Main Textbook: Understanding Business (8th Edition) by William G.
Nickels,
James M. Mc Hugh and Susan M. McHugh.
Other Reference Books:
1. Contemporary Business by David L. Kurtz (13th Edition)
2. Business for the 21st Century by Steven J. Skinner and John M. Ivancevich
(2002-2003)
Course Description: This course provides an overview of business and the role
that business plays in economic, social and political environments. It will provide
exposure to the functional areas of business such as management, marketing,
finance, accounting and Management Information System (MIS). Basic concepts
and terminologies of the business environment will be introduced.
The main objectives of this course are as follows:
Understand how economic, technological and social environment affects
business
Describe the role of ethics and social responsibility within business
Explain the importance of the global market in business today
Analyze the various forms of business ownership and issues regarding
small businesses
Explain different management functions and the issues involved in
managing the workforce
Explain how the marketing concept applies to different types of
organisations.
Understand how technology is used to manage information
The purpose of this course is to help students develop a general understanding
of a wide range of topics within the field of business. More specifically, this
course should enable the student to:
Understand basic terms and concepts related to business
Explore the role and relationship of business with economic, social, and political
environments
Identify and describe functional areas of business
Analyze ethical and social issues related to business operations
Identify areas of business that are of particular interest to the student in terms of
further study or potential careers
Apply concepts learned to better understand current events that relate to business
Successful completion of this course will enhance the student's ability to:
Interpret and synthesize information and ideas
Read, observe, and listen with comprehension and critical perception
Course Program:
The main topics of this course are as follows
Managing within the dynamic business environment: taking risks and making profits
Competing in global markets
Demonstrating ethical behavior and social responsibility
Choosing a form of business ownership
Entrepreneurship and starting a small business
Management, leadership and employee empowerment
Motivating employees and building self managed teams
Marketing: building customer relationships
Developing and pricing products and services
Using effective promotional techniques
Using technology to manage information
Understanding financial information and accounting
Assessment
The grades will be distributed in the following manner:
Attendance
5%
Group Assignment
10%
Presentation
10%
Mid-term Exam 1
20%
Mid-term Exam 2
20%
Final Exam
35%
Total
100%
Class Attendance: Attendance will be taken regularly. Students registered in one class
will not receive attendance point for attending another class of the same module. Regular
attendance is recommended for students who wish to get an A or A- in this course. Please
note that more than 3 absences in the class will result in the deduction of 5 % marks.
Group Assignment and Presentation: Students are required to form groups of 4 to 5
members. Each group will be assigned to write a research based on a contemporary
business issue. Each group will have to present their assignment on a date to be scheduled
later. Presentation is mandatory and every student will be marked individually for their own
presentation. The presentation on the group work should not be more than 15 minutes for
each group.
Exams: Students will take three exams in total, two mid-terms during the semester and
one final exam. Students have to take the exam on the scheduled date. The date and the
format of the exam will be discussed later. There will be no make-up exam for this course.
Make-up exam will only be allowed if there is a medical emergency. Students will have to
submit a written application supported by correct documents to be approved by the
Director of the BBA program.
Plagiarism: Students are not allowed to use another persons work without appropriate
referencing or quoting the source. This includes copying from another student, books,
websites and journals without referencing. Any form of cheating or plagiarism in any exam
or assignment may lead to a F grade depending on the seriousness of the case.
Contact: Students are encouraged to make all necessary correspondence with the
instructor through e-mail.
Best of Luck!
