Class Schedule

A basic orientation designed to develop a foundation of business practices and the role of business in the economy, and as an aid in selecting a field of specialization.

A basic orientation designed to develop a foundation of business practices and the role of business in the economy, and as an aid in selecting a field of specialization.

Application of basic principles in the behavioral sciences, communication, practical problems of personal growth, self-management, and the development of healthy, productive, interpersonal relationships, in the workplace.

Introduction to computer systems and software applications and their impact on the business environment. Topics include computer architecture, hardware, software, computer terminology and theory. Students use software applications as problem solving tools for business projects.

Introduction to basic statistical methods, descriptive statistics, classification of data, probability, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, estimates and sample sizes, correlation and regression, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance. Use of technology to analyze data from business, life sciences, social sciences, psychology, health science, education, and physical science.

Preparation of a compelling and well-researched business plan to be used as a guide for starting or managing a small business. Emphasis is placed on formulation of effective strategies with the goal of achieving sustainable market advantage within the political, social, and economic environment. The role of business incubators as a means of leveraging physical and intellectual resources to accelerate and ensure the success of entrepreneurial businesses is also examined.

Origin, development, and functions of the law and the legal environment with the objective of promoting a general understanding of legal reasoning. Framework within which the judicial process takes place. Legal problems pertaining to contracts and related topics, sales, and the impact of law on economic enterprise.

An overview of effective business communication skills and their direct relationship to workplace success. Emphasis is placed on the planning, organizing, composing, and revising of business documents such as letters, memos, reports, and emails. Presentation skills, professional behavior in the workplace, and current communication technologies are included with an emphasis on real world problem solving. Digital communication topics include presentation software, emails, business-relevant social media, and mobile technologies.

Students may receive credit for work experience related to their major field or to their established career goal. Seminars and individual conferences are scheduled at convenient times during the semester for the instructor and the student to establish learning objectives related to the student's employment. One unit of credit for each 75 hours worked per semester, with a maximum of four units per semester, may be earned by students with jobs related to their academic or occupational majors or goals. May be repeated for credit up to 16 units. This limitation applies to Occupational Cooperative Education work experience courses offered within the SMCCCD.