Introduction to Business Technology
Course Number: BA 131
Transcript Title: Intro to Business Technology
Created: September 1, 2012
Updated: August 26, 2019
Total Credits: 4
Lecture Hours: 40
Lecture / Lab Hours: 0
Lab Hours: 0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement: No
Satisfies General Education requirement: No
Grading options: A-F (default), P-NP, audit
Repeats available for credit: 0
Explores computer concepts and the use of information technology in business organizations including the use of word processing, spreadsheet, andpresentationsoftware. Includes introduction to hardware, software, databases, system development, and tools that businesses use for communication and collaboration. Includes appreciating the value of ethical conduct in a business/computer environment and the impact of technology on industry and society. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115, and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply an understanding of how organizations utilize computer and communications technology to collect, process, and store data and information.
- Apply technology to support business planning, operations, marketing, strategy, and decision making.
- Use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in the business environment.
- Apply critical thinking skills to ethics, environmental responsibility, and privacy issues associated with information technology use in business and society.
- Analyze how businesses use the Internet, social media, and technology to connect with customers and employees, market and deliver their products, and create competitive advantage.
- Apply an understanding of the rapidly changing technological environment to make business decisions.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
Assessment methods can include: class participation, case study analysis, examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, research papers, group or individual assignments and projects, presentations.
Course Activities and Design
The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the various elements of computer and communications technology, including computer hardware, software and telecommunications technology.
- Identify the various types of computer systems and their business applications.
- Identify and describe the hardware components (input, processing, storage, output and communications) and how they relate to the computer system.
- Understand the differences between operating system and applications software.
- Demonstrate the ability to utilize operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and electronic mail and Internet browser software.
- Review how technology is being used to support various businesses and business functions, decision making, and innovation.
- Recognize societal and ethical issues associated with the use of technology and computers by businesses.
Coverage of a specific database software is optional. Coverage of database basics and the purposes of databases should be included for Outcomes 2 and 4.