Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Higher Education Colleges of Applied Sciences Department of International Business Administration

Course Outline for Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400) Spring Semester, AY 2010-2011 System-Wide Coordinator Lecturer Office Consultation Hours Teaching Period Teaching Hours Subject Credit Pre-requisite Blackboard : : : : : : : : : Dr. Reynaldo Gacho Segumpan (Sohar) Mr. Sanyo Moosa Department of IBA, Room 108 15 weeks (Total = 45 hrs) 3 hours per week 3 None http://www.coas.edu.om or http://85.154.253.132

1.0 Textbook
Griffin, R.W. & Ebert, R.J. (2006). Business (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

2.0 Course Description

This subject engages students to understand the contemporary business environment and the basics and dynamics of starting up and managing business enterprises. It draws attention to the fundamentals of managing trade of goods and services, entrepreneurship, ethical dimension of business, and accounting and financial issues, among others. It also provides a comprehensive introduction to business operations, especially those that are relevant to Omani business context.

3.0

Learning Objectives
A. B. C. D. E. Identify the factors that influence the business environment; Discuss the challenges of business, with a focus on the Omani context; Recognize issues and concerns (e.g., human resources, accounting, marketing, finance) related to current business scenario; Explain the relationship of business to socio-economic conditions; and Demonstrate an interest to manage an entrepreneurial undertaking.

Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400)

Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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Colleges of Applied Sciences, Salalah

Department of International Business Administration

4.0 Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge 1. Understanding of the general business environment 2. Knowledge of the challenges of global and local business 3. Ability to give operational definition of key business concepts B. Cognitive Skills 1. Identify issues and concerns related to business operations; 2. Understanding of the challenges related to the business situation in the Sultanate of Oman and the region 3. Comprehend the interrelationships of accounting, finance, human resource management, and other functional areas of management to business C. General Competencies 1. Show creativity in preparing a business plan using technology (such as BPP and MS Word) 2. Draw simple organizational charts 3. Relate case studies to real-life situations in business management 4. Demonstrate positive attitudes towards business or entrepreneurship.

5.0 Topics
Understanding the Nature of Business (1 week) 1. The Business Environments (Economic, Technological, Political-Legal, Sociocultural, Business) and Their Ethical Dimensions (2 weeks) 2. Managing and Organizing Business Enterprises (2 weeks) 3. Entrepreneurship and Business Plan (2 weeks) 4. Managing Human Resources, IT and Communication Technology (2 weeks) 5. Producing and Marketing Goods and Services (2 weeks) 6. Introduction to Accounting and Finance (2 weeks) 7. Global Business (2 weeks)

6.0 Assessment of Learning Outcomes

6.1 Assessment Component

Assessment in this subject is based on two components:

A. B.

Examination 60% Coursework 40%

The breakdown of each component is summarized as follows:

Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400)

Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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Colleges of Applied Sciences, Salalah

Department of International Business Administration

Components Examination (60%) A. Test 1 B. Test 2 C. Final Examination Coursework (40%) A. Group Assignment B. E-Learning (Individual) 1. Attendance during E-learning sessions 2. Classroom behavior (e.g., punctuality, attentiveness, interest in e-learning) 3. E-learning performance (e.g., Business Plan output, e-learning target achievement, performance in e-learning tasks)

Percentage (Total = 100%) 10 10 40 20 20 (5) (5) (10)

6.2

Examination Format Types of Questions (Marks)

Type of Assessment (Time Allotted) Test 1 (45 minutes)

Part 1 (Sections A & B) Multiple Choice (MC)/ Alternative Response (T/F)

Part II - Essay Section A Section B

Total Score (Percenta ge)

4
(4 MC questions, answer ALL)

2
(2 questions, 1 mark each, answer ALL)

4
(2 questions, 2 marks each, answer

10

Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400)

Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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Department of International Business Administration ALL) Test 2 (45 minutes)

2
(2 MC questions, answer ALL)

2
(2 questions, 1 mark each, answer ALL)

6
(3 questions, 2 marks each, answer ALL)

10 40

Final Exam (2 hours, 15 minutes)

10
(MC=5 & T/F=5, answer ALL)

10
(4 questions, 2-2-3-3 marks, answer ALL)

16
(4 questions, 4 marks each, answer ALL

Part IV will be a Case Study = 4 marks (3 questions, 1-1-2 mark/s, answer ALL)

7.0

Group Assignment

You and your friends are planning to do your own business/entrepreneurial work after finishing a college Degree. You are not sure what to do to make sure you achieve your business plans/activities. 7.1
1.

What You Need To Do:

Ask/Have an interview with a successful business person/entrepreneur on how to do business. He/She can be a manager, supervisor, or owner of any business/company (e.g., bank, restaurant, computer shop, mobile shop, supermarket, car company, insurance dealer, hotel, private school, etc) of your choice. Choose someone who has been in business for at least two (2) years so that you will get good information and practical advice. In the interview, find out how the various business environments (technological, political, economic, business, and socio-cultural) are influencing/affecting his/her business activities and what he/she does to deal with these influences.
2.

Note: If there are five (5) members in a group, each member can focus his/her interview on one aspect of the business environment. 3. Ask what problems/challenges he/she has faced in business and how he/she solved those problems/challenges. Discuss his/her business strategies/methods in order to remain competitive and make the business operational or sustainable.
4.

5.
6.

You can also ask other questions that you feel relevant, interesting, and useful.

Summarize, in your words, what your group has learned from this interview/conversation. You can also make some suggestions for improvement.

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Colleges of Applied Sciences, Salalah

Department of International Business Administration 7. Include brief information (e.g., name, company, job title, location of business) about the person you interviewed, including his contact number/s. Reminder: Each member must contribute in the interview process and the preparation of the written report. To do this, everyone must be present during the interview. 7.2 Format of Written Report:

1. Type in A4 paper, single space; font type and size = Arial 12; margin = 1 inch for all sides 2. Include your complete name and student number in the cover page. 3. Be original. Make your own analyses. Write ideas in your own words. 4. Include any references if some ideas were taken from books, magazines, or the Internet. 5. Number of pages (excluding the cover page): between 5-10 6. Date of submission: Week 16 or earlier 7.3
A. B. C. D. E.

Evaluation of Written Report:

Quality of questions and report on Technological Environment = 3% Quality of questions and report on Political Environment = 3% Quality of questions and report on Economic Environment = 3% Quality of questions and report on Business Environment = 3% Quality of questions and report on Socio-cultural Environment = 3% F. Originality of work and efforts done = 3% G. Overall impact or appeal = 2% Total marks = 20%

8.0 Class Participation

Students are expected to attend all classes and any lab work. Students must come on time. The students who come late to the classes will not get maximum class participation marks, or, will miss important class discussions. Students will be issued a 1st oral warning for 5% absenteeism and a 2nd warning for 10% absenteeism. Once a 3rd warning has been issued for 20% absenteeism, then the student cannot sit for the final examination. Students must contribute and participate actively during classroom discussions in order to get good marks for class participation. Students must show proper conduct/behaviour in the class (e.g., punctuality).

9.0 Grading System

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Department of International Business Administration Numerical Range 95-100 90-94 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 Less than 50 Letter Equivalent A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D F Numerical Value 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 0 Descriptive Equivalent Excellent Very Good

Good Pass Fail

10.0 Plagiarism Policies

1. Plagiarism happens when students copy assignments and other forms of work from various sources without proper acknowledgment of the author/s or the source/s. 2. The Colleges of Applied Sciences as a system does not accept plagiarism. 3. Plagiarism is a form of cheating so it should never be done it is forbidden (haram)! 4. Students caught plagiarizing will be given zero in their assignment/s or project/s.

11.0 Tips for Good Grades

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Do not miss any classes/lab work; be punctual in the class come on time. Try to participate/interact in class discussions. Seek your teachers professional help if you do not understand something. Work on your assignments and submit them early/on time. Be original in your work. Avoid cut-and-paste or download-and-print work. Never plagiarize! The College has a smart way to determine plagiarized work. Do not just memorize concepts/ideas; rather, understand and think how you can use them in real-life situations. If you have any difficulties in learning and understanding some concepts during the class, do not be shy/afraid to ask questions.

6.

7.

Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400)

Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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Colleges of Applied Sciences, Salalah

Department of International Business Administration
8.

When you are in a team, cooperate and help. Share your suggestions and offer your views. Plan effectively your free/available time to study your subjects. Balance your time between your studies and recreation. regularly. Do not study only few days before an examination. Early preparations will allow you to understand fully and retain ideas/concepts.

9.

10. Read/study

12. List of Useful Websites

Ministry of National Economy 2. Ministry of Commerce & Industry 3. Ministry of Civil Service 4. Ministry of Awqaf & Religious Affairs 5. Ministry of Oil & Gas 6. Ministry of Finance 7. Ministry of Information 8. Ministry of Education 9. Ministry of Manpower 10. Ministry of Transport & Communications 11. Ministry of Higher Education 12. Ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water
1.

http://www.moneoman.gov.om http://www.mocioman.gov.om http://www.mocs.gov.om http://www.mara.gov.om http://www.mog.gov.om http://www.mof.gov.om http://www.omanet.om http://www.moe.gov.om http://www.manpower.gov.om http://www.comm.gov.om http://www.mohe.gov.om http://www.mrmwr.gov.om http://www.omantourism.gov.om http://www.ita.gov.om http://www.chamberoman.com http://www.msm.gov.om http://www.ociped.com http://www.ocodubai.com http://www.salalahport.com http://www.odb-oman.com http://www.portofsohar.com http://www.mola.gov.om

Resources 13. Ministry of Tourism 14. Information Technology Authority 15. Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry 16. Muscat Securities Market (MSM) 17. Omani Centre for Investment Promotion 18. Oman Commercial Office in Dubai 19. Salalah Port 20. Oman Development Bank 21. Port of Sohar 22. Ministry of Legal Affairs

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Department of International Business Administration 23. Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Source: http://www.omanet.om/english/omns/r.asp

http://www.tra.gov.om

Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400)

Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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Colleges of Applied Sciences, Salalah

Department of International Business Administration

13.0 Detailed Course Plan

Week 1 Topic/Activity Understanding the Nature of Business Teaching-Learning Objectives a. Define the nature of business b. Identify the goals and functions of c. d. The Business Environments (Economic, Technological, Political-Legal, Sociocultural, Business) and Their Ethical Dimensions
a. b. c.
d.

Textbook Reference Chapter 1

2-3

e. f.

business Describe the different types of global economic systems Show how demand and supply affect resources distribution Explain the concepts of organizational boundary and external environment Discuss the roles and importance of various environments to business Demonstrate a grasp of the Omani business environments Explain why ethics is important in the workplace Define CSR and roles in business (customers, employees, investors, environment) Identify and discuss some CSR activities of Omani companies

Page Number 4,9, 10-15, 18

Post Learning
Activity/Enrichment

Answer Self-Check Questions 4-6, page 18 (Individual exercise)

Chapters 2-3

28-44, 58-61, 63-65, 67-82

E-Learning: Video Interview of a Businessman Part 1 (4 marks)

Questions to answer (individual): 1) What do you think is the video about? 2) What are the challenges that the businessman faced? 3) Who are his competitors? 4) Did the businessman have any ethical problems? Why do you think so?

Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400)

Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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Colleges of Applied Sciences, Salalah

Department of International Business Administration

Week 4-5

Topic/Activity Managing and Organizing Business Enterprises

Teaching-Learning Objectives
a. Explain the importance of setting goals and formulating strategies b. Describe the management process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling c. Identify the basic management skills d. Define corporate culture and its importance e. Define organizational structure and its elements a. b.
a. b.

Textbook Reference Chapters 6-7

Page Number Chap 6=152158,162164,168-173 Chap 7=182187,190-191

Post Learning
Activity/Enrichment

Answer Questions for Analysis, Items 5 and 7, page 176 (Individual or Group exercise)

TEST 1

6-7

Entrepreneurship and Business Plan

c.
d.

e.

Assess the extent of learning for the first three weeks Provide teaching-learning reinforcement and support to poor performers in the test Define entrepreneurship and its importance to the economy Describe some key characteristics of entrepreneurs Identify the importance of business plan List down reasons why businesses succeed or fail Use Business ProPlan (BPP) in preparing a business plan

Chapters covered for Weeks 1-4 Chapter 4

(As indicated above) 90,93-99,103

--

E-Learning (12 marks): Workshop on how to prepare a business plan using BPP Expected output: Business Plan (individual)

Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400)

Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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Colleges of Applied Sciences, Salalah

Department of International Business Administration

Week 7-8

Topic/Activity Managing Human Resources, IT and Communication Technology

Teaching-Learning Objectives
a. Define human resources (HR),

information technology (IT), and communication technology b. Discuss the importance of HR, IT, and communication technology in business operations and management

Textbook Reference Chapters 8,10, 11,13,15,16,20

Page Number
Chap 8=210, 213-219 Chap 10=270271, 274-275 Chap 11=304305,316 Chap 13=352361 Chap 15=412423; Chap 16 = 442-444, 446, 456; Chap 20 = 566-581

Post Learning Activity/Enrichment

E-Learning: Video Interview of a Businessman Part 2

(4 marks) Questions to answer (individual):

1) How did he start the business? 2) What are the skills that made him successful? 3) Do you think the local culture affect his business plans? Why do you say so? 4) What kind of business will you do in the future? Explain how you will manage it successfully.

9-10

Producing and Marketing Goods and Services

a. Define marketing b. Discuss approaches on how to produce goods and provide services efficiently c. Explain the importance of marketing in business

Chapters 10 & 14

270, 271, 274-275

Read newspapers and cut any article related to how certain products and services are marketed. There will be a class discussion to share your groups views. (Group exercise)

Business Fundamentals (BUSN 1400)

Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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Colleges of Applied Sciences, Salalah

Department of International Business Administration Week 10-11 Topic/Activity TEST 2
Teaching-Learning Objectives
a. Assess the extent of learning on the

12-13

Introduction to Accounting and Finance

topics in Weeks 6-9 or 6-10 b. Provide teaching-learning reinforcement and support to poor performers in the test a. Define accounting and finance and their roles in business b. Explain the importance of accounting equation and double-entry accounting
c. Demonstrate understanding of basic

Textbook Reference Chapters covered after Test 1 up to Week 9 or 10 Chapter 17

Page Number (As indicated above)

Post Learning Activity/Enrichment --

472-488,499

Case Study, Exercising your Ethics: Confidentially Yours, page 500 (Group exercise)

accounting and finance and their importance in business

14-15

Global Business

a. Discuss the rise of international business an describe the major world marketplaces b. Explain the factors involved in deciding to do business internationally c. Identify and explain barriers to international trade a. Review concepts that may not be clear b. Reinforce learning of all the topics / chapters covered Achievement/ Comprehensive Test

Chapter 5

122-130,133139,141-142

Case Study, Exercising your Ethics: Paying Heed to Foreign Practices, page 147 (Individual or group) --

16

REVISION

All Chapters

(All pages covered)

17

FINAL EXAMINATION

All Chapters

(All pages covered)

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Spring Semester, 2010-2011

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