Business Administration
Northeast College
BUSG 1301 – Introduction to Business
FALL 2011 - CRN: 56869
3 credit hours (3 lecture)-48 hours per semester-16 weeks
Distance Education
SCANS Competencies Included
For this course, you are “required” to use only Firefox or Internet Explorer. Utilization of any
other browser will “not” give you all the information displayed on the screen or inside the events.
TEXT: BUSG3, Kelly/McGowen, South-Western: Cengage Learning, ISBN13: 9781439039618
PROFESSOR GLENN PERSER
PROFESSOR: CONTACT INFORMATION:
Phone: 713-718-5222
OFFICE LOCATION AND HOURS
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course.
Students do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. I
will not know you are having a problem, if I am not contacted.
LAST DAY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE & STUDENT WITHDRAWALS: Thursday, November
3, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. Verify in College Schedule Page.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a freshman level global survey introducing the student to fundamental business
principles including structure, function, resources, and operational processes.
COURSE PREREQUISITE
NONE
NOTE:
In accordance with HCCS policy, students not logging into this course prior to the Official
Day of Record (September 9, 2011) shall be Administratively removed from the course
without notice. Also, without notice any time during the semester, your Professor reserves
the right to modify the course requirements, assignments, exams, grading procedures, and
all other related policies and procedures as circumstances may dictate.
It is the sole responsibility of each student to read, understand, and adhere to this
document, other HCCS publications identified in this Syllabus, and all other materials
associated with this course in their entirety.
In any online class, if you log in just once and then decide that you don't like the class
and have no intention of completing the class, you must withdraw yourself from the
class. When our official HCCS rolls come out, if you have logged in once but have never
returned to class, we must mark you as having attended and therefore as being enrolled. If
you are enrolled in a class, but never attend after the first log in, then you are enrolled until
the end of the semester; which means that if you don't withdraw during Add/Drop/Swap
you will receive an F for the course at the end of the semester unless you have withdrawn
yourself before the official drop date.
Students needing information regarding any ADA issues, refunds, attending classes,
discipline / conduct with on-line or on-campus classes, dropping a course, and/or have
questions / concerns relating to any other aspects of your educational experience at the
Houston Community College System (HCCS), shall reference the HCCS Catalog, HCCS
Student Handbook, or visit with a HCCS Counselor.
The protocol for the college in regards to issues, complaints or clarifications that are
directly related to the programs, courses and classes is for students to contact the professor
of their class first. If no resolution is reached, they are then to contact the Chair or
Associate Chair of the department. Should the issue still not be resolved, they would then
contact the dean of the division.
Student never taking a Distance education course or this is your first experience must
contact a HCCS DE Counselor prior to the first day of class. Many students believe DE
courses are very easy - this is erroneous information. Student must read and understand
the entire Syllabus, Announcements, Assignments, Assessments, and all Course Content
sections inside Eagle On-line (EOL) before going any further in this course. Sometimes
DE courses are not the right choice for many students. Students feeling the rigors of this
course are too great need to transfer to an on-campus class immediately. HCCS
Counselors recommend Distance Education students need a 2.5 GPA or higher when
considering a DE Class.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Identify essential management skills necessary for career success.
2. Describe the relationships of social responsibility, ethics, and law in business.
3. Examine the role of strategic human resource planning in support of organizational mission and
objectives.
4. Describe the impact of corporate culture and atmosphere on employee behavior.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 To develop a basic understanding of the methods and subject matter of looking at the business
environment;
 To develop a basic understanding of the methods and subject matter of how to start and structure
a business;
 To develop a basic understanding of the methods and subject matter of how to manage a business
and employees;
 To develop a basic understanding of the methods and subject matter of marketing a business;
 To develop a basic understanding of the methods and subject matter surrounding the principle of
finance.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
Page 2
SCANS
The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) from the U.S. Department of
Labor was asked to examine the demands of the workplace and whether our young people are
capable of meeting those demands. Specifically, the Commission was directed to advise the Secretary
on the level of skills required to enter employment. In carrying out this charge, the Commission was
asked to do the following:




Define the skills needed for employment,
Propose acceptable levels of proficiency,
Suggest effective ways to assess proficiency, and
Develop a dissemination strategy for the nation’s schools, businesses, and homes.
SCANS research verifies that what we call workplace know-how defines effective job performance
today. This know-how has two elements: competencies and a foundation. This report identifies five
competencies and a three-part foundation of skills and personal qualities that lie at the heart of job
performance. These eight requirements are essential preparation for all students, whether they go
directly to work or plan further education. Thus, the competencies and the foundation should be
taught and understood in an integrated fashion that reflects the workplace contexts in which they are
applied.
The five SCANS workplace competencies identified by the Commission are the following:
1. Resources—An ability to identify, organize, and allocate time, money, materials, space, and
people. Much of what you do in the classroom can help students develop competency with
resources. Emphasize planning skills in relation to preparing, working, and completing
assignments.
2. Interpersonal—Skills to participate as a member of a team, teach others, serve customers,
exercise leadership, negotiate, and work with others possessing diverse backgrounds.
Cooperative/collaborative learning activities are an effective way to teach interpersonal skills. In
discussions after group activities, emphasize interpersonal lessons and challenges of the
activities.
3. Information—An ability to acquire, organize, evaluate, interpret, and communicate information
along with using computers to process information. Competency with information is basic to any
classroom. Emphasize those efforts to master information skills prepare students for future
employment.
4. Systems—An understanding of social, organizational, and technological systems; an ability to
monitor and correct performance; a competence in the design and improvement of systems. Look
for opportunities for students to use critical thinking skills to identify and analyze systems in
their school, community, nation, and world.
5. Technology—The knowledge and skill to select equipment and tools, apply technology to
specific tasks, and maintain and troubleshoot software and hardware. Although there are many
forms of technology that can be used in your class, computers create real interest and
opportunities for your students. Encourage your students to make computers an important part of
their education, whether the computers are used in self-paced learning or in-group projects.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
Page 3
The following skills will be developed in the course:
 Using Resources: Identify—Plan—Manage
 Developing Interpersonal Skills: Collaborate—Negotiate—Lead
 Applying Technology: Select—Apply—Enhance
 Understanding Systems: Connect—Support—Improve
 Acquiring Information: Evaluate—Communicate—Apply
The three SCANS foundation skills identified by the Commission are the following:
Basic Skills—Reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. Activities can develop and
reinforce all these basic skills. Teaching these skills in the classroom can provide cross-curricular
opportunities.
Thinking Skills—Creative thinking, decision-making, and problem solving, seeing things in the
mind’s eye, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. During their careers, students will need this
foundation to adapt to a rapidly changing society. Helping students to think critically becomes very
important so that they may adjust to change. Seek opportunities for students to stretch their minds,
find new answers, ask hard questions, and lay foundations for lifelong learning.
Personal Qualities—Responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, and integrity.
Throughout their lives, your students will need to get along with others: with classmates, friends and
family, customers, and coworkers. Look for chances to reinforce good personal qualities. And
remember the power of teaching by example.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
The objectives of the course are accomplished using textbook readings, scheduled assignments,
discussion questions, assessments (exams), and Professor interaction.
COURSE DELIVERY SYSTEM
This multi-faceted on-line course is delivered via the EOL Learning Course Management System
Software instead of the traditional on-campus classroom setting. As a result, communication is very
important. In this course, communication with students during the semester is only through EOL email. All currently enrolled students can access the EOL system that is available 24/7 from
anywhere on the Internet.
Our course does not have regular meeting days or lectures given as students have in a traditional oncampus course. It is mandatory for students to follow the HCCS Student Handbook requiring
attendance, the Syllabus, Course Calendar, Announcements, Assignments and Assessment
Schedules, E-mails, Textbook, all HCCS publications, and directions /instructions given by your
Professor. It is the sole responsibility of each student to read and fully understand the above
documents as well as all other documents, or materials associated with this course. Failure to comply
with any of the above or any subsequent documents shall result in loss of points, a lower final grade
or failure in the course.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
Page 4
When submitting the semester assignments via only through EOL, you “must” send the documents in
the format indicated in this Syllabus, Announcements, and/or Assignment as an “attachment”. In this
course, all documents (written exercises) are submitted using only the Microsoft Office Word
extension of “.doc” or “.docx”. Students submitting assignments using any element of Microsoft
Works, Word Perfect or any other software will receive a grade of zero (0) because I cannot
open them – this policy is not open for discussion. You are required to perform spell and
grammar checks on everything prior to submission or posting.
Reminder: By no means are the following a complete list of extensions one could possibly utilize. I
will state again, “do not use” any of the follow or any other extensions, as your written report will
not be accepted or graded. You shall only use the MS Office Word extension as stated above.
.bks
.pwd
.wps
.csv
.pwi
.wpt
.dbf
.pwt
.xml
.htm
.rft
.htx
.sdw
.ink
.stw
.otm
.sxw
.ott
.txt
.pdb
.uot
.pdf
.vor
.pdt
.wdb
.psw
.wk1
.psw
.wks
Students need to check your assignment extension prior to submission.
The EOL software is an extremely sophisticated program that assigns a time and date stamp on all
correspondence, log-ins, postings, quizzes/exams, assignments, much more. This time and date
indicator is used continuously throughout the semester for documents submitted, exams taken, and all
other activities. The time and date shown on students' computers are not the official source, only
the EOL server in the United States Central Time Zone. Students have until 6:00 p.m. on the
date assignment or exams are due to submit their assignment or complete exams.
Once again, sometimes students register for Distance Education Courses because they have been told
the courses are much easier than ones taken on campus; this is absolutely incorrect. The Distance
Education student needs to be self-motivated, well disciplined, self-starter, has an excellent
understanding of computers, and cannot procrastinate. Once you fall behind, it is extremely difficult
to catch up. The semester is filled with reading, producing documents, submitting assignment, and
taking exams. Students not having a knowledge of MS Word or Excel - which includes and not
limited to, opening documents, using headers and footers, formatting, and saving files in the format
stated in this Syllabus, Announcements, or the Assignment, need to seek training or tutoring/other
assistance prior to taking this course. Points are deducted when directions are not followed. It is
suggested potential DE students have no less than a 2.5 GPA prior to attempting a DE course.
SEMESTER ESSAY EXAMS
You are required to complete all examinations this semester. Students missing either of the essay
exams will receive an automatic “F” in this course or a drop in two (2) letter grades – whichever is
greater. Exams are activated and deactivated on specific dates during the semester. This document
identifies both the dates exams are given and the chapters you are required to read and study for each
exam. Exams are comprised essay questions with a maximum of 100 points per assessment. Students
must complete the individual exams during the days shown in the Syllabus and Assessment. Once a
student begins his/her exam (“clicks” Begin Exam), the student has four (4) continuous hours to
finish. Students who open, review, or start an exam but do not complete it within the time limit
will receive a grade based on the number of questions answered correctly and properly
submitted during the fpir-hour testing time frame. Students starting an exam after 2:00 p.m. on
the deactivation date will have less than four hours because each test deactivates at 6:00 p.m. No
exam will be “reset” because it was reviewed, printed, “accidentally” started, answers were not
saved, the finish exam button not chosen before the ending time period occurs or any other reason. In
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
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this course, students are treated as adults. Students are held accountable for their actions and it is the
sole responsibility of each student to complete the exams on time and all other elements of this
course. There are no exceptions, no make-up exams, or extensions given for the testing
times/dates or any other activates in this course - for any reason – “so do not ask”. Your
Professor does not drop any exam.
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments are developed that will enhance student learning. To better understand a topic, students
will be given assignments on key information that students will need to remember for student success
in student reaching student goals.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS PAPER – valued at 100 Points
Write a 2-3-page paper (submitted papers less than 2 pages will have a significant reduction in
grade), double-spaced in New Times Roman 12 font on a company’s management practices. The
submission has a required cover page. The written paper must include discussion surrounding the
four primary management functions, planning, organizing, controlling, and leading/developing
employees. You should also tell me if you agree or disagree with the way they (management) handle
the four (4) functions. If you disagree, tell me what you would you do different. This paper can be
written on a company for which you currently work, have worked for in the past or one you research
on the Internet. Students are required to perform spelling and grammar checks on “everything”
using Microsoft Word spell/grammar checker before submitting them. Students will lose potential
points on anything when spelling or grammar errors are found. Late assignments are not accepted
for any reason. Submission shall use only MS Office Word extensions.
Assignments are individual student efforts – see Academic/Scholastic Honesty section of this
document. In this class, you are to submit (attach) the assignment electronically using the EOL
Submit Assignment Tool only. Do not fax, hand deliver, or e-mail any assignment to me, as they
will not be accepted. In order to receive consideration for full credit, these assignments must be sent
as stated in this Syllabus so the EOL software can track your submission and I can open it. Papers
will not be accepted after the due date shown at the assignment at 6:00 p.m. - for any reason –
“so do not ask”.
PROGRAM/DISCIPLINE REQUIREMENTS
Business Administration is determined to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to
succeed in today’s dynamic work environment. Students in Introduction to Business must be able to
budget their time, perform class-related activities as assigned on a weekly basis, and communicate
properly. Opportunities are provided for students to recognize the important role personal qualities play
in the business environment and employers have enhanced these activities to help students develop the
attitudes and interpersonal skills that are in demand.
Degree Plan
The Houston Community College System requires all students to have on file a degree plan with a
HCCS Counselor.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
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GRADING
HCCS Grading System
The Houston Community College grading system will be used to evaluate students’ performance in
this course.
Grade
A-Excellent
B-Good
C-Fair
D-Passing
F-Failure
Points
270 – 300
240 - 269
210 – 239
180 – 209
Below 180
Student Evaluation
The following departmental grading system will be used to evaluate students’ performances in this
course:
Introduction to Business Paper
Exams
Bonus Paper – Maximum Possible Extra Percent (Not Guaranteed)
Total
33%
67%
100%
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
Items to be read, fully understood, and followed
The exam reading assignments are associated with chapters covered on each assessment. It is the
student’s sole responsibility to (1) review, (2) read, (3) fully understood, and (4) take chapter notes
from the textbook. It is recommended that students print the following: Syllabus, semester calendar,
assignments (along with due dates), and exam directions and schedules with there associated
times/dates. Students are also required to fully read and understand all HCCS Publications identified
in this Syllabus.
Posting of Grades
All grades for Exams and Assignments are posted at the EOL homepage under “ Gradebook” within
a “reasonable timeframe” after completion.
Semester exams are active during the following dates and times with associated chapters:
•
•
Mid-term exam Chapters 1-9
Final exam
Chapters 10-17
Oct. 9 at 00:05 – Oct. 15 until 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 4 at 00:05 – Dec. 10 until 6:00 p.m.
Please pay attention to the activation and deactivation dates and times. Students must finish
exams as indicated in this Syllabus and Assessment. No exam will be accepted late, reopened,
have completion dates extended, and there are no “make-up exams” for any reason. - Students
missing either exam receive an automatic “F” in this course or a drop in two (2) letter grades –
whichever is greater. Students having questions need to re-read Syllabus section “Semester
Exams” in this document.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
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HCC COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY
The State of Texas imposes penalties on students who drop courses excessively. Students are limited
to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career at a Texas public
college or university.
To help you avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, contact your DE Professor regarding
your academic performance. You may also want to contact your HCCS Counselor to learn about
helpful HCC resources (e.g. online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc.).
In order to withdraw from your DE class, you MUST first contact your HCCS Counselor or
complete the Withdrawal form on–line. Inside EOL, under the Course Content Section,
students will find a direct link to the on-line area by which they can withdrawal from a course.
Note - Your Professor “DOES NOT” withdrawal students. This event is solely the
responsibility of each student. After the withdrawal deadline has passed, you will receive the grade
that you have earned. Zeros averaged in for required coursework not submitted and will lower your
semester average significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade.
CONTACTING YOUR PROFESSOR AND CLASSMATES
If you need to contact me for any reason during the semester, follow these steps:
a. All students sending an EOL e-mail must include the following information:
(1) The subject of the e-mail must pertain to your “specific question”
(2) “Do Not” have the subject of the e-mail “exams”, when you are really taking about
an assignment, etc.
(3) Your question(s)
(4) Never use my first name in any communications - Students not showing respect to this
author in all written or oral communications may be denied access to the course without
notice
(5) There will be no e-mail wars in this class
b. E-mails are answered Sunday through Wednesday. Everyone in the class deserves to have
another life.
c. All students in this course are taking a college level Business Administration class and are
expected to communicate accordingly. In accordance with the Syllabus and the Academic
Writing Skills Section of this document, all e-mails, discussion questions, and exercises shall
have spell and grammar checks performed on them prior to submission or posting to anyone.
Students who do not type well should open a “blank” Word document, compose your question or
response to a question, run the spell and grammar checks, copy and paste your creation into the
discussion question, e-mail, etc. Never, send anything to me or one of your classmates written in
all caps, lower-case letters, texting short-cuts, or using any type of symbols. You are not writing
to someone on your phone, Blackberry, iPad, other device, etc. who probably does not care how
you write.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
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ACADEMIC WRITING SKILLS
The business world considers all written communications as formal communications. What is meant
here is everyone needs to think about what he or she intends to say and how he or she will
communicate that message in a professional manner. This would naturally include correct spelling,
punctuation, capitalization, form, and substance. You are required to perform spell and grammar
checks on everything prior to submission or posting to anyone. Failure to perform these action
results in an automatic grade reduction on assignments.
A part of gaining a higher education is learning to academically express oneself using proper English
grammar. Consequently, HCCS expects students to progressively increase their knowledge and
skill in formal academic speaking and writing. Additionally, since this is a Distance Education
course, proper written communication is essential and critical to the student’s success.
In this course and in the business world, profanity, slang communication expressions, iconic
representations, partial words, computer images for meaning, single letters for words, any
correspondence written in all lower or upper case, and any other non-formal writing styles are not
acceptable. Students are expected to use their formal academic and professional writing skills in all
of their communication, including but not limited to all e-mails, discussion postings, and assignments.
Students will lose significant points throughout the semester on assignments and postings when
mistakes, as stated above in this paragraph and the first one of Academic Writing Skills, are found.
It is anticipated everyone will succeed in college and in their chosen field upon graduation. If you
are not writing / communicating correctly, your Professors are going to give you lower grades and
management will probably not consider you for the job or promotion you really want. Remember, in
the business world, management does not tolerate official business documents being transmitted with
spelling and grammatical errors or any non-formal writing styles listed above.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Announcements for our course are posted at the EOL Announcement Section and/or e-mail sent to all
students. The announcements provide current information, any changes to the course that might
require your attention, knowledge about upcoming exams, and other communication as needed.
LOGGING INTO COURSE
HCC policy states all students are required log into this course at least two times per week.
Logging-in serves the same function as going to an on-campus class. EOL shows the day and time,
you attended, thereby giving you credit for attendance. In accordance with the HCCS Policy on
attendance, failure to login to this course twice a week will result in a withdrawal, without notice,
which is the same policy as an on-campus course.
Each student is responsible for obtaining a copy, reading, and understanding the current semester
course Syllabus, the correct textbook, and all other documents pertaining to this course. Additionally,
students must have copies and read the Distance Education Handbook (either printed form or
electronic version), the Houston Community College System Student Handbook (either printed form
or electronic version), and the Houston Community College System Catalog. Students must complete
the required DE Orientation and submit assignments and exams before the deadline or deactivation
time. Finally, students shall keep your Professor informed of your current phone numbers or name
change. All HCCS Policies will be strictly enforced in this course. Students stating they have read
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
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and understood all documents, elements, and publication identified in this Syllabus will lose points
when students do not follow the directions/instructions located in those documents, assignments,
and/or publications.
ACADEMIC / SCHOLASTIC HONESTY
Students shall be familiar with policies set forth in the HCCS Student Handbook.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an exam, plagiarism, and
collusion. “Cheating” includes:
(a) Copying from another student’s exam or assignment paper or allowing someone to copy yours,
(b) Two or more students submitting identical or exactly the same document for all practical
purposes,
(c) Using materials during an exam that are not authorized by your Professor,
(d) Collaborating with another student during an exam or assignment without authority, knowingly,
using, buying, selling, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the bribing of another person
to obtain an exam or assignment that is to be administered,
(e) Students found in possession or using any portion of Professor support materials supplied by
any source,
(f) Submits a paper or assignment for which you have received so much help that the writing is
significantly different from your own,
(g) Uses direct quotes without quotation marks and textual citation of the material that someone
else wrote and published,
(h) Presents another's ideas as your own without citing the source,
(i) Submits assignments that appears to be or is written by someone else as your own (this includes
purchasing, borrowing a paper, having someone else produce / complete the assignment, or
someone else’s name other than the student’s is identified in the submitted assignments’
properties section as the author of the written work),
(j) Purposefully allows another student to copy your work or submit work that you have written as
his/her own,
(k) Destroying or removing library materials to gain an academic advantage,
(l) Consulting assignment solutions posted on websites of previous course offerings,
(m) In possession of, using, or downloading faculty text materials from Internet or other sources, or
(n) Submitting the same assignment for more than one course without written authorization from
the respective Professor.
VIOLATIONS
Punishment for academic/scholastic dishonesty includes and not limited to a grade of “0” or “F” on
the particular assignment, failure in the course, and automatic recommendation for immediate
suspension or expulsion to the College Dean of Students along with the final disposition placed on
the student’s Official Transcript explaining the suspension or expulsion.
Whenever faculty suspect or detect scholastic dishonesty, including plagiarism or cheating, in a
student’s coursework, the student will meet alone with the Professor during his office hours and
location to determine if dishonesty has occurred. Depending on the outcome of the Professor’s
findings, he will assign a penalty, up to and including an “F” for the assignment and/or course, in
addition to reporting the incident to the Business Administration Department Chair, Workforce Dean,
Dean of Student Services, College President, and Legal Counsel for HCCS. Students failing to meet
with course Professor when requested will receive the maximum penalty and denied access to the
course. If you have any questions about scholastic dishonesty for this course, consult your Professor.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
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TO AVOID POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:
1. Read the Syllabus for each class. Your syllabus will include information about course
requirements, including scholastic dishonesty
2. Plan ahead. Leave yourself plenty of time to study for exams and write papers. This will allow
you to ask questions of your Professor if they come up and will help to avoid that “desperate”
feeling that can sometimes lead to scholastic dishonesty.
3. Understand citation and the difference between plagiarism and paraphrasing. HCCS has
some wonderful resources to help you with this. HCCS libraries have tutorials that can help you
to cite your sources and to learn more about plagiarism.
4. Ask your Professor. If you have questions about an assignment, ask your Professor (at least a
week before the assignment is due) instead of guessing. It is the sole responsibility of the
student to contact your professor.
5. Talk with your Professor. If something comes up that prevents you from turning in a paper on
time, talk to your Professor prior to the submission date of the event. It is better to get a zero on
the assignment for failure to turn it in than from scholastic dishonesty by copying another’s paper
or cutting, pasting from the Internet or any of the above.
CAUTIONS FOR DISTANCE ED STUDENTS:
Not all people are well suited for this type of course. A general set of guidelines is used to determine
if you should be accepted into this independent study section. These guidelines will require that you:
a. Are a self-motivated/self-starter: Usually this means having completed at least six (6) credit
hours of college and has a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Beware of Procrastination; once
you fall behind, it is difficult to catch up.
b. Have excellent previous computer experience. If you have little to no computer experience, you
might enjoy an in-classroom course with more person-to-person instruction.
c. Have basic experience with, Windows or Apple OS XXX, Microsoft Office, and Adobe software.
d. Understand how to generate and save files on a PC/Mac and basic PC/Mac File Management
Skills (Navigating through folders, etc.).
e. Are able to follow assignment directions and create and save files using only Microsoft Office
Word extensions.
f. Are capable of up-loading files as attachments.
g. Proficient in using “Firefox” Internet browser.
h. Have adequate hardware with appropriate software installed on your computer to complete the
course or access to equipment and software. Should your computer or Internet-access
breaking down, these are NOT valid excuses for failing to turn in an assignment, or
completing exams. If your computer or Internet access is not functioning, you will need to visit
an open lab provided by the college, or go to a HCCS college campus or public library to
complete your assignments or take exams.
THIS COURSE REQUIRES STUDENTS TO:
a. Have access to a PC or Mac and the Internet.
b. Have the latest free version of Adobe Reader. The web address to obtain the free version is
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
c. Log-in to this course at least two times a week (HCCS Policy). Noncompliance will result in
being withdrawn from the course without notice, which is the same policy as an on-campus
course.
d. Have access to a printer.
e. Retain assignments on a hard drive or flash/thumb drives.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
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f. Keep a notebook with pertinent class information.
g. Purchase the correct textbook.
h. Reads and completely understands all elements of this Syllabus, e-mails, announcements,
assignments, assessments, semester calendar, all documents, the Distance Education and Student
handbooks, college catalog, and all other publications identified in this Syllabus.
i. Provide your Professor with day and evening phone numbers.
j. Reads and understands the required chapters in the textbook prior to taking the exams.
k. Successfully complete all requirements of this course as outlined in this document.
l. Contact your Professor immediately if you have any questions regarding any element of this
course you do not understand. Do not wait until after an assignment is due or assessment is to be
completed or taken. College students in this course are expected to take charge of their lives,
take responsibility for their actions, and plan ahead instead of waiting to the late moment to do
anything.
m. As a Business Administration Dean from a very prestigious university stated in all his classes,
“Failure to plan on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part”.
NEW DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENT USER ID
Your student login user ID will be your HCCS User ID (sometimes referred to as the “W”
number). All HCCS students have a unique User ID. It is the same number you use for class
registration. If you do not know your User ID you can look it up using the following links:
o From the HCCS home page, click on “Register Here”
o On the Student Web Services page, click on “Registration (Online)”
o Click on “Retrieve User ID” and follow the instructions.
Or use the direct link: https://hccsaweb.hccs.edu:8080/servlets/iclientservlet/sauat/?cmd=start
The default student password will still be “distance.” As always, students will then be prompted to
change their password after their first login. Please contact the DE Technicians if you need
additional assistance with your log in.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES -- (FROM THE HCCS COUNSELING SERVICES
OFFICE)
"Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc)
who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the appropriate HCCS Disability
Support Service (DSS) Counselor at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. Students who
are requesting special testing accommodations must first contact the appropriate DSS Counselor for
assistance. Please contact the Distance Education Counselors (Dr. Lesli Rowell, or Ms. Tamara
Herod) at 713-718-5275, option #4 in order to be referred to the appropriate HCCS DSS Counselor.
Students who require testing accommodations need to schedule an appointment for testing to ensure
that staff will be available for proctoring and to arrange for any adaptive equipment that may be
required. Students should contact the distance education Professor's "Instructional Support
Specialist" (ISS) the week prior to each exam throughout the semester to confirm that the requested
testing accommodations will be met.”
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
Page 12
Students requesting disability accommodations must first contact the appropriate (most convenient)
DSS Counseling office for assistance within your college:
District ADA Coordinator
Central ADA Counselors
Ms. Donna Price
713-718-5165
Ms. Jaime Torres
713-718-6164
Ms. Martha Scribner 713-718-6164
Northeast ADA Counselor
Ms. Kim Ingram
713-718-8420
Northwest ADA Counselor
Mr. Mahnaz Kolaini
713-718-5422
Southeast ADA Counselor
Ms. Jette Lott
713-718-7218
Southwest ADA Counselor
Dr. Becky Hauri
713-718-7910
Coleman ADA Counselor
Dr. Raj Gupta
713-718-7631
*Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services – Central
713-718-6333
*Students living outside of the HCCS District service areas – Central
After student accommodation letters have been approved by the DSS office and submitted to DE
Counseling, students will receive a confirmation email along with instructions regarding completion
of the requested accommodation(s).
DISTANCE EDUCATION ADVISING AND COUNSELING SERVICES
Advising and Counseling Services can be accomplished by telephone at 713-718-5275 - option # 4,
via email at de.counseling@hccs.edu, by visiting the Distance Education Office at the HCCS
Administration Building, 3100 Main Street, third floor, and/or by on-site advising at other HCCS
locations upon request. Confidential sessions with the Distance Education Counselors will help
students understand admissions, registration, entrance-testing requirements, Degree Planning,
transfer issues, and career counseling. Houston Community College counselors also maintain a local
referral base in order to provide appropriate referrals to students with personal or family issues that
may require long-term solutions.
COURSE REPEATER POLICY
Beginning in the fall of 2006, students who repeat a course for a three or more times will face
significant tuition/fee increases at HCCS and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask
your HCCS Counselor about opportunities for tutoring/other assistance prior to considering course
withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Receiving a “W” in a course may affect the status of your student Visa. Once a “W” is given for the
course, it will not be changed to an F because of the visa consideration. Since January 1, 2003,
International Students are restricted in the number of distance education courses that they may take
during each semester. ONLY ONE online / distance education class may be counted towards the
enrollment requirement for International Students per semester. Please contact the International
Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you have any questions about your visa status and other transfer
issues.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
Page 13
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM CONDUCT
As with on-campus classes, all students in HCCS Distance Education courses are required to follow
all HCCS Policies & Procedures, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, and relevant
sections of the Texas Education Code when interacting and communicating in a virtual classroom
with faculty and fellow students. Students who violate these policies and guidelines will be subject to
disciplinary action that could include denial of access to course-related email, discussion groups, and
chat rooms or being removed from this class or college.
In order to withdraw from your DE class, you MUST contact your HCCS Counselor “or” withdraw
from the course on-line yourself. This must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a
“W” on your transcript. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that
you have earned by the end of the semester. Zeros averaged in for required assignments/tests and
will lower your semester average significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade (“F”). Please
do not contact your Professor to request a withdrawal. This action is the sole responsibility of the
student.
Again, if you have any questions regarding any element of this course, contact your Professor
immediately!
Never wait until the day an assignment, exam is due or expect an e-mail to be answer Thursday
thru Saturday.
Introduction to Business – BUSG 1301
Fall 2011
Page 14
Fall Term Distance Education Course Calendar
Introduction to Business
BUSG 1301
Weekly Activity Schedule
WEEK
TEXTBOOK CHAPTERS
Aug 27Sept 3
Sept 4-10
Chapter 1
Business Now: Change Is the Only Constant
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Sept 1117
Sept 1824
Sept 25Oct 1
Oct 2-8
Chapter 4
Economics: The Framework for Business
The World Market Place: Business without Boarders
Official Day of Record
Business Ethics and Social Responsibility: Doing Well by Doing Good
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Oct 9-15 Chapters
1-9
Oct 16-22 Chapter 10
Oct 23-29 Chapter 11
Oct 30Nov 5
Nov 6-12
Business Communication: Creating and Delivering Messages that Matter
Business Formation: Choosing the From that Fits
Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Economic Rocket Fuel
Discussion Topic Posting
Accounting: Decision Making by the Numbers
Finance: Acquiring and Using Funds to Maximize Value
Take Mid-Term Exam no later than October 15th at 6:00 p.m.
Securities Markets: Trading Financial Resources
Chapter 12
Marketing: Building Profitable Customer Connections
Bonus Assignment due no later than October 29th at 6:00 p.m.
Product and Promotion: Creating and Communicating Value
Chapter 13
Distribution and Pricing: Right Product, Person, Place, and Price
Paper Due November 12th – This assignment is not accepted late for any reason
Nov 1319
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Nov 2026
Nov 27Dec 3
Dec 4-10
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapters
10-17
Management, Motivation, and Leadership: Bringing Business to Life
Human Resources Management: Building a Top-Quality Workforce
November 17th – Last day to withdrawal with grade of “W”
Managing Information and Technology: Finding New Ways to Learn and Link
Thanksgiving Holiday starting November 24th
Operations Management: Putting It All Together
Take Final Exam no later than December 10th at 6:00 p.m.