BUS 508

Contemporary Business

COURSE DESCRIPTION Examines the functions and processes within a business enterprise and key factor s affecting productivity. Reviews the dynamics of the business operating environment both internal and ext ernal, factors affecting competition, and considerations for global operations. Provides a conceptual bas e for managers to assess and enhance strategic performance in a business organization through the integration of the core business functions, effective resource management, and sound leadership. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Required Resources Kurtz, D. (2010 Update). Contemporary business: 2011 custom edition (13th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Note: Students are e-mailed a registration code for this product when they purch ase new course materials from MBS Direct Bookstore located at http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/st rayer.htm. Access to WileyPlus is through the online course shell. Supplemental Resources Arndt, M., Einhorn, B., & Culpan, T. (2010). The 50 most innovative companies. B usinessWeek, 4174, 34-40. Barett, P. (2010). The Wall Street reform fight we really need. BusinessWeek, 41 74, 18-20. Drucker, P. (1985). Entrepreneurial strategies. California Management Review, 27 (2), 9-25. Miller, R. (2010). The new normal vs. the new mix. BusinessWeek, 4171, 19. Tarabishy, A., Fernald, L. W., Jr., & Solomon, G. T. (n.d.). Understanding entre preneurial leadership in today s dynamic markets. Retrieved from http://usasbe.org/knowledge/proceedings/proceedingsDocs/USASBE2003proceedings-21 .pdf. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Examine the private enterprise systems, drivers of change on the system, ethical and social responsibilities of business, and the requirements for success in today s business environment. 2. Analyze the factors that drive supply and demand, different types of market stru ctures in a free enterprise system, and factor of stability in a nation s economy. 3.

Formulate competitive market entry strategies based on analysis of global market s. 4. Evaluate the different forms of business ownership to determine the optimal stru cture in different scenarios and the process for a business start-up. 5. Analyze business plans based on an analysis of domestic and global operating env ironments, market dynamics, and electronic and internal capabilities. 6. Apply the four (4) functions of management and effective decision making to effi ciently utilize resources and achieve organizational goals. 7. Integrate the core human resource management functions and considerations into v iable recommendations to meet the organization s operating requirements. 8. Examine team concepts and effective communication in the workplace. 9. Analyze a firm s operations management and make recommendations to enhance quality and increase productivity. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 1 of 21

BUS 508

Contemporary Business

10. Apply the core marketing concepts and marketing orientation to develop viabl e marketing strategies that fit a variety of market environments, domestic and international . 11. Analyze information technology applications and the application of decision support systems to gain a competitive advantage and more effectively control operations. 12. Analyze the components of the basic financial statements, and conduct trend and ratio analysis to assess a firm s financial performance. 13. Examine the components of the financial system including markets, financial institutions, the Federal Reserve, and laws and regulations. 14. Evaluate the sources of short-term and long-term financing to identify the e ffective use and associated risks of these sources in managing working capital and in capital bud geting. 15. Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary business. 16. Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mechanics. WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 1 3.5 hours in weekly work. This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mod e. Week Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation Points 1 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 1: The Changing Face of Business o Chapter 2: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Activities Discussions Evaluation None 20 2 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 3: Economic Challenges Facing Contemporary Business o Chapter 4: Competing in World Markets e-Activity o In the online course click on Read, Study, and Practice. Select Chapter 4, and then select Contemporary Business Updates. Finally, use the Search this website option to

locate and view the video titled A Car for Tree-huggers min 20s). Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation None 20 3 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 5: Options for Organizing Small and Large

(2

2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 2 of 21

BUS 508

Contemporary Business

Businesses o Case 5.1: Military Veteran o Chapter 6: Starting Your Own Business: The Entrepreneurial Alternative Activities Discussions Evaluation 20 Assignment 1: Entrepreneurial Leadership 240 4 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 7: E-Business: Doing Business Online o Appendix D: Developing a Business Plan e-Activity o Go to the Inc. Magazine Website to read the article titled Top 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Writing a Business Plan located at http://www.inc.com/ss/top-10mistakesentrepreneurs-make-when-writing-businessplan# 10, Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation 20 Assignment 2: Diversification Strategies 240 5 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 8: Management, Leadership, and the Internal Organization o Chapter 9: Human Resource Management, Motivation, and Labor Management Relations e-Activity o Listen to the podcast titled Changing the Way We Lead and Succeed: How to Create a Work Culture that s Both Compassionate and Competitive, (17 min 50 s) dated February 15, 2008 located at http://www.amanet.org/training/podcasts/Dr-Susan-SmithKuczmarskiand-Thomas-Kuczmarski-on-Changing-the-WayWeLead-and-Succeed-08-07.aspx. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions

Evaluation 20 None 6 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 10: Improving Performance through Empowerment, Teamwork, and Communication o Chapter 11: Production and Operations Management 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 3 of 21

BUS 508

Contemporary Business

Activities Discussions Evaluation 20 Assignment 3: Using Teams in Production and Operations Management 240 7 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 12: Customer-Driven Marketing o Chapter 13: Product and Distribution Strategies e-Activity o In the online course click on Read, Study, and Practice. Select Chapter 12, and then select Contemporary Business Updates. Finally, use the Search this website option to locate and view the video titled Video Games Get into Motion (3 min 35 s). Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation None 20 8 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 14: Promotion and Pricing Strategies o Chapter 15: Using Technology to Manage Information Activities Discussions Evaluation 20 Assignment 4: Internet Technology, Marketing, and Security 280 9 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 16: Understanding Accounting and Financial Statements o Chapter 17: The Financial System Activities Discussions Evaluation

None 20 10 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 18: Financial Management o Appendix C: Personal Finance Planning e-Activity o Go to the Feed the Pig Website located at http://feedthepig.org/fivepercent to take the 5% Challenge. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 4 of 21

BUS 508

Contemporary Business

Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Assignment 5: Financial Management 20 280 11 Preparation Reading(s): None Activities Discussions Evaluation None 20 GRADING SCALE GRADUATE

Assignment Total Points % of Grade Assignment 1: Entrepreneurial Leadership 240 16% Assignment 2: Diversification Strategies 240 16% Assignment 3: Using Teams in Production and Operations Management 240 16% Assignment 4: Internet Technology, Marketing, and Security 280 19% Assignment 5: Financial Management 280 19% Participation (22 discussions worth 10 points apiece) 220 14% Totals 1,500 100% Points Percentage 1,350 1,500 90% 1,200 1,349 80% 1,050 1,199 70% Below 1,050 Below Grade 100% A 89% B 79% C 70% F

2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 5 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 1: Entrepreneurial Leadership Due Week 3 and worth 240 points Read these brief quotes and/or scenarios about entrepreneurs: Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google, a leader in Internet search technolog y, while they were graduate students at Stanford University. The company's mission statement is: "to organize the world's information and make it universally acces sible and useful. However, the company's unofficial slogan is don t be evil. Thomas Edison: "I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in ter ms of the service it might give others... I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent." Victor Kiam (Remington Electric Shavers): "Entrepreneurs are risk takers, willin g to roll the dice with their money or reputation on the line in support of an idea or ent erprise. They willingly assume responsibility for the success or failure of a venture and are answerable for all its facets." Peter Drucker (Leader in management thinking): The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity. Blake Mycoskie created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need, after visiting Arge ntina and found so many children had no shoes to protect their feet. He calls the movement : One for One. Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, develops and markets natural cosmetic products. In addition to developing and selling natural cosmetics, she advocates community trade, human rights, and animal protection. Research two leading entrepreneurs to determine their entrepreneurial approaches one in each of the following categories: (1) profit oriented, (2) social responsibility oriented. Write a 4-6 page paper in which you: 1. Analyze and describe the founding leader(s), leadership style, and major busines s principles of a profit-oriented entrepreneurial approach in which the primary goal is to provide a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. 2. Analyze and describe the founding leader(s), leadership style, and major busines s principles of a social-responsibility oriented entrepreneurial approach in which the primary is

goal to make a positive impact on society (people, families, ecology, or similar) while providi ng a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. 3. Determine the approach and leadership style with which you most identify and exp lain your reasons for your choice. 4. Determine what three resources or tools available through the Small Business Adm inistration and SCORE would be the most useful to the type of business and entrepreneurial appro ach you identified with.Explaiyooureeasons. 5. Use a minimum of three (3) quality external resources from the last five (5) yea rs to support the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Your assignment must: 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 6 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch mar gins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student s name, t he professor s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Examine the private enterprise systems, drivers of change on the system, ethical and social responsibilities of business, and the requirements for success in today s business environment. Evaluate the different forms of business ownership to determine the optimal stru cture in different scenarios and the process for a business start-up. Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary busi ness. Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mec hanics. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 240 Assignment 1: Entrepreneurial Leadership Criteria Unacceptable Below 70% F Fair 70-79% C Proficient 80-89% B Exemplary 90-100% A 1. Analyze and describe Did not submit or Partially analyzed Satisfactorily Thor oughly the founding leader(s), incompletely and described the analyzed and analyzed and leadership style, and analyzed and founding leader(s), described the described t he major business principles described the leadership style, founding leader(s), fo unding leader(s), of a profit-oriented founding leader(s), and major business leadership style, le adership style, entrepreneurial approach leadership style, principles of a and major business an d major business in which the primary goal and major business profit-oriented principles of a pri nciples of a is to provide a product or principles of a entrepreneurial profit-oriented profi

t-oriented service to consumers profit-oriented approach in which entrepreneurial entrepren eurial and to make a profit. entrepreneurial the primary goal is approach in which appr oach in which Weight: 25% approach in which the primary goal is to provide a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. to provide a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. the primary goal is to provide a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. the primary goal is to provide a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. 2. Analyze and describe Did not submit or Partially analyzed Satisfactorily Thor oughly the founding leader(s), incompletely and described the analyzed and analyzed and leadership style, and analyzed and founding leader(s), described the described t he major business principles described the leadership style, founding leader(s), fo unding leader(s), of a social-responsibility founding leader(s), and major business leadership sty le, leadership style, oriented entrepreneurial leadership style, principles of a and major business an d major business approach in which the and major business social-responsibility principles of a p rinciples of a primary is goal to make a principles of a oriented social-responsibility socialresponsibility positive impact on social-responsibility entrepreneurial oriented oriented society (people, families, oriented approach in which entrepreneurial entreprene urial ecology, or similar) while entrepreneurial the primary is goal approach in which approach in which providing a product or approach in which to make a positive the primary is goal the primary is goal service to consumers the primary is goal impact on society to make a positive to make a positive and to make a profit. to make a positive (people, families, impact on society im pact on society Weight: 25% impact on society (people, families, ecology, or similar) while providing a (people, families, ecology, or similar) (people, families, ecology, or similar)

2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012) Page 7 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

ecology, or similar) while providing a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. product or service to consumers and to make a profit. while providing a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. while providing a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. 3. Discuss the approach and leadership style with which you most identify and explain your reasons for your choice. Weight: 15% Did not submit or incompletely discussed the approach and leadership style with which you most identify and explained your reasons for your choice. Partially discussed the approach and leadership style with which you most identify and explained your reasons for your choice. Satisfactorily discussed the approach and leadership style with which you most identify and explained your reasons for your choice. Thoroughly discussed the approach and leadership style with which you most identify and explained your reasons for your

choice. 4. Determine what three resources or tools available through the Small Business Administration and SCORE would be the most useful to the type of business and entrepreneurial approach you identified with. Explain your reasons. Weight: 20% Did not submit or incompletely determined what three resources or tools available through the Small Business Administration and SCORE would be the most useful to the type of business and entrepreneurial approach you identified with. Explained your reasons. Partially determined what three resources or tools available through the Small Business Administration and SCORE would be the most useful to the type of business and entrepreneurial approach you identified with. Explained your reasons. Satisfactorily determined what three resources or tools available through the Small Business Administration and SCORE would be the most useful to the type of business and entrepreneurial approach you identified with. Explained your reasons. Thoroughly determined what

three resources or tools available through the Small Business Administration and SCORE would be the most useful to the type of business and entrepreneurial approach you identified with. Explained your reasons. 5. Clarity and writing mechanics Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present 5-6 errors present 3-4 errors present 0-2 errors present 6. Use a minimum of three (3) quality external resources from the last five (5) years to support the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Weight: 5% No references provided. Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 8 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 2: Diversification Strategies Due Week 4 and worth 240 points A big question in business is: To Diversify or Not to Diversify? Some corporatio ns (e.g., Amazon, 3M and General Electric) have diversified broadly over the years and have had great suc cess. Other diversification attempts (e.g., Time Warner s purchase of AOL) have taken companie s away from their core businesses and their experiences are less successful. Research two corporations that have had different outcomes (one successful and o ne unsuccessful) with their diversification strategies. Compare and contrast each corporation s diversif ication strategy and evaluate the reasons for each one s success or failure in the venture. Write a 4-6 page paper in which you: 1. Compare and contrast the two businesses core business, their size, financials, glo bal presence, use of e-business (marketing, sales, etc.). 2. Compare and contrast their outcomes (one successful, one unsuccessful). 3. Analyze the three primary reasons for the different outcomes. 4. Recommend two actions the unsuccessful one could have made to make their diversi fication venture successful. 5. Use a minimum of three (3) quality external resources from the last five (5) yea rs to support the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Your assignment must: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch mar gins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your pro fessor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student s name, t he professor s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Examine the private enterprise systems, drivers of change on the system, ethical and social responsibilities of business, and the requirements for success in today s business environment.

Analyze business plans based on an analysis of domestic and global operating env ironments, market dynamics, and electronic and internal capabilities. Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary busi ness. Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mec hanics Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 240 Assignment 2: Diversification Strategies Criteria Unacceptable Below 70% F Fair 70-79% C Proficient 80-89% B Exemplary 90-100% A 1. Compare and contrast the two businesses core business, their size, financials, global Did not submit or incompletely compared and contrasted the two Partially compared and contrasted the two businesses core business, their Satisfactorily compared and contrasted the two businesses core Thoroughly compared and contrasted the two businesses core 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 9 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

presence, use of ebusinesses core size, financials, business, their size, business, their size, business (marketing, business, their size, global presence, financials, global f inancials, global sales, etc.). financials, global use of e-business presence, use of e-presence, use of eWeight: 25% presence, use of ebusiness (marketing, sales, etc.). (marketing, sales, etc.). business (marketing, sales, etc.). business (marketing, sales, etc.). 2. Compare and contrast Did not submit or Partially compared Satisfactorily Thor oughly their outcomes (one incompletely and contrasted their compared and compared and successful, one compared and outcomes (one contrasted their contrasted their unsuccessful). contrasted their successful, one outcomes (one outcomes (one Weight: 25% outcomes (one successful, one unsuccessful). unsuccessful). successful, one unsuccessful). successful, one unsuccessful). 3. Analyze the three Did not submit or Partially analyzed Satisfactorily Thoroug hly primary reasons for the incompletely the three primary analyzed the three analyz ed the three different outcomes. analyzed the three reasons for the primary reasons for prima ry reasons for Weight: 20% primary reasons for the different outcomes. different outcomes. the different outcomes. the different outcomes. 4. Recommend two actions the unsuccessful company could have taken to make their diversification venture successful. Weight: 15% Did not submit or incompletely recommended two actions the unsuccessful company could have taken to make

their diversification venture successful. Partially recommended two actions the unsuccessful company could have taken to make their diversification venture successful. Satisfactorily recommended two actions the unsuccessful company could have taken to make their diversification venture successful. Thoroughly recommended two actions the unsuccessful company could have taken to make their diversification venture successful. 5. Clarity and writing mechanics Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present 5-6 errors present 3-4 errors present 0-2 errors present 6. Use a minimum of three (3) quality external resources from the last five (5) years to support the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Weight: 5% No references provided. Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of

Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 10 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 3: Using Teams in Production and Operations Management Due Week 6 and worth 240 points Dr. W. Edwards Deming developed 14 principles for production and operations mana gement that came to be known as Total Quality Management (TQM). One principle is to work in teams. H e advised his clients to: Break down barriers between departments and staff areas. People in different areas, such as Leasing, Maintenance, Administration, must work in teams to tackle problems that may be encountered with products or service. Research a leading manufacturer or a major retail or restaurant business. Analyz e the company s production and operations management system and evaluate the use of teams in its production and operations management. Write a 5-6 page paper in which you: 1. Describe a major global corporation: (1) a leading manufacturer or (2) a major r etail or restaurant business. Describe the type of business, market share, financials, size, and glo bal presence. 2. Describe the company s production or operations management. 3. Describe and evaluate the company s use of teams in production and operations mana gement. 4. Analyze and evaluate the company s ability to adjust to a major economic, environm ental, or natural crisis (such as the real estate crash, financial crisis, nuclear meltdow n, hurricane, flood, oil spill, etc.) and communicate effectively with their employees and customers abou t issues caused by the crisis. 5. Use a minimum of three (3) quality external resources from the last five (5) yea rs to support the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Your assignment must: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch mar gins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your pro fessor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student s name, t he professor s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in

the required page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Examine team concepts and effective communication in the workplace. Analyze a firm s operations management and make recommendations to enhance quality and increase productivity. Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary busi ness. Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mec hanics Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 240 Assignment 3: Using Teams in Production and Operations Management Criteria Unacceptable Below 70% F Fair 70-79% C Proficient 80-89% B Exemplary 90-100% A 1. Describe a major global corporation: (1) a Did not submit or incompletely Partially described a major global Satisfactorily described a major Thoroughly described a major 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 11 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

leading manufacturer or described a major corporation: (1) a global corporation: global corporation: (2) a major retail or global corporation: leading (1) a leading (1) a leading restaurant business. (1) a leading manufacturer or (2) manufacturer or (2) manuf acturer or (2) Describe the type of manufacturer or (2) a major retail or a major retail or a m ajor retail or business, market share, a major retail or restaurant restaurant restaurant financials, size, and restaurant business. Partially business. business. global presence. business. Did not described the type Satisfactorily Thoroughly Weight: 20% submit or incompletely described the type of business, market share, financials, size, and global presence. of business, market share, financials, size, and global presence. described the type of business, market share, financials, size, and global presence. described the type of business, market share, financials, size, and global presence. 2. Describe the Did not submit or Partially described Satisfactorily Thoroughly company s production or incompletely the company s described the described the operations management. described the production or company s company s Weight: 25% company s production or operations management. operations management. production or operations management. production or operations management. 3. Describe and evaluate Did not submit or Partially described Satisfactorily Th oroughly the company s use of incompletely and evaluated the described and described and teams in production and described and company s use of evaluated the evaluated the operations management. evaluated the teams in production company s use of company s use of Weight: 20% company s use of teams in production and operations management.

and operations management. teams in production and operations management. teams in production and operations management. 4. Analyze and evaluate the company s ability to adjust to a major economic, environmental, or natural crisis (such as the real estate crash, financial crisis, nuclear meltdown, hurricane, flood, oil spill, etc.) and communicate effectively with their employees and customers about issues caused by the crisis. Weight: 20% Did not submit or incompletely analyzed and evaluated the company s ability to adjust to a major economic, environmental, or natural crisis (such as the real estate crash, financial crisis, nuclear meltdown, hurricane, flood, oil spill, etc.) and communicate effectively with their employees and customers about issues caused by the crisis. Partially analyzed and evaluated the company s ability to adjust to a major economic, environmental, or natural crisis (such as the real estate crash, financial crisis, nuclear meltdown, hurricane, flood, oil spill, etc.) and communicate effectively with their employees and

customers about issues caused by the crisis. Satisfactorily analyzed and evaluated the company s ability to adjust to a major economic, environmental, or natural crisis (such as the real estate crash, financial crisis, nuclear meltdown, hurricane, flood, oil spill, etc.) and communicate effectively with their employees and customers about issues caused by the crisis. Thoroughly analyzed and evaluated the company s ability to adjust to a major economic, environmental, or natural crisis (such as the real estate crash, financial crisis, nuclear meltdown, hurricane, flood, oil spill, etc.) and communicate effectively with their employees and customers about issues caused by the crisis. 5. Clarity and writing mechanics Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present 5-6 errors present 3-4 errors present 0-2 errors present 6. Use a minimum of No references Does not meet the Meets number of Exceeds numb er of three (3) quality external provided. required number of required references; req uired references; resources from the last references; some or all references high all references h igh five (5) years to support all references poor quality choices. quality choices. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i

n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 12 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Weight: 5% quality choices. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 13 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 4: Internet Technology, Marketing, and Security Due Week 8 and worth 280 points Most major corporations, as well as government agencies, have an online presence for organizational and product information, marketing, sales, communication, and customer loyalty. Balancing effective marketing, sales, and communication with security is a major challenge. An organ ization s Web site also has a privacy/security policy and uses programs tools designed to protect those who visit the site and put in their information. However, numerous accounts of minor to serious security br eaches are reported each year. Select a major corporation that markets and sells through its Web site and which has experienced a security breach in the past three years. Write a 5-6 page paper in which you: 1. Describe and evaluate a major corporation s Website in these four areas: (1) produ ct information, (2) corporation s contact information, (3) customization of products for customers , and (4) customer information at purchase. 2. Describe and evaluate three (3) of the corporation s Internet marketing strategies and the competitive advantages its Website provides. 3. Analyze and evaluate the corporation s privacy / security policy and the corporati on s response to the security breach. 4. Recommend and provide rationale for two (2) methods and/or tools to ensure great er security for customers. 5. Use a minimum of three (3) quality external resources from the last three (3) ye ars to support the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Your assignment must: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch mar gins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your pro fessor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student s name, t he professor s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in

the required page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Apply the core marketing concepts and marketing orientation to develop viable ma rketing strategies that fit a variety of market environments, domestic and international . Analyze information technology applications and the application of decision supp ort systems to gain a competitive advantage and more effectively control operations. Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary busi ness. Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mec hanics Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 14 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

Points: 280 Assignment 4: Internet Technology, Marketing, and Security Criteria Unacceptable Below 70% F Fair 70-79% C Proficient 80-89% B Exemplary 90-100% A 1. Describe and evaluate Did not submit or Partially described Satisfactorily Th oroughly a major corporation s incompletely and evaluated a described and described and Website in these four described and major corporation s evaluated a major evaluate d a major areas: (1) product evaluated a major Website in these corporation s corporation s information, (2) corporation s four features: (1) Website in these Website in thes e corporation s contact Website in these product information, four features: (1) fou r features: (1) information, (3) four features: (1) (2) corporation s product information, product information, customization of products product information, contact information, (2) corporat ion s (2) corporation s for customers, and (4) (2) corporation s (3) customization of contact information, contact information, customer information at contact information, products for (3) customization of ( 3) customization of purchase. (3) customization of customers, and (4) products for products for Weight: 25% products for customers, and (4) customer information at purchase. customer information at purchase. customers, and (4) customer information at purchase. customers, and (4) customer information at purchase. 2. Describe and evaluate Did not submit or Partially described Satisfactorily Th oroughly three (3) of the incompletely and evaluated three described and described and corporation s Internet described and (3) of the evaluated three (3) evaluated thre e (3) marketing strategies and evaluated three (3) corporation s of the corporation s of t he corporation s the competitive of the corporation s Internet marketing Internet marketing Interne t marketing advantages its Website Internet marketing strategies and the strategies and the strategies and the provides. strategies and the competitive competitive competitive Weight: 20% competitive

advantages its Website provides. advantages its Website provides. advantages its Website provides. advantages its Website provides. 3. Analyze and evaluate Did not submit or Partially analyzed Satisfactorily Thor oughly the corporation s privacy incompletely and evaluated the analyzed and analyzed and / security policy and the analyzed and corporation s evaluated the evaluated the corporation s response to evaluated the privacy / security corporation s corporation s the security breach. corporation s policy and the privacy / security privacy / sec urity Weight: 25% privacy / security policy and the corporation s response to the security breach. corporation s response to the security breach. policy and the corporation s response to the security breach. policy and the corporation s response to the security breach. 4. Recommend and Did not submit or Partially Satisfactorily Thoroughly provide rationale for two incompletely recommended and recommended and recommend ed and (2) methods and/or tools recommended and provided rationale provided rationale p rovided rationale to ensure greater security provided rationale for two (2) methods for two (2) me thods for two (2) methods for customers. for two (2) methods and/or tools to and/or tools to and/or tools to Weight: 15% and/or tools to ensure greater security for customers. ensure greater security for customers. ensure greater security for customers. ensure greater security for customers. 5. Clarity and writing mechanics Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present

5-6 errors present 3-4 errors present 0-2 errors present 6. Use a minimum of No references Does not meet the Meets number of Exceeds numb er of three (3) quality external provided. required number of required references; req uired references; resources from the last references; some or all references high all references h igh five (5) years to support all references poor quality choices. quality choices. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 15 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Weight: 5% quality choices. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 16 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 5: Financial Management Due Week 10 and worth 280 points Google, a leader in Internet information searching, is being challenged by other big names in Internet technology. Compare and contrast Google s business model and financial management with Microsoft s, which launched Bing. Access Google and Microsoft s annual reports and financial statements at their Web sites. In addition to the text, you may access some other sites and or sources to understand the how t o analyze an income statement and a balance sheet. For example, the following sites can provide guid ance: Understanding the Income Statement at: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/04/0 22504.asp Reading the Balance Sheet at: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/04/031004.asp However, if these sites are not available, there are other sites that can be acc essed that will provide sufficient information and guidance. Write a 7-8 page paper in which you: 1. Calculate or identify from each company s most recent annual report the six (6) sp ecific financial ratios listed and provide as an appendix to the paper. Liquidity measurement ratio: o Current ratio Profitability indicator ratios: o Return on assets o Return on equity Debt ratio: o Debt ratio Operating performance ratio: o Fixed asset turnover ratio Cash flow indicator ratio: o Dividend payout ratio Investment valuation ratio:

o Price / Earnings ratio (If you need help with ratios you could access Web sites that provide guidance s uch as: http://www.investopedia.com/university/ratios/ However, if this site is not available, other sites can be accessed that offer s imilar information.) 2. Compare and contrast each company s business model: (1) core business, (2) leading products and/or services, (3) management/leadership style, and (4) innovation track recor d. 3. Use the financial ratio analysis and explain which company is better able to wit hstand a major recession. 4. Explain what the profitability ratios can tell about Google and Microsoft s perfor mance and how that information would influence investing decisions. 5. Identify and explain three (3) primary financial-based guidelines that should be used when selecting which of these two companies to invest in. 6. Use a minimum of three (3) quality external resources from the last three (3) ye ars to support the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 17 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

Your assignment must: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch mar gins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your pro fessor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student s name, t he professor s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Analyze the components of the basic financial statements, and conduct trend and ratio analysis to assess a firm s financial performance. Evaluate the sources of short-term and long-term financing to identify the effec tive use and associated risks of these sources in managing working capital and in capital bud geting. Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary busi ness. Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mec hanics Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 280 Assignment 5: Financial Management Criteria Unacceptable Below 70% F Fair 70-79% C Proficient 80-89% B Exemplary 90-100% A 1. Calculate or Did not submit or Partially calculated or Satisfactorily Thoroug hly identify from each incompletely identified from each calculated or calculated or company s most calculated or company s most identified from each identified from eac h recent annual report identified from each recent annual report company s most comp any s most the six (6) specific company s most the six (6) specific recent annual report rece nt annual report financial ratios listed recent annual report financial ratios listed the six (6) specific the six (6) specific and provide as an the six (6) specific and provided as an financial ratios liste

d financial ratios listed appendix to the financial ratios listed appendix to the and provided as an and p rovided as an paper. and provided as an paper. appendix to the appendix to the Weight: 10% appendix to the paper. paper. paper. 2. Compare and Did not submit or Partiallydetermined SatisfactorilyThoroughlycom pared contrast each incompletelycompared and compared and and contrasted each company s business compared and contrasted each contrasted each company s business model: (1) core contrasted each company s business company s business model: (1) cor e business, (2) leading company s business model: (1) core model: (1) core business, (2) leading products and/or model: (1) core business, (2) leading business, (2) leading prod ucts and/or services, (3) business, (2) leading products and/or products and/or services, (3 ) management/leaders products and/or services, (3) services, (3) management/leader s hip style, and (4) services, (3) management/leaders management/leaders hip style , and (4) innovation track management/leaders hip style, and (4) hip style, and (4) innova tion track record. hip style, and (4) innovation track innovation track record. Weight: 20% innovation track record. record. record. 3. Use the financial Did not submit or Partially used the Satisfactorily used Th oroughly used the ratio analysis and incompletely used the financial ratio the financial ratio fin ancial ratio explain which financial ratio analysis and analysis and analysis and company is better analysis and explained which explained which explained which 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012) Page 18 of 21

BUS 508

Assignments and Rubrics

able to withstand a major recession. Weight: 15% explained which company is better able to withstand a major recession. company is better able to withstand a major recession. company is better able to withstand a major recession. company is better able to withstand a major recession. 4. Explain what the Did not submit or Partially explained Satisfactorily Thoroug hly explained profitability ratios can incompletely what the profitability explained what the what the profitability tell you about Google explained what the ratios can tell you profitability ratio s can ratios can tell you and Microsoft s profitability ratios can about Google and tell you about Google ab out Google and performance and how tell you about Google Microsoft s and Microsoft s Microsoft s that information and Microsoft s performance and how performance and how performan ce and how would influence performance and how that information that information that infor mation investing decisions. that information would influence would influence would infl uence Weight: 20% would influence investing decisions. investing decisions. investing decisions. investing decisions. 5. Identify and Did not submit or Partially identified Satisfactorily Thoroughly identified explain three (3) incompletely and explained three identified and and explained three primary financial-identified and (3) primary financial-explained three (3) (3) p rimary financialbased guidelines that explained three (3) based guidelines that primary financia l-based guidelines that should be used when primary financial-should be used when based guidelines that should be used when selecting which of based guidelines that selecting which of should be used when selecting which of these two companies should be used when these two companies selecting which of t hese two companies to invest in. selecting which of to invest in. these two companies to invest in. Weight: 20% these two companies to invest in. to invest in. 6. Clarity and writing mechanics Weight: 10% More than 6 errors

present 5-6 errors present 3-4 errors present 0-2 errors present 7. Use a minimum of five (5) quality external resources from the last three (3) years to support the content of the paper. (Note: Do not use Wiki sites.) Weight: 5% No references provided. Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 19 of 21

BUS 508

Student Notes

Weekly Course Schedule The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance, the required pre paration, activities, and evaluation components of your course. For more information about your course, wh ether on-ground or online, access your online course shell. The expectations for a 4.5 credit hour course are for students to spend 13.5 hou rs in weekly work. This time estimate includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of the delivery mode. Instructional Materials In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required textbooks and other instructional materials prior to the first day of class. When available, Strayer University provides a l ink to the first three (3) chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format. Check your online course shell for availability. Review the online course shell or check with your professor to determine whether Internet-based assignments and activities are used in this course. Instructional materials are obtained through the university s virtual bookstore an d can be accessed through iCampus: http:bookstore.mbsdirect.net/strayer.htm. Courses with Internet -based assignments and activities on publisher sites may require the purchase of onetime access cod es. When purchasing used textbooks, a separate access code purchase will be necessary. Discussions Students taking this course online are required to post their discussions to a w eekly thread in the online course shell. Respond to at least two (2) other students posts to earn full credi t for each discussion. As it is always possible that you could lose your work due to unforeseen circumstances , you should routinely save your work in a separate file before posting in the course discussion area. Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground students. Check with your professor if any additional discussion participation is required in the online course shell outsi de of class hours. Tests Tests (quizzes, midterm and final exams, essay exams, lab tests, etc.) are avail able for student access and completion through the online course shell. Check the online course shell to determine how you are expected to take the tests.

Online students are to complete the test by Sunday midnight the week the test is due. On-ground students are to complete the tests after the material is covered and b efore the next class session. Assignments A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your professor will use to e valuate your written assignments. Review the rubric before submitting assignments that have grading r ubrics associated with them to ensure you have met the performance criteria stated on the rubric. Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group grading; however, worki ng in groups in the online or on-ground classroom is acceptable. Assignments for online students are always submitted through the online course s hell. On-ground professors will inform students on how to submit assignments, whether in paper f ormat or through the online course shell. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 20 of 21

BUS 508 Resources

Student Notes

The Resource Center navigation button in the online course shell contains helpfu l links. Strayer University Library Resources are available here as well as other important information. You should review this area to find resources and answers to common questions. Technical support is available for the following: For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online Technical Support by logg ing in to your iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under Student Center, then Submit Help Ticket. If you are unable to log in to your iCampus accoun t, please contact Technical Support via phone at (877) 642-2999. For concerns with your class, please access the Solution Center by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under Student Center, then Submit Help Ticket. If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please co ntact the Office of Student Affairs via email at mailto:studentaffairs@strayer.edu. TurnItIn is an optional online tool to assess the originality of student written work. Check with your professor for access and use instructions. The Strayer Policies link on the navigation bar in the online course shell conta ins academic policies. It is important that students be aware of these policies. 2011 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer Univ ersity Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or i n part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 508 Student Version 1124 (1002 2-26-2012)Page 21 of 21