Kenneth Zantow Home page: http://ocean.otr.usm.edu/~w310864/
(228) 865-4530 (office phone) Email:
(228) 868-9410 (home phone)
Course Description
The USM catalog gives the following course description: “Business administration and strategy in a global environment.” It is a capstone course that allows students to integrate the knowledge that they have acquired about the functioning of complex organizations. The course was developed so that students could view the organization as a whole and understand how different "pieces of the (organizational) puzzle" fit together. In other words, the attempt is to see how different functional areas (accounting, finance, marketing, management, information systems, and others) work together to determine the success/failure of an organization.
The course focuses on top management's roles, responsibilities, and decision-making in the processes of competitive environmental analysis, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, strategic control, international strategic management, and ethical/socially responsible behavior. Strategic thinking and analysis skills that can be applied at the individual (e.g., for career choice) and organizational levels are highlighted. If you are interested in why some organizations succeed while others fail, this course will be valuable to you.
Course Objectives
The objectives of this course include acquainting students with the problems and opportunities in the current business environment and providing ideas as to how they are being addressed. Ideally, students will leave the course with the ability to identify business problems and opportunities, and create and evaluate alternative responses to them under the circumstances of ambiguity and uncertainty.
This course has been designated a writing intensive course in the business curriculum. Because of this designation, you must complete the presentations and written assignments in order to receive a grade in the class. A test of your business knowledge will also be conducted during the semester. This test must also be completed to receive a grade.
Texts
Hill, C. W.L. & Jones, G. R. 2007. Strategic Management Theory – An Integrated Approach, 7th Edition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Smith, J. R. & Golden, P. A. 2003. Corporation: A Global Business Simulation, 4th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Procedures
This is an intensive 1 week, 8 hour per day course. The course requires you to attend all day, every day. During this session you will receive the same material obtained in a full semester course. As you can imagine, it will be difficult during this week to do more than eat, sleep, and think strategic management.
Unlike a traditional semester that begins slowly, reading assignments begin prior to the first class, and homework begins immediately. If you feel that you cannot comply with these requirements, drop the course immediately and take it at another time.
Mini-tests: There will be 4 mini-tests. They will multiple-choice format. Questions on the mini-test will be from the assigned chapter(s) for the day. Please make sure that you go through the assigned readings before the class and are ready to answer questions on the mini-test. You may bring one page (one side of the paper) of hand-written notes per chapter. These notes may be collected after each mini-test. Students take the mini-tests first individually and then in a group. Scantrons are required.
Cases: We will discuss 4 cases. The cases will be purchased online through Harvard Business Case website. Each student will write an independent case analysis of the cases and make a 5 minute presentation of one case. The appendix in Hill and Jones provides input into how to analyze the cases that will be assigned. All cases will be submitted both in paper format and through turnitin.com.
Computer-based Business Simulation: Your group will run a computer-simulated corporation in the information systems industry for a period equal to 4 years. Over the time of your management the company can develop and grow or stagnate and fail. You will be graded on both your ability to perform financially and to demonstrate your management ability. Like many industries, your ability to manage will be judged by your documentation. Specific instructions on the simulation will be given in a separate handout.
Class Contribution: Answer the questions and be a part of the discussions in the class. The quality of your participation is more important than the quantity. The class size is expected to be very favorable for these activities.
Peer Evaluation: At the end of the class each student will evaluate the other students in their group. This evaluation should reflect the preparation, participation, and performance of the group members. If you don’t turn in this evaluation you will receive a peer evaluation of zero.
Group Activities: A substantial portion of your performance in the class will come from group related work. Groups will be assigned in class. I have the following rules related to groups:
1) The instructor is the final arbitrator of group issues. Groups that have problems are expected to work them out themselves, but if that is not possible I will meet with the entire group only to address the problem. My solution should not be expected to totally satisfy any group member.
3) If a group falls below 2 students in size, the remaining student may be merged into an existing group. They may also elect to go it alone but this is not required.
The weights for various activities in the course will be as follows:
Graded Activities / PointsWritten case analysis (4) / 200
Case presentation / 50
Mini-tests (group and individual) / 250
Class participation / 50
Simulation:
Company Performance / 250
Company Presentation / 50
Peer Evaluation / 50
Total Points Possible / 900
Attendance Policy
Attendance for this intersession class is mandatory. Failure to attend class, as well as coming late or leaving early, will result in a grade of F.
Grading
According to the university guidelines, the final grades for the course are "A," "B," "C," "D," and "F." Grades will be assigned based on the following percentages:
A 90 and above
B 80-90
C 70-80
D 60-70
F Below 60
Office Hours
I will be available immediately after class and by appointment.
Disclaimer
The instructor may deviate from the class schedule, as deemed necessary. Also, requirements of the course may be adjusted to meet the learning needs of the class and other contingencies. The instructor reserves the right to make final decision on the class activities, particularly regarding student appeals about group activities and their evaluations.
Tentative Class Schedule
May 14-18, 2007
8:00 - 5:00 Gulfport
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday8:00-9:50 / Introduction
Class procedures / Discuss Case 1 / Discuss Case 2 / Discuss Case 3 / Discuss Case 4
9:50-10:05 / Break / Break / Break / Break / Break
10:05-12:00 / Mini-test and Discussion over Chapters 1-3 in Hill & Jones / Mini-test and Discussion over Chapters 4 & 5 / Mini-test and Discussion over Chapters 6 & 8 / Mini-test and Discussion over Chapters 9 & 10 / Decision 7 due at 11:05
Decision 8 due at 12:00
12:00-1:00 / Lunch / Lunch / Lunch / Lunch / Lunch
1:00-2:50 / Quiz and discussion over Chapters 1-4 in Smith and Golden (2003)
Assign Groups
Begin simulation planning / Make and submit decisions for practice period 1 by 2:50 / Make period 1 decisions by 2:50 / Make period 3 decisions by 1:55
Make period 4 decisions by 2:50 / Receive final simulation results
Prepare simulation presentation
2:50-3:05 / Break / Break / Break / Break / Break
3:05-5:00 / Simulation Planning / Make practice period 2 decisions by 4:50 / Make period 2 decisions by 4:50 / Make period 5 decisions by 3:55
Make period 6 decisions by 4:50 / Simulation presentations
Debrief
Assignments / Case 1 – Strategic Planning at United Parcel Service
Read Chapters 4 & 5 / Case 2 - Ducati
Read Chapters 6 & 8 / Case 3 – Robert Mondavi and the Wine Industry
Read Chapters 9 & 10 / Case 4 – Newell Company: Corporate Strategy
University of Southern Mississippi
College of Business
Mission: Developing Careers
Vision: To become the leading agent for career development in Mississippi and along the Gulf Coast.
Values: PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Excellence)
The Wall Street Journal Statement:
The Wall Street Journal -- The College of Business (CoB) has entered into a partnership agreement with The Wall Street Journal that allows all upper level CoB students to have electronic access to the Journal at deeply discounted rates. The WSJ is a critical learning tool that ensures CoB students are current and aware of the many factors and situations that impact decision-making in the global economy. In addition to electronic access, the Journal provides a limited number of complimentary copies of the Journal, which are distributed on the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses.
As part of this partnership, all juniors, seniors, and graduate students listed as College of Business majors will be charged $19 per fall and spring semester for access to the online edition of The Wall Street Journal, WSJ.com. Summer access to WSJ.com is also included in the fee. This fee is charged to a student's USM Business Office account and is non-refundable.
For upper level business students, access to WSJ.com will be attainable through a link on SOAR. The path is: Home<SA Self Service<Learner Services<Home<Learner Services. Click on The Wall Street Journal Online link and you will be immediately transferred to the WSJ.com home page. You will have full access to WSJ.com and will be able to personalize your home page to meet your specific needs. In the event that you have questions, you may contact Marie Johnson by email at: . You may also contact Melia Hartsfield in the Dean's office at 601-266-5853, by email: or come by JGH 211.
The Academic Integrity Statement
As a course offered in the College of Business, all students enrolled in this course and the instructor will adhere to the CoB's Academic Integrity Policy. Students can access the policy directly at http://www.usm.edu/business/students/acad_policy.html or by going to http://www.usm.edu/colleges/cbed and clicking on Academic Integrity Policy in the upper right hand corner. Registration in this course automatically makes the College of Business Academic Integrity Policy applicable to the student.
The ADA Statement
If a student has a disability that qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and requires accommodations, he/she should contact the Office for Disability Accommodations (ODA) for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies. Address: The University of Southern Mississippi, Office for Disability Accommodations, 118 College Dr. #8586, Hattiesburg, MS 3940-0001; Voice Telephone: (601)266-5024 or (228)214-3232; Fax: (601)266-6035; Individuals with hearing impairments can contact ODA using the Mississippi Relay Service at 1-800-582-2233 (TTY); or email Suzy Hebert at .
Course Enrollment Statement
It is the responsibility of each student to determine that he or she is appropriately enrolled in each course. Students are expected to confirm their registration in the selected courses prior to the last day to register for full-semester classes, the fifth class day of the semester.
The College of Business strictly enforces add/drop policies. Thus, students should not request to add classes after the fifth class day, except in extenuating circumstances (e.g., removal from class roll because of tuition/fees nonpayment), and under no circumstances after the last day to drop full-semester classes without academic penalty.
Students can drop a course on SOAR up to the last day to drop full-semester classes without academic penalty. After that date, students should not ask to drop a course except in extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical incapacity), and under no circumstances after the University withdrawal deadline.
For the Spring Semester 2007, the last day to register for full-semester classes is Friday, January 19, 2007, the last day to drop full-semester classes without academic penalty is Wednesday, February 28, 2007, and the University withdrawal deadline is tentatively set for Wednesday, May 2, 2007.
Grading Policy and Grade Review Policy Statement (USM Undergraduate Bulletin, 2006-2007)
The instructor has the authority in his or her class over all matters affecting the conduct of the class, including the assignment of grades. Student performance should be evaluated according to academic criteria made available to all students within the first two weeks of each semester. Grades should not be determined in an arbitrary or capricious manner.
When a student disagrees with the final grade given by an instructor, fair play requires the opportunity for an orderly appellate procedure. A student must initiate the appeal procedure within 30 school days (excluding Saturday, Sunday, and official student holidays) of the beginning of the semester subsequent to the one in which the grade was awarded, or 120 calendar days after the issuance of spring semester grades, should the student not be enrolled during the summer term. The procedure assures due process for both the instructor and student. For policies and procedures governing grade review, contact the dean of the appropriate college or the Office of the Provost.
Student E-Mail Accounts
Please be sure to set up your USM e-mail account. Even if you are using another e-mail account as your primary account, you should still activate your USM account and route it to your other primary account. The HELP desk (266-HELP; 266-4357) can assist you in doing this or you should be able to activate it through SOAR. The University is moving more toward e-mail notification for all types of issues and this will help to keep you informed about various deadlines and other things that may affect your academic career.
August 2007 Graduation Information
Students planning to complete their degree by August 2007 must meet with an adviser in JGH 110 prior to the Friday, March 23, 2007 deadline for filing their application for degree. Instructions for filing the degree application can be found at www.usm.edu/registrar/degree%20application/index.html
Harvard Business Case Information
I have created a course area on the Harvard Business Online website where you can order the required materials for this course.
Click on the link below to order the course materials.
http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/relay.jhtml?name=cp&c=c05954
If you have not registered with Harvard Business Online, you will be required to do so. This URL will provide you with a list of required materials for use in this course. The products are listed at the bottom of this email.
Note that the products' format may differ; some may require that a hardcopy be shipped to you via air mail. The downloaded course materials are encrypted using SealedMedia. Use the following link to download the plug-in.
http://download.sealedmedia.com/unsealer/index.asp
You will have immediate access to the materials upon placing your order, for subsequent access, you must login to http://harvardbusinessonline.org
I hope you find this a convenient way to access your course materials.
For technical assistance, please view the Quick Tips section or contact Harvard Business School Publishing at 1-800-810-8858 or 617-783-7700. They are open 8am-6pm Eastern Standard Time. They can also be reached at
Thank you.
COURSE DETAILS