Computing Skills in International
Business

I. SCOPE OF THE COURSE

This is an in-depth treatment offering theoretical and practical principles, along with the development of skills necessary to utilize Microsoft Office in an International business environment (i.e. English). The emphasis will be on practical business application of these programs.

II. PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

This course will provide opportunities for students to extend their knowledge, and provide hands-on experience with Microsoft Office products. The applications to be explored include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other helper applications as deemed necessary.

III. OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

1. Have a firm knowledge of the functions of each of the main application of Microsoft Office in the Windows 95 environment.
2. Demonstrate an ability to move freely around each application in creating, saving, and editing documents and workbooks.
3. Demonstrate an ability to create well-organized and attractive documents in each application.
4. Demonstrate an ability to customize each application for individual preferences.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of which application is best suited for a particular business situation.
6. Understand how the Internet and Intranet are integrated into Microsoft applications and demonstrate an ability to translate Office documents into HTML readable format.
7. Demonstrate a working knowledge of OLE objects, Linked data, and Macros.
8. Be able to make informed decisions about choosing computer hardware and software.

IV. PROCEDURES

Teaching strategies will include readings, lectures, student participation, demonstrations, laboratory experiences, assignments, and projects—with specific emphasis given to hands-on experience. (note: As English is the language of this school program, all lectures, class discussions, assignments, and projects will be conducted in the English language only. No exceptions.)

 V. STUDENT ACTIVITIES

1. Each student will participate in class exercises, lectures, and individual and group projects.
2. Each student will be responsible for two individual projects. The first project will be due at the end of the second term and be worth 10% of your final grade. The Final project, integrating all applications and requiring a final presentation in Power Pint will be worth 20% of your final grade.
3. Homework exercises and group mini-projects and presentations will comprise another 30% of your grade.
4. Two exams will be given one at the end of the second term (15%) and one at the end of the final term (25%).

VI. COURSE OUTLINE

A. Introduction to Windows 95

1. Navigating Windows 95
2. Customizing the Desktop
3. How to add programs and remove programs
4. How to use Windows Help
5. Locating Systems Tools and disk management tools
6. Applications on a network vs. standalone
7. Backing up your system files and protecting your computer
8. Tips and Tricks for customizing and optimizing Windows 95

B. Choosing a Computer and Software Applications

1. What computer do you need vs. what you want
2. Hardware considerations—can you upgrade?
3. Software considerations—what will you use it for?
4. Where to research systems
5. Networks and your computer
6. Connecting to the world

C. Introduction to Microsoft Office—The Basics

1. Which Office is right for your office situation
2. Introduction to Word
3. Introduction to Excel
4. Introduction to PowerPoint

 D. Word

1. Creating and Working with Documents
2. Formatting Documents
3. Previewing and Printing
4. Working with Tables and Outlines
5. Working with Fields
6. Building Table of Contents and Indexes
7. Working with Styles and Templates
8. Macros
9. Desktop Publishing
10. Web enabling Word documents
11. Everyday business functions made easy with Word
12. Converting from and to Word

E. Excel

1. What is a Workbook and how to use it
2. Entering data
3. Formatting
4. Adding Graphics to Worksheets
5. Displaying your data with Charts
6. Printing that Worksheet
7. Working with Databases
8. Macros
9. Web enabling Excel documents
10. Common business applications of Excel
11. Converting, importing and exporting your data

 F. PowerPoint

1. Working in and navigating PowerPoint
2. Creating a Presentation
3. Enhancing a Presentation
4. Scripting your presentation
5. Printing and preparing your presentation for the road
6. Macros
7. Web enabling your presentation
8. Using Templates
9. Creating notes and handouts

Welcome, and enjoy.