Problem Solving and Decision Making Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Office Location

BYRD Business Building, Room 342

Office Hours

Instructor Contact & Communication Plan

Clear communication boundaries are a staple of the professional world. These guidelines ensure you receive the highest quality of support while maintaining the efficiency required of a business environment.

  • Student Support Hours (Office Hours): These are dedicated hours for one-on-one tutoring, question-and-answer sessions, and collaboration. You are encouraged to use this time to discuss concerns or projects.

    • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM.

  • Communication Standards:

    • Email (Preferred): Dr. Stovall checks email regularly and typically responds within 12 hours. However, emails are only monitored Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Allow a full 24 hours for a response before follow-up.

    • Phone: The office number provided is a campus landline. It cannot receive text messages. Because Dr. Stovall is frequently in the classroom or at meetings, email is the most reliable contact method.

    • Weekend Policy: Emails are not checked over the weekend. Planning your work week to finish by Friday ensures you have access to instructor support before the Sunday deadline.

Additional Information & Troubleshooting

Technical Support Protocols

In business, you must direct technical issues to the correct department (IT) rather than your supervisor.

  • Blackboard/College Access: For technical difficulties, contact AskAC immediately at 806.371.5000 or [click here]. Dr. Stovall is a subject matter expert, not a technical support technician.

  • McGraw Hill Connect: Issues must be directed to the publisher's technical support (see "Start Here" folder). Note: Google Chrome is the only supported browser for Connect.

  • Computer Literacy & Google Docs: Support for basic computer navigation or file merging must be addressed via the Tutoring Center.

The Evidence Requirement for Tech Failures

If you experience a Blackboard error that prevents a submission:

  1. Take an immediate screenshot or video recording of the error.

  2. Ensure the date and timestamp are visible in the shot.

  3. Send an immediate email to Dr. Stovall explaining the situation with the screenshot attached. Without timestamped evidence, technical claims cannot be verified.

Friday Completion Goal

Professional success is built on a buffer. While the hard deadline is Sunday [except for Week 8], treat Friday at 5:00 PM as your personal deadline. This ensures that if a "life" or "tech" emergency happens over the weekend, you have already completed your obligations. It also ensures you can receive instructor assistance during business hours if you hit a roadblock.

Mandatory Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is the foundation of professional credibility. All students are required to review the Department's Academic Integrity Policy. By participating in any assignments, simulations, or course materials, you certify that you have read, understood, and agree to uphold these standards. The burden of proof for the originality of all work rests solely with the student.

 Department Academic Integrity Policy

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

BMGT-2303-002 Problem Solving and Decision Making

Prerequisites

Course Description

Decision making and problem solving processes in organizations, utilizing logical and creative problem solving techniques. Application of theory is provided by experiential activities such as small group discussions, case studies and the use of other managerial decision aids.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

No book required

Access to movies will be required.

Supplies

  • Note taking supplies
  • Computer/tablet    (Be aware: not all class objectives can be accessed on tablets or smartphones)
  • Ability to access the course in Blackboard through AC Connect to submit assignments. Students MUST have the ability to access the course in Blackboard through AC Connect to submit assignments, take exams, participate in discussion boards and team projects (www.actx.edu)

 *If you don't have computer and printer access as home, make sure you locate the computer lab of your choice on campus to complete your assignments on time.

Technical support and assistance to log on to the course:

Student Performance

1. Compare and contrast the terms problem solving and decision making. SCANS* Information C5

2. Identify and discuss differences in individual, group and organizational decision making process. SCANS* Thinking F7

3. Utilize both logical and creative problem solving techniques to solve managerial problems. SCANS* Thinking F9, Systems C15, Interpersonal C9

4. List and discuss the use of various managerial decision making aids. SCANS* Information C5, Thinking F9

 

*Meets Secretary's Commision on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS*)

Information: Acquires and uses information

Interpersonal: Works with others, serves clients, exercises leadership

Systems: Understands complex interrelationships (evaluates, monitors, improves, social, organizational and technological systems).

Thinking Skills: thinks creatively, makes decisions, solves problems, visualizes, and knows how to learn and reason.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

BEST PRACTISES:

  • This is an 8-week course….we will hit the ground running!
  • If this is your first online class, get into Blackboard and "get lost"
  • Log into Blackboard on Mondays to see what is due for the week (check the college email several times a week to stay informed)
  • Plan ahead if you have limited internet access
  • Communicate, communicate, communicate with your instructor
  • USE SPELL CHECK  (What do you think about the person or an article with incorrect spelling?)
  • Know your resources, (student help, library hours, tutoring locations, etc.) if you don't know and need help....ask!!

 

DISCUSSION BOARDS:

  • Use complete sentences on discussion boards.  DO NOT use the abbreviated language used in text messaging. 
  • Use spell check. 
  • Address classmates in a non-threatening tone of voice; refrain from insults, slurs, insensitive comments and slang. 
  • Please be respectful or classmates on the discussion boards.

EXAMINATIONS:

Exams are to be taken INDIVIDUALLY.  If a student is caught participating in group testing, he/she will automatically receive a "0" and will be subject to further disciplinary actions as outlined in the AC Students Rights & Responsibilities. 

Plagiarism, Cheating and Individual Work Ethic

Amarillo College policies and Code of Student Conduct is strictly adhered to when dealing with plagiarism, cheating, and duplication of work product. Any evidence of plagiarism, cheating, or duplication of work product will result in a zero on the work in question.

A complete statement regarding scholastic dishonesty can be found in the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=426

Grading Criteria

GRADING SCALE:

            90 - 100%         =          A          Excellent

            80 -   89%         =          B          Above Average, Very Good

            70 -   79%         =          C          Average, Good

            60 -   69%         =          D          Poor, but passing

            Below 60%        =          F          Failing

Instructor reserves the right to subjectively influence the final grade relative to class attendance, participation, and attitude.

Weighted Total:

40% Assignments

40% Final Project Paper and Diagram

20% Discussion Boards

100% Total Grade

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

Weekly assignments MUST be typed and submitted to Blackboard.  Assignments are due by 12 p.m. (midnight) on Sundays.  Late assignments will not be accepted.

  Extenuating circumstances will be considered if communicated BEFORE the due date. 

EXAMINATIONS:

There are no examinations for this class.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: 

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate drop or withdrawal procedures through Instructor of the course. Students who stop attending class but do not officially drop or withdraw from this course will receive a grade of F if their average falls below a 60.   PLEASE communicate with the instructor to discuss options before considering dropping the class!  Once the class is dropped, all grade records are deleted in Blackboard and cannot be accessed again. 

You must login and complete at least 1 assignment during the first week of classes to avoid being administratively dropped from the course.

***If after four weeks of coursework, a student’s grade is under a 70, an academic retention alert will be sent to advisor and financial aid department.

Accessing Grades Online:

To view your current course grades:

  • Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect anf log in using your ACNetID and password
  • Click on BUSG-2309
  • Click on My Grades on the menu to the left.

The final grade will be determined by dividing the total number of points by the number of tests and projects. The instructor reserves the right to subjectively influence the final grade relative to class attendance, participation, and attitude.

To view your Final course grades:

  • Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect and log in using your ACNetID and password
  • Scroll down to Self Service on the bottom right of the page, and click on Current Student.
  • Under current student, click on Academic Profile and click on Grades.

Be aware that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) does not permit instructors to disclose information regarding grades over the phone, via email, or to a third party. Therefore, if you need to discuss your grades, you must do so in person.

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

"90% of success is just showing up."  ~ Woody Allen 

In order to be successful in this class, students are expected to log in and participate at least three times a week.  Students are expected to participate in the weekly discussion boards.  Instructors can see when the last date of log in occurs. 

(Due to the freedom that online courses offer you, it may be tempting to wait until the last minute to work on your course. It is our experience that almost NONE of the learners who take this approach are able to finish the course. GET INTO THE HABIT OF GETTING ONLINE EVERY MONDAY to see the discussion boards, assignments and tests so you can plan accordingly and meet deadlines. It is our suggestion that you either work ahead or create a plan that allows you to be in the course working at least three times a week. Learners who have biweekly attendance (or more) complete the course in a timely manner and get the best scores on their discussion boards, assignments, exams and overall grades. Obviously the choice is up to you.)

Calendar

Problem Solving and Decision-Making

Tentative Schedule

Week

Assignment

Tests

Week 1

Introduction & Discussion

Pro/Con List

 

Week 2

DIGEST Model

 

Week 3

MindMap

 

Week 4

Weighted Matrix  

Week 5

Decision Making

 

Week 6

Coyotes and Roadrunners

 

Week 7

Toast

 

Week 8

Final Week

Project Due

Additional Information

Syllabus Created on:

03/17/19 5:35 PM

Last Edited on:

03/18/19 12:13 PM