GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT 4200
Summer Semester, 2008
Instructor: Dr. Alan Hamlin
Office: BU 316
Phone: 586-5417
e-mail: hamlin@suu.edu
Text: Business, Government and Society, 11th ed., Steiner, Irwin Publishing, 2006.
1. Course Overview and Objective:
This course focuses on the nature of the relationship between the private sector (specifically, business) and the public sector (government). Among the central roles of government, business regulation is key. Other government actions affect business as well, such as tax policy, inflation control, government subsidies, and legislation (e.g. the recent tobacco bill). In this course, the student will explore the essential relationships which bind business and government together. We will examine how decisions are made at both levels; and how the two entities can work together to achieve a balance which: A) allows business to make the requisite profits to provide their owners with a return on their investment, and B) protect the environment and ensure that employees are provided with appropriate wages and safe working conditions, and customers with a high quality product.
When you have successfully completed this course, you will be able to:
-Understand the functions of government and business
-Compare and contrast the advantages/disadvantages of business regulation
-Know the importance of the consumer, and why the government protects him/her
-Understand the trade offs to environmental protection
-Discuss intelligently the concepts of equal employment opportunity and affirmative
action specifically, and corporate social responsibility generally
-Understand the role of governments in international trade
-Know what can be done to promote global competitiveness
-See how government tax policy affects the business environment
-Know when the government should and should NOT provide subsidies and bailouts
-Know the proper role of corporate lobbying, and its effects
-Understand the growing trend toward multinational business
11. Course Requirements:
A) Regular attendance at class meetings
B) Participation in class discussion
C) Satisfactory completion of all assignments and exams on time
111. Examinations:
There will be 5 scheduled midterm exams, each worth 100 points. Each exam will be objective (TF, MC), open-book, will be take-home, and will cover about 4 chapters. The midterm exams will be non-cumulative. The FINAL exam, however, will be comprehensive, and will be worth 200 points.
1V. Term Papers:
Each student will write a term paper on a topic of his/her choice within the area of Business and Government. These are to be original essays based on a contemporary and controversial business issue (e.g. affirmative action, sexual harassment, regulating the regulators, pollution control, etc.) which the student is interested in and which will motivate you to spend a considerable amount of time in research and writing. The papers should present BOTH sides of the issue, analyze the costs and benefits of each alternative solution, and the conclusion must have your personal opinion as to what the best solution is, and why.
This is basically a research paper, but must contain your own opinions based on your readings and experiences. Make the paper at least 10 pages long, typed, plus bibliography and title page. The report is worth 200 points toward your final grade.
V1. Group Report:
Each student will be assigned to a 3 member group, to present a case before the class. The case will be at the end of one of the chapters in the book. Each case will consist of a 20 minute presentation, followed by a 5 minute Q&A. The intent is for the students to amplify on the chapter content by reviewing and dissecting the case, using handouts, PowerPoint, and/or other creative and entertaining delivery vehicles. Thoroughness, objectivity and articulation will be the basis for the grade given.
V11. Grading:
Participation 50 points
Group Project 100 points
Term Paper= 200 points
Midterms 1-5= 500 points
Final Exam= 200 points
Total points possible= 1150 points
V1. Teaching Style:
The instructor uses a Socratic method which involves students in a discussion format. This requires students to read the material BEFORE class, and come to class prepared to contribute. This provides the class an opportunity to hear from many students from different backgrounds and who have different attitudes about government, business practices, ethics, and other relevant topics.
V11. Calendar:
May 28 Introduction,
Chapter 1- Introduction to the Field
30 Chapter 2- The Business Environment
Chapter 3- The Power of Business
June 2 Chapter 3- Group 1- Rockefeller & Standard Oil
Chapter 4- Critics of Business
4 Chapter 4- Group 2- Kentucky Fried Chicken, Exam #1
6 Chapter 5- Corporate Social Responsibility, Group 3- Gen. Electric
June 9 Chapter 6- Implementing Social Responsibility, Group 4- Nike
Chapter 7- Business Ethics- Group 5- Martha Stewart
11 Chapter 8- Making Ethical Decisions, Exam #2
13 Chapter 9- Business in
Politics
June 16 Chapter 10- Federal Regulation of Business, Group 6- Tobacco vs. FDA
Chapter 11- Reforming Regulation, Group 7- Microsoft
18 Chapter 12- MNCs and Government, Group 8- Union Carbide
Exam #3
20 Chapter 13- Global
Trends, Group 9- the WTO and Its
Critics
June 23 Chapter
14- Pollution and Environmentalism, Group 10- Owls vs. Developers
Chapter 15- Managing Environmental Quality
25 Chapter 16- Consumerism, Group 11- Advertising Alcohol
Exam #4
27 Chapter
17- The Changing Workplace, Group 12-
Drug Testing
Term Papers Due/Discuss
June 30 Chapter 18- Civil Rights at Work
Chapter 19-
Corporate Governance,
Final Exam
OTHER:
Course Evaluations: As of Fall, 2005
students will evaluate their face-to-face courses online, using WebCT. The
previously used Scantron system, with the paper-and-pencil survey, will NO LONGER be used. During the last week of instruction, all
students will have access to WebCT for the purpose of
evaluating each of their courses. To
access the system, students will (1) on the Internet, go to SUU’s
Homepage (suu.edu); (2) click Current
Students; (3) click WebCT; (4)
log in with Username and Password exactly as done
in the campus computer labs-- If
students don ’t know their Username or Password, they can click on the choices
on this screen that will provide them; (5) once logged in, students will see a
list of courses, with Course Evaluation in each title—they will
then click on the course they wish to evaluate.
ADA Statement: If you have a disability which may impair your ability to successfully complete this course, please let Student Support Services (SSS) know during the first week of class. Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accomodations or auxiliary aids will need to contact SSS in Room 205K, Smith Center or phone 586-7848. SSS determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these services and aids.
Academic Integrity: Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of the Student Handbook regarding student responsibilities and rights, and the intellectual property policy.
Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is required at all class meetings. Up to fifty points will be awarded for this factor.
Late Assignments and/or Makeup Work: Attend and participate in classes. In-class activities, discussion and case analysis are important for learning this material. Please be on time for class.
Latecomers are distracting, annoying and RUDE.
Pop Quizzes: Due to the ever-changing material covered in this class, the instructor reserves the right to give pop quizzes and/or extra assignments at any time.
Student Fees: All School of Business undergraduate classes
have an $11 student fee, and all graduate classes have a $22 fee. These funds go toward funding mediated
classes, computer labs, purchased cases, field trips and other student-related
costs.