CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS ISSUES (CBI)

MW 11:00AM – 12:15PM
CRN: 16288 Section 517 Room: Social Science 107

Instructor: Stacy Hollins

Office: B234 Phone: 513-4556

Email: shollins4@stlcc.edu

Office Hours: M&W 10:30am – 12:30pm & 1:45pm – 2:15pm, T&R 12:15pm – 2:15pm

Course Description:
Contemporary Business Issues is an interdisciplinary course that focuses on collaborative
learning, team building, cultural and business diversity, business ethics, communication,
and basic computer skills. Throughout the course, students will analyze a variety of
situations that support the content of the course.

Students Responsibilities:
• Do the assignments in advance
• Attend class and arrive on time
• Participate in all class activities
• Take all tests on assigned dates and times
• Demonstrate proficiency in American English

Objectives:
 Students will be able to analyze and appreciate the
diversity of belief systems (past and present)that exist in
society by examining the primary and secondary
dimensions of diversity; They will describe ways to foster
community among individuals of different ethical and
cultural backgrounds. In addition, they will be able to
create a management plan that includes assessing
diversity, setting objectives and exploring initiatives to
enhance acceptance of others.
 Students will understand the role of values clarification in
developing their personal mission statement through an
analysis of the key behaviors for effective goal setting;
They will also be able to determine those goals that are
consistent with their values and ethics using the SMART
Goal Writing technique.
 Students will identify their strengths and weaknesses and
how they might guide them in making personal and
 professional choices; They will assess how their choices
may affect others by understanding the four modes of
behavior presented in the topic, "Journey to Self-
Awareness."

 Students will recognize positive and negative conflict and

will be able to address it using the integrationist view of
conflict management. They will understand the sources
of interpersonal conflict arising from differing values,
attitudes and perceptions; They will be able to choose an
appropriate conflict resolution strategy that will result in
constructive dialogue and respect between competing
value systems.Understanding and working with others;
 The student will be able to effectively address ethical
issues through the study of the "Eight Rules of Ethical
Thinking." They will also create and implement an
"Ethical Decision Making Model" for dealing with complex
ethical questions and issues.
 Students will explain the difference between valuing
diversity and managing diversity. As a result, they will
be able to enhance creativity, performance and
productivity within a group or work team. They will
understand and apply techniques for: reducing prejudices
and stereotypes, minimizing miscommunication with
others, and building relationships.
 The student will be able to identify the external factors
that contribute to personality and perception. They will
understand how Attribution Theory may explain the
influences that lead to a particular behavior or choice. In
addition, they will describe how the "Social Mirror"
concept promotes self awareness based on how we are
viewed by others.

Textbook and Other Readings:

• Required: De Janasz, Dowd, Schneider, “Interpersonal Skills in
Organizations,”3RD Edition.

Assignment Summary: Points

Exams (4) 200
Articles 100
Exercises 100
Total Points 400

Grade Determination Points Final Grade

360 – 400 A
320 – 359 B
 280 – 319 C
240 – 279 D
>240 F

Cornerstone Attendance Policy:

“A student is allowed to miss twice the number of class sessions scheduled during a
normal week. This means you may miss four times for a class that meets twice a week.
A student who exceeds that number of absences should receive a failing grade.”

Rules of the House

1. Show up on time!
2. Be prepared to discuss assigned material
3. Respect fellow students
4. Take notes of lectures (you will be tested on lecture material)
5. Raise your hand if you wish to share a comment with the class
6. Do not talk while the instructor is talking
7. Turn off your cell phone, pagers and other electronic devices during class
8. Do not leave the classroom before the session as ended unless you receive
permission from the instructor
9. Do not miss class without notifying the instructor beforehand
10. Sit up and pay attention; no slouching or sleeping will be permitted

PLEASE NOTE:
NON-COMPLIANCE OF ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES WILL RESULT IN A
1-PAGE, SINGLE-SPACED, 10-POINT FONT WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT DUE
AT THE NEXT CLASS

ACCESS STATEMENT

The ACCESS OFFICE – disability Support Services has been designated by the
college as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities. If
you receive services through the ACCESS OFFICE and require special
accommodations for this class, make an appointment with me as soon as possible to
discuss your approved accommodation needs.

If you have made contact with the ACCESS OFFICE and have reasonable
accommodation needs (volunteer note taker, extended time for tests, seating
arrangements, etc.), I will be happy to refer you.
If you have a disability and have no need for accommodations, the use of the
ACCESS OFFICE is voluntary.
 Contemporary Business Issues
Spring 2011
DATE OUTLINE
01/19 Self Awareness Chapter 1 - Self monitoring questionnaire/Reflection Action Plan
01/24 Big 5 Questionnaire - in class
01/26 Chapter 2 Discussion: Self Discipline and Trust
01/31 Chapter 2 Discussion: Johari Window Questionnaire
02/02 Chapter 3 discussion: Establishing Goals
02/07 Exercise 3-A, 3-C, and 3-D
02/09 Chapter 4: Self-Management Continued
02/14 Exercise 4-A Personal Time Management
02/16 Exam 1: Chapters 1-4
02/21 No class
02/23 Independent Study: The impact of Social Networking on Business
02/28 Chapter 5 Exercises
03/02 Chapter 6: The Importance and skill of listening
03/07 Chapter 6 Exercises
03/09 Chapter 7: Conveying Verbal messages
03/14-
03/20 No classes/Spring Break
03/21 Chapter 7 Exercises
03/23 Chapter 8: Persuading Individuals and Audiences
03/28 Exam 2, Chapter 5-8
03/30 Chapter 9: Negotiation
04/04 Chapter 9 Exercises
04/06 Chapter 11: Managing Conflict
04/11 Chapter 11 Exercises
04/13 Chapter 14: Making Decisions and Solving Problems Creatively
04/18 Chapter 14 Exercises
04/20 Exam 3: chapters 9, 11, 14
04/25 Chapter 16: Networking and Mentoring
04/27 Chapter 16 Exercises
05/02 Chapter 18: Leading and Empowering Self and Others & Chapter 18 Exercises
05/04 Big 5 Revisited
TBD Final Exam - Chapters 16, 18
 Contemporary Business Issues
Independent Study for February 23rd session
The Effects of Social Networking on Business

Assignment:
1) Write an analysis of the effects of Social Networking on Business. Your paper
should include the following:
a. The different types of social networking
b. Marketing techniques used by social networks
c. Benefits and Disadvantages of using Social Networking for business
d. The impact of social networking on businesses

2) No plagiarism! I will be using software that verifies each essay for plagiarism.
3) The essay must be submitted in Blackboard using the link provided under
the“Assignments” tab
4) Most of the information can be gathered via Google search based on the above
subtopics. For example, Google “The impact of social networking”
5) The layout of your paper should contain:
a. Cover Page
b. Introduction
c. Analysis
d. Conclusion