St. Petersburg College of Business
Course Syllabus
GEB 1011 - Introduction to Business
Class Section: 1635 Online Class
Spring 2015
Instructor Name: Dr. April Bailey
Office: Tarpon Springs Campus – LY 249
Office Phone Number: 727-614-7084
E-mail: bailey.april@spcollege.edu
Email/Voicemail Policy: Allow 24-48 hours for a response.
Office Hours: Please send me an email to schedule as I am between Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, and
EpiCenter campuses.
Course Description
This is a survey course which acquaints the student with all aspects of business. This includes
business ownership, management, marketing, information technology and financial resources. This
course will enable the student to more intelligently pursue advanced business courses and to choose a
business career. 47 contact hours.
Course Materials
Students in this course are required to obtain a copy of the textbook listed below. These materials are
offered at the SPC Bookstores only. Successful completion of this course is dependent on course
materials and access to a computer and Internet. The necessary technology is available at all
SPCollege campuses for students that do not have access at home or at work.
NEW!!! Students in this course are required to obtain a copy of the textbook listed below from
the SPC Bookstore. It has a custom code for SPC Students which you will use to access
CengageNow and WriteExperience. You will be required to turn in writing assignments from
WriteExperience and you will be completing your quizzes in CenagageNow. These materials
are offered at the SPC Bookstores. Contact your Instructor for any additional instructions.
BUSN 6 (with SPC Custom Code)
Marcella Kelly; Jim McGowen
ISBN: 978-1305-706-576
*Please note this is a custom textbook available only at the SPC Bookstore.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to meet the following objectives:
 Major economic systems
 The forms of business
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The major functions of management as related to business
The concept of marketing and the marketing mix
Financial resources and institutions
Consumer buying motives
The legal and social environment in which American business must operate
Manufacturing
Human-resources management
Information systems
Grading and Evaluation
Assessments
This course will challenge you with weekly quizzes, discussion questions, business article
reviews, and your Write Experience assignments. There will also be one cumulative project due
in Week 6. There will also be a final exam. See the breakdown below:
MyCourses Tutorial Certificate: 20 points
Chapter Quizzes: 14 @ 10 points each = 140
Discussions: 9 @ 20 points each = 180
Cengage’s Write Experience Assignments 3 @ 30 points each = 90
Business Project: 100 points
Midterm Exam: 50 points
Final Exam: 100 points
Professionalism: 20 points
Total Projected Points (this is subject to change) = 700
SPC grades on an A, B, C scale; they do not offer pluses (+) or minuses (-). The grading scale:
A: 100-90%;
B: 89-80%;
C: 79-70%;
D: 69-60%
F: Below 60%
Grading Philosophy:
Grades will be assigned based solely on student performance and not on prevailing student norms
or students' perceptions of their performance. This course syllabus clearly communicates
performance standards and these standards will be fairly and consistently applied throughout the
semester. Grading standards have been developed based exclusively on course objectives
reflecting the appropriate level of content mastery, including mastery of the subject matter as
well as mastery of those core curriculum components such as effective writing and information
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literacy deemed appropriate to the course. Although a bell curve may not always be achieved,
nor is it necessarily desirable, i t is expected that the grade of A is awarded only to those
students whose work is truly exceptional, reflecting both content mastery and the ability to
analyze and articulate that material. Students can expect that the grade of A will be
awarded only to those few students whose work is exceptional reflecting both content
mastery and the ability to communicate that material. Grades of B and C would be awarded
more frequently implying lesser degrees of content mastery. The grade of D represents the lowest
passing grade and denotes borderline content mastery. The definition of each grade level is as
follows:
A = Outstanding: Performance excels far above established standards for university-level
performance
B = Superior: Performance above established standards
C = Good: Performance meets established standards
D = Substandard: Performance is below established standards
F = Failure: Performance does not meet minimum requirements
Course Policies
Attendance
It is important that you actively participate the first two weeks of class to ensure that you are not
dropped from the class. This is an online course and you will be required to submit complete
assignments during weeks one and two to be considered active in the class.
Merely logging into your course during the first two weeks does NOT constitute participation.
All assignments are due by Sunday night at 11:55pm. You are a “no show” if you do not
complete all of your work. Students classified as “No Show” for both of the first two weeks will
be administratively withdrawn.
You are not participating/attending if you do not complete ALL assignments.
Late Submissions & Extenuating Circumstances
Late assignments (projects, quizzes, class participation, and exams) are not graded unless you
have missed the deadline due to medical reasons. All requests for extensions must be made in
writing (via SPC email) and supporting medical documentation will need to be attached for
extensions to be granted. Textbook issues
Textbook issues, computer problems, or technology related issues do not constitute an
extenuating circumstance. Extra time to complete assignments will not be assigned for
these reasons.
Professionalism
The behavior of all students in class should reflect a professional, respectful, and compassionate
environment. Inappropriate or inconsiderate behavior will result in dismissal from the classroom
and/or penalties to the student’s course grade. You are to be thoughtful of your comments,
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actions, and decisions and how it impacts your classmates and your instructor. These points
will be assessed for each student based on their performance throughout the semester. For a
clearer understanding of what is expected from students in this course please access the link
below for an overview of professionalism in business. Also carefully review the section in your
syllabus regarding netiquette. All online communications shared in this class will be subject to
review as part of the score assigned for professionalism/communications. The instructor of the
course reserves the right to delete any student post that is inappropriate or violates the
professionalism expectation for the course.
Netiquette
Interactions in an online classroom are in written form. Your comfort level with expressing ideas
and feelings in writing will add to your success in an online course. The ability to write is
necessary, but you also need to understand what is considered appropriate when communicating
online. The word "netiquette" is short for "Internet etiquette." Rules of netiquette have grown
organically with the growth of the Internet to help users act responsibly when they access or
transmit information online. As a student, business person or potential entrepreneur you should
be aware of the common rules of netiquette for the Web and employ a communication style that
follows these guidelines.
Rules of Thumb
 Be considerate. Rude or threatening language, inflammatory assertions (often referred to
as "flaming"), personal attacks, and other inappropriate communication will not be
tolerated.
 Never post a message that is in all capital letters -- it comes across to the reader as
SHOUTING!
 Use boldface and italics sparingly, as they can denote sarcasm.
 Keep messages short and to the point.
 Always practice proper spelling, good grammar, punctuation, and composition in all
course emails. It is reflection of your student and work ethic.
 Do not write in “text code” when emailing your professor.
 Keep in mind that threaded discussions are meant to be constructive exchanges.
 Remember that your emails are all saved throughout the du-ration of the course and
archived with SPC at the conclusion of the term.
 Be respectful and treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself.
 If you receive an upsetting email or post “cool off” before you respond.
 Spell check!
SPC Expectations for Online Discussions
In this course, online discussion postings will count towards your Discussions grade. You will
be doing this in Mycourse (D2L). The purpose of the discussions is to frame and promote
collaborative learning. Active and regular participation is not only important for me to see, but
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also important for you in learning the course content and in developing your thoughts and
positions on various topics.
The Three Cardinal Rules for Discussion Board Participation
1. Please remember that the culture of mutual respect that is part of this course extends to the
discussions environment.
2. Participation in the discussions is required.
3. Participation alone is not enough; a thoughtful and meaningful approach in your posts is
required therefore, quality counts.
Here is the Protocol for Posting and Contributing to an Online Discussion:
• You are expected to participate in discussions a minimum of 2 days a week.
• The weekly initial post must be made by Thursday at midnight.
• The response to other participants’ threads should be posted by Friday, but must be posted by
Sunday. Waiting until Sunday night to post a response does not support the goal of an online
discussion.
• Participation alone is not enough; a thoughtful and meaningful approach in your posts is
required.
Initial Posting
• Minimum of one initial posting.
• Mentions at least two specific points from the article or reading.
• Relates new information to old information learned in the course to date or information in
article or reading to personal experience.
• Must be submitted by Thursday.
Additional Postings
• Minimum of two thoughtful responses posted to participants’ posting.
• Minimum of one of the responses posted by Friday.
NOTE: Each Weekly Discussion Forum will be closed on Sunday at midnight. No additional
posting can be made after that time. No exceptions without medical documentation. Late
postings, assignments, quizzes, or exams are not accepted with medical documentation.
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Course Expectations
1. Spelling and Grammar -- Please use proper English when corresponding in this course.
2. Classroom Participation -- Please adhere to the class participation found under Weekly
procedures and course required activities and assignments section of this document.
3. Tone and Civility -- This is an online class and therefore cues that often indicate a person’s
intent are missing. Read and reread your posts to make sure your words cannot be seen as
offensive to others. Remember--don’t ever put anything in writing that you wouldn’t want posted
in the newspaper. The instructor of the course reserves the right to delete any student post
that is inappropriate or violates the professionalism expectation for the course.
Tech Support
Please be sure to contact tech support services if you are having internet and/or computer issues.
Try not to wait until the last minute to get help. Your ability to utilize technology is very
important to your success in working in this online environment.
SPC Technical Help Desk (727) 341-4357 (HELP) onlinehelp@spcollege.edu
College Policies
Resource Guide
The following link below will take you to the SPCollege Resource Guide online, where you will
find many valuable services to help you be successful here at SPCollege.
http://www.spcollege.edu/resourceguide/
NOTE: As your instructor, I have a duty to help you succeed. Feel free to contact me if you are
having any difficulty with the work in this course and if you need some guidance in finding the
resource that will help you grow in this course and during your time at SPCollege.
Academic Honesty
Academic misconduct consists of cheating of any kind with respect to examinations and
assignments as well as the unauthorized possession and/or use of exams, papers, and materials.
Cheating includes unauthorized use of “crib” notes, “cheat sheets”, cell-phones, PDA’s, I-Pods,
and collusion with other students. Additionally the use of test banks, answer keys, stolen exams
and instructor’s manuals are expressly forbidden from usage by students at any time during this
course.
Plagiarism as defined by the Little, Brown Essential Handbook for Writers, 4th edition, is the
presentation of someone else’s ideas or words as your own. Whether deliberate or accidental,
plagiarism is a serious and often punishable offense (Aaron, 2001).
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Deliberate plagiarism: is copying a sentence from a source and passing it off as your own and,
summarizing someone else’s ideas without acknowledging your debt (ex. buying a term paper
and handing it in as your own) (Aaron, 2001).
Accidental plagiarism: is forgetting to place quotation marks around another author’s or writer’s
words, omitting a source citation because you’re not aware of the need for it, or carelessly
copying a source when you mean to paraphrase (Aaron, 2001).
Papers will be routinely and randomly submitted to www.turnitin.com for review. In the absence
of guidance from the instructor, reference the APA Style Manual.
The instructor has the authority to determine whether plagiarism or cheating has occurred.
Appropriate action will be taken by the instructor and SPC depending upon the nature of the
infraction. Review the information in the link provided to insure a clear understanding of the
SPC policies and rules for academic honesty.
http://www.spcollege.edu/AcademicHonesty/
Course Schedule
WEEK
BEGINS
MOD
#1 3/16
1
ASSIGNMENTS
DUE
DATE
POINTS
Read Chapter 1 - Business Now
Complete Quiz Chapter 1
3/22
10
Discussion – Introduction to Business
3/22
20
3/19
20
3/22
10
Complete Quiz Chapter 3
3/29
10
Discussion – article review
3/29
20
3/29
30
3/29
10
Work on completing Part I of the Business Project
Complete: MyCourses Tutorial Training: Drop Box Certificate
#1 3/16
2
Read Chapter 2 - Economics
Complete Quiz Chapter 2
#2 3/23
3
Read Chapter 3 – The World Marketplace
Work on completing Part II of the Business Project
#2 3/23
4
Read Chapters 4 and 5 – Ethics/Communication
Complete Quiz Chapter 4
7
WEEK
BEGINS
#3 3/30
#3 3/30
#4 4/6
#4 4/6
MOD
5
6
7
8
ASSIGNMENTS
DUE
DATE
POINTS
Complete Quiz Chapter 5
3/29
10
Complete Quiz Chapter 6
4/5
10
Discussion Question
4/5
20
Watch Episode The Profit (TBA) and Answer Discussion Question
4/5
20
Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-6)
4/5
50
Complete Quiz Chapter 7
4/12
10
Discussion Question
4/12
20
Complete quiz Chapter 8
4/12
10
Complete quiz Chapter 9
4/12
10
Complete Discussion on Chapters 8 and 9
4/12
20
Complete Quiz Chapter 12
4/19
10
Complete Discussion Question
4/19
20
4/19
30
Complete Quiz for Chapter 13
4/26
10
Complete Discussion Question
4/26
20
Read Chapter 6 – Business Formation
Small Business Management
Read Chapter 7 - Entrepreneurship
Read Chapters 8 and 9 – Accounting and Finance
Work on completing Part III of the Business Project
#5 4/13
9
Read Chapter 12 – Product and Promotion
Work on completing Part IV of the Business Project
#6 4/20
11
Read Chapter 13 – Distribution and Pricing
8
WEEK
BEGINS
MOD
ASSIGNMENTS
#6 4/20
12
Read Chapter 14 – Motivation and Leadership
#7 4/27
13
DUE
DATE
POINTS
Complete Quiz Chapter 14
4/26
10
Final Business Project Due
(Parts I-IV and Strategy and Conclusion – provide one Word Doc
with APA references and Format.)
4/26
100
5/3
10
Complete Discussion Question
5/3
20
Complete Quiz 17
5/3
10
Final Exam (All Chapters we have covered)
5/5
100
Read Chapter 15 – Career/HR Management
Complete Quiz Chapter 15
#7 4/27
#8
4/27-5/5*
14
15
Read Chapter 17 – Operations Management
* Grades are due to SPC 4pm on 5/7 so I will need 48 hours to grade your assignments.
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