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Key objectives of the course are to develop your ability and inclination to keep well informed about contemporary business ideas, to think critically about their quality, and to evaluate central ideas for scope, relevance and managerial utility. Learning Goals: By the end of this course, students should be able to: Recognize examples and counter-examples of fundamental management theories in reports of current business activities Perform critical analyses of business texts Construct persuasive arguments using the language of business Demonstrate awareness of and interest in current business events Work effectively in groups
Instructional Methods: A combination of lectures, in-class discussion, and analysis of texts are our primary strategies. In addition, the use of the library and computer sources will extend your knowledge and understanding of business concepts. Written reports will encourage you to develop your own ideas and present a logical and persuasive argument for your point of view. There will also be a series of skill-building exercises during class time which are intended to help you make progress on your term project. Texts: The textbook is available at the bookstore.
Please note that you should always bring the text we are currently studying to class. Dyer, L. (2010). Critical Thinking for Business Students, Second edition, Capture Press. These are available on electronic reserve at the Webster library. A majority of these foundational articles are drawn from the Harvard Business Review. They are written by (in alphabetical order): Barney, Chandler, Collins & Operas, French & Raven, Greener, Handy, Herbert, Kaplan & Norton, Liker & Choc, Mentoring. Other articles: Articles from the popular business press are used as further examples of class incepts.
Grading Scheme: 20% Midterm examination 40% Final examination 30% Team project (progress reports, project report, project presentation) 10% Attendance and Class exercises Examinations: The mid-term examination is an in-class examination held in Class #6. The final examination is scheduled for the regular final examination period. You will be given material to prepare on which the examinations will be based. Please note that you must pass the final to pass the course. Team Project: In the team project, you will work in a group of five or six students, applying the incepts discussed in class to new business information.
Detailed project information will be available in a series of Capacity Building exercises during the first half of the course. Parts of the project are due at the beginning of Class #5 and #7. The final project report is due in Class #12. Peer Assessment: You will be asked to assess your team members’ contribution to the Team Project. Individual team member’s grade may be impacted by the feedback provided by his team members. Information on Peer Assessment will be posted in the class folder on First Class. Peer assessment is Mandatory.
Failing to complete the Peer Assessment on line and on time will result in a 5% reduction of your personal project grade. Attendance and Class exercises: This component is based in part on your work in class exercises and the quality of your contributions to class discussions. Class attendance is a pre-requisite for a good grade in the class exercises. Your instructor may ask you to prepare brief homework assignments, which will be the basis of class discussions. All students are expected to be on time for class start. Food and drink are not allowed in class. Information on First Class:
Throughout the term, vital information will be available on First Class. Please log on and other events. Topic Readings septet 5 Introduction to the course Dyer, chapter 1: “Introduction to critical thinking” 2 septet 12 Building successful organizations Dyer, chapter 2: “Claims;” appendix 1 “Business terms and popular expressions,” pug 92-101 Chandler, “The enduring logic of industrial success” Samsung: The next big bet, The Economist, Cot. 1st , 2011 3 septet 19 Structure, function and growth of firms Dyer, chapter 3: “Evidence” Greener, “Evolution & revolution as organizations grow’