Please note, EMBA students must contact University Alliance representatives for their course material. Online Course Assignments

Transcription

1 Regis University Online Course Syllabus MBA C601 The Ethical and Legal Environment of Business Important Notes: This document provides an overview of expectations for this online course and is subject to change prior to the term start. Changes may also occur during the term due to faculty or SPS Distance Learning course updates. Some links may only be active once the term starts. Please note, EMBA students must contact University Alliance representatives for their course material. Online Course Assignments Course Description Course Outcomes Required Course Texts Course Format Grading Criteria Academic Integrity Student Conduct Plagiarism Equal Access Diversity Writing Assistance RegisNET Dayton Memorial Library Style Sheet Statement Mission Statement Instructor biography and contact information is posted on the Discussion Forum and in the roster. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is one of the core courses in the Regis Online M.B.A. program. It covers both ethical and legal issues that are critical to owners, managers, and employees of businesses. From the course, the student should gain a better understanding of ethical and legal issues affecting business operations in our ever-changing world, both domestically and internationally. COURSE OUTCOMES The following are the desired outcomes for this course: 1. Develop an understanding of concepts of law and ethics and

2 how these concepts are applied in the world of business. 2. Apply critical thought concepts from this course and previous curriculum to analyze real world cases and issues. 3. Provide an analytic structure to both legal and ethical issue identification and analysis. 4. Prepare concise and persuasively written analyses that demonstrate critical thinking skills. 5. Articulate and defend arguments appropriate for both legal and ethical strategic decisions. 6. Develop persuasive and articulate responses to weekly discussion questions. 7. Visualize the strategic importance of day-to-day legal and ethical decisions and the effect of those decisions on one s professional career. REQUIRED COURSE TEXT OR TEXTS Mallor, Jane, et.al., Business Law: The Ethical, Global, and E-Commerce Environment (13 th Edition), New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin (2007) (cited as MAL ). Velasquez, Manuel, Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases (6 th Edition), Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall (2006) (cited as VEL ). Also, each text has a separate DVD, portions of which will be viewed as part of the weekly assignments. PLEASE NOTE: When reading the legal cases for each week in the two (2) texts, it is useful to underline the facts of each legal case using red ink. Second, you may underline the issue, i.e., the unresolved question that the court was asked to address, in blue ink. In most of the cases, the court usually states: The issue (or question) to be addressed is... Third, you may underline the law that the court applied in resolving the issue in black ink. The reason for underlining the contents of each case in the texts using these three colors of ink

3 is that this process will allow you to quickly recall the case facts, issue, and law when you review each case while completing your weekly assignments. ASSIGNMENTS, COURSE CALENDAR/LEARNING ACTIVITIES These are at the end of the syllabus. COURSE FORMAT/METHOD OF INSTRUCTION The course is based on participation in the Discussion Forum; interactions between classmates and the facilitator; completion of the assignments; and, communication via and virtual communities. GRADING CRITERIA As they relate to mastery, each of the letter grades has the following meaning as described in the University Bulletin: GRADE A 100% - 93% A- 92%- 90% B+ 89%- 87% B 86%- 83% B- 82%- 80% C+ 79%- 77% C 76%- 73% C- 72%- 70% GPA 4.00 = Outstanding Scholarship = Superior Work = Unsatisfactory/ Graduate 1.67

4 D+ 69%- 67% D 66%- 63% D- 62% - 60% F Below 60% = Unsatisfactory Failure GRADING FOR THIS COURSE Grading Rubric: An A grade is characterized by the following attributes: 1. Demonstrates accurate and sophisticated understanding of readings and issues. Draws out important implications. Effectively integrates perspectives, opinions, theories and ideas from outside the assigned material. 2. Shows critical thinking skills expressed articulately with a demonstrated ability to do more than repeat the text material. Defends opinions and judgments effectively. 3. Expresses ideas clearly. 4. Contains few grammatical, syntactical, or stylistic weaknesses. A B grade is characterized as follows: 1. Shows all the elements of "A" work, but with less accomplishment, proficiency, or analysis; relies to a lesser degree on materials outside the assigned readings. 2. Asserts a critical position on the issues with a demonstrated ability to do more than repeat the text material. 3. Offers limited defense or explanation of judgments and conclusions.

5 4. May be missing one or more significant elements in the case. A C grade is characterized as follows: 1. Shows an overall grasp of the material, but with little effort or success in defending conclusions or judgments. 2. Reflects sufficient clarity of expression to communicate ideas, but lacks indepth analysis of issues or questions raised in the case. 3. May be missing more than one critical element of the case. Grades of plus or minus reflect variations from the above standards, up or down, which are not sufficient to merit a change in letter grade. Grade of Incomplete The instructor does not give incompletes except in exceptional circumstances. Even then, there must be a significant amount of work handed in to warrant an incomplete. If the incomplete is awarded, a grade of I/F is submitted and a deadline will be given within which the work must be completed. The deadline cannot extend beyond the end of the following session. If the work is not completed in the allocated time, the grade will be changed to F. Assignment Feedback Assignments will be graded and returned with feedback pursuant to the message posted by the facilitator the first day of the class on the Message Board, which will be no more than four (4) days from the assignment due date. Feedback will include your grade for participation for the week, if participation is a requirement. Attendance/Participation Requirements Students are expected to be present in the virtual class and participate meaningfully in class discussions. Meaningful participation means within the context of the subject in a way that is informative and generates further discussion. Not participating will impact participation grades.

6 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Regis University is committed to intellectual integrity in its academic pursuits. Conduct such as cheating, plagiarism, forgery, and alteration or misuse of academic records is inconsistent with accepted University standards of intellectual integrity and academic performance. Sanctions may, therefore, be imposed by the programs of the University for cheating (defined as using inappropriate sources of information on a test) or plagiarism (defined as presenting as one s own, the ideas, words or products of another). Such sanctions may include a failing grade on the assignment, failure of the course or expulsion of the student from the course or the department. Sanctions are decided upon and imposed by the program after consideration of the evidence. STUDENT CONDUCT SPS Graduate Programs students and faculty share responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. This includes using information technology responsibly in online and other courses. In order for faculty members to provide, and students to receive, effective instruction in classrooms, laboratories, online courses, and other learning areas, the Graduate Programs and Faculty expect students to conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner and not engage in disruptive behavior, disorderly conduct or intentionally interfere in the freedom of expression of others. Disruptive Behavior or Disorderly Conduct as applied to the academic setting, means behavior that a reasonable faculty member or student would view as intentionally or recklessly interfering with normal academic functions, University events or University sponsored activities. Examples include, but are not limited to: persistently speaking or commenting without being recognized or interrupting other speakers; behavior that distracts the class from the subject matter or discussion; or in extreme cases, physical threats, harassing behavior or personal insults; refusal to comply with faculty direction including refusal to work in a group, using a cell phone or pager during a classroom session; or behavior that has a negative impact in any learning environment. Disruptive behavior also includes any other behavior covered by the Regis University Student Code of Conduct.

7 Students who fail to adhere to acceptable behavioral standards will be counseled by the classroom faculty. Should the issue not be resolved, they will then be referred to the Program Chair and then, should it be necessary, to the Dean and may be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion from the program. PLAGIARISM Plagiarism is defined as presenting as one s own, the ideas, words or product of another. When a student submits work for credit that includes the product, words, ideas, or data of others, the source must be acknowledged by the use of complete, accurate, and specific references. This includes copying and pasting from online media or from any Web site. By placing one s name on work submitted for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgements. Sanctions for plagiarism include: a failing grade on the assignment; failure of the course; or, expulsion from the course; or department (program). An instructor may, at his or her discretion, utilize the services of Turnitin.com to evaluate the student's work product for plagiarism. Alternatively, an instructor may require students to submit the work product directly to Turnitin.com for evaluation prior to submission to the instructor. For more information on Turnitin. com, please go to AVOIDING PLAGIARISM TUTORIAL There are a variety of tutorials designed to help students understand and avoid plagiarism. Please take the time to review the Web site provided below. student_view0/avoiding_plagiarism_tutorial/ EQUAL ACCESS & DISABILITY SERVICES

8 As policies change, the most recent information for Disability Services is located at: Regis University, in compliance with federal guidelines, is committed to equal educational opportunity by assuring otherwise qualified students with disabilities equal access to Regis University programs and activities that are provided to students without disabilities. An otherwise qualified person with a disability is a student who meets the academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in Regis University s educational programs and activities. To ensure the provision of reasonable and appropriate services at Regis University, students with disabilities must identify themselves in a timely manner to the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Room 118B, Life Directions Center, , [email protected] in order to be eligible for requested accommodation(s). Current and comprehensive documentation must be on file with the ODS prior to approval of the accommodations. It is strongly encouraged that students self-disclose their disabilities at the beginning of their academic experience because accommodations are not retroactive Accelerated courses that are offered in eight-week terms are fast-paced and reading intensive. Incomplete grades are seldom granted and are not considered appropriate accommodations. All courses are expected to be completed during the term in which they occur. DIVERSITY At Regis University, diversity is at the core of our faith-inspired commitment to build an inclusive community that values the dignity and contributions of all of our members. Our differences thrive in a learning environment characterized by the Jesuit traditions of mutual respect and the pursuit of justice, i.e., an environment in which our human differences, whether physical or philosophical are respected. WRITING ASSISTANCE SMARTTHINKING

9 The School for Professional Studies will provide 10 hours of FREE tutoring or writing assistance for one year for all SPS students through SMARTHINKING. The tutoring year begins on March 8 of the current year. To register for SMARTHINKING, access INsite at login using your RegisNet Username and Password. Select SMARTHINKING. RegisNET A RegisNET Account allows students to use and access Regis University Webbased resources. RegisNET provides access to SHAREPOINT; SMARTHINKING; free ; course modules and syllabi; Dayton Memorial Library Databases; computer labs; presentation equipment; etc. To register for a RegisNET account; go to INsite ( Select RegisNET Account. You will be required to post either your social security number or student ID. DAYTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY The Dayton Memorial Library can be accessed htm Web site. The Jesuit University system provides 24 hour research support. The reference desk can be accessed by the link on the site or at , Ext STYLE SHEET STATEMENT Regis University SPS Graduate Programs requires students use the APA Style Sheet for written assignments. Information can be accessed through: REGIS UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT

10 (the following statement is located on the Regis University Web site at: Regis University educates men and women of all ages to take leadership roles and to make a positive impact in a changing society. Standing within the Catholic and United States traditions, we are inspired by the particular Jesuit vision of Ignatius Loyola. This vision challenges us to attain the inner freedom to make intelligent choices. We seek to provide value-centered undergraduate and graduate education, as well as to strengthen commitment to community service. We nurture the life of the mind and the pursuit of truth within an environment conducive to effective teaching, learning, and personal development. Consistent with Judeo-Christian principles, we apply knowledge to human needs and seek to preserve the best of the human heritage. We encourage the continual search for truth, values, and a just existence. Throughout this process, we examine and attempt to answer the question: "How ought we to live?" As a consequence of Ignatius Loyola's vision, particularly as reflected in his Spiritual Exercises, we encourage all members of the Regis community to learn proficiently; think logically and critically; identify and choose personal standards of values; and be socially responsible. We further encourage the development of the skills and leadership abilities necessary for distinguished professional work and contributions to the improvement and transformation of society. Online Course Assignments: MBA C601 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 1: The Foundations of the American Legal System and its Relationship to the Business Enterprise MAL: Chapters 1, 2, and 3 VEL: Chapter 3 DVD Review:

11 With regard to your Week 1 reading assignments and to help you gain a better understanding of the types of issues that you will face as a business leader in this week s topical areas, please review the ABC News: GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol- Myers Squibb, and AIDS in Africa on the VEL DVD and case in VEL at page 158. Assignments: Self introduction Week 1 forum discussion Week 1 Case Analysis: Kelo v. City of New London, 125 S. Ct (U.S. Sup. Ct. 2005) Week 2: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility: An Overview MAL: Chapter 4 VEL: Chapters 1,2, and 4 DVD Review: With regard to your Week 2 reading assignments and to help you gain a better understanding of the types of issues that you will face as a business leader in this week s topical areas, please review the ABC News: Enron s Fall and the ABC News: Unocal in Burma on the VEL DVD and cases in VEL at pages 53 and 119. Assignments: Week 2 forum discussion Week 2 Case Analysis: Burlington Northen and Sante Fe Railway Company v. Sheila White, 126 S. Ct (U.S. Sup. Ct., 2006) top Week 3: Civil Litigation: Product Liability, Negligence, and Strict

12 Liability MAL: Chapters 7, 19, 20, 21, and 22 VEL: Chapter 6 DVD Review: With regard to your Week 3 reading assignments and to help you gain a better understanding of the types of issues that you will face as a business leader in this week s topical areas, please review the You Be the Judge Ford Motor case on the MAL DVD and case in MAL at page 520 and the ABC News: Ford/Firestone Debacle on the VEL DVD and case in VEL at page 296. Assignments: Week 3 forum discussion Week 3 Case Analysis: Grimshaw v. Ford Motor Company, 119 Cal. App. 3d 757 (1981) Week 4: Employment Law and Principal-Agent Relations MAL: Chapters 35, 36, and 51 VEL: Chapters 7 and 8 DVD Review: With regard to your Week 4 reading assignments and to help you gain a better understanding of the types of issues that you will face as a business leader in this week s topical areas, please review the You Be the Judge Agency: Duped by Duplication; Sexual Harassment; Religious Discrimination; and Privacy/Employment at Will cases on the MAL DVD and cases in MAL at pages 872 and 1285 and the ABC News: Should Kroger Pay Now for What Ralphs Employee Did Then? and Gap s Labor Problems on the VEL DVD and cases in VEL at pages 341 and 399.

13 Assignments: Week 4 forum discussion Week 4 Case Analysis: Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (U.S. Sup. Ct., 1989) Week 5: Business Torts, Crimes, Contracts, and Governmental Oversight MAL: Chapters 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 DVD Review: With regard to your Week 5 reading assignments and to help you gain a better understanding of the types of issues that you will face as a business leader in this week s topical areas, please review the You Be the Judge Defamation: Trashing the French Maid; Finding Contracts on the Internet; Internet Fraud; and, Debt Collection cases on the MAL DVD and cases in MAL at pages 200, 326, 359, and, 708, and the ABC News: Playing Monopoly: Microsoft case on the VEL DVD and case at VEL at page 194. Assignments: Week 5 forum discussion Week 5 Case Analysis: United States v. Jeffrey Skilling Week 6: Antitrust and Property Law, including Intellectual Property MAL: Chapters 8, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 47, 48, 49, and 50 VEL: Chapter 4

14 DVD Review: With regard to your Week 6 reading assignments and to help you gain a better understanding of the types of issues that you will face as a business leader in this week s topical areas, please review the You Be the Judge Intellectual Property: Click Here, Get Sued; Intellectual Property: The Yoga Posture Puzzle; Unclaimed Property; Verbal Tenant Rights; Consumer Law: Misleading Menu Misery; and, Consumer Law: The Not-So-Captive Audience on the MAL DVD and cases in MAL at pages 272, 583, 636 and Assignments: Week 6 forum discussion Week 6 Case Analysis: United States v. Microsoft Corporation, 253 F. 3rd (D.C. Cir. 2001) Week 7: Forms of Business and their Interactions with Shareholders and Consumers MAL: Chapters 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 DVD Review: With regard to your Week 7 reading assignments and to help you gain a better understanding of the types of issues that you will face as a business leader in this week s topical areas, please review the You Be the Judge Partnerships: You Sunk My Partnership and Liability: Office Party Blame Game on the MAL DVD and cases in MAL at pages 927 and Assignments: Final paper: Professionalism To Me: Legal and Ethical Considerations

15 Week 8: Environmental Law and Related Government Regulatory Oversight MAL: Chapter 52 VEL: Chapter 5 DVD Review: With regard to your Week 8 reading assignments and to help you gain a better understanding of the types of issues that you will face as a business leader in this week s topical areas, please review the You Be the Judge Environmental Law: Digging Dogs Find Deadly Dirt on the MAL DVD and cases in MAL at page 1309 and the ABC News: Gas or Grouse on the VEL DVD and case at VEL at page 254. Assignments: Final paper: Professionalism To Me: Legal and Ethical Considerations Course Evaluation: Please complete the online evaluation located at the bottom of the Week by Week content. Your feedback helps us build a better online program! Please contact [email protected] if you need assistance or to report any problems Regis University. All rights reserved.