Course Information

Course Title:  Introduction to Business
Course Number: 10-105-100
Credits: 3
Instructor: Michael Bark

Class Sessions:  Depending on scheduling and class sizes, this class may be available through traditional classroom, online, or ITV/IPV. 

Required Texts and Materials: Understanding Business, 8^th edition, Nickels, McHugh, McHugh, McGraw-Hill Irwin Publishing, copyright 2008.  ISBN # 0073488380.

It is highly recommended that the text be purchased thru the WITC, Ashland campus Bookstore. Although it can also be purchased thru a retail, university or On-Line bookstore. However, if you do not purchase the text from the WITC Ashland campus Bookstore it is it is your responsibility that you obtain the exact textbook, edition, etc. By not purchasing the correct ISBN textbook you may have an outdated text which will not co-inside with our class discussion, assignments and assessments. As well as your access to downloadable content from the text for an MP-3 Player/ipod or BlackBoard. Because of these issues other editions will not be acceptable.

As traditional classroom, online, or ITV/IPV students, you should make every effort to attend and actively participate in class discussions (if appropriate). As well as accomplish the assigned work at the pace indicated by the proposed schedule. 

You may contact your Instructor Mike Bark using any of the following methods:

Because I teach approximately 14 different classes and receive about 30 e-mails a day please include specific details in all of your communications. To assure a prompt and correct response, please include your course name in the subject section of your email.  Include your full name and make sure to provide adequate detail in your message/communications.

Software: Windows 95 or higher must be installed on your computer. This course assumes a complete installation of a Web browser software and its components, and that you have an existing e-mail account and an Internet connection.

An Internet connection is required to work with BlackBoard on-line. If doing your Chapter Written Assignments from home, you will need to be connected through an ISP. Most schools and businesses will have a live connection to the Internet available at all times which negates the need to dial the ISP. If you are using America On-line as their ISP, you can use IE or Netscape as their browser when connected through AOL as some Web pages appear best when viewed through IE or Netscape Navigator.     

Core abilities address broad knowledge or skills that are transferable and go beyond the context of a specific course.  Developing core abilities and applying them in your course work will help you increase the likelihood of career success.

1. Act Responsibly.

2. Communicate Clearly.

3. Learn effectively.

4. Think critically and creatively.

5. Work Cooperatively.

6. Work Productively.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student in accordance with the grading standards will be able to:

1. Summarize the latest trends in business.
2. Analyze the forms of business ownership available today.
3. Appraise the function of financial resource management.
4. Outline management strategies for businesses.
5. Develop strategies to manage human resources.
6. Evaluate business marketing alternatives.
7. Critique current information management techniques.

Students interested in requesting advanced standing for this course should contact me as soon as possible or contact the WITC Student Success Technician at the campus closest to you (Ashland, Rice Lake, New Richmond, Superior, Ladysmith or Hayward).

Read more about Credit for Prior Learning and Life Experience.

Grades will be determined by your completing the 17 Chapter Written Assignments which will include Questions for Critical Thinking and an Internet Activity.  Plus, 5 Unit/Part Tests/Quizzes. Final grades will be based on the following criteria:

100% = Your Final Grade 

We will have a lot of information to cover this semester. Thus each week, students will be assigned at least one (plus) chapter to complete in order to keep on target for the semester.  Since this is a new course offered in the Business Management curriculum, our class content, discussions and progress may vary. If you as a student ever have any suggestions regarding how we can improve or modify the course and class activities, please do not hesitate to share your ideas and recommendations.

All students are encouraged to refer to the current WITC Student Handbook regarding grading criteria (also see chart below) and other important information regarding your course assessment.

Students who want to drop or audit the class should contact the Registration office, Advisor or Counselor and their Instructor.  Students who audit the class may choose to participate in all class testing activities, but do not receive a grade.

Please refer to the College Calendar for important dates for changing status or withdrawing from a class.

A grade of Incomplete "I" will not be given for this course.  If a student has made significant progress, and extenuating circumstances prevent course completion, the student should notify the instructor so other arrangements may be made.

WITC is an equal opportunity employer/educator functioning under an affirmative action plan and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national origin, sex, disability, or any other legislated categories in its services, employment programs and/or educational programs and activities. This includes but is not limited to admissions, treatment, and access. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination, Title IX, Section 504 and Title VII policies:

Contact: The WITC Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX, Section 504 & Title VII Coordinator WITC Administrative Office 505 Pine Ridge Drive Shell Lake, WI 54871 715-468-2815 ext 2225.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made to ensure access to academic programs, activities, services and employment in accordance with 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 Standards.

Persons requiring accommodation should contact a WITC campus Student Services Center or the WITC College-wide Affirmative Action Officer at least 14 days in advance of needed assistance. Please view WITC's services for Special Needs.

Please be aware that the Internet is not a closed communication system and that not all data may be correct. Be cautious about giving out personal information when visiting sites and surfing the "net" whether you are doing an activity as a part of this class, for business, or leisure.

Succeeding in this course is very similar to your succeeding in business. Class ground rules shall include and focus on your learning to behave and present yourself like a business professional. During all class sessions we will be using the following guidelines. Each of the points, study and time management tips listed below will be discussed in detail during the class orientation. Class ground rules shall include, but are not limited to ;

1. Make a good first impression.
2. Focus on good grooming.
3. Be on time.
4. Practice considerate behavior.
5. Apply good "netiquette".
6. If you own a cell phone, do not have your cell phone on during class.
7. Be prepared.

1. Maintain an excellent attendance and actively participate in class activities.
2. Before each class session read the textbook assignment using a strategy such as "survey, question, read, recite, and review".
3. Listen well.
4. Take careful notes.
5. Find a good place to study.
6. Use the textbook’s Online Learning Center.
7. If you have access to a MP-3 player (ipod) down load and listen to the chapter content.
8. Use as many senses in learning as possible.
9. Before a test/quiz get plenty of sleep and a good meal.
10. Bring all you need for the test/quiz.
11. Try to relax.
12. Read the directions and questions carefully.
13. Answer all the questions.
14. Go over the test/quiz at the end (if time permits).

1. Write weekly assignments and goals for yourself.
2. Keep a "to do list".
3. Prepare a daily schedule.
4. Make arrangements for the next day the night before.
5. Prepare weekly and monthly schedules.
6. Space out your work.
7. Defend your study time.
8. Make time for fun.

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty. Pursuant to the due process guarantees contained in the Policy and Procedures on Student Academic Integrity.

Users of the college's technology facilities and resources are expected to use these resources responsibly and appropriately, respecting the rights of other users and respecting all contractual and license agreements.

Copying software is in violation of Federal law and College policies. You do not have the right to make copies of software for yourself or others and receive and use unauthorized copies of software.

When you leave WITC's web space to visit other sites, WITC will not accept any responsibility for the contents of those sites.