Business Management Associate Degree Program Outline

A broad overview of the business world for both business and non-business majors. An introduction to the business environment, business ownership, management, marketing, technology and information, and finance.

Basic principles of communication that are particularly applicable in business and industry, providing a foundation for more effective communication skills. Focuses on the proper use of English grammar in business settings.

A comprehensive review of mathematical skills and concepts commonly used in academic and vocational applications. Covers whole numbers, fractions, decimal notation, ratios and proportions, percents, statistics and measurement, geometry, real numbers, and algebra.

An introduction to the principles and practices of management, with emphasis on the management functions of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. Topics covered also include effective leadership and motivational techniques, communication, social responsibility and ethics, managing change and conflict, and control.

Surveys the field of psychology, including the development of behavior, physiological mechanisms of behavior, perception, motivation and emotion, consciousness, learning, memory, personality, and mental health.

The principles and human relations problems involved in the administration of personnel are thoroughly explored. Topics include job analysis and specification; recruitment, selection and training; job evaluation; supervision of employees; salary and wage administration; and labor relations. The students will gain familiarity with modern methods of selection, testing, training, and solving various personnel problems.

The basics of written communication in business. Explores differences in approach and format for various business documents. Also covers techniques for planning, researching, organizing, and writing reports.

Explores current ethical issues in the business world, including social and professional responsibilities, organizational relationships, employee rights and obligations, workplace discrimination, organizational culture, and ethics in a global economy.

The fundamentals of double-entry bookkeeping and the debit/credit method of recording transactions. The bookkeeping cycle, from recording transactions to preparing financial statements, is included. Emphasis is placed on service concerns operating as sole proprietorships.

Overview of the structure and operations of the federal government, including constitutional principles, rights and liberties, the political process, and the relationships among the three branches of the federal government.

A study of quality management processes from teams to organization-wide systems and the behavioral and analytical tools that support fully integrated quality management. Emphasis is given to the commitment of management and the organization as a whole to the cultural changes necessary to implement quality improvements throughout the organization to ensure long-term competitiveness.

Designed to assure a basic level of computer applications literacy. Includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and the Internet. Also covers various types of computer hardware and networking methods. (This course has been designed so that access to a computer is helpful, but not required.)

A study of the facilitation of exchange relationships in a dynamic environment through the creation, distribution, promotion, and pricing of goods, services, and ideas. The concepts of market segmentation, marketing strategies, and marketing information systems will be stressed, in addition to the process of planning, organizing, implementing, and controlling marketing activities.

A consumer-oriented overview of the practical application of economic concepts. Emphasizes decision making about budgeting, savings, consumer strategies, insurance, investing, retirement planning, and estate planning.

Basic principles of financial accounting are studied as a foundation for more advanced study and vocational skill. Areas of emphasis include cash, payroll, and accounting for merchandizing businesses.

A study of the theory, research, and practice related to human behavior in organizational settings. Attention is focused on the theories and realities of leadership, power, motivation, work satisfaction, group dynamics, decision making, and organizational change. The course also aims to broaden perceptions of the causes and effects of interpersonal and group behavior, its dynamics and influences, and organizational behavior relating to organizational climates, conflict, and structural design.

Introduction to microeconomics, with emphasis on the functioning of individual markets and their effectiveness for resource allocation. Includes price and production theory, competition, labor, the distribution of income, and the theory of household behavior.

A focused look at the management of capital in a business firm. Emphasis is placed on policies and actions relating to asset structure, risk, income, and cash flows. Operating and financial analysis is also explored.

Basic principles of business law as applied to contracts, personal property, sales, negotiable instruments, agency and employment, business organization, insurance and bankruptcy, and real property.

A continuation of the study of basic financial accounting principles as a foundation for more advanced study and vocational skill. Areas of emphasis include acquisition, depreciation, and disposal of long term assets; receivables and payables; inventory; partnerships; corporations; long-term liabilities; the statement of cash flows; financial statement analysis; and manufacturing accounting.