Business
Business (BUS) Courses
BUS 100 English for the Professional
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course prepares students for professional business communication and BUS 310: Business Communications. It presents principles of correct and effective English usage as applied in business. Included are skills and techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, spelling, business vocabulary, and business and employment document formatting. It emphasizes critical thinking and effective writing techniques by analyzing written communication and composing and organizing paragraphs into effective business documents. Proofreading skills are stressed throughout the course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify, select, and use appropriate writing aids, references, and Internet resources used in business writing.
- prepare documents that exhibit a clear understanding of the structure of English grammar, word usage, punctuation, spelling, and business vocabulary.
- produce documents that demonstrate the essentials of sentence structure, critical thinking, and effective business writing.
- compose coherent, well-developed, unified paragraphs within documents.
- proofread, edit, and evaluate written sentences, paragraphs, and basic business documents.
- research, create, proofread, edit, and evaluate employment documents.
BUS 105 Business Mathematics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- General Education:AA/AS Area II(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course reviews basic mathematical skills and introduces equations and formulas in solving for unknowns. Calculations for banking, commercial discounts, retail and wholesale markup-markdown, payroll computations, simple and compound interest, bank discount, present value, taxes, insurance, depreciation, and financial statements are explored. This course is recommended for business majors.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
- use fractions, decimals, graphs, and statistics to calculate values.
- analyze application problems.
- solve for unknowns by using formulas, variables, and equations.
- evaluate financial alternatives based on mathematical formulas.
- demonstrate accuracy, neatness, thoroughness, promptness, and speed as they pertain to business mathematics.
BUS 110 Business Economics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 102 and ENGRD 116 with a grade of “C” or better; OR ESLR 320 and ESLW 320 with a grade of “C” or better.
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is designed for two-year Accounting, Business, Computer Information, Marketing, and Real Estate majors. Both microeconomic and macroeconomic theory are covered with the emphasis towards applications. This course does not meet ECON 302 or 304 requirements for transfer students.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- summarize and analyze the interaction between macro and micro economics.
- summarize the history of economic thought and its relevance to modern business practices.
- evaluate the effect of government economic actions on business and industry.
- analyze current economic events and their effect on the business community.
- apply various economic principles to business disciplines such as marketing, finance, law, accounting, and ethics.
BUS 210 The Business Plan
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUS 350; and eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course offers an organized, step-by-step approach to preparing a business plan. All sections of the business plan are covered.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the essential elements of a business plan.
- identify resources needed to create a business plan.
- analyze target markets.
- develop a business plan.
- evaluate business plans based on quality and thoroughness of content.
- project start-up, monthly, and yearly costs.
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUS 350; and eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers how small businesses market products and services to consumers through the creation of a marketing plan. Topics include identifying target markets and utilizing the marketing mix to most effectively reach customers.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the marketing mix: product or service, price, place, and promotion.
- describe competitive advantages for a small business and how to utilize this within the marketing mix.
- analyze potential markets.
- create a marketing plan for a small business utilizing appropriate data.
BUS 214 Financing a Small Business
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the sources and methods of raising capital for small businesses. It explores how much money is needed and where it can be obtained, start-up costs, and projecting monthly and yearly costs. Financial ratios and key financial statements are also covered.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate available sources of money for entrepreneurs.
- evaluate typical requirements and qualifications for obtaining various types of financing.
- interpret financial statements and apply key financial ratios.
- arrange and present financial needs and financial statements to potential lenders or investors.
- predict financial needs of the business, one-time and ongoing.
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUS 105 and 350 with a grade of "C" or better.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course emphasizes the various types of records that small businesses must keep. The focus is on financial, employment, and tax records. Simple, easy-to-use record-keeping systems are covered.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe how adequate recordkeeping systems help increase the chance of a small business's survival.
- identify specific tax treatment of the various types of business organizations.
- research and list how to report business income and expenses, employment taxes, and business use of the home.
- explain and perform the process of completing and filing employment tax and income tax forms.
- state the factors used in determining the need for professional tax and/or accounting assistance.
- construct a filing system with specific document categories for your own business to organize all your pertinent records.
- define the various types of business records that a small business will encounter during startup and operations.
BUS 218 Management Skills for the Small Business
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Bus. 350 with a grade of "C" or better.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
A small business owner must understand and motivate others to help the business reach its objectives. This course covers planning and organizing work flow, delegating responsibilities, leadership styles, decision making, stress management, and working with employee organizations, all of which help the business reach its objectives.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the four functions of management: planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating.
- list the traits and characteristics of effective leaders.
- analyze the skills used in training and motivating employees.
- describe the steps used in making decisions and the importance of decision-making skills.
- define the different types of leadership styles.
- formulate a leadership plan and style conducive to a specific small business.
BUS 220 Retailing and Merchandising for the Small Business
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUS 105 and 350 with a "C" grade or better.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course emphasizes retailing concepts, such as inventory control and turnover rates, selecting merchandise sources, using trade and cash discounts, pricing, markup and markdown, and shrinkage control. It also includes how to develop a merchandising plan, inventory control system, and assessing consumer behavior and demographics.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- develop, evaluate, and implement a merchandise plan.
- analyze pricing theories, including markup and markdown.
- describe various inventory control systems.
- analyze how to meet customers' needs through the use of demographic and psychographic data.
- interpret and compare data from various financial records.
- design and construct an inventory control system for a small business.
BUS 224 Customer Service
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUS 350
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces a study of the principles involved in building and delivering effective customer service. It focuses on providing value-added service through improved attitude, improved listening, conflict management, problem solving, and successful customer service interactions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the importance of customer service and its relationship to the success of any business.
- describe effective strategies to improve communication with a diverse customer base.
- analyze the role of customer services in the marketing of a good and/or service.
- explain how to develop customer relationships that are strong and persistent.
BUS 228 Selling Techniques for the Small Business
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUS 350
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course focuses on those skills needed to successfully engage in the sales process of products/services. Special emphasis is given to small business owners and their needs.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the steps in the sales process.
- differentiate among different types of selling.
- identify and demonstrate effective elements of communication style.
- relate the various skills of professional selling techniques to the small business.
BUS 250 Survey of International Business
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUS 300
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a comprehensive overview of international business, designed to provide both beginners and experienced business people with a global perspective on international trade, including foreign investments, impact of financial markets, international marketing, and the operation of multi-national corporations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast domestic business practices and foreign business operations
- interpret and discuss the impact on international trade of economic, cultural, financial, political, and geographic differences.
- explain the differences in development outcomes between market and non-market economies
- construct a strategic plan for opening up global markets for a small business.
- research and assess demographic information for foreign countries or markets to identify which would be most suitable to export goods and services.
BUS 294 Topics in Business
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides opportunities to study topics in business that are not included in current course offerings. Individualized topics may be developed in cooperation with business and industry to meet specialized training needs.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe current subject matter as identified in cooperation with business and industry.
- apply skills to the level identified by the instructor in development of each semester's offering.
- analyze and interpret data to complete written reports as designed prior to each semester's offering for the topic.
BUS 295 Independent Studies in Business
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
BUS 299 Experimental Offering in Business
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
BUS 300 Introduction to Business
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b)
- C-ID:C-ID BUS 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides a multidisciplinary examination of how culture, society, economic systems, legal, international, political, financial institutions, and human behavior interact to affect a business organization’s policy and practices within the U.S. and a global society. It covers specific areas such as management, marketing, finance, accounting, economics, and computer information systems. It is a core requirement for business majors. This course provides an overview that is helpful for selecting a specific career and/or major in the field of business.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the economic, social, legal, and governmental environments in which business organizations operate.
- define and describe the key management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
- identify the marketing mix and the key tools, terms, and strategies related to each element.
- define business ethics and explain the role of social responsibility in an organization.
- identify how business operates in an international/global environment including interdependence, integrated financial markets, and legal, social, cultural, factors.
- compare and contrast the advantages/disadvantages in each form of business ownership.
- explain the importance of finance to the operations of business.
BUS 310 Business Communications
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:BUS 100 or ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area II(a)
- C-ID:C-ID BUS 115
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides the basic concepts for understanding communication in a changing business environment and focuses on practicing the strategies and principles of effective communication in business situations. Tools to communicate effectively in a fast-paced technological, global marketplace are emphasized. This experience provides opportunities to create, edit, evaluate, and critique business documents and reports. A formal research paper using research and analytical skills, and drawing conclusions and making recommendations is required. A business presentation is prepared and delivered.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply communication theory, effective writing techniques, and interpersonal communication skills to business situations.
- analyze case studies, evaluate communication problems, and develop appropriate solutions to problems presented.
- compose written communications and business presentations that reflect analytical and decision-making skills.
- organize documents in proper business formats.
- formulate research problem, plan and conduct research, analyze data, develop logical conclusions and recommendations, organize material into a proper report format.
- use effective presentation techniques to deliver a business or client-focused presentation.
- evaluate ways that technology is changing business communication, including positive and negative effects.
BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1 and CISC 300 with a grade of "C" or better; and eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300, OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces basic procedures that promote effective workplace practices. Specific topics include communicating effectively, working on teams, problem-solving, preparing and processing information, understanding business ethics, researching ethical business standards, and implementing ethical principles. Activities and techniques help to develop competencies needed in the workplace to communicate with coworkers and customers effectively.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze personal communication skills in the workplace to respond appropriately to the communication styles of others.
- work effectively on a team.
- identify barriers to good communication and choose effective techniques to overcome them.
- explain active listening techniques--simple signals, mirroring and paraphrasing--to identify facts and feelings.
- specify appropriate guidelines when giving or following instructions.
- demonstrate skills in conflict resolution situations by keeping calm and calming others.
- collect and interpret information and data that can be organized to formulate and implement a solution.
- use various forms of technology to communicate in the workplace.
- assess some personal values and be able to relate how they fit within the ethical standards of an assigned organization.
- define ethical issues and develop ethical plans of action that are appropriate for use in a business setting.
- compare different ethical policies or codes of conduct from at least three organizations.
- prepare a professional portfolio or e-portfolio of acquired workplace skills.
BUS 317 Managing Workplace Conflict
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course focuses on identifying and understanding the underlying causes of workplace conflict and strategies for managing conflict effectively. It explores the impact of conflict on workplace communication, decision making, and leadership. It includes practical and strategic skills to prevent escalation of conflict and defuse disruptive behaviors.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain and assess the role personality and negotiating temperament plays in workplace conflict management.
- analyze the negotiation process, strategies, and techniques for effective conflict resolution in the workplace.
- apply a situational approach to workplace conflict resolution.
- evaluate benefits and drawbacks of various conflict management strategies in the context of the workplace.
BUS 320 Concepts in Personal Finance
- Same As:ECON 320
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area D2
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers how to analyze financial affairs for lifelong decision making. It examines the basics of financial planning, analysis, and decision making in areas of budgeting, taxes, credit, money management, insurance, investments, and retirement with an emphasis on principles to develop economic decision-making skills. This course is not open to students who have completed ECON 320.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine economic needs, establish financial goals, and design a personal financial plan to achieve them
- apply economic principles and concepts to develop a financial plan
- assess the changing economic environment and develop alternative plans or contingency plans so the personal financial plan remains viable
- analyze the various investment options to aid in successful financial planning
- apply the concept of the time value of money
- explain types of risk and risk management methods to develop a risk management plan
- analyze advantages and disadvantages of credit, determine the cost of credit, and assess the types and sources of credit
- construct, implement, review, and revise a financial plan
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D3
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
The course examines the leadership skills and abilities needed to manage a multicultural workplace. It focuses on the workplace impact of various historical, social, and cultural experience/perspectives related to gender, age, ethnicity, and disability. Workplace issues related to the diversity of the American consumer and global consumer impact on the United States are analyzed.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define culture within the context of the United States workplace.
- evaluate demographic trends in order to determine the effects upon the United States society and workplace.
- analyze how language, gender, race, ethnicity, and organizational culture interact to produce a motivating organizational climate.
- apply leadership skills and abilities that are effective in managing a multicultural workforce.
- analyze the impact of cultural, historical, and stereotypical perspectives on the workplace.
BUS 332 Cross-Cultural Customer Service
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course focuses on defining and developing skills to ensure customer service satisfaction and success. Emphasis is placed on dealing with difficult situations and people from a cross-cultural perspective, and on bringing out the best in others. It provides practical, hands-on techniques for those engaged in customer contact.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- adapt to different customer behavior styles.
- describe techniques to handle angry customers.
- evaluate verbal and non-verbal cues in appraising a conflict situation.
- apply positive communication and listening techniques.
- apply strategies for service recovery.
- communicate effectively with a diverse customer population.
BUS 340 Business Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 102 and ENGRD 116 with a grade of “C” or better; OR ESLR 320 and ESLW 320 with a grade of “C” or better.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID BUS 125
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course focuses on the law in its relationship to the environment of business. Topics covered include the American legal system as an instrument of economic, social, and political control, sources and processes of law, contracts and sales, agency, business organizations, ethics, and the regulatory process.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define and explain important legal principles and analyze how they affect business and personal issues.
- describe the federal and state court system's structure and organization and how court procedures are applied during the litigation process including trial.
- assess the need for law and its importance to our society.
- analyze legal situations, think logically, distinguish fact from opinion, and formulate strategies based on legal precedents.
- interpret regulatory laws, legislation and statutes and discuss how they promote fair competition in a private enterprise economic system.
- assess and apply legal principles by analysis of case problems.
BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides an overview of the various elements involved in starting and operating a small business. It covers developing a business plan, finding financial resources, developing personal and business goals, managing employees, meeting legal requirements, understanding marketing concepts, and other topics of interest to the entrepreneur.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess how to start a business and which form of business organization should be used.
- explain the importance of a business plan, a financial plan, and a marketing plan.
- apply principles of management and marketing relevant to the small business.
- evaluate financial reports.
- analyze the impact of legal requirements and government regulations as related to the operation of the small business.
- describe the financing process and how to access capital.
BUS 495 Independent Studies in Business
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
BUS 498 Work Experience in Business
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to business with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Business Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of business. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.
During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate application of industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in business related to a transfer degree level career as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- make effective decisions, use workforce information, and manage their personal career plans.
- behave professionally, ethically, and legally during work, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational norms.
- behave responsibly during work, exhibiting initiative and self-management in situations where it is needed.
- apply effective leadership styles during work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity.
- communicate in oral, written, and other formats, as needed, in a variety of contexts during work.
- locate, organize, evaluate, and reference information during work.
- demonstrate originality and inventiveness during work by combining ideas or information in new ways, making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshaping goals in ways that reveal new possibilities using critical and creative thinking skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
BUS 499 Experimental Offering in Business
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
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