William O'Brien - San Jose State University

Professor: William O'Brien

Department: Accounting

College: San Jose State University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: BUS120
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

In my opinion, the worst teacher I've had thus far at SJSU. His lectures were unclear, he would demonstrate impatience and irritation when students do not get the material, has us get a textbook that he openly tells us is not that good and to only focus on his lectures, and he constantly gives questions on quizzes/tests that we've never seen before

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: BUS120
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Most horrible teacher I've taken at SJSU. He might be a nice person outside of class, but as a teacher he is not helpful or approachable. Often times make short abbreviations without explanations. Hard to understand material. Unclear on directions or what is specifically needed on tests. Doesn't seem to care for students.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: BUS120
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

adding to what everyone else had said on here, he would have a feedback section at the end of the midterms to ask what you think of the class and what can be improved. But don't bother writing, because he will just give some excuse for himself and no matter what you write, he'll just go on doing things his way.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: BUS120
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

what he teaches, what's in the book, and what's on the test are different things. confusing lectures 98% of the class was strugglng bring voice recorder+take notes and review at home. wish i took this at de anza instead, just not with him

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: 124
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Take good notes. Hes kinda unapproachable at times but its sometimes interesting. Its more writing than accounting related. IF you dont know something asking sometimes make it worse cause when you ask him he will make you sound stupid. Anyways just have good writing skills you will pass.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: 220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He defines himself as clear and concise. Oxymoronically, his concision makes him unclear when explaining important topics. He moves very fast, so be prepared and ready to take notes. Also, consider recording the lectures as he suggests.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: BUS20N
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

I got stuck with this class last min. cause I found out I needed it. And to be completely frank, he's a great person and could honestly be a great grandfather or whatever, but no way in hell a good teacher. I had to teach myself at home. You can skip, but you'd be eff'd. Exams are take home, but not the final. Good luck.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: 121A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Worst teacher I have ever had, and it's not even close. He is the most arrogant teacher I have ever met. He doesn't grade papers fairly. Randomly takes off points for not putting things on exams that he didn't say were required. Not an effective teaching style. Goes out of his way to make students feel stupid. Don't take him, here or anywhere.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: BUS121A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He encouraged the class to ask questions, yet when someone asked one, he just made them look like an idiot. He is really smart, but he's also arrogant. Doesn't teach in class, just uses examples in the book. Quizzes you can collaborate w/others, exams are ok but he grades a bit harshly.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: BUS121A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Would not recommend taking this professor at all! He doesn't help you learn, thinks he is a know it all and does not give feedback or turn back work in a timely matter. Took over five weeks to get back our first midterm grade and then had to take the final without getting back our second midterm grade! He is not clear and what is expected from you

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: BUS126
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Don't bother using the book because it is inconsistent with his lectures. Midterms were easy. However, the final exam was hard. The final exam was MC and covered materials the professor didn't say was going to be on the exam.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ACCT121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

No no no no no no. Take another professor for this course if you can. Professor is arrogant, never makes mistakes, & has an extreme false confidence. Pros: Tests are not too bad, & he lets you adjust your answers on the quiz's before turning it in- lets you talk to your peers.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: BUS121A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He is not clear on teaching materials, so you end up reading the book and learn it by yourself. His exam is not really hard if doing HW and Quiz. Fair grading. Would take him again

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: BUS122B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

easy class to take as elective, i was hoping to get an A, but end up a bit short. still, this class is good for learning management accounting a little bit difference than we learned in 122A. 3 exams/quiz and 3 cases. not much to do and at least a easy B (80% got A or B, he claimed in beginning of semester)!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: BUS122
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class is okay but the professor can be very intimdating. The exams are mostly essays and are not too difficult. However the group projects can be difficult to figure out.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: BUS122B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

just done his quiz and final presentation today. O'Brien is okay and learn a lot about cost accounting than just theory or calculation. sometimes a bit unclear, but flexible for project... nice grader for exams, inconsistency on grading projects. Not a hard class at all, but valuable experience to have.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: BUS122B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

he is a bit helpful, his exams are easy (do the study guide, you'll be good if write ok). for the presentation, i got high 80s for the cases. he is not that horrible like some people say. just stay connect with your group, your group will evaluate you at the end that will affect your overall grade. he sometime is a bit unclear, that's all!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: BUS122B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor O'Brien's 122B class was okay, even though i thought his 124 class was easy. i loved his exams, even though sometimes too long and subjective. but no surprises, all test questions are from the study guide. Case studies, he graded harder. i guess if you are good with writing and presentation. the class was informative and i learned a lot

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: BUS122B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Arrogant, Full of himself. Don't try to argue with him, you won't win. He is always right. His midterms are easy. Just do the study guide. He grades touch on projects. Find the good group. Otherwise, you are screwed.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: BUS124
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

my grade released as A-. i felt this grade i earned through a lot of writing that i never imaged have to do for an accounting elective. anyways, for anyone take him, make sure you do everything (esp. take-home exams need to start a week in advance). take good notes in lectures(boring) and will learn a lot about frauds. if you like writing,take him