BA 598.03 Service Leadership
Fall 2007
Professor: Mike Mullen
Office: CBC 316
Email: mmullen1@gmail.com or mmullen@pepperdine.edu
Office Phone 1 310 506 6814
Home Phone: 805 495 2760
Fax: 805 495 2777
Office Hours: Monday
10:00 – 11:50 a. m. & 4:00 – 5:00 p. m.
Thursday
10:00 – 11:50 a.m. & 4:00 – 5:00 p. m.
or by appointment for other hours.
Course Time:
Mon. & Thursday, 2:00 – 3:50 p. m.
Web page: http:// www.muldoonski.com (click on Service Leadership icon)
Welcome to the Service Leadership class. I look forward to a challenging and rewarding semester working
with you. I hope that you will come to this class with a desire to contribute your knowledge, talent, and
personality to create a dynamic and rewarding learning experience for yourself, your peers, your faculty
member, and your client.
Course Description:
This service leadership course is designed to blend academic study with community service. In this course the
students will form consulting teams to serve non-profit organizations by applying business concepts and skills to
mutually agreed-upon projects. In this approach, all parties to the arrangement are seen as learners and teachers as
well as servers and served. Dealing with issues related to service projects, reflection, and evaluation will be essential
elements of the course.
Any student with a documented disability (physical, learning, or psychological) needing academic accommodations
should contact the Disability Services Office (TCC 209, x6500) as early in the semester as possible. All discussions
will remain confidential. Please visit http://www.pepperdine.edu/studentaffairs/disabilityserv for additional
information.
Class Format:
This is not a traditional lecture course. Since the course is designed to be taken by students during their senior year,
the format is that of a seminar in which everyone must actively participate in each class session. The instructor
serves as a facilitator, not lecturer. This class is a learning community therefore you are expected to come to class
prepared, willing and ready to share. Due to the fact that you will be part of a consulting team to an organization in
the community, you are expected to perform with the highest level of professionalism. Furthermore, you will be
expected to be responsible - not only in terms of time, communication, course work, and team contribution, but in
taking initiative. If you cannot perform to the level of responsibility necessary and expected in this course, your
grade will reflect this. Remember, education is not a spectator sport. Be prepared to participate
Course Goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Provide an opportunity to apply business concepts and skills to a non-profit community agency.
Broaden students' learning about communities through guided discussion and reflection.
Encourage collaborative teamwork with faculty, fellow students, and community personnel.
Provide an opportunity for students to catch the spirit of "freely ye have received, freely give" by
participating in a service-learning project.
Objectives:
1.
Sharpen leadership skills (life skills) including such skills as identifying problems, seeing how to solve
problems, listening, being sensitive to the needs of others, learning how genuinely to help others, learning
how to learn from others, communicating effectively (verbal, written, and non-verbal communication),
appreciating diversity, dealing with resistance, dealing with the dynamics of intra and inter-groups, and
learning when and how to be appropriately assertive.
2.
Develop the "emotional muscle" to handle a high degree of emotional impact and stress while remaining
focused on solving a business problem--avoiding withdrawal or impulsive behavior, both of which are less
than satisfactory ways of protecting one's self-esteem.
3.
Enhance interpersonal effectiveness--by establishing and maintaining the necessary trust and communication
with the client; motivating and influencing the client and your team; consulting and advising across possible
differences in values, ways of perceiving and thinking, and cultural norms and expectations.
4.
Sharpen professionalism in presentation of self as manifested in behavior, attitudes, dress, time management,
and communication.
5.
Learn better how to extract meaning from one's experiences, relevant others, and every human encounter.
6.
Learn to appreciate that facts are often the perceptions and attitudes which persons hold about those facts.
7.
Develop the ability to make decisions and take action on inadequate, unreliable, and sometimes conflicting
data in a timely manner.
8.
To find satisfaction, enjoyment, and fulfillment from the impact one has directly on others and they on us.
9.
To recognize that, ultimately, effective problem solving is a social process involving human communication,
interpersonal influence, consensus, and commitment.
10.
Become involved enough in a community agency to have a real feel for and appreciation of the work it does.
11.
Learn to be creative in seeking necessary resources for solving problems.
12.
Develop an understanding how one’s personal faith is demonstrated in his or her leadership style and
interaction with others.
Required Texts:
-The coursepac for this section of Service leadership will consist of readings posted on my web site.
You will not be required to purchase and reading material. You will be expected to read the readings as
assigned.
Selected readings will be handed out in class. You are responsible for ensuring that you have copies of the
handouts before class time. In addition, necessary web addresses and additional information will be posted on
muldoonski.com.
Recommended Texts:
Strunk, W. & White, E.B. (1979). The Elements of Style. New York: MacMillan Publishers.
Achtere, W.S & Gibaldi, J. (1988). MLA Handbook for Writers. New York: Modern Language Association
of America.
It would be a shame if you graduated from a major university not having read Studs Terkle, Kurt Vonnegut,
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John E. Wideman, (Brothers and Keepers 1985), Max Dupree, Jimmy Breslin, and Steve Allen. Also, John
Stuart Mills On Liberty,
I also recommend The Devaluing of America by Wm. J. Bennett; Reason to Believe, by Mario Cuomo; Savage
Inequalities, Jonathan Kozal. ( Kozal’s Ordinary Resurrections, and his Amazing Grace are both bestsellers and
excellent.) Lies My Teacher Told Me; by James W. Loewen: Yogi Berra, When You Come to the Fork In The
Road Take It; Myths America Lives By, Richard T. Hughes author and Distinguished Professor Pepperdine
Religion Division. Finally; Men in Therapy Richard Meth & Robert Pasick
Attendance:
Due to the nature of this course, attendance is critical. If you attend every class, AND Guest Lecture in its entirety
you will receive twenty point bonus. You may miss two classes without penalty. The third absence results in a
penalty of 30 points, the fourth absence 60 points, the fifth absence 100 points, and an additional 200 points for each
absence exceeding five. There will be a “sign in” sheet for each class session. Your name will be on the sheet in
alphabetical order. You are responsible for signing the sheet. If you do not sign the sheet, you will be considered
absent regardless if you were present in class.
If an athlete, please submit a schedule of classes to be excused at the beginning of the semester.
Excused absences must be discussed in advance with the professor and your team members (prior to the absence)
and meet the guidelines stated below:
Excused absences are defined by the following University guidelines:
- Participation in an official University activity such as athletics, debate, chorus, etc.
- Death or major illness in a student's immediate family (parent, sibling, wife, child, or grandparent).
- Participation in legal proceedings that require a student's presence.
- Religious holy day.
- Confinement because of illness (documentation required from medical professional).
- Required participation in military duties.
- Natural disaster (wildfire, mudslide, earthquake, etc.) which causes the University to close.
In contrast, the following are not considered excusable:
- Technological problems (alarm clock, printer not working, wrong disk, etc.)
- Parking or traffic problems (barring aforementioned natural disasters)
- Care giving for individuals outside of immediate family (boyfriend, girlfriend, roommate, etc.)
- Vague, undiagnosed illnesses
You are given two free absences. Use them to your advantage for the unexcused reasons above.
Furthermore, please be on time to class. Your participation is important and many of the activities require the
involvement of everyone. If you exceed two “tardies,” your participation grade will be significantly reduced.
Arriving to class significantly late or leaving class significantly early will be considered an absence. If unclear, ask
faculty member.
Email:
Everyone is expected to have an accessible and current Email address. Once the teams are formed, much of the
communication between the team and the instructor will take place on Email and through www.muldoonski.com.
The class members are expected to check their Email at least three times a week and respond to the instructor
accordingly. Please notify the instructor of any changes to your email address.
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Pop Quizzes:
Pop quizzes will be given over the readings and guest speakers. They will be given at the beginning of the class
time. If you are late or absent, you cannot make-up the quiz and will receive a 0.
Web Page:
Remember, http://www.muldoonski.com is a web-based tool that will be effective for communicating important
information relevant to this course, checking grades, and accessing course assignments. You will be expected to
check the BA598 muldoonski.com site at least two times a week, but are recommended to do so more often. Any
changes to the class schedule or other relevant information will be posted on the note pages of muldoonski.com. ..
Please note: You will be held responsible for any information posted on the web page regarding the course
schedule, activities, etc.
You are also expected to keep your email address current with your team members and the professor.
Electronic Journal:
You will be expected to reflect in a journal format of your experiences and feelings while in this class on three
different dates. The purpose for keeping the journal is to provide a means for personal reflection on your
experiences, feelings, thoughts in your consulting setting, in class, and with your teammates. Although some topics
are given to you in Blackboard, you are encouraged to elaborate more fully about what’s happening in your life as
you go through this course; hopefully, you will be able to pull out of your experience this term meaningful insights
for your life.
Each electronic journal entry should be at least 500 words. This is a free-flowing written journal. Grammar and
punctuation are not graded. The instructor must receive the journals via e-mail by 5:00 p.m. on the date they are
due. The journal should either be saved as a Word 6.0 document and emailed as an attachment or can be written in
the body of the email. Email will document the exact date and time that the email was sent regardless of when it was
opened and/or read. You are encouraged to send yourself a carbon copy of your email to ensure it was received on
time. NO HARD COPIES OF THE EMAIL ARE ACCEPTED. Please state name and Journal # in subject
heading of email (e.g. Smith Journal #2). The instructor will email you a written response and grade for your
journal within two weeks after receipt.
The evaluation of the content of the journal is based on the following criteria:
 Thoroughness of response to questions;
 Demonstration that learning is taking place;
 Thoughtful reflection on experience with team, client, and class;
 Ability to think about what type of leadership you want to demonstrate based upon what you are learning about
yourself in this class.
Each journal entry is worth 15 points. Ten points will be deducted for emails received late (again, according to send
mail documented date and time). Journals received later than three days after the due date will not be accepted.
DUE DATES FOR JOURNALS
Midnight September 30th
Midnight October 29th
Midnight December 11th
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Reflection/Position Papers:
You will also be expected to turn in two formal papers in addition to your team/client projects. The due dates will
be discussed during the first week of class. The topics for each paper will be posted in the Assignments section of
the web page prior to the due date. The topics ask you to reflect upon your experiences and the readings. The
papers must be typed and should be from three to five pages in length. Grammar, spelling, and content will all be
graded.
Position Paper # 1 is due midnight October 18th
Final Position Paper is Due midnight December 6th
Each formal paper will be worth a maximum of forty points. 40 - 36 is superior in context and grammar,
demonstrates critical thinking and clear articulation and argumentation regarding the topic. No errors whatsoever are
present; 35 –31 is very good and demonstrates critical thinking and strong argumentation; few errors present; 30 - 26
is acceptable, average as the paper contains errors and answers the questions with little critical thinking. 25 and
below is poor.
*The topic for the final paper is: “The World Would Be a Better Place If…”
E-mailed papers are due by Midnight on the due date.
Hard copy versions: If the paper is not turned in at class time, it must be given to the faculty member by 4:00 p.m.
If she is not in her office to receive it (do not slide it under her door or leave in holder outside office), IT MUST
BE TURNED INTO THE BUSINESS DIVISION OFFICE AND STAMPED FOR DATE AND TIME
BY 4:00 p.m. The office will turn the paper into the instructor’s box at 4:00 p.m. Fifteen points will be deducted on
papers turned in after the 4:00 p.m. deadline and ten points for each day the paper is not turned in starting the
following day of the due date. Unless there is an emergency, papers that are more than a week late will not be
accepted. This will be strictly enforced.
Readings/Discussions/Facilitation Groups:
Since this is a seminar course, student groups will be assigned to take responsibility for facilitating the class
discussions of our readings at two different times in the semester. Each group is expected to keep the discussion
lively while covering all of the content! The discussion should require the students to use critical thinking and
personal application in sharing their thoughts. If more than one reading has been assigned, discuss how the two
relate. The discussion should involve the reading’s relevance (or non-relevance) to the course content, team
relationships, consulting/client relationship, and personal leadership. Application to the class, particularly the
consulting and team relationships should be an essential element of the discussion.
It is the facilitation groups’ responsibility to get the entire class involved. The rest of the class is responsible for
being prepared and ready to actively participate and contribute to the dialogue. This means that the facilitation group
should be able to call upon anyone during the discussion and that the selected individual will be ready to share
constructive thought related to the reading content. The facilitation groups will be evaluated as a group and as
individuals based upon the criteria discussed in class. The discussion should last approximately forty-five minutes.
Oral and written critiques will be given of each discussion group. Participation points will be earned based upon the
level of participation and preparation by both the facilitation group and the class members. Silent participation is not
acceptable.
Grading criteria will be discussed in class and posted on the web page
Academic Expectations:
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In keeping with the Code of Academic Ethics, and the conduct expected of Pepperdine students, academic honesty
is expected of all students. Students in possession of any unauthorized materials during a quiz or an examination;
students who give or receive unauthorized aid on a quiz or an examination; and/or students who fail to include
appropriate citations in their projects will receive zeros for that portion of their grade, and will be reported to the
academic ethics committee for further action. If you have any questions regarding your obligations under the Code,
you should speak with me and/or review the Code, which may be accessed at
www.pepperdine.edu/studentaffairs/studenthandbook/studentethics.htm
A caution regarding participation and ‘surfing the web.”
This class is not a spectator sport; it works best when we have active participation by all students. Surfing the net
during class is not considered to be participation. Very little note taking is required in this class since most of the
notes and readings are already on my web site. I hope this paragraph gives you a strong clue that you will not
need to have your laptops open during class discussions
Grading:
Reflection/Position papers (2) at 60 pts.
Electronic Journal (3) at 15 pts.
Class facilitation
Mid-term Evaluation of Self and Each Team Member
Group Consulting Project:
 Contract (50)
 Interim Report to Client with team input (75)
 Mock Presentation to Class (50)
 Rough Draft of Final Paper/Project with team input (125)
 Final Paper/Project (75)
 Client Evaluation of Team, Project, & Presentation (100)
Final Evaluation of Each Team Member
Participation: Class, Team, Project,
Final Exam
Total:
Plus or minus bonus points and pop quizzes…..
120
45
80
50
475
100
240
50
1260
In the workplace if an employee working on a team project does not perform his or her assigned duties, after proper
warning the employee is fired. The same is true of this course. If you should decide to withdraw from your
responsibilities on your team, your team has the right to “fire” you and you will receive an “F” in this course
regardless of any other work you have completed.
Additional Comments: I recognize that the tone of this syllabus may seem a bit pedagogical. Due to the wide
range of issues explored and the nature of the consulting projects, we need to establish some basic ground rules to
help you navigate the semester. Rest assured that the class format is designed to challenge your understanding of
many contemporary business and social issues in ways that are practical, thought provoking, and hopefully
enjoyable.
Many hundreds of students who have participated in the Service Leadership classes have indicated that the
experience was an epiphany in clarifying their understanding of management responsibilities. I hope you have a
similar experience.
Information on grading, evaluations, and standards are on the pages below.
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
CLIENT CONTRACTS DUE DATE: OCTOBER 1st

DUE DATES FOR JOURNALS
Midnight September 30th
Midnight October 29th
Midnight December 11th

GROUP TOPIC PRESENTATIONS
October 4, 8, 11, 15 & 18


Position Paper # 1 is due midnight October 18th
Final Position Paper is Due midnight December 6th
(The topic for the final paper is: “The World Would Be a Better Place If…”)
Mock Presentation Dates
Groups 1 & 2
November 15th
Groups 3, 4, &5
November 19th
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Final grade assignment is as follows:
Letter:
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
Percentage:
94 – 100
90 – 93
87 – 89
83 – 86
80 – 82
77 – 79
73 – 76
70 – 72
67 – 69
63 – 66
Midterm Evaluation:
Each member of each team will be awarded up to 50 points by teammates based upon criteria discussed in class.
Each person will evaluate himself/herself and his/her teammates using an evaluation form provided by the faculty
member. Comments should be given which explain the reasoning for each score. The evaluations will be
anonymous. In addition, each member will earn participation points based upon demonstrated thought, effort,
objectivity and constructive feedback given on her teammates’ evaluations. Further details will be provided on the
actual mid-term. Due to the importance of this exercise, if you are absent you will receive 0 points regardless of the
points awarded you by your team members.
Class Participation:
You are expected to come to every class prepared and willing to participate. You will be evaluated based upon your
ability to demonstrate constructive criticism in giving feedback, demonstrated analysis and understanding of
readings, initiative, and ability to apply readings and consulting relationship to the course content.
Class participation will be graded as follows:
140- 126: Outstanding participant. Demonstrated responsibility, initiative, knowledge, follower-ship and leadership
by arriving to class and team meetings on time ready to fully participate in the discussion. Participated in all class
discussions demonstrating critical-thinking, original thought, and thoughtful reflection of the topic and classmates’
comments. Comments reflect very well thought-out analysis of the readings, business problem, and theories
discussed in class. Regardless of the activity (with class, client, or team), this individual shares ideas, gets involved,
and voluntarily contributes as an active part of the learning community of the class. This individual participated
fully in the facilitation group preparation, consulting team responsibilities and class activities. He maintained
constant communication through email. Rarely absent or tardy.
125 – 112: Above average participant. Participated in all class discussions demonstrating critical-thinking, original
thought and understanding of the topic and classmates’ comments. Demonstrated well thought-out analysis and
understanding of the readings, business problem, and theories discussed in class. Voluntarily contributes as an active
part of the learning community of the class, but also had to be called upon to participate. Showed frequent initiative
in class and when working with team. Contributed fully to the facilitation group preparation and team meetings and
responsibilities. Only occasionally tardy; not absent more than two times.
111 – 98: Average participant. Participated in class discussions demonstrating original thought and average effort.
Demonstrated understanding of the readings, business problems, and theories discussed in class. Attends class and
team meetings but makes very little voluntary contribution to the overall discussion.
97 – 84: Poor. Misses several classes and team meetings, but makes a contribution to the discussion in class.
Participated in facilitation group and team responsibilities, but made minimal effort in thought and consistency of
participation. Responds infrequently to e-mail and other forms of communication.
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Below 84: Failing. Misses several classes and team meetings and makes little or no contribution to the class
discussion. Participates minimally in facilitation group and other activities. Shows lack of interest or initiative.
Consulting Team Responsibilities
Every document written for this class, whether for the professor, the client, or the team, should be a written
manifestation of your personal and team work ethic, professionalism, and integrity in terms of the quality of work
you produce. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade in the course. Grammar, syntax, appearance, and
professionalism will all be evaluated in addition to the content of your work.
Each consulting team will be responsible for the following documents/activities. Detailed expectations will be
posted on the web site and explained in class.





Team Portfolio
o Orientation meeting with client
Consulting Contract
o Volunteer/Activity with client
Interim Report
o Interim presentation
First Draft of Report
Final Draft of Report
o Mock Presentation to class
o Final Presentation to client
Since the above assignments are team projects, team evaluations of each member will be factored into the grades for
the Interim Report and First Draft of the Final Report. This will be explained further in class.
Consulting Relationship:
The client will evaluate the team on their performance throughout the semester. The following are the suggested
guidelines given to clients for evaluating the consulting relationship and project:
Superior/excellent. The team performed above the level of expectation in terms of responsibility, initiative,
communication, professionalism, knowledge, problem-solving, and completion of the agreed-upon business
proposal. At the completion of the semester the client was very pleased with the outcome of the project and the
consulting relationship throughout the semester.
Very good/above average. The team performed as above, but has some areas that need improvement. At the
completion of the semester the client was pleased with the outcome of the project and the consulting relationship
was good throughout the semester. Though the students made some mistakes, they did their best to correct and
learn from the problems they encountered.
Good/average. The team performed average in terms of responsibility, initiative, communication, professionalism,
and completion of the project. The outcome of the project is okay, but not to the level the client had expected. The
client believes the team could use improvements in several areas, but overall did about average. The students made
little to no effort to address and solve problems they encountered or learn from their mistakes.
Poor/below average. The team performed poorly in terms of responsibility, initiative, communication,
professionalism, and completion of the project. The client was not pleased with the outcome of the project and feel
that the team did not perform as agreed in our contract. The team made no effort to solve problems or learn from
them.
You will receive a written evaluation from your client at the conclusion of the consulting relationship.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Disability Services Office (DSO) offers a variety of services and
accommodations to students with disabilities based on appropriate
documentation, nature of disability, and academic need. In order to
initiate services, students should meet with the Director of the DSO at
the beginning of the semester to discuss reasonable accommodation. If a
student does not request accommodation or provide documentation, the
faculty member is under no obligation to provide accommodations. You
may contact the Director of the DSO at extension 6500.
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Students in possession
of any unauthorized materials during an examination (including, but not
limited to, calculators with stored-text capabilities) and/or students
who give or receive unauthorized aid on an examination will receive
zeros on the examination and will be reported to the Academic Integrity
Committee for further action.
NO FOOD OR DRINK (OTHER THAN BOTTLED WATER) IS ALLOWED IN THIS
CLASSROOM. THIS RULE IS A RULE IMPOSED BY SEAVER COLLEGE AND THE
DIVISION FOR THIS BUILDING. NO EXCEPTIONS ARE PERMITTED. IF YOU BRING
FOOD OR DRINK INTO THIS ROOM, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. REPEAT
VIOLATORS WILL BE REPORTED TO THE ADMINISTRATION.
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BA 598 – Fall 2007
Mid-term Team Evaluation
Team member’s name: _________________________________________________________
LOOK AT THE DEFINITION AND BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR TEAM IN
FILLING OUT EACH EVALUATION FORM.
For each characteristic, do the following:
1. Provide feedback on how this individual could improve (constructive criticism).
2. Provide feedback on what this individual is doing well (positive feedback).
3. Provide a rank based on the following statement and scale: How frequently does this
individual demonstrate this characteristic by his or her behavior?
1= never or seldom; 2= once in a while; 3=often; 4=very often; 5=always
Characteristic
Constructive Criticism
Positive Feedback
Rank
Attitude
Communication
Initiative
Knowledgeable
contribution
Leadership
Motivation
Professionalism
Reliability
Stewardship to
Team
Other (see team
form)
Other comments:
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:
Team Evaluation Form
It is important to realize that team participation requires a collaborative effort. Each member of your team
was expected to participate and contribute to the final product. Participation includes attending group
planning meetings, follow through on tasks assigned, participating in the decisions made, offering
valuable information related to topic, and being aware of scheduled meetings. Do not rely upon others to
advise you of plans and schedules, you are responsible for being aware of team activities.
Please review all activities related to your group presentation. In the spaces below please identify all team
members (including you.) In the space to the right of each name insert your impression (numerical rating)
as to the extent that team member contributed to the final product. You should use the following as a
guide.
90- 100 %
60 – 89 %
25 – 59 %
0 – 24%
NAME

Fully participated




Participation could have been better
Contributions were less than needed
Missed one planning meeting
Was slow to produce required material




A reluctant participant
Missed more than one planning meeting
Contributions were not significant
Promised material was late or of poor quality




A non-contributor
Missed most or all planning meetings
Contributions were nil or meaningless
Failed to deliver on promised material
RATING
12
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