SPRING 2017
Lecture: Monday and Wednesdayfrom 2:00 – 3:20pm/ BLB 075
Instructor:Mrs. Laura Storm
Office: 355F Chilton Hall
Phone: 940-565-2504
E-Mail:
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 12pm-1:30pm and Friday 12pm-1pm. Email to schedule an appointment.
Course Description:This capstone course requires students to apply merchandising theory, principles and practices to solve industry case studies. There is an emphasis on problem solving, case analysis, creative thinking, fact-finding, data analysis, and data interpretation.
Course Objectives:
- To encourage critical thinking through the application of merchandising theories and principles in industry situations
- To involve students in the process of orderly thinking and analysis that is required for logical decision-making.
- To develop interpersonal skills required to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings within a group.
- To develop a diversity of perspectives.
PREREQUISITE: Students must present a copy of their transcripts by the second class meeting indicating completion of the corresponding pre-requisites by major (see below). Students must be a major in merchandising, home furnishings, or digital merchandising; advanced standing in the major. Please highlight the relevant classes on the transcript. I will not look at transcripts that are not highlighted and you may be dropped from the class.
· For MDSE students: MDSE 2490,MDSE 3510,MDSE 2750 or 3750, MDSE 4010 major in MDSE; plus 9 additional hours in the major with a grade of C or better.
· For DRTL students: DRTL 2090; MDSE 3510; MDSE 2750 or 3750; MDSE 4010; major in DRTL; plus 9 additional hours in the major with a grade of C or better.
· For HFMD students: HFMD 2400; MDSE 3510; MDSE 2750 or 3750; HFMD 3380; major in HFMD; plus 9 additional hours in the major with a grade of C or better.
Text:
- Case Centre Case Studieswill be purchased online via . You will need to register and then login to purchase the assigned case studies.
ATTENDANCE:
Regular attendance is essential to developing and maintaining satisfactory academic progress in the class. There will be in-class assignments and activities that you will have to be present for in order to get credit.
COMMUNICATION:
Each student is responsible for checking Blackboard regularly. The Instructor will utilize this site as the primary mode of communication with the entire class via announcements. If you need to contact me quickly, you may email me directly at .
Course Requirements:
- Case Centre Case Studies– 4 @ 50 points each (200 points)
Studentswill read an industry related case study and document their analysis, diagnosis, and action plan for each case study and present their findings in class.
- Case Centre Case Reports: All reports are to be turned in via the Blackboard Assignments drop-box prior to coming to class. The reports are not accepted after that time unless you have an excused absence from the Dean of Students. Each Case Centre Case report is worth 30 points.
- Case Centre Case Discussions: Be prepared to discuss your analysis, diagnosis, and action plan for each case. You should bring a copy of your work for the in-class discussion. If you are not present for the discussion (for any reason, including excused absences), you will not have the ability to make up the in-class discussion points. The Case Centre in-class discussion is worth 20 points.
- Small Case Studies- 8 @ 20 points each (160 points)
Students will be provided with material to evaluate in class. There will be an in-class activity and discussion that is worth 20 points.
- Target Case Study (130 points)
Students will work in groups to apply their knowledge of merchandising theories and principles to solve a real world problem. The Situation Analysis and the case guidelines will be distributed in class and also posted on Blackboard.
- Target Case Report - Individual: Students will write and submit, via Blackboard, a Target Case Study Report that is worth 30 points.
- Target Case Report – Discussion - Individual: Students will participate in an in-class discussion that is worth 20 points.
- Target Case Report – Group: Students will be grouped based on similar strategies. Additional quantitative research will be conducted and the students will collaborate to create a detailed action plan. This report is worth 30 points.
- Target Case Pitch Deck - Group: Students will collaborate to create a pitch deck worth 20 points.
- Target Presentation – Individual: Students will present their concept as a group, but will receive individual grades for presentation performance that is worth 30 points.
- Macy’s & Etsy Collaboration Case Study (100 points)
Students will evaluate the consumer for both parties, create a SWOT, and map out a plan for the collaboration.
- Report: Students will write an individual report that is worth 30 points.
- Discussion: There will be a discussion to discuss the analysis in class worth 20 points.
- Pitch Deck: Students will create a pitch deck that is worth 20 points.
- Presentation: Students will pitch their concept in a presentation that is worth 30 points.
Grade DETERMINATION(subject to change):
Deliverable / Points PossibleCase Centre Case Studies / 200
Small Case Studies / 160
Target Case Study / 130
Macy’s & Etsy Case Study / 100
TOTAL / 590
GRADE SCALE:Final grades are not curved. Your grade is rounded to the nearest hundredth (two decimal places).Please do not contact me asking for a higher grade. The total points you earn will equate to the letter grade you earn. I will be exact and will not make exceptions. Please check your grade throughout the semester to ensure you are on track to make the grade that you would like to achieve. Please do not expect extra credit.
The final semester grade will be determined as follows:
90 - 100% = A 60-69.99% = D
80 – 89.99% = B Below 60% = F
70 – 79.99% = C
**The instructor reserves the right to revise this syllabus and list of requirements when, in her judgment, such revision will benefit the advancement of the course goals and objectives.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:
- For all written assignments, follow the General Format for Assignments (see below) for formatting.
- Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation, and consistent formatting are expected. Deductions willbe taken for errors.
- Avoid using WikiPedia as your source. Anyone can add to or alter these entries, which raise aquestion of how credible they are. Use library database (e.g. Business Source Complete) to searchfor articles and reports published in newspapers, trade magazines, and academic and businessjournals.
GENERAL FORMAT FOR ASSIGNMENTS:
READ CAREFULLY as points will be taken off if the format is incorrect. Unless otherwise specified, assignments submitted should be prepared according to the following guidelines:
- Documents should be computer generated using 12 point traditional (Times New Roman, Arial) font, single spaced paragraphs, and 1” margins on all sides.
- On the top left corner of the first page, provide: (a) student’s name (team number and name if applicable), (b)course name, and (c) name of assignment.
- Name of the student (team number and name) should be in the header on all pages.
- Pages should be numbered in the bottom right corner.
- Use headings and paragraphs to organize your writing. Write the questions youare answering to, if applicable.
- Please use spell check AND proofread. We all make enough mistakes even when we do proofread. Try to eliminate as many errors as possible. Check for common errors on the computer (e.g., there vs their; where vs were; defiantly vs definitely).
- Use third person.
- Use facts, not your opinion.
- Please remember to cite your sources of information and to provide the references. APA formattingfor citation and references are required.
- Avoid using WikiPedia as your source. Anyone can add to or alter these entries, which raise aquestion of how credible they are. Use library database (e.g. Business Source Complete) to searchfor articles and reports published in newspapers, trade magazines, and academic and businessjournals.
- Quotation: use quotation when it is absolutely necessary to use the exact words of the originalsource (e.g. definition). Otherwise, paraphrase.
MDSE 4660 – ADVANCED APPLICATIONS - TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR – SPRING 2017
Week / Date / Agenda / Deliverable1 / 1/16 / MLK Day
1/18 /
- Course Introduction & Syllabus Review
- Check Pre-Requisites
2 / 1/23 /
- Lecture: Understanding Annual Reports and Retail Financial Metrics
- Lecture: Case Study Methodology
1/25 /
- Etsy/Macy’s Case and Target Case Project overview
3 / 1/30 /
- Small Case 1
2/1 /
- Case Centre Case - Nordstrom
Report (30)Discussion (20)
4 / 2/6 /
- Small Case 2
2/8 /
- Target paper consultation
5 / 2/13 /
- Small Case 3
2/15 /
- Target Case Study – Individual Report
6 / 2/20 /
- Lecture: Presentation and the Art of Persuasion
2/22 /
- Lecture: Research Methods
7 / 2/27 /
- Target Case group strategy meetings – prep for survey/research & action plan
3/1 /
- Etsy/Macy’s Case Study
8 / 3/6 /
- Etsy/Macy’s Pitch Presentation
3/8 /
- Etsy/Macy’s Pitch Presentation
9 / 3/13 / Spring Break
3/15
10 / 3/20 /
- Small Case 4
3/22 /
- Case Centre Case 2 - Amazon
Report (30) & Discussion (20)
11 / 3/27 /
- Small Case 5
3/29 /
- Target Case Study:
12 / 4/3 /
- Case Centre Case 3 - Zara
Report (30) & Discussion (20)
4/5 /
- Target Case Study:
13 / 4/10 /
- Small Case 6
4/12 /
- Case Centre Case 4 - Walmart
Report (30) & Discussion (20)
14 / 4/17 /
- Target Case Study: Presentation to Faculty
(10 minutes maximum per team)
Presentation (30)
4/19 /
- Target Case Study: Presentation to Faculty
(10 minutes maximum per team)
Presentation (30)
15 / 4/24 /
- Small Case 7
Small Case (20)
4/26 /
- Small Case 8
Small Case (20)
16 / Target Case Study finalists present to Target – Date and time to be announced closer to this week as we will need to coordinate with the other section of MDSE 4660.
College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism
Syllabus Statements
Spring 2017
Do you want to graduate on time?
- A prerequisite is a course or other preparation that must be completed before enrollment in another course. All prerequisites are included in catalog course descriptions.
- Advisors help you sequence courses correctly for an “on time” graduation. Ultimately, it is a student’s responsibility to ensure they have met all prerequisites before enrolling in a class.
- Students who have not met prerequisites will not be allowed to remain in a course.
- Once classes begin, students often have few, if any, options for adding a different course, which can be an issue for financial aid.
Have you met with your advisor?
- ALL students should meet with their Academic Advisor at least one time per semester (Fall & Spring). Update your degree plan regularly to stay on track for a timely graduation.
- All pre-majors MUST meet with their Academic Advisor to receive an advising code to register for classes each semester.
Advising Contact Information (Chilton Hall 385 – 940.565.4635)
Merchandising and Retailing A-LAmanda Johnson
Merchandising and Retailing M-Z Brittany Barrett, MSIS
Hospitality Management A-LJaymi Wenzel
Hospitality Management M-ZPhilip Aguinaga, M.Ed.
Home Furnishings & Digital RetailingKelly Ayers, M.Ed.
Could you be dropped?
- It is imperative that students have paid for all enrolled classes. Please check your online schedule daily through the 12th class day (January 30th, 2017) to insure you have not been dropped for non-payment of any amount. Students unknowingly have been dropped from classes for various reasons such as financial aid, schedule change fees, parking fees, etc.
- Students cannot be reinstated for any reason after the 12th class day regardless of situation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all payments have been made.
Are you receiving financial aid?
- A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving financial aid by maintaining a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and successfully completing the required number of credit hours based on total registered hours per semester.
- Students cannot exceed attempted credit hours above 150% of their required degree plan. If a student does not maintain the required standards, the student may lose financial aid eligibility.
Do you know these important dates in Spring 2017?
January 16 / MLK Day – UNT Closed (No classes)January 17 / Classes begin
January 20 / Last day for change of schedule other than a drop. (Last day to add a class.)
February 7 / Merchandising - EIR
March 13 – 19 / Spring Break – No classes
March 22 / Hospitality Career Expo
April 6 / Annual Symposium
April 17 / Beginning this date a student who wishes to drop a course must first receive written consent of the instructor.
April 21 / Last day to drop a course or withdraw with a grade of W for courses student is not passing. After this date a grade of WF may be recorded.
May 4 / Last regular class day
May 5 / Reading Day (no classes)
May 6 - 11 / Final Exams (Exams begin on Saturday)
May / Commencement
Do you know who to contact for a course-related or advising issue?
Understanding the academic organizational structure is important when resolving class-related or advising issues. When you need problems resolved, please follow the step outlined below:
Individual Faculty Member/AdvisorDepartment Chair
Associate Dean, College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism
Dean, College of Merchandising, Hospitality &Tourism
Do you require special accommodations?
The University of North Texas and the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism make reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. Students are strongly encouraged to deliver letters of accommodation during faculty office hours or by appointment. Faculty members have the authority to ask students to discuss such letters during their designated office hours to protect the privacy of the student. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.
Are you aware of safety regulations?
Students are urged to use proper safety procedures and guidelines. In lab sessions, students are expected and required to identify and use property safety guidelines in all activities requiring lifting, climbing, walking on slippery surfaces, using equipment and tools, handling chemical solutions and hot and cold products. Students should be aware that the University of North Texas is not liable for injuries incurred while students are participating in class activities. All students are encouraged to secure adequate insurance coverage in the event of accidental injury. Students who do not have insurance coverage should consider obtaining Student Health Insurance for this insurance program. Brochures for this insurance are available in the UNT Health and Wellness Center on campus. Students who are injured during class activities may seek medical attention at the UNT Health and Wellness Center at rates that are reduced compared to other medical facilities. If you have an insurance plan other than Student Health Insurance at UNT, please be sure that your plan covers treatment at this facility. If you choose not to go to the UNT Health and Wellness Center, you may be transported to an emergency room at a local hospital. You are responsible for expenses incurred there.
Do you know the penalties of academic dishonesty?
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or exams; dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor, the acquisition of tests or other material belonging to a faculty member, dual submission of a paper or project, resubmission of a paper or project to a different class without express permission from the instructors, or any other act designed to give a student an unfair advantage. Plagiarism includes the paraphrase or direct quotation of published or unpublished works without full and clear acknowledgment of the author/source. Academic dishonesty will bring about disciplinary action which may include expulsion from the university. This is explained in the UNT Student Handbook.
Do you meet ALL expectations for being enrolled in a course?
- Student are expected to be respectful of others, i.e., other students and faculty. Behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT.
- Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and may be referred to the Dean of Students for possible violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
- UNTs expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at
The College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism requires that students respect and maintain all university property. Students will be held accountable through disciplinary action for any intentional damages they cause in classrooms. (e.g., writing on tables). Disruptive behavior is not tolerated (e.g., arriving late, leaving early, sleeping, talking on the phone, texting or game playing, making inappropriate comments, ringing cellular phones/beepers, dressing inappropriately).