courses or laboratories for which students register.)
2.
Department-sponsored faculty/staff development activities
Type of Activity and Topic
Date
Walk to Aspire – Organization of Business Department Team – Shele Bannon and Kelly Ford
“Impact of a Learning Community Within a Business Curriculum” –Presentation – Tri-State Best
Practices Conference – Wendy Ford
“Gender Differences in Competency Perceptions in Negotiations” – Presentation – International
Association for Conflict Management – Julita Haber
“An Empirical Test of the Shadow Theory: Antecedents and Outcomes of the Fear of Appearing
Incompetent on Negotiation Tactics and Outcomes” – Presentation – Academy of Management,
Organizational Behavior Division
“Careers in Law,” panel discussion of career choices available to students studying law
Business/Accounting Society – Monthly meetings on topics of interest to students in the fields of
Management, Accounting, Computer Information Systems, and Office Technology
“Financial Health,” Presentation on personal financial health as part of the Frank Egan Health Lecture
Series – Ben Murolo
Mock Trial Competition – Yale University, New Haven Regional Mock Trial Tournament of the
American Mock Trial Association
Federal Reserve Challenge
Spring 2013
March 2013
Number
Attending
25
30
Fall 2012
35
Fall 2012
35
February 2013
Fall/Spring
2012/2013
Fall 2013
20
40
Spring 2013
20
Spring 2013
15
25
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Queensborough Community College
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
June 2013
Constitution Day
Hurricane Sandy Relief – October 2012
Law Day
QCC Honors Conference
September 2012
November 2012
May 2013
Spring 2013
20
25
20
10
Note: Faculty and staff development activities (grants, presentations, exhibitions, performances, publications, instructional improvement activities, laboratory development, curriculum development, etc.)
INSTRUCTIONS:
For each activity, please indicate
1. whether department members organized the activities or gave presentations or both
2. the topic and type of activity and name of organizer/presenter, if applicable
3. the date (if not the exact date, indicate the month)
4. the number attending the event
B. COURSE CHANGES IN 2012-13
INSTRUCTIONS: For each course that changed, indicate:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
whether the course is new, revised, or deleted
the course number
the course title
the semester the change was approved at the Academic Senate
for revised courses, in the Comments section, describe the type of change(s)—i.e., course title, description, pre/co-requisites, credits, hours,
designation
New, revised, or
deleted
Revised
Course
number
BU 301
Revised
BU 500
Course title
Semester approved
Comments
Business Law I
Spring 2013
Introduction to Microcomputer
Applications
Spring 2013
To conform to Pathways
revisions
To conform to Pathways
revisions
C. PROGRAM CHANGES IN 2012-13
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Queensborough Community College
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Program
Office
Administration
and
Technology
Program
Modification
Program change*
Consolidation
of Program
to One Track
from Two
Tracks to
include the
following
courses:
Business Organization and
BU 201
Management
Typewriting/Keyboarding
BU801
I
BU 802
Typewriting/Keyboarding
BU 812
II
Transcription and
BU 804
Dictation of Business
BU 850
Documents
BU 907
Administrative Office
Procedures
BU 500
Fundamentals of Microsoft
Windows
BU 859
BU 906
Introduction to
Any BU 800
Microcomputer
or 900 series
Applications
course
Desktop Publishing
Business
(Software)
Elective
Advanced Microsoft Office
General
Education
Courses
Modified
June 2013
Effective Date
(Semester and year)
Fall 2013
Comments
Approved by
Bus.Dept., QCC
Curriculum
Committee, and
CUNY Board of
Trustees
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Queensborough Community College
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
June 2013
Modified to
Conform to
Pathways
*Key: (a)=initiated, (b)=closed, (c)=renamed, (d)=modified
INSTRUCTIONS:



Use the full title of the program, i.e. A.A. in Visual and Performing Arts.
Indicate whether the program change is initiated, closed, renamed, or modified. (If a new program has been approved by the CUNY Board
(or is expected to be approved by June 2013), use fall 2013 as the effective date.)
Describe the exact status (i.e., proposal submitted to CUNY Board; approved by CUNY Board; etc.) in the Comments.
D. DEPARTMENT CHANGES IN 2012-13
Type (see menu below)
Personnel
Personnel
Personnel
Description of
Change
Retirement – Stanley
Garfunkel
Retirement – Wolston
Brown
New Hire – Dr. Julita
Haber
Personnel
Non-reappointment –
Dr. Angela Poulakidas
Personnel
New Hire – Dr. Nina
Sarkar
Equipment
New Computers
Installed
A 308, A 416, H 406
Reason for Change
Over 40 years as
faculty member
Over 12 years of
college service
To replace Mr. Paul
Barchitta who resigned
in 2011
Non-reappointment
decision by
Department P & B
To replace Mr. David
Mcauley who retired in
2011
Upgrade to new
computers utilizing
Tech Fee funds
Date/Semester
Evaluation of Change*
Fall 2012
F/T Substitute filling position
Fall 2012
F/T Substitute filling position
Fall 2012
Successful search
Fall 2012
F/T Substitute filling position
Fall 2012
Successful search
January 2013
Improved instructional
equipment
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Queensborough Community College
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Facilities
Room Exchange –
Room A 204 to replace
room A 408
Equipment
New Podia A 204, A
310
New Printers A 416, A
308, A 405
Expansion of Eva
Bobrow Learning
Center
Conversion of
computer laboratories
into regular classrooms
and transfer of the
converted rooms to
other departments – H
444 and H 445
Conversion of
Humanities closets on
4th floor into office
space
Equipment
Facilities/Equipment
Facilities/Equipment
Facilities/Equipment
June 2013
Administrative office
created from classroom
space requiring the
creation of new
classroom in A 204
Improved Classroom
Instruction
Replace obsolete
equipment
12 new computers for
student use; expanded
from 5 computers
Need for greater
classroom space
Fall 2012
New space being utilized by
department
Fall 2012
Equipment installed and
operational
Equipment installed and
operational
Equipment installed and
operational
Fall 2012
Completed
Need for increased
office space
Fall 2012
Completed
Fall 2012
Fall 2012
*Please note that, if change has been too recent to evaluate, you may indicate NA.
MENU
Type of change
Personnel or organizational change
Facilities/space
Equipment
Other
Description
New hires, retirees, resignations, promotions, department name changes, etc.
Renovations or development of office space or new facilities (i.e., computer laboratories)
Acquisition of new or disposition of old equipment
Other changes affecting the department not included above and including interactions with other departments
E. DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT IN 2012-13
1.
Departmental procedures for conducting assessment
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Queensborough Community College
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
June 2013
The fundamental elements of standard 14 (assessment of student learning) of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education include: clearly
articulated statements of expected student learning outcomes…at all levels (institution, degree/program, course) and for all programs that aim to
foster student learning and development; a documented, organized, and sustained assessment process to evaluate and improve student learning;
evidence that student learning assessment information is shared and discussed with appropriate constituents and is used to improve teaching and
learning.
Describe below the department’s ongoing procedures for assessing student learning and using assessment results to improve teaching
and learning. In your description, please explain how the department fulfills each of the Middle States fundamental elements
above.
The Business Department is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Business Schools and Programs. Initial accreditation was awarded in
1997 and again in 2007. A biennial Quality Assurance Report is submitted to the ACBSP; with a submission to be made early in the upcoming
academic year. The reports submitted in 2009 and 2011 were approved by the organization.
A significant component of the process, and these reports, is the assessment of our courses and curricula. These assessments were completed
and uploaded to the QCC web site. Our courses are assessed on a three-year cycle and the results of the assessments are shared with faculty to
determine a course of action, if necessary, for the modification of course content. Our program of assessment allows us to discuss objectives
and outcomes at area and department meetings in order to “close the loop” in order to maintain a program of “continuous improvement.”
The Middle States team that came to QCC praised the department for the way in which assessment has been integrated into the department.
2a.
Departmental participation in self-study/program review during 2012-2013, if applicable
Program(s) reviewed: (GIVE FULL TITLE, i.e., A.A.S. in Digital Art and Design)
External Agency or Reviewers: (GIVE NAME OF AGENCY OR NAME OF REVIEWER[S])
Date of site visit
The Business Department was reaccredited by the Accrediting Council for Business Schools and Programs in
2007. A biennial, Quality Assurance Report was submitted and approved in 2011 and another will be submitted in
September 2013.
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Queensborough Community College
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
June 2013
Major conclusions of self-study
Major conclusions of external reviewers
Resulting action plan
2b.
Program review follow-up
Action item from program review
Timeline for completion
Accomplishments during current year
Continue Assessment program
List names and credentials of new faculty
3 year cycle
September 2013
Assessment is ongoing
New faculty hired
3.
Course assessment
Courses assessed (list
individually)
Relevant QCC Educational
Objectives
Relevant Curricular Objectives (cite both
curriculum and objectives)
BU 108 – Income
Taxation
Reason quantitatively
and mathematically as
required in their field of
interest and in everyday
life
BA – Apply basic income tax law of the
IRS and regulations identifying and
determining items to be used in the
calculation of taxpayers’ taxable income
in order to accurately calculate tax
liability.
Evaluation of
Assessment Results
Action plan
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Queensborough Community College
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
BU 201 – Business
Organization and
Management
Integrate knowledge and
skills in their program of
study
BT, BA, BM, BS, DP – Identify the
different forms of business organizations;
identify the managerial roles and
responsibilities in a business organization.
BU 203 – Principles
of Statistics
Reason quantitatively
and mathematically in
their fields of interest and
in everyday life
Differentiate and make
informed decision about
issues based on multiple
value systems
BT, BA, BM, DP – Interpret and apply
statistical methods.
BU 401 – Elements
of Marketing
BT, BM - Identify and comprehend
fundamental marketing principles.
June 2013
A total of 74% of
students successfully
completed the
assessment tool at a
grade of 80% or
higher. This
represents a 10%
improvement over the
prior assessment
period. The increase
in performance can be
attributed to several
course changes.
At the conclusion of the prior assessment period a decision was made to utilize a textbook that contained more review and study materials to assist students. Additionally, faculty began to utilize additional outside sources to supplement course materials. No action required
at this time
82% of the students
achieved a score of
70% or greater on
the assessment. As
such, the assessment
process shows that
the students met the
learning objectives.
No changes need to
be made at this time.
However the
implementation of
group sales
presentations, or
individual sales
presentation papers
may enhance the
assessment process.
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Queensborough Community College
BU 403 Elements of
Salesmanship
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Communicate effectively
through reading, writing,
listening, and speaking
BM - BU 403, Elements of Salesmanship.
Students will define the different aspects of
the sales process including prospecting, salescall preparation, objections and closing.
Students will identify the role of the
salesperson and their professional
responsibilities to the company, customer and
client.
Students will communicate effectively
through reading, writing, listening and
speaking.
Students will integrate knowledge and skills
attained in their field of study.
June 2013
Students understand
the basics of selling,
selling terminology
and the elements of
a successful sale.
Students need
improvement on
the more strategic
aspects of selling;
namely, overcoming
objections and
closing.
Probably the
greatest challenge in
a selling course is
to not only teach the
basics but more
importantly for
students to absorb
the deeper course
goals of making the
techniques a part of
their sales
repertoire.
This will be stressed
more through
additional classroom
activities like role
playing,
sales cases and
exercises.
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Queensborough Community College
BU 509 – Projects in
Data Processing
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Integrate knowledge and
skills in their program of
study
Communicate effectively
through reading, writing,
listening
and speaking
Use analytical reasoning to
identify issues or problems
and evaluate evidence in
order to make informed
decisions
DP - Apply previously learned
business/computer concepts and techniques in
a realistic simulation of an actual business
environment.
Utilize analytical reasoning skills, quantitative
skills and apply logic to solve problems.
Students will plan and generate a complete
application program.
Comprehend and apply current computer
applications software.
June 2013
The results of the
assessment show that
based on individual
written exams 93% of the
students achieve
satisfactory results for
Objectives 1 & 3.
(92% prior)
The assignments and
on-line media used
for lessons will
continue to be
expanded and
enriched.
The high rate of students
who did not achieve
satisfactory results for
Objective 2 in the prior
assessment period (17%)
was addressed through
granulizing assignments
throughout the semester.
That is, written
assignments were due
every two weeks,
coupled with a quiz
To achieve these
results the course is
now structured to
include:
- Two week modules
each consisting of an
assignment, a quiz
and 2 weekly chat
rooms to answer
questions and to
discuss the module;
- Feedback to the
students through
allowing preliminary
submissions of
assignments, and on
final assignments.
covering each
lesson. The lessons
were steps in the
process of building a
completed
application. This
approach mimicked
an actual
development life
cycle.
Because the course
is now FNET
weekly 1 hour Chat
Rooms were used to
provide Q&A time.
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Queensborough Community College
BU 512 –
Introduction to
Information Systems
and Technologies
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Use information
management and
technology skills
effectively for academic
research and lifelong
learning
Integrate knowledge and
skills in their program of
study
Reason quantitatively
and mathematically as
required in their fields of
study
BT, BM, DP -Introduce students to the
principles of information management and to
examine a variety of tools and technologies
that are utilized to acquire, analyze and use
information.
Identify business problems and opportunities
that can benefit from the
application of information technology.
Objective 3: Communicate effectively
through reading and writing.
June 2013
The results show a
slight increase from
89% to 91%
of the students
understand and can
demonstrate the
fundamentals of the
operating system and
graphic presentation
software.
The assignment also
demonstrated their
understanding of
identifying business
problems and
opportunities, and
identifying social
ethical issues.
While our goal for
the Spring of 2013
was 90% of the 15
sections of BU512
to employ the
common assessment
tool we did double
the sections to 10
and achieved 66% of
the sections.
We will continue to
expand the
coverage.
Communicate effectively
through reading, writing,
listening
and speaking
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Queensborough Community College
BU 532 –
Microcomputer
Operating Systems
and Utility Software
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Communicate effectively
through reading, writing,
listening
and speaking
Use analytical reasoning to
identify issues or problems
and evaluate evidence in
order to make informed
decisions
Use information
management and
technology skills
effectively for academic
research and lifelong
learning
Reason quantitatively
and mathematically as
required in their fields of
study
DP - Communicate effectively
through writing.
Use analytical reasoning to
identify issues to make
informed decisions.
Use information technology
skills for academic research.
Use quantitative and
mathematical reasoning for the
field of interest.
Use information technology
skills for academic research.
June 2013
Although many of
the students have
difficulty with
writing, their
research of the
technical aspects of
the assigned topic
was generally well
done. As noted,
given the
opportunity to revise
their essays for both
content and writing
skills suggestions
resulted in better
grades overall.
Additional emphasis
will be placed on
having the students
visit the Campus
Writing Center
before turning in the
first draft of their
essays.
Use information technology
skills for academic research.
Integrate knowledge and skills
in program of study.
Integrate knowledge and
skills in their program of
study
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Queensborough Community College
BU 812 –
Transcription and
Dictation of Business
Documents
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Use information
management and
technology skills
effectively for academic
research and lifelong
learning
Integrate knowledge and
skills in their program of
study
BS -To use audio and word processing
software to transcribe business documents that
are used in various corporate, government,
and professional work environments
To become familiar with vocabulary used in
various corporate, government, and
professional work environments
To improve English skills by concentrating on
language skills that include grammar,
punctuation, spelling, and word usage.
To improve the skills of proofreading,
business document formatting/editing
June 2013
All of the students who
remained in the course
completed the course
successfully. These
students were not freshman
and were quite serious
about improving their
English language skills
along with developing
transcription skills.
This class was taught for the
first time in the Fall 2012
semester in the evening; this
is the first time it was
offered in the day session.
BU-812 was developed to
replace BU-803 (Advanced
Keyboarding), which was no
long needed because of the
advancement of technology.
All who successfully
completed the course
became familiar with the
vocabulary used in the
fields of advertising,
education, real estate,
finance, banking, insurance,
manufacturing, marketing,
travel, and transportation.
I would not advocate
making any changes in the
subject matter or grading
scheme. The students were
enthusiastic and successful.
They improved their English
skills along with the
development of a new
skill—transcribing from
audio software. It was
especially helpful for those
students whose native
language was not English.
All who successfully
completed the course
transcribed documents
using audio and word
processing software to
familiarize themselves with
business documents from
the fields of advertising,
education, real estate,
finance, banking, insurance,
manufacturing, marketing,
travel, and transportation.
All had an opportunity to
transcribe material from
dictators with dialects from
other parts of the United
States or from persons with
foreign accents. Many of
my students thanked me for
giving them an opportunity
to develop another skill to
help them compete in a very
tough job market.
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Queensborough Community College
BU 900 – School
Records and
Accounts
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Integrate knowledge and
skills in their program of
study
Work collaboratively in
diverse groups directed at
accomplishing learning
objectives
BS - To familiarize students with the
operational systems, e.g. payroll,
procurement, budget, personnel and daily
organizational procedures in the New York
City public school system.
To prepare students to be successful when
taking the New York City Board of Education
school secretary examination.
To engender an understanding of the
importance of interpersonal relations in the
educational environment. The material is
covered through lectures, discussions, group
activities, problem solving, critical lens
readings, and student presentations.
June 2013
The assessments in place
show the level of student
understanding. Each
student must demonstrate
his/her understanding in
multiple ways, primarily
based on presentations,
class discussions, and
group reporting.
I have noticed that
assessment results have
changed over the past
two years. More
students are achieving at
the basic and mid-levels
and fewer students are
performing at the highlevel of understanding.
The number of high-level
achieving students has
decreased because many
of the students are no
longer employed as
secretaries in the New
York City Board of
Education. The
Department of Education
has not given the
licensing examination for
several years. The result
is most of the students
enrolled in School
Records and Accounts
are taking it as an
elective to simply get
two credits and because
it fits into their schedule.
This student body is no
longer taking this course
to further their career
paths.
The New York City Board
of Education is now using
“community assistants” to
do the work that was
formerly done only by those
who passed the school
secretary examination.
These “community
assistants” receive
approximately 50% less pay
than a licensed school
secretary. At present, there
are no plans to reopen the
school secretary exam.
As a result of this data, our
student body would be
better served by enrolling in
courses that prepare them
for careers as administrative
assistants, which cover
keyboarding, office
software, and office
managerial skills.
The information in this
report was submitted by Mr.
Richard Zambrotta who has
taught the school secretary
courses at QCC for many
years and who is a former
administrator in the New
York City Board of
Education.
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Queensborough Community College
BU 916 – Medical Coding and
Billing I
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Use analytical reasoning to identify
issues or problems and evaluate
evidence in order to make informed
decisions
Use information management and
technology skills effectively for
academic research and lifelong
learning
June 2013
BS – Students will continue to learn medical
and insurance terminology so that they can
independently function in a medical office
environment
For the final grades for
the class the results were
the following:
Students will use the Internet to learn the
fundamentals of health insurance coverage
and differentiate between the various
insurance products (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid,
commercial products)
A-:3
Students will learn how to code medical
diagnoses using I9 –CM, and 110 - CM. The
students will then learn how to apply the rules
to code medical services
Students will learn how to code medical
procedures using CPT codes. The evaluation
and management codes will be extensively
reviewed
Students will understand the components of,
“clean claim.” They will also learn how to
review a claim that has been processed to
ensure that it was processed correctly
A: 4
B+: 3
B:
3
B-: 0
C:
0
Final grade results:
Excellent: 7/13 = 53.8%
Good:
6/13= 46.2%
The students enjoyed
accessing their own benefits
on the Internet because they
reviewed their own personal
claims histories – they found
it rewarding to learn how to
access the insurance
information. They
demonstrated the ability to
check multiple insurer web
sites to familiarize
themselves with the web
sites.
The students did well
overall. The text used is
extremely detailed –
requiring strong support – so
that they do not become
overwhelmed with the
complexity of coding.
Students are challenged
with learning how to read
and interpret medical
documentation so that
accurate coding can take
place.
Real life examples are given
using different illnesses to
explain the complexity of
medical histories, decision
making, and exams. This
helps the students to
improve their understanding
of the material.
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Queensborough Community College
BU 918 – Medical
Coding and Billing II
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Use analytical reasoning to
identify issues or problems
and evaluate evidence in
order to make informed
decisions
Use information
management and
technology skills
effectively for academic
research and lifelong
learning
4.
Final Grade results:
Students will continue to learn medical billing
and advanced coding.
Students will learn how to interpret benefits
and understand how to follow-up on denied or
returned provider (RTP) claims.
Students will learn how to code medical
procedures (CPT codes) for various medical
and surgical specialties.
Excellent 20/24 = 83%
Good 3/24 = 13%
Average 1/24 = 4%
The students learned how to
code complicated medical
and surgical procedures.
The students learned various
coding conventions as well
as how to appropriately code
from medical records.
Continue to teach the class
in the same manner.
Consider requiring students
to spend time in a medical
office to observe insurance
specialists and medical
billers at work.
Coding exercises were quite
successful as a learning tool.
Continue to use coding
exercises to reinforce
material.
The above assessment was
prepared by Cindy Small,
adjunct instructor in the
Business Department. Ms.
Small has been teaching
Medical Billing and Coding,
Parts I and II for several
years.
Results of certification exams, employer and alumni surveys, student surveys, advisory board recommendations (if applicable,
please use the table below)
Data Source
Certification exams
Employer/alumni surveys, including
graduation and placement survey
Student surveys (current students)
Advisory Board recommendations
5.
June 2013
Results
Action plan
Continue internships through cooperative
education courses (BU 909 and BU 910)
Continue offering BU 909 and BU 910 during
2013/2014 academic year
Other assessment activity
F. DEPARTMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
1.
Goals/objectives for 2012-2013
(Please indicate [Yes or No] if the objectives were part of the College’s Strategic Plan for 2011-2012.)
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Queensborough Community College
Year-end Report – Teaching Department
Departmental goals/objectives 2011/2012
Advisory Board meeting to discuss challenges in
educating business students
Strategic
Plan Y/N
N
Garfinkle Essay Contest
N
Mock Trial Competition
N
Fed Challenge
N
2.
June 2013
Evaluation of achievement
Resulting action plan
Meeting developed strategies and ideas
for internships for students in programs
that allow for them
Business Department student Gaitrie
Singh won CUNY award while 5 other
students won honorable mention
Business Department team competed in
AMTA Competition at Yale University in
New Haven CT
Business Department team competed in
New Haven at Gateway Community
College. North East Fed Challenge
Scrimmage
Continue offering BU 909 and
BU 910 during 2013/2014
academic year
Continue to participate in the
2013/2014 academic year
Team to compete in 2012/2013
event
Successful competition
Goals/objectives for 2013-2014
(Explain how these goals/objectives align with the College’s goals and Strategic Plan for 2013-2014)
Departmental goals/objectives 2012-2013
Utilize assessment to modify curricular and course content
Replace faculty who have resigned, retired, or who have not
been reappointed
Participation in Garfinkle Essay Contest
Participate in NYState Business Plan Competition
Mock Trial Competition
Fed Challenge
Mission/Strategic Planned method of evaluation
Plan
Y
Course assessment to continue and results will be
reviewed with changes made in response to relevant
findings
Y
Search committees to be established to find new faculty
in relevant subject areas
N
Submission of student essays as part of the Garfinkle
Essay Competition
N
Teams will participate in the Business Plan Contest
N
Team to compete in AMTA Contest
N
Competition to be held at QCC – Spring 2014
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