Helios Challenge Syllabus
FIN 179C INDEPENDENT RSCH IN FINANCE
Instructor:Lecturer Tanya Andrien (); CBA 6.436; 232-6775. Email is preferred communication method.
Office Hrs:10-12 Monday or by appointment
Class Time:Thursdays, 5PM to 6PM
Location:MSB conference room, CBA 6.420
Description:
The Helios Challenge course is a collaborative learning experience in which undergraduate students work with McCombs faculty and energy industry professionals to learn about compelling real-world issues and propose creative solutions. BP will provide the students with a broad description of a problem of global significance and then coach the students in thinking critically about a practical solution.
Objectives for Students:
1. Apply the theory acquired in formal courses to a practical issueassociated with the energy industry.
2. Improve team-work and leadership skills while solving a real problem with a real client.
3. Utilize project planning and presentation skills while interfacing with a client.
Methodology:
Industry coaches/lecturerwill pose a Big Idea, which is a broad concept that has far-reaching consequences and can be explored in a variety of ways. From this, the students will generate multiple Essential Questions, and eventually narrow in on a specific Challenge. Coaches and students will work on guiding questions and lessons to explore the Challenge and provide a structured approach to find a solution. Solutions should be clearly documented and presented. Interim homework assignments will include recording self-reflections on project progress, presenting short research findings to the class, and conducting interviews with industry professionals as needed.
While the faculty and industry coaches are available for help and will oversee the organization of the project and guide students’ efforts, the completion of the work is largely left to the students teams, including but not limited to, negotiating project scope, setting milestones and conducting research necessary to gather data and find industry standard analyses approaches.
Performance Evaluation:
Client evaluation of project 40%
Faculty evaluation of project30%
Project statement of work and schedule15%
Mid-term project report15%
Approximate Schedule:
Make first contact with client – 2nd week of semester
Statement of Work and Schedule – 3rd week of semester
Mid-term project report – 9th week of semester
Final presentation – last week of semester
Submission of report, models, decision support tools, etc. due to faculty on last day of semester.
Use of Technology: An iPad will be issued to each student for the semester to use in connection with the Helios Challenge. If you already have your own iPad, you are not required to borrow a UT iPad for the semester, however you will need iMovie, wi-fi capability, camera, Notes, and Pages on your iPads. Final grades will be withheld and transcripts will indicate an Incomplete for the course until the iPad is returned in working condition. If a student drops the class, there will be a hold placed on the students’ account until the iPad is returned. If the iPad breaks during the semester, it is the student’s responsibility to immediately report the issue to the course instructor.
Expectations of Professionalism:Beyond the normal expectations in a classroom setting, remember that you are representing yourself and McCombs to outside entities. Professional standards of dress, communication and attitude are required and failure to meet these standards will affect your final grade. In particular, client requests for confidentiality and nondisclosure must be adhered to.
Academic Dishonesty: Business ethics demand that no student should allow themselves to be involved in cheating of any type. Plagiarism is a form of cheating. You may use other published work, but only if referenced. In the unlikely event that cheating takes place, the students involved will be reported and appropriate action taken.