Salem State University - Bertolon School of Business
Spring 2013- Course Syllabus
I.
Course Data
Course:
BUS 470 Business Policy and Strategy - 3 credit hours
Time and
location:
Monday and Wednesday 12:15 (CC-237) and 2:00 (CC-237), Monday evening
4:30 – 6:50 (CC-237), Wednesday evening location: 4:30 – 6:50 (CC-111)
Instructor:
Dr. Edward W. Desmarais
Office:
CC 230
Telephone:
978-542-7304
email:
edward.desmarais@salemstate.edu
web page:
http://w3.salemstate.edu/~edesmarais/
Office hours: I am normally in my office at 11:30 am on the days I teach. Refer to the schedule
posted on my office door for additional office hours. I encourage you to stop by or send an email
if you have questions.
Prerequisites: FIN 322, MGT 231/MGT332, MKT 241, SPC 101 AND senior status (You must
successfully complete all prerequisites before taking this class.)
Reading material required: McGraw-Hill Create e-text and e-case. The faculty designed the
books especially for you. There are two purchasing options. You may either purchase the books
as Acrobat files or you may print the books. The course web site provides instructions and links
to the McGraw-Hill e-Bookstore. You will need a credit card or equivalent to pay for the books.
You must also subscribe to the Wall Street Journal. The link to subscribe is
(https://buy.wsj.com/shopandbuy/order/subscribe.jsp?pId=27900076). You will need a credit
card or equivalent to pay for the subscription.
II.
Course Description
The Business Policy and Strategy course integrates and applies all prior courses in the School of
Business academic program. It is the capstone course for the business program and it is
essentially identical to the processes general managers (e.g., CEO) and subordinate managers use
to form strategies and to make decisions. At the end of this course, you should be able to
formulate and recommend corporate level or business level strategy based on:
 the interaction between a firm’s competitive capabilities (strengths and weaknesses) and
the firm’s macro-environment and industry environment (opportunities and threats),
 macro-environment analysis,
 industry and competitor analysis,
 an analysis of the firm’s mission, vision, and strategic and financial objectives,
 analysis of the firm’s competitive capabilities in the areas of strategy (business and
functional levels) strategy implementation, resources, use of the value chain to minimize



costs and increase value to the firms stakeholders,
analysis of the firm’s top management value and culture in formulating and implementing
strategy,
analysis of the firm’s financial performance, and
control mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of strategic decisions
during implementation.
III.
Course Objectives
Learning is the primary objective for this course. Through this course you will:
 learn the course content,
 learn new skills (e.g. rhetoric) or improve upon existing skills (e.g. writing),
 integrate and apply concepts and skills learned in prior courses to problems businesses
face, and
 practice interpersonal, team, and communication skills that are essential ingredients in the
formulation and implementation of business strategy.
In addition, the Business Policy and Strategy course addresses the Bertolon School of Business’
(BSB) five learning goals and eight learning objectives.
Learning goal 1: Ethical responsibilities: Our graduates will have the ability to recognize
ethical issues and dilemmas.
Learning objective 1.1: Our graduates can recognize and analyze ethical issues
and/or dilemmas.
Learning goal 2: Globalization and multicultural: Our graduates will have a working
knowledge of the global economy and business cultures throughout the world.
Learning objective 2.1: Our graduates can recognize and analyze global business and
cultural issues and provide business solutions.
Learning goal 3: Communication Professional skills: Our graduates will be effective
communicators and leaders and will have professional interpersonal skills.
Learning objective 3.1: Our graduates will communicate effectively and
professionally in business writing.
Learning objective 3.2: Our graduates communicate effectively and professionally
in oral business presentations.
Learning objective 3.3: Our graduates demonstrate interpersonal skills and a basic
professional demeanor.
Learning goal 4: Analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills: Our graduates will
be able to use analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills to solving problems,
and make decisions and recommendations.
Learning objective 4.1: Our graduates will demonstrate analytical thinking
skills.
Learning objective 4.2: Our graduates will be able to use quantitative reasoning as a
tool for solving business problems.
Learning goal 5: Our graduates will learn the content knowledge and be able to apply that
knowledge in their respective concentrations.
Learning objective 5.1: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and the ability to
apply basic concepts in their respective concentrations (e.g., Accounting,
Economics, Management, Operations Management and Quantitative Methods,
2
Finance, Marketing, Legal & Social Environment, Information Systems,
International).
IV.
Student responsibilities
You are responsible for the following:
 act as an aspiring professional for your chosen field,
 read, understand and comply with the syllabus, and BUS 470 section of the web page,
 completing all course requirements and for keeping up with all that goes on in the course
(whether or not the student is present),
 read the assigned material (e.g. text chapter, case) before coming to class,
 read and follow instructions (e.g. memo format, worksheets)
 ask questions,
 work with your colleagues on assignments,
 submit completed assignments on or before due dates,
 use resources (e.g. writing center, accounting lab) to assist you with learning and
completing assignments,
 earn your grade based on performance (NOTE: Effort is not equivalent to performance.
I do not give grades. You earn your grade based on your performance. I use rubrics to
evaluate your performance. The rubrics for each respective type of performance are on
the web site.),
 fully comply with all of the academic policies listed in the current Undergraduate
Catalog, and
 reflect on how this course and your academic program will prepare you to achieve your
personal and professional aspirations.
Bertolon School of Business Expectations of Undergraduate Students
High quality undergraduate education is a function of the professional and ethical behavior of all
involved, therefore it is essential that undergraduate students be aware of faculty expectations
and to conduct themselves in a mature manner. Accordingly:
 All BSB undergraduate students are responsible for knowledge of BSB programs and
procedures as stated in the BSB Undergraduate Handbook found at the following:
http://www.salemstate.edu/assets/documents/ACA_Bertolon/BSB_Undergraduate_Stude
nt_Handbook_final.pdf
 Undergraduate students should become especially well acquainted with the University’s
academic integrity policies.
http://www.salemstate.edu/registrar/0608catalog/docs/SSC_UnderGrad_Catalog.pdf
 Because undergraduate education should be a priority, it is essential to attend all classes.
If professional or personal reasons prevent attendance of any class in a given semester,
the student is responsible for notifying the instructor in advance and making up for
missed course work.
 Because learning is most effective when it is active, students are expected to be involved
in all class activities. They should come prepared for each class and actively participate
in discussions, projects, and/or other course activities.
 Student behavior in the classroom should not disrupt the educational experiences of
other students and/or the instructor’s course objectives. Disruptive behavior may include,
but is not limited to: non-approved use of electronic devices (including cellular
V.
3
telephones), having side conversations, leaving class early, continually arriving late, or
stepping out of the room during class time. Such disrespectful behaviors should be kept
to a minimum.
VI.
Attendance
I expect you to attend every class. If you miss a class, arrive late or leave early, you are
responsible for notifying me in advance using either voice mail or an email at least 15 minutes
before the beginning of class. The preceding expectation is consistent with professional
behavior. I may, depending on your reason, request supporting documentation to substantiate
your absence. I do accept valid reasons for an absence (e.g., medical, business trip). Vacations,
car problems, snow, “stuck in traffic” and similar examples are not valid reasons for an absence.
VII. Teaching Method (Pedagogy)
My web page includes a section titled Teaching Method and Philosophy. The section describes
how “doing” provides deep learning. The course will require you to communicate in writing and
orally, both in groups and in class. These activities match the traits that employers seek in new
college graduates and employees. As the instructor, my responsibility is to provide assignments
and methods that will enable you to meet the course objectives. You retain all of the
responsibilities for your learning (e.g. readiness for class, asking questions, seeking requisite
assistance, ability to apply concepts taught in previous courses).
I provide an agenda for each class. The standard agenda includes administrative items,
opportunities for you to ask course related questions, and a discussion of current events in
business (WSJ). I post each class’ notes on the web site.
VIII. Available Resources
The course web site provides a robust set of resources and references. Peruse various parts of the
site for examples of memos, case analyses, presentations, guidelines for the assignments, rubrics
used to assess your performance and a multitude of other references. The writing center is a
resource you should also use. If necessary contact Salem State’s Student Academic Support
Services (http://www.salemstate.edu/sass/).
The following are links to the BSB and BSB student resources respective web pages. The links
provide valuable tools to assist and guide you.
http://www.salemstate.edu/academics/schools/bertolon.php
http://www.salemstate.edu/academics/schools/4831.php
http://libguides.salemstate.edu/businesswriting
IX.
Performance measurement (Course and Grading Policies)
This course uses the “Principles of Good Practice for Assessing Student Learning” (American
Association of Higher Education, 1992). The web page lists the principles. I evaluate your
performance using rubrics (refer to the web site) for each of the following components. Similar
to professional work environments, there are no tests or exams. Your grade is a composite of
your individual performance (65 %) and your team’s performance (35 %). Each component has
the following weight:
4
Memos
Individual
15%
Team
Total
15%
Class participation
40 %
Individual readiness (30%)
Class discussion
(10%)
40 %
Team participation
10 %
10 %
Final case presentation
10 %
10 %
Final case report
25 %
35 %
25 %
100 %
65 %
Memos (15%)
Managers in business are nearly universal in citing the ability to write and to make persuasive
arguments (cause and effect logic) as the two skills they seek in the college graduates they hire.
The principal purpose for writing memos is to rigorously address both skills throughout the
semester. The memos entail developing and refining your ability to succinctly communicate
your analysis of an issue or situation and making implementable recommendations to address the
issue to a senior manager. There will be approximately three memos during the semester.
You must submit a paper copy of a “memo” assignment at the beginning of the class on the
date for which the assignment is due. You must also submit electronic copies of the memos
on or before the due date. The electronic submission is not a substitute for the paper copy.
The end of each class begins a 24 hour grace period for submitting memos. I will not accept any
memos students submit more than twenty-four hours after the memo is due. I will deduct 25% of
the grade you earn for submissions in this twenty-four hour period. For only those students
submitting their memos at the beginning of class on the due date as a paper copy (not after
class, during the twenty-four hour grace period or submitted by email), you will have multiple
opportunities to rewrite your memos and improve your grade. Please refer to the web site for
additional instructions, for the blank preparation matrix, memo examples and the rubric I use to
grade your performance.
Please note that subsets of the chapter worksheets are preparation matrices for each memo. The
chapter worksheets are also the starting point for the final case. The skills for writing a business
memo are necessary for writing a lengthier and more comprehensive analysis of a company.
Participation (40%)
In order to earn a high participation grade, you must actively and routinely participate.
As the first part of your class participation grade:
 I will conduct random individual readiness assessments (IRA) of your retention of
material from previous classes, as well as your readiness for the day’s class and
assignments (other than memos) you complete at home.
 You must also ask questions, answer questions I pose, provide insights relating Wall
Street Journal articles you read to the topical material we are covering in class, provide
relevant case facts, and demonstrate similar active participation.
5
The second part of your class participation grade pertains to the content, frequency and
professional decorum you demonstrate during the class discussion. Please note this class
involves extensive “cold calling”. Your ability to answer questions is a foundation for a good
class discussion grade and ultimately for your professional career. I also include assignment
performance, emails with high quality questions, office hour appointments, and your individual
performance as part of your class participation.
The web page provides the criteria used to determine your individual class participation grade.
During the semester, we can meet to discuss your class participation. I may also choose to send
you email or speak with you before or after class. If you miss class, you do not earn the
participation (discussion) point(s) for that day. If you come to class but do not participate you
do not earn participation point(s).
Team participation (10%)
This course requires you to be a member of a team throughout the semester. Students self-select
team members. Team composition cannot exceed six (6) class members or be less than four (4)
members. Each Team will submit a written contract. The contract can address topics such as
participation, composition, responsibilities and decision-making processes. The contract MUST
address specific provisions (e.g., notification process, voting requirements, grounds for removal)
for removing a member of the Team and for a Team member voluntarily leaving one Team
and joining another Team. The contract must include the Team’s mission and objectives. The
web page provides several examples of Team contracts. You may choose to use these examples
in full or adopt only the portions that match your Team’s needs and desires.
At the end of the semester, your teammates will evaluate your participation in the Team's
activities (case analyses and team assignments). Each Team member will evaluate the other
members of the Team using the peer evaluation form on the web site. The composite of your
team member's peer evaluations comprise your Team participation grade. Students must
complete and submit peer evaluations as email attachments per the schedule. Completed peer
evaluations are the equivalent of a written assignment due at the beginning of class. I accept no
excuses for late peer evaluation submittals.
Final case presentation (10%)
Each team will present their analysis using Power Point. The presentation is a learning
opportunity for the types of presentations you can expect in your professional career. The
website provides the template/format for your final presentation. The web site provides an
example of an introduction. You must provide one printed copy of your presentation slides to
the instructor before giving your presentation.
Final Case (25%)
The Final Case is the culmination of the course and is a detailed, rigorous analysis of a firm and
its environment. Each team, in the role of a consulting firm will prepare and submit a written
analysis of the firm’s competitive capabilities (strengths and weaknesses) and environment
(opportunities and threats) and provides recommendations strategic recommendations to the
firm. At the end of the semester, each Team will submit an email with the final written case
report (Word format), and Power Point presentation.
6
X.
Salem State University applicable policy statements1
Academic Writing Standards
“The college policy on academic writing standards applies to all course work.
Expository writing assignments may receive a grade of “C” or higher only if the form and
content are appropriate for the purpose of the assignment and for the intended audience.
Characteristics of expository writing include the following:
1. A clear thesis
2. Adequate support for the thesis
3. Clear and coherent overall structure
4. Varied sentence structure and expression
5. Standard usage, punctuation, and spelling
6. Accurate documentation when necessary
These standards may be amended by the instructor to meet the specialized writing requirements
of various disciplines.”
Academic integrity
“Salem State College assumes that all students come to the College with serious educational
intent and expects them to be mature, responsible individuals who will exhibit high standards of
honesty and personal contact in their academic life. All forms of academic dishonesty are
serious offenses against the College Community. The College will apply sanctions when student
conduct interferes with our primary educational objectives.”
Critical Emergency Statement
“In the event of a university declared critical emergency, Salem State University reserves the
right to alter this course plan. Students should refer to www.salemstate.edu for further
information and updates. The course attendance policy stays in effect until there is a university
declared critical emergency. In the event of an emergency, the instructor will send all students
an email (using their Salem State email address) describing alternative educational plans for this
course.”
SSU Academic Accommodations Policy Statement
"Salem State University is committed to providing equal access to the educational experience for
all students in compliance with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with
Disabilities Act and to providing all reasonable academic accommodations, aids and
adjustments. Any student who has a documented disability requiring an accommodation, aid or
adjustment should speak with the instructor immediately. Students with Disabilities who have
not previously done so should provide documentation to and schedule an appointment with the
Office for Students with Disabilities and obtain appropriate services."
Email Communication Policy
“Email is an official means of communication at Salem State University. Therefore, the
University has the right to send communications to students and employees via email and the
right to expect that those communications will be received and read in a timely fashion.”
1
The following link applies to all University policies. (http://catalog.salemstate.edu/content.php?catoid=18&navoid=1801)
7
Disruptive Student in Classroom Policy
“Disruptive student behavior in the classroom includes and is not limited to the following
definitions:
1. Exhibiting excessive behavior, which through its constancy throws the classroom activity in
disorder or does not permit others to hear, see or concentrate on classroom presentation
and/or activity.
2. Demonstrating an attitude or action which is threatening or hazardous to the safety and
welfare of others and/or him/herself in the classroom. This includes aggressive and/or bizarre
behavior.
3. Disrupting the classroom with inappropriate verbal tone, volume or content which may be
threatening and/or intimidating to the other members in the classroom.”
XI.
Last Day to Withdraw from the Course
Refer to the semester program schedule to determine the last day to withdraw from the course
with a “W” grade.
XII. Class schedule
Refer to the web site for the assignment schedule.
8