Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number
BUSN 150
Course Title
Introduction to Business Computing
Credits
Three (3) hours Lecture/Lab
Date of Outline
October 18, 2005
2. Course Description
Introduces the role of computers in the evolution
of an information-based society. Reviews the
history and the need for information processing,
the basic information processing cycle and functions, the processing capabilities of computers,
system development, and program development. Provides students with experience in an
operating system and business applications,
such as word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
(Formerly BCIS 161.)
3. Contact Hours/Type
Three (3) hours Lecture/Lab
4. Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Recommended Preparation
BUSN 20 or high school typing
Approved By
Date
5. General Course Objectives
To develop an understanding of the world of information processing by providing an overview
of the operation of a computer system, detailing the components of a computer, and the most
popular types of software currently being used in business and other organizations. To introduce the student to programs used for word processing, spreadsheets, databases and
presentation graphics.
For detailed information on how BUSN 150 focuses on the Maui Community College general
education standards, see the attached curricular grids.
6. Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended course content.
Upon completion of this course, the student will
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
Explain what a computer is and how it processes data to produce information.
Explain the use of the input, processing, output, and storage units of computer systems.
Summarize the development of computer hardware and software.
Recognize the roles of systems, procedures, and personnel in an information processing
system.
Outline the basic components of a data communication system.
Describe the current status of the computer industry and some of the career opportunities
available.
Discuss issues facing society as the computer era matures and describe and discuss
some of the moral and ethical issues facing society with respect to computers.
Explain the business tasks that computers can accomplish and how commercially available software packages help to perform those tasks.
Use file system commands and utilities necessary to manage user files and folders.
Use a word processor to produce a variety of basic documents
Use a spreadsheet to analyze and present numeric information, graphs and charts and to
apply these tools to common business problems.
Use a database program to organize, store and retrieve business information using database forms, queries and reports.
Use a presentation graphics program as a tool to support and develop business communications skills and to create presentations with appropriate audio and visual components.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6. Student Learning Outcomes
1-2 Weeks:
General introduction to computers, system components, processing cycle, and evolutionary development. Computer industry, computer literacy,
social impact, effect on the workplace, privacy and security issues, computer crime and ethics.(a-h)
1-2 Weeks:
File management procedures. (i-m)
2-3 Weeks:
Word processing applications. (c, d, h, j)
2-3 Weeks:
Spreadsheet applications. (c, d, h, k)
2-3 Weeks:
Database applications. (c, d, h, l)
2-3 Weeks:
Presentation graphics applications. (c, d, h, m)
1-2 Weeks:
Additional or special topics.
8. Text and Materials, References Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
An appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be offered
from those currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text:
Microsoft Office XP Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat, Course Technology, 2002.
Materials:
Text(s) may be supplemented with:
Accompanying practice exercises if available
Articles, handouts and/or exercises prepared by the instructor
Magazine or newspaper articles
On-line materials
Diskettes
Other:
Appropriate films, videos or Internet sites
Television programs
Guest Speakers
Other instructional aids
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is
being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
40-80%
20-60%
0-30%
20-60%
0-30%
0-40%
0-20%
Written or oral examinations
Practical examinations
In-class exercises
Homework assignments
Quizzes
Projects or research (written reports and/or oral class presentations)
Attendance and/or class participation
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods vary considerable with instructors and specific instructional methods
will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Suggested techniques might include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
lecture, problem solving, and class exercises or readings
class discussions or guest lectures
audio, visual or presentations involving the Internet
visual step-by-step instruction with students following along
student class presentations
group or individual projects
other contemporary learning techniques (e.g., Service Learning, Co-op, School-to-Work,
self-paced, etc.)