Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

BA 4305-002: Social and Political Environment of Business

Instructor: Irem Demirkan
Office: 4.205
Phone: 972-883-6268
e-mail: irem@utdallas.edu
Office hours: T, TR 9-9:45 a.m.
Course Web-site is on WebCT
Spring, 2007

Course Description
The Social and Political Environment of Business course is a capstone course in business at
the University of Texas at Dallas. The purpose of a capstone course is to integrate the
learning achieved in individual business courses taken to earn a business degree. The
knowledge acquired in finance, accounting, operations, MIS, marketing, and organizational
behavior classes will be utilized to study the strategic management of the firm as well as the
responsibilities of the general manager.

The approach of the class is practical and problem oriented. Group and individual
assignments will be graded on content and written and oral presentation skills. The major
part of the course will involve applying concepts, analytic frameworks, and intuition to the
strategic issues that real-world companies face. These issues are presented in case studies and
in the form of a several round simulations exercise.

For the class to work well and for you to benefit from it, attendance and preparation
for each class meeting is essential.

Course Requirements
Prerequisite: Completion of all other required core courses

This is an extremely intense course, which requires extensive readings, active discussions,
and diligent attention to the exercises. Each student will be expected to spend an average of
4 hours a week on this course in addition to class time. If a student cannot commit this
amount of time and effort on this course, he or she must realize that it may be very difficult
to earn a good grade.

As part of this course the university has mandated a requirement of at least 15 double
spaces pages of writing per individual student that will be evaluated on grammar,
punctuation, and writing style. A writing tutor will assess the writing assignments, provide
detailed feedback, and determine whether a revision is necessary. Because of this
requirement, please submit 2 copies of all writing assignments. The writing tutor will
grade your writing assignments on a scale of 1-10 based on grammar, syntax, organization
and flow, word choice, spelling, overall writing style and citation of sources. For any
assignments totaling 6 or below, the paper must be rewritten, and will be assessed again. Be

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Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

aware that your average writing grade will be part of the calculation for your final
course grade.
Writing Tutor: Abdal Malik Hamidullah Rezeski
abdal.malik@gmail.com

Assessment
Your overall grade will be determined as follows:

Individual exams (midterm + final) 35%

Individual written assignments 25%
Group simulation + peer evaluation 30%
Class participation 10%
100%

A(+): 97 and up; A: 94-96; A(-): 90-93

B(+): 87-89; B: 84-86; B(-): 80-83
C(+): 77-79; C: 74-76; C(-): 70-73
D(+): 67-69: D: 64-66; D(-): 60-63
F: Below 60

Please see details of grading in the appendices.

Texts
The required texts of the course are

• Dess, Lumpkin and Eisner, Strategic Management: Text and Cases, 3rd edition,
McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2007.
• Marketplace business simulation game (http://www.marketplacesimulation.com/).
(See WebCT for instructions to enroll the game.)

Class Policies
There are no excused absences from the exams without a written excuse from a doctor or
the academic dean. If there is a serious scheduling conflict, it is your responsibility to let the
instructor know well in advance.

No late assignments are accepted. The papers are due at the beginning of the class. I will
not accept papers sent by e-mail either. Every assignment has been provided for you well
in advance, so no excuse will be considered. If you are going to be absent, please make
arrangements to have your paper turned in at the beginning of the class by someone else.
No case write-ups, exams, or student's notes from current or previous business school
students should be consulted in doing your case analysis. You can, however, consult your
notes and reading materials as well as information in the library. Any material quoted
directly or paraphrased should be referenced in your written and oral cases. Plagiarism is
a serious infraction and will be dealt with accordingly.

Respect your fellow students – unless there is an emergency, please turn off cell phones and
try to be on time. Limit the use of laptop computers in the classroom. The classroom is
for learning and discussing – not web browsing, instant messaging and/or answering email,
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etc.

You will be evaluated by your peers – no slackers allowed! At the end of the semester,
each student will rate the performance of their fellow team members. This rating will be used
to determine for individual student grades for group assignments.

Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students who violate the University of
Texas at Dallas’ rules on scholastic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary
penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the
University. University policies will be strictly enforced.

Please note it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to read the syllabus, fully understand all
the requirements, and check your WebCT thoroughly and regularly to keep track of
all the important dates and requirements.

Course Schedule
Date D Topic Ch(s) Case Simulation
9-Jan T Week 1 Syllabus and Course Introduction,
Overview, Strategic Registration and
11-Jan TR Management: Key Selection of Groups
Concepts
16-Jan T Week 2 The External 2, 3 Sample Case
Environment, The Discussion : Ford Motor
18-Jan TR Internal Company
Environment
23-Jan T Week 3 The Internal 3, 4 Submission and
Environment, Discussion of Case
25-Jan TR Firm's Intellectual Analysis: eBay (25 Jan)
Assets, In-class
simulation
30-Jan T Week 4 Business level 5 Submission and
strategy Discussion of Case
1-Feb TR Analysis: Jet Blue (1 Feb)

6-Feb T Week 5 Corporate level 6 Submission and Submit decisions for Q1

strategy Discussion of Case (4 Feb, until 5 p.m.)
8-Feb TR Analysis: Johnson &
Johnson (8 Feb)

13-Feb T Week 6 International 7 Submission and Submit decisions for Q2

15-Feb TR strategy Discussion of Case (11 Feb, until 5 p.m.)
Analysis: Yum! Brands
(15 Feb)

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 Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

20-Feb T Week 7 Digital Business 8, 9 Submit decisions for Q3

22-Feb TR Strategy, Corporate (18 Feb, until 5 p.m.)
Governance
27-Feb T Week 8 Corporate 9 Submission and Submit decisions for Q4
Governance Discussion of Case (25 Feb, until 5 p.m.)
Analysis: The Skeleton in
the Corporate Closet (27
Feb)
1-Mar TR Mid Term
6-Mar T Week 9 SPRING BREAK!
8-Mar TR
13-Mar T Week 10 Organizational 10, 11 Submit decisions for Q5
15-Mar TR Design, Strategic (11 Mar, until 5 p.m.)
Leadership
20-Mar T Week 11 Strategic Leadership 11 Submission and Submit decisions for Q6
22-Mar TR Discussion of Case (18 Mar, until 5 p.m.)
Analysis: Procter &
Gamble (22 Mar)
27-Mar T Week 12 In-class simulation, 12 Submission and Submit your final
29-Mar TR Innovation Discussion of Case reports!
Management & Analysis: Yahoo! (29
Corporate Mar)
Entrepreneurship

3-Apr T Week 13 New Ventures 13 Group presentations - 2

5-Apr TR groups
10-Apr T Week 14 Group presentations - 6
12-Apr TR groups
17-Apr T Week 15 Final Review Group presentations - 2
19-Apr TR groups
24-Apr T Week 16 Final
26-Apr TR Office hours for checking grades

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Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

Appendix
Individual Exams
There will be two non-cumulative exams throughout the whole semester. They will serve to
evaluate how well the student has mastered the knowledge to apply the basic theories and
concepts learned during each stage of the course. The midterm exam is worth 15% and the
final exam is worth 25% of the student’s grade. Students should bring scantron sheets (Form
No. 882-E) and pencils for the exams. No make-up exams will be given!

Individual Written Assignments- Case Analysis

Students can choose among the 3 cases for individual case analysis listed in the course
schedule part of the Syllabus. Each case analysis should be about five pages long (double
spaced) - without the financial analyses, financial analyses can be submitted as an appendix-
and follow the general format of a case analysis (introduction, analysis and problem
identification, theory application, and recommendation). A guideline for case analysis and a
sample case will be posted on WebCT. Two hard copies of each case analysis should be
submitted in class on the date when the case is scheduled for discussion.

Each case analysis will be evaluated based on both the content and on the quality of the
writing. The content portion will be assessed by the instructor on how well the student
applied the theoretical framework that discussion in the previous class to solve the case. The
writing portion will be assessed by the writing tutor on spelling, grammar, syntax,
organization and flow, word choice, and overall writing style.

If a student's writing portion is below 6, s/he will be required rewrite it. Students with a
higher score on the original writing portion can also choose to rewrite it to further
improve the writing scores. The revised assignment should be submitted at the next class
and have the cover page indicating that it is a rewrite of the specific assignment with the
originally graded case analysis attached. A new credit for the writing portion will then be
given based on the writing tutor's reassessment of the revised work.

Criteria for the content analysis of the case

Characteristics Excellent Good Fair Missing

Assessed
General 25 20 15 0
Environment
Industry 25 20 15 0
Environment
Firm analysis* 25 20 15 0
Discussion 25 20 15 0
*includes financial analysis as: profitability ratios, liquidity ratios, leverage
ratios, activity (efficiency) ratios.

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Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

Criteria for the quality of writing

Criteria 0 1 2 Total
Grammar Several grammar One or two errors No mistakes
errors
Spelling Multiple spelling One or two errors No spelling errors
errors
Word Choice Below average word Good word Excellent word
choices choices choices
Organization and Poor organization Good organization Very well
Flow organized
Citation of Missing citations Minor errors in Correct citation of
Sources citations sources
Total Points

Learning Goal: Students will develop competency in written communications. Each student
will complete a minimum of 15 pages of double-spaced written assignments in this course.
The assignments will be assessed using the rubric above as follows:
1. A paper scoring a zero in any of the five criteria must be rewritten.
2. For all papers totaling 6 or below, the paper must be rewritten. (Any assignments
receiving grades of 6 or below must be rewritten, and will be assessed again.)
3. For all papers totaling 5 or under, the student must make an appointment with
the writing tutor.
4. Papers scoring 7 and above may be rewritten to improve the grade.
5. Rewrites must be stapled to the original paper and submitted no later than the
following week.

Group Simulation and Presentation

The group simulation exercise will allow students to practice some of the key concepts and
theories learned in the course while managing in a competitive business environment. There
will be six formal rounds in this simulation exercise each round is equivalent to a quarter
year of the business. That is, your executive team has the next year and a half (6 quarters-
decision periods) to get your company off the ground.
You are expected to meet outside of the class time to prepare weekly simulation decisions
and to upload their decisions to the simulation web-site on the assigned due dates. When
possible, class time will be given for groups to discuss simulation activities. To be effective
team members, students should prepare themselves for the team meetings by analyzing data
in their particular area of responsibilities and prepare the various types of documents for
presentation to the team. Teams will be competing against their peers.

The Marketplace…The Ultimate in Business Competition:

The Marketplace is the business equivalent of the flight simulator. It is a low-risk
opportunity to develop and test one's overall strategic decision-making skills. Within The
Marketplace, you are responsible for a new start-up firm that is to enter the microcomputer
business. You will be a totally integrated company that does it all from the strategic planning
to production, to human resource management. Your company will introduce a new line of
microcomputers to Asia, United States, Canada and Europe. A complete game scenario of
The Marketplace is contained within the software. You are expected to have carefully
read the simulation manual and built in materials!
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Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

The Marketplace is played over the internet, so each student will need access to a computer.
The business school has computer facilities that students can use.
The grading for this simulation exercise will be based on the following:
• Group Simulation Performance
• Written and oral report (presentation) on the simulation exercise: The reports
should describe the original strategy of the company, the rationale behind this
strategy, the change in the company's strategy over-time, the result of the
simulation exercise and what did the group learn from the exercise. The oral
report should not exceed 15 minutes, while the written report should be at
maximum of ten pages long (double-spaced)-excluding the appendices-.

Peer Evaluation
Members will assess each other (as well as themselves) on their contribution to the group
case analysis, attendance at meetings, timely contribution to individually assigned tasks, and
overall performance. You can assign 1 (very unsatisfactory) – 2 (unsatisfactory) – 3 (neither
satisfactory nor unsatisfactory) 4 (satisfactory) – 5 (very satisfactory). If the average score for
person A is 1, then the person gets 0.2; if 2, then the person gets 0.4; if 3, then the person
gets 0.6; if 4, then the person gets 0.8 and if 5, then the person gets 1. Then the participation
score will be multiplied with the score one gets from group simulation analysis. For example,
if a student gets 20/25 for group simulation analysis and 3 from the peer evaluation, then the
actual grade is 20/25*0.6 = 12/25 not 20/25.
• Be objective in evaluating other members in your group and specify reasons.
• The evaluation should be turned in on the day of the final exam.
• If one fails to turn in the peer evaluation sheet, then everybody in the team gets 3 (0.6).
*Note that I maintain the right to disregard self-ratings that are substantially higher than peer
ratings.

Class Participation
Class participation will be graded based on the quantity and quality of contributions to the
case discussion during the class. With regard to quality, some of the following criteria
normally applied are:
• Are the points that have been made relevant to the discussion?
• Are the points simple recitations of case facts, or have new implications been drawn?
• Is there evidence of analysis rather than mere expression of opinions?
• Are the comments linked to those of others?
• Did the contribution further the class' understanding of the issue?
Each student will begin the course by receiving half of the possibly attainable class
participation point, but can lose points by repeated absence from class or from complete
lack of class participation.

Final Grade
Following the university's guideline for grade distribution, the final grade of a student will be
based on the relative standing of his or her total credit points accumulated from all the
requirements as compared with the rest of the class.
After the final exam, there will be designated office hours for final grade checking in the
instructor's office. In accordance with the university's policy of confidentiality, no grade information will be
transmitted via phone or e-mail.

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Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

Syllabus Addendum
Each student in this course is expected to exercise independent scholarly thought,
expression and aptitude. This addendum to the course syllabus is provided to assist you in
developing and maintaining academic integrity while seeking scholastic success.
General Comments:
• All academic exercises (including assignments, essays, laboratory experiments and
reports, examinations, etc.) require individual, independent work. Any exception(s) will
be clearly identified.
• Be sure your name or identifying number is on your paper.
• Complete and turn in academic exercises on time and in the required format (hardcopy,
electronic, etc.).
• Retain confirmation of document delivery if submitted electronically.
• Retain all research notes and drafts until the project or assignment has been graded.
• Obtain written authorization from your instructor prior to submitting a portion of
academic work previously submitted for any academic exercise. (This includes an
individual or group project submitted for another course or at another school.)
Essays and Significant Papers:
Be prepared
• To present periodic drafts of work in process
• To correctly and completely reference all sources of information using the citation
format prescribed
• To turn your completed assignment in timely and in the prescribed manner (electronic,
hardcopy, etc.)
Examinations:
Be prepared
• To leave all personal belonging at the front of the room or other designated location
(this includes cell phones, turned off of course, and beverage containers)
• To present your UTD Comet Card
• To remove your cap or hat
• To remove the batteries from any electronic device (e.g. calculator)
• To exchange blue books or bring them early as required
• To change seating
• To sign out when exiting the testing room
• To be escorted for lavatory use

All episodes of suspected scholastic dishonesty will be reported according to University policy. Students who
violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of
failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all
students and the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. Penalties that may be
assessed for scholastic dishonesty may be reviewed in Subchapter D. Penalties at
http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/chapter49.html.

Student Conduct and Discipline:

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and
regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of
each student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and
regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student
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Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is

provided to all registered students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules
and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI,
Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s
Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to
students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist
students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of
citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the
Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to
discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off
campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity:
The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work
done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high
standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to
applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own
work or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one
of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic
records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any
other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on
plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of
turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use:
The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises
some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange.
The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from
students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the
university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual
corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student
with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel.
The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to
have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

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Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

Withdrawal from Class:

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog.
Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle
withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade
of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures:

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a
serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or
committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and
evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted
in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is
not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student may submit a
written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the School Dean’s
decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate
Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic Appeals Panel. The decision
of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic appeals process will be
distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grades:
As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed
at the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An
incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the
subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the
incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed
automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services:
The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational
opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in
room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30
p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:
The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

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Social and Political Environment of Business BA4305-002

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments
necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be
necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in the case of
dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment requirement may be
substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation for a student who is
hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility impairments may have to be
rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or university may need to provide special
services such as registration, note-taking, or mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals
requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office
hours.

Religious Holy Days:

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities
for the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of
worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code
Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused,
will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after
the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A
student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not
be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within
the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose
of observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the
student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or
examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or
designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and
instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

Off-Campus Instruction and Course Activities:

Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and
University policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information
regarding these rules and regulations may be found at
http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm. Additional
information is available from the office of the school dean.
These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion
of the Professor.

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Peer Evaluation Sheet

Team Name ______________

Name __________________________

Name Self
Score
(1-5)*
Reasons

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