Foundations of Business

Course Description

This is a foundational course appropriate for students who wish to explore business ownership and operation.  The course will help students build a strong knowledge base and develop management skills as they study forms of business ownership, functions of management, budgeting and finance, technology, communications, legislation, leadership and teamwork, marketing, and economics.  Mastery of these standards through project-based learning and leadership development activities of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will help prepare students with a competitive edge for the global marketplace.

Textbook

Brown, B & Clow, J. (2008). Introduction to Business. Woodland Hills, CA: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Materials

1 – 1 ½” 3 ring binder
Paper
Pencil and/or pen
Dividers

Business Education Grading Policy

Classwork and Homework                                   30%                 
Tests                                                                20%
Projects/Portfolio                                               30%
Participation/Leadership Points                            20%
9 weeks total Average                                        100%

1st 9weeks grade =         42.5%
2nd 9 weeks grade =       42.5%
Final Exam =                 15%
Overall Class Grade = 100%

Attendance and Make-up Work

Since this course is largely lecture based, students need to be present each day to ensure they don’t miss important material.  The textbooks and workbooks for this class are ordinarily kept in the classroom.  Students must make arrangements to make-up missed work within 3 days of returning to school.  If needed, a student may check a book out to complete unfinished work, homework or makeup work.  If a student fails to return a book after checking it out they will need to pay to replace the book.  Students will not be allowed to receive credit for class work or assignments missed due to unexcused absences. Teachers will record a grade of zero (0) for graded assignments or class work missed due to an unexcused absence.  Students have 5 days to bring in an excuse when they have been absent. 

Computer Lab Rules

This course is taught in a computer lab.  Computers will be used on a regular basis to complete assignments.  They will be used to conduct research via the internet, create documents using word processing and/or spreadsheet software, and to complete other various projects relating directly to the course curriculum.  Students must have an internet permission form on file with Mrs. Parker in order to use the internet independently.  Additionally, they must comply with lab rules at all times while using the computers.  Any student who breaks lab rules may lose their computer privileges.

The lab rules are as follows:

1. NO FOOD OR DRINK OR GUM in this class.
2. Do not turn on computers unless Mrs. Parker tells you to.
3. Do not unplug any part of the computer hardware or remove any part of the computers.
4. Student must abide by the Technology Use Rules outlined the Pickens County Schools Code of Conduct.  See p. 26-27
5. When using the Internet independently, you may only visit websites on the approved list:
1. NO Chats
2. NO MySpace, Face Book, Etc.
3. NO YouTube, etc.
4. NO Instant Messaging
5. DON’T check personal email
6. Stay in appropriate locations for school
6. Don’t download ANYTHING!!!!!
7. Don’t change any settings on the machines.

Content/Topics
Unit 1:  Teamwork
Unit 2:  Leadership
Unit 3:  Communications
Unit 4:  Business Concepts
Unit 5:  Entrepreneurial Discovery
Unit 6:  Business Ethics
Unit 7:  Forms of Ownership
Unit 8:  Functions of Management
Unit 9:  Budgeting & Finance
Unit 10:  Business Law
Unit 11:  Risk Management
Unit 12:  Marketing
Unit 13:  Economics

Business Procedures

Course Description

The goal of this course is to provide students with a project-based approach to develop necessary skills for career acquisition.  The course will cover general office skills and procedures, attitudes and work habits, professional dress, and information processing. Competencies will also be developed in finance and accounting as well as communication. 

Business Procedures is a required class for all freshmen at Pickens High School.     In addition, keyboarding/skillbuilding lessons and time management principles will be taught and applied in each unit throughout the course.

Materials

1 – 1 ½” 3 ring binder
Paper
Pencil and/or pen
Dividers (optional)

Grading Policy

Skillbuilding Exercises                                      20%                 
Classwork/Dailywork                                          40%
Projects/Portfolio                                               20%
Participation/Leadership Points                            20%
9 weeks total Average                                        100%

1st 9weeks grade =         42.5%
2nd 9 weeks grade =       42.5%
Final Exam =                 15%
Overall Class Grade = 100%

Attendance and Make-up Work

Since this course is largely lecture based, students need to be present each day to ensure they don’t miss important material.  The textbooks and workbooks for this class are ordinarily kept in the classroom.  Students must make arrangements to make-up missed work within 3 days of returning to school.  If needed, a student may check a book out to complete unfinished work, homework or makeup work.  If a student fails to return a book after checking it out they will need to pay to replace the book.  Students will not be allowed to receive credit for class work or assignments missed due to unexcused absences. Teachers will record a grade of zero (0) for graded assignments or class work missed due to an unexcused absence.  Students have 5 days to bring in an excuse when they have been absent. 

Computer Lab Rules

This course is taught in a computer lab.  Computers will be used on a regular basis to complete assignments.  They will be used to conduct research via the internet, create documents using word processing and/or spreadsheet software, and to complete other various projects relating directly to the course curriculum.  Students must have an internet permission form on file with Mrs. Parker in order to use the internet independently.  Additionally, they must comply with lab rules at all times while using the computers.  Any student who breaks lab rules may lose their computer privileges.

The lab rules are as follows:

1. NO FOOD OR DRINK OR GUM in this class.
2. Do not turn on computers unless Mrs. Parker tells you to.
3. Do not unplug any part of the computer hardware or remove any part of the computers.
4. Student must abide by the Technology Use Rules outlined the Pickens County Schools Code of Conduct.  See p. 26-27
5. When using the Internet independently, you may only visit websites on the approved list:
1. NO Chats
2. NO MySpace, Face Book, Etc.
3. NO YouTube, etc.
4. NO Instant Messaging
5. DON’T check personal email
6. Stay in appropriate locations for school
6. Don’t download ANYTHING!!!!!
7. Don’t change any settings on the machines.

Content/Topics

Unit 1:  Communication Skills
Unit 2:  Technology Literacy
Unit 3: People Skills & Business Savvy
Unit 4:  Financial Literacy

Computer Applications II

Course Description

This course focuses on the development of skills required for improved productivity of electronically produced business letters, reports, memos, newsletters, flyers, brochures, reports, advertising materials, and other publications using a project-based approach.  The co-curricular student organization Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an integral component of both the core employability skills standards and the technical skills standards, and FBLA activities will be incorporated throughout instructional strategies developed for the course.

Textbook

Cable, S., Morrison, C., & Custom Editorial Productions Inc. (2005). 
Microsoft Office 2003 Advanced Course. Boston, MA: Course Technology. 

Materials

Most items will be provided by instructor/teacher (i.e. textbook, computer, printer, etc.).  Students should bring a pencil or pen everyday to write their names on their papers and to complete various worksheets.  On occasion, students may also need paper so it is suggested they bring a notebook each day.  Other materials may be needed for projects, but will be requested on an as needed basis.

Grading Policy

Classwork and Homework                                   50%                 
Labs                                                                 30%
Participation/Leadership Points                            20%
9 weeks total Average                                        100%

1st 9weeks grade =         42.5%
2nd 9 weeks grade =       42.5%
Final Exam =                 15%
Overall Class Grade = 100%

Make-up Work

Per board policy, students must make arrangements to make-up missed work within 3 days of returning to school.  All course work must be completed in class because students must use files that I can not allow to be copied and/or used outside of school.    If students fall behind in class because they work slowly or need more individualized help, I am usually available after school until 4:00.  Students need to let me know when they plan to stay.  I will let my classes know in advance if I will be unavailable to stay unless an emergency occurs.
Students will not be allowed to receive credit for class work or assignments missed due to unexcused absences. Teachers will record a grade of zero (0) for graded assignments or class work missed due to an unexcused absence.  Students have 5 days to bring in an excuse when they have been absent. 

Computer Lab Rules

1. NO FOOD OR DRINK OR GUM in this class.
2. Do not turn on computers unless Mrs. Parker tells you to.
3. Do not unplug any part of the computer hardware or remove any part of the computers.
4. Student must abide by the Technology Use Rules outlined the Pickens County Schools Code of Conduct.  See p. 26-27
5. When using the Internet independently, you may only visit websites on the approved list:
1. NO Chats
2. NO MySpace, Face Book, Etc.
3. NO YouTube, etc.
4. NO Instant Messaging
5. DON’T check personal email
6. Stay in appropriate locations for school
6. Don’t download ANYTHING!!!!!
7. Don’t change any settings on the machines.

Content/Topics & Tentative Timeline

MICROSOFT WORD (5 weeks)

1. Sorting & Calculating
2. Customizing Tables and Creating Charts
3. Merging From Documents, Directories, Mailing Labels, & Envelopes
4. Formatting Graphics & Text Boxes
5. Working with Long Documents
6. Editing in Workgroups
7. Creating Forms & Working with Web Documents
8. Customizing Features
9. Creating Indexes & Tables of Contents, Figures, and Authorities

Microsoft Excel (6 weeks)

1. Applying Advanced Worksheet & Chart Options
2. Using Lists
3. Filtering, Extracting, & Using Database Functions
4. Working with Analysis Tools
5. Creating PivotTables & PivotCharts
6. Creating Macros & Menus
7. Importing & Exporting
8. Using Templates & Protections
9. Working with Multiple Worksheets & Workbooks
10. Working with Shared Workbooks
11. Using Outlines, Subtotals, & Validation
12. Using Advanced Excel Tools

MICROSOFT ACCESS (6 weeks)

1. Modify Table Design
2. Relationships in Tables & Queries
3. Advanced Form Features
4. Analyzing Data
5. Advanced Queries & Filters
6. Advanced Report Features
7. Importing & Exporting Data
8. Creating Macros & Switchboards
9. Working with Web Features
10. Using Management Tools
11. Utilizing Advanced Management Tools

MICROSOFT POWERPOINT (1 weeks)

1. Using Advanced Text Features
2. Creating Tables & Charts
3. Working with Visual & Sound Objects
4. Customizing Options
5. Importing & Exporting Information
6. Using Advanced Presentation Features

MICROSOFT OUTLOOK (1 week)

1. Customizing & Sharing Outlook Information
2. Advanced Outlook Features

REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAM (1 week)

*SPECIAL NOTE: Time specified for each topic is an approximation.  Actual time spent on each topic will depend on the ability level and speed of individual students.