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Course Planning by Program

2025-26

Essential Objectives

Course Syllabus


Revision Date: 21-Sep-25
 

Fall 2025 | BUS-1010-VT01 - Introduction to Business


In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Location: Brattleboro
Credits: 3 (45 hours)
Day/Times: Friday, 09:00A - 12:00P
Semester Dates: 09-05-2025 to 12-12-2025
Last day to drop without a grade: 09-15-2025 - Refund Policy
Last day to withdraw (W grade): 11-03-2025 - Refund Policy
This course has started, please contact the offering academic center about registration

Faculty

Zacharias Clay
View Faculty Credentials

Hiring Coordinator for this course: Deb Grant

    Note
  1. Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.
  2. Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the characteristics, organization, and operation of business, including organization and management, production planning and control, marketing, finance, day-to-day operations in the areas of accounting, personnel, research and development, and management information systems.


Essential Objectives

1. Employ a sound business vocabulary.
2. Describe the characteristics, organization and operations of business, addressing the following topics: ownership, marketing, production, finance, taxation, human resources, team process, and planning.
3. Explain the basic economic foundations of business including supply and demand, the nature of competition, and describe the basic measures of economic performance.
4. Discuss the role of information systems and technology in the business environment.
5. Explore the scope and diversity of career opportunities in the business field through assignments such as informational interviews, job shadows, or other career exploration activities.
6. Describe the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting business in a global environment.
7. Discuss ethical considerations and social responsibility in business decisions.
8. Discuss employer/employee relationships in the context of equity, diversity and harassment.
9. Define the nature of marketing, marketing strategy, the marketing mix, promotion and distribution.
10. Describe the basic elements of reading, interpreting and understanding financial statements.
11. Demonstrate effective business writing and communication skills.


Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.


Required Textbooks and Resources


*** This is a low cost ($50 or less) textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.


Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.


Methods

  • small and large group discussions
  • interactive projects and/or activities
  • multimedia presentations and resources
  • readings, writing, and inquiry-based research
  • professional work-based learning experiences
  • guest speakers (Large corporation & local business)
  • possible tour of local business (currently discussing with possible participants)

Evaluation Criteria

This course will use a total points system for grading criteria.

14 weekly discussions/participation (10pts each) 140 points

13 weekly group project assignments (10pts each) 130 points

4 Short reflection papers (25 points each) 100 points

4 quizzes (25pts each) 100 points

1 Final Case Study 100 points

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total course points: 570 points

A+ (98% - 100%) = 558.6 - 570

A (93 < 98%) = 530.1 - 558.6

A- ( 90 < 93%) = 513 - 530.1

B+ (88 < 90%) = 501.6 - 513

B (83 < 88%) = 473.1 - 501.6

B- (80 < 83%) = 456 - 473.1

C+ (78 < 80%) = 444.6 - 456

C (73 < 78%) = 416.1 - 444.6

D+ (68 < 73%) = 387.6 - 399

D (63 < 68%) = 359.1 - 387.6

D- (60 < 63%) = 342 - 359.1

F (< 60%) = < 342


Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

 HighLow
A+10098
A Less than 9893
A-Less than 9390
B+Less than 9088
B Less than 8883
B-Less than 8380
C+Less than 8078
C Less than 7873
C-Less than 7370
D+Less than 7068
D Less than 6863
D-Less than 6360
FLess than 60 
P10060
NPLess than 600


Weekly Schedule


Week/ModuleTopic  Readings  Assignments
 

1

Week 1: Welcome to Class Week! (Sept. 5)

Economic Systems and Business

  

Ch. 1: Understanding Economic Systems and Business

PPT on Ch. 1

  

* Instructor/student introductions

* Icebreaker: Business Card Mixer (Will be a lot of fun!)

* Form teams for the weekly group project

* Begin cumulative business plan (choose product/service)

 

2

Ch. 2: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility (Sep. 12)

  

Ch. 2: Making Ethical Decisions and Managing Social Responsibility

PPT on Ch. 2

  

* Reflection Paper #1 (Which business leader do you admire and why?)

* Team adds mission, vision, and values to business plan

* In-class case snippet on Enron + ethics discussion

 

3

Competing in the Global Marketplace (Sep. 19)

  

Ch. 3: Competitng in the Global Marketplace

PPT on Ch. 3

  

* Team project: Choose one global market for possible expansion

 

4

Business Ownership (Sep. 26)

  

Ch. 4: Forms of Business Ownership

Ch. 4 PPT

  

* Team Project: Decide on business ownership and why?( Sole prop, LLC., Corp)

* Quiz #1 (Ch. 1-3)

 

5

Entrepreneurship (Oct. 3)

  

Ch. 5: Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing Your Own Business

CH. 5 PPT

  

* Team Project: Draft a 1-minute elevator pitch

* Reflection Paper #2 (What type of business ownership would you prefer and why?)

 

6

Management & Leadership (Oct. 10)

  

Ch. 6: Management and Leadership in Today's Organizations

Ch. 6 PPT

  

* Guest Speaker #1: Corporate Leader

* Design an organization chart and define leadership roles

 

7

Organizational Structure (Oct. 17)

  

Ch. 7: Designing Organizational Structures

CH. 7 PPT

  

* Quiz #2 (Ch. 4-6)

* Team Project: Define team workflow and structure (Centralized vs. decentralized)

 

8

Human Resources (Oct. 24)

  

Ch. 8: Managing Human Resources and Labor Relations

Ch. 8 PPT

  

* Team Project: Outline hiring process and onboarding strategy

* Reflection Paper #3 (Which leadership style do you admire most and why?)

 

9

Motivation (Oct. 31)

  

Ch. 9: Motivating Employees

Ch. 9 PPT

  

* Team Project: Develop a basic employee incentive program

 

10

Operations Management (Nov. 7)

  

Ch. 10: Achieving World-Class Operations Management

Ch. 10 PPT

  

* Quiz #3 (Ch. 7-9)

* Team Project: Create a simple operations process (workflow diagram or steps)

 

11

Pricing Strategies (Nov. 14)

  

Ch. 11: Creating Products and Pricing Strategies to Meet Customer's Needs

Ch. 11 PPT

  

* Reflection Paper #4: (Final Thoughts on Class)

* Team Project: Set product pricing

 

12

Distributing/Promoting (Nov. 21)

  

Ch. 12: Distributing and Promoting Products and Services

Ch. 12 PPT

  

* Guest Speaker #2 - Local Entrepreneur (tentative)

* Team Project: Select a distribution strategy and create a sample ad

 

13

NO CLASS - THANKSGIVING BREAK (Nov. 28)

    
 

14

Finance (Don't get alarmed! lol) (Dec. 5)

  

Ch. 14: Using Financial Information and Accounting

Ch. 14 PPT

  

* Team Project: Develop a simple budget and estimate start-up costs

 

15

Final Week! Presentation Week! (Dec. 12)

  

* Final Case Study is due!

  

* Team Project: Each team will present their business plan to the class

 

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

  • In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
  • Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
  • Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.


Participation Expectations

Full participation requires active and thoughtful engagement in class each week. The following habits and skills are important. You'll have the opportunity to self-assess and receive instructor feedback on each of these areas at the mid-point and the end of the semester.

  • Attend class regularly, on-time and for the full session
  • Complete all of the week's reading and assignments before the start of class
  • Listen to others attentively and with an open mind
  • Positively contribute to class discussions and activities
  • Ask questions and seek help when you need it
  • Challenge yourself to do your best work


Missing & Late Work Policy

  • Late assignments can be submitted up to one week past the due date. There will be a 5% reduction in grade for 1 to 3 days late, 10% for 4 to 6 days late, and 15% for 7 days late.
  • For weekly participation grades, there are no make-ups. Communicating with each other is an important part of class. These grades cannot be made up after the fact.
  • An extension can be granted but only in extenuating circumstances. If there is a lengthy absence due to a medical reason, please contact me as soon as possible.
  • For any student who knows they will not have course access during any given week should make arrangements with me beforehand to complete assignments and/or projects prior to absence.
  • If there is no class due to weather, the PPT for the week will be posted on Canvas. It will be your responsibility to look at the PPT. I will briefly cover the PPT the following week.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:


CCV strives to mitigate barriers to course access for students with documented disabilities. To request accommodations, please
  1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
  2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
  3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.


Academic Integrity


CCV has a commitment to honesty and excellence in academic work and expects the same from all students. Academic dishonesty, or cheating, can occur whenever you present -as your own work- something that you did not do. You can also be guilty of cheating if you help someone else cheat. Being unaware of what constitutes academic dishonesty (such as knowing what plagiarism is) does not absolve a student of the responsibility to be honest in his/her academic work. Academic dishonesty is taken very seriously and may lead to dismissal from the College.

Apply Now for this semester.

Register for this semester: March 31 - August 29, 2024