Course Syllabus

Issues in ATEC Business and Digital Arts—ATEC 4340-002

September, 2005

Class day: Thursday 7:00 pm- 9:45 pm

Classroom—CB 1.110

Course Description:

This course is intended to expose students to a real life business exercise in developing a
start up in digital media and interactive software development. The course will integrate
the classes’ interdisciplinary skills of business management, software engineering, and
creative content development. Using the case study method and readings of carefully
selected articles students will have an opportunity to learn about important issues in
intellectual property development, product development, legal issues, asset protection,
explore product marketing and funding sources for a new business. Working in small
integrated teams students will develop a business plan based on their product concept,
marketing program, and product development map. The students will present their
product ideas and business plan to a panel of industry and funding profe ssionals. Each
assignment during the 15 week course will provide the tools to successfully navigate
through the course to the final deliverable.

Using this real life simulation of business practices close to 120 students in 20 teams
have successfully created and presented to industry leaders over 8 commercially viable
projects. Previous projects include puzzle games, cell phone games, real time strategy
games, role play games, educational game, and first person shooters.

The course is taught by a 19 year veteran of the interactive entertainment software

industry. In addition to the course instructor there will be guest lectures from the local
and national industry leaders and practitioners who will add to the real life experience.

The all important part:

This class is about creating intellectual property, digital media and new software
products. We will develop business models to take these new products to market. It
does not require vast programming skills or art skills. It does require an ability to open
your mind to new ideas, work in and contribute to a team effort, and have fun doing it.

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The Course outline:

Below is a class outline for this new business course in ATEC degree program. The
course is an excellent opportunity to cross list with the School of Management.

Class Class No. Topic

Date
8/18/05 01 Self Assessment
8/25/05 02 Strategy
9/1/05 03 Identifying Opportunity
9/08/05 04 Creativity-
Product Development
9/15/05 05 Company Formation
9/22/05 06 IP creation
9/22/05 07 Is there a Market?
2/28/05 08 Financial Plan and Measuring Risk
10/06/05 09 Organizational Structure
10/20/05 10 Leadership and Ethics
10/27/05 11 Funding and Raising Money
11/3/05 12 Technology Evolution
11/10/05 13 Digital Products
11/17/05 14 Company Building
11/24/05 15 Thanksgiving
12/1/05 Final Presentation

Deliverables

There are ten deliverables required to complete the course. Each of the deliverables is a
step or milestone in the process of developing a successful business plan and will enable
you to successful complete your final project. In addition there are cases to prepare for
class as homework assignments. These cases are required to supplement in class lectures
and learning. All deliverables are expected to be handed in on time is hardcopy and
softcopy formats. See Attached Schedule

Communications

All communication in this class will be via the students’ UTD EMAIL ACCOUNT.
This will ensure that each student will receive email communication about class
assignments, teacher feedback and changes in schedule.

Starting on Wednesday August 24,2005 this course will be set up on WebCT with
each team having its own private work area. Students and the instructor will use
WebCT for posting of class slides, materials and instructional chat sessions when
required.

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Classes

Class begins at 7:00 pm sharp and will run until 9:45 pm. Class sessions are roughly
divided into two sessions with a short break between sessions. There will be time
available in most classes for teams to breakout in order to discuss and work their projects
in class. I will have guest speakers at some of the classes who will impart valuable
information that will help you develop your ideas and demonstrations. Final presentation
will be made to a “venture capital” committee of game developers, industry professionals
and venture capitalist.

Instructor

Name: John Fowler

Office Hours: By appointment
Office Location: School of Management Building
Executive Education Center
Room 1.915
Mail Stop: SM10
Office Phone: 972-883-4697
E-Mail: jfowler@utdallas.edu

Experience: I am a practitioner

I am a 19 year veteran of the game industry and have held positions of increasing roles of
responsibility with three major publishers. I have been responsible for video game sales
calling on major retailers, managed multiple million dollar marketing budgets, managed
marketing creative teams and launched several major video game titles. I have been CEO
and founder of my own development company with five completed and published
projects. (I will share many lessons learned with you in this class.)

I have been involved with UTD School of Management the past ten years. I am currently
working in the School of Management, Executive Education Department. I have taught
graduate level project management and been the Director of the UTD EMBA program. I
earned an EMBA in 1996 from UTD and I have a BFA from Manhattanville College.

During Class

There will be one break during the class, but in an emergency use your own discretion.
Please do not cruise the internet or play games during the class unless it is to add
something to the discussion. Guests are welcome. Please set all phones, pagers, and
PDAs, to quiet mode. Making or answering calls in class are intrusive interruptions for
me and your classmates. Please no calls or leaving during class to take a call.

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School Closings

If the University closes, that information is immediately posted to the home page at
www.utdallas.edu. The major radio and TV stations will also receive the and broadcast
the information.

Scholastic Honesty

The university has policies and procedures regarding scholastic dishonesty. Detailed
information is available at: http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/dishonesty.html. All
students are expected to maintain a high level of responsibility with respect to academic
honesty. 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
integrity of the university, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.

I will fully conform to the Federal Education and Responsibility Act (FERPA) and take
every precaution to protect your right to privacy. For example, I will not allow another
student to ask for one of your graded assignments in case of your absence, unless you
have made prior arrangements with me. I will also fully support the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) as it applies to UTD. If these provisions apply to you please make
me aware of your needs so I can accommodate you.

Disabilities

Disability Services facilitates the delivery of academic accommodations for students with
disabilities. All new and returning students needing this service should contact Kerry
Tate at 972-883-2098 before classes begin each semester, and should provide that office
with a copy of their class schedule once registration is complete.

Disclaimer

This syllabus is subject to change