Bookkeeping

Program Review (Chuuk Campus)

AP Full Official:Certificate of Achievement in Bookkeeping

Campus: Chuuk Campus

Completed by: Roger Arnold

AP Review Submission Date:March 31 2014

AR Review Cycle: Fall 2012- Summer 2013

Program Review (Pohnpei-AY 2012-2013)  Program Review (Yap-AY 2012-2013)

Program Goals

Program Learning outcomes
Source: COM-FSM General Catalog 2009 – 2013

1. Demonstrate proper bookkeeping techniques for a small business
2. Demonstrate general computer competence and information technology literacy
3. Describe small business management techniques
4. Communicate effectively in English for business purposes
5. Perform business computation and apply logic as needed
6. File documents properly and use common office machines

Program Overview

Certificate of Achievement in Bookkeeping is one of the four certificate programs currently offered at COM-FSM Chuuk Campus. The program is a job placement program that offers courses in business for those who wish to find entry level employment immediately. The program was introduced to Chuuk Campus Fall 1997. It replaced two programs originally offered in the past: (a) Certificate of Achievement in Business Studies, and (b) Certificate of Achievement in Accounting. Both of these certificate programs have already been abolished.

Program courses: there are 11 courses with 36 credits to take for completion of the program. Each of these courses iscreated to enhance the competency and skill level of a student in office related jobs. They are as follow:

-Bookkeeping I (BU095) is a 3 credit course designed to give students a basic understanding of the accounting environment and accounting principles and concepts.
-Bookkeeping II (BU096) is designed to give students a further understanding of the accounting environment and accounting principles and concepts in a merchandising business industry organized as a partnership.
-Small Business Management (BU097)is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn and practice the skills required to open and operate a successful small business. Note: Course outline still pending
-Filing Office Procedures (BU095) is designed to have students demonstrate proficiency in general office procedures including proper communication within the internal and external business environment; the proper use of office machines; the use of office support functions such as work priority schedules, meeting plans, and travel arrangements; and the ability to select and use an appropriate filing system.
-Basic Business Math (BU098)is created to provide students with basic math skills useful in solving real-life business problems.Note: Course outline still pending
-Practicum (BU100) is a one semester internship course where students will be assigned to work at a specific work site performing business skills related duties and responsibilities. Note: Course outline still pending
-Basic Computer Application (CA095)is designed to introduce basic computer skills for students and emphasize developing the skills necessary to operate PC computers effectively and productively in school and business surroundings.
-ESL for Business Purposes I (ESL/BU095) is designed to build English skills necessary in a business workplace. Students practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills needed in an office setting. The computer lab component reinforces business computer skills and provides opportunity for online English practice.
-ESL for Business Purposes II (ESL/BU096) is designed to continue building English skills necessary in a business workplace. Students practice more advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills needed in an office setting. The computer lab component reinforces business computer skills and provides opportunity for online English practice.
-Pre-Algebra (MS095)is designed to prepare students for elementary and intermediate algebra courses.
-World of Work (SS100) Provides the students with an opportunity to examine work roles, jobs, and attitudes relating to the world of work.

Current Suggested Schedule

Admission Requirement

A student must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and must meet the least score required on the COMET.

Program Instructors

1. Atkin Buliche – MS in Computer Science (Phoenix University, Arizona)
2. Ben Bambo – DBA/ED (Indiana University, Indiana)
3. Herner Braiel – MA in Economics (Michigan University, Michigan)
4. Roger Arnold –PMBA (University of Guam, Guam)

Program Assessments and Recommendations

Recommendations

Recommendation 1: Changes to be made to the already in place suggested schedule for bookkeeping students. The purpose of the change is to create fluidity and effectiveness toward student learning outcomes. New suggested schedule for bookkeeping students to look at is as follow:

A bookkeeping student needs to build good foundation before moving further into the program. All of those courses offered during 1st semester are introductory. During the second semester, the second level or part two of the courses are given to students to further their understandings. And towards the last semester, a student will only need to take two courses - one being practicum where student can learn specific business skills through hands on supervised training at office site while the other course is a math course which is the least directly related course in the program required for bookkeeping students to take.

A survey was conducted of March 2014 for bookkeeping students. 60 bookkeeping students participated. The survey result highlighted some of the necessary steps to take especially toward improving retention rate of students.

The survey showed three types of students we have enrolled in Bookkeeping Program:

1. Group A are students who really want to get job placed after the program
2. Group B are students who wish to further their education by entering degree program
3. Group C are students who are undecided and have no choice but to take bookkeeping program.

Recommendation 2: Business and Computer Division’s faculty along with Instructional Coordinator should link up with local businesses and government agencies in scouting job opportunities pertaining to someone with bookkeeping background.
Currently-the Business and Computer Division is working with Chuuk State Workforce Development Committee to create On job training program for those who wish to seek employment after bookkeeping.

Recommendation 3: The students who wish to move up from certificate to degree program need to be supported differently. The Bookkeeping Certificate Program is not conducive to such student. The program doesn’t provide adequate courses in English and Math for improvement to move up toward degree program. Therefore a new program must be created similar to the General Study program to capture this type of students or have COMET prep type course offered to such students.
Currently-the Business and Computer Division runs a pro bono course to assist its bookkeeping students to prepare for the COMET. 2013, 25 students attended COMET prep 14 are now in degree program

Recommendation 4: The other big portion of type of students we have is the non-deciders. These are students who do not see anything that interest them or do not know what they want but given the circumstance they chose bookkeeping instead. Recommendation for this is to create activities toward student advising and career counseling for example - career day could be scheduled every fall and spring semesters.
Currently-a career day was held April 2013 and April 2014. Comparing the two events, the number of speakers and participants has increased. Next year we plan to have high school students participate as well.

Recommendation 5: There are various factors that contribute to a student success. It can be the level of preparedness that student has or the level hard work and study he or she puts in. But sometimes it’s the plain fact that students need guidance and mentoring to stay focus in school. What better way to reach students than to have their own peers guiding them. Bookkeeping students who struggle in their courses have difficulty locating the right tutor for their courses. The only upper level students at COM-FSM Chuuk are in Education field. They do not have the confidence and know how to tutor bookkeeping students. Therefore it is recommended that a degree program in business be established at COM-FSM Chuuk campus. It not only provide an additional avenue for Chuukese students who with to do their studies in Chuuk not abroad, it can also be a support program to those in bookkeeping. I believe this could assist students in bookkeeping because of the kind of mentoring support they would get ergo course completion rate and graduation number can improve.
Currently-COM-FSM Chuuk campus is only allowed to have its degree students in business admin take their general education courses and only two business courses. This doesn’t make degree business students well versed to assist their fellow bookkeeping students.

Recommendation 6: it is recommended that the two bookkeeping courses (BK095 and BK096) be altered to be 4 credit courses which include lab section. This program is intended to training students to have some verse in the area of bookkeeping as they enter the workforce. It is a bit ironic that there are only two courses pertaining to bookkeeping offered in the program. Alternative: if the courses cannot be altered, perhaps a new course in bookkeeping with its main function is more hands on using computer as it main tool of work.