This course will help the student to design and develop a research paper in the area of marketing.

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1 Department: Marketing Course # MKT499 Course Name: Study Credit Hours 3 Length of Course 8 weeks Prerequisite(s) Completion of Program Coursework Course Description Course Scope Course Objectives Course Delivery Method Course Materials Evaluation Procedures Grading Scale Course Outline Policies Academic Services Selected Bibliography Course Description (Catalog) This course is an independent study course designed to allow the student to review, analyze and a topic of interest toward a degree in Marketing. The student will complete an approved academic project or paper that demonstrates mastery of marketing principles, concepts, and study. This independent study course is to be taken after all other marketing courses have been satisfactorily completed. Student must have SENIOR standing to register. NOTE: All required, core, and major courses must be completed prior to the enrollment in this course. Course Scope This course will help the student to design and paper in the area of marketing.

2 This course is an opportunity for you to pull together and expand on information that you have been presented within other courses. Since this course is the culmination of said material you will be expected to: A) apply the theories and concepts that have been learned in previous marketing classes. B) integrate knowledge of the functional business disciplines and n understanding of the interdependence of these disciplines. Course Objectives The successful student will fulfill the following learning objectives: 1. Identify essential elements for a successful paper. 2. Design and paper on an approved topic. 3. Reflect and discuss key issues and topics in a reflective essay on the overall process of independent study. 4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the major topics ed. Course Delivery Method This course delivered via distance learning will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Course materials and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Online assignments are due by the last day of each week. Assigned Discussion questions the guidelines set-forth for the initial response is due no later than Thursday and responses throughout the remainder of the week (accomplished in groups through a threaded ), examinations and/or quizzes (graded electronically), and individual assignments (submitted for review by the Faculty Member). Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this eight-week course. For the eighth and final week, the final project and any assignments must be completed by Sunday, the last day of the course. Throughout this course, use the following daily schedule: Day 1 = Monday Day 2 = Tuesday Day 3 = Wednesday Day 4 = Thursday Day 5 = Friday

3 Day 6 = Saturday Day 7 = Sunday Course Materials None Software Requirements *Microsoft Word (if you don't have MS Word, please save all files a Text file (.txt) or a Rich Text Format (.rtf) * IMPORTANT NOTICE: Word documents created in Office 2007 have the default file extension of.docx, which is not supported by APUS & some internet browsers. To ensure the Word documents you create in Office 2007 can be opened by all, you must save them with the.doc extension using the "Save As" feature. *Adobe Reader -- Go to to download the latest version. This download is free. Evaluation Procedures Your final grade will be based on the following course requirements: GRADING CRITERIA Points GRADING ASSIGNMENT 5 Virtual Introduction 5 Turnitin Acknowledgement Exercise 5 Anti-Plagiarism Quiz 10 Research Outline 10 Research Paper Draft 45 Research Paper 20 Participation s

4 100 TOTAL POINTS Grading Scale Please see the student handbook to reference the University s grading scale. Course Outline 8 Week Course Week Topic(s) Learning Objective(s) Reading(s) Assignment(s) 1 Introduction, topic selection, and antiplagiarism information Identify essential elements for a successful paper. paper on an approved topic. on a topic of interest for the paper and then provide a brief overview of the topic (approximatel y 150 words) in the forum area. review Course Materials area for reading.

5 forum Turnitin Acknowledge ment Exercise in virtual introduction Anti- Plagiarism Quiz 2 Submit an outline of your paper Identify essential elements for a successful paper. paper on an approved topic. on the approved topic for the paper and then submit an outline. 3 Student paper on an approved topic on the approved topic for the paper

6 4 Research paper draft Identify essential elements for a successful paper. paper on an approved topic. Students will demonstrate an understandi ng of the major topics ed. on the approved topic for the paper submit a working draft on the paper 5 Student paper on an approved topic on the approved topic for the paper 6 Student paper on the

7 on an approved topic approved topic for the paper 7 Student paper on an approved topic on the approved topic for the paper 8 Submit your paper and reflect on the independent process Reflect and discuss key issues and topics in a reflective essay on the overall process of independent study. Identify essential elements for a successful paper. paper on an approved topic. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the major topics on the approved topic for the paper and then submit the final paper.

8 ed. Policies Please see the Student Handbook to reference all University policies. Quick links to frequently asked question about policies are listed below. Drop/Withdrawal Policy Plagiarism Policy Extension Process and Policy Disability Accommodations WRITING EXPECTATIONS All written submissions should be submitted in a font and page set-up that is readable and neat. It is recommended that students try to adhere to a consistent format, which is described below. Typewritten in double-spaced format with a readable style and font and submitted inside the electronic classroom (unless classroom access is not possible and other arrangements have been approved by the professor). Arial 12-point font or Times New Roman styles. Page margins Top, Bottom, Left Side and Right Side = 1 inch, with reasonable accommodation being made for special situations and online submission variances. Any material that is not original work must be properly cited and referenced. CITATION AND REFERENCE STYLE Citation and Reference Style Attention: Students will follow the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines as the sole citation and reference style used in written work submitted as part of coursework to the University.

9 Assignments completed in a narrative essay or composition format must follow APA format This course will require students to use the citation and reference style established by the American Psychological Association (APA), in which case students will follow the guidelines set forth in Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5 th ed.). (2001). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. PLAGIARISM 1. All students are expected to commit to the highest level of academic honesty and personal integrity. 2. Students are required to use turnitin.com for written assignments and submit the results with their assignments. 3. If students do not do use turnitin.com, the instructor will accomplish this. 4. Students do not receive a grade for plagiarized work. 5. All incidents of plagiarism are reported to academics for the proper academic sanctions. 6. Instructions for using turnitin.com are in the course material link. COURSE EXTENSIONS Course extensions will be very rare in this class. You are expected to complete your work in a timely manner. Therefore, there should be no need to request an extension. Please read the Student Handbook for the standards that must be met before considering submitting an extension request. In addition to these standards, I will not approve extension requests except under extraordinary circumstances. The following are NOT extraordinary circumstances: too busy at work, last minute work out-of-town (or country non-military related), too busy with life issues, got behind in your assignments, etc. There are very few acceptable excuses and all will require some form of documentation. The reason for this policy is simple. Students that are granted extensions rarely are successful in finishing the course. I want you to be successful and get the best experience from the classroom environment. Therefore, I expect you to keep up with your assignments and be present in the classroom. If you do have an extraordinary

10 circumstance arise that you feel qualifies you for an extension, you must contact me immediately to determine if it meets the aforementioned criteria. LATE ASSIGNMENTS Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals, I understand you must manage competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment, please contact me before the due date so we can discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution. Submission of late assignments without prior approval is unacceptable and will result in the awarding of zero points for the assignment. Repeated late submission of assignments may result in failure of the course. DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS This institution complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local requirements regarding students with disabilities. In compliance with federal and state regulations, reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified students with disabilities. A request for accommodation is deemed reasonable if the request: is based on documented individual needs. does not compromise essential requirements of a course or program. does not impose an undue financial or administrative burden upon APUS. A qualified student can, with or without reasonable accommodations, perform the essential functions of program or course requirements. The essential requirements of an academic course or program need not be modified to accommodate an individual with a disability. Final responsibility for selection of the most appropriate accommodation rests with the University's Disability Support Services Committee and is determined on an individual case-by-case basis, based on the nature of the student's disability. Students are encouraged registrar@apus.edu to discuss potential academic accommodations and begin the review process. It is the student's responsibility to: follow the accommodation procedure outlined in this section identify the disability to the staff and/or faculty of the university provide (and incur expense for) current appropriate documentation of disability and accommodation needed from a qualified medical or other licensed professional. request specific accommodations or services

11 NETIQUETTE Online universities promote the advance of knowledge through positive and constructive debate--both inside and outside the classroom. Discussions on the Internet, however, can occasionally degenerate into needless insults and flaming. Such activity and the loss of good manners are not acceptable in a university setting--basic academic rules of good behavior and proper Netiquette must persist. Remember that you are in a place for the fun and excitement of learning that does not include descent to personal attacks, or student attempts to stifle the of others. Technology Limitations: While you should feel free to explore the full-range of creative composition in your formal papers, keep layouts simple. The Educator classroom may not fully support MIME or HTML encoded messages, which means that bold face, italics, underlining, and a variety of color-coding or other visual effects will not translate in your messages. Humor Note: Despite the best of intentions, jokes and--especially--satire can easily get lost or taken seriously. If you feel the need for humor, you may wish to add emoticons to help alert your readers: ;-), : ), DISCLAIMER STATEMENT Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of this particular group. ONLINE LIBRARY RESEARCH CENTER & LEARNING RESOURCES The Online Library Resource Center is available to enrolled students and faculty from inside the electronic campus. This is your starting point for access to online books, subscription periodicals, and Web resources that are designed to support your classes and generally not available through search engines on the open Web. In addition, the Center provides access to special learning resources, which the University has contracted to assist with your studies. Questions can be directed to orc@apus.edu. Charles Town Library and Inter Library Loan: The University maintains a special library with a limited number of supporting volumes, collection of our professors publication, and services to search and borrow books and articles from other libraries. Electronic Books: You can use the online library to uncover and download over 50,000 titles, which have been scanned and made available in electronic format. Electronic Journals: The University provides access to over 12,000 journals, which are available in electronic form and only through limited subscription services. Turnitin.com: Turnitin.com is a tool to improve student skills that also detect plagiarism. Turnitin.com provides resources on developing topics and assignments that encourage and guide students in producing papers that are

12 intellectually honest, original in thought, and clear in expression. This tool helps ensure a culture of adherence to the University's standards for intellectual honesty. Turnitin.com also reviews students' papers for matches with Internet materials and with thousands of student papers in its database, and returns an Originality Report to instructors and/or students. Smarthinking: Students have access to 10 free hours of tutoring service per year through Smarthinking. Tutoring is available in the following subjects: math (basic math through advanced calculus), science (biology, chemistry, and physics), accounting, statistics, economics, Spanish, writing, grammar, and more. Additional information is located in the Online Research Center. From the ORC home page, click on either the Writing Center or Tutoring Center and then click Smarthinking. All login information is available. Appendix A Grading Rubric All written assignments will be assessed according to this rubric. Note that a score of 0 may be assigned in any category where your work does not meet the criteria for the beginning level. APUS Assignment Rubric Undergraduate Level FOCUS/THESIS CONTENT/SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE EXEMPLARY LEVEL 4 Student exhibits a defined and clear understanding of the assignment. Thesis is clearly defined and well constructed to help guide the reader throughout the assignment. Student builds upon the thesis of the assignment with welldocumented and exceptional supporting facts, figures, and/or statements. Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject matter in the assignment. Assignment shows an impressive level of depth of student s ability to relate course content to practical examples and applications. Student provides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in ACCOMPLISHED LEVEL 3 Establishes a good comprehension of topic and in the building of the thesis. Student demonstrates an effective presentation of thesis, with most support statements helping to support the key focus of assignment. Student exhibits above average usage of subject matter in assignment. Student provides above average ability in relating course content in examples given. Details and facts presented provide an adequate presentation of student s current level of subject matter knowledge. DEVELOPING LEVEL 2 Student exhibits a basic understanding of the intended assignment, but the thesis is not fully supported throughout the assignment. While thesis helps to guide the development of the assignment, the reader may have some difficulty in seeing linkages between thoughts. While student has included a few supporting facts and statements, this has limited the quality of the assignment. The assignment reveals that the student has a general, fundamental understanding of the course material. Whereas, there are areas of some concerning in the linkages provided between facts and supporting statements. Student generally explains concepts, but only meets the minimum

13 CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS ORGANIZATION OF IDEAS/FORMAT WRITING CONVENTIONS (GRAMMAR & MECHANICS) USE OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY/ a logical sequence. Student demonstrates a higher-level of critical thinking necessary for level work. Learner provides a strategic approach in presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing logical conclusions which are not immediately obvious. Student provides wellsupported ideas and reflection with a variety of current and/or world views in the assignment. Student presents a genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout assignment. Student thoroughly understands and excels in explaining all major points. An original, unique, and/or imaginative approach to overall ideas, concepts, and findings is presented. Overall format of assignment includes an appropriate introduction (or abstract), well- developed paragraphs, and conclusion. Finished assignment demonstrates student s ability to plan and organize in a logical sequence. Student uses at least of 5-7 references in assignment. Student demonstrates an excellent command of grammar, as well as presents in a clear and concise writing style. Presents a thorough, extensive understanding of word usage. Student excels in the selection and development of a wellplanned assignment. Assignment is error-free and reflects student s ability to prepare a high-quality academic assignment. Student provides a highcaliber, formatted assignment. Student exhibits a good command of critical thinking skills in the presentation of material and supporting statements. Assignment demonstrates the student s above average use of relating concepts by using a variety of factors. Overall, student provides adequate conclusions, with 2 or fewer errors. Student explains the majority of points and concepts in the assignment. Learner demonstrates a good skill level in formatting and organizing material in assignment. Student presents an above average level of preparedness, with a few formatting errors. Assignment contains less than 5 resources. Student provides an effective display of good writing and grammar. Assignment reflects student s ability to select appropriate word usage and present an above average presentation of a given topic or issue. Assignment appears to be well written with no more than 3-5 errors. Student provides a final written product that covers the above-minimal requirements. Assignment presents an above-average use of requirements in this area. Student takes a common, conventional approach in guiding the reader through various linkages and connections presented in assignment. However, student presents a limited perspective on key concepts throughout assignment. Student appears to have problems applying information in a problemsolving manner. Learner applies some points and concepts incorrectly. Student uses a variety of formatting styles, with some inconsistencies throughout the paper. Assignment does not have a continuous pattern of logical sequencing. Student uses less than 3 sources or references. Assignment reflects basic writing and grammar, but more than 5 errors. Key terms and concepts are somewhat vague and not completely explained by student. Student uses a basic vocabulary in assignment. Student s writing ability is average, but demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject matter. Student demonstrates a basic knowledge of computer

14 APPLICATIONS TOTAL POINTS Learner exhibits excellent use of computer technology in the development of assignment. Quality and appropriateness of stated references demonstrate the student s ability to use technology to applicable. Given assignment includes appropriate word processing, spreadsheet and/or other computer applications as part of the final product. formatting skills, with less than 3 errors. Students has a good command of computer applications to format information and/or figures in an appropriate format. Student uses at least two types of computer applications to produce a quality assignment. applications. Appearance of final assignment demonstrates the student s limited ability to format and present data. Resources used in assignment are limited. Student may need to obtain further help in the use of computer applications and Internet. Academic Services Please see the policies (online library section) listed in the Syllabus tab area on the left-hand side menu in the course site. Selected Bibliography Please consult textbooks used in your core and required courses in your program of study.