Course Overview

The formal description of this course notes that it involves the analysis, discussion, and solutions for case-problems of actual situations met in day-to-day operation of large, small, entrepreneurial, and family businesses that require managerial action. That’s fairly broad, but practically speaking, this means that throughout the semester we will attempt to solidify your knowledge of management by working through case studies, class exercises, and simulations designed to make you think and/or act like a manager. By the end of the course, you will have had the opportunity to:

• Understand the effects of biases in decision-making

• Navigate ethical dilemmas

• Assess sources of employee stress and how to cope with them

• Practice effective interpersonal and organizational communication

• Recognize the potential (and pitfalls) associated with power and organizational politics

• Gain experience negotiating with others

• Evaluate methods for influencing, motivating, and leading others

• Learn the impact of structure and culture for organizations

Prepping for Class

Selected materials (e.g., text books chapters, pop press articles, podcasts, and case studies) relevant to the course will be assigned for most class periods. Although the amount of material necessary to prep will vary by topic and day, it probably is a good idea to allocate approximately 3-6 hours each week for work outside of class time. The expectation is that all material will be digested (i.e., read, thought about, and hopefully even written about) prior to the class meeting for which it is associated. Again, this course relies heavily on student involvement. So, preparation (i.e., reading, viewing, and completing assigned materials is critical to creating a successful learning experience.

Coming to Class

This section is a face-to-face instructional class. You can refer to Academic Operating Policy 12.09 regarding official university policy for the attendance expectations and accommodations. In summary, the University’s expectation is that you will be in class because you registered.

From my end, there is no formal attendance policy that states x number of absences will assure a failing grade for the course. However, the expectation is that everyone will attend every class, as the course design is built on student engagement, and it is impossible to engage without being present. Plus, you will note below that participation is part of your grade. Given the inability to participate if absence, your grade will naturally be lower if you don’t come to class. So, plan to be here as specified in the course schedule, make every effort to arrive on time, and expect to stay for the duration of each class meeting, barring a university-sanctioned reason.

If you do arrive late, leave early, or miss a session, understand that doesn’t absolve you of responsibility for the material covered. Work first with your classmates to find out what was covered and announced, and to obtain copies of any notes, handouts, or additional instructions. Then, if there are things you need to obtain from me, reach out to me. Also, any assignments, quizzes, and/or exams are due on specified dates, regardless of whether you missed class in the preceding days or are absent on the specified due date.

In Class

Although there will be some elements of small-group work and discussions during class, you can expect much of our time together to involve large group discussions about course readings and assigned case studies. This will require individual input, either of your own initiative (i.e., raising your hand) or through cold-calling. I understand and appreciate that some are not naturally as talkative or outgoing as others. However, sharing and defending ideas in front of groups is an important skill for success in organizations, and this course provides a great opportunity to practice and improve this skill in a relatively (compared to your career) low stakes environment. For those still concerned, start with the following article, and then schedule some time to visit with me during office hours, if necessary, to discuss how to get you more comfortable speaking. 

 https://hbr.org/2016/04/how-to-talk-in-meetings-when-you-hate-talking-in-meetings?utm_medium=email&utm_source=flipboard

Expectations

The highly interactive nature of this course means that we will constantly be impacting each other’s learning experience. Our school attracts students from a wide range of geographic and cultural backgrounds, which means we are likely to be interacting with people dissimilar from us throughout the semester. This diversity is a resource from which we are fortunate to draw and it benefits the learning experience. However, mutual respect is necessary to capitalize on this, and the expectation is that we will all work together to provide a learning environment that is welcoming, open, and inclusive for everyone.

Technology Policy

The use of laptops and tablets is permissible for taking notes and during class activities, as deemed necessary or appropriate by the professor. Using them (or your phones) to text, check e-mail/social media, shop, or seek outside entertainment is not acceptable. These activities hinder learning, as they prevent you from being fully engaged. Also, they are not as subtle as you may think, and can be distracting to others (especially me), which negatively impacts the learning environment. So, make sure that your cell phone is silenced and put away before coming to class, and limit any other device-related activity to what we’re doing in class at that moment. 

Reflection Journal

Research indicates that reflection is key to learning. So, each student will be tasked with keeping a journal with reflections on course material (check the course schedule for when entries are due). These are not formal writing assignments (i.e., they are intended to be relatively brief, and less structured than an essay); however, the task is "for credit." You will not receive a letter or number grade for individual entries, nor will you receive feedback after each entry. Instead, I will assess the level of effort/thought demonstrated for the entries across the entire semester when determining the overall credit earned. 

You will submit your journal entries via text entry in Canvas. The process for the first entry should be fairly intuitive. However, the second might not be. This is because when you return to the Reflection Journal for future entries, you will see an option to "Re-Submit Assignment." Despite what this seems to indicate, it will not overwrite your previous submission. So, please select "Re-Submit Assignment" and record a new entry. NOTE: unless Canvas has been updated, you will not be able to see your prior entries. So, I highly recommend you create and maintain your journal in a Word document, copying and pasting entries into Canvas as each is due.

Late Assignments

In the workplace, missing deadlines typically results in negative consequences. For example, failing to meet a deadline can result in a lost opportunity for work, the loss of a client relationship, a poor performance appraisal, or even the loss of one’s job. Thus, there will be negative consequences for late class assignments. This also ensures equity among students in class. Any late assignments will be accepted under the following penalty schedule:

·      A submission up to 24 hours late will receive a max grade of 80%.

·      A submission between 24 and 48 hours late will receive a max grade of 60%.

·      A submission between 48 and 72 hours late will receive a max grade of 40%.

·      A submission between 72 and 96 hours late will receive a max grade of 20%.

·      A submission more than 96 hours late will receive zero credit.

A Note on Assessments

In my effort to foster educational and personal growth, I primarily use writing and speaking for assessment. Why? Because these are prominent ways you will interact with others in your careers, especially as you progress through management. I hope and expect that many of you will welcome this. However, I also realize that what may be fun for someone may be fearful for another, and that some of you may find writing and/or speaking to be particularly challenging (perhaps even uncomfortable). If you find (or anticipate) yourself struggling with one of these components, I encourage you to set an appointment to speak with me. Although the assessments will not change, I can work with you on the area(s) of struggle (which are frequently also opportunities for growth) and/or help you connect with available campus resources.

Continuity of Instruction

In the event that face-to-face classes are suspended due to extenuating circumstances, such as weather, the instructor will continue instruction in a manner that best supports the course content and student engagement. In this event, all instructors will notify students of the change via their university email address (the official vehicle for communication with students). At that time, they will provide details about how instruction and communication will continue, how academic integrity will be ensured, and what students may expect during the time that face-to-face classes are suspended. If a student becomes unable to continue class participation due to extenuating circumstances, (e.g., health and safety, loss of power, etc.)  the student should contact their instructor and advisor for guidance. For additional guidance, please refer to Academic Operating Policy 12.09.

Covid Guidelines

As of 8/6/21, masks are required in classrooms and other indoor public spaces. We will follow MSU guidelines (https://www.msstate.edu/covid19) for face coverings and other protocol, which may change during the semester. Contact the Longest Student Health Center at 662-325-2055 if you are a close contact or have COVID-like symptoms. Please stay home if you do not feel well.

Honor Code

Mississippi State has an approved Honor Code that applies to all students. The code is as follows: “As a Mississippi State University student, I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.” Upon accepting admission to Mississippi State University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor Code.  Student will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the MSU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor Code. For additional information, please visit the Honor Code Policy.

Title IX

MSU is committed to complying with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination, including violence and harassment, based on sex. This means that MSU’s educational programs and activities must be free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know has experienced sex discrimination, sexual violence and/or harassment by any member of the University community, you are encouraged to report the conduct to MSU’s Director of Title IX/EEO Programs at 325-8124 or by e-mail to titleix@msstate.edu. Additional resources are available at Dean of Students Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault.

Mandatory Reporter

As the instructor for this course, I have a mandatory duty to report to the university any information I receive about possible sexual misconduct. This includes information shared in class discussions or assignments, as well as information shared in conversations outside class. The purpose of reporting is to allow MSU to take steps to ensure a safe learning environment for all. The university also has confidential resources available, who can provide assistance to those who have experienced sexual misconduct without triggering a mandatory reporting duty. Additional resources are available at https://www.oci.msstate.edu/focus-areas/title-ix-sexual-misconduct/ and at https://www.students.msstate.edu/sexual-misconduct-sexual-assault/.

University Safety

Mississippi State University values the safety of all campus community members. Students are encouraged to register for Maroon Alert texts and to download the Everbridge App. Visit the Personal Information section in Banner on your MyState portal to register. To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort via Safe Walk, call University Police at 662-325-2121, or in case emergency, call 911. For more information regarding safety and to view available training including helpful videos, visit ready.msstate.edu