March 2011
BSYS 1303, Business Mathematics
Course Philosophy and Instructor Requirements
Philosophy: This course is designed to provide the student with a review of basic mathematic functions, as well as the ability
to use those mathematic functions for business applications and comprehensive problem solving as it relates to the following
topics: bank reconciliations, cash and trade discounts, markup and markdowns, payroll, interest, notes, present value and
annuities.
Instructor Objectives: The instructor's teaching techniques should ensure that the students are able to:
 Explain and calculate trade and cash discounts
 Calculate markup based on cost and convert to markup on selling price
 Calculate dollar markups and markdowns based on selling price
 Prepare payroll and accurately determine payroll withholdings
 Prepare a bank reconciliation
 Demonstrate the interest formula and solve for unknown elements
 Calculate simple interest and maturity value
 Define compound interest and calculate effective rate
 Define present value and calculate using tables
 Define an annuity and calculate future and present values of annuities and lump sums
 Compute finance charges in installment buying and revolving charge accounts
 Explain the “rule of 78” and use it to compute rebates and payoffs
Course Teaching Requirements: The following should be followed by all instructors teaching this course (online and in the
traditional setting):
1.
The following fundamental concepts are essential and should be covered during the semester:
a. Discounts: Trade and Cash
b. Markups and Markdowns: Perishables and Breakeven Analysis
c. Payroll
d. Bank Reconciliations
e. Simple Interest
f. Promissory Notes, Simple Discount Notes, and the Discount Process
g. Compound Interest and Present Value
h. Annuities and Sinking Fund
i. Installment Buying, Rule of 78, and Revolving Charge Credit Cards
2.
Homework assignments (online and in the traditional classroom) should include exercises that require students to
demonstrate an understanding of the preceding concepts.
3.
Examinations covering the preceding concepts should be given. The exams may be objective or application. The
final exam must be comprehensive.
Assessment Responsibilities: Instructors teaching this course (online and in the traditional classroom) are expected to
participate in assessment activities as required by the University. You will be provided further information/instructions by the
lead instructor during the term assessments are to be completed.
Business and Agriculture Division Contact Information:
Division Chair: Robert Mitchum, 501-882-8847, rlmitchum@asub.edu
Lead Instructor: Stacey Lewis, 501-882-4467, sllewis@asub.edu
Online Course Monitor: Wendell Dillard, 501-882-8914, wldillard@asub.edu