BUSINESS RESEARCH DESIGNBUS 6610 TXAA

Fall Semester, 2012

Course Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:Robert Wheatley, Ph.D.Professor of ManagementSorrell College of Business257 Bibb Graves HallTroy UniversityTroy, AL 36082334.670.3161 (TEL)334.670.3599 (FAX)334.670.3459 (ADM)rwheat@troy.edu

STUDENTS: Put “BUS 6610 TXAA” in the subject line of any emails sent to the instructor.

Please Note: To get credit for all work, individuals and groups must submit a (keyed) hard copy to the instructor at the beginning of the class on the date specified, or, when directed, post or submit assignments (usually before 11:00 p.m. CTZ) on the date specified using ONLY the “Assignments” section of Blackboard. For items requiring a posting, please post your response to the appropriate Blackboard Course Section (for example, Class Discussion Board, CDB, or Group Discussion Board, GDB). For all other assignments, submit a (keyed) hard copy directly to your instructor, or, when directed, submit your work directly to the “Assignments” section of Blackboard; do not email your assignments (either in the email body or using an Attachment) to the instructor. ALWAYS use our protocol for submitting all assignments, and for all communications with the instructor (that is: your name/group names, BUS 6610 TXAA, Group [ # ] if a group assignment, Week [ # ], and Assignment [ # ]—all on the first numbered TEXT page of the assignment) so that you will be readily identified and given credit for your work. ALWAYS start the Subject line with BUS 6610 TXAA for individual email messages.

Always key your FULL NAME at the end of your emails; your instructor will not respond when these email (and general ethical) conventions are not followed.

Note: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the course syllabus prior to or during the term.  The instructor will notify students, via email or Blackboard announcement, when changes are made in the requirements and/or grading of the course. 

COURSE PREREQUISITESMBA 5505 or equivalent

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OFFICE HOURSTuesday: 12:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Thursday: 12:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Other times by appointment

TIME OF CLASSTuesday, 5:30-8:15 p.m.

CLASS LOCATION201 Bibb Graves Hall

ENTRANCE COMPETENCIES: Students must have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform at the graduate level, as well as certain personal characteristics to complete the course in a timely fashion. They must also have a satisfactory level of technical competence to be able to navigate Blackboard, the Internet, and the Troy University Library online. A sufficient business academic background is required for successful course completion. Business experience would be helpful.

STUDENT EXPECTATION STATEMENT:Academics: I expect students to read the required material, review the “Key Terms” and “Discussion Questions” at the end of each chapter and ask questions to check their understanding, monitor the announcements page for course updates, check their emails regularly, participate meaningfully in all discussions, complete exams on the scheduled day, and submit assignments—all in a timely manner as scheduled. All grades are earned, and good grades are the result of personal commitment and substantial effort.

If problems arise, students are expected to contact me as soon as possible—prior to the due date—to discuss the problem.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:Designed for the student to develop and demonstrate competency in business research methodology and techniques. This course teaches the MBA student proper research techniques and includes a research proposal. A grade of “B” or better is required. Prerequisite: MBA 5505 or equivalent.

PURPOSE:To provide a framework to solve research problems, interpret research, and to understand the interaction among the various parts of the research process. MBA General Management option requirement. Satisfies the MBA research requirement.

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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES/COURSE OBJECTIVES:Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Explain measurement, experimentation, survey design and related concepts and methodologies related to organizational research, including multivariate analysis.

2. Apply measurement and design strategy concepts and principles to new business situations, including proper data preparation and description.

3. Develop a clear and well organized research proposal.4. Diagram, illustrate, and evaluate research designs and strategies, including the choice of

measurement scales, survey methods, instrumentation, and sampling design.5. Evaluate research-generated material, including secondary data.6. Analyze and interpret material using appropriate statistical methods.7. Apply critical, scientific, and ethical thinking to solving research-related problems.8. Complete a business research project, properly displaying data.

9. Solve problems 10. Participate fully and voluntarily in class 11. Critically review work, accept suggestions, and make revisions 12. Give a well organized oral presentation of research/proposal

TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED:Cooper, D., & Schindler, P. BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS, Eleventh Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011.

New York Times “Business” section (or others as appropriate); e.g., see Sears case problem.

Students should have their text the first week of class. Not having your book will not be an acceptable excuse for late work.

OTHER MATERIALS1. One CD for use in the course. Each CD must contain the following information marked

externally on it: (1) the student's name, (2) the course and section numbers (MBA 6610 TGWA), and (3) the Page Number of the assignment or the assignment title. The Volume label on the CD should be the student's name. All CDs must contain ONLY the relevant file (assignment) with an appropriate file name. No other files are to be on the CD.

2. Narrow-lined notebook paper, plain unlined paper, and printer paper. 3. Have available a calculator with statistics functions. ADDITIONAL READINGS:To Be Announced

RESEARCH PROPOSAL (RESEARCH COMPONENT) (Final Copy):Topics for proposals are to be contemporary problems/issues relevant to business today (with a theoretical base, or an applied organizational issue with a theoretical background), and are selected by each group (priority by date/time submitted). The topics involve either original work making a scholarly contribution (adding to what is already known about a topic--not merely reproducing a study that has already been done) or evaluating/testing in an applied organizational setting (supported by a theoretical or research base). No two groups may select the same proposal topic. This paper will be at least 1,600 words in length. At least ten sources are

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required; with at least seven of those sources from current (2007-2011), reputable, peer-reviewed journals (see “examples of reputable journals” in next section; if unsure of a journal’s status, contact the instructor). Number every page and use American Psychological Association (APA) format, 12-point font, double-spacing (LS = 2), paragraph indention, section headings, and submit in MS-Word format. This is expected to be a scholarly project. It will include a Title Page (with our protocol, except on this page use a specific date), and the following sections: (a) Introduction (with background of the problem/issue, the problem in problem statement format, and the problem importance); (b) a Literature Review with appropriate in-text citations leading to one research hypothesis/research question (the results of the articles you review must be integrated into a cohesive argument, and you should not copy word-for-word what others have written); (c) Research Design (including research study type, research design type, sampling design type, sampling unit, number of participants to be included with the rationale, and sample questionnaire, questions, measurement scales, reliability, and validity); (d) Data Analysis (including proposed statistical techniques for analyzing your data, and a sample “dummy” table); and (e) References (in APA format). See Appendix A of your text (Exhibit A-5 for the proposal parts in table form) or email me for guidance. Grades will be based on scholarship, application of course material, coherence, reference quality, format, and grammatical correctness. Include our heading protocol on the first page of your proposal (or your proposal section). Your work should look business-like and professional. Written assignments displaying disproportionately poor grammar or a poor quality of written communication skills will be assigned a grade that is one letter grade lower than might otherwise have been assigned. The research proposal leader should use Turnitin.com to establish the originality of all work BEFORE it is submitted by the group for grading, if directed by the instructor.

EXAMPLES OF REPUTABLE JOURNALS (primarily in Management & Psychology, and mostly Peer-Reviewed):Academy of Management Journal; Academy of Management Review; Administrative Science Quarterly; Organization Science; Strategic Management Journal; Management Science; Leadership Quarterly; Organizational Behavior & Human Decision Processes; Journal of Management; Journal of Management Studies; Journal of Applied Psychology; Journal of Vocational Behavior; Journal of Organizational Behavior; Personnel Psychology; Psychological Bulletin; Journal of Personality & Social Psychology; Human Relations; Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology; Harvard Business Review; Applied Psychology: International Review; American Psychologist

METHOD OF EVALUATION:Test 1 35% of final gradeTest 2 35% of final gradeResearch Proposal 20% of final gradeAssignments, etc. 10% of final grade

NO “DROP PASSING” WILL BE GRANTED/RECORDED AFTER 10/19.

No extra work (beyond the work that appears on our Syllabus) will be assigned for any reason.

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ASSIGNMENT OF GRADES:All grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A 90 – 100%B 80 – 89%C 70 – 79%D 60 – 69%F 59% and below

FA: “FA” indicates the student failed due to attendance. This grade will be given to any student who disappears from the course for three or more weeks. See the Attendance section of this syllabus for additional information.

TEST EVALUATION CRITERIA: Our tests will consist of mostly open-ended, subjective, or applied items. Answers to questions will be evaluated, in part, using the following criteria:1. Readability--Can I read it?2. Did you answer the question, and all parts of the question (not some other question, and no parts of the answer are missing)?3. Did you prominently use the material in this course to answer the question --especially, did you use a perspective developed in this course in your answer?4. Is there a logical structure and flow to your answer?5. Can you "integrate"--that is, put more than one idea together, or, apply a theory to a real problem?

Please especially note #3 above. An answer can be well written with excellent logic, but still fail to achieve a high grade because it does not clearly demonstrate a linkage to our course material.

INCOMPLETE WORK POLICYIncomplete work at the end of the term will not be accepted. All work eligible to be made up will be made up within one week. No assignments in addition to those given or administered in class will be given to any individual.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA): Troy University supports Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, which insure that postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access to all academic programs, physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate documentation, will be provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills and potential through the provision of academic adaptations and reasonable accommodations. Further information, including appropriate contact information, can be found at the following link: http://www.troy.edu/humanresources/ADAPolicy2003.htm.

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HONESTY AND PLAGIARISM: The awarding of a university degree attests that an individual has demonstrated mastery of a significant body of knowledge and skills of substantive value to society. Any type of dishonesty in securing those credentials therefore invites serious sanctions, up to and including suspension and expulsion (see Standard of Conduct in each TROY Catalog). Examples of dishonesty include actual or attempted cheating, plagiarism*, or knowingly furnishing false information to any university employee.

*Plagiarism is defined as submitting anything for credit in one course that has already been submitted for credit in another course, or copying any part of someone else’s intellectual work – their ideas and/or words – published or unpublished, including that of other students, and portraying it as one’s own. Proper quoting, using strict APA formatting, is required, as described by the instructor. All students are required to read the material presented at: http://troy.troy.edu/writingcenter/research.html

Students must properly cite any quoted material. No term paper, business plan, term project, case analysis, or assignment may have no more than 20% of its content quoted from another source. Students who need assistance in learning to paraphrase should ask the instructor for guidance and consult the links at the Troy Writing Center.

This university employs plagiarism-detection software, through which all written student assignments are processed for comparison with material published in traditional sources (books, journals, magazines), on the internet (to include essays for sale), and papers turned in by students in the same and other classes in this and all previous terms. The penalty for plagiarism may range from zero credit on the assignment, to zero in the course, to expulsion from the university with appropriate notation in the student’s permanent file.

LIBRARY SUPPORT:The Libraries of Troy University provide access to materials and services that support the academic programs. The address of the Library Web site is https://library.troy.edu This site provides access to the resources of all Campus and Regional Libraries, as well as to resources such as the Library’s Catalog and Databases. Additionally, the Library can also be accessed by choosing the “Library” link from the University’s home page, www.troy.edu, or through the eLibrary tab within Blackboard.

INDIVIDUAL WORK:This work is normally completed alone. It may or may not be submitted for grading depending on the task requirement. Using the course protocol for submitting work, include your name in the heading—along with the course number and section, week number, and assignment number—all on the first numbered TEXT page of every assignment. Completing the “Discussion Questions” at the end of each chapter and discussing those with your group members (study group) and your instructor will help you understand the material. Individual work may be rated and ranked, and grades assigned accordingly.

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GROUP WORK:This work should be accomplished collaboratively by the group. Only one work product is submitted by the group. Work should NOT be split up and recombined. The group should use a team/group leader each week whose duties to the group include managing the group work task(s) for that week, to include the final edit and submission to the instructor by the due date. The leader should use Turnitin.com to establish the originality of all work BEFORE it is submitted by the group for grading if instructed to do so by the instructor. Using the course protocol for submitting group exercises, include the group member’s names in the heading with that week’s “leader” listed first—along with the course number, course section number, group number, week number, and assignment number—all on the first numbered TEXT page of every assignment. Group work may be rated and ranked, and grades assigned accordingly.

REPORTS/BRIEFINGS/WRITTEN WORK: GENERAL FORMAT:Number all pages and use American Psychological Association (APA) format, 12-point font—Times New Roman style, double-spacing (LS = 2), paragraph indention, section headings, and submit in MS-Word format.

COURSE CONTENTThe student is expected to punctually attend all class meetings, read course material prior to class, complete assignments by the due date, and take exams on the scheduled date.M, 8/20 Assignment Due (see Page 16 of this Syllabus)T, 8/21 Introduction; Research in Business (1); Thinking Like a Researcher (3); Assignments Due (see Page 16 of this Syllabus)T, 8/28 The Research Process: An Overview (4); Basic Statistics Review (Please review text chapters & CD on your own) (15, 15a, 16-18, & 19: 544-549); Assignment DueT, 9/4 Clarifying Research Questions (5)T, 9/11 Database Searches (5a) Advanced Searches (5b) Business Research Requests & Proposals (Appendix A)T, 9/18 Measurement (11) Measurement Scales (12)T, 9/25 Surveys (9)T, 10/2 Questionnaires & Instruments (13, 13a, 13b) Test 1 (1, 3-4, 5, 5a, 5b, 9, 11, 12, 15, 15a, 16-19, Appendix A)T, 10/9 Observation Studies (8)

Qualitative Research (7)T, 10/16 Sampling (14 & 14a)T, 10/23 Research Design (6) T, 11/6 Experiments & Test Markets (10, 10a, & 10b)T, 11/13 Ethics in Business Research (2); Proposals DueT, 11/27 Presenting Insights & Findings: Written & Oral Reports (20) Multivariate Analysis: An Overview (19: Pages 550-572); Basic Statistics (notes) Oral Reports; Test 2 Review T, 12/4 Test 2 (2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 10a, 10b, 13, 13a, 13b, 14, 14a, & 20)

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NATURE OF GRADUATE WORK: Graduate work, by its nature, is different from undergraduate study in a number of ways. This is apparent in such requirements as reviewing, conducting, and reporting on current and classical research, as well as attending class or attending work team meetings on time and fully prepared to participate in topic analysis and discussion. It is not the role of the professor in a graduate course to "feed" the course material to the student. Self-directed inquiry and subjecting your opinions to the test of discussion with peers or professors are characteristics of graduate work. Your willingness to participate constructively in your work teams and in class, (both in small group work, case analysis and discussion, and open class discussion, with thoughtful, relevant observations, i.e., opinions sub-stantiated with an analysis of relevant facts) will be reflected in your course grade. Develop and use critical thinking skills. Subjective reaction is not constructive; critical analysis and discussion is constructive.

GRADING STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN WORK [adapted from Dr. Jim Phillips] (<70%) Fail:  A failing paper has the following attributes: fails to directly respond to or answer the question(s) or deal with the topic; little or no factual material and/or gross factual error; disorganized, incoherent, poorly expressed, poor grammar and sentence structure; and demonstrates a overall lack of understanding of the basic concepts or issues involved.

(70-79) Weak: A below average, but passing paper has the following attributes: basicallydescriptive; demonstrates only a weak understanding of the topic and issues pertaining to it; not well organized and has difficulty conveying to the reader the information and writer's assessment/evaluation/reaction. Does not reflect the analysis expected in graduate-level work.

(80-89) Good:  A good paper has the following attributes: it is an interpretive paperdemonstrating an adequate command/understanding of the topic and issues pertaining to it; conveys accurate information and attempts to integrate sources, references, etc.; it generally has no serious deficiencies; it is well organized and articulate; it reflects a good attempt to assess/evaluate/react to the issues. (>90) Excellent:  An excellent paper has the following attributes: An analytic paper demonstrating a comprehensive, in depth understanding of theory, concepts, and issues pertaining to the topic; effective use of required references/readings and an attempt to incorporate outside readings; demonstrates an awareness of differing view-points and attempts a rigorous assessment/evaluation/reaction. Very well written, tightly argued and logically structured; demonstrates critical thinking, originality and ability to extrapolate and draw implications.

ASSIGNMENT POLICY:1. Announced in advance: All work is due on the day designated, at the beginning of the class period. It will be considered late immediately after class starts. Work must be received on time for full credit. Late work will be dropped one letter grade for each class period late—regardless of the situation. Students may submit work earlier than the due date. After two weeks, a grade of “F” will be assigned.2. Not announced in advance: All work is due prior to the end of class. No make-ups will be permitted. If prior approval for an absence is given, that student will have one fewer class

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scores to average—ONE TIME ONLY. For the second absence when work is due, a “zero” will be recorded.3. For all in-class assignments, students without their own textbook will receive a zero.4. Group assignments will be rank ordered and grades incrementally assigned to ranks (groups).5. All individual and group work is KEPT on file by the instructor. It is the student’s (or group’s) responsibility to return all work to the instructor immediately after class that day. After reviewing their work, students are responsible for returning all work to the instructor. All nonreturned work results in a zero for each group member or individual.6. The student is responsible for all technological problems (computer, diskette, etc.). These problems accrue late penalties, etc.7. Plagiarism results in a grade of zero for the assignment and a potential failing grade for the course.8. No two students can select the same topic for an assignment.9. All assignments must follow course guidelines.10. No collaboration, sharing of information, or file sharing will be permitted on assignments. If two papers contain similar names, sentences, paragraphs, etc., this will constitute evidence and will result in a grade of zero for both individuals. Please do your own work!11. No additional work/activities will be assigned for any purpose including grade improvement, etc. 12. ALWAYS use our protocol for submitting all assignments, and for all communications with the instructor (that is: your name/group names, BUS 6610 TXAA, Group [ # ] if a group assignment, Week [ # ], and Assignment [ # ]—all on the first numbered TEXT page of the assignment) so that you will be readily identified and given credit for your work. Number every page (upper right, right justified) and use American Psychological Association (APA) format, 12-point font—Times New Roman style, double-spacing (LS = 2), paragraph indention, section headings, and submit in MS-Word format. Points will be deducted for failure to follow the format requirements. I receive homework and questions from a number of students. You MUST use the following format for the "Subject" line in your email message: BUS 6610 TXAA, Group [ # ] (if appropriate), Assignment [ # ] so that you will be readily identified and given credit for your work.  Your work should look business-like and professional. Written assignments displaying disproportionately poor grammar or a poor quality of written communication skills will be assigned a grade that is one letter grade lower than might otherwise have been assigned.

PRESENTATION POLICY1. Group and/or individual responsibilities must be discharged on the day designated to receive full credit.2. Responsibilities include all chapters and other material assigned.

QUIZ POLICY:1. Quizzes may NOT be announced in advance.2. No make-ups will be permitted.

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TEST POLICY:1. For any request to leave early for ANY reason during a test, quiz, or other graded assignment, that test, quiz, or graded assignment will be considered completed at that time and graded using the same standards as other tests, etc. regardless of the degree of incompletion. 2. Make-up exams will be given only for documented (on letterhead), approved absences. See ATTENDANCE POLICY. The make-up exam (with documented, approved excuse) must be taken within one week of the student's return to any class enrolled in that semester, term, etc. If the student returns to (any) class and does not immediately see the instructor to set a date for the make-up, the test will be lowered one letter grade per day even if the student presents an excuse for the original absence. 3. A grade of zero will be assigned for an exam missed due to an unexcused absence. 4. Students are responsible for all course content (all text content, etc.) regardless of whether it is specifically mentioned in class. Talking during an exam, for any reason, results in a grade of “zero.”5. Students must bring plain, unlined, notebook paper to the exams and keep the exam covered until completion—failure to keep your exam covered results in a grade of zero.6. If you are more than 10 minutes late for a test, a make-up exam will be administered and the test score will be dropped one letter grade.7. When different test forms are administered, the submission of answers to questions coordinated with the alternate test form instead of answers to questions on the student’s own test form shall constitute evidence of cheating on the test and will result in a grade of “zero” for that test and an “F’ in the course.8. Questions about test items (or interpretation of test items) are to be addressed directly to the instructor. During tests, no electronic devices are permitted—no translators, computers, etc.

CLASS PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS:The student is expected to punctually attend all class meetings, read course material prior to class, complete assignments by the due date, and take exams on the scheduled date.

CLASSROOM ADMINISTRATIONStudents are expected to:1. Read the textbook material before the class covering that material. This leads to a better understanding of the lecture as well as the opportunity to ask questions about material(s) in the text that were unclear.2. Work with your assigned group members outside the class via the Internet. Fulfill group and/or individual leadership responsibilities as elected/requested on the day assigned. 3. Be on time for class. If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late, please do not disrupt the class by coming in that late. See me after class if you need to know what was discussed. Students who arrive to class after attendance is taken will be counted absent. See attendance policy.4. Stay in class. Please do not leave class early for any reason unless prior permission has been granted. If you cannot stay for the entire class, do not come that day. If you think you cannot stay on a regular basis, then drop the course.

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Please:5. Do not talk while other students or the professor is talking. If you talk during this time, I will ask you to stop. After that, you will be asked to drop the course.6. Be responsible for all instruction and assignments given in class as well as for the supporting textbook content.7. Hand in assignments on the assigned due date and return them after review. See assignment policy.8. Take exams on the scheduled date. Exams, except the final, will be temporarily returned and reviewed (must be returned to instructor).9. Turn off all electronic devices: wireless phones, pagers, or any other devices that generate sound. All devices must be TURNED OFF when you enter the classroom and must not be visible to the instructor during the class; these and other disruptive behaviors (talking while others are presenting, etc.) may result in students being asked to leave class with a zero averaged in their assignment grades. See #13 at the end of this section for penalties. Exception: Emergency Calls (see University policy for details).10. Do not use portable recording devices during class ; e.g., microcassette recorders , etc.11. Do not bring food or drink to class.12. Prepare cases carefully prior to class discussion —class discussion quality depends on quality of preparation and participation. You will be expected to participate—BE PREPARED! A “zero” grade will be earned and recorded as part of your grade average if individual oral questions about a case are incorrectly answered or partially unanswered by individual students (evaluated only by instructor’s judgment). A “zero” grade will also be given to any class member talking/helping during a student’s oral response. Outline each case and be prepared to submit your outline. 13. Students who violate the cell phone/electronic devices policies will be asked to leave class that day (first offense), and will have a grade of zero averaged in their final grade. For the second offense, students will be asked to seek permission from the Department Chair/Dean to reenter class; and, if permission is not granted, must leave class permanently; if prior to the published last date to drop without academic penalty, a drop (passing or failing--in line with the student’s current average) grade will be recorded. If the time is past the last date to drop, a grade of F for the course will be recorded.

CLASS ATTENDANCE1. Class Attendance. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the class session.

Students who arrive after their name is recorded will be marked absent. Students must see the instructor immediately after class that day or the unexcused tardy becomes an unexcused absence.

2. Attendance is mandatory. If a class is missed it is the student's responsibility to obtain all information and materials presented (including materials covered, handouts, skills learned, and assignments) during that absence. Exams will include not only the material from the assigned chapters in the text, but also from any other materials covered in class lectures.Unexcused absenteeism or tardiness results in a grade of zero for each test or assignment.The course grade will be reduced one letter grade for each two unexcused absences.

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If a student is late to class two times, each block of two will equal one unexcused absence. 3. Excused absences. Excused absences have the following characteristics:a. Professor was informed prior to the absence.b. Professor determines that the absence is excused.c. Absence is of the following type:

1. Participation in a documented official university function that does not permit the student’s class attendance (e.g., participation in athletic events, field trips, etc.).

2. Severe illness: a hospital stay, or a doctor's excuse saying that it is impossible for the student to attend.

3. Death of immediate family member (grandparent, parent, sibling, or child).4. Appearance in court.5. Personal situations that are approved by the professor in advance of the time

the student is to be absent.d. Written documentation (on letterhead) must be provided.e. An official written excuse must be presented immediately upon return before a missed test can be taken.f. The student is responsible for all arrangements.g. No excuse will be accepted after the student has returned to class for one week

ETHICS:The instructor assumes that students will comply with accepted standards of academic conduct. Students will do their own work except where team assignments are clearly specified. All work must be original and your own. Students are to follow and respect the test procedures. All ethical violations are subject to disciplinary action. The following are examples of academic misconduct or unethical behavior:

1. Getting assistance on tests, assignments, etc. from another person, online, etc.2. Presenting copied, falsified, or improperly obtained information or data as your own.3. Giving assistance to others in the presentation of that person’s work.4. Cheating on tests, assignments, etc.; e.g., using notes, books, online sources, or other

materials.5. Presenting the work of another person as if that work was your own work.6. Including the name of other persons on work in which they did not contribute.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: Professional and mature behavior and communications are expected. Students are expected to be courteous, respectful, and supportive of their classmates and the instructor using various communication media; especially including constructive (as opposed to destructive, rude, or cynical) critique. Students should attempt to resolve all interaction issues with their classmates. Students are expected to contact me privately over any concerns/problems as soon as possible—prior to the due date—to discuss concerns or problems, and not to complain or “comment” to group members. Inappropriate behavior (tone, address, etc.) will result in a request to leave the course.

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GROUP/TEAM INTERACTION AND COLLABORATION:Student group/team members are expected to interact positively with each other. Group members need to collaborate on group assignments. Please contact your instructor if someone in your group is not fully participating. It is unethical to include students’ names on assignments to which they contributed little or nothing. On the second occasion, that student’s grade will be lowered one letter grade. In addition, the group may be split, and/or the student warned will complete all assignments individually. At the end of the course, each group member will rate/rank all other group members and these will be counted in each student’s final grade.

CHEATING POLICYThe SGA and the Board of Trustees have approved a TROY Honor Code [ see pages 42-47 of the 2005-06Student Handbook-Oracle: http://troy.troy.edu/oracle/ ].  The University has adopted a firm policy for incidents of academic dishonesty with potentially severe and long-term consequences for violators.

All exams and outside work are to be considered as individual assignments unless instructed otherwise in writing.  No unauthorized [i.e., by the instructor, beforehand] assistance may be given or received on any work submitted for grading. Giving unauthorized assistance is also considered “cheating”. The first incident will result in no credit for that assignment and the second incident will result in failure in the course. Students should be aware of the TROY Honor Code, the Academic Code, and the Penalties for Misconduct as published in the Oracle.

A friendly note of caution: my operational definition of plagiarism is five or more words used together by a second author in the same sequence as presented by their first author, without attributing the idea to the first author. To pass off the ideas or words of another as one's own without crediting the source is plagiarism and will not be tolerated. When you use another’s ideas you must provide the appropriate citation(s). Plagiarism, if deemed by the instructor to be a deliberate attempt to pass off the work of others as your own, will result in a grade of F for the course. Using the class account, you should submit your written work to www.turnitin.com for an evaluation before submitting it to me. I will assume that all written work submitted by an individual or a group is a final submission of their own work and scholarship. You may also see the following Web site by Sharon Williams for help on avoiding plagiarism: http://www.hamilton.edu/academic/Resource/WC/AvoidingPlagiarism.html

Ideas and theoretical concepts should be attributed to their originator. Using quotation marks for longer strings of words is required.  The consequences for plagiarism are: one small occurrence, one letter grade, two small occurrences two letter grades, etc.  However, a single flagrant attempt at deception, once discovered, will result in an automatic failure in the course. You must give your work credibility by citing credible references in support of premises, facts, and expert opinions.  In three words: Prudence, Credibility and Integrity.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

First day of class 8/21Deadline for adding course 8/20

Deadline to processAdministrative drops 8/20

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Holiday--Thanksgiving 11/21-23 Fall Break 11/19-20

Last day to drop a coursewithout academic penalty 10/19Last day to withdrawwithout academic penalty 10/19Classes end 12/4

SORRELL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS VISION STATEMENTSorrell College of Business will be the first choice for higher business education students in their quest to succeed in a dynamic and global economy. Sorrell College of Business will create the model for 21st century business education and community service.

SORRELL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS MISSION STATEMENTThrough operations that span the State of Alabama, the United States, and the world, Sorrell College of Business equips our students with the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies to become organizational and community leaders who make a difference in the global village and global economy. Through this endeavor, we serve students, employers, faculty, and Troy University at large as well as the local and global communities.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACTTroy University supports Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which insure that postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access to all academic programs, physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate documentation, will be provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills and potential through the provision of academic adaptations and reasonable accommodations. Further information, including appropriate contact information, can be found at the link for Troy University’s Office of Human Resources at http://www.troy.edu/humanresources/ADAPolicy2003.htm

CELL PHONE AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICEUse of any electronic devise by students in the instructional environment is prohibited unless explicitly approved on a case-by-case basis by the instructor of record or by the Office of Disability Services in collaboration with the instructor. Cellular phones, pagers, and other communication devices may be used for emergencies, however, but sending or receiving non-emergency messages is forbidden by the University. Particularly, use of a communication device to violate the Troy University “Standards of Conduct” will result in appropriate disciplinary action (See the Oracle.)

In order to receive emergency messages from the University or family members, the call receipt indicator on devices must be in the vibration mode or other unobtrusive mode of indication. Students receiving calls that they believe to be emergency calls must answer quietly without disturbing the teaching environment. If the call is an emergency, they must move unobtrusively

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and quietly from the instructional area and notify the instructor as soon as reasonably possible. Students who are expecting an emergency call should inform the instructor before the start of the instructional period.

GENERAL SUPPORT:The computer labs in McCartha Hall are available for student use. The Writing Center in 133 Wright Hall may also provide assistance.

PARTICIPATION/CLASS DISCUSSION (DISCUSSION BOARDS, ETC.):Students are expected to participate in the course, and to make contributions. Contributions include all postings (e.g., class discussion board, group discussion board, etc.) and include both the quantity and quality of what is posted (said) and what is contributed to the group exercises/proposals; and will include the group members’ evaluations of each group member. What behaviors and characteristics constitute effective or ineffective performance? The following is a partial list:

1. Relevant: Do comments relate to comments of others, and to the material being discussed?

2. Incisive: Do comments capture the essence of a problem or issue?3. Challenging: Do comments professionally challenge the ideas discussed?4. Analytical: Do comments test new ideas or suggest innovative implications?5. Integration: Do comments integrate material from your text (or others’ comments or

from past classes or discussions) or apply a model or theory to the ideas discussed?6. Cumulative: Do comments reflect learning over the entire course?7. Creative: Do comments offer a unique perspective on the problem?8. Repetitive (Negative): Do comments merely state agreement with another, or repeat

what another has posted, or restate facts?9. Poor Development (Negative): Are conclusions/comments poorly developed or simple

statements (yes, no)?10. Destructive (Negative): Are critiques/comments constructively presented so as to be

considerate--even in disagreement?

OTHER INFORMATION:1. Additional information on assignments will be provided.2. The scheduling (dates) of the "Course Content" may vary depending on depth of topic coverage.3. Other changes, as necessary, may be made by the instructor. 4. Due Dates for Proposal Components (Milestones):a. T, 8/28: Topic/Issue/Problem with 20 Referencesb. T, 9/18: Literature Review, Hypotheses, & Refs.c. T, 10/2: Instrumentationd. T, 10/16: Designe. T, 10/30: Data Analysis, Budget, & Schedule5. Proposal Evaluation (Content, Writing, & Format)6. Proposal (final version) Due: T, 11/13

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Assignments (Partial List; First Class Sessions and Prior to First Class Session ONLY)

1. Due: M, 8/20 at 11 p.m. (Individual) Individual Exercise #1 : Post at least a three-line autobiography on the general discussion board on our Blackboard course website by Monday, 8/20, at 11 p.m. CTZ.

2. Due: T, 8/21 at 5:30 p.m. (Individual) Individual Exercise #1 : Write and key (print) your autobiography (one-page, one side only; line spacing = 2). Include any influential events or people in your life, and why you feel that they have made a significant contribution to your development. Bring a (keyed) hard copy of your autobiography to class. Due: Tuesday, 8/23 at 5:30 p.m. at the beginning of class!

3. Due: T, 8/21 at 5:30 p.m . (Individual): Read our course Syllabus and Chapters 1, 3, 4, and the basic statistics review chapters in your text, and be prepared to discuss the chapter material in class! Due: Tuesday, 8/23, at 5:30 p.m.

4. Due: T, 8/28 at 5:30 p.m. (Individual) Individual Exercise #1 : Read each of the following items: (a) “Evidence-Based Management,” by Jeff Pfeffer & Bob Sutton in Public Management, Sep., 2007, Vol. 89, Issue 8, READ Pages 18-23 ONLY (read text only, NOT inset material); (b) “Evidence - Based Management : Concept Cleanup Time? ” By: Rob Briner, David Denyer, and Denise Rousseau in Academy of Management Perspectives , Nov, 2009, Vol. 23, Issue 4, pp. 19-32; and (c) “Sears Struggles 5 Years after Kmart Merger: A Tough Sell at Sears” from The New York Times online by Stephanie Clifford published December 21, 2010. Then, assume you are hired as a consultant to Sears to help it with any research/problems (e.g., poor sales) in the New York Times article. Apply and incorporate the material from the two articles—(a) and (b) above—as well as material from Chapters 3, 4, & 5 of your text. Specifically, (1) describe one problem (management dilemma, etc.) for Sears in general; (2) write one research question/hypothesis that would lead to information that would help you provide advice to Sears and explain how that information would help Sears; and (3) describe the research process you would use to collect that information or answer that question. Each student should submit to the instructor a two-page maximum (one side only) report. Use our submission and heading protocols, 12-point font—Times New Roman style, double-spacing (LS = 2), paragraph indention, section headings, and submit in MS-Word format. Remember this is an individual exercise and you are to do your work completely independently. Bring a (keyed) hard copy of your paper to class. Due: Tuesday, 8/28 at 5:30 p.m. at the beginning of class!

5. Additional assignments or readings will be announced in class.

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