BUS-W100     Introduction to Business
Indiana University Kokomo        Fall 2009
Room: KO 100   Time: 11:30-12:45   (print friendly version)

Instructional Team

Steve Cox
scox@iuk.edu
317-696-0571
http://www.iuk.edu/~bussrc/
Office: KO 174J 
Office hours: MW 10:45-11:25 and M 4:00-5:25

Raul Mosley
ramosley@iuk.edu
765-210-9627
Office: KO 220
Office hours: MW 2:30-3:30 and T 11:00-12:00

David Brewster
juxtapose1@aol.com

Joan Hoch
Business Advisor
jhoch@iuk.edu
765-455-9450

Required Textbooks:

Business, Ferrell, Hirt, and Ferrell, First Edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin

Gordon, M. E. (2007). Entrepreneurship 101: How to Turn your Idea into a Money Machine. Hoboken, NJ:        John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Bygrave, W. D., & Zacharakis, A. (Eds.) (2004). The Portable MBA in Entrepreneurship (3^rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

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.
• Understand the factors that make for successful entrepreneurship
• Understand the process of recognizing opportunities for entrepreneurship
• Understand the resources available for starting a small business
• Understand the entrepreneurial process

 The School of Business Web Site with Mission Statement:

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

Grading:

Grading Scale                       

Exams          

Unexcused absences will result in zeros on exams. The midterm exam will be in class on October 19^th. The final exam will be on December 16^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 repeated for 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. 

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. 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 Career Services Office (455-9301) to discuss any necessary support services or accommodation with the instructor. 

Course Schedule^*

 

^* In addition to the course schedule, Joan Hoch (the Business Advisor) will often lead off the Monday lecture with advising information, study tips, and other help with the course.