BPA 305B/C
Spring 2002
Principles of Management
Neil Delisanti
Office; Mc 111B ext-8892
Email; ndelisanti@ups.edu
This class will provide students with an introduction to the principles and skills of management. They will
be given the opportunity to explore the challenges of management in the in the areas of motivation, problem
solving, communication, team development and empowerment.
Course Objectives.
A. Develop a basic understanding of managerial responsibilities and skills.
B. Gain an understanding of management’s role in modern organizations.
C. Learn the skills necessary for effectively managing of resources
D. Develop teamwork and group problem-solving skills.
E. Improve communication skills.
TEXTBOOKS;
“Developing Management Skills”, Whetten & Cameron, 5th ed. Prentice Hall
“Generations at Work”, R. Zemke, C. Raines, B. Filipczak, 2000, AMACOM
“The Abilene Paradox”, J. Harvey, Lexington Books
CLASS MEETINGS; Tuesdays and Thursdays;
305B: 10:00-11:30,
305C: 12:00 – 1:30
EVALUATION AND GRADES;
Assigned written and oral reports*
Midterm examination
Final examination
Attendance & participation*
150 points
100 points
100 points
150 points
* Late assignments, irrelevant of how well done, will lose points.
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Class Discussions & Participation;
The easiest way for an instructor to teach is to present a lecture, usually taken from the textbook (that was
just read), and then test the students on how well they listened and/or read the assignments. I’m not really
sure that is the best way to learn, so….this class is designed to bring the student “into-the-loop” so they will
be learning instead of me teaching. The trade–off on this type of learning is that the students have a great
deal of responsibility for their learning. There will be lectures, but the majority of the class sessions will be
workgroup, team and seminar-type discussions. I expect students to have prepared and/or read the
assignment(s) and be able to discuss the concepts and objectives of the particular chapter(s) or reading(s).
Note that 30% of the final grade is attendance and participation, consequently, it will be difficult to get a
good grade without partaking.
Table 3 on page 13 of “Whetten” has the model for this class. We will normally go through this sequence
for each chapter. On the day that a chapter is assigned for reading, each student will complete the “Skill
Assessments” at the beginning of the chapter (or on the web site) and be prepared to discuss it in class.
There may also be website readings and exercise that will be assigned.
The CD that came with the book will be used to enhance the learning environment. We will use the video
for homework, workgroup exercises and in class discussions.
There is a web site associated with the Whetten textbook, www.prenhall.com/whetten. You don’t have to
sign in as a student to use the site. There will be assignments on the site.
Papers;
All papers will be typed, double-spaced and contain the name of the individual writing it. They WILL be
turned in at the beginning of the class on the due date. The length of a paper may vary; however, I am
looking for your understanding have the concept, or your ideas/feelings on some subject…..not your ability
to fill a paper with “fluff”. As there can be some credibility factor(s) in data gathering, I will be looking for
references when specifics are used or quoted.
Presentations:
Presentations are expected to be at the level expected of college juniors. They are to be professional and
well prepared. You will be evaluated on getting your point across, the content, references and on
presentation style. This is true for team or individual efforts. An outline will be given to the faculty
BEFOR the presentation. Follow the guide lines in the handout.
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Tentative*Weekly Class schedule and assignments**
Week of;
Jan 22: : Introduction & Chapter 1
Jan 24th; 2 page papers due (1)Do you want to be a manager, why, of what?.
(2) Short biography of self and management experience.
Jan 29: group exercises and discussions based on Chapter 1
Feb 5: Chapters 2 & 3
Feb 12: group exercises and discussions based on Chapter 2 & 3
Feb 19 Chapter 4
Feb 26: group exercises and discussions based on Chapter 4
Mar 5: : Seminar discussion on “Abilene Paradox
Mar 12:
Mar 7: Chapters 5
group exercises and discussions based on Chapter 5
Mar 14 Midterm
Mar 26 :Chapter 6 & 7
Apr 2: group exercises and discussions based on Chapter 6 & 7
Apr 9: : Seminar discussion & presentations on “Generations at Work “
Apr 11: Chapter 8
Apr 16 “group exercises and discussions based on Chapter 8
Apr 23: Chapter 9
Ap:r 30: group exercises and discussions based on Chapter 9
May 7: Review
May 13-17
TBD Final
**There will be at least two oral presentations, (team/individual) and two individual written papers.
 Specific topics for the assignments will be given out prior to the due date.
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