City College of San Francisco Spring 2016
General Business 119 – Introduction to Business
Susan Berston, Instructor – Email: sberston@ccsf.edu
Publisher’s Website: www.wileyplus.com (to complete homework)
My website: www.buildequity.weebly.com (for syllabus and class announcements)
Section/Meeting Time:
CRN SEC Days
Time
Location
35737 002 MWF 10:10 AM-10:00 AM MUB 270
Course Prerequisites: There aren’t any prerequisites, but it is essential that you have an adequate
understanding of the English language, so you may want to check to be sure that your ESL level is
appropriate for this course. Even for native speakers, the new jargon and terminology can take some time to learn. Please try to
assess whether you can succeed in this class by attending the first few lectures and making a thorough examination of the text.
Required Text available in CCSF bookstore: The customized printed version of the textbook that we will be using is only
available for purchase in the City College of San Francisco main campus (Ocean Avenue) bookstore. The benefit of the printed
book is that it comes bundled with the required WileyPlus key code needed for access to the wileyplus.com website for graded
assessments and homework. So, it’s actually a pretty good value as compared to purchasing only the ebook and WileyPlus access
code only (no print book). Many students still prefer a printed book, which comes shrink wrapped and three-hole punched. This
allows you to carry (in a binder) only needed pages.
If you have 24/7 online access and prefer an ebook only (no printed book), you may purchase the ebook and the WileyPlus access
code online at this site.
Title: Boone and Kurtz, Contemporary Business, 16th edition, published by John Wiley and Sons Company. Please do not purchase the
previous version (15th edition) of the book. You will need the current verison.
Important: because there is reading and a homework assignment due the first week, you will need a print or ebook NO LATER THAN the first week
of class.
Course Description:
This course emphasizes the role of enterprise in society and the international nature of business. For some, this course will be their
only exposure to business; others will go on to additional training, education, and specialization with transfer to upper-division
institutions in business and other fields. It is my goal to relate the text book to the current business environment. CSU/UC
MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:
A. Use business terms and concepts related to functional areas of business, including marketing, finance, human resources,
management, operations, accounting, economics, and international business.
B. Examine the external forces (social, economic, technological, competitive and regulatory) that impact business decisions.
C. Demonstrate high standards of professional practice, including awareness of ethical and social responsibilities in today’s
multi-cultural, team-oriented, rapidly-changing environment.
D. Critically evaluate, analyze and interpret information to solve problems and make business decisions.
E. Analyze the impact of globalization on business and the diverse world of global business.
F. Assess the major concepts in the analysis and management of risk.
Format:
The class, which begins promptly (please come on time), is a combination of lectures from the textbook and in-class discussion, mainly
from business news journals and videos.
Credit Value: 3 units – and UC / CSU transferrable (check out www.assist.org)
Grading Scale:
The grading is conducted as follows and is not on a class curve. During the last few weeks of class, one of the most common
questions asked is whether a student can do extra credit. Please avoid this question by making perfect attendance your goal, staying
up with reading, and completing on time all homework assignments. Thanks!
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Exams: All three examinations are multiple choice and range between 60 – 75 questions, so please bring a #2 pencil to class on
exam days.
I will provide a Scantron. Additionally, I will review what to study the class prior to the exam. Makeup exams are given only with
medical documentation submitted via email (scan the doctor’s note or hospital admit form) on the same day of the scheduled exam.
Homework: The requirements of each homework assignment will be reviewed and discussed in detail.
Grading breakdown
Assessment
Exam #1 covers chapters 1-5
Exam #2 covers chapters 6-9 and 11
Exam #3 covers chapters 12-17 (doesn’t include 14)
Weekly Orion Assessments (16 total) accessible through: www.wileyplus.com
Proficiency level scores for each of the 16 chapter assignments (we will skip chapter
14), will be averaged. A missed or forgotten assignment results in a score of zero,
which will impact your overall average, so login frequently/daily to avoid missing
weekly due dates. There is no access to the assignment past the due date.
Proficiency Level Average:
80% and above
70% to 79.9%
60% to 69.9%
50% to 59.9%
40% to 49.9%
30% to 39.9%
20% to 29.9%
Less than 20%
Percentage of Grade
25%
25%
25%
25%
Points
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
0
It’s crucial to make the commitment to come to class. I will take attendance each class. Please be here by 10:10 AM sharp to avoid being
marked absent. Thanks so much in advance for never asking me to mark you present if you arrive later than 10:10 AM. Showing up and
attendance is a given, and you’ll see too that in the workplace this rule also holds true.
Grading:
90-100………………...……….…… A
70 – 79…………………………….. C
50 – 59…………………………….. F
80 – 89…………………………….. B
60 – 69…………………………….. D
Materials and Supplies:
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Bring the textbook (or ebook) to each class if following along during lecture is effective for you. Most of the in-class
lectures are from the textbook, and I will reference important pages.
If you are using an iPad or laptop, you will be required to sit in the front row.
Because there is so much to accomplish in such a short period of time, I ask that you remained focused during the
short class time. I kindly request no surfing the internet for anything unrelated to the class. If you do so, you will be
kindly asked to leave.
Bring a binder and writing instruments for class notes. From time to time, you will be asked to go to the website and
print out handouts to bring to the next class.
You will need internet access so that you can access the publisher’s website on an almost daily basis.
The computer lab in Cloud Hall 111 is available to all business students – with no cost printing, but you do need to
register and log your hours upon each visit. The procedures will be explained to you by the lab monitor. The hours
are posted on the door.
There are also computer labs in Rosenberg Library and Batmale hall. It is your responsibility to access the publisher’s
website at www.wileylus.com, to complete the required weekly assessments (I will demonstrate and review in explicit
detail).
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Late Work Policy (You will be submitting assignments online with a time deadline):
Simply put, no late work, whether it submitted in person or online, is accepted. Please be extra careful of deadlines. No exceptions are made.
It is vital to maintain a realistic, firm and fair classroom policy as it applies to grading and attendance. The nature of our business
(and life beyond school) requires deadlines, and they will be fully enforced. With the exception of a documented medical emergency,
late assignments will be inaccessible past the online due date and time. Kindly save yourself the time by never requesting an
extension of an assignment. Thanks. All work is due at the stated online deadline or in class no later than 9:10 AM.
Student Evaluation/Methods of Assessment:
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All weekly assessments must be received by the set dates and times accessible through www.wileyplus.com – due dates will not
be announced in class, so make it your responsibility to check the site often and on an ongoing basis. .
In order to receive credit for participation, please arrive to class at the published start time. If you do happen to be late, please
be as quiet and respectful when entering the lecture.
Four unexcused absences (a late counts as an absence), are allowed for the semester – there are a total of close to 50 classes, so this is a very liberal
policy. More than four absences within the first two weeks of class, and you will be dropped. Continued absences and failure to complete coursework
and assignments results in being dropped. In much the same way that you make a commitment to a job internship, it is imperative to
come to class punctual, ready, prepared, and engaged. If you don’t think you can attend all classes, have that discussion with
yourself or your counselor, and please drop the class by February 11, 2016. Doing so by this date will help you avoid a nasty,
indelible W on your transcript – which transfer schools frown upon. If I can ask a favor too -- please manage your time and avoid telling
me why you will be missing class, if at all, and any work conflicts. It is far more interesting to discuss business issues and opportunities,
majors, transfer opportunities to amazing four-year colleges, on-campus clubs, leadership opportunities, internships, and careers.
Thanks so much for your understanding of this in advance. I am here to help you succeed in a positive way. I cannot wait.
Absences: Because my email inbox is hyper-crowded, there is no need whatsoever to let the instructor know, either
verbally or by email, why or when you will be absent. I prefer to read emails related to career aspirations, business
news, articles worth sharing, videos, and your internship and college transfer plans.
You are allowed four absences for life events without any explanation whatsoever (so, again, no need to ever send me
an email). You will be dropped if you are absent four consecutive classes. Additionally, with pervasive semester-long
absences (a late counts as an absence), keep in mind that an instructor can initiate a drop (with a W).
Now that I’ve outlined my attendance policy, please be fully aware of the consequences of excessive absences –
particularly if you’re an international student or a student on financial aid, with the requirement to take a minimum
number of units. I do not, under any circumstance, ever reinitiate students once they have been dropped. Thanks.
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Buddy system: It might be a good idea to get the email of a classmate who attends class regularly, in the event you anticipate
being absent. If you do happen to miss a class, we follow the syllabus schedule fairly closely, but sometimes there are
announcements and variations to the schedule. Unfortunately, I’m not able to answer each student’s email about what was
missed during an absence.. Thanks!
Instructor and Contact Information/Office Hours:
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Name: Susan Berston Email: sberston@ccsf.edu (I check email a few times a day).
My office: I will meet you on campus in various locations – whatever is convenient for you. My office is not in Cloud
Hall, as listed on the ccsf.edu faculty website. With a 24-hour advance notice, I will meet you somewhere on campus or
in the MUB building (for day classes).
Office Hours – Please schedule appointments via email 24 hours in advance. I will do my best to see students right
away. Additionally, you can look me up under “employee directory” on the ccsf.edu website, and stop by before or
after any of my classes. If I am available, we can talk then. If not, we can set up an appointment to talk at another
time. If I do not have another appointment, I certainly will accommodate! I am always happy to meet with
students to discuss ideas, but never excuses. There is personal counseling available on campus, so please ask me if
you would like that information. Thanks in advance!
Missed Tests (there are no make up exams):
If you are absent for an exam, you will receive a 0 on that exam, which is worth 25% of your grade. There are no make up exams. If
you have a documented hospital stay or death in the family, please, within 24-hours, email a scanned (or take a picture with your
phone) copy of the documentation. If you have jury duty, you are required to provide the appropriate documentation 7 days in
advance. Thanks for a “productive, no excuse” environment.
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Cell Phones: Please refrain from texting or surfing the web during class. Please silence your phone during lecture. If
doing so, you will be kindly asked to leave. If you prefer to use a laptop, please be seated in the first two rows.
Clubs: While not required, I strongly recommend club membership for a number of reasons. Alpha Gamma Beta (business
honors club), Kiva Microfinance Club, and Alpha Gamma Sigma (school-wide honors club) are just a few of the business-related
clubs. By joining a club, you will learn the importance of collaborating with others – which in some ways, will complement what you
will learn in a classroom environment.
Honors: My honors program requirements are different than most other instructors. To quality for honors, please keep
the following requirements in mind:
 On-time attendance (yes, many have qualified for honors, but were unable to show up on time) 
 All ORION homework completed with an average proficiency level above 80%
 Average test score of 92% on the first two exams.
If you must take this course to complete the fifth honors course, please be aware of my guidelines, as outlined above. To
learn more about being selected to take the class for honors, schedule a meeting with me after you receive your second exam result.
To learn more about the honors program, go to www.ccsf.edu/honors -- I highly recommend taking five honors courses if you wish
to attend a selective UC or private school. Mr. Kudsi, honors program coordinator, will provide additional information during the
first few weeks of class. Acceptance to the GNBS 119 honors program will be made in March/April after the second exam.
The requirements include joining an on-campus club and fulfilling the volunteer requirements of the club.
Dates to put in your calendar (see page 4):
Exam 1: Monday, February 29 (chapters 1-5)
Exam 2: Monday, April 11 (6-9 and 11 – we will not cover chapter 10)
Exam 3: Wednesday, May 18 (chapters 11-3 and 15-17, does not include 14)
Weekly assessments: See www.wileyplus.com for weekly due dates (due dates are usually the same day and time each week).
Midterm grades are available on Web4: April 7
Final Grades are available on Web4: June 4.
February 11, 2016 is the last day to drop full-term coursework units without a permanent “W” on your transcript
April 14, 2016 is the last day to withdraw with a W on your transcript (as compared to a failing grade, if that is the case).
Dropping the class and other not-so-fun stuff: I fully support the notion of “try before you buy,” but you will need to drop the
class by the dates indicated above. Please take note if you’re an international student with a minimum number of required units. Under no
circumstance do I ever reinitiate students for absences, as outlined.
IMPORTANT! Disabled Students Programs and Services: Reasonable accommodation of disabled students is required by law
under the American with Disabilities Act. Any disabled student who would like disability related accommodations (special
arrangements of any sort) must register with DSPS (Disabled Students Programs and Services), and receive an official document
from DSPS that outlines reasonable accommodations determined by the DSPS counselor. The document from DSPS should be
shown to the instructor. If you do not have this document or you have yet to register with DSPS, please call a counselor at 415
452.5481. DSPS is located in Room 323 of the Rosenberg Library. www.ccsf.edu/dsps
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Class Schedule for General Business 119 Spring 2016
Instructor: Susan Berston – email: sberston@ccsf.edu
Publisher’s Website where you will submit weekly assessments: www.wileyplus.com
Week of
In Class Lecture will cover the following chapters:
Week 1: January 18
Chapter 1: The Changing Face of Business
Week 2: January 25
Chapter 1: The Changing Face of Business (cont.)
Chapter 2: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
Week 3: February 1
Chapter 2: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
(cont.)
Chapter 3: Economic Challenges Facing Contemporary
Business
Week 4: February 8
Week 5: February 15
President’s Day 2/15 No Class
Week 6: February 22
Week 7: February 29
Week 8: March 7
No classes on 3/8 (doesn’t impact us)
Chapter 3: Economic Challenges Facing Contemporary
Business
Chapter 4: Competing in World Markets
Chapter 5: Forms of Business Ownership
Chapter 6: Starting Your Own Business
Chapter 8: Human Resource Management
Week 10: March 21
Chapter 9: Top Performance through Empowerment,
Teamwork, and Communication
Week 12: April 4
Week 13: April 11
Week 14: April 18
Week 15: April 25
(We will not cover chapter 10)
Chapter 11: Customer-Driven Marketing
Chapter 12: Product and Distribution Strategies
Exam #2 Chapters 6-9 and 11
Monday, April 11
Chapter 13: Promotion and Pricing Strategies
(we will skip chapters 10 / 14)
Chapter 15: Understanding Accounting/Financial
Statements
Week 16: May 2
Chapter 16: The Financial System
Week 17: May 9
Chapter 17: Financial Management
Week 18: May 16
Exam #1 Chapters 1-5
Monday, February 29
Chapter 7: Management, Leadership, and the Internal
Organization
Week 9: March 14
Week 11: March 28
Spring Break this Week
Important Dates
Read chapter before class
Chapters 12-17 (no chapter 14)
Exam #3 is on May 18
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