Metropolitan Community College
Class Syllabus
BSAD 1000, Section 4A
Introduction To Business- Winter 2013
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
Introduction to Business
PREFIX/SECTION:
BSAD 1000 4A
CREDIT HOURS:
4.5
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS: December 2, 2013 – February 26, 2014
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 11:50 AM
NO CLASS DAYS (College Closed): Holiday Recess, Dec 24, 2013 (Tues) – Jan.1, 2014 (Wed);
Martin Luther King Recess, Jan. 24, 2014 (Mon)
WITHDRAWAL DATE: February 12, 2014
CLASS LOCATION:
Fort Omaha Campus, Building 10, Room 112
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME: David Wilhelm
OFFICE LOCATION: Building 10, Room 132
OFFICE TELEPHONE: 402-457-2805
TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 1-800-228-9553 (Use only during instructor's MCC office hours.
Identify yourself as an online student and give the operator your instructor's office number.)
FACSIMILE:
OFFICE HOURS:
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Monday & Wednesday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Tuesday & Thursday
EMAIL ADDRESS:
dwilhelm@mccneb.edu
FACULTY WEB SITE: http://faculty.mccneb.edu/dwilhelm
ACADEMIC AREA:
Business
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A survey of the structure and functions of the American business system is provided, together
with an overview of business organization, finance, managerial control, production/distribution,
personnel, the interdependence of business and government, and consumer business relations.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
None
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
1.
Compare and contrast our mixed capitalistic economy with the world’s economic
systems; and describe how American business functions within our system and
internationally.
2.
List the basic structure, process and function of management in a business organization;
compare and contrast leadership styles; and list the functions of traditional line and staff
subdivisions.
3.
Discuss fundamental elements of marketing goods and/or services in our economic
system, international economics systems, and e-commerce.
4.
Form a basic understanding of the procedures and activities involved in financing a
business locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
5.
Recognize and evaluate various information reports generated by business including
financial statements.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Required Text: Contemporary Business
Authors: Boone & Kurtz, c.2013
Edition: 15th, ISBN: 978-1-118-76456-5
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Incorporated
The textbook can be purchased through the Fort Omaha Campus bookstore.
Phone: (402) 457-2308 Cost: $74.25 (New); $55.75 (Used); $37.09 Rent (Used)
Online: http://shop.efollett.com

Textbook: Required.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS:
The computer you use for MCC online courses must be able to run one of the internet compatible
web browsers listed on the Browser Support Page: http://www.mccneb.edu/online/browsers.asp
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and
encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file
attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .doc format. If your software does not allow either of
these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
CLASS STRUCTURE:
Students complete the course by reading the chapter textbook and summaries, completing
homework assignments and team research paper, participating in class discussions, exams and
communicating with instructors via phone, e-mail or visits during office hours.
RESPONSE TIME:
Faculty will respond within 24 hours, Monday through Friday, to student emails concerning
course content, learning activities, and private matters appropriate for discussion within the
teacher-student relationship. Posting of feedback and grades for major assignments is addressed
under Assessment of Student Work.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
Methods of assessing student progress will include performance on course homework
assignments, attendance and participation in class discussions, 4 exams over the 17 chapters in
the textbook and a team research project. Each of the aforementioned assessment measures
should be completed as proscribed to successfully complete the course.
Course Activities:
To successfully complete the course, each student will need to complete all course
activities as presented in the course outline described below:
Homework Assignments:
POINTS: There are 5 chapter case assignments each worth 10 points for a total of 50 points of
the total grade points available.
Purpose:
The purpose of the chapter case assignments is to engage you in informative and hands-on
activities which facilitate the learning process by illustrating the practical application of
business information needed for effective effective decision making.
Note: Please note the chapter case assignment due date in the schedule of assignments
below. Further, please be aware that case assignments will not be accepted late. Any
assignment which is not delivered by the said due date will not be considered for grading
resulting in a grade of -0- for the assignment. Contact the instructor if you have extenuating
circumstances that preclude you from completing an assignment by the due date.
To be considered for a grade, all chapter case assignments must meet the following criteria:
1st page of assignment:
Your Name
Chapter Number
Date Submitted
Software: Microsoft Word or software that can be read as a Word document, you may also use
Microsoft Excel.
Length: Each Chapter Case Summary is 5 typewritten paragraphs in length. Respond to each
case question (2 pts. Each) at the end of the textbook with a minimum of 1 paragraph for each
question.
Contents: The content of the first paragraph (2 pts.) should be an overview of the company and
reflect knowledge gained from reading the case from the textbook and students understanding of
the material. Examples of content may include company name, history, annual revenue,
geographic location, industry, customer type and products and/or services offered. The
remaining 4 paragraphs should answer the “Questions For Critical Thinking” at the end of the
case from the textbook.
Margins: Top/Bottom margin of 1"; Left/Right margin of 1"
Spacing: Text should double spaced.
Font Type and Size: Times New Roman, 12pt
Original Material: You are expected to practice and adhere to the United States Copyright
Laws. Further information can be found at
http://www.mccneb.edu/library/facultyservices/copyright.asp?Theme=3
Any Homework assignment excluding any of the aforementioned information will not be
evaluated.
Company Research Paper:
Purpose:
The purpose of the company research paper is to enable you develop skills in gathering
information about a business and developing an appreciation and understanding of the functional
areas of business including marketing and sales, accounting and finance, management and
organization and operations. This team paper (2 students max) is an informative and hands-on
activity which facilitates the learning process by helping the student identify sources of
information necessary to make informed decisions about an organization similar to a potential
owner, creditor, employee or lender.
POINTS: The Company Research Paper is worth 50 points total. You are expected to team
with another student and complete an 5-6 page typewritten paper (double spaced) in which you
discuss the following information about a public company.. (See below for details).
Instructions: You are to partner with another student and select one publicly traded company of
your choice. Then, prepare a 1,700-2,000-word paper (5-6 pages) in which you provide an
overview of your company and answers to the following questions:
1.
Company and Market Overview:
a.
What is the company’s product or service? (2 pts)
b.
When was the company established? (2 pts)
c.
When did the company go public? (2 pts)
d.
What is the name of the industry for the company? (2 pts)
e.
Who are their primary market competitors? (2 pts)
f.
What is the “ticker symbol” for the company stock? (1 pt)
2.
g.
What is its current stock price? (2 pts)
h.
What is its lowest and highest stock price over the most recent 52 weeks? (2 pts)
i.
How does the company distribute or sell its product or service? (2 pts)
j.
How does the company promote or advertise its product or service? (2 pts)
Company Financial Information:
a.
What are the types of financial data found in the company’s financial statements?
(Hint: Find the Annual Report online at the company website.) (2 pts)
b.
What were the dividends paid over the last three years? (3 pts)
c.
Does the company have more than one type of stock (common, preferred,
treasury)? (2 pts)
d.
How many common stock shares are outstanding? (2 pts)
e.
Does the company have any outstanding bonds or debt on its balance sheet? If
so, how much? (2 pts)
f.
Review the statement of cash flows in the annual report and identify how much
cash was generated or used by 1) operating, 2) financing, and 3) investing
activities. (3 Pts)
g.
Using the statement of cash flows, identify some of the significant internal events
that affected the company’s cash position. (2 pts)
h.
What was the dollar amount listed on the income statement for both revenue and
net income over the last three years. (3 pts)
i.
Calculate the financial ratio for the company given below:
1. Current ratio (Hint: Current Assets/Current Liabilities) See the Balance Sheet
(2 pts)
2. Profit Margin (Hint: Net Income/Total Revenue) See the Income Statement
(2 pts)
3.
Future Company Prospects:
a.
Examine the management summary discussed in the Annual Report to identify
how future opportunities for growth in revenue and earnings will be achieved.
(2 pts)
b.
Explain future growth opportunities and provide examples learned from your
research. (2 pts)
c.
Summarize what you have learned and how it may help you in the future (2 pts)
d.
Cite sources used as references in your paper as shown in the example at the
bottom page of the link http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ and
include a cover page. (2 pts)
Note: Please note the assignment due date in the syllabus. Further, please be aware that assignments will
not be accepted late. Any assignment which is not delivered by the said due date will not be considered
for grading resulting in a grade of -0- for the assignment. Contact the instructor if you have extenuating
circumstances that preclude you from completing an assignment by the due date.
To be considered for a grade, all typed class papers and assignments must meet the
following criteria:
a. Follow APA or MLA Formatting and Style. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/
b. The paper must answer the questions found on page 3 below and be typed, double-spaced on
standard-sized paper (8.5 X 11 inches).
c. Margins will be 1 inch all around.
d. Font will be Times New Roman and Size 12.
e. Paper will be approximately 5-6 pages in length. The Cover page and Reference page are not
included in the total number of pages.
f. You must have a minimum of 3 citations or references in your document.
g. No Abstract Required.
Type Font and Size: Times New Roman - 12pt
Original Material: You are expected to practice and adhere to the United States Copyright
Laws. Further information can be found at
http://www.mccneb.edu/library/facultyservices/copyright.asp?Theme=3
Class Attendance/Participation:
POINTS: Each class meeting is worth 5 points for a total of 100 points counted toward the final
grade. If a student attends all class meetings, a student will earn 110 total points out of 100
points counted toward the final grade. This is an additional 10 points of extra credit and will be
tracked and recorded in the online gradebook found online in MyWay at
http://myway.mccneb.edu/ If a student misses only one class meeting, a student will earn 105
total points out of 100 points counted toward the final grade. This is an additional 5 points of
extra credit and will be tracked and recorded in the online gradebook, MyWay at
http://myway.mccneb.edu
Note: The discussion topic in class will correspond with the chapter material presented each
week. Further, please be aware that class discussion count as participation in the class. Any
student that does not participate in class due to absence or not contributing during class may
result in a grade of -0- for participation.
Purpose:
The purpose of participating in class discussions is to engage you with informative conversation
related directly to the chapter material introduced by the instructor to other students in the class
and explore the business implications of the topic in how it affects an organization. You are also
encouraged to interact with the other students in the class to share knowledge and information
related to the content of each topic discussed.
Exams
POINTS: The four exams are worth 100 points each for a total of 400 points of the total grade.
Each exam will cover approximately 4 chapters of material and consist of 50 multiple choice
questions. Students will be allowed one class period to complete each exam. The exam dates
are specified below in the schedule of assignments.
Note: Please note the exam date below in the schedule of assignments. Further, please be aware
that exams will not be completed late. Any exam which is not completed by the scheduled date
will not be considered for grading resulting in a grade of -0- for the assignment.
GRADING POLICY:
Final Grade Structure:
Final grades will be based on the following point system:
Total Points Earned
Total Points Earned
540 - 600
A
480 - 539
B
420 - 479
C
360 - 419
D
359 and below
F
Point Distribution:
Point Distribution
TOTAL
Case Assignements - 5 case assignments - 10
points each
50
Company Research Paper
50
Exams – 4 Multiple Choice Exams - 100 points
each
400
Class attendance/participation
100
Total Possible Points
600
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and
learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be
asked to respond to end of course surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments
you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment
purposes.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the
College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of
instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the
work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Students are expected to attend class meetings and participate in assigned activities at least once
per week and complete the assignments scheduled for that week by the due date listed in the
schedule of assignments. An Instructor may request that a student be withdrawn from a course
for failure to make satisfactory progress. A student who fails to meet the class attendance
expectations noted previously may receive a final grade mark of FX, indicating an absencerelated failure, or a failing (F) grade. An FX is a final grade given to a student who stops
attending a class, does not return, and fails.
To remain eligible for financial aid students are responsible for meeting Satisfactory Academic
Progress standards. Students will be notified by mail and will have five working days to respond
to this notification. If a student does not respond within the 5 day period, it will be considered a
request for withdrawal.
After the first class meeting and through the Section Census Date of Friday, December 13, 2013,
the instructor may disenroll (WX) students who have not attended any classes. The Section
Census Date is December 13, 2013 and listed under the Important Dates for the course in the
official Class Schedule at http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/. There is no appeal for this
disenrollment.
Attendance and active participation and/or timely submission of assignments affects learning and
grades. Also to remain eligible for financial aid, students are responsible for meeting Satisfactory
Academic Progress standards. Students who have not attended any meetings up to and including
the Section Census Date of December 13, 2013 may be dis-enrolled from the class.
WX: After the first class meeting and through the Census Date, the instructor will disenroll
(WX) students who have never attended. The Census Date is Friday, December 13, 2013 and
listed under the Important Dates for the course in the official Class Schedule at
http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/.
FX: A student who fails to meet class attendance expectations will receive a final grade of FX,
indicating an absence-related failure. A student earning an FX grade prior to the end of the
quarter may avoid receiving the failing grade by withdrawing from the course before the Last
Date to Withdraw from Class.
Expectations for the Learning Environment: Metropolitan Community College is committed to
provide students a high quality learning experience with up-to-date equipment and facilities.
Metro’s faculty and staff are professionals who are dedicated to making our College a great
learning environment so that students can reach their educational goals.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and
cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show
respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of
thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.html.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to
copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website
at www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor. In response to incidents of student dishonesty
(cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-to-peer file sharing, etc.), the College imposes specific actions
that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the
College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the
Advising/Counseling Centers or at www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw through My
Services on the MCC My Way portal at myway.mccneb.edu or by calling Central Registration at
402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially withdraw will result in either an
attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted in the
CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly,
supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff
members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math,
and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary,
typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way
portal, the College Catalog, and online at www.mccneb.edu/arc/.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Metropolitan
Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented
qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations from
Disability Support Services (DSS) located in each Student Services Office. After students have
arranged for accommodations with DSS, the student and instructor should privately discuss these
accommodations. For further information, please contact DSS or visit www.mccneb.edu/dss/.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.

For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact
the Help Desk at 457-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and
phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan
Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology
and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full
text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf
SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth below a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities,
quizzes and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify
this schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially change
the intent or objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and guidelines of
Metropolitan Community College.
All activity, test dates, and other important dates are also listed below.
Week#
Class Date
Chapter
Topic
Homework/Exam
Due Date
Introductions
Course syllabus
Week 1 12/2/2013
12/4/2013
1
Business Change
Week 2 12/9/2013
2
Ethics & Social
Responsibility
Case 1:
12/16/2013
Seventh Generation
12/11/2013
3
Economic
Challenges in
Business
Week 3 12/16/2013
4
Competing in
World Markets
12/18/2013
5
Forms of
Ownership
Week 4 12/23/2013
6
Entrepreneurship
1/8/2014
7
Management &
Leadership
1/13/2014
8
Human Resources
Management
Week 6 1/15/2014
9
Communication
1/22/2014
10
Production &
Operations Mgt.
1/29/2014
11
Marketing
2/3/2014
12
Distribution
Strategies
2/5/2014
13
Promotion &
Pricing Strategy
Week 9 2/10/2014
2/12/2014
Case 3:
Comet Skateboards
1/13/2014
Exam 2
Week 7 1/27/2014
Week 8
12/23/2013
Exam 1
1/6/2014
Week 5
Case 2:
Smart Design
Case 4:
Zipcar and UNH
2/5/2014
Case 5:
Pet Airways
2/12/2014
Exam 3
14
Technology
Week 10 2/17/2014
15
Accounting
2/19/2014
16
The Financial
System
Week 11 2/24/2014
17
Financial
Management
Exam 4
2/26/2014
Company Research
Paper Due
2013/14 Winter Quarter Important Dates
Classes Begin ............................................................................................................... Dec 2 M
Census Date/Tenth Day* .............................................................................................. Dec 13 F
Last class day before Holiday Recess ..........................................................................Dec 23 M
Holiday Recess/College Closed ................................................................Dec 25 W- Jan 1 W
Holiday Recess ends for Staff/Faculty Report/Classes Resume .................................... Jan 2 Th
Current Student (greater than 50 hours) Spring 2014 (13/SP) Registration begins ........Jan 6 M
Current Student (less than 50 hours) Spring 2014 (13/SP) Registration begins ............ Jan 9 Th
General Spring 2014 (13/SP) Registration begins ....................................................... Jan 15 W
Martin Luther King Recess/College closed .............................................................Jan 20 M
Fall Quarter Term Incomplete “I” Grades Due............................................................ Feb 12 W
Classes End ................................................................................................................ Feb 26 W
Winter grades due and posted by 7:00 a.m. ...............................................................March 3 M
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class without receiving a grade ... Varies by Class**
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class with a refund varies **...... See Refund Policy
* Tenth Day is the date on which your enrollment level is checked.
**To view the last day to withdraw “drop” a class to prevent receiving a grade, go to the class
schedule found on line at http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classschedule.asp . Then, find the
course section and click on the Important Dates link on the same line as the course title. Dates
for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and the
number of sessions for a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid an “F” grade.
Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with
the Financial Aid Office prior to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330. The Census Date is
the date on which Financial Aid Student’s enrollment is checked to determine the type and
amount of authorized funds for the quarter. Payment is based on enrollment as of that date.
REFUND POLICY for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Nonattendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may
entitle the student to a refund. Go to “My Services” and click “Student Accounts”, then “Tuition
Modeler” to see the refund percentage received through midnight of the same day you “drop”
withdraw from a class.
A link to the Student Information Calendar is available once logged in on MyWay.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR: http://www.mccneb.edu/academics/calendar.asp