Business Finance Syllabus

Business Finance

Finance/Insurance Academy

Ms. Gandy

Business Teacher / FBLA Advisor/Academy of Finance Director

Contact Info:

Demopolis High School

701 Hwy 80 West

Demopolis, AL 36732

School: (334) 289-0294

Email address:  kgandy@dcsedu.com

Planning Time: 3^rd Period (9:57 – 10:50)

After School Lab Hours: By Appointment ONLY

DHS MISSION

The mission of Demopolis High School is to promote excellence in academic and extra-curricular activities, to develop productive citizens in a safe environment, and to employ a team of highly-qualified personnel who will implement the latest support materials and strategies.

Course Title:  Business Finance

Instructor: Kelly Gandy

Text: Various Internet Resources &

Foundations in Entrepreneurship

Prerequisite: None

Course Fee: $18.00

FBLA Fee: $10.00

Program: Finance Academy

INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Employees are expected to meet all company goals and apply knowledge through real life situation.  A variety of training methods are employed to teach decision-making, problem solving, communication, and employability and technological skills to employees of Tiger, Inc.  Techniques include the use of small and large group discussions, lecture, independent study, simulations, gaming, demonstration, peer teaching, project-based and cooperative learning methodology.  Hands on and problem solving experiences are utilized to allow employees to become engaged in the learning activities, learn appropriate business protocol, and to practice desired behaviors and attitudes.  Employees are expected to become actively involved in activities, experiences, and assessment that deal with applying, synthesizing, and evaluating knowledge and skills.  Tests, performance assessment, laboratory work, project reports, assignment completion and project presentation are used in assessing employee learning and progress throughout the course. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Business Finance is designed to provide students with an overview of the principles of business finance.  The curriculum focuses on major areas of study, including economics, marketing, accounting procedures, and the global financial market.  An integral component of the curriculum is the application of decision-making skills that enables students to become more responsible consumers, producers, or business entrepreneurs. 

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

FBLA is a co-curricular component of the Business/Finance program.  This student organization will enhance classroom instruction, develop leadership skills, and provide opportunities for professional growth and service.  The fee to join is $20.00

PROGRAM GOALS 

To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for economic success in the twenty-first century and to provide employers an adequately prepared workforce that meets labor market demands.

• To encourage critical thinking skills.
• To promote educational values including economic understanding and consumer competencies.
• To promote character growth and development including human relations, good work habits, positive attitudes, and ethical standards.
• To provide a realistic understanding of the work environment.
• To enhance employability skills
• To reinforce basic skills in such areas as communication, mathematics, and technology.
• To simulate interest in career development.
• To foster an appreciation of the free enterprise system.

COURSE GOALS

The student will be able to:

1. Utilize research results to analyze current events, laws, and regulations to determine the impact on global finance.
2. Explain costs of manufacturing related to raw material, labor, overhead, and operating expenses.
3. Explain personnel costs incurred in a business.
4. Compare currency standards and valuations in a global economy.
5. Explain methods used by companies to screen individuals for employment or promotion.
6. Determine career and entrepreneurial opportunities, responsibilities, and educational and credentialing requirements related to business finance professions.
7. Use cost-efficient technologies to perform job functions in the financial industry.
8. Compare funding sources for new and expanding businesses.
9. Determine the effect of the mark-up rate on the price of an item.
10. Apply payroll procedures to manage employee and employer payroll registers, taxes, and earnings records.
11. Appraise the value of inventory to determine production and selling costs.
12. Apply the basic accounting equation to assets, liabilities, and owner equity.
13. Determine the impact of revenue and expenses on net income and loss.
14. Interpret balance sheets and income statements to determine standard financial ratios.
15. Demonstrate accounting procedures for preparing balance sheets and income statements.
16. Compare logistical costs of ground, air, and water shipping.
17. Analyze statistical data to determine mean, mode, median, frequency, and probability.
18. Interpret statistical data related to finance using bar, line, and circle graphs.
19. Critique various customer payment methods and the impact of each to determine effective business practices.
20. Utilize management and financial skills to develop a business plan.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1. How would a CFO analyze and critique the various factors that influence the cost of doing business?
2. What should students know in order to make educational and lifestyle decisions today to ensure they are employable tomorrow?
3. How are accounting procedures utilized in determining the viability of a business?
4. Given a scenario, what is the most appropriate method of shipping?
5. How can statistical data be utilized to enhance business practice?
6. What is a feasible strategic, marketing, and financial plan for a business?

COURSE OUTLINE

Week 1	Introduction to course, course syllabus, and safety rules Safety Test Chapter 1 – Personal Financial Planning
Week 2	Chapter 2 – Finances and Career Planning Chapter 3 – Money Management Strategy
Week 3	Chapter 4 – Consumer Purchasing and Protection Unit 1 Test (Chapters 1-4)
Week 4	Chapter 5 – Banking Chapter 6 – Consumer Credit
Week 5	Chapter 7 – The Finances of Housing Unit 2 Test (Chapters 5-7)
Week 6	Chapter 8 – Saving and Investing Chapter 9 – Stocks
Week 7	More Stocks Chapter 10 – Bonds and Mutual Funds
Week 8	Chapter 11 – Real Estate and Other Investments Unit 3 Test (Chapters 8-11)
Week 9	Mid-Term Review/Exam Career Cruising
Week 10	Chapter 12 – Planning Your Tax Strategy Chapter 13 – Home and Motor Vehicle Insurance
Week 11	Chapter 14 – Health, Disability, and Life Insurance Chapter 15 – Retirement and Estate Planning
Week 12	Unit 4 Test (Chapters 12-15) Chapter 16 – Types of Business Ownership
Week 13	Chapter 17 – Developing a Business Plan
Week 14	Chapter 18 – Developing a Financial Plan
Week 15	Unit 5 Test (Chapters 16-18) Chapter 19 – Sources of Funding
Week 16	Chapter 20 – Financial Accounting Chapter 21 – Managing Payroll and Inventory
Week 17	Chapter 22 – Pricing,  Costing, and Growth Unit 6 Test (Chapters 19-22)
Week 18	Final Review/Exam Personal and Professional Development (Employability Skills and Resumes)

*The teacher has the right to make changes to the syllabus at any point during the semester. Any changes will be announced to students. 

CULMINATING PRODUCT(S)

Students who successfully complete this course will produce a business plan which covers all of the content standards. They will also have a current resume and other employment documents.

AVAILABLE INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS

Students should be able to successfully complete the WorkKeys Alabama Career Ready Certificate process along with other credentials such as IC³.

RESOURCES FOR INSTRUCTION

Canvas

Google Classroom

Microsoft Office 2016

Windows 8

Internet Access

SmartBoard

Computer Access

MATERIALS

Bring the following to class every day:

·         Folder/3-ring binder with PAPER

·         Pen

·         Pencil

·         Ear Phones or buds

**Each student is responsible for all books, papers, pens, etc. necessary for the day’s lesson.  Hall passes will not be used to get materials.

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

Employees will receive a bi-weekly softskill assessment.  The softskill assessment will count for 20% of your grade each 9 week period.  Each employee will be assessed 4 times of each 9 weeks.  Employees will be given a rubric and assessments will be available to employees at all times.  The following:

1. Disrespect of peer or teacher.
2. Destruction or abuse of school property/equipment.
3. Tardiness.
4. Not being on task.
5. Not following safe work practices.

COURSE EVALUATION

Homework	10%
Daily Assignments/SoftSkills	30%
Written/Performance Based Tests	60%
Total 100% pre-exam grade

*A minimum of 4 or more written/performance based test grades will be taken per nine weeks.

* A minimum of 4 or more daily assignments and softskill grades will be taken per nine weeks. 

* A minimum of 2 or more homework assignment grades will be taken per nine weeks. 

GRADING SCALE

A             100-90%

                B             89-80%

                C             79-70%

                D             69-60%

                F              59-0%

COMPUTER USAGE

The employee is expected to abide by the Demopolis City School’s computer usage agreement.  Any employee caught misusing the equipment and software will be referred to the administration, appropriate action will be taken.  If any financial loss is incurred, the employee will be responsible to pay.