BUS-W 100
Introduction to Business
Indiana University Kokomo
Fall 2008
Steven Cox
with:
Raul Mosley (faculty)
David Brewster (faculty)
Joan Hoch (advisor)
Lynn Cooper (peer mentor)

Goals:

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the issues found in business administration by the manager of an organization operating in the contemporary economic, political, and social environment. Upon completing the course, the student should have:

 

• Developed a framework for the study and analysis of modern business.
• Become familiar with the terminology and the concepts of business including the major functional areas of business and how they are interrelated.
• Become acquainted with the management tools and techniques useful in a business environment.

Objectives:

• Develop and use problem solving skills.
• Be familiar with how microeconomic concepts such as supply and demand and macroeconomic topics, such as the health of the economy, affect a business.
• Understand different types of industry and market structure.
• Be able to write a mission statement, objectives, and a business plan.
• Be aware of the government regulatory environment for businesses.
• Identify the potential social responsibilities involved in conducting business.
• Understand different forms of business organizations.
• Understand the marketing mix factors: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion.
• Understand the operations function of a firm and how the production process works.
• Recognize cultural and national differences and the implications for global business.
• Understand the differences between staff and line positions.
• Be aware of unions and their relationships with management.
• Understand basic financial statements and budgets.
• Understand the different motivational theories and their applications for management of workers.

 The School of Business Web Site with Mission Statement:

 http://www.iuk.edu/~kobus/Mission.shtml

Grading:

Grading Scale:                       

Presentations: 

Grades on group presentations will consider individual performance as well as group performance.

Exams:           

Unexcused absences will result in zeros on exams. The midterm exam will be in class on October 27^th. The final exam will be on December 17^th.  

Quizzes:

Twelve ten-point quizzes will be given in class. The quizzes will cover the concepts and terms from the textbook and material discussed during class. Your overall quiz score will be the sum of the ten best results. The two lowest quizzes are thrown out. There are no make-ups on quizzes!  

Attendance Expectations:

It is essential that you attend this class! Topics and concepts will be discussed in class and they will not  be discussed individually with students who miss class. If you must miss a class, it is your responsibility to arrange with another student to take detailed notes. Remember, quizzes cannot be made-up or written early. Attendance will be taken at each class meeting. You are allowed up to three absences. The fourth absence will result in a 2% reduction in your final percentage score. Each subsequent absence will result in additional 2% reductions. For example, if you miss seven classes during the fall semester your overall percentage score will be reduced by 8%!   

Classroom Expectations:

In general, students should arrive on time and stay until class is dismissed. If you arrive late, please take your seat with a minimum of disruption. If a student is presenting, please wait outside of the class until the group has completed their presentation. Please give your classmates your complete attention during their presentations. The content of student presentations is eligible for inclusion on tests or quizzes. Cell phone use (including texting) is prohibited during class. If you choose to use a laptop during class lectures or presentations, it should only be used for note taking or to access the Internet to investigate a topic related to the presentation.       

Computer Usage:

Students will be required to work on projects that require computer use outside of class. This work can be done at the IUK computer lab, at home, or at work if you have your employer’s permission to do so. Registered students at IUK can purchase software at significant discounts at the IUK bookstore. You will need proof of current enrollment. Many titles are available for free download at: http://iuware.indiana.edu/ 

Library Usage:

The IUK library system offers a large variety of resources for the student to supplement the content of this course. Examples include current newspapers (Wall Street Journal), magazines (Business Week, The Economist), and databases (ABI Inform).

Disability Issues:

Indiana University Kokomo provides equal access and support services to students with special needs.  Students with documented disabilities should contact the University Division (455-9309) and discuss any necessary support services or accommodation with the instructor. 

Course Schedule (subject to adjustment)