Course Syllabus

 Strategic Management MGT 250 WEB

FALL 2014

Prof. Elmer Eubanks

 

 

Instructor Contact information

Elmer Eubanks, MBA

Office (978) 603-9294

Cell (508) 281-2455 9:00 AM to 9:00PM

eeubanks@mwcc.mass.edu (fastest response)

Instructor Office Hours

Online: Weekdays 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM MW and 9:30-10:30 TH

In Person: by appointment

 

Course is on CANVAS not  BLACKBOARD: https://canvas.instructure.com/courses/879244

 

Required Textbook

Strategic Management, A Competitive Advantage Approach, Concepts and Cases, Plus New MyManagementLab with Pearson eText 15th Edition, Fred R. David ISBN 9780133444797

Etext available at http://www.coursesmart.com/IR/6224040/9780133444865?__hdv=6.8

 

You may also purchase prior versions of the textbook. If you do let me know se we can assign different cases.

 

www.mymanagementlab.com Course ID eubanks95278

 

Airline Game: www.interpretive.com is bundled with your text but can be purchased on its own.

 

Textbooks can be purchased online through the college bookstore.

The text for this class is required for continued attendance in class.

Books and supplies may be purchased from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mon. through Thurs., or 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fri. The bookstore is also open evenings during the first two weeks of each semester.  Evening hours are posted outside of the store. Cash, checks, and MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover credit cards are accepted for purchases.  Checks should be made payable to: MWCC Bookstore. Clothing, candy and snacks are also available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Description

Strategic Management (MGT 250) 3 credits 


This  capstone  course  prepares  the  student  to integrate  important  current  issues  in strategic  management  with  key  learning  from MWCC Business curriculum  courses. It concentrates on case work and a team approach to learning with a focus on critical thinking. It is designed with an applied perspective and highlights significant emerging trends in strategic management.  It is intended to provide learners with the business skills and knowledge transfer that prepares them for further baccalaureate learning and on-the-job implementation of corporate, business, and functional strategies. Prerequisites: ACC101, CIS127, ENG102, and 45 credits earned toward a BA or BAC degree.

 

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

 

  • Build an understanding of the scope of Strategic Management Leadership decision making.
  • Demonstrate the relationship between Strategic Management Leadership and other functional disciplines.
  • Enable the student to approach a variety of problem situations commonly encountered in business.
  • Gather and organize the information necessary to formulate and evaluate alternate strategies.
  • Select an appropriate strategy and to defend the strategy orally and/or in writing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Dates

Sept. 3 – Dec. 23 2014

Tentative Course Schedule

SIXTEEN WEEK ONLINE SCHEDULE

WEEK

TOPIC

Chapters

Due on Saturday @midnight

Due on Sunday @ midnight

1

Nature of Strategic Mgmt.

CH 1

Group Discussion 1

Welcome/no case due

2

The Business Vision and Mission

CH 2

Group Discussion 2

Quiz Ch. 1&2

3

External Assessment

CH 3

Group Discussion 3

Quiz Ch. 3

4

Internal Assessment

CH 4

Group Discussion 4

Quiz Ch. 4

5

Strategies in Action

CH 5

Chapter Group Discussions 5

Quiz Ch. 5

6

Strategy Analysis and Choice

CH 6

Group Discussion 6

Quiz Ch. 6

7

Implementing Strategies: Management and Operations Issues

CH 7

Group Discussion 7

Quiz Ch. 7

8

Implementing Strategies: Marketing, Finance/Accounting, R&D and MIS Issues

CH 8

Group Discussion 8

Quiz Ch. 8

9

Strategy Review, Evaluation and Control

CH 9

Group Discussion 9

Quiz Ch. 9

10

 Global/International Issues

CH 11

Group Discussion 10

Quiz Ch. 10

11

How to Build the final case.

 

Decide on Case

Group 1/2/3

12

Case Introduction/overview

 

 

ALL by Group

13

Mission/Vision

 

 

ALL

14

Internal Assessment/External Assessment

 

 

ALL

15

Strategy Formulation/Implementation

 

 

ALL

16

Strategy Evaluation/Conclusion

Presentation of Final Report

 

FINAL REPORTS

ALL

Assignments

CASES for Strategic Management

16 Week Schedule (4 cases per group)

Assignment/ Group

Assignment/Group

Due

Introductions

Market Basket Discussion

Week 1

Dominos Pizza Group 1

Spirit Airlines Group 2

Week 2  (9/13)

Buffalo Wild Wings Group 3

Rite Aide Group 4

Week 3  (9/20)

Best Buy Group 5

Publix Super Group 6

Week 4  (9/27)

JP Morgan Group 1

Walt Disney Group 2

Week 5  (10/4)

Lowe’s Group 3

UPS Group 4

Week 6 (10/11)

USPS Group 5

Crocs Group 6

Week 7 (10/18)

Snyders Group 1

Netgear Group 2

Week 8 (10/25)

Polaris Group 3

Under Armour Group 4

Week 9 (11/1)

Avon Group 5

Exxon Group 6

Week 10  (11/8)

Microsoft Group 1

Royal Bank Group 2

Week 11 (11/15)

Embraer Group 3

BMW Group 4

Week 12  (11/22)

None

None

Week 13  (11/29)

Grupo Modelo Group 5

Lenovo Group 6

Week 14  (12/6)

Airline Presentation

Airline Analysis

Week 15  (12/13)

GROUP CASE

PRESENTATION

Week 16  (12/20)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Airline Schedule 16-Week (Full Semester) Schedule

Week/Date

Decision(s)

Due Thursday

Description

1 Sept. 3-10

n/a

Introduction: overview of simulation / decision-making process / schedule

Register for simulation

Read case and student manual

Establish teams

(2) Sept 12

Practice 1

Take online quiz  (Required)

(3) Sept. 19

Practice 2

Initial strategic plan due

(4) Sept. 26

1

Simulation restarts for live team play

Naming Your Airline Assignment

(5) Oct. 3

N/A

 

(6) Oct. 10

2

Passenger Bill of Right Assignment

(7) Oct. 17

3

List of Policies Assignment

(8) Oct. 24

4

 

(9) Oct 31

5

 

(10) Nov. 7

6

Midterm analysis report (Review Decisions 1–4)

(11) Nov. 14

7

Structure and strategy evaluation and analysis

(12) Nov. 21

8

 

(13) Nov. 28

 

Thanksgiving

(14) Dec. 5

9

 

(15) Dec. 12

10

 

(16) Dec. 19

n/a

Final Presentation Assignment

Simulation wrap-up

Complete online Peer Evaluations (Required)

 

Finals Week Dec. 17-23

 

Final Exam

 

Grade book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 Week

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case/ Discussion or online (10)

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

 

10

10

10

160

Reading/Articles (12)

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

 

5

5

5

60

Group/Individual Case (4 Cases)

 

40

 

40

 

40

 

40

 

 

40

 

 

40

 

 

160

Comprehensive exam (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100 

Quizzes top 6

 

100

 

100

 

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

 

100

100

 

600

Simulation Decisions

 

 

 

 1

 

 

2

4

5

6

7

8

 

9

10

 

275

Total Possible

1880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Score needed 1340

                                           

 

Grading Scale

 

Letter

Grade Value

Quality Points

 

 

A

930 - 1335

4.00

 

 

 

A-

900 - 929

3.70

 

 

B+

870 - 899

3.30

 

 

B

830 - 869

3.00

 

 

B-

800 - 829

2.70

 

 

C+

770 - 799

2.30

 

 

C

730 - 769

2.00

 

 

C-

700 - 729

1.70

 

 

D+

670 - 699

1.30

 

 

D

630 - 669

1.00

 

 

D-

600 - 629

0.70

 

 

F

0-      590

0.00

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Airline Simulation  [275 points]

 

Airline simulation will give you an opportunity to explore decisions and challenges faced by todays CEO and executives around the world. The simulation will cost you $39.95 with a discount if you purchase the bundle with your text available through the book store. Alternatively you can purchase online from www.interpretive.com The simulation provider will be sending you an email to register and practice three rounds before Spring Break. You need to register on time so you can take part of the simulation. You can not substitute this portion of your grade. You will be working on a team that I will assign to simulate a real work environment [i.e. you cannot choose your co-workers unless you own your own business or you are the CEO of the Company]. Your grade will suffer if you do not participate and work with your team and will cause you to get fired. The fired individual will receive a 0 for this section. Because this is a competitive game you will need to enter your decisions by the due date (check the schedule for simulation decisions) The simulations is graded this way:

            Multiple Choice Quiz                          20[individual based]

            Peer Evaluation                                   30[individual based]

            Simulation Team Performance            75[team based]

            Annual Reports                                   100 [team based]

            Presentation                                        50 [team based]

            Total                                                    275 Points

 

 

Grading Policies

 

Instructor’s Grading Criteria/Timetable: 

 

All course projects will be graded within one week of their due date.  Discussion grades will be updated each week no later than Saturday of the week following the Unit’s completion. 

 

Course Policies:

Naming Conventions:  In order to facilitate the tracking of assignments and correspondence with the instructor, please use the following naming conventions (username is your MWCC username, # is the unit number for the activity).

  • Projects:  username-project-unit#.doc
  • Email Subject Lines:  Please start your subject lines in email correspondence with Course & section username: SUBJECT_OF_MESSAGE

 

Extenuating Circumstances:  If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from completing projects, quizzes or participating in the class, please contact the instructor to make alternative arrangements.  The possibility of alternative arrangements is at the discretion of the instructor.  Active communication is the key to overcoming any hurdles you may encounter during the term.  If you are unable to contact your instructor, contact your academic advisor. Late projects will be graded no later than one week following the date the student emails the instructor notifying the instructor the project has been submitted.  Students submitting late projects must email the instructor to let the instructor know the late submission has been posted in the dropbox. 

 

Early Discussion Policy: Discussion Board postings are critical to the success of the online classroom and work best when all students are engaged in the same discussion at the same time.  Students may on occasion wish to post to the discussion board early.  This is fine; however, in order to receive full credit for the discussion, students must participate in the peer-to-peer discussion during the unit beginning and end dates.  In addition, please understand it is unlikely your instructor and peers will provide comments to your postings until the scheduled time for the unit’s discussion.  

 

Early Project Submission: It is understandable there may be times students wish to post projects to the Drop Box prior to their due date.  However, instructors do not download any projects or begin providing feedback on those submissions until the due date has passed.  This permits “batch grading” of all projects, reviewing the submissions across all students.  Students are urged not to work too far ahead in completing projects as each unit’s discussion and lecture provides additional information to support your project effort. 

 

GRADING RUBRIC – Discussion Board

 

Discussion Questions provide a forum for students to seek clarification and answer important questions about the course material.  The discussion also allows students to receive feedback from the instructor and other students in the class. A discussion question grade will be posted to the grade sheet for each Unit using the following grading criteria.

 

Grade:

Grading Criteria

90-100%

  • Responses are on topic, original, and contribute to the quality of the discussion.
  • Responses make frequent, informed references to unit material.  
  • Responses are clearly written.           
  • Substantial original answers to the questions that furthers the work of the class. Typically in the 100 word range or responses meet length requirements as posted in the classroom.
  • Two or more thoughtful responses per discussion question to classmates that advance the discussion.

80-89%

  • Responses are on topic, largely original, and contribute to the quality of the discussion.
  • Responses make some informed references to unit material.
  • Responses are generally clearly written.
  • Substantial original answers to the questions that furthers the work of the class. Typically in the 75-100 word range or responses meet only 80% of the length requirements as posted in the classroom.
  • One response per discussion question to a classmate that is thoughtful and advances the discussion.

70-79%

  • Responses are on topic, but lack originality, and lack a significant contribution to the quality of the discussion.
  • Responses make vague or summary references to unit material.
  • Responses have several mechanical or stylistic errors.
  • Short posting. Normally in the 50-75 word range or responses meet only 70% of the length requirements as posted in the classroom.
  • Response(s) to others does not advance the discussion.

60-69%

  • Responses are only partially on topic, lack originality, and lack a significant contribution to the quality of the discussion.
  • Responses make little or no references to unit material.
  • Responses have several mechanical or stylistic errors.
  • Minimal posting. Normally in the 25-50 word range or responses meet only 60% of the length requirements as posted in the classroom.
  • No responses to classmates.
  • If there are two questions, student didn’t respond to one.

0-59%

  • Responses are off topic, lack originality, and fail to advance the discussion.
  • Responses make little or no references to unit material.
  • Responses have several mechanical or stylistic errors.
  • Minimal posting. Normally in the fewer than 25 word range or responses meet less than 60% of the length requirements as posted in the classroom.
  • Response is abusive or inappropriate.
  • Response is plagiarized.
  • Responses are missing.
  • No responses to classmates.

The following grading rubric will be used for cases:

 

Grade

Content, Focus, Use of Text/Research

Analysis and Critical Thinking

Writing Style, Grammar, APA Format (when assigned)

%

50%

30%

20%

90-100%

Response successfully answers the assignment question(s); thoroughly uses the text and other literature.

Response exhibits strong higher-order critical thinking and analysis (e.g., evaluation).

Sentences are clear, concise, and direct; tone is appropriate. Grammatical skills are strong with almost no errors per page. Correct use of APA format when assigned.

80-89%

Response answers the assignment question(s) with only minor digressions; sufficiently uses the text and other literature.

Response generally exhibits higher-order critical thinking and analysis (e.g. true analysis).

Sentences are generally clear, concise, and direct; tone is appropriate. Grammatical skills are competent with very few errors per page. Correct use of APA format when assigned.

70-79%

Response answers the project assignment(s) with some digression; sufficiently uses the text and other literature.

Response exhibits limited higher-order critical thinking and analysis (e.g. application of information).

Sentences are occasionally wordy or ambiguous; tone is too informal. Grammatical skills are adequate with few errors per page. Adequate use of APA format when assigned.

60-69%

Response answers the assignment question(s) but digresses significantly; insufficiently uses the text and other literature.

Response exhibits simplistic or reductive thinking and analysis but does demonstrate comprehension.

Sentences are generally wordy and/or ambiguous; tone is too informal. Grammatical skills are inadequate, clarity and meaning are impaired, numerous errors per page. Inadequate use of APA format when assigned.

0-59%

Response insufficiently answers the assignment question(s); insufficiently uses the text and other literature.

Response exhibits simplistic or reductive thinking and analysis and demonstrates limited knowledge on the subject matter.

Sentences unclear enough to impair meaning; tone is inappropriate and/or inconsistent. Grammatical skills are inadequate for college level.  Unacceptable use of APA format when assigned.

 

Assignments and Exams

 

  • Exams (600 pts.: 100 pts. each): The 10 timed exams will include multiple choice and fill in the blank questions. You may miss 4 exams without penalty; I will take your highest 6 scored exams. If you miss no exams, you may drop the lowest exam score, including the last exam. Check your schedules now to ensure you can take all exams. Each week you will be tested, due by Sunday at 6:00pm. You can take a test any time before they are due. Test will be made available each Wednesday

 

  • Discussion Activities (225 Pts.: 15 points each): There will be a total of 15 discussion boards, one for each week. You will be required complete 10 discussion boards and to work with your assigned group to answer all questions posted in the thread. Group communication must be done on the discussion board so I can track and grade participation. Each group will select one member to post a Final Response with the conclusion by the deadline of Saturdays at 6:00 PM.

 

 

Excellent

Satisfactory

Unsatisfactory

No Post

 

10-15

7-10

3-6

0 points

Great teamwork

Post express understanding of topic

Use of examples

Majority of post express good ideas and understanding of topic

Examples could be more substantive

Few posts or non that show knowledge of subject

Little or no connection to the topic

Lack of examples to illustrate complete knowledge of topic

 

 

  • Reading Posts: There will be weekly reading posts. Post your article with a short summary of no more than three sentences. Make sure it is relevant to the topic being discussed that week. Reading posts are worth 5 points each for a total of 75 available points. You will need to post a minimum of 12.

 

  • Missed Assignments/Exam Policy: Please do not wait to the last minute to complete your assignments as technical difficulties will not be an acceptable excuse. Please contact instructor within one day of a missed assignment with valid medical excuse. You will receive a penalty of 2 points per day for late assignment or discussion post.

 

Online Communications Guidelines

Netiquette

Interactions in an online classroom are in written form. Your comfort level with expressing ideas and feelings in writing will add to your success in an online course. The ability to write is necessary, but you also need to understand what is considered appropriate when communicating online.

The word "netiquette" is short for "Internet etiquette." Rules of netiquette have grown organically with the growth of the Internet to help users act responsibly when they access or transmit information online.

A Few Rules of Thumb

Wait to respond to a message that upsets you and be careful of what you say and how you say it.

  • Be considerate. Rude or threatening language, inflammatory assertions (often referred to as "flaming"), personal attacks, and other inappropriate communication will not be tolerated.
  • Never post a message that is in all capital letters -- it comes across to the reader as SHOUTING!
  • Use boldface and italics sparingly, as they can denote sarcasm.
  • Keep messages short and to the point.
  • Always practice good grammar, punctuation, and composition. This shows that you've taken the time to craft your response and that you respect your classmates' work.
  • Keep in mind that threaded discussions are meant to be constructive exchanges.
  • Be respectful and treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself.
  • Use spell check!

 

 

Participating in Threaded Discussions

You will communicate with your professor and classmates using the threaded discussion areas. This is where you post your responses to Discussion Questions and share your experiences in completing Exercises and applying the content of the course.

Participation in discussions is required and will help determine your grade. You are expected to contribute to each of the Discussion Questions in each unit. You should read all responses of other students and add your own.

During discussions, you must demonstrate not only that you understand the subject matter but also that you can apply what you have learned, analyze it, integrate it with knowledge you already have, and evaluate it critically. Your postings should be appropriate and timely contributions that add value to the discussion.

Your instructor will provide you more detailed information about requirements and grading related to participation in discussions.

Discussion Guidelines

To ensure your success as a contributor to discussions and as a student in this class, we suggest the following guidelines for posting:

  • Be clear about which message you're responding to. Refer to specific passages or ideas in the course or text that have sparked your interest.
  • Make sure your contribution adds something new to the discussion. A simple "I agree" may be your initial response, but think about how you can take the conversation to the next level.
  • Make your posting clear and easy to follow by dividing longer messages into paragraphs.
  • Address classmates by name or user name, and sign your own messages.
  • Feel free to pose new questions to your classmates within your own message.
  • Use correct spelling, capitalization, grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
  • If you plan on posting a lengthy response, it is a good idea to type your response in Word or Notepad, then copy and paste it into the discussion area. This way you'll always have a record of your communication if for some reason you lose your connection to the course.

Sample Question and Answers

The following are some examples of acceptable and unacceptable responses to Discussion Questions:

 

Sample Question: "The author claims that the Internet has changed teaching. How would you respond to this assertion?"

 

Unacceptable: "I agree."

 

Unacceptable: "I think the author is off her rocker on this point. I can't stand it when techies try to write about education."

 

Acceptable: "I agree with beckyw's basic point--that is, I think she's right that the advent of the Internet means dramatic changes in how we teach. But I think she's so concerned with whether technology is going to replace teachers that she misses an essential point. Teachers must change themselves to use the Internet effectively. The Internet will never replace teachers and it will never be a successful tool unless teachers make it one."

 

Acceptable: "I disagree with beckyw. The Internet has not changed teaching any more than the printing press changed teaching, or modern instructional design has changed teaching. New ideas about teaching and new technologies help us deliver good teaching more effectively. They may help us understand more fully what we're delivering. They may help us reach more students. But the essence of good teaching remains the same."

 

 

Students with Disabilities

 

Students with documented disabilities (physical, emotional, learning and /or others) who believe that they may need accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact the Coordinator for Student Disability Services in Room 139, extension 120, as soon as possible to arrange for such accommodations.

 

 

Academic Support Center

 

Tutoring: Students in need of tutorial services are encouraged to contact the Academic Support Center.  Tutorial services are provided free of charge to enrolled students and include face to face and e-tutoring (online tutoring), drop in help with math and writing, subject tutoring (sciences, business, accounting, etc.) as well as other services. If you have questions, or wish to set up an appointment, you may contact: Administrative Assistant, Academic Support Center, 978-630-9333.

For Information about either library or tutoring services please contact Heidi McCann, Dean of Library and Academic Support Services – hmccann@mwcc.mass.edu or 978-630-9126.

 

MWCC LaChance Library Access Information

 

Articles:

 

As an MWCC student, you have access 24 hours a day to all of the MWCC Library online article databases. To get to these resources and search for journal and magazine articles, visit the Library's webpage, http://library.mwcc.edu and click on the “Find an Article” icon. In order to access the Library's online databases from an off-campus location (home, your office, another library, etc.) you’ll need to enter either your

8 digit MWCC student ID number or your 14 digit MWCC library card barcode number.

 

Books, Videos, CDs, etc.:

 

In order to look up books, videos, etc. on a topic, you will need to use the Library catalog. The MWCC Library catalog is available from the Library's webpage (http://library.mwcc.edu), by clicking on the link to "Find Books and More" and is also located at http://cmars.cwmars.org/search~S38/. If it is not convenient for Distance Learning students to visit the MWCC LaChance Library to check out resources located through the catalog, items may also be sent to a local public libraries throughout the state of Massachusetts. For out of state students, books may be sent in the mail as well.

If you do not have a MWCC Library card, you may want to request one. There are a number of ways to accomplish this:

 

1. Apply for your Library card via email by following the instructions at:

http://www.mwcc.edu/Html/Library/distance.html

 

2. You can also call the Library at 978-630-9125 to request a card

 

3. If you prefer to fax, please fax your name, address, telephone number, student id number, and e-mail address you prefer to use to: 978-630-9556

 

The library will contact you within one business day with your barcode number. Further instructions as well as the actual library card will be mailed to you shortly thereafter.

 

 For assistance in locating articles, books or other information sources please contact us:

 

By telephone - 1-888-884-6922 (toll free)

Via email - library@mwcc.mass.edu (account is checked at least once daily at 8 am, Mon-Fri)

Using chat - http://www.myPlugoo.com/38NVRVKR37T

 

In person, when the library is open – Spring/Fall semester hours are: Monday - Thursday, 7:30 am - 7:30 pm and Fridays, 8 am - 4 pm

 

All learners are strongly encouraged to use the library collections in completing research assignments. During the academic year, the library is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To see a complete listing of library hours, as well as dates the library is closed, please visit the library’s Web page at http://library.mwcc.edu.

 

To find books…

In order to look up books on a topic, you will need to use the Library catalog. The MWCC Library catalog is available from the Library's webpage, by clicking on the link to "Find Books & More”. Remember to use a keyword search for your topic in the catalog.   Please note that most library materials may be borrowed for 28 days, although special collections may have different loan periods. Books may be renewed for one additional loan period, either at the library, online or by phone, as long as another patron has not placed a hold on the item(s).  Your student ID card with a barcode affixed to the back, acts as your library card and must be presented to charge out library materials or use reserve materials. If you don’t have a student ID, the Library will be happy to issue you a library card.  With a valid MWCC library card, learners may also borrow materials from other libraries through the online catalog — check with a librarian for further details.

 

To find magazine/journal/newspaper articles…

Additionally, please keep in mind that your library card barcode number allows off-campus, remote access to the 50+ online periodical databases the library currently offers.  To get to these resources and search for journal, magazine and newspaper articles visit the Library’s webpage and click on the link to "Find an Article".  Note that in order to access the Library's online databases from a remote location (home, your office, another library, etc.) you will prompted to enter your MWCC Library barcode and your last name.

 

For more information…

For more information about accessing library resources, please contact the reference librarians at 978-630-9338 (888-884-6922 toll free) or email library@mwcc.mass.edu.

 

Copyright Statement:

Learners shall adhere to the laws governing the use of copyrighted materials. They must ensure that their activities comply with fair use and in no way infringe on the copyright or other proprietary rights of others and that the materials used and developed at Mount Wachusett Community College contain nothing unlawful, unethical, or libelous, and do not constitute any violation of any right of privacy.  For further information consult the MWCC Copyright Policy http://www.mwcc.mass.edu/HTML/Library/copyright.html

 

Plagiarism and Cheating

 

Students are responsible for Knowing Mount Wachusett Community Colleges’ policy on academic honesty and plagiarism, found at http://mwcc.edu/catalog/academic-and-grading-policies/ in sum; it is against policy to submit work with the deliberate intent to deceive or to cheat. Plagiarism is not tolerated at the College.

 

Plagiarism involves directly quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing the work of others without specific indication of sources, or handing in work that is not the student's own.

Cheating is the unauthorized giving or receiving of information in examinations or other exercises.

 

All assignments, quizzes, and exams, for both in-person and online classes, are to be completed by each student individually, unless otherwise documented by the instructor. The use of books, notes, mobile devices, or other reference materials and/or collaboration with other students is strictly prohibited on all quizzes and exams unless specific permissions have been given by the professor. Deviation from this rule is considered cheating.

The grade of "0" or "F" will be given for any assignment, quiz, or exam in which plagiarism or cheating is discovered. This grade will seriously affect the final grade in the course. Evidence of such dishonesty will be kept on file, and will not be returned to the student. Instructors have the responsibility to report such incidents to the Dean. Serious penalties may be imposed, depending on the nature of the incident.

 

Tolerance and Civility Commitment

 

Each member of the College community is responsible for fostering an atmosphere imbued with dignity, respect, tolerance, appreciation of diversity and positive regard for all members of our collegiate community. A fundamental tenet of the college’s mission is to nurture a community atmosphere free from racism, religious intolerance, sexism, ageism, homophobia, harassment, discrimination against those with disabling conditions, or discrimination based upon an individual’s political views or beliefs. Within this context, all members of the college community are accountable for their own behavior and actions. The college will not tolerate behavior that violates or infringes upon the civil and statutory rights of any individual or group. As members of our College community, each of us can feel free to express ourselves in ways that promote openness within a diverse society.

 

 

Online Etiquette

In accordance with the Tolerance and Civility Commitment policy, all students should also follow proper etiquette when communicating in an online environment. Often referred to as “netiquette,” an outline of these universal practices can be found at: http://www.onlinenetiquette.com/courtesy1.html

 

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the above link. I will not respond to emails that do not maintain the appropriate level of respect. Please do not email me using "texting" abbreviations, ALL CAPS, or unnecessary exclamation marks ("!").

 

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Students are expected to remain respectful and polite in all correspondence for the course, including discussion posts and emails. In other words, please talk to me and others as you would if we were face to face. I often find students taking liberties with rudeness online that I can't imagine they would do in person. Let us treat one another with the respect we all deserve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Withdrawal

 

 

For more information regarding drops and withdrawals, please see the Mount Wachusett Community College academic catalog. You may formally withdraw from this course through the 60% point of the semester/cycle as indicated on the academic calendar – the academic calendar is posted at http://mwcc.edu/academic/academic-calendar/. A grade of “W” will be recorded on your transcript. A grade of “w” will count as credits attempted but not completed, but will not impact QPA. You are required to speak to me or your assigned advisor before withdrawing from this course. The procedure for course withdrawal includes (Leominster, Devens, Burbank), bringing the form to me or your assigned advisor, and returning the signed form to the Advising Center or branch campus. Please be advised that ceasing to attend a class may result in me initiating the withdrawal from a class prior to the 60% point of the semester/cycle.  Course withdrawals will not be processed after the 60% point of the semester/cycle. If you stop attending after the 60% point of the semester/cycle, you will receive an F grade. F’s are averaged into the QPA for all students. Any withdrawal may affect progress toward degree and future eligibility to receive financial aid. Contact the record’s office for information on your student records. Administrative Action Forms are available for withdrawal after 60% point for the semester/cycle as a result of extenuating circumstances. Students may obtain an Administrative Action form in the records office or online at http://mwcc.edu/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/01/Administrative-action.pdf . Documentation of the extenuating circumstance may be submitted with the form for the appeal to be reviewed.

 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due