BMGT 110: Introduction to Business and Management
Section 6988
University of Maryland University College
College Park, MD
Syllabus
Fall 2004
Term Starts:
September 8, 2004
Term Ends:
December 18, 2004
Course Format:
Online, WebTycho
Instructor:
Claudine Weatherford, Ph.D.
17644 Raven Rocks Road
Bluemont, VA 20135
cwford@ravenrocks.com
www.ravenrocks.com
540-554-2362
703-777-8615 Fax
Course Description:
Survey of the field of business management from an entrepreneurial perspective. Topics include human
relations, technology in business, ethical behavior, the environment, global and economic forces,
organization, quality, products and services, functional management, and current issues and
developments.
Course applications require PC, modem, and Internet service provider. This is a WebTycho course.
Course Introduction
This course is organized into five modules, each of which focuses on a particular area of business
operations. However, as you become familiar with how businesses function, you'll find that these areas
are interconnected. Also, keep in mind that although the focus of the course is on businesses, many of
these concepts apply to other types of organizations as well.
The course consists of the following five modules:
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Module 1: Contemporary Business and its Environment
In this first module we lay the groundwork for understanding the environment in which
businesses operate. The business environment has economic, technological, social, competitive,
and global characteristics that have an impact on how businesses function. Businesses also
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operate according to ethical standards that are an important determinant of the success of the
business.
Module 2: The Structure of Business
Now that we understand the context in which businesses operate, we need to look more closely
at businesses themselves. How do businesses get started? What are the options for organizing a
business? Who are the owners and operators of businesses?
Module 3: Leadership and Management of the Organization
People are the key ingredients in any organization or business. Leaders must know how to
motivate employees effectively. Employees must have a stake in the successful operation of the
business. Customers are increasingly being seen as partners in the operation of the business
rather than simply as recipients of goods and services. These human resources must be combined
with other resources to create a product or service.
Module 4: Marketing Management
Most people think of marketing and advertising as the same thing, informing customers about a
product or service and then trying to get them to buy it. But marketing is much more than that.
Marketing is a process that begins by determining that there is an opportunity to satisfy a
customer's need or want. A product or service is then designed to fulfill that need or want. This
design must include all of the characteristics of the product or service, how it will be priced,
where it will be sold, and how it will be promoted. This design includes maintaining a
relationship with customers even after the sale is completed.
Module 5: Management Information Systems and Financial Management
In today's business world, the effective use of technology to collect, process, and distribute
information to decision makers is a critical element of any business or organization. This
information may be stock levels, assembly line error rates, or accounting data. Information has
become a resource that must be managed correctly to have a positive impact on the success of a
business. Financial resources are equally important. Businesses need funds for current operations
and future growth. All organizations use budgets for planning how to manage their financial
resources. Publicly held firms must provide annual financial reports to all stockholders. It is the
role of the financial manager to perform these tasks and contribute to successfully meeting the
goals of the business.
Course Materials
Nickels,William G., McHugh, James and McHugh, Susan (2005). Understanding Business. 7th edition.
McGraw-Hill.
UMUC’s virtual bookstore is located at http://www.umuc.edu/bookstore.
In addition to the above text, it is helpful if you read the business section of the newspaper and business
periodicals such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Inc.; and Fortune. We will be discussing
current events drawn from these and other sources. We will also be exploring various Web sites
throughout the course.
Check the WebTycho class area for additional resources provided throughout the semester.
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Course Goals/Objectives
One goal of this course is to help you begin to develop a foundation of knowledge on a wide variety of
business topics that will be explored in more detail in advanced courses. By the end of this course, you
should have a good foundation in the following general areas: the contemporary business environment,
the structure of American business, leadership and management of the organization, marketing
management, management information systems, and financial management.
Another major goal of the course is for you not only to learn to discuss the various topics, but also to
gain experience and confidence in applying this learning. This process will be facilitated through the use
of class discussions and case studies as well as the examination of current events that relate to the topic.
After completing this course, you should be able to:
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describe and discuss contemporary business and its environment, including the foundations of
business, the role of the entrepreneur, the factors of production, the economic history of the
United States, alternative economic systems, the basic concepts of economics, the global
dimensions of business and international trade, the alternative economic systems, and the social
and ethical responsibilities of business in the twenty-first century
outline the structure of American business, including the forms of business ownership, the trends
in corporate ownership, and the challenges and rewards of beginning your own business
describe the functions of human resource management, methods of promoting and successfully
using teamwork within the organization, labor and management relations, and production and
operations management
present an overview of the components of marketing management, including developing
marketing plans; identifying target markets, sources of market research information, and
different types of products and services; determining product life cycles, pricing strategies, and
distribution methods; and designing promotional strategies
describe why effective information management is important, and discuss management
information systems, computer technology, telecommunications, and the Internet
describe and discuss the characteristics of effective financial management, including financial
planning, the accounting process, financial statements, budgeting, cash-flow management,
sources of short- and long-term finance, cash management, and the functions of stocks and bonds
discuss the role of the Federal Reserve and the United States' financial system for organizations
and the economy
Assignments and Grading Criteria
The final course grade will consist of the three research and writing assignments, the online discussion,
and a final examination.
Assignments 1 & 2
Assignment 3--Course Project
Online discussion
Final examination
Total
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20%
30%
10%
40%
100%
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Letter grades for the course will be assigned as follows:
A
B
C
D
F
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=
=
=
=
90 to 100%
80 to 89%
70 to 79%
60 to 69%
0 to 59%
This grading system allows you to always know where you stand in the course.
Assignments
Research and writing assignments must be turned in by midnight of the due date. Use the Assignments
menu option in the Class Menu on the left side of your WebTycho screen. Please submit only Microsoft
Word or plain text files. Do not cut and paste your project into the assignment area. Your project must
be an attached file.
Online Discussions
There is one online discussion during which two case studies will be discussed over a one month period.
It is likely that for part of that time there will be a guest moderator from Kathmandu, Nepal, who is the
senior manager of an adventure travel business. To receive full credit, you must contribute to each
discussion in a substantive way. Use online sources to support your point of view. You must comment
on what others have said and ask questions. If asked a follow-up question, you must respond in order to
earn full credit. You will not be able to get full credit if you wait until the last day to participate, because
that does not give anyone time to read and comment on your contributions. Each case study discussion is
worth 5% of your grade, for a total of 10% of your course grade.
Final Examination
The final exam is a proctored, comprehensive exam, covering all assigned readings and class
discussions. The exam is made up of three sections. Section 1 is objective (e.g., multiple choice and
true/false). Section 2 more subjective (e.g., fill-in-the-blank and definitions). Section 3 is subjective
(essay questions).
You must register for the final examination. It is recommended that you register immediately. All
Web courses have a required proctored final examination. Some courses also require a proctored
midterm examination. The registration form for the final examination is available online at
http://www.umuc.edu/fdes.
Also see the "Register for Examinations" menu item under "Course Content" in the Main Menu of
WebTycho.
Late Assignments
Each student is responsible for keeping up with the class, completing reading assignments on time,
participating in online conferences, and taking the examination in the time frame provided. Late
projects will lose one grade level. No work will be accepted after the last day of the semester.
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Contributions to the online discussions must be made by the due date. Late submissions will receive a
zero.
Class Participation
Studies have found that those who participate in discussions frequently and are not afraid to tackle
difficult questions often learn more than those who do not participate. Usually, those who learn more get
better grades. Please plan to participate regularly, but respect differing student opinions. By registering
for a Web-based course, you have made a commitment to participate in your course conferences as well
as other online activities.
Course Schedule
Week 1
9/8 - 9/12
Readings/Assignments: Contemporary Business Environment
Read Module 1 Course Content
Read Chs. 1 & 2
Week 2
9/13 - 9/19
Readings/Assignments: Contemporary Business Environment
Read Chs. 3 & 4
Do Self-Assessment Exercises /Module 1
Week 3
9/20 - 9/26
Readings/Assignments: Structure of Business
Read Module 2 Course Content
Read Ch. 5
Week 4
9/27 - 10/3
Readings/Assignments: Structure of Business
Read Ch. 6
Do Self-Assessment Exercises /Module 2
Assignment 1 Due - 10/3
Week 5
10/4 -10/10
Readings/Assignments: Management, Organization, and Production
Read Module 3 Course Content
Read Chs. 7, 8, and 9
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Week 6
10/11 - 10/17
Readings/Assignments: Management, Organization, and Production
Read Ch. 10, 11, and 12
Do Self-Assessment Exercises /Module 3
Week 7
10/18 - 10/24
Readings/Assignments: Marketing Management
Read Module 4 Course Content
Read Chs. 13 and 14
Assignment 2 Due - 10/24
Week 8
10/25 - 10/31
Readings/Assignments: Marketing Management
Read Ch. 15
Do Self-Assessment Exercises /Module 4
Week 9
11/1 - 11/7
Readings/Assignments: Marketing Management
Read Ch. 16
Discussion Topic Begins - 11/1 ?
Week 10
11/8 - 11/14
Readings/Assignments: Information and Financial Management
Read Module 5 Course Content
Read Ch. 17
Week 11
11/15 - 11/21
Readings/Assignments: Information and Financial Management
Read Ch. 18
Do Self-Assessment Exercises/Module 5
Week 12
11/22 - 11/28
Readings/Assignments: Information and Financial Management
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Read Ch. 19
Discussion Topic ends - 11/28
Week 13
11/29 - 12/5
Readings/Assignments: Information and Financial Management
Read Ch. 20, 21
Assignment 3 (Project) Due - 12/5
Week 14
12/6 - 12/12
Readings/Assignments: Information and Financial Management
Read Ch. 22
Final Exam Review
Week 15
12/13 - 12/18
Final Examination Week
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