Draft Syllabus: MGT 4923.002 [Hybrid] FallSemester 2018

Leading Organizations and Making Decisions

Class Hours: Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., BB 3.01.02

Office Hours: Wednesday,1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., BB 4.04.29

Web site:

(Updated Aug. 14, 2018: All Dates & Times are Central Time Zone)

NOTE:Only the online version of this syllabus is current. Both PC and Mac users must use the Mozilla Firefox or Chrome browsers to access UTSA Web sites and Blackboard Learn. Access Blackboard Learn at. In instances of conflicting information with other documents, the provisions of this syllabus take precedence.

Table of Contents & Important Contacts

Professor’s Welcome…………………………………………………2

University Services & Policies

Description/Prerequisites/Goals

Required/Course Materials

Computer Software & Hardware …………………………………………………3

Study Resources

Technical Support…………………………………………………4

Course Guidelines & Policies…………………………………………………5

Assignments & Exams

Extra Credit…………………………………………………9

Grading & Attendance Policies…………………………………………………10

Frequently Asked Questions…………………………………………………13

Link to Weekly Class Schedule

COURSE TEAM / EMAIL ADDRESSES / PHONE / OFFICE HOURS
Professor / BB 4.04.29
Dr. Bennie Wilson / Email:
  • Documented emergency absence
  • Point deductions
/ Email Message preferred / Wed.: 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
And by appointment
Teaching Assistant / BB 4.04.29
Dania Al-Rasheed / Email
  • Quizzes, exams
  • Miscellaneous points
/ Message
preferred / Wed.: 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
And by appointment
McGraw-Hill Text and Connect
Melissa Lowry
Publisher Rep. /
  • Questions regarding “Connect”

ATTENTION: You must complete many assignments in the course online. Because of their unreliability, using Wi-Fi computer connections are highly discouraged for completing course assignments, particularly on the deadline date and increased connection traffic. You do so at your own risk, without any assignment “do-overs.” Wi-Fi reliability increases when you open your connection in a “stable” environment that is quiet, stationary, free of distractions, and away from multiple users (dormitories, apartment complexes, etc.2). Consider using a hardwired computer, modem, and router, or a reliable Ethernet cable connected to your laptop. See below section on “Important Notes Regarding Online Assignment Connectivity.”

WELCOME TO THIS COURSE: This course will challenge your time-management skills, meaning you will have to do planning regarding completing assignments before their deadlines, particularly the onlineConnectchapter quizzes and LearnSmart adaptive exercises. Effective time management and meeting deadlines promptly are valued and critical skills both in this course and in the real world of work.

This is an experiential course. Students will learn from discussions, readings, presentations, cases, and applications, and will apply their learning to events they experience outside of class. The course focuses on managing self, others, goals, and processes. Students will develop leadership and management capabilities that are ethically sound, globally aware, and environmentally sustainable.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:MGT4923. Leading Organizations and Making Decisions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and MGT 3013 with a grade of “C-” or better and a declared major in the College of Business or department or instructor approval. This is an advanced course focusing on traditional and contemporary perspectives on leadership. Because the leader is a decision maker, individual and organizational issues surrounding effective decision-making are addressed in detail.

COURSE ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL GOALS:

  • Global And Civic Responsibility: Students will be able to identify and define social, ethical, environmental and economic challenges at local, national and international levels. Students will also be able to integrate knowledge and skills in addressing these issues. Via readings and case analysis, students, will see how issues that exist within organizations are influenced by other factors occurring at a local, national, and international level.
  • Intellectual Innovation and Creativity: Students will be able to demonstrate their resourcefulness and originality in addressing extemporaneous problems. Students will face problems to solve throughout the semester, specifically in the form of case analysis and integration of ideas across readings.
  • Synthesis: Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines incorporating learning from both classroom and non-classroom settings in the completion of complex and comprehensive tasks. Students will integrate ideas from various sources to solve problems, explain positions, etc.
  • Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate the ability, via both written and spoken word, to effectively present, critique, and defend ideas in a cogent, persuasive manner. The majority of the assessment in this course will be in the form of written and verbal analysis. Exams will be essay based, and several written assignments are due. As part of their grade, students will engage in oral discussion of a case analysis, submitting a written analysis of the case.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS

  • Text: Manning, George & Curtis, Kent (2014). The Art of Leadership (6th Edition). McGraw-Hill.
  • Bookstore: Price ($145). You can purchase your all-digital offer in the bookstore, to include the Connect access code with option to purchase loose-leaf upgrade for $25.00. (ISBN – 9781260047240)
  • Online: Price ($110). You can purchase a downloadable eBook with the Connect access code with option to purchasea loose leaf upgrade for $25.00 by following the linked purchasing instructions at create.mheducation.com/shop/and searching ISBN -9781308878942.
  • Connect Registration Instructions for all options listed above:
  • Sign into your school's Blackboard; go to your instructor's course.
  • Click on the "McGraw-Hill" link or “Content” folder on the left navigational menu.
  • Below "My Connect Section,” click “Go to My Connect Section” or click on the first McGraw-Hill assignment.
  • Using your student email address, follow the on-screen instructions to register.
  • When prompted, enter your Connect Registration access code (packaged with your text), select “Buy Online” to purchase Connect Plus, or you can “Courtesy Access” if you temporarily don’t have an access code. See print screen below.
  • Complete the registration form; click “Submit.”
  • An access code to “Connect,” an online (via the course Blackboard site) study learning management system required for access to the e-Text and LearnSmart adaptive study system, isrequired for this course.
  • Approximately 20 copies of ParScore test form number X-101864-PAR-L(50 questions per side), to be used for completing examinations and for recording class attendance.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE: COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE: Ensure you have plug-ins Firefox 35+, Java SE7 and SE8, and Flash Player. The primary software requirement for accessing UTSA networks is Microsoft Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. If you use a MAC computer, you must be able to produce documents that are compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013. (NOTE: Do not submit documents as zip files or files that are not compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013, e.g., Google docs, etc.)

IMPORTANT UNIVERSITY SERVICES/POLICIES: For easy access to University policies and information on the following important subjects, please go online to

  • Counseling Services
  • Student Code of Conduct and Scholastic Dishonesty
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Transitory/Minor Medical Issues
  • Supplemental Instruction
  • Tutoring Services
  • The Roadrunner Creed

STUDYRESOURCES:

  • Study and Learning Assistance
  • Tomás Rivera Center (TRC):Learning Assistance Services for Undergraduate Students at the TRC provides one-on-one Academic Coaching, which can assist with many educational concerns, such as time management, overcoming procrastination, reading strategies, note taking, and study skills. To schedule an Academic Coaching appointment at either the Main Campus or the Downtown Campus, call 210.458.4694 or email t the TRC website ( and the UTSA LearnAssist Facebook page for more information on any of these services
  • McGraw-Hill Connect:This interactive eLearning and assignment program is available at the course Blackboard site, located at the links on the left side of each Blackboard page. It provides many extensivestudy and evaluation tools to assist your success in reading and understanding chapter materials in the text. These include practice chapter pre- and post-quizzes, simulation exercises, etc.In addition, this program is required to access Connect-basedquizzes and writing assignment.
  • Register on Blackboard for Connect by accessing the Connect tab at the course Blackboard site. You must register for Connectvia Blackboard only using an access code purchased at the Campus Bookstore via Connect. (NOTE:Access and register Connect only at the course Blackboard site—do not register for Connect via a McGraw-Hill web link.)
  • Connect also includes access to:

LearnSmart “SmartBook”: See description of these graded assignments below.

LearnSmart “Achieve”: Improves writing editing skills and empowers students to put responsible writing into practice. It is an adaptive learning system to help students learn faster, study more efficiently, and retain more knowledge. It pinpoints concepts the student does not understand and maps out a personalized study plan. Based on students’ self-diagnoses of their proficiency, it provides students with a series of adaptive questions. This provides students with a personalized one-on-one tutor experience.

Minimum Technology Requirements

To participate in an online or hybrid course, students will need:

•PC or a Mac computer

•Windows 7 or later

•Mac OS X or later

•Webcam with microphone

•Internet access

•Supported browser: Go to the UTSA Browser Checkerwebsite ( to check for compatibility prior to accessing assignments.

•Recommended Browsers: Firefox or Chrome

•Word processing software. Office 365 is available for students, instructions on how to download can be found in the Office Professional Plus for Students OIT Website (

•Adobe Flash Player

Assignment Technical Support

In this course, there are no assignment “do-overs” for system reasons other than a systemic failure of Blackboard and/or McGraw-Hill Connect. It is the student’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of and proficient at using required computer hardware and software in completing all online assignments in an accurate and timely manner. Provide the following information to the appropriate office (see below) if you have issues with accessing online assignments. Provide the same information to the course professor.

For Blackboard-based Assignments (OWL, etc.):

If you cannot access Blackboard, email and and provide the following information:

•Your name, email address, myUTSA ID (abc123)

•Details of your problem, name of module, quiz, etc., and the date and time access terminated.

•Details of your problem & the nature/type of connectivity to the Web/assignment, e.g., Wi-Fi, etc.

•Your course and section number, and the name of your professor

•Your computer’s operating system & version number, e.g. Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows XP, etc.

•The name and version of internet browser in which you are using Blackboard, e.g., Safari version 5.1.2, Internet Explorer version 8, Mozilla Firefox version 12, etc.

For Connect-based assignments (Quizzes, LearnSmart Assignments, etc.):

First, access the Connect Troubleshoot website ( to check the compatibility of your browser and verify that you have Flash Player software to enhance your connection to the McGraw-Hill Connect system. Take one of the following actions, and provide the following listed information:

  • The specific online assignment with which you are having an issue.
  • The nature/type of connectivity to the Web/assignment.
  • Identify specifically which course and section you are referring to, e.g., MGT 3003.001
  • What are the specifics of your problem and the date and time of your issue?
  • Record the incident reference number that the Connect tech support staff will provide you, and email that number to our McGraw-Hill representative, , to me at , and provide us both the technical support reference number and the user ID and password you use to access Blackboard.
  • Call or email McGraw-Hill technical support. Be sure to inform them that you registered on Connect via Blackboard, not via the McGraw-Hill website.
  • Call ConnectTech support at (800) 331-5094 during below times (Central Standard Time):
  • Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
  • Monday- Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Email Tech support by accessing the McGraw Hill Digital Technical Support website
  • Complete YourInformation on the form.
  • Select Connect under ProductName.
  • Click Submit Question

Cautions about Online Connectivity

On a weekly basis, you need to check and refresh your computer connectivity in terms of such things as (1) clearing your browser cache, (2) running a browser check prior to opening online assignments, (3) resetting/rebooting your computer, cable box, and router at least once a week. The following online sites are tremendously valuable in helping you in using digital tools:

•UTSA Online Technical Specifications (Tech Specs)Website (

•For a list of troubleshooting steps visit the UTSA Online Troubleshooting Website (

•Browser Checker (Blackboard)Website ( Checks if Blackboard Learn supports your browser & Operating System.

•Browser Checker (Connect)Website ( Checks if Connect supports your browser & operating system and verifies that you have Adobe Flash Player software to enhance connection to the McGraw-Hill Connect system.

Computer systems are notoriously subject to unforeseen and uncontrollable situations that may cause them to crash. Failure to complete online assignments on time due to the following unfortunate events will not be a basis for deadline extensions or “do overs” of any assignments.

  • Lack of confirmed Connect or Blackboard systemic systems outages at the time assignment access is attempted.
  • Remember, there is no such thing as a “highly reliable internet connection.” Three of the most important safeguards against faulty computer connectivity include the following prior to attempting to access all online assignment. If you do not know how to do these with your specific browser, then “Google It.”:
  • Use a hard-wired computer via an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi.
  • Reset/reboot s weekly for improved reliability and secure connectivity.
  • Run a browser check to ensure compatibility when accessing all online assignments for Blackboard and McGraw Hill Connect.
  • Periodically clear your browser cache(pronounced “cash”), which is a form of computer memory designed to speed up computer functions. It can also connect slowly or improperly to online files; thus, clear the cache at least once a week.
  • Do not use Wi-Fi connections for online assignments—use only hardwired computers such as those in UTSA computer labs, the library, and elsewhere on campus. AirRowdy and other wireless connections--particularly those serving apartment complexes, dormitories, and other high-volume areas--are prone to disconnecting unexpectedly.
  • Do not use multiple online tabs using one browser while accessing online assignments. Attempting to simultaneously access an assignment, the e-text, and other online reference materials to engage in testing manipulation is a violation of the UTSA student code of conduct and will likely cause your online assignment to terminate prematurely.
  • Whether or not you use a hard-wired computer, there are serious hazards involved in waiting until near the deadline time to complete online assignments. Risky high-volume times to complete assignments that might experience connection issues will not be a basis for a “do-over.” Accordingly:
  • Without overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the assumption is that systems problems with Blackboard and/or Connect that prohibit online access and/or creates outages on the assignment deadline date are the result of system overload created by an inordinate number of students attempting to access these assignments on the deadline date. Your attempt to complete online assignments during this period is at your own risk.
  • Bad weather such as electrical storms and the like that may result in computer disruptions.
  • Depending on the day and time of a computer systems crash and waiting until the “last minute” to complete your online assignment, there is a high probability that there will likely not be timely support from the Blackboard or McGraw-Hill staffs to assist you with your technical issues.
  • At the risk of causing quizzes to terminate prematurely, do not attempt accessing OWL modules or Connect-based content while connected to the assessment.
  • Do not set your computer to “time-out” during a level of inactivity that may “time-out” the quiz.
  • During Each Assignment/Test:
  • Do not refresh the page, close the window, or click the browser's "Back" and "Forward" buttons/arrows; use only the navigation links/buttons displayed in the assignment/test.
  • Do not double-click the Start button while waiting for assignment/test to load, causing multiple instances of it to open.
  • Avoid using the scroll wheel on the mouse: doing so after clicking an answer choice may inadvertently change your answer selection.

Important Note Regarding Student Online Assignment Connectivity (Delinquent Fees): The University drops students from class if they are delinquent in paying University fees (tuition, fines, etc.). These students cannot access Blackboard, McGraw-Hill Connect, and cannot attend classes, submit course assignments (either hard copy or online), either in advance or retroactively during the time dropped from classes, even if eventually the student pays his/her fees.

ASSIGNMENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT:Follow the following instructionsimmediately if you believe there has been a systemic network outage affecting your access to Blackboardor McGraw-Hill Connect.

  • Problems with Blackboard Learn-based Assignments:First, access the UTSA Office of Information Technology (OIT) public alert web page at which has a history of Blackboard outages and what time they occurred. Notify me if you believe a Blackboard outage affected you.

Second, if no outages occurred, and you still cannot access Blackboard, email OIT Tech Support at and provide the following information:

  • Your name, email address, banner ID/Username
  • Details of your problem
  • Whether or not you were using Wi-Fi connected to a hard-wired computer.
  • Phone number where you can be contacted
  • Your course and section number, and the name of your professor
  • Your computer’s operating system & version number, e.g. Mac OSX, Windows 7, Windows XP, etc.
  • The name and version of internet browser in which you are using blackboard, e.g., Safari version 5.1.2, Internet Explorer version 8, Mozilla Firefox version 12, etc.
  • If you used a UTSA-owned computer, provide your computer’s inventory/asset number
  • Problems with McGraw-Hill Connect-based Assignments: First, access check the compatibility of your browser and verify that you have Flash Player software to enhance your connection to the McGraw-Hill Connect system. If necessary phone or email technical support. Be sure to inform them you registered on “Connect” via Blackboard, not via the McGraw-Hill Web site.
  • Call Tech support at (800) 331-5094 during below times (Central Standard Time):
  • Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
  • Monday thru Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Email Tech support by accessing
  • Complete “Your Information” on the form.
  • Select “Connect” under “Product Name.”
  • Click “Submit Question” and provide the following information:

The specific course and section you are referring to, e.g., MGT 3003.001