MOUNT ST. MARY S UNIVERSITY MBA PROGRAM SYLLABUS Semester Theme: Foundations BUS 205: FOUNDATIONS OF MANAGEMENT Fall Semester, 2015 Class meeting dates and times: Nov 1, 15, Dec 6 and online Faculty: Peter H. Antoniou, MIBA, DBA E: pantoniou@msmu.edu
SYLLABUS INTRODUCTION The course syllabus is one aspect of good pedagogy: It sets out information about the course as well as course expectations. From the faculty member s standpoint, it provides an easy-to-use form setting out the components and requirements so there is clear communication with the students. From the students point of view, the syllabus gives an overview of the coverage as well as the requirements, so they have a good sense of what the course entails from the beginning of the semester. Any surprises should be in the satisfaction of learning and the joys of being in an educational environment that values all the participants/students and faculty. At Mount St. Mary s University, we are guided by the Mount Mission to further the development of the whole person. The syllabus helps make that evident. The syllabus has two major functions: 1. THE SYLLABUS IS A STATEMENT OF COURSE EXPECTATIONS The syllabus sets out the course requirements, the grading scale, and the methods of assessment. It is intended to provide the students with sufficient information about the course expectations, along with due dates, and a class schedule. After the add/drop period, instructors should not redistribute points unless it is to the advantage of the student (e.g., reducing the homework/reading, removing a specific requirement, such as a quiz). The syllabus should be consistent with the catalog description. 2. THE SYLLABUS IS A PERMANENT RECORD The syllabus is a permanent record for the student, instructor, the department, and the institution. As such, it is both a professional and personal document. The syllabus provides a record of course content, grading methods, and information vital for equivalency transfers, as well as for the evaluation of a course or instructor. Subsequently, both faculty and students should retain course syllabi for future reference. Semester Theme: Module Prefix and Number Module Title Module Description: Statement of Module Objectives and Learning Outcomes Foundations BUS 205 Foundations Of Management Concepts and applications in management including motivation, leadership, group dynamics, organization design, decision-making, communication and organizational change's emphasis on contemporary management in the international context are discussed in this module. Managers face a complex web of difficult and exciting challenges today. A global economy in which world-class quality is the ticket to success, increased diversity in the work force, and calls for more ethical conduct promise to keep things changeable and ever evolving. As trustees of society s precious human, material, financial and informational resources, today s and tomorrow s managers hold the key to a better world. A solid grounding in management is essential to successfully guide large or small, profit or nonprofit firms into the 21st Century. The objective of this course is to discuss and discover the critical determinants of successful management. These include: Functions of management Tools for decision making process Role and impact of the functions of management and how they operate Change in an organization Motivation techniques
Module and MBA Program Learning Outcomes Required Textbooks and Materials OPTIONAL MATERIALS - While not required, the following optional materials will enhance your learning Faculty Availability Assignment Submissions Leadership and communication Control mechanism for the different levels and needs of an organization The affect the managerial functions in the decision-making process Upon completion of this module, students should also be able to demonstrate competency in all module objectives which, in turn, support achievement of one or more of the following MBA Learning Outcomes: Critical thinking Global business acumen Ethics Communication skills Entrepreneurship and innovation Strategic planning Teamwork Required texts are available online at Amazon.com and other online book sites Principles of Management, Quick Review, 2001, Willey, ISBN 0-7645-6384-x HBR articles will be given in class and posted on the course web site 24 hours by email and phone message (I check messages and will return your call within 24 hours) In person - Building 1 during class w/ends Due on the date assigned Assignments and Percentage Allocations: DUE DATE ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION PERCENTAGE OF GRADE INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP Nov 1 On line Component No class session Chapters 1-3 Article Select an article from WSJ or the current professional business literature pertaining to the subject matter of the reading material. Write an one plus page summary and critique on it. Bring the article to class and be ready to discuss it. See to it that the critique is the same length as that of the summary 4 INDIVIDUAL Submit via email no later than Nov 1 On line Component Chapters 15, 4-6 Article Select an article from the current professional business literature pertaining 4 INDIVIDUAL Bring to class on Nov 15
On line Component Chapters 7-11 to the subject matter of the reading material. Write an one plus page summary and critique on it. Bring the article to class and be ready to discuss it. See to it that the critique is the same length as that of the summary Article Select two articles from the current professional business literature pertaining to the subject matter of the reading material. Each pertaining to different chapters. Write an one plus page summary and critique on it. Bring the articles to the next class meeting and be ready to discuss it. See to it that the critique is the same length as that of the summary 8 INDIVIDUAL Bring to class on Nov 15 Nov 15 Review of the On line component material Chapters 12-16 Project Approval Identify an area that you want to research on; write and present the best practices in the selected topic area. This is to include what to do and what to avoid. It is to be practical and pertinent. 4 INDIVIDUAL Article Select an article from the current professional business literature pertaining to the subject matter of the reading material. Write an one plus page summary and critique on it. Bring the article to class and be ready to discuss it. See to it that the critique is the same length as that of the summary Dec 6 Summary Project Presentations Exam 30 30 INDIVIDUAL All class meetings Participation 20 INDIVIDUAL TOTAL: 100 Student Credit Hour Policy A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that reasonably approximates not less than:
(1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or (2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) for other academic activities, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. PLEASE NOTE: Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable reference for work due in this module. As a graduate student, you need to use scholarly resources/references. You may locate scholarly articles through EBSCO Host or GOOGLE Scholar which can be accessed at the MSMU library. WRITTEN WORK: Writing Requirements: All assignments must be typed and spell/grammar checked. Note: while this is not a writing class, it is a graduate level course and, as such, failure to proofread submissions for spelling and grammar will result in a significantly lower grade being assigned. Also, grades will be significantly reduced for papers that either are less than or exceed the stated guidelines for length. Papers are also to be well written with a logical flow of thought. Submit your papers double-spaced with 1" margins. Include a title page that identifies the assignment, the day it is due, the module name and number and your name. Papers should be in 12-pitch font. Indent paragraphs five spaces to indicate a new paragraph. Please include a title page on all papers. Please staple your papers together in the upper left hand corner. Observations and conclusions incorporated in written assignments should be supported by facts and analysis, not just thoughts and feelings. The papers should be tied into the related reading materials. Please contact the Graduate Writing Tutor at the Learning Center for additional information about writing skills. Note: In this class, you will be marked down for incorrect grammar and/or spelling. Plagiarism (discussed later in this syllabus) will result in a number of consequences including a grade of F for your paper. GROUP ASSIGNMENTS When an assignment or in-class project is designated group, ALL group members are required to contribute to the group assignments. Failure of all members to participate will result in a reduced grade for every member of the group. GRADING SCALE: CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES GRADING SCALE - Criteria and Guidelines: All assignments must be completed within the required time frame in order to pass this module. Please see Mount St. Mary s Catalog and the Graduate Student Handbook for additional information regarding grading, required GPA, academic probation and other policies. Grading Scale 93-100 A 90-92 A- 88-89 B+
83-87 B 80-82 B- 78-79 C+ 73-77 C 70-72 C- 60-69 D BELOW 60 F GRADING (Additional information) In addition to the specific assignment requirements described in this syllabus the following guidelines will be used as a guideline for grading assignments: WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS (individual and group) Item Description 1 Content and conceptualization 2 Logical organization of thoughts, ideas and structure 3 Spelling, grammar, APA format, etc. INDIVIDUAL ORAL PRESENTATIONS (if applicable) Item Description 1 Relevancy to class objectives 2 Clarity and conciseness of principles stated 3 Evidence of preparation, including the ability to field questions 4 Presentation skills, including compliance with time limits GROUP ORAL PRESENTATIONS (if applicable) Item Description 1 Relevancy to stated objectives 2 Appropriateness of examples as an illustrative vehicle 3 Evidence of contribution of each team member 4 Creativity
5 Presentation skills including compliance with time limits 6 Evidence of substantive research 7 Identification of principles 8 Practical applications 9 Mechanics of presentation Participation and Punctuality Grading Criteria You must be in class to earn any participation points for a class meeting. You have the opportunity to earn up to 20 points (20% of your grade) through your active participation. In consideration of your fellow students, it is expected that you will arrive on time, return from break(s) on time and stay in class until it ends. Participation is graded on individual contribution to class discussions and participation in your study team(s). The development of communication skills, both oral and written, is given a high priority in this module. The classroom should be considered a laboratory where you can test your ability to interact and interface effectively with your professors and your peers. Please avoid the following: Example of things that cause one not to earn the full amount of participation points: Texting or using the phone Surfing the Internet in class Not reading assigned material Being disruptive and/or not participating in class activities Not listening actively or being uncivil/rude to others in the class Arriving late, leaving early Cell phone/pagers going off during class Eating a complete meal in class instead of listening and participating USE OF LAPTOP COMPUTERS ipads and other electronic devices IN THE CLASSROOM: I understand that some students use their laptop computers or other digital devices to take notes during class. In this class we may have class activities where you need to access the Internet and on-line research sites. HOWEVER, there are times when I will ask you to refrain from using your laptop or other electronic device. For example, during class discussions and when others are presenting, your laptop should be CLOSED. These are times for interactions. If you want to take notes during this time, please do so the old fashioned way. You can convert your notes to electronic format later. Thank you. ADDITIONAL POLICIES: Respect and Civility: Active participation in class requires a safe and trusting environment. It is important for us to respect the views and comments made by others, even if we disagree with such comments. I encourage debate and critical discussion, yet it must be respectful, polite, and professional.
Confidentiality: Confidentiality is required in order to foster a safe environment for active discussion of business related topics. Student discussions may involve experiences from their jobs or personal experiences. Therefore all discussions of business or personal experiences are expected to be treated respectfully and confidentially. Students should not share proprietary information without permission from their employer. Academic Integrity/Plagiarism: All student-submitted materials are expected to be the product of the student s own thought process. Information from other sources may be used; however credit must be given, by using in-text citations or footnotes. A reference list should be attached to the paper to further identify the sources utilized. Please refer to the Mount St. Mary s 2012-2014 Catalog section on Academic Integrity for a complete discussion of cheating, failing to hand in original work, plagiarism, falsification or misrepresentation, and theft (pp. 4-47). If the work of someone else (whether it is quoted or paraphrased) is not properly cited (or footnoted) in the assignment and if there is not a reference list giving the details of the work, THAT IS PLAGIARISM. If work is plagiarized in this course, the student will be subject to the consequences outlined in the 2012-2014 Catalog which states, The penalty for an act of dishonesty could range from a grade of F on an examination or assignment, a reduced or failing grade for the course in question, probation, suspension or expulsion from the College. Repeated acts of academic dishonesty will be treated more gravely (p.47). Other Requirements: The requirements and conditions established by Mount Saint Mary s University, as enumerated in the Graduate Student Handbooks, Catalog, and Department of Business Administration policies, are incorporated in this syllabus, in their entirety, by this reference. Deadlines: One of the things you will learn in this class is the effect of timeliness on your success or failure. Accepting assignments late reinforces bad time management and procrastination. There are no late assignments accepted. Deadlines apply to both paper assignment and assignments to be completed on the e-learning webpage (Angel). Both will suffer the same penalties for late work. EXTRA CREDIT: There is no extra credit in this course, so please plan your time to be certain you are prepared for all class discussions and oral presentations and that all assignments are turned in on time. Americans with Disabilities Act: MSMU, in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you are student with a documented disability, please contact The Learning Center (mforte@msmc.la.edu) to make arrangements for classroom accommodations. Additional disability related information and policies can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook and in the 2012-2014 College Catalog.
COURSE CHANGES: The Instructor reserves the right to change assignments, as needed, to achieve the learning objectives of the course. Students will be informed, in writing, of these changes. No changes will require additional work on the part of the student(s).
APPENDIX A GROUP MEMBER EVALUATIONS To be completed at the end of this module In completing this form, write the name of each group member on the first line of the form. Do not identify yourself. Objectively evaluate each member s performance on the following factors. Attempt to rate group members without regard to positive or negative feelings that you may have for them individually. Submit this form IN CONFIDENCE to the Professor at the end of each module. 1= No Participation 2= Slight Participation 3= Moderate participation 4= Significant Participation 5= Outstanding Participation Name of each Study Group Member: Prepared (Research, reading, and assignment complete) Attendance (On-time and stayed for duration) Participation (Contributed best academic ability) Dignity, respect, and Listening (Present and respectful) On task (Conducted like a business meeting) Rotate tasks (Willingly offered and accepted new tasks) Conflict resolution (Willingness to resolve disputes out-lined in the charter) Decisions by Consensus (Lead or follow appropriately) Communication between meetings (Initiate and respond
appropriately) Overall Contribution: What changes would you like to see in your study group?