UMUC-Europe Syllabus

BMGT 110 Introduction to Business and Management (3) (For students with little or no business background. Recommended preparation for many other BMGT courses.) A survey of the field of business management. Topics include human relations, technology in business, ethical behavior, the environment, global and economic forces, organization, quality, products and services, functional management, and current issues and developments.

Course Goals/Objectives:

By the end of the course, each student will be able to: * describe and discuss contemporary business in the free enterprise system. * outline the structure and forms of ownership of American business. * list the functions of Human Resource Management. * identify marketing planning and strategies. * discuss management information systems. * state financial management aspects and strategies, in light of the economy today. * explain the impact of technology, ethical behavior, global and environmental forces, and diversity on business activities. Cross Curricular Initiatives In addition to these learning objectives, this course also concentrates on UMUC's cross-curriculum initiatives, detailed below, designed to help UMUC students build business skills to enhance their careers and overall effectiveness in their employment. Effective writing. There are writing assignments throughout the semester. Those assignments are expected to indicate appropriate professional writing skills. That is, they will be evaluated on the basis of grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and overall sound writing principles. The student should demonstrate effective written communications consistent with a professional business environment. Information literacy. Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in research activities using the library and use of online sources. Globalization. While this course will focus on domestic and national business and management firms, an important outcome will be the realization that the management principles apply to global and multinational organizations. Fluency in technology. The student should demonstrate proficiency use the computer for writing tasks (including charts/graphs in written assignments). Historical Perspective. Historical development of business management theory provides the student with a context for current practices. Civic Responsibility. Positive and negative ethical behavior and role of business organizations in society will be explored in this course.

Course Introduction:

This course is organized into five sections, called Modules, each of which focuses on a particular area of business operations. However, as you become familiar with how businesses function, you'll find that these areas are interconnected. Also, keep in mind that although the focus of the course is on businesses, many of these concepts apply to other types of organizations as well. The course consists of the following five sections: Module 1: Contemporary Business and its Environment In this first module we lay the groundwork for understanding the environment in which businesses operate. The business environment has economic, technological, social, competitive, and global characteristics that have an impact on how businesses function. Businesses also operate according to ethical standards that are an important determinant of the success of the business. Module 2: The Structure of Business Now that we understand the context in which businesses operate, we need to look more closely at businesses themselves. How do businesses get started? What are the options for organizing a business? Who are the owners and operators of businesses? Module 3: Leadership and Management of the Organization People are the key ingredients in any organization or business. Leaders must know how to motivate employees effectively. Employees must have a stake in the successful operation of the business. Customers are increasingly being seen as partners in the operation of the business rather than simply as recipients of goods and services. These human resources must be combined with other resources to create a product or service. Module 4: Marketing Management Most people think of marketing and advertising as the same thing, informing customers about a product or service and then trying to get them to buy it. But marketing is much more than that. Marketing is a process that begins by determining that there is an opportunity to satisfy a customer's need or want. A product or service is then designed to fulfill that need or want. This design must include all of the characteristics of the product or service, how it will be priced, where it will be sold, and how it will be promoted. This design includes maintaining a relationship with customers even after the sale is completed. Module 5: Management Information Systems and Financial Management In today's business world, the effective use of technology to collect, process, and distribute information to decision makers is a critical element of any business or organization. This information may be stock levels, assembly line error rates, or accounting data. Information has become a resource that must be managed correctly to have a positive impact on the success of a business. Financial resources are equally important. Businesses need funds for current operations and future growth. All organizations use budgets for planning how to manage their financial resources. Publicly held firms must provide annual financial reports to all stockholders. It is the role of the financial manager to perform these tasks and contribute to successfully meeting the goals of the business.

Grading Information and Criteria:

A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F below 60% Project: 30 Mid term exam: 30 Final exam: 40 Total: 100 Be sure to keep track of your points after you receive your grade for each assignment. If you are unsure of your grade in any area, be sure to contact me immediately to ensure you have timely feedback on your performance.

Other Information:

Any other information the instructor wishes to add. This might include: * General expectations of students, such as hours per week students should expect to devote to the class * Turnaround time for faculty to respond to email and return papers * Unique class procedures or activities (such as cooperative learning exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs)

Project Descriptions:

Students will write a 5-8 page current issues paper. The paper will be typewritten and double-spaced, include a Works Cited and cover page, and will correctly reference sources using APA or MLA format.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

These schedules and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. Notice will be given of any change and you are responsible for amended deadlines or assignments. Session Readings/Assignment(s) 1 Introduction to Business and Management 2 Business: Blending People/Technology 3 Competing in Global Markets 4 Options for Organizing Business 5 Management, Leadership, and the Organization 6 Human Resource Management 7 Diversity in the Workplace 8 Midterm Exam 9 Marketing 10 Developing and Pricing Goods/Services 11 Using Technology 12 Using the Internet 13 Managing Information 14 Financing and Investing 15 Course Project Due Review for Final Exam 16 Final Exam