The Ohio State University
Sustainable Business Global Lab - Costa Rica
Business Administration 2798
Spring Semester 2014
Instructor: Professor Tim Sword Class time: Monday 5:30PM-7:00PM
Email: Phone: 614-563-1932
Office hours: By appointment only Office: 226 Mason Hall
“The world has a problem: it is getting hot, flat and crowded...tightening energy supplies, intensifying the extinction of plants and animals, deepening energy poverty, strengthening petro-dictatorship, and accelerating climate change. How we address these interwoven global trends will determine a lot about the quality of life on earth in the 21st century.”
Excerpt: “Hot, Flat, and Crowded” by Thomas Friedman
There is an increasing awareness of environmental threats to society. The challenge to private business is being caught between the sometimes conflicting priorities of mandated (i.e. legislated) compliance and a sense of social responsibility in decision-making versus the willingness and motivation of customers to accept higher costs as a trade-off towards a solution. Consumers may speak from their hearts, but purchasing decisions are motivated from the pocketbook. Are we willing to make purchase decisions based on a larger need for the common good? Social concern alone is not a sufficient motivator in the marketplace (beyond a niche segment), and companies who ignore this do so at their own risk.
As a result, the perspective of this course will not be from an environmental standpoint, but rather from the decision-making of businesses attempting to satisfy sometimes competing goals. Certainly, the government has a role with its tax and funding priorities. But, businesses must plan and take action along lines that meet legal obligations and social expectations, but ALSO such actions must simultaneously increase sales and/or lower costs in order to satisfy shareholder expectations. The only, truly successful GREEN business will be one that accomplishes both goals. Our course will explore the ways this can be done and look at perhaps a model for coordinated public and private collaboration for sensible and sustainable development in Costa Rica.
Course Objectives
This course has several objectives. These include:
(1) Developing an understanding of Green Business and the implications for companies, government and other organizations.
(2) Exploring specific strategies in selected industries within the United States to see how companies are responding to greater environmental awareness throughout society.
(3) Highlight The Ohio State University as a dynamic generator of Green Business resources for private industry by investigating and reporting on sustainable programs and initiatives found throughout campus.
(4) Developing analytical and communication skills through the study of actual businesses and current events, requiring independent research, analysis and presentations.
(5) Gaining first-hand experience about cultural differences in doing business within Latin America.
Course Materials
Required:
Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter; Bloomsbury Press- First Edition
The Conundrum by Davie Owen; Riverhead Books- Original Edition (February 7, 2012)
Recommended:
Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedman; New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Latin American Business Cultures by Robert Crane & Carlos Rizowy; Pearson Prentice Hall; 2005; ISBN 0-13-067048-0
Field Study to Costa Rica
“We do not take a trip; a trip takes us” –John Steinbeck from Travels with Charley: In Search of America
This course includes a mandatory, one-week business study trip to Costa Rica from Saturday, March 8 to Friday, March 15, 2014. Please make certain your calendar is clear during this time period, as there is no flexibility on the dates.
The trip to Costa Rica includes visits to up to four companies/organizations being studied. There will be additional activities involving sightseeing and additional time to pursue your personal interests. Each company visit will involve a plant tour, a presentation by business executives from the company and a Q & A session. The purpose of the field trip is to conduct first-hand research and gain experience that will balance the learning acquired during our classroom discussions.
Grade Components
A substantial portion of each student’s grade will be derived from activities and work performed as a group and team. These groups/teams of students will be organized by the instructor with an objective of achieving cultural, gender and educational diversity.
DESCRIPTION PERCENTAGE
(1) Classroom participation and attendance * 15%
(2) Carmen Assignments 15%
(3) Tim’s Ten (Quizzes) 15%
(4) Participation in Costa Rica 15%
(5) Costa Rica Pre-visit Briefing Project ** 10%
(6) University Sustainability Initiative Project 10%
(7) Green Business Consulting Project (Final) 20% ______
TOTAL 100%
* Note: Missing two sessions will drop your grade by one letter grade.
** Half of this score will be calculated from Peer Review evaluation.
EXTRA CREDIT
Students can attend faculty approved “sustainability” events to earn up to 5% points of extra credit. To qualify, students must summarize and report in class. Not to exceed 2 minutes. NOTE: If unsure, verify extra credit eligibility with the faculty before attending an event.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Any material submitted for course credit must be: (1) ONLY your own work if it is an individual-based assignment; (2) ONLY the work of your team if it is a group-based assignment.
Academic misconduct is a serious threat to the integrity and value of your degree. Your instructor or classmates will not tolerate such behavior.
(1) Suspected cases of academic misconduct must be reported to the University Academic Misconduct Committee, per OSU guidelines.
(2) Typical penalties include an E in the course and disciplinary probation for a first offense and dismissal from the University for a second offense.
(3) Please review and refer to the Office of Academic Affairs website: http://oaa.osu.edu/coam/home.htm
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
If you need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability, please arrange an appointment with me as soon as possible. We need to discuss the course format and your individual needs. I rely on the Office for Disability Services for assistance in verifying need and in developing accommodation strategies.
In addition, this course includes a one week trip to San Jose. If you require special arrangements for health or dietary considerations, please make these known as soon as possible. There are activities that require some physical exertion. Please feel free to meet with me at any time to discuss any concerns or issues about the course, travel arrangements, or your individual performance.
Professional Travel
I hope like me you are looking forward to traveling Costa Rica to share with everyone on the fieldtrip many new exciting experiences. While we all want to have fun, it is important to understand that when you travel for business or school, particularly on an organized trip, that you no longer represent yourself. On this study mission you an ambassador of The Ohio State University, as well as, Ohio and The United States.
It is a requirement that all travelers on the Green Business field study to Costa Rica conduct themselves professionally. Specifically this means the following:
· Being on time for all scheduled activities.
· Being an active participate during all meetings, tours and visits.
· Engaged in appropriate topics of conversation, particularly when in the company of a group.
· Using appropriate language i.e. not cursing.
· Dressing appropriately for all activities.
· Having a positive, appreciative and open attitude at all times.
· Limiting personal consumption (i.e. alcohol) so as to not burden yourself or others.
· Maintaining professional behavior while in transit, such as, airports, airplanes, buses, hotel and business lobbies and at all meals.
· Exhibit leadership though example and by encouraging others to do so when needed.
I have traveled to 25 countries on behalf of the State of Ohio and have had the pleasure (and rare displeasure) of traveling with many individuals. The most pleasant travel companions are appreciative, on-time, courteous, respectful, patient, flexible, and thoughtful. The absolute most important travel trait in my experience is curiosity. People who are highly curious typically have the best travel experiences because they are interested in observing, engaging and experiencing everything. This allows them to go with the flow and expand their own personal experiences.
COSTA RICA PRE-VISIT BRIEFING PROJECT
Students will be broken into groups of 2 (one group of 3) and assigned a topic related to our Costa Rica travel itinerary. Groups will present their topic in class on Monday, March 3. PowerPoint presentations must be posted on the assigned Carmen DropBox by Friday, February 28 by noon. Time is limited to 5-7 minutes per presentation.
UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY INITIAVE PROJECTS
Description: Students have been divided into four groups and assigned to research a sustainability initiative implemented on the OSU campus. The project consists of three components: (1) classroom suggestions (2) PowerPoint slides (3) in-class presentation.
(1) Classroom suggestions: To keep engaged in all of the sustainability initiatives, students not presenting will be asked to upload their research suggestions to Discussions on Carmen. Research suggestions should include two questions and three suggestions on how the group should organize their project. This gives the upcoming group one week before their PowerPoint slides are due to update their research to include previously unexplored angles. NOTE: Questions cannot be repeated.
(2) PowerPoint Slides: The Friday before in-class presentations, groups will submit their PowerPoint slides on the Carmen Dropbox. Original photos from your first-hand exploration of campus should be included.
(3) In-class presentation: Each group will given 15-20 minutes to present their research to classmates, faculty, staff, and scheduled guests. Because guests are experts in the project areas, students should expect feedback and questions. For grading purposes, all group members must participate in the presentation and the 20 minute time limit will be strictly enforced.
Wastewater Management
James Althans, Chunqi Di, Amelia Mioranza, Jin Yan
Classroom suggestions due January 31
PowerPoint slides due February 7
In-class Presentation on February 10
Research and prepare a 15-20 minute presentation on Wastewater Management. Specifically answers the questions (1) What happens to water affluence on campus during and after a 2-inch rainfall within a few hours? (2) What are the challenges and potential problems associated with such an event? (3) What is combined sewer overflow and how does it factor into water management? (4) Give examples or illustrate how actual companies address wastewater challenges (ex. Forbes 100 list, Columbus community, etc.)? (5) Additional content as the group sees fit. NOTE: To enhance their research, students in the Wastewater Management group should contact the Department of Public Utilities Division of Sewerage and Drainage.
Food Waste Initiative at OSU
Kai Nam Chau, Brandon Culp, Chris SanAgustin, Adam Zimmerman
Classroom suggestions due February 7
PowerPoint slides due February 14
In-class Presentation on February 17
Research and prepare a 15-20 minute presentation on the OSU food waste initiative. Specifically (1) an overview of anaerobic digestion (2) implementation of the food waste initiative in OSU dining halls and stadium (3) Give examples or illustrate how actual companies are reducing different types of waste (ex. Forbes 100 list, Columbus community, etc.)? (4) additional content as the group sees fit. NOTE: To enhance their research, students in the Food Waste Initiative group will be provided a contact in Student Life.
Automobiles and Alternative Technologies
Vishal Amin, Cheyenne Li, Cameron Roberts
Classroom suggestions due March 7
PowerPoint slides due March 21
In-class Presentation on March 24
Research and prepare a 15-20 minute presentation on sustainable trends and technologies in the automobile sector. Specifically answer the questions (1) How have technical advances in extracting natural gas created new opportunities in the automotive industry? (2) What infrastructure challenges need to be addressed to convert automobiles and trucks? (3) How are corporations leveraging new natural gas supplies for their transportation needs? (4) additional content as the group sees fit. NOTE: To enhance their research, students in the Automobiles and Alternative Technologies group will be provided a contact in the automotive sector.
LEED® Certification
Dominic DiCamillo, Xian Meng, Loretta Mioranza, Mary Popielewski
Classroom suggestions due March 28
PowerPoint slides due April 4
In-class Presentation on April 7
Research and prepare a 15-20 minute presentation on LEED®(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Specifically (1) an overview of LEED® certification (2) examples of LEED® certification demonstrated on campus, such as the Student Union, Cunz Hall, and Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center (3) debates around LEED® certification in the news (4) additional content as the group sees fit. NOTE: To enhance their research, students in the LEED® Certification group should contact the Student Union to arrange a tour of the facilities.
Green Business Consulting Project
Students will be broken into groups of 5 and assigned a business client. Projects will address a question or series of questions related to sustainability as posed by the client. Initial outlines for the project must be posted on the assigned Carmen Discussion Board by Friday, March 7 at noon. Final presentations will be conducted in class on Monday, April 21 for faculty, staff, clients, and guest judges. Time is limited to 20 minutes per presentation.
Class Schedule
Session 1 Overview
January 13 Lecture: Welcome and introduction: Review syllabus; travel updates; instructor and student introductions, schedule interview.
What is your current understanding of the term Green Business?
Why do you think learning about Green Business and Sustainability is important to you?
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 1: Thoroughly review the Byrd Polar Research Center website http://bprc.osu.edu and post on assigned Carmen Discussion Board by Wednesday, January 22 at noon three (3) items that you learned and two (2) questions you have for the Byrd Polar Research Center.
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 2: Review all student postings and choose the two best questions that related to studying green business with short justifications on why you chose those questions and post on assigned Carmen Discussion Board by Monday, January 27 at noon.
**NO CLASS IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY (1/20)**
Session 2 Global Warming Research
January 27 Class Location: Byrd Polar Research Center