MAN 3503 Managerial Risk Analysis and Decision Making
Required Texts
Fogler, H. S., & LeBlanc, S. E. (2014). Strategies for creative problem
solving (3rd ed). ISBN: 978-0-13-008279-4
Hammond, J. S. , Keeney, R. L. & Raiffa, H. (1999). Smart choices: A
practical guide to making better decisions. ISBN: 978-0-87584-857-0
Note: this book may not be available in the bookstore but can be found
online at any number of book vendors. An older electronic version can be
found for free through an online search, although it’s your responsibility to
make sure the chapters align with assigned readings.
APA Resources
Note: You are expected to review and perfect APA format.
Purdue's
Online Writing Lab (OWL): https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/.
SPC
Library: http://spcollege.libguides.com/content.php?pid=111068&sid=1029906.
Course Description
This course covers a framework for making decisions, as well as understanding how these
decisions can be used to manage risk. Managers need to understand how they personally
value risk in order to recognize the potential impact their behavior may have on
organizations and stakeholders. This course will study approaches that students may
develop and apply decision making and risk analysis to solve problems in different operating
environments.
Course Work
The course is broken down into 8 weekly segments. Basic knowledge assimilation occurs
through reading the two prescribed texts and a number of important articles. Knowledge is
tested by quizzes designed to verify reading comprehension. A number of questions will
relate directly to the specific reading assignments.
This course uses weekly discussion sessions to enrich the course and promote interaction as
a vital skill in improved idea exchange, analysis, and decision making - and working with
others. Development of ideas, integration of models, use of tools, and reasoned logic will be
exercised in both individual and group assignments.
All written items have to follow a formal writing style. Many written assignments are a case
study, needing a "case approach" that focuses on diagnostics and providing the only correct
solution for a scenario. Other written assignments and discussions that rely on research or
input from other sources will require formal citations and references. Case studies are
clearly identified. All of previous will become a key part of grading.
Summarizing material or agreeing with others while not adding more material or critical
thinking will not attract a passing grade for discussions or assignments. Debate, integrated
ideas, analysis, application, evaluation, and synthesis will be rewarded.
Course Objectives
1. The student will understand risk management and decision theory models.
2. The student will explore behavioral and economical implications of decision theory
models.
3. The student will evaluate risk analysis and assessment tools.
4. The student will compare different approaches used by businesses to manage risks
and make better decisions.
5. The student will examine factors that influence decisions and risks in today’s global
organizations.
6. The student will develop model(s) that integrate and apply the concepts learned.
Course Schedule
See course calendar for specific due dates. All assignments are due by 11:59 PM on the due
date.
Topic & Activities
MODULE 1: Problems, Risks and
Decisions: An Introduction
Points
Deadline
Video Introduction 1a
Review material prior to class /
discussions
5
Tuesday
Discussion 1: Initial post or Class
5
Thursday
Discussion 1: Final posting or Class
Quiz 1 - Strategy Book
Quiz 2 - Smart Book
Individual Assignment Week 1
5
10
10
20
Sunday
Thursday
Thursday
Sunday
Monday
Content / Preparation
Introduce yourself &
expectations
Read text, review files &
video
Initial input, postings &
research
Final input, postings &
research
Read Strategy Chap. 1, 2 , 3,
Read Smart Chap. 1
Summarize understanding
MODULE 2: Elements of Decision Making
Review material prior to class /
discussions
Discussion 2: Initial post or Class
5
Monday
Thursday
Discussion 2: Final posting or Class
Quiz 3 - Smart Book
Quiz 4 - Smart Book
5
10
10
Sunday
Thursday
Thursday
Individual Assignment Week 2
30
Sunday
MODULE 3: Elements of Risk Analysis &
Management
Review material prior to class /
discussions
Monday
Discussion 3: Initial post or Class
10
Thursday
Discussion 3: Final posting or Class
Quiz 5 - Smart Book
Quiz 6 -IRM
Individual Assignment Week 3
MODULE 4: Applied Analysis I: Defining
& Prioritizing Problem and Objectives
10
10
10
30
Sunday
Thursday
Thursday
Sunday
Review material prior to class /
discussions
Monday
Discussion 4: Initial post or Class
Discussion 4: Final posting or Class
Quiz 7 - Strategy Book
10
5
10
Thursday
Sunday
Thursday
Individual Assignment Week 4
Team Assignment 1 - Team Charter (for
everyone)
20
Sunday
15
Sunday
MODULE 5: Applied Analysis II: Defining
& Evaluating Alternatives
Review material prior to class /
discussions
Monday
Discussion 5: Initial post or Class
10
Thursday
Discussion 5: Final posting or Class
Quiz 8 - Strategy Book
Quiz 9 - Smart Book
15
10
10
Sunday
Thursday
Thursday
Individual Assignment Week 5
Reflection Video
30
5
Sunday
Sunday
10
Monday
Thursday
MODULE 6: Applied Analysis III: Selecting
Alternatives
Review material prior to class /
discussions
Discussion 6: Initial post or Class
Read text, review files &
video
Read Smart Chap. 10, 11, 2, 3
Initial input, postings &
research
Read Smart Chap. 10, 11, 2, 3
Read Smart Chap. 2,3 +
Problem definitions &
objectives
Read text, review files &
video
Risk research, risk
assessment, Initial input,
postings & research
Final postings, peer replies &
research
Read Smart Chap. 7, 8 +
Read the assigned articles +
Risk Tolerance and Exposure
Read text, review files &
video
Read the Strategy Chapters &
articles, Initial input &
research
Responses to peers
Read Strategy Chap. 4, 5 +
3 decision tools & cognitive
mapping
Team Objectives, Sources,
Roles
Read text, review files &
video
Research, PPT, Strategy 5&6,
Video
Initial input, postings &
research
Read Strategy Chap. 6, 7 +
Read Smart Chap. 6 +
TRIZ paper with full APA
Use TRIZ tool & watch video
Learning to date
Read text, review files &
video
KT Analysis
Initial input, postings &
research
Read Strategy Chap.9 & 10
Read Smart Chap. 4,5,7 +
Your most interesting
decision tool
Individual Work
Peer Review 1: The Team &
Yourself
Discussion 6: Final posting or Class
Quiz 10 - Strategy Book
Quiz 11 - Smart Book
15
10
10
Sunday
Thursday
Thursday
Individual Assignment Week 6
Team Assignment 2a (due next week)
10
10
Sunday
Wednesday
Team Assignment 2b (due next week)
MODULE 7: Implementing, Evaluation
and Case Analysis I
15
Friday
13
Monday
Thursday
7
10
10
10
Sunday
Thursday
Thursday
Wednesday
15
Friday
60
Required part of 60 pts
for project
Tuesday
Final Team Project
Tuesday
Peer Review: The Team &
Yourself
Review material prior to class /
discussions
Discussion 7: Initial post or Class
Discussion 7: Final posting or Class
Quiz 12 - Strategy Book
Quiz 13 - Smart Book
Team Assignment 2a - Individual work
Team Assignment 2b - Individual Peer
review 1
MODULE 8: Case Analysis II
Team Assignment: Team Leader submits
Team Assignment - Individual Peer
review 2 (form 3b)
Read text, review files &
video
Strategy 8 & 9 and Smart 9
Initial input, postings &
research
Read Strategy Chap. 9, 10 +
Read Smart Chap. 9 +
Individual Input to the Team
Peer Review: The Team &
Yourself
SPC Information & Policies
Computer Requirements
Students should have regular access to a computer that is connected to the Internet. It is
strongly recommended that students have a broadband (high-speed) internet connection
such as DSL or a cable modem. When taking online quizzes and exams (or viewing online
video), students should have an Internet connection that is stable and will not drop their
connection.
Students without a stable high-speed internet connection should consider making
arrangements to take online quizzes and exams at one of the St. Petersburg College
libraries (or a similar facility) where a stable high-speed internet connection is available.
Firefox or Chrome are the preferred browsers to use to access course materials. I have the
best success with Chrome.
Because of the use of teams in many classes, a formal standard has been devised. This
standard applies to all classes. Students are required to submit assignments and share team
documents in Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel and other Microsoft formats if specified).
The College of Business provides full function student licenses of Microsoft software, other
than the basic Office product.
It is required that students must have access to a web camera and headset microphone to
support video submissions. Students should arrange for the necessary equipment if they
intend to earn full credit for those submissions or plan to attend the blended class inperson. Students may have other options (see instructor, i.e. Skype) or be able to schedule
a physical presentation at another time period (i.e. office hours) as an alternative.
Students are responsible for making sure their computers are compatible to the system
requirements. Internet browser use and settings, security and virus protection software
settings, necessary plug-ins and software requirements, and other computer requirements
today require students to assure the computer they are using for their studies will
appropriately support these systems and course needs to be successful. Students should
contact SPC Technical Support if they need further assistance to get anything in this course
to run appropriately on their computer.
SPC Technical Support Desk Call Center
http://www.spcollege.edu/helpdesk/
A standard file format applies to submissions in the College of Business to support file
compatibility, sharing, and commenting needs. Students are required to submit all
assignments in Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft
formats). Other formats may have compatibility issues or instructor feedback in comments
may not be viewable by students. Students can access MySPC (under Resources tab) to get
MS Office (FREE, see http://www.spcollege.edu/microsoft).
Late Work Policy
All assignments and activities must be completed by the due date. Late work will not be
accepted due to computer problems, lack of a textbook, travel, sickness, or anything short of a
documented, serious extenuating circumstance, such as your being in a coma in the hospital for
an extended period of time. This policy is in place to assure that all students are treated
equitably.
Grading Policy
Assignments and Grading Policy 90% - 100% A 80% B 70% C 60% D 59% and below F
Total Points Possible
500
125
Discussion / Class
A if total points >
450
130
Quizzes
B if total points >
400
145
Individual Assignments
C if total points >
350
100
Team Assignments
D if total points >
300
500
TOTAL
Time Commitment
This is a 3-credit course conducted over 8 weeks. In order to meet accreditation standards,
on average, students should expect to spend between 12 to 15 hours per week on course
activities and assignments. Spending less time would be insufficient for success in this
course. Some important information is provided in the Assignment and Due Dates section.
Attendance Policy
Attendance and participation and team participation is required. Our attendance policy is
that you need to turn in something each week for an online class and attend class and turn
in something for a blended class. To be successful, you will need to complete all work and
login at least every 3 days. Dropping and Adding Students are responsible for understanding
the policies and procedures about add/drop, etc. See
http://www.spcollege.edu/addendum/
Academic Integrity
University Policies Academic integrity Your commitment as a student to learning is
evidenced by your enrollment. Please familiarize yourself with the policy Instances of
academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the
work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper
credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University.
Disability Policy
Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act If you need course
adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please see me. Please register using
the SPC ADA Policies.
Miscellaneous
Student Resources Computer labs for student use are available. Tech help is available
http://www.spcollege.edu/helpdesk/
Team Policy
Teams form an important part of this course. To allow equity and provide consequences of
not delivering quality to the team, there are consequences for lack of participation,
collaboration, and consequences for late work, a number of important processes have to be
followed.
●
To enable success, this course uses an enhanced Team Charter at the start of the
team process – complete all fields in collaboration with your team using the Team
Discussion forum.
●
Your activity or reports of other activities form an important input to grading. Enter
reports of activities in other places or other mediums within three days of an event.
Focus on content that proves the scope of the activity.
●
Teams should meet well ahead of deadlines to interact and ensure that there is a
cohesive final product
●
Peer reviews are confidential and mandatory. The instructor may ignore the highest
and lowest reviews in the interest of equity
●
Peer reviews will have a significant influence on scores awarded to individual team
members
●
The team and may vote a member off the team subject to consultation with the
instructor. Decisions to withhold the paper have to be declared on the confidential
peer-reviewed form, including reasons for this action
●
The instructor will not normally authorize requests for team membership changes.
There must be significant cause by other team members to justify any of the unlikely
exceptions.
●
There is no option to create additional teams.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
The Syllabus Addendum college-wide policies will be strictly enforced in this course. A link
is provided in this course syllabus introduction, as well as it can be directly accessed at:
http://www.spcollege.edu/addendum/. Further expectations are defined in the addendum
regarding academic honesty, student conduct, emergency preparedness, disability
resources, and other information.
Tutoring assistance with supplemental instruction, out-of-class support, learning and study
skills, or other tutoring will be available online and on-site at the Learning Support Centers
(see http://www.spcollege.edu/tutoring/). These resources may be helpful with writing
(including APA format), math, and computer skills needed for this course. Further academic
support information is available at:http://www.spcollege.edu/support/. Additionally there
are several computer labs for use at: http://www.spcollege.edu/computerlabs/
Academic Advising for course sequencing, selection, planning, registration, and other degree
requirements is available at: http://www.spcollege.edu/advising/.
SPC Libraries and Services information is available at: http://www.spcollege.edu/libraries/.
Academic calendar is available at: https://www.spcollege.edu/calendar/.
Career Services (which includes internship and employment resources) can be found at:
http://www.spcollege.edu/careerservices/.
Student Support Resources are further available at:
http://www.spcollege.edu/pages/dynamic.aspx?id=2147484119
St. Petersburg main college website for further information is: http://www.spcollege.edu/.
Blended students that need an escort to their car or other students that need to report an
issue on any campus, please call Campus Security at 727-791-2560 immediately.