Effective Jan. 12, 2015
The University of Texas-Pan American
College of Business Administration
Department of Management
Syllabus for MGMT6390 Strategic Management (Online)
Instructor Contact Information
Office Hours
David L Sturges
Spring 2015 Module 2 Online
Online Office Hours- Evening after round submissions
(look at calendar below for dates). Use Blackboard
Collaborate™ link on class entry page to access the
Office Hours.
You can find my introduction in the Who Am I? blog on
the class web site and under the About Your Professor.
BA213-B
956-665-7193(do not leave a message on Audex, I
will not get it!)
[email protected]
Response Time:
 The instructors will respond to emails within 24 hours of receipt, except emails with course content questions.
 Regarding email for questions or comments- I will not respond to any email with a class question. The place for them is the Blackboard
Collaborate™ virtual office hours. The reason is simple. We are in this class together. We are collaboratively trying to accomplish the
development and display of competencies in the management of a firm. If you have a question, then others likely have the same or similar
question. We will all benefit by the answer. So if you have a question that you email, and you cannot join us in the office hours, then you can
view the video of the office hours to see the answer to your questions and to that of other students.
1
MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
Welcome
This capstone course integrates knowledge in functional areas and covers strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation. Different types of
organizations in all kinds of environments and industries are studied. Technology, culture and ethics are important environmental variables considered.
(UTPA Bulletin, 2010)
Course Description
This course is specifically designed to appeal to the self-motivated, creative, and critical-thinking oriented student. That doesn't mean that someone
who does not believe these traits are part of his or her make up cannot succeed. It means that any student must be willing to apply him or herself to the
challenge of accessing resources, determining an understanding of the concepts, then sharing them with classmates. If your expectation is to be lectured
to and for the professor to answer all your questions, then this is not the course for you. The learning expectations are on you!
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: Eighteen hours of MBA core courses. ACC 6320, MGMT 6330, FINA 6340, ECON 6350, MGMT 6360 and MARK 6370 or special permission of
the MBA Director or MBA Committee.
Required Materials
Textbooks
There are two (2) required materials needed to complete the coursework for this class, the Capsim™ Capstone™ simulation with Ethics Plug-in and the
COMP-XM™. The Capstone simulation is not only your textbook but also where most of your course assessments will take place.


Capstone™ Business Simulation - $53.99 (price as of Fall 2014)
o With Capstone Ethics Plug-in-$10.00 (Price as of Fall 2014)
Comp-XM™ Exam - $14.99 (price as of Fall 2014)
All of these are purchased with a credit card (or other forms) on this site – http://www.capsim.com. All you need to do is click the Register button >
click Create New Account > Agree to the Terms > and enter the Industry ID – C69267. Total price is $78.98 (price as of Spring 2015).
Capstone is an Internet/PC-based simulation that has been designed to give teams of students the opportunity to craft strategies, to make business
decisions, and to be held accountable for the financial performance of those strategies and decisions. In general, simulations offer students the
opportunity to come as close as possible to managing a real company and thereby to develop an understanding of the challenges encountered when
managing a business.
2
MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
You and your team members will assume the role of the top management team of one of the companies in the industry. Over the eight-year timeframe of
the simulation, your team will encounter a range of strategic issues that will force you to integrate your knowledge of accounting, finance, marketing,
operations, and strategic management.
Complete details of the simulation are included in the Team Member Guide and are online at http://www.Capsim.com .
Course Competencies To Bring to Class
As the capstone course for the completion of your MBA degree, you will find this course requires your application of concepts and practices you
developed in prerequisite courses. These include but are not limited to:




Financial analysis skills, such as using balance sheets, income statements and others to analyze and evaluate the performance of an
organization
Production management, such as determining appropriate production capacities based on marketing projects, adding or deleting production
capacity for maximum plant efficiency, analysis and implementation of manpower needs and adding or deleting workers from production lines.
Marketing management, such as identifying market segments, targeting products to maximize customer demand, acquiring and increasing
product market share, controlling sales budgets and promotion budgets to positively affect customer awareness and customer accessibility for
products, accurately calculating sales forecasts and the basis for production and financial funding decisions.
Human resources management, including compensation, benefits, wage and salary negotiation with union representation, controlling
absenteeism and employee turnover.
MGMT 6390 Course Goals and Objectives:
The course objective accomplishment will be measured using two simulation activities.
First is the Capstone™ simulation. As noted in the Grade Policy section, this assignment is a major component of the class. You will work in teams. Each
team will manage a business in the simulation. We will have six competing firms. Your goal is to guide your firm to success during the simulation period. Your
success will be measured by firm growth, firm productivity, and financial stability. Five peer evaluations will be performed during the module to measure
student perceptions about team members’ performances. The peer evaluations will affect the grade an individual receives for the course.
Second is the COMP-XM™ Exam. This will be an individual effort that will be opened for your access during the final week of the module. You will require
about 6 to 10 hours to complete the exam (some students have used as many as 20 hours to complete). You do not have to complete the exam at one sitting. You
may access it at anytime during the seven-day period to work on it. See the calendar for the dates it will be available.
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
MGMT6390 Strategic Management Course Goals and Objectives
Alignment Matrix
The course learning outcomes for this course are organized into six managerial competencies. Recent research based on nationally representative data
contained in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupation Information Network (O*NET) found that six behavioral competencies are required of all
managerial roles. The sample included over 8,600 managers spanning 52 distinct managerial occupations. 1 These competencies reflect what all
managers “must do,” regardless of industry or company. Below is a matrix of these competencies and the course component alignment for each. Upon
completion of the course, learners will be able to fulfill each competency described as follows:
1.
Managing Administration and Control – This competency category entails the conventional aspects of business administration typically
pertaining to oversight of financial capital. Broad activities that are associated with this category include evaluating information for
compliance purposes, verifying adherence to internal standards or external rules and regulations, documenting or recording business-related
information, and other general administrative activities.
2.
Managing Strategy and Innovation – This competency category entails the oversight of strategic and intellectual capital. Broad activities include
developing long-term organizational strategies and objectives, providing consultation and advice to internal or external stakeholders, thinking
creatively, and managing innovation and entrepreneurial activities.
3.
Managing Human Capital – This competency category entails the oversight of human capital and organizational capability. Broad activities include
supervising personnel, developing and building teams, motivating or leading others, coaching and developing others, resolving conflicts, and
recruiting, selecting, and rewarding personnel.
4.
Managing Decision-Making Processes – This competency category entails activities germane to the process of individual and organizational
decision-making. Broad activities include obtaining relevant information, analyzing data for decision-making purposes, assessing quality of
data and services, determining validity of data or evidence, making data-driven recommendations for decision-making purposes, and assessing
and communicating success/failure probabilities of recommendations.
5.
Managing the Task Environment – This competency category entails activities related to interacting with aspects and stakeholders of an
organization’s external environment that are pertinent to its effective functioning. Broad activities include communicating with external
stakeholders (e.g., customers, competitors, suppliers, etc.), establishing and maintaining external relationships, and selling or influencing others.
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
6.
Managing Logistics and Technology – This competency category entails the oversight of technological capital, including information technology,
as well as oversight of general business operations. Broad activities that are associated with this category include monitoring operations and
production, inspecting physical resources (e.g., equipment, structures, or material), controlling machines and information technology, and
planning and maintaining service or production processes.
The following matrix defines the Course Objectives with the Course’s Student Learning Objective and their alignment with MBA goals
and assessment
methods:
Course Title and Number
MGMT6390 Strategic Management
Course Description
This capstone course integrates knowledge in functional areas and covers strategy formulation, implementation
and evaluation. Different types of organizations in all kinds of environments and industries are studied.
Technology, culture and ethics are important environmental variables considered. Prerequisite: Eighteen hours
of MBA core courses. The following courses ACC 6320, MGMT 6330, FINA 6340, ECON 6350, MGMT 6360 and
MARK 6370 are required.
Course Competencies
Course Objective
MBA Goal
Assessment Method
1. Managing Administration and
Control
As a student, I will demonstrate
effective business management,
including rigorous application of
core business functions and with
problem-solving skills reflecting an
integration of functional
perspectives. I should be prepared
to assume positions of leadership
and contribute immediately to the
improved performance of
organizations
Leadership
Global Perspective
Analytical Skill
Communication
2. Managing Strategy and
Innovation
As a student, I will apply
innovation and technology to
develop the practice to foster
innovation in organizations,
respond effectively to new
circumstances; and through their
actions, enable organizations and
Leadership
Critical Analysis and DecisionMaking
Financial, Internal Business
Process, and Customer Scores on
Balanced Scorecard.
Successful completion of the
simulation: Using the financial data
to analyze their company to make
improvements for the next round.
Accounting, Finance, Human
Resource, Marketing scores on
COMP-XM
Phase 4 memo and presentation to
communicate business info
Total Balanced Scorecard with
score above the 50th percentile
worldwide.
Successful completion of the
simulation: Requires using,
evaluating and interpreting annual
reports, production info, market
segment data, stock and bond
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
society to realize the potential of
new technologies.
market data, etc. Situation Analysis
to make sound business decisions.
3. Managing Human Capital
As a student, I will apply Human
Values and Team Work to identify
and value individual differences
and have collaborative skills for
working effectively in functionally
and culturally diverse teams.
Leadership
Communication
Ethics
4. Managing the Task Environment
As a student, I will describe the
concept of competitive advantage
and how it may be achieved
through strategic and tactical
methods.
Critical Analysis and DecisionMaking
Leadership
Communication
Ethics
As a student, I will define markets
and apply marketing concepts and
principles using a customer focus
to effectively sell products and
services.
As a student, I will demonstrate
effective business management,
including a rigorous understanding
of core business functions and with
problem-solving skills reflecting an
integration of functional
perspectives. I should be prepared
to assume positions of leadership
and contribute immediately to the
improved performance of their
organizations
Critical Analysis and DecisionMaking
Analytical Skill
Ethics
Customer Subtotal points from
Balanced Scorecard.
Scores resulting from the following:
Situation Analysis: - Perceptual Map
- Demand Analysis - Capacity
Analysis - Margin Analysis Consumer Analysis
Score on Ethic Module in
simulation
As a student, I will apply innovation
and technology to develop the
Critical Analysis and DecisionMaking
Financial, Internal Business
Process, and Customer Scores on
5 Managing Decision-Making
Processes
6. Managing Logistics and
Technology
6
Learning & Growth: indication of
person’s values regarding
investment in human capital.
Peer Evaluations, Shareholder’s
Debrief, and working as a
management team in the
simulation.
Phase 4 Final Experience memo and
presentation.
Learning & Growth: indication of
person’s values regarding
investment in human capital.
Peer Evaluations, Shareholder’s
Debrief, and working as a
management team in the
simulation.
MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
practice to foster innovation in
organizations, respond effectively
to new circumstances; and through
their actions, enable organizations
and society to realize the potential
of new technologies.
Leadership
Analytical Skill
Balanced Scorecard on COMP-XM.
Successful completion of the
simulation: Using the financial data
to analyze their company to make
improvements for the next round.
Teaching Strategies
Students will perform individually and as teams to complete in a web-based simulation.
You will be expected to commit to the level of work required to complete all assignments. You will be expected to work in groups. You will be expected
to contribute to the group. You will fail the course if you cannot work with a group. You will fail the course if your outside schedule does not permit you
to participate in every class activity. Because of the importance of your individual contribution to the group accomplishments, you should access the
TeamMATE™ in the course company main menu to benefit from an independent module on team building as well as evaluations for your application of
team building and leadership in your operating groups.
All class content activities are on the University's Blackboard or the Capsim™ Simulation web site. You must have a computer and broadband access
(Cable, DSL, or other). If you do not have a computer, you can use computers at almost any publicly available location in colleges or libraries.
Policies
Add/Drop Policy
The university has a calendar of dates for categories of drops. Please consult this calendar. Do NOT just stop attending. If you are no longer planning to
participate in the class, then process a drop, which form you can get from the department administrative assistant. If you do not process this drop form,
you will receive an “F” for the semester and you may be liable for refunding part or all of the financial aid used to pay for this course.
Exam Policy
Quizzes and Exams will be taken using the Capsim™ or Blackboard Learn™ systems. DO NOT CHEAT. This is defined as trying to use the book, taking
exams with a partner, or sharing exams with others. If I detect or suspect the presence of cheating, all exams will be taken in person during virtual class
time.
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
The exams and quizzes are set in the calendar. It is your responsibility to know when they are due. On the due dates, you have from 6:00 am to 11:30
pm CST to access and complete the exam or quiz.
If you take longer than the set time, no answers submitted after the deadline will be accepted. So, if the exam allots 40 minutes, answer everything
before the end of the time.
Missed Exam/Late Assignment Policy
No make up exams or tests are available.
Assignments Policy
Ten assignments will be found on the Capsim™ site. Although some of the assignments are group decisions regarding various strategic aspects of
the simulation, each team member must submit an individual assignment response through the Capsim™ site. If the assignment calls for a team
action, the individual will report the team’s outcome, then offer individual insights to the outcome, including how the individual might have done the
outcome differently, what portions of the team outcome the individual agrees or disagrees with and why.
All written assignments must be completed as instructed. If the assignment calls for a presentation and you elect to support your presentation with
slides, you must upload them to Blackboard Collaborate™, available on the Blackboard Learn™ class site for recording the presentation for evaluation. If
you miss an assignment, you may not submit it later. Focus on what's ahead, not what's behind.
So the minimum skills needed to complete the assignments and simulation successfully are: Skills in Microsoft™ Word™, Excel™, PowerPoint™ or their
equivalent productivity programs. For tutorials to help overcome skill deprivation go to http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/.
In addition, the Capstone™ simulation implementation will be completed as a task team. You must commit to the time and effort that will be required for
you to work successfully in a team. In the Start Here link we will have a discussion about the TeamMATE™ planning model and how you use it to make
your team activity more effective and efficient. You will be expected to apply these techniques to the task team problems in the course.
Please note that you and your team will receive feedback to your performance in making the decisions for your company in two ways. First is a
recorded debriefing that can be accessed through the course menu by the link labeled “Recorded Office Hours.” Second, five evaluation tools are
reported to the teams after submission of round decisions. An instruction guide to interpret these tools is available in LM 2, 3 and 4. The student may
receive feedback on performance through these evaluation tools. Please access the course calendar or the schedule in Capsim™ Capstone™ to ensure
you and your team members know when the decisions are due and debriefings will be held.
8
MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
Throughout the eight rounds of the Capstone™ simulation, you will, at random, be faced with ethical decision situations. You and your team members
must complete the ethical dilemma as a component of the course. Each person must submit his or her own vote in response to the ethical situation.
The COMP-XM™ Final Exam will require you to work as an individual on a simulation similar to the Capstone™ group simulation. You will be asked to
apply skills in Decision-making, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, and Research and Development. The COMP-XM™ takes from 6 to 10
hours to complete. It will open late in the semester and will remain open for six days
The Rubric for the COMP-XM™ experience is found in the Learning Module 5 index on Blackboard™ Learn. In addition, a special student guide to the
COMP-XM™ experience is also accessible through the Learning Module 5 index.
The rubric for written homework assignments is as follows:
Content of assignment
(half point can be
awarded if one of the
evaluation points fits
with a higher or lower
category of evaluation.
FE. Assn. is judged 3
except for analysis,
which is level 2. Award
is 2.5)
Execution of
assignment
(This includes style for
written assignments
and skill in
presentation
assignments, see
presentation rubric)
Spelling/Grammar
Exceeds Expectations
3
Covers the assignment
facts and questions in
exemplary fashion,
shows deep an broad
analysis to reach
conclusions, explains
conclusions fully with
no resulting questions
Meets Expectations
2
Covers the assignment
facts and questions in
adequate fashion,
shows analysis to
reach conclusions,
explains conclusions
fully
Doesn’t Completely
Meet Expectations 1
Fails to over the
assignment facts and
questions completely,
shows little analysis to
reach conclusions,
explains conclusions
Unacceptable
Performance 0
Fails to cover the
assignment facts and
questions, shows no
analysis to reach
conclusions, shows no
conclusions
Special Award 1-3
Exceeds expectations
to include precise,
concise editing, word
choice and
organization as
suggested in lectures
and support
documents
No misspelling or
grammatical errors
based on APA or MLA
style manual
Meets expectations to
include precise,
concise editing, word
choice and
organization as
suggested in lectures
and support
documents
A few misspellings or a
few minor
grammatical errors
based on APA or MLA
style manual
Fails to meet
expectations to include
precise, concise
editing, word choice
and organization as
suggested in lectures
and support
documents
Many misspellings or
grammatical errors
based on APA or MLA
style manual
Fails in all aspects of
effective and efficient
assignment
implementation
Awarded to Level 3 if
the assignment
implementation has
components that are
truly outstanding. FE,
Financial analysis
exceeds the “exceeds
expectation” level.
Awarded to level 3 if
grammar use shows
exceptional above the
exceeds expectation
level.
Meets expectations1pt
Fails to meet
expectations-0pt
Submission by
Deadline
9
Fails in all aspects of
effective and efficient
assignment
implementation
Awarded to Level 3 if
the assignment
implementation has
components that are
truly outstanding. FE,
Financial analysis
exceeds the “exceeds
expectation” level.
MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
Rubric for Board Report Assignments. The course includes two of these Board reports worth 100 points each. This rubric creates a score based on a
maximum total of 50 points that this component represents on the deliverables for a board report.
Content of assignment
(half point can be
awarded if one of the
evaluation points fits
with a higher or lower
category of evaluation.
FE. Assn. is judged 3
except for analysis,
which is level 2. Award
is 2.5)
Execution of
assignment
(This includes style for
written assignments
and skill in
presentation
assignments, see
presentation rubric)
Spelling/Grammar
Exceeds Expectations
Meets Expectations
Covers the assignment
facts and questions in
exemplary fashion,
shows deep and broad
analysis to reach
conclusions, explains
conclusions fully with
no resulting questions
(25 pts.)
Covers the assignment
facts and questions in
adequate fashion,
shows analysis to
reach conclusions,
explains conclusions
fully (22 pts)
Exceeds expectations
to include precise,
concise editing, word
choice and
organization as
suggested in lectures
and support
documents (15 pts)
No misspelling or
grammatical errors
based on APA or MLA
style manual (10 pts)
Meets expectations to
include precise,
concise editing, word
choice and
organization as
suggested in lectures
and support
documents (13 pts.)
A few misspellings or a
few minor
grammatical errors
based on APA or MLA
style manual (9 pts.)
Doesn’t Completely
Meet Expectations
Fails to over the
assignment facts and
questions completely,
shows little analysis to
reach conclusions,
explains conclusions
(20 pts)
Unacceptable
Performance
Fails to covers the
assignment facts and
questions, shows no
analysis to reach
conclusions, shows no
conclusions (0 pts)
Special Award 1-3
Fails to meet
expectations to include
precise, concise
editing, word choice
and organization as
suggested in lectures
and support
documents (11 pts)
Many misspellings or
grammatical errors
based on APA or MLA
style manual (8 pts)
Fails in all aspects of
effective and efficient
assignment
implementation (0
pts)
Awarded to Level 3 if
the assignment
implementation has
components that are
truly outstanding. FE,
Financial analysis
exceeds the “exceeds
expectation” level.
Awarded to level 3 if
grammar use shows
exceptional above the
exceeds expectation
level.
Fails in all aspects of
effective and efficient
assignment
implementation (0
pts)
Awarded to Level 3 if
the assignment
implementation has
components that are
truly outstanding. FE,
Financial analysis
exceeds the “exceeds
expectation” level.
The rubric for classroom presentation for the Board of Directors is as follows: The aggregate score on this rubric will be a multiplier on the total of 50
points this component represents in the deliverables for the board report:
1.
The presentation seemed well prepared.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
2.
The presenter(s) seemed well rehearsed.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
3.
Strong, attention-getting opening.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
4.
Presenter establishes rapport.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
5.
Presenter establishes confidence in audience.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
6.
Presenter seems to have targeted audience.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
7.
The presenter(s) had good posture and gestures.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
8.
The presenter(s) spoke clearly and audibly.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
9.
The presenter(s) made smooth transitions between
sections.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
10.
Audio-visuals (if used) were appropriate.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
11.
Visuals properly supported the presentation.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
12.
Visuals’ transitions were handled smoothly.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
13.
Visuals enhanced the presentation.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
14.
Hand-outs (if used) were appropriate.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
15.
Hand-outs enhanced the presentation
5
4
3
2
1
NA
16.
The presentation close motivated me to want to
take action.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
17.
I had confidence in the presentation.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
18.
I had confidence in the presenter(s)
5
4
3
2
1
NA
19.
I would vote to implement the project.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
20.
Overall impression of the presentation was
positive.
5
4
3
2
1
NA
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
Class Participation Policy
Class participation will be evaluated by peer evaluation of the student’s performance as a member of his or her group. The peer evaluation will be
accessed on the Caspim™ class site. Each student has the responsibility to evaluate the other members of the management team for the Capstone™
simulation.
Class Participation Rubric:
Class Section ____________________
Date ____________________
Number of people in the group ______
Peer Evaluation
MGMT6390
Name of person being evaluated _________________________________________
Name of person evaluating _____________________________________________
Name of Team _________________________________________________
Nada
Excellent
0 1 2 3 4 5
1.
This person regularly attended group meetings outside class (in person or electronic).
0 1 2 3 4 5
2.
0 1 2 3 4 5
3.
When unable to attend group meetings, this person made effort to contribute to the group's progress
s
In group meetings (in person or electronically), this person made consistent contribution to the group's progress.
0 1 2 3 4 5
4.
Ideas presented by the person were clear and significant to the group's progress.
0 1 2 3 4 5
5.
This person verbalized clearly and logically when presenting ideas to the group.
0 1 2 3 4 5
6.
This person's attitude about group activity seemed positive.
0 1 2 3 4 5
7.
This person was flexible and open to ideas from other group members.
0 1 2 3 4 5
8.
This person worked to harmonize competing ideas into a consensus of group direction. (This means harmonizing differing
opinions, not calming hostilities.)
0 1 2 3 4 5
9.
This person emerged as a leader for the group. (This does not mean ordering others around. It means leading the group or
subgroups to greater productivity through his or her charisma, knowledge, tact, or commitment)
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
0 1 2 3 4 5
10. This person treated all group members fairly and with respect.
0 1 2 3 4 5
11. This person emerged as a primary source of information the group used to derive conclusions
0 1 2 3 4 5
12. This person kept the group focused on accomplishing the group's mission.
0 1 2 3 4 5
13. This person emerged as a group member with a specialized talent that contributed to the group's accomplishment of its
mission
0 1 2 3 4 5
14. This person helped reduce hostile conflict among members of the group. (If your group experienced no hostile conflict, select
"5" for this answer.)
0 1 2 3 4 5
15. If I work in a group again, I want this person in the group.
Sub-Total of Points for Statements 1-15 ____________________
16. In comparison to other group members, I rate this person's overall performance in this group (no two members of the group should be awarded
the same number on this item):
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Sub-Total items 1-15 plus item 16 _______________________________ (Results in a number from 0 to 100)
Regarding email for questions or comments- I will not respond to any email with a class question. The place for them is the Blackboard Collaborate™
virtual office hours. The reason is simple. We are in this class together. We are collaboratively trying to accomplish the development and display of
competencies in the management of a firm. If you have a question, then others likely have the same or similar question. We will all benefit by the answer.
So if you have a question that you email, and you cannot join us in the office hours, then you can view the video of the office hours to see the answer to
your questions and to that of other students. Other emails will receive responses within one working day or less.
Semester Project Policy
The course will culminate with two simulation activities.
First is the Capstone™ simulation. As noted in the Grade Policy section, this assignment is a major component of the class. You will work in teams. Each
team will manage a business in the simulation. We will have six competing firms. Your goal is to guide your firm to success during the simulation period.
Your success will be measured by firm growth, firm productivity, and financial stability. Peer evaluation will be performed throughout the semester.
The peer evaluations will affect the grade an individual receives for the semester.
13
MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
Second is the COMP-XM™ Exam. This will be an individual effort that will be opened for your access during the final week of the semester. You will
require about 6 to 10 hours to complete the exam. You do not have to complete the exam at one sitting. You may access it at anytime during the sevenday period to work on it. See the calendar for the dates it will be available.
See the rubric for the Capstone™ simulation in the Capstone™ folder on the activities page of the Blackboard™ web site.
Grading Policies
The semester grade will be determined by your performance on a series of activities with a maximum point accumulation of 2400 points.
Activity
Peer Evaluations
Homework Assigns
Board Reports
Capstone™ Simulation
Capstone Ethics
COMP XM™
Final Experience Ph.4
Total Pts
Number
5
10
2
8 rounds
5
1
1
Points @
20 pts
10 pts
100 pts
1000 pts
100 pts
1000 pts
100 pts
Total
100
100
200
1000
500
1000
100
3000
Grades for the semester will be assigned on the scale of 2700 to 3000 points = A, 2399 to 2699 points = B,
2099 to 2398 points = C, and fewer = F. ( No Ds in grad school)
Students not completing any one grading activity will automatically receive an F for the semester. Missing any one item means you did not complete the
required work for the course. If you elect to drop the course, please acquire a drop slip from your department administration and submit it to officially
drop from the course. DO NOT JUST STOP PARTICIPATING. If you just stop, you will be recorded as an “F” and that will result in your dismissal from
the MBA program as well as you might be asked to return the unused portion of your tuition for the course to financial aid, if you are on financial aid.
Assignment Feedback
Please note that you and your team will receive feedback to your performance in making the decisions for your company in two ways. First is a
recorded debriefing that can be accessed through the course menu by the link labeled “Recorded Office Hours.” Second, five evaluation tools are
reported to the teams after submission of round decisions. An instruction guide to interpret these tools is available in LM 2, 3 and 4. The student may
receive feedback on performance through these evaluation tools. Please access the course calendar or the schedule in Capsim™ Capstone™ to ensure
you and your team members know when the decisions are due and debriefings will be held. Scores for these activities will be posted in Blackboard™
Grade Book 48 to 72 hours after completion.
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
Academic Integrity
Cheating of any kind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Some of the more common types of academic dishonesty relate to the following:
 Plagiarism - Do not use published and/or unpublished material without acknowledging the source.
 Cheating on assignments or projects – Do not collaborate with other students unless it is specifically stated by the instructor that working with
others is allowed (e.g., a team project).
 Cheating on exams – Do not acquire from, or give information to, other students about exams. Do not use materials or resources during exams
that are not expressly permitted by the instructor. No sharing of exam experiences. Do your own work from your studies. Do not try to access
the text or other notes.
Penalties for cheating and plagiarism may range from an “F” on a particular assignment, an “F “for the course, to expulsion from the university. Violators
of the University's policy on Academic Integrity will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Services for hearings, and will automatically receive an
"F" for the course if found guilty. See http://www.utpa.edu/dept/dos/slts/EZ/academicIntegrity.htm for additional information.
Students with Disabilities
Anyone needing special accommodation for disabilities should contact the Dean's office at 956-665-3311 to arrange for assistance.
Note: If you have a documented disability which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined and/or if you need special
accommodations/assistance, please contact the Office of Disability Services (DS), University Center, Room 322, at 956-665-7005, at via email at mailto:
[email protected]. Appropriate arrangement/accommodations can be arranged.
Course Schedule
The course calendar is online and accessible through the class website on Blackboard™.
Here is a tentative calendar. The days and topics may change because of extenuating circumstances. This calendar may also be access using the Course
Calendar link on the BB course menu on the left as you enter the course site. Please note that you and your team will receive feedback to your weekly
performance during the day following your decision input deadline of 11:00 pm on the due day, unless the due date and time are listed separately
(Practice Rounds 1 and 2). All homework is due by 11:00 PM central on the day indicated. All homework requires individual submission even if it is
an assignment requiring team decisions making. Note that the schedule listing for homework usually shows a time on the calendar of 10:00 pm
Central. This is the beginning of the last hour of access to submit the item. For example, if Homework 1.1A shows in the calendar as 10:00 PM that is the
beginning of the last hour of access to submit that closes at 11:00 PM central. In the Capsim Schedule, the 11:00 PM final access is shown.
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
University Email and Online Communication Netiquette Policy
“The new university policy requires all electronic communication between the University and students be conducted through the official University
supplied systems; namely BroncMail for email or Blackboard™ for course specific correspondence. Therefore, please use your UTPA assigned BroncMail
or Blackboard™ account for all future correspondence with UTPA faculty and staff.”
You are expected to ensure your email communication is appropriate. It should be concise and precise using correct spelling and grammar. The tone of
your emails should be professional and collaborative. Hostile emails or emails using inappropriate language will not be tolerated. Students displaying
this lack of professionalism will receive a complete removal of peer evaluation points from the grade calculation.
In addition, email, discussion boards and all other online communication should conform to recognized netiquette for civility, collaboration, and
cooperativeness. See the Wiki Web page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette for more information and direction.
The instructors will respond to emails within 24 hours of receipt except for emails with questions about course content. These emails will be answered
in the Online Office Hours so all students can share the answers. If a student cannot participate in the OHH, then he or she may view the session
recording to receive the answer to the email as well as other course content questions from those attending the session.
Student’s Privacy Issues
Some software used in this course is operated by third-party venders. Each resource publishes a statement of Privacy that can be accessed though the
UTPA COLTT website for licensed software. Please go to http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/daa_home/coltt_home/software and click on “Privacy”
under software titles to access the individual firms’ policies. In addition, this course uses a simulation from Capsim™ Inc. Its policies are accessible
below.
Capsim: Privacy | Accessibility statement For any additional assistance in accessing or working with the software contact the Capsim™ Help Desk at
[email protected]
Starting the Course
Enter the Class Website and select “ Start Here” Once familiar with the course’s operation and expectations, select “Learning Modules.” Each module
contains the instructions and resources for the course. Use this as the basis of your class planning. Do not access assignments and assessments
separately through the menu access. This will only confuse you. Use the Learning Modules.
After arranging your access to the Blackboard™ web site, your first task is to practice using the new format by going to the “Who Am I?” option in the
class menu and your posting a blog entry to introduce yourself to the class. Mine is already there. I will use the information to create the company
management teams for the course. At a minimum, show your full name as recorded by the university, any additional names you might use (married
name, pet name, nick name), BroncMail email address, contact phone number, your major, your area a special interest in business operation, and a
statement about your commitment to perform at a level that will earn you high marks on peer evaluations by your team members. Lastly place a
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MGMT6390 Syllabus- Spring 2015- Module 2
statement about what your desired outcome for taking this class is. What are your expectations and what are you ready to commit to? This should be
done during the first day of class so groups can be assigned before the second class day.
Course Evaluation
Mandatory Course Evaluation Period (tentative dates Feb. 10 to Feb. 20). Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course,
accessed through your UTPA account (https://my.utpa.edu/). You will be contacted through email with further instructions on the evaluation process.
The evaluation window closes at 11:00 pm on February 20. Students who complete their evaluations by Feb 20 will have priority access to their grades.
Need Help?
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For general help or institutional information, select entries from the Student Resources web page accessible through the course main menu
item to the left of the main course page.
For assistance with class technology contact, the COLTT help desk at http://cdl.utpa.edu/helpdesk/ or 956-665-5327. This includes
troubleshooting exams and quizzes if they do not work properly.
For assistance with computer network connection, contact the university Help Desk at 956-665-2020. Do not contact this help desk for class
related troubleshooting.
For resources relevant to assignments and exams, access the UPTA library at http://lib.utpa.edu/.
Additional student resources are found by selecting the “Student Resources” menu item in the Blackboard™ class site.
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