ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

ACC 330: ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS

A COURSE SYLLABUS:

LEARNING GOALS, KNOWLEDGE CONTENTS, INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND ASSIGNMENTS

BY: PROFESSOR BUCK K. W. PEI

AUGUST 1994

Office: BA 297M

Office Hours: 3:00 - 4:00pm T TH, and by appointment

Phone: 9653631 (accounting office) or 9656635 (my office)

ACCOUNTING 330 COURSE OBJECTIVES

KNOWLEDGE OBJECTIVES:

SKILL OBJECTIVES

Instructional Materials

TEXT:

Accounting Information Systems, by Cushing & Romney, Sixth Edition, 1994, Addison Wesley. (Required)

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS - Complied by Professor Buck K. W. Pei, Arizona State University:

Supplemental Reading I - Customized Readings for Accounting Information Systems, West Publishing Co. Available at ASU Book Store (Required).

Supplemental Readings II - Acc 330, available at the copy center , located at the lower level of Hayden Library. (Required).

Computer Assignments Handbook - Compiled by Professor Buck K. W. Pei (available at the copy center, located at the lower level of Hayden Library). (Required)

An Overview of Course Activities, General Skills & Knowledge Objectives

COURSE LEVEL - ACTIVITY & GENERAL SKILL

Readings and Assignments:

August 23 Organizational meeting

Post-Class Assignments:

Form a FIVE-PERSON study group for group assignments and cooperative learning activities throughout the semester.

Read: How We Will Work in Year 2000 (Fortune, December 1993) (Supp. Reading II)

August 25

Pre Class Assignment:

Read: Ch 1 (C&R) (pp. 1-20)

"The Subject Matter of Accounting", Issues in Accounting Education, (Fall 1991) (Supp. Reading II)

In Class Activities:

Be Ready to Discuss: D1.1, D1.6. and the above article, Using Cooperate Learning (CL) format

August 26 Lab Activities: Outside Speakers -- Richard Flaherty, Executive Director of AECC

Philip Reckers, Director, School of Accountancy, ASU

John Back, Partner, KPMG Peat Marwick

View Video tapes on "how to have a productive group meeting"

August 30

Pre Class Assignment:

Read: Ch 1 (C&R) (pp. 21-35)

Focus 1.2 The Use of Information at Wal-Mart

Focus 2.1 Information Systems Can Reduce Health Care Costs

Read "The basic concepts of Value-Chain Analysis Methodology" (Class handout)

In Class Activities:

Be Ready to Discuss: D 1.9(e), and do Value-Chain Analysis on Focus 1.2 and 2.1 using CL format

Sept. 1

Pre Class Assignment:

Read: Ch 2 (C&R)

In Class Activities:

Be Ready to discuss: D 2.5, Case 2.2 (1a, 1b, and 2b) using CL format

Post Class Assignment:

Read: Ch 3 (C&R) (pp. 99-128) - focus on understanding the basic concepts

Sept. 2 Lab Activities: Preview Case 1.2, discuss P 2.7 (a, c, d)

Flowchart and DFD Basics & do P 3-13

Introduction to using Powerpoint for flowcharting & presentation

Computer Assignment: Completed DOS and Window Tutorials (optional for those already familiar with the basic fundamentals of DOS and Windows).

Sept. 5 Group Assignment #1: Case 1.2*(written) due no later than 4:00PM

Sept. 6

Pre-Class Assignments:

Review: Chapter 3 (C&R)

Prepare: P 3-11 (a, b)** (individual writing assignment, must be typed. due Sept. 6 in class)

In Class Activities:

Case 1.2* Presentation and Discussion (at least 2 teams will be randomly called to make oral presentation. If selected, presentation will count 50% of the grade). The presentation will be evaluated by both instructor and the class. The same rule applies to ALL group assignments that require class presentation.

Be prepared to discuss P 3-11 (a, b)

Sept. 8

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 5 (C&R), note: if your background Computer Hardware & Software is rusty, review Ch 4 (C&R).

In Class Activities: Be ready to discuss D 5.9, D5.12, D 5.13 using CL format

Sept. 9 Lab Activities: View Video tapes-- Information at your fingertips, Machine that changes the world (part II). Question & Answer for Computer ASSIGNMENT 1

Sept 13

Pre Class Assignments:

Read : Ch 6(C&R) (pp. 261-286)

Welcome to the Revolution (Fortune, Sept 1993) (Supp. Reading II)

In Class Activities: Be ready to discuss D 6.6, P 6-6 (a, b) using CL format

Computer Assignment #1 due in class

Sept 15

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Review Ch 6, Ch 3 (Supp. Reading I)

Driving out ineffiency (Management Accounting, March 93) (Supp. Reading II)

EDI for Re-engineering business processes (Management Accounting, Oct. 93) (Supp. Reading II)

Case: EDI Changing the way businesses do business (Supp. Reading II)

In Class Activities: Be ready to discuss the discussion questions in the above EDI Case using CL format

Sept. 16 Lab Activities: Case 6.2 (1, 2)* Preview & Hints

Guest Speaker: Arthur Anderson Co.

Sept. 19 Group Assignment #2: Case 6.2* (written), due no later than 4:00pm

Sept. 20

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Review Ch 3 (Supp. Reading I)

In Class Activities: Case 6.2* Class Presentation & Discussion (50% of the grade applies to presentation, if your group is selected).

Prepare to discuss 3.8, 3.9, 3.10 (All related to MRP, MRPII) using CL format

Sept 22

In Class Activities: Review Ch 6 (C&R), Ch 3 (Supp. Reading I) and any related topics

Sept 23 Lab Activities: Open, Question & Answer for Computer Assignment 2

Sept. 27

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 12 (C&R) -- focus on the control concepts of Revenue and Procurement Cycles

In Class Activities: Be ready to discuss P12-3, P12-7 using CL format

P12-11** (individual writing assignment, must be typed, due in class)

Computer Assignment 2 due in class

Sept. 29

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 12 (C&R) -- focus on the control concepts of Revenue and Procurement Cycles

In Class Activities: Be ready to discuss P12-5 using CL format

P12-8** (individual writing assignment, must be typed, due in class)

Sept 30 Lab Activities: EXAM I, from 12:40 to 3:30pm

Oct. 4 Review EXAM. I

Oct. 6

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 13 (C&R) (pp. 579-614)

In Class Activities: Be ready to discuss P13-10, Focus 13.1 - Harnessing Runaway Systems, Focus 13.2 - A Model for Disaster Recovery Planning, Using CL format

Oct. 7 Lab Activities: View Video- Corporate Cons, Note: This is a preview of Case 14.3* Read Ch 14 (C&R) pp. 648-651, 660-664 prior to attending the Lab.

Oct. 11

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 13 (C&R) (pp. 615-636)

In Class Activities: Be ready to discuss P13-10 (cf. Table 13.2) and P 14-3, using CL format

Oct. 13

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 14 (C&R) focus on "What Is Fraud?", Why It Occurs?" and "How to Deter It From Occurring?"

In Class Activities: Be ready to discuss D14-2, D14-6, P14-5, using CL format

Oct 13 Group Assignment 3: Case 14.3* (written) due no later than 4:00pm

Oct. 14 Lab Activities: Case 14.3 (1,2,3,4,6)* Presentation (50 % of the grade will be allocated to the presentation, if your group is selected.

Question & Answer for Computer Assignment 3

Oct. 18

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 16 (C&R) -- Focus on Controls

In Class Activities: Be prepared to discuss P 16-2 using CL format

P 16-12** (individual writing assignment, must be typed, due in class)

Oct. 20

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 20 (C&R) -- Focus on Cash Receipt & related Controls

In Class Activities: Be prepared to discuss P 20-2 using CL format

P20-15** (individual writing assignment, must be typed, due in class)

Oct. 21 Lab Activities: Case 17.2 (1, 2, 6)* Preview and Hints, read Ch 17 prior to coming to the lab.

Oct 24 Group Assignment 4: Case 17.2* (written) due no later than 4:00pm

Oct. 25

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 17 (C&R) -- Focus on Controls

In Class Activities: Be prepared to discuss P17-2, P17-5 using CL format

Case 17.2* Presentation & Discussion (50 % of the grade will be allocated to the presentation, if your group is selected).

Computer Assignment 3, due in class

Oct. 27

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 20 (C&R) -- Focus on Cash Disbursement & related Controls

In Class Activities: Be prepared to discuss P20-3, Focus 20.1 "EDI & EFT applications at Cummins Engine", Review "Driving out inefficiency" & "EDI for Re-engineering businesses" using CL format

Oct. 28 Lab Activities: Guest Speaker(s) from Anderson Consulting Co.

View Video -"Just-in-Time vs. Just-in-Case"

Case 18.2 (1, 3, 4)* Preview & Hints, Part 1 will be provided & discussed in the Lab.

Note: The above events require you to read Ch 18 prior to coming to the Lab. You will feel very lost if fail to do so.

Oct. 31 Group Assignment 5: Case 18.2 (written) due no later than 4:00pm)

Nov. 1

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 18 (C&R) -- focus on Production Management Function & Production Information Systems

In Class Activities: Case 18.2 (3, 4)* Presentation & Discussion (50% of the grade will be allocated to the presentation if your group is selected).

Nov. 3

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 2 (Supp. Reading I) - Modern Manufacturing Environment

"How Eight Firms Transformed with Technology" Financial Executive (March/April 1993) (Supp Reading II)

In Class Activities: Be prepared to discuss 2.3, 2.8, 2.13, 2.16, 2.23

Nov. 4 Lab Activities: P 17-8 using CL format

View Video: "Quality or Else- How to hit the moving target"

Read Ch 11 (Supp. Reading I) prior to coming to the lab

Nov. 8

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 11 (Supp. Reading I) -- Activities Based Management & Business Re-engineering

In Class Activities: Be prepared to discuss 11.2, 11.30, 11.7 using CL format

Nov. 10

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 11 (Supp. Reading I) -- Performance Measurement

"The Performance Measurement Manifesto" (Supp. Reading II)

In Class Activities: Be prepared to discuss 11.12, 11.13, 11.38, 11.39 using CL format

Nov. 11 Veteran Day

Nov. 14 Group Assignment 6: "On the Alternative Measures of Performance" -- written "scripts" of your debate (i.e., for each question provide all the pro and con arguments in writing). Due no later than 4:00 p.m.

Nov. 15

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 13 (Supp. Reading I)

In Class Activities: Debate* - "On Alternative Measures of Performance"

Format and specific questions of the debate will be given later in the semester

Nov. 17

Pre Class Assignments:

Read: Ch 5 (C&R) -- DSS and ES

"The Roles of Accounting and Accountants in Executive Information Systems

(Accounting Horizons, September 1992).( Supp. Reading II)

In Class Activities: Discuss Questions (to be given by the instructor), for each question discuss:

.Major functions and purposes of the system (e.g., the levels of decision support)

.Major limitations of the system

.The roles of accountants in system design

Nov. 18 EXAM II From 12:40 to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 22

Review Exam II

Nov. 24 Thanksgiving

Nov. 29

In Class Activities: Special Topics - Roles of Decision Aids in Decision Making

Dec. 1 Semester Project Presentation

Dec. 2 Lab Activities: Special Topics -- A lab simulation on using decision aids for decision making

Dec. 6 Semester Project Presentation

Semester grade

Point allocation

* Group Assignments - @20 points x 6 120 points

* Midterms - @100 points x 2 200 points

* Term Project

written portion 70 points

oral portion 30 points

100 points

* In Class CL participation & Related Quizzes 100 points

Individual Writing Assignment @10 points x 5 50 points

Computer Assignments

EXCEL Assignments - @ 10 points x 3 30 points

-------------

TOTAL 600 points

========

Semester Grade:

A 540 or higher

B 480 - 539

C 420 - 479

D 360 - 419

E 359 or lower

NOTE:

  1. The highest possible semester grade that you can earn can be no more that one letter grade higher than the lowest letter grade of the average of the above four starred (*) components of your grade. For example, if you have an "A" average on group assignments, an "A" average on the term project, and a "C" on the mid-terms, the highest possible grade that you can receive for the semester is a "B". Another example is, if you have a "B" average on the mid-terms, a "B" average on the term project, and a "D" on the group assignments, the highest possible grade that you can receive for the semester is a "C".
  1. Also, your individual grades on group assignment and semester term project are subject to the peer evaluation (see p. 12 and 19 for detail).

ACCOUNTING 330 - LAB ACTIVITIES

Objectives:

To be used as a complement to class instruction. The typical activities include:

[1] Group Meetings for homework assignments requiring group interaction,

[2] Class Preparation/Reinforcement (see video tapes, presentations from outside guest speakers), and

[3] Question & Answer for Computer Assignments

[4] Examinations (midterms, final)

.Computer Assignments Using EXCEL

The computer assignments can be found in the COMPUTER ASSIGNMENTS HANDBOOK complied by Professor Buck K. W. Pei



Computer assignment 1: Work on Chapter 2: EXCEL BASICS

and Case 1-2

and Case 1-3 (due Sept. 13)

Computer assignments 2: Work on EXCEL computer assignment #2:

Chapter 2 - Working with Excel (pp. 15-18, 21-22) and

Case 2-1


Case 2-4 (due Sept. 27).

Computer Assignment 3: Chapter 3 "Creating Charts and Graphs" and

" Hands on Case"- Leinie's Beverage Service, Inc. Annual Budget Graphs (The Budgeting Cycle)", (due Oct. 25).

GRADING POLICIES ON GROUP ASSIGNMENTS

Throughout the semester, you and your teammates will undertake 6 group assignments. All assignments demand creative thinking, excellent communication as well as group collaboration. Unlike most of the traditional textbook problems, these assignments are designed to nourish your problem solving skills and enhance your capability for life time learning. Thus, there are no "standard" or "correct" solutions to these assignments.

In addition, these assignments reflect a response to the growing complaint among accounting firms and industry that many recent college graduates have not adequately developed their business communication skills, which are vital if one is to succeed in a business environment. Many of your communication efforts (oral, as well as written) will be focused upon attempts to provide clear, concise instructions to others or to convince others (clients, business colleagues, etc.) that your advice represents the best possible course of action, the best solution, etc.

In addition to the content, the criteria that I will use in grading your written assignments and are listed below:

1. Coherent organization: Ideas should be arranged in a logical and easy to follow order. This is best accomplished through the use of short paragraphs, each of which expresses a single main idea, and short sentences.

2. Conciseness: Ideas should be expressed using as few words as possible. This can be accomplished using short sentences and simple words.

3. Clarity: Carefully constructed, short sentences and correct terminology reduce ambiguity, leaving no doubt in the reader's mind as to the writer's intent.

4. Use of standard English: Spelling, diction, punctuation, precise vocabulary and word usage should follow the norms.

5. Responsiveness to the question's requirements: Responses should address the requirements of the question or assignment and should avoid extraneous information. Remember: you are being judged as to the quality of your answers, not as to the quantity.

Each group assignment will be assigned one of the following letter grade (with the corresponding % for the numeric score):

A+ (EXCELLENT, 100%) A (GOOD, 90%) B (FINE, 80%)

C (ACCEPTABLE, 70%) D (PASS, 60%) E (UNACCEPTABLE. 0%)

Note:

  1. All members of the group will receive the same grade as the group, with the exception of "free riders" as evidenced by the Group Meeting Record and Peer Evaluation (to be conducted after every three assignments).
  2. No late work will be accepted for credit for any group assignment.
  3. A Group Meeting Record Sheet must be turned in with every group assignment. This record is a part of your assignment, thus no grade will be given if you fail to do so.

GROUP ASSIGNMENTS USING COOPERATIVE LEARNING

OBJECTIVES:

One major objective of this course is to foster students' learning motivation and their long term learning ability. To accomplish this objective, we will rely heavily on cooperative learning as a major method of instruction for classroom activities. Cooperative learning is a structured form of small group work based on the following key attributes of active learning:

Positive interdependence

Group collaboration of thoughts and ideas

Individual accountability and

Interpersonal skills.

Research indicates that this technique is also very effective in fostering students' abilities to think critically, write skillfully and speak competently. All these are crucial attributes for a person to be successful in the accounting or any profession.

ASSIGNMENT OF ROLES FOR ALL GROUP ACTIVITIES:

To facilitate cooperative learning activities, we will form six to seven study groups. Each group will consists of five members. The following roles (duties) should be rotated among the group members:

COORDINATOR -- Establishes an agenda for the group meeting and insures that all members of the group are aware of the action items and their objectives prior to the meeting.

FACILITATOR -- Ensures that every member participate, keeps the meeting on schedule (e.g., time slot per action items), records ideas and helps to prioritize them. Record the responsibilities assigned to each member

RECORDER -- . This person is also responsible for compiling and collaborating the writing of each member for classroom distribution.

MONITOR -- Ensure that the actions are carried out. This person should work closely with the recorder to ensure that the assigned materials to all members are available on time to the recorder for compilation and collaboration.

SPOKESPERSON -- Gives oral presentation and responses to the class about the written materials of the group assignment. If applicable, this person (and the coordinator) is also responsible for communicating to the course instructor about the group activities.

NOTES:

For each assignment, a group meeting record sheet should be submitted. Please refer to the next page "HOW TO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE GROUP MEETING" for further details.

Throughout the semester, the group roles will be rotated to ensure that every member will have the opportunity to assume each of the above roles.

A peer evaluation will be conducted after THREE group assignments. This will ensure timely feedback and individual accountability.

HOW TO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE GROUP MEETING



Dos           Don'ts         Remarks                                           



A Clear       Be             A group leader (coordinator) should establish a   

Agenda        Unprepared,    clear agenda that outlines the action items       

              or             (tasks) and objectives to be accomplished.        

              under-prepared Provide people with the necessary background      

                             information so that they are fully informed.      

                             All members should be fully prepared prior to     

                             the meeting.                                      



Outcomes and  Be distracted  Establish clear outcomes for each action item on  

Goals         or become      the agenda including the amount of time to be     

              off-tracked    spent.                                            

Solicit inputs from each team member prior to     

                             the meeting.                                      



Use rules of  Be impatient,  Be positive to other's ideas, try to build on,    

trust and     prejudice,     rather than rebuke, them.                         

mutual        jumping to     Listen creatively (take other's ideas as          

respects      conclusion,    seriously as yours), patiently (don't cut in),    

              dominant, or   and critically (with your brain not your          

              close-minded   emotion).                                         

Encourage participation: participation --> ideas  

                             --> motivation --> productivity.                  

                             Allow brain storming -- don't be too evaluative   

                             at  first.                                        



Commit to     Be sloppy,     Record ideas -- A working document for actions.   

actions       selfish, or    Prioritize ideas -- Building consensus.           

              irresponsible  Commitment to responsibilities -- Do your share.  

                             Post meeting follow-up -- Monitor progress.       






A Sample of group meeting record sheet is available on the next page. You may modify it to fit your specific needs, if necessary.

Remember, a group record sheet must be turned in with every group assignment, and for every meeting on the semester project.

GROUP MEETING RECORD SHEET

Group Assignment Number ____________ [Semester Project Meeting Number _________] Date: ___________

Role Assignment



Coordinator     Facilitator      Recorder         Monitor          Speaker          










Meeting Agenda



Action Item                Objective(s)                                Time       






















Results/Outcomes/Ideas (use all applicable)



                                                                                






























Assignment of Post-Meeting Responsibilities



Member's Name    Duties/ Responsibilities                                        


























Semester Term Project - General Instructions.

The semester term project of this course involves applying the general concepts, computer technology and systems analysis and design methodology discussed in the course. The purpose of this project is to providing students with learning opportunities to enhance their:

1). Problem Solving Skills for dealing with unstructured problems in system evaluation, analysis, design and implementation. This stimulates active learning through intelligent applications of knowledge to real world business problems.

2). Interpersonal Skills through group decision making (as opposed to individual decision making), between- persons coordination & communication, and knowledge sharing among peers.

3). Communication Skills in both oral and written dimensions. This is facilitated by requesting students to make oral presentations of the project during the semester and to submit a group paper of the project at the end of the semester. On both occasions, quality presentations are expected.

Critical to succeeding in a business environment is the ability to analyze real-world problems and develop well-reasoned solutions. The term project is designed to give you the opportunity to apply the concepts and the analysis and design methodologies and techniques learned throughout this course by designing or redesigning an accounting information system. An actual organization must be used for this project. It should be emphasized that it is your responsibilities to secure a company for this team project. However, it is mandatory that you obtain my approval for your intended project. The purpose of this approval is to aid you in defining an appropriate scope for your project (thus avoiding situations in which you become hopelessly bogged down in a project which cannot be completed within the allotted time). To facilitate this process, you must submit to me in writing a proposal containing a brief description of the company and the intended scope of the project (maximum 2-3 pages). THIS PROPOSAL IS DUE NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 4.

The project team should consist of your study group members. I expect you and your group member to conduct periodic meetings on this project. A Group Meeting Record Sheet should be turned in on the next day to the instructor for every group meeting on the semester project. Past experience suggest five (or more) such meetings may be required. A record sheet also permits the instructor to give timely feedback on your progress.

In addition, a peer evaluation will be conducted at the end of the project and will be an important factor to determine individual students' grade( see p 19 for detail).

There are no constraints placed upon you with regard to the selection of your organization (e.g., size, industry, etc.) other than it be an actual organization. For example, since you are designing a fictitious system. I am not placing specific budgetary constraints on you. I expect you to BE CREATIVE. However, since I have required you to use an actual organization, I also expect you to BE REALISTIC in terms of financial considerations, expected demand, etc.

Attached are more detailed project requirements and suggested content. Please keep in mind that this guideline may not always be applicable to the company and system you have selected. This project will proceed a lot more smoothly for us all if you take the time to discuss your progress with me several times during the semester. I can't help you past any trouble spots unless I am aware of them. Please consult with me as soon as possible to avoid end-of-semester crunches and all-nighters. Projects from previous semesters are available for inspection.

As a final note, proper format, including section headings and a table of contents, must be used in the written project. All the tables, flowcharts and figures should be placed in the appendix so that the paper itself will be consisted of discussion and description only.

SEMESTER TERM PROJECT SUGGESTED OUTLINE

I. OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

A. Brief History of the Organization

B. External Environment of the Organization (e.g., industry, constraints, competition)

C. Organizational Structure and Description of Key Positions

II. DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION OF COMPANY'S CURRENT ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM

A. Explain the transaction processing system that the company is currently using. Make sure to include a description of the followings:

a. The major input, storage, processing, and output (e.g., use DFD or system flowcharts, see examples in Ch3 C&R)

b. The major internal control weaknesses & strengths. For each control, offer possible solutions to the weakness.

B. Evaluate the current system's effectiveness in each of the following areas:

a. Monitoring the company's operation (e.g., does the system produce sufficient timely & relevant information for monitoring activities in sales, inventory management, production? etc.)

b. Supporting managerial decision making (e.g., does the system produce information and reports needed for short term and long term strategic decision making? What reports has been produced by the system? etc.)

c. How does the current system add value to the company? Briefly explain how does the system support the company's primary and support activities (note: some of these may overlap with a & b, for example, you should critically think of the following question for each report produced by the current system. Why it would be useful to the decision makers? Does the report capture relevant performance measurement information such as customer satisfaction, product quality, productivity? Does the report or information add any value to the primary or support activities? ).

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM

A. Description of the Proposed System. Make sure to address the following:

a. Discussion of the proposed system(s) - input, processing and output [cf. II A (a)]

b. Solutions to Major Problems Identified [cf. II B (a) (b)]

c. How does the proposed system(s) create competitive advantages for the company [cf. II B(c)]

B. Detail description of the proposed system. Make sure to include the following:

a. How does the proposed system take advantages of the current information technology? (e.g.,. include a Hardware Configuration Diagram and a Computer System Flowchart of the Proposed System).

b. How does the proposed system make the company more "lean & mean"?

IV. CONCLUSIONS

Recommendation to Management

GROUP PRESENTATION OF TERM PROJECT

Presentations are scheduled during the last week of the instruction.

A. Bring copies of outlines of presentation for all class members (35 copies).

B. Outline should be 45 pages minimum.

C. 15 minutes for each group presentation

D. Visual aids are always helpful (may use video tape, slide show via powerpoint, etc.).

GRADING POLICY FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBER ON SEMESTER TERM PROJECT

As many of you may know, it is a common practice in business to participate in an evaluation process of your subordinates, peers, and/or superiors. In the case of a peer evaluation or an evaluation of your superiors, these evaluations are kept confidential, as they will be in this class. The purpose of these evaluations is to provide an incentive to each student to contribute equally to the project. Each group is encouraged to come to an agreement as to the responsibilities of each group member. By doing so, the peer evaluations can be made upon an objective basis (i.e., whether or not a particular group member contributed the work assigned to him/her in a timely manner and whether that work measured up to the "quality" level agreed upon by the group). These evaluations are not to be used as a vehicle to air subjective likes and dislikes, petty grievances, etc.

To determine an individual member's contribution to the semester project, I will use two source of inputs. First, each group must submit to me a group meeting record sheet after every group meeting. This record will be reviewed by myself and kept in a record folder. Second, each group member uses an peer evaluation form to evaluate each of the remaining group members on the basis of his/her contribution to the project. This form will also contain a point allocation system to address the relative contributions of all group members. This point allocation system will ask you to allocation $1,000 among the other members (a student cannot allocate any of the $1,000 to himself/herself).

I will award each group a raw score on the basis of the quality of the project itself. After I assign the raw score to the project, I then review the group meeting record sheet, peer evaluation form, and the point allocation for determining the individual member's grade. The group meeting record sheet should indicate an individual member's attendance, assigned responsibilities, and his or her roles in the meeting. This reflect the MINIMAL INPUT or QUANTITATIVE contribution to the project. The peer evaluation form should reflect the OUTPUT or QUALITATIVE contributions to the project. The point allocation system should reflect the RELATIVE contribution of an individual member as perceived by all other members.

CLASS PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENT SHEET

There are six topics require class presentation. Two teams will be randomly assigned for each topic. Below is a list of the topics and the corresponding presentation date.



Date       Topics                              Presenting Teams                   



Sept. 6    Case 1.2 (Pros vs. Cons)                                               



Sept. 20   Case 6.2                                                               



Oct. 14    Case 14.3                                                              



Oct. 25    Case 17.2                                                              



Nov. 1     Case 18.2                                                              



Nov. 14    Alternative Measures of                                                

           Performance                                                            






Rules:

  1. Each team will make a 10-15 minutes presentation. More than one persons can make the presentation for the team. Be prepared for the presentation as 50% of your grade is determined by the quality of your presentation as evaluated by the instructor & the class. The presenter(s) is also responsible for answering questions raised during the presentation.
  1. Teams that are not presenting will be responsible for challenging the presenting teams (e.g., asking questions, provide alternative solutions or ideas).

IN CLASS COOPERATIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Through out the semester we will use two types of cooperative learning (CL) activities for classroom discussion. Both types of CL activities are designed to enhance your interpersonal skills, problem solving skills and communication skills. Below is a summery of these CL activities.

TYPE A: FOCUSED DISCUSSION

Task: Answer the Discussion Questions or Problems specified in the syllabus.

Cooperative: Create a group answer to each question through the following sequence:

  1. Each student formulates his or her answer (mostly through advanced preparation before class).
  1. Students share their answer with their group members.
  2. Students listen carefully to other's answer.
    1. Groups create a new answer that is superior to each member's initial formulation through the process of association, building on each other's thoughts, and synthesizing.

The preceding procedures are aimed at promoting advance organizing of what the students know about the topics to be covered in class and to set expectations as to what the lecture will cover.

INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

TYPE B: GROUP SUMMERY OF LEARNING FROM THE LECTURE & PRESENTATION

Task:

Summarize what has been learned from the lectures and questions posed by the instructor, and from the case presentation by other groups.

Procedure:

The instructor gives an ending discussion task to summerize what students have learned from the lecture, the questions posed during the lecture, and from the case presentation by other groups. All group members will spend five minutes to summarized and discussed the concepts or material covered during the class. Specifically, each group should list the following

For lecture & questions posed by the instructor

For case presentation

In short, the preceding summery provides closure to the class and permits the instructor to know what students have learned and gives timely feedback accordingly.