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I. Basic Course Information
Instructor: Elizabeth Scott
Phone: (708) 366-6496 Email: Escottlaw@aol.com
BAD 335 02 Business Ethics
Class Hours: Monday 7-10 PM
Spring 2009
Office Hours: By appointment
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II. Required Texts
Business Ethics: Concept and Cases, 6th edition
Manuel G. Valasquez
Prentice Hall, 2006
III. Course Description
This class is designed as an introduction to the study of ethics in business. Over 14 sessions, students will have the opportunity to explore theoretical concepts along with practical case studies. Students will examine difficult ethical conflicts, patterns of business behavior and the methods to find workable solutions. Emphasis will be on understanding the challenges of maintaining an ethical corporate environment. Case studies, small and large group discussions, readings, lectures, oral presentations and shared real world experiences will help provide the operational roadmap for navigating through any type of ethical business situation.
IV. Class Participation
The course is intended to help students develop the analytical skills to address the challenges of our global business environment. Students will be expected to read the weekly course material and articulate reasonable arguments on various ethical issues and their ethical solutions. Reasoned arguments on the ethical problems of business are expected and encouraged. This course emphases the Socratic method of teaching, making class participation an essential component of each class. Class participation will be graded on a weekly basis. Absences without a valid reason will count against your grade.
V. Course Objectives/Organization and Methods/Learning Assessment
Course objectives will be achieved via case studies, small and large group discussions, class lectures, assigned readings, class projects, presentations, and comments on papers and examinations. Primary responsibility for achieving them is yours. Attendance and participation are essential for success in this class. Even more importantly, you must think about and analyze the materials and ideas discussed in class. You will need to express your thoughts both orally and in writing.
You will also be required to write papers and/or make several oral presentations during the term. It is essential, of course, that all of the work on these projects be your own. You can get information and ideas from articles and books that you read, from discussions of the issues with other people, but that work must be used responsibly. If you use ideas obtained from an article, book, or other person, you must give definite credit in your paper or speech. If you use the words of one of these sources--whether a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, or more-- those words must be enclosed in quotation marks and their source adequately footnoted so that your instructor can tell which words are yours and which are from other sources. Failure to do this is plagiarism, and plagiarism will result in a failing grade for that paper. Having someone else write your papers, or copying a paper written by another student, is as serious plagiarism as copying material from a published source. If two students turn in essentially the same work for one of the assignments, both will receive a failing grade. Therefore, it is as much your responsibility not to permit the copying by someone else of your papers as it is for you not to copy. The same penalty will be imposed for copying someone else’s answers during an exercise or permitting the copying of your answers.
VI. Course Policies
1. Attendance. Attendance is essential in order to have meaningful discussions. Poor attendance and/or lack of participation will directly affect your course grade.
2. Deadlines. Much of this course will involve in-class work with your colleagues. Consequently, assignments must be ready for in-class use or handed in on time on the assigned date; no late papers will be accepted without prior permission.
3. Format. Submitted work should be word-processed in a reasonable font and size and according to the guidelines particular to the various business communication mediums. Make at least two copies of your work; one to hand in, and one for use in class. Also, always save a backup computer file of your own.
VII. Student Evaluation/Grading Policy
Attending all lectures and discussions and reading all of the assignments are important because varied materials will be covered in the textbook, lectures, and discussions. You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of these in the course assignments. In addition, you will be expected to make relevant and useful comments during class discussion. Participation in every class discussion is expected and necessary to pass this course.
Course grades will be based upon:
Written assignments 25%
Oral presentations 25%
Participation 25%
Tests/ Quizzes 25%
Grades are based on the level of accomplishment achieved pursuant to the standards appropriate to the course.
VIII. Course Calendar
Week of:
1/19
What is Ethics? The History of Ethics and the role of Ethics in
Business
Note: Textbook is required for the first class meeting
Assignment: Read Chapter 1
Case Study Merck p. 4-6 Textbook Discussion
p. 45 National Semiconductor
p. 49 Gun manufacturers
p. 51 Slavery in the Chocolate Industry
1/26
Topic: Enron- The Smartest Guys in the Room-the film and discussion
Assignment: Read pp. 53-55 Background for the Enron film.
Prepare a 2 page essay on the role of ethics in today’s global
environment. Should Ethics be part of everyday business? At what
point should ethics not be considered a viable option? Explain. Please
use your own thoughts and words.
2/2
Topic: Ethical Principles in Business
Assignment: Read Chapter 2
p. 72Eli Lilly
p. 94 Exxon Mobil
p. 118 Publius
2/9
Topic: Ethics and the Environment
Assignment: Read Chapter 5
p. 213 Aroma in Tacoma
p. 224 Auto Companies in China
p. 245 Exporting Poison
p. 254 Gas or Grouse- Group Case study
p. 250 The Ok Tedi Copper Mine
2/16
Assignment: Group Case Study Report Due
2/23
p. 273 Tobacco Companies and Product Safety
p. 287 New Balance and the “Made in USA” label
p. 292 Becton Dickinson and Needle Sticks
The Ford /Firestone Debacle pp.296 Group case study
3/2
Topic: Midterm
Assignment:
3/9 Mid-term Vacation
3/16
Topic: Ethics and the Law
Assignment: Research, read and be able to lead a discussion on a legal case
Research and write a summary of a current U.S. business law
or case and its effect on U.S. and global companies (Find law; Cornell)
Be prepared to lead a discussion on its impact on U.S. business/global
Business
Topics include but not limited to: product liability, whistleblowers,
Advertising, employment contract, business fraud, White Collar
Crime, the environment, Government regulations and laws
3/23
Assignment:
3/30
Topic: Ethics of Job Discrimination
Assignment: Read Chapter 7
p. 324 Wall Street It’s a man’s world
p. 329 Peter Oiler and Winn Dixie
p. 344 Wal-Mart Women
p. 341 Should Kroger Pay for What Ralph employee’s Did?
4/6
Topic: Ethics and the Individual
Assignment: Read Chapter 8
p. 366 Delivering Pizza
p. 384 Employment at will at Howmet Corporation?
p. Swingline Moves
p. 399 Gap’s labor problems
P. 404 Who should pay?
4/13
Assignment: Read Chapters 3 and 4
p. 158 Glaxo Smith Kline and Aids in Africa
p. 148 Napster…
p. Brian’s Franchise
p. 178 Drug Companies Monopolies and Profits
p. 191Fixing the Computer Market
p. 193 Oracle and Peoplesoft
p. 194 Playing Monopoly: Microsoft
p. 200 ADM and the Friendly Competitors
4/20
Assignment: Prepare and Present Power Point Presentations
Topic: Review for Final Exam
Assignment: Study for final
4/27
Topic: Final Exam
Reminder: Surprise tests as well as scheduled tests may be given throughout the course.
Syllabus is subject to change without prior notice.
You are responsible for making up the missed assignments or missed tests as well as being prepared for the next class. Students will be expected to meet their responsibilities regardless of class time missed.