SYLLABUS FOR MTMS 2372
Ethics in Management
Independent Study Class
Semester Hours Credit: 3
Course Dates: 16 Nov 15 – 01 Jan 16
Weekly CTC Blackboard discussions and assignments
*Blackboard blackout dates will be 12/20-12/26
Instructor: Charles S. Crivellaro
Skype Name: charliecriv
Weekly Skype Office Hours: Wednesdays, 1730 1830
Instructor Email: charliecriv@gmail.com
Phone: +39 388 3782429
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Crivellaro has a total of 28 years of Federal Civil Service and Active Duty Army
experience in management. Mr. Crivellaro has a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Organizational Behavior/Applied Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Contract
Management. Mr. Crivellaro is experienced with Federal Government contractors conducting
themselves with the highest degree of integrity and honesty. Contractors are to have a
written code of business ethics and conduct to promote compliance with such Federal codes
of business ethics and conduct in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Defense Federal
Acquisition Regulation Supplement and the Army Federal Acquisition Regulation
Supplement.
I.
II.
INTRODUCTION
A.
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the principles of ethics
and analyzing dominant ethical theories related to organization and management.
The course provides actual case studies in which ethical principles are used in
solving today's business management problems.
B.
This course is required to meet curriculum requirements for the Central Texas
College Associate of Applied Science degree of Applied Management-Military
Science Specialization and as an elective in other programs.
C.
This course is occupationally related to all military career fields and serves as
preparation for jobs in the business world.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
MTMS 2372 8th ed.
1
Upon successful completion of this course, Ethics in Management, the student will be
able to:
III.
IV.
A.
Discuss major ethical theories and principles and apply these theories and
principles to the workplace.
B.
Apply individual moral values to business ethics.
C.
Analyze the ethical components of contemporary business issues.
D.
Distinguish the difference between individual morality and professional ethics.
E.
Discuss social responsibility.
F.
Discuss an ethical decision making framework.
G.
Explain how organizational culture influences ethical decision-making.
H.
Describe the influence of significant others in the organization.
I.
Explain the role of opportunity and conflict.
J.
Discuss the international aspects of ethics.
K.
Develop an effective ethics program.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
A.
Required Text: O. C. Ferrell, Fraedrick & Ferrell: Business ethics. 8th Edition,
South-Western Cengage Learning, 2010 (ISBN: 9781439042236).
B.
Supplementary reading: ADRP 6-22 & ADP 6-22.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course will
not be the grade of the instructor, but rather the grade you and you alone make.
B.
You should attend online class regularly on Central Texas College (CTC)
Blackboard. Online attendance involves logging into your Blackboard class and
participating in discussions, submitting assignments, etc. Be prepared to also take any
unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture material presented from the
beginning of the course. Please refer to ‘Class Attendance and Course Progress’ under the
Academic Policies section in our current CTC Course Catalog.
C.
You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the course. From the
beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in the
long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute crash-cram
policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such factors as class
participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers or projects will be
considered in grade computation.
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D. From time to time, special library and/or outside assignments will be made to
members of the class individually and/or in groups. You are expected to read all
assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignment.
E.
You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook/reading
materials to class. Keep informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.
F.
Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the material
assigned and that discussed in class will be the basis for examination material.
G. Scholastic Honesty: All students are required and expected to maintain the highest
standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during
examinations. The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:
Plagiarism: The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper
credit to the sources.
Collusion: Using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with another
person in the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is specifically
approved in advance by the instructor.
Cheating: Giving or receiving information on examinations.
H. Special Work: A term paper or other project, per requirements of the instructor, will
be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with the
instructor when you have made a selection. The value is indicated in the semester grade
computation and has considerable weight on your final average.
I.
Text Analysis Project: Each student will write a paper supporting one of the
following three statements:
1.
The O. C. Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell text reflects a general
unfavorable opinion of business.
2.
The O. C. Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell text reflects a general
favorable opinion of business.
3.
The O. C. Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell text reflects a balanced view
of business.
The paper will include examples from the text substantiating the position taken in
the paper, and a discussion of applicable ethics issues. The paper will be typed,
double-spaced, and five to 10 pages long, excluding the title. At least four
references must be cited. The paper will follow the format and reference citation
guidelines given by the instructor.
Each student will also give an oral presentation of the analysis to the class. This
requirement counts 100 points towards the final grade.
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J.
V.
Case studies will be assigned throughout the course. Each student is required to
complete these case studies.
COURSE FORMAT – SKYPE-BLACKBOARD
This course has been developed on Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make
sure that they have access to CTC Blackboard and that they are familiar with the contents
and assignments. It is also the student’s responsibility to log into CTC Blackboard at least
once a week to ‘attend’ the online class portion and to participate in the online
Blackboard discussions and assignments. Failure to do so will violate the attendance
policy and will have a negative impact on the course grade.
The course will meet for six weeks. In addition, instructional strategies will include
weekly CTC Blackboard assignments and discussion boards to accomplish the remaining
instruction per week.
VI.
EXAMINATIONS
A.
There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or project
as follows:
1.
Mid-term exam on 02 Dec 2015
2.
Final exam on 30 Dec 2015
3.
Term Paper due on 16 Dec 2015 (Presentations by appointment
via Skype)
VII.
B.
A student must take all examinations. Students who know in advance that they will
be unavailable for an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an early
examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances will
require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.
C.
Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.
D.
Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-theblank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions. Students
must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions
requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.
E.
Final exams must be proctored by your local Site Coordinator. Please set up
a time to take it in their office no later than the date provided by instructor.
SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS
The final grade in this course will be based on the following:
Participation
Assignments & Quizzes
Discussion Boards (mandatory)
Term Paper/Term Presentation
MTMS 2372
100 points
200 points
200 points
200 points
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Mid-term Exam
Final Exam
Total possible points:
POINTS
900-1000
800-899
700-799
600-699
0-599
100 points
200 points
1000 points
GRADES
A=4 pts/sem hr
B=3 pts/sem hr
C=2 pts/sem hr
D=1 pt/sem hr
F=0 pts/sem hr
A term paper is expected from all students. Students may vary in their competency levels
on these abilities, so the instructor may need to revisit the term paper concept during the
course.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TERM PAPER. You will be required to write a 3 - 4 page
term paper (double spaced lines) incorporating the following 3 topics:
Facilitating mobile and virtual work - Electronic monitoring of person(s) Web use at
work - Multilingual and multicultural issues in a global e-commerce
*Term Paper topics must be related to ethics in management at your present
working environment
The paper will be due 16 Dec 15. Please use the Modern Language Association
(MLA) writing format for your paper. There are numerous examples available on
the internet, simply search “MLA writing format.” You will be graded on content
and formatting. Wikipedia citations will not be accepted and will cause an
automatic zero on this assignment. At least one outside source other than the course
materials must be properly referenced.
VIII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE INSTRUCTOR
A. Tuition refunds are made only in the case of class cancellation or official and timely
withdrawal from CTC or from a course. Please refer to the current course catalog for
more details.
B. GoArmyEd students should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and
are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.
Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.
For self-pay students, refunds are computed from the date the Application for
Withdrawal or Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated Student
Services Officer. Special conditions apply to students who receive federal, state, and/or
institutional financial aid.
Tuition and fees paid directly to the Institution by the Veterans Administration, Title
IV (Financial Aid Programs), a sponsor, donor, or scholarship shall be refunded to the
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source rather than directly to the students.
C. Course Withdrawals, Student Responsibilities: It is the student’s responsibility to
officially withdraw from a course. The instructor cannot initiate a withdrawal based upon
a student’s request. Rather, students must initiate the withdrawal with the designated
Education Center Representative, through the CTC Field Representative or the Student
Services Officer for that region.
Applications for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time before the completion of 75%
of the course, after which time the student will be assigned an “FN”- “Failure for Nonattendance.”
D. Incomplete / Course in Progress Grade Policy: An “IP” or “Incomplete” grade may be
assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the
exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be
assigned based on circumstances beyond a student’s control, such as personal illness,
death in the immediate family, or military orders. Notice of absences, with supporting
documentation, may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision
concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. With an “Incomplete” grade, students
are required to complete a set amount of work before the instructor will submit an official
letter grade. This date can be determined by the instructor but must be within 45 days of
the course end date. After completion of the work the instructor can then change the
grade of “IP” to the appropriate letter grade. If this work is not completed by the
specified date the instructor will change the grade to “F”.
E. Cellular phones, beepers, and other electronic devices will be turned off while the
student is in the classroom or laboratory unless the student is using the device for class
purposes. No texting or social networking is allowed during class.
F. Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course
requirements.
G. Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational
experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to
do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
IX.
WEEKLY LESSONS
Note:
The instructor has the right to change the course schedule. Any changes will be
announced in class. If the student misses a class period and changes are announced, it is
the student’s responsibility to receive the missed information from a classmate or the
instructor.
Assignments and interaction are via CTC Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to
make sure that they have access to internet so that they may communicate, via CTC
Blackboard, with the instructor. The class is broken down into six weekly sessions. See
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below for course outline.
*Required each week for the online Blackboard portion of class:
a) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Friday at midnight (European
time) each week.

CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts are due by Sunday
midnight (European time) each week.
b) CTC Blackboard assignments are due by Sunday midnight (European time) via email to
the instructor each week.
LESSON 1: 16 – 22 NOV 15
Power Point Presentation: Chapters 1 & 2
Blackboard assignments:
What Would You Do?
Chapter 1 The Importance of Business Ethics
Chapter 2 Stakeholder Relationships, Social Responsibility,
and Corporate Governance
Match Definition with Key Term - Chapters 1 and 2
SELF-ASSEMENT: Ethical Leadership Challenge – Chapters 1 and 2
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 1 MONSANTO ATTEMPTS TO BALANCE STAKEHOLDER INTERESTS
1. Does Monsanto maintain an ethical culture that can effectively respond to various
stakeholders?
2. Compare the benefits of growing GM seeds for crops with the potential negative
consequences of using them.
3. How should Monsanto manage the potential harm to plant and animal life when using
products such as Roundup?
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 2 WAL-MART: THE FUTURE IS SUSTAINABILITY
1. Do you think Wal-Mart is doing enough to become more sustainable?.
2. What are the problems that Wal-Mart has faced, and what has the company done to address
them?
3. Why has Wal-Mart tended to improve performance when other retail outlets have been suffering
financially?
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LESSON 2: 23 - 29 NOV15
Power Point Presentation: Chapters 3 & 4
Blackboard assignments:
What Would You Do?
Chapter 3 Emerging Business Ethics Issues
Chapter 4 The Institutionalization of Business Ethics
Match Definition with Key Term - Chapters 3 and 4
SELF-ASSEMENT: Ethical Leadership Challenge – Chapters 3 and 4
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 3 The American Red Cross
1. Explain the possible problems in the ethical culture of the Red Cross that created the issues
discussed in this case.
2. Name some of the problems the ARC has encountered with handling donation money.
3. What are some of the reasons for the ARC’s ethical dilemmas, and how can the organization
guarantee that these problems will not recur in the future?
4. What effect does organizational structure and compensation have on ethical behavior among
chief executives at ARC?
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 4 Countrywide Financial: The Subprime Meltdown
1.Are subprime loans an unethical financial instrument, or are they ethical but misused in a way
that created ethical issues?
2. Discuss the ethical issues that caused the downfall of Countrywide Financial.
3. How should Bank of America deal with potential ethical and legal misconduct discovered at
Countrywide?
LESSON 3: 30 Nov - 06 DEC 15
Mid-term exam will be sent out via email 01 Dec and due no later than midnight via email
02 DEC to the instructor.
Power Point Presentation: Chapters 5 & 6
Blackboard assignment:
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What Would You Do?
Chapter 5 Ethical Decision Making and Ethical Leadership
Chapter 6 Individual Factors: Moral Philosophies and Values
Match Definition with Key Term - Chapters 5 and 6
SELF-ASSEMENT: Ethical Leadership Challenge – Chapters 5 and 6
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 5 ARTHUR ANDERSEN: QUESTIONABLE ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
1. Describe the legal and ethical issues surrounding Andersen’s auditing of companies
accused of accoun
2. What evidence is there that Andersen’s corporate culture contributed to its downfall?
ting improprieties.
3. How can the provisions of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act help minimize the likelihood of
auditors failing to identify accounting irregularities?
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 6 Coping with Financial and Ethical Risks at American International Group (AIG)
1. Discuss the role that AIG’s corporate culture played, if any, in its downfall.
2. Discuss the ethical conduct of AIG executives, and how a stronger ethics program might help the
company to strengthen the ethics of its corporate culture.
3. What could AIG have done differently to prevent its failure and subsequent bailout?
LESSON 4: 07 - 13 DEC 15
Power Point Presentation: Chapters 7 & 8
Blackboard assignments:
What Would You Do?
Chapter 7 Organizational Factors: The Role of Ethical
Culture Relationships
Chapter 8 Developing an Effective Ethics Program
Match Definition with Key Term - Chapters 7 and 8
SELF-ASSEMENT: Ethical Leadership Challenge – Chapters 7 and 8
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 7 Starbucks’ Mission: Social Responsibility and Brand Strength
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1. Why do you think Starbucks has been so concerned with social responsibility in its overall
corporate strategy?
2. Is Starbucks unique in being able to provide a high level of benefits to its employees?
3. Do you think that Starbucks has grown rapidly because of its ethical and socially responsible
activities or because it provides products and an environment that customers want?
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 8 The Fraud of the Century: The Case of Bernard Madoff
1. What are the ethical issues involved in the Madoff case?
2. Do you believe that Bernard Madoff worked alone, or do you think he had help in
creating and sustaining his Ponzi scheme? Would this represent a conflict of interest?
3. What should be done to help ensure that Ponzi schemes like this one do not happen in
the future?
LESSON 5: 14 – 21 DEC 15
Term Paper due on 16 Dec 15 via email to the instructor / Term Paper Presentations via
Skype by appointment between 16 – 18 Dec 15
Power Point Presentation: Chapters 9
Blackboard assignments:
What Would You Do? Chapter 9 Implementing and Auditing Ethics Programs
Match Definition with Key Term - Chapter 9
SELF-ASSEMENT: Ethical Leadership Challenge – Chapter 9
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 9 Nike: Managing Ethical Missteps—Sweatshops to Leadership in Employment Practices
1. Why did Nike fail to address corporate social responsibility earlier?
2. Evaluate Nike’s response to societal and consumer concerns about its contract manufacturing.
3. What are the challenges facing Nike in the future?
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 10 Banking Industry Meltdown: The Ethical and Financial Risks of Derivatives
1. What are the ethical risks associated with derivatives?
2. What is the difference between making a bad business decision associated with derivatives and
engaging in unethical conduct using derivatives?
3. What kinds of investment decisions drove Barings Bank, UBS, Bear Stearns, and Lehman Brothers to
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financial disasters?
*Blackboard blackout dates will be 12/20/15-12/26/15
LESSON 6: 27 DEC 15 – 01 JAN 16
Power Point Presentation: Chapter 10
Blackboard assignments:
What Would You Do? Chapter 10 Business Ethics in a Global Economy
Match Definition with Key Term - Chapter 10
SELF-ASSEMENT: Ethical Leadership Challenge – Chapter 10
DISCUSSION BOARD POST / PEER RESPONSE:
CASE 11 The Coca-Cola Company Struggles with Ethical Crises
1. What role does corporate reputation play within organizational performance and social
responsibility? Develop a list of factors or characteristics that different stakeholders may use in
assessing corporate reputation. Are these factors consistent across stakeholders? Why or why
not?
2. Assume you have just become CEO at Coca-Cola. Outline the strategic steps you would take
to remedy the concerns emanating from the company's board of directors, consumers,
employees, and business partners; governments; and the media. What elements of social
responsibility would you draw from in responding to these stakeholder issues?
3. What do you think of Coca-Cola’s environmental initiatives? Are they just window dressing,
or does the company seem to be sincere in its efforts?
FINAL EXAM : Final exam must be proctored by your local Site Coordinator. Please set
up a time to take it in their office no later than 31 DEC 15.
A.
Lesson One: Chapters 1 and 2.
1.
Lesson Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student
will be able to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
MTMS 2372
Define ethics.
Identify stakeholders and the importance of stakeholder
orientation.
Compare and contrast social responsibility and business ethics.
Discuss foundations of ethical issues.
Describe classifications of ethical issues.
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f.
2.
Learning Activities:
a.
b.
c.
3.
B.
Lesson Outline: Follows the sequence of unit objectives.
Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will
be able to:
a.
b.
b.
2.
3.
Classroom lecture/discussion/case study
Homework/study
Reading and other assignments designated by the instructor.
Lesson Outline: Follows the sequence of unit objectives.
Lesson Three: Chapters 5 and 6.
1.
Lesson Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student
will be able to:
a.
b.
c.
c.
d.
2.
3.
Discuss ethical issue intensity.
Explain the stages of cognitive moral development.
Explain the relationship of corporate culture, significant others and
opportunity to ethics.
Discuss the role of leadership and ethics.
Define moral philosophy and discuss perspectives.
Learning Activities:
a.
b.
c.
MTMS 2372
Recognize ethical dilemmas.
Discuss ethical issues and dilemmas in business.
Discuss the economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic dimensions
of social responsibility.
Learning Activities:
a.
b.
c.
D.
Classroom lecture/discussion
Homework, study, and preparation
Reading and other assignments designated by the instructor:
Lesson Two: Chapters 3 and 4.
1.
C.
Recognize an ethical issue.
Classroom lecture/discussion
Homework/study
Reading and other assignments designated by the instructor
Lesson Outline: Follows the sequence of unit objectives.
Lesson Four: Chapters 7 and 8.
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1.
Lesson Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student
will be able to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
2.
Learning Activities:
a.
b.
c.
3.
E.
Classroom lecture/discussion/case study
Homework/study
Reading and other assignments designated by the instructor:
Lesson Outline: Follows the sequence of unit objectives.
Lesson Five: Chapters 9 and 10.
1.
Lesson Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student
will be able to:
a.
b.
c.
2.
3.
Establish systems to monitor, audit, and enforce ethical standards.
Discuss ethics in relation to the multinational corporation.
Discuss global ethical issues.
Learning Activities:
a.
b.
c.
MTMS 2372
Describe the influence of personal values in business ethics
programs.
Discuss ethical perceptions related to international business.
Explain culture as a factor in business.
Discuss cultural relativism.
Discuss interpersonal relationships in organizations.
Describe an effective ethical compliance program.
Discuss codes of ethics and compliance standards.
Explain top management's responsibility for ethical compliance
programs and delegation of authority.
Communicate ethical standards.
Classroom lecture/discussion
Homework/study
Reading and other assignments designated by the instructor:
Lesson Outline: Follows the sequence of unit objectives.
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