I. ASCRC General Education Form
Group
VII Social Science
Dept/Program
Management and Marketing Course #
U: MGMT 101
Course Title
Prerequisite
3
Introduction to the Entertainment Business
None
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Date
Scott Douglas
243-5695
scott.douglas@business.umt.edu
Program Chair
Klaus Uhlenbruck
Dean
Larry Gianchetta
III. Description and purpose of the course: General Education courses must be introductory
and foundational. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/gened/GEPreamble_final.htm
Instructor
Phone / Email
Course Overview: MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business is a freshman level 3 credit hour
course designed to provide a broad overview of business as a social institution. Given the broad and
fundamental nature of the course, it is open to all majors.
Course Description: This course uses several mediums to achieve the learning goals described below. These
mediums range from the traditional use of lecture, readings and data sets to group exercises and highly
interactive exchanges with visiting business professionals (description of exchanges under “Discussion of
Questions with Visiting Experts” below). Furthermore, the course is structured around three central themes:
1) The evolution of the business of entertainment and the theories used to study and advance business
(7 wks)
2) Data collection, analysis, results and the use & assessment of these results for business (4 wks)
3) Exploration and application of our knowledge of business to current practices and topics (4 wks)
Course Learning Goals: Given the broad and fundamental nature for MGMT101, students should achieve
the following goals upon successfully completing the course.

Fundamental knowledge of the nature, structure and historical development of basic theories
that underpin the study of business

Fundamental knowledge of the language of business

Fundamental knowledge of the social science methods for collecting & analyzing data

Fundamental ability to understand, assess and evaluate conclusions and generalizations
based on data
Course Objectives: MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business will introduce students to basic
social and economic theories underpinning business; introduce students to the basic processes for data
collection and analyses; illustrate how data is used to influence business decisions and practices; allow
students to learn in group and individual settings; and, afford students opportunities to engage senior business
executives to examine how businesses use theory, data and a related findings to make decisions, while also
encouraging students to formulate and ask complex questions that demonstrate their ability to engage in
critical analyses of business decisions and practices. In short, the primary objective for this course is to
introduce students to the broad fundamentals of business as both social and global institutions.
IV. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
MGMT 101 is a freshman level course designed to provide
1. Courses systematically study
individuals, groups, or social institutions; a broad overview of business as a social institution.
2. analyze individuals, groups, or
social problems and structures; and/or
3. give considerable attention to ways in
which conclusions and generalizations
are developed and justified as well as the
methods of data collection and analysis.
Accordingly, it examines how businesses interact and react
to socioeconomic influences. Students in the course also
examine how businesses organize, motivate and lead
individuals and groups to achieve both business and social
objectives. Early in the course students will be introduced
to the language of business and primary theories
underpinning the study of business. Later in the course
students will return to these theories on several occasions
to critically analyze their veracity and application to
current business practices. Students will also be
systematically exposed to various data collection methods
and methods of analysis to help in their critical
assessments (this is discussed in more detail below).
During the course students are introduced to theories and
related findings on individual, group and social structures
(in this case business structures). For instance students will
be exposed to theories of motivation and theories of group
development. They will also be given the chance to
interact with visiting professionals to examine the extent
that these theories are implemented in the workplace.
Moreover, students are required to critically analyze
current business practices as reported in various media and
academic outlets that contrast theory and related findings
with ongoing business problems (and often larger social
implications), practices and decisions.
Purposes for research, alternative forms of data collection
and various methods of data analyses are given
considerable attention under the second and third themes
that govern the structure for the course (see syllabus
below). Specifically, students will be exposed to data
collection methods, given a brief overview of alternative
methods of analyses, and discuss the notions of validity
and generalizeability during the second theme. Armed
with this knowledge, during the second and third themes,
students will further analyze current business practices and
engage visiting professionals about their use of research to
make informed business decisions, while also gaining
insight to the validity and generalizeability of research
findings.
V. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
Students are exposed to the historical development of the
1. Describe the nature, structure, and
language and the theories that underpin the study of
historical development of human
business. They examine the significant changes to the
behavior, organizations, social
nature and structure of businesses as they are influenced
phenomena, and/or relationships;
by larger socioeconomic factors on local as well as global
2. use theory in explaining these
individual, group, or social phenomena;
and/or
3. understand, assess, and evaluate
how conclusions and generalizations are
justified based on data
scales. Moreover, students will engage visiting
professional with extensive careers to gain a better
understanding of how business practices and decision
processes have developed over the recent past (1960s
forward), both domestically and globally. Students are also
exposed to- and critically analyze readings that capture the
historical nature and fluid dynamics for business.
Early in the course students are introduced to primary
theories underpinning the study of business (e.g.,
Maslow’s Needs Theory, Expectancy Theory and various
theories of decision-making). Afterward, students are
given several opportunities to analyze the literature
(academic and practitioner outlets) to gain a better grasp of
the extent theory is used to develop and implement
business practices. Additionally, students are afforded
several opportunities to engage visiting professional in
rich dialogue to examine the extent these theories are
applied in contemporary business settings.
This areas is given considerable emphasis since it is a
major portion of both the second and third themes that
guide the course (see course syllabus). Initially, students
are informed on how data are collected and analyzed.
Next, they are introduced to the notions of validity and
generalizeability of findings. Then, throughout the course
students are exposed to research findings and/or examine
business practices that lend support to - or call into
question various aspects of theories that underpin the study
of business. As a result of this process, students should
come away with a greater understanding for assessing the
validity and generalizeabilty of research findings. Students
should also come away with an enhanced understanding
and appreciation for how businesses use data and related
findings to make informed decisions, and the extent that
these findings and related decisions are generalizeable
across business and socioeconomic contexts.
VII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business (Spring 2010)
Course Instructor: Professor Scott Douglas (GBB L35B) email Scott.douglas@business.umt.edu
Open Office Hours (no appointment necessary): Monday and Wednesday from 10am to noon.
Other Office Times: I am generally available throughout each day of the week. Nevertheless, please call
my office (243-5695) to ensure my availability for meeting with you outside of my open office hours.
Required Course Materials*:
1) Course Resource Pack and Internet Access Key (available at the UM Bookstore)
2) Articles on contemporary issues in business (provided by course instructor)
School of Business Administration’s Mission Statement: The faculty and staff of the School of Business
Administration at The University of Montana are committed to excellence in innovative experiential learning
and professional growth through research and service.
Course Overview: MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business is a freshman level 3 credit hour
course designed to provide a broad overview of business as a social institution. Given the broad and
fundamental nature of the course, it is open to all majors.
Course Description: This course uses several mediums to achieve the learning goals described below. These
mediums range from the traditional use of lecture, readings and data sets to group exercises and highly
interactive exchanges with visiting business professionals (description of exchanges under “Discussion of
Questions with Visiting Experts” below). Furthermore, the course is structured around three central themes:
1) The evolution of business and the theories used to study and advance business (7 wks)
2) Data collection, analysis, results and the use & assessment of these results for business (4 wks)
3) Exploration and application of our knowledge of business to current practices and topics (4 wks)
Course Learning Goals: Given the broad and fundamental nature for MGMT101, students should achieve
the following goals upon successfully completing the course.




Fundamental knowledge of the nature, structure and historical development of basic theories
that underpin the study of business
Fundamental knowledge of the language of business
Fundamental knowledge of the social science methods for collecting & analyzing data
Fundamental ability to understand, assess and evaluate conclusions and generalizations
based on data
Course Objectives: MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business will introduce students to basic
social and economic theories underpinning business; introduce students to the basic processes for data
collection and analyses; illustrate how data is used to influence business decisions and practices; allow
students to learn in group and individual settings; and, afford students opportunities to engage senior business
executives to examine how businesses use theory, data and a related findings to make decisions, while also
encouraging students to formulate and ask complex questions that demonstrate their ability to engage in
critical analyses of business decisions and practices. In short, the primary objective for this course is to
introduce students to the broad fundamentals of business as both social and global institutions.
Course Requirements: Throughout the semester students will be required to demonstrate a fundamental
grasp of business. Moreover, they will be expected to demonstrate this knowledge through several different
vehicles of assessment, including the traditional use of exams, working in group settings to analyze and
deliver critical analyses of current business practices as reported in articles on contemporary business topics,
and through individual efforts to develop and ask sets of questions to visiting business professionals that
illustrate an individual’s ability to formulate complex questions that aid in the critical analyses of business
decisions and practices.
Exams (30%): Throughout the semester students will take three multiple and/or short answer essay exams
that are each worth 10% of the total class grade. The first exam will assess the student’s grasp of the
historical development of the fundamental theories and language that underpin the study of business as well
as the student’s understanding of the basic nature and structure of business. The second exam will focus on
the student’s grasp of the social science methods for collecting and analyzing data; and, on how conclusions
and generalizations are drawn from this research. The third exam will assess the student’s understanding for
how practitioners use research findings to make decisions that inform business practices. Each exam will be
given upon the completion of the three themes identified under the “Course Description” above. Lastly,
please note that there will be no make-up exams given without the prior, expressed and written approval of
the course instructor.
Critical Analyses of Contemporary Business Practices (20%): Throughout the semester students will be
introduced to various studies (and related results) that academics and practitioners often rely upon to make
informed decisions. Additionally, students will receive packets containing articles on contemporary business
practices. Based on their knowledge of fundamental business theories and related research findings, students
will work in groups to develop and present critical analyses of current business practices as reported in the
articles. Thus, throughout the semester there will be four class periods (5% each) set aside for student groups
to discuss their critical analyses.
Development of Questions for Visiting Experts (20%): Throughout the semester students are required to
develop sets of questions that will be asked of visiting business professionals. Each set of questions should
consist of 3 questions meant to further explore: a) the extent that visiting professionals’ business practices
reflect the fundamental theories discussed in the course; b) how the visiting professionals collect data and/or
use research findings to make informed business decisions; and, c) the validity and generalizeability of
research findings to the visiting professionals’ workplace. In short, each set of questions should demonstrate
the student’s ability to formulate complex questions that aid in the critical analyses of business decisions and
practices.
Each set of questions will be due at the beginning of the class session that is prior to the session scheduled
for the visiting professional. However, please note that you will not receive credit if your questions are turned
in late or if the questions you submit are viewed as superfluous.
Discussion of Questions with Visiting Experts (30%): 8-10 business professionals (mostly from the
entertainment, media and technology business sectors) will visit the classroom throughout the semester. The
time that they spend with us is invaluable since it provides you with a rare opportunity to engage them in a
highly informed dialogue about their business, its practices and how they explicitly and/or implicitly use
business theories and data to make informed decisions. Thus, the professional are not here to lecture us on
business but rather to engage us in a rich dialogue that illustrates the extent that business practitioners rely
upon basic theories of business and related research to make informed business decisions. Therefore, your
course instructor will act as a facilitator for the discussions, also asking probing questions that link business
theory, research and practice. The combination of your questions and the instructor’s questions should result
in a highly informed and value-added discussion. Lastly, students will be notified of the class dates for the
visiting professionals once confirmed, but in no cases will this notification be less than two weeks prior to
their visits.
Rule of 4: Given the rare and highly valuable opportunity to engage in a rich, contemporary and informative
dialogue on business, students are required to attend all sessions with visiting business professionals.
Moreover, students will automatically receive an F for the course should they miss 4 or more of these
sessions without prior, expressed and written approval of the course instructor.
Grades (please note that there is no rounding of grades in this course):
A (94-100); A- (90-93); B+ (87-89); B (84-86); B- (80-83);
C+ (77-79); C (74-76); C- (70-73); F (69 or below)
Schedule
Weeks 1-7: (Theme) The evolution of business and the theories used to study and advance business
The language of business
Business in various legal, governmental and social settings
Three fundamental paradigms underpinning the study of business
Fundamental theories for advancing business research
The interaction of societal and economic forces and management practices
Business ethics and social responsibility
The role of management vs. the role of leaders
Empowerment, motivation and performance
Individual and team performance
Maximizing creative potential
Decision-making
Critical analyses of contemporary business practices: Theory vs. practice (1 session)
Exam 1: Covers the topics above and the discussions by visiting professionals
During this section of the course we will be visited by two business professionals.
One professional is an Academy Award winning producer that has managed workforces ranging from 5 to
100+ employees. His topic of discussion will be on empowerment and motivation for maximizing individual
and team performance. He will also discuss his views on identifying creative potential and capturing this
creative potential through innovation.
One professional is the former manager for an iconic rock act and a former senior executive for global
manufacturers. He has a long tenure as an executive in Asia. His topic of discussion will be on operating
businesses in Asia contrasted with operating businesses in the US. He will also address the ethical parameters
for doing business in Asia and contrast them with the ethical parameters for doing business in the US.
Weeks 8-11: (Theme) Data collection, analysis, results and the use & assessment of these results
The common methods for conducting business research
Common uses of business research and the validity and generalizeability of this research
Applied use of research findings for business: Marketing and productions
Applied use of research findings: Business strategy
Critical analyses of contemporary business practices: Generalizeability of findings (2 sessions)
Exam 2: Covers the topics above and the discussions by visiting professionals
During this section of the course we will be visited by two business professionals.
One professional is a senior executive with one of the 5 major motion picture studios. His primary area of
responsibility is in the marketing and advertising of feature films. The topic of discussion will center upon
how studios collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to make informed marketing decisions (e.g.,
pricing and promotion decisions). He will also discuss how this data is used on a regular basis to modify
business strategies and financial investments.
One professional is the founder and President of a mid-level television and film production company that
owns and/or produces properties for the Travel Channel and National Geographic networks, to name but a
few. Her discussion will be on using consumer behavior and interest research to inform the company about
options for productions. She will also discuss the nuances of conducting operations in multiple countries
around the world.
Weeks 11-15: (Theme) Exploration and application of knowledge of business to current practices
The socioeconomic factors that impact on entrepreneurial activities
The impact of the intersection of entertainment, media and technology on business infrastructure
Yes the numbers matter: Negotiating and the basic financial ratios and accounting statements
Critical analyses of contemporary business practices: Theory & Research v. Practice (1 session)
Exam 3: Covers the topics above and the discussions by visiting professionals
During this section of the course we will be visited by 4 (possibly 6) business professionals.
One professional is the President and founder of a mid-sized professional sports agency. His topic will focus
on negotiation and motivation techniques employed when brokering contracts between organizations and
contract employees (e.g., professional athletes).
One professional is a retired professional athlete with an extensive history in the NFL. His discussion will be
on the essential elements of leadership, developing and motivating individuals and groups, teamwork and
performance based incentives.
One professional is the founder and President of a major entertainment marketing firm. She will discuss how
her firm collects and uses data to make informed decision for marketing philanthropic causes (cause-related
marketing), performing artists, tours and film and television properties. She will also discuss the use of some
of the newer web-based services for collecting and analyzing data.
One professional is the President of a major entertainment and media production firm. He has also been
recognized as one of the leading entrepreneurial and innovative forces in business by Fortune Magazine. His
topic of discussion will be on the impact of socioeconomic factors on the nature and structure of
entrepreneurial enterprises.
Please note that a completed calendar including specific dates for visiting professionals, dates for
conducting critical analyses and dates for exams will be made available by the end of the third week of
class.
*Please note: As an instructor of a general education course, you will be expected to provide
sample assessment items and corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.