Des Moines Area Community College.

Business Administration Skills Grid

Reading Skills

Skill Level

1. Recognize common words and meanings. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Recognize task-related words with technical meanings. TAUGHT in the program
3. Recognize meanings of common abbreviations, acronyms, codes, and symbols. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Identify factual details within text. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Follow sequential directions to complete a task MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
6. Determine the main idea of a passage. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
7. Use table of contents, index, appendices, glossary, section headings and subheadings. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Locate pages, titles, paragraphs, figures, or charts needed to answer questions or solve problems. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
9. Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information in text or visuals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
10. Skim or scan to determine whether or not text contains relevant information. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
11. Use effective textbook study skills: surveying, questioning, reading, reciting, reviewing REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
12. Cross-reference within and across source materials to select information to perform a routine. TAUGHT in the program
13. Use information entered on a form to complete a task. TAUGHT in the program
14. Combine information from multiple sources that contribute to the completion of a task. TAUGHT in the program
15. Select parts of text or visual materials to complete a task. TAUGHT in the program
16. Read column charts to obtain information. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
17. Locate chart information from a grid of rows and columns. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
18. Cross-reference charted material with text. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
19. Apply information from tables or graphs to locate malfunctions or select actions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
20. Use flow charts and organizational charts to sequence events, arrive at a decision, or problem solve. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
21. Identify components within a schematic. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
22. Isolate problem components in schematics, tracing to cause of problem and interpreting symbols. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
23. Identify details, labels numbers, parts of an illustration, and parts from a key or legend. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
24. Follow sequenced illustrations as a guide. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
25. Interpret three-dimensional drawings of objects for assembly or disassembly. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
26. Determine meanings of figurative/idiomatic/technical usage of terms, using context clues as reference. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
27. Make inferences from text. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
28. Organize information from multiple sources. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)

Return to top of page | Return to Skills Guide | View Related Programs

Language Skills

Skill Level

1. Articulate words clearly when speaking. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Make standard English usage choices. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Adjust language level to the audience and the situation. TAUGHT in the program
4. Spell general vocabulary words correctly. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Write key technical words accurately on forms. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
6. Spell task-related words and abbreviations correctly. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
7. Write complete sentences. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Do not use text messaging language or shorcuts/abbreviations in e-mail communication for academic or business purposes REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
9. Punctuate sentences correctly. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
10. Enter appropriate information onto a form. TAUGHT in the program
11. Record essential information in phrases or simple sentences. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
12. Transfer numbers, codes, dates and figures onto appropriate sections of forms. TAUGHT in the program
13. Select relevant details for a written communication. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
14. Outline a situation by identifying key ideas and support details. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
15. Write brief, descriptive accounts of activities or transactions performed. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
16. State general impressions of an event or situation as they relate to specific reporting goals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
17. Summarize events and dialogue in an accurate, complete, and objective manner. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
18. Summarize the major points presented in a written communication. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
19. Generate a written communication according to a specific format (e.g., memo). TAUGHT in the program
20. Write a report including necessary support documentation. TAUGHT in the program
21. Identify intent, target audience, and essential details. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
22. Generate a written communication, arranging sections logically. TAUGHT in the program
23. Write a brief justification for actions taken and provide good reasons for rejecting alternative actions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
24. Appraise a written communication and make adjustments to improve clarity. TAUGHT in the program

Return to top of page | Return to Skills Guide | View Related Programs

Math Skills - Whole Numbers

Skill Level

1. Read and write whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Round whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Add whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Subtract whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Multiply whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
6. Divide whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
7. Apply divisibility tests. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Use correct order of operations. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
9. Recognize prime and composite numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
10. Do calculations mentally. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
11. Estimate answers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Fractions

Skill Level

12. Read and write fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
13. Round to the nearest 1/2 or whole. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
14. Arrange fractions in order. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
15. Reduce fractions to lowest terms. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
16. Change mixed numbers to improper fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
17. Change fractions to equivalent fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
18. Add fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
19. Subtract fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
20. Multiply fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
21. Divide fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
22. Estimate answers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Decimals

Skill Level

23. Read and write decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
24. Round decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
25. Arrange decimals in order. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
26. Add decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
27. Subtract decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
28. Multiply decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
29. Divide decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
30. Change fractions to decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
31. Change decimals to fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
32. Use scientific notation. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)

Math Skills - Percent

Skill Level

33. Read and write percents. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
34. Change percents to decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
35. Change decimals to percents. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
36. Change percents to fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
37. Change fractions to percents. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
38. Use ratio and proportion. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
39. Compute a percent of a number. EX: What is 6% of 40? MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
40. Find what percent one number is of another. EX: 6 is what % of 8? MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
41. Find the base. EX: 8 is 10% of what? MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
42. Compute: discounts, markup, tax, commission. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
43. Compute simple interest. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
44. Compute compound interest. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
45. Compute percentages mentally. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Direct Measurement

Skill Level

46. Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
47. Use inches, feet, yards, miles. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
48. Measure to the nearest millimeter. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
49. Use millimeter, centimeter, meter, kilometer. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
50. Measure weight to the nearest ounce. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
51. Measure weight to the nearest gram. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
52. Measure angles to the nearest degree. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
53. Measure temperature (Fahrenheit). MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
54. Measure temperature (Celsius). REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
55. Measure perimeter. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
56. Measure circumference. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
57. Use an architect's/engineer's scale. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Computed Measurement

Skill Level

58. Convert from Metric to English units. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
59. Convert from English to Metric units. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
60. Compute areas of squares, rectangles, and parallelograms. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
61. Compute areas of triangles. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
62. Compute areas of trapezoids. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
63. Compute areas of circles. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
64. Use square inches, feet, and yards. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
65. Use square millimeters, centimeters, and meters. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
66. Compute volume of rectangular solids. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
67. Compute volume of cylindrical solids. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
68. Use cubic inches, feet, and yards. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
69. Use cubic millimeters, centimeters, and meters. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
70. Compute mass from volume and density. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
71. Find degree of precision/accuracy of calculations and measurements. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
72. Identify significant digits. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
73. Use the Pythagorean theorem. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
74. Do geometric constructions. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Statistics

Skill Level

75. Calculate mean. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
76. Find median. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
77. Find mode. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
78. Construct line, bar, circle, and picture graphs. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
79. Interpret graphs. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
80. Calculate simple probabilities. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Algebra

Skill Level

81. Use exponential notation. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
82. Use algebraic expressions (Ohms Law, gas laws, etc.). MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
83. Simplify algebraic expressions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
84. Solve linear equations. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
85. Have the equivalent of 1 year of High School algebra. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Trigonometry

Skill Level

86. Use trig tables. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
87. Compute missing angles of triangles using trig. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
88. Compute missing sides of triangles using trig. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Miscellaneous

Skill Level

89. Work with non-decimal numeration systems (binary, hexadecimal). TAUGHT in the program
90. Use a calculator for basic operations on whole numbers and decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
91. Use a calculator for basic operations with fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
92. Use special features of a calculator such as memory and constant. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)

Return to top of page | Return to Skills Guide | View Related Programs

Learning Skills

Skill Level

1. Use effective textbook study techniques. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Take competent notes from lecture. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Take tests in objective formats. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Take essay tests. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Locate materials in library. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
6. Use DMACC library computer system to find on-line resources REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
7. Plan a reasonable study schedule. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Follow sequential instructions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
9. Develop sequential instructions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
10. Make accurate observations. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
11. Identify significant similarities and differences between two or more items. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
12. Classify or match items by their distinguishing features. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
13. Draw logical inferences based on observations. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
14. Identify cause and effect relationships. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
15. Given a problem, analyze the situation and identify and evaluate possible causes. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
16. Given a problem, identify and evaluate alternative solutions and arrive at a workable solution. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)

Return to top of page | Return to Skills Guide | View Related Programs

Computer Skills

Skill Level

1. Operate a microcomputer system. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Demonstrate keyboarding skills. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Use a word processing program. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
4. Use a desktop publishing program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
5. Use a spreadsheet program. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
6. Use a data base program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
7. Use a graphics program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
8. Use a computer aided drafting program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
9. Use a computer assisted manufacturing program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
Return to top of page | Return to Skills Guide | View Related Programs