I. ASCRC General Education Form
Group / VII Social ScienceDept/Program
/ Management and Marketing / Course # / U: MGMT 101
Course Title / Introduction to the Entertainment Business
Prerequisite / None / Credits / 3
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name / Signature / Date
Instructor / Scott Douglas
Phone / Email / 243-5695
Program Chair / Klaus Uhlenbruck
Dean / Larry Gianchetta
III. Description and purpose of the course: General Education courses must be introductory and foundational. They mustemphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
Course Overview: MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business is a freshman level 3 credit hour course designed to provide a broad overview of business[D1] as a social institution. Given the broad and fundamental nature of the course, it is open to all majors.
Course Description: This course uses several mediums to achieve the learning goals described below. These mediums range from the traditional use of lecture, readings and data sets to group exercises and highly interactive exchanges with visiting business professionals (description of exchanges under “Discussion of Questions with Visiting Experts” below). Furthermore, the course is structured around three central themes:
1)The evolution of the business of entertainment and the theories used to study and advance business (7 wks)
2)Data collection, analysis, results and the use & assessment of these results for business (4 wks)
3)Exploration and application of our knowledge of business to current practices and topics (4 wks)
Course Learning Goals: Given the broad and fundamental nature for MGMT101, students should achieve the following goals upon successfully completing the course.
Fundamental knowledge of the nature, structure and historical development of basic theories that underpin the study of business
Fundamental knowledge of the language of business
Fundamental knowledge of the social science methods for collecting & analyzing data
Fundamental ability to understand, assess and evaluate conclusions and generalizations based on data
Course Objectives: MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business will introduce students to basic social and economic theories underpinning business; introduce students to the basic processes for data collection and analyses; illustrate how data is used to influence business decisions and practices; allow students to learn in group and individual settings; and, afford students opportunities to engage senior business executives to examine how businesses use theory, data and a related findings to make decisions, while also encouraging students to formulate and ask complex questions that demonstrate their ability to engage in critical analyses of business decisions and practices. In short, the primary objective for this course is to introduce students to the broad fundamentals of business as both social and global institutions.
IV. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
1. Courses systematically study individuals, groups, or social institutions; / MGMT 101 is a freshman level course designed to provide a broad overview of business as a social institution. Accordingly, it examines how businesses interact and react to socioeconomic influences. Students in the course also examine how businesses organize, motivate and lead individuals and groups to achieve both business and social objectives. Early in the course students will be introduced to the language of business and primary theories underpinning the study of business. Later in the course students will return to these theories on several occasions to critically analyze their veracity and application to current business practices. Students will also be systematically exposed to various data collection methods and methods of analysis to help in their critical assessments (this is discussed in more detail below).
2. analyze individuals, groups, or social problems and structures; and/or / During the course students are introduced to theories and related findings on individual, group and social structures (in this case business structures). For instance students will be exposed to theories of motivation and theories of group development. They will also be given the chance to interact with visiting professionals to examine the extent that these theories are implemented in the workplace. Moreover, students are required to critically analyze current business practices as reported in various media and academic outlets that contrast theory and related findings with ongoing business problems (and often larger socialimplications), practices and decisions.
3. give considerable attention to ways in which conclusions and generalizations are developed and justified as well as the methods of data collection and analysis. / Purposes for research, alternative forms of data collection and various methods of data analyses are given considerable attention under the second and third themes that govern the structure for the course (see syllabus below). Specifically, students will be exposed to data collection methods, given a brief overview of alternative methods of analyses, and discuss the notions of validity and generalizeability during the second theme. Armed with this knowledge, during the second and third themes, students will further analyze current business practices and engage visiting professionals about their use of research to make informed business decisions, while also gaining insight to the validity and generalizeability of research findings.
V. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning goals. See:
1. Describe the nature, structure, and historical development of human behavior, organizations, social phenomena, and/or relationships; / Students are exposed to the historical development of the language and the theories that underpin the study of business. They examine the significant changes to the nature and structure of businesses as they are influenced by larger socioeconomic factors on local as well as global scales. Moreover, students will engage visiting professional with extensive careers to gain a better understanding of how business practices and decision processes have developed over the recent past (1960s forward), both domestically and globally. Students are also exposed to- and critically analyze readings that capture the historical nature and fluid dynamics for business.
2. use theory in explaining these individual, group, or social phenomena; and/or / Early in the course students are introduced to primary theories underpinning the study of business (e.g., Maslow’s Needs Theory, Expectancy Theory and various theories of decision-making). Afterward, students are given several opportunities to analyze the literature (academic and practitioner outlets) to gain a better grasp of the extent theory is used to develop and implement business practices. Additionally, students are afforded several opportunities to engage visiting professional in rich dialogue to examine the extent these theories are applied in contemporary business settings.
3. understand, assess, and evaluate how conclusions and generalizations are justified based on data / This areas is given considerable emphasis since it is a major portion of both the second and third themes that guide the course (see course syllabus). Initially, students are informed on how data are collected and analyzed. Next, they are introduced to the notions of validity and generalizeability of findings. Then, throughout the course students are exposed to research findings and/or examine business practices that lend support to - or call into question various aspects of theories that underpin the study of business. As a result of this process, students should come away with a greater understanding for assessing the validity and generalizeabilty of research findings. Students should also come away with an enhanced understanding and appreciation for how businesses use data and related findings to make informed decisions, and the extent that these findings and related decisions are generalizeable across business and socioeconomic contexts.
VII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form. The syllabus should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus preparation see:
MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business (Spring 2010)
Course Instructor: Professor Scott Douglas (GBB L35B) email
Open Office Hours (no appointment necessary): Monday and Wednesday from 10am to noon.
Other Office Times: I am generally available throughout each day of the week. Nevertheless, please call my office (243-5695)to ensure my availability for meeting with you outside of my open office hours.
Required Course Materials*:
1)Course Resource Pack and Internet Access Key (available at the UM Bookstore)
2)Articles on contemporary issues in business (provided by course instructor)
School of Business Administration’s Mission Statement: The faculty and staff of the School of Business Administration at The University of Montana are committed to excellence in innovative experiential learning and professional growth through research and service.
Course Overview: MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business is a freshman level 3 credit hour course designed to provide a broad overview of business as a social institution. Given the broad and fundamental nature of the course, it is open to all majors.
Course Description: This course uses several mediums to achieve the learning goals described below. These mediums range from the traditional use of lecture, readings and data sets to group exercises and highly interactive exchanges with visiting business professionals(description of exchanges under “Discussion of Questions with Visiting Experts” below). Furthermore, the course is structured around three central themes:
1)The evolution of business and the theories used to study and advance business (7 wks)
2)Data collection, analysis, results and the use & assessment of these results for business (4 wks)
3)Exploration and application of our knowledge of business to current practices and topics (4 wks)
Course Learning Goals:Given the broad and fundamental nature for MGMT101, students should achieve the following goals upon successfully completing the course.
Fundamental knowledge of the nature, structure and historical development of basic theories that underpin the study of business
Fundamental knowledge of the language of business
Fundamental knowledge of the social science methods for collecting & analyzing data
Fundamental ability to understand, assess and evaluate conclusions and generalizations based on data
Course Objectives: MGMT 101 Introduction to the Entertainment Business will introduce students to basic social and economic theories underpinning business; introduce students to the basic processes for data collection and analyses; illustrate how data is used to influence business decisions and practices; allow students to learn in group and individual settings; and, afford students opportunities to engage senior business executives to examine how businesses use theory, data and a related findings to make decisions, while also encouraging students to formulate and ask complex questions that demonstrate their ability to engage in critical analyses of business decisions and practices. In short, the primary objective for this course is to introduce students to the broad fundamentals of business as both social and global institutions.
Course Requirements: Throughout the semester students will be required to demonstrate a fundamental grasp of business. Moreover, they will be expected to demonstrate this knowledge through several different vehicles of assessment, including the traditional use of exams, working in group settings to analyze and deliver critical analyses of current business practices as reported in articles on contemporary business topics, and through individual efforts to develop and ask sets of questions to visiting business professionals that illustrate an individual’s ability to formulate complex questions that aid in the critical analyses of business decisions and practices.
Exams (30%): Throughout the semester students will take three multiple and/or short answer essay exams that are each worth 10% of the total class grade. The first exam will assess the student’s grasp of the historical development of the fundamental theories and language that underpin the study of business as well as the student’s understanding of the basic nature and structure of business. The second exam will focus on the student’s grasp of the social science methods for collecting and analyzing data; and, on how conclusions and generalizations are drawn from this research. The third exam will assess the student’s understanding for how practitioners use research findings to make decisions that inform business practices.Each exam will be given upon the completion of the three themes identified under the “Course Description” above. Lastly, please note that there will be no make-up exams given without the prior, expressed and written approval of the course instructor.
Critical Analyses of Contemporary Business Practices (20%): Throughout the semester students will be introduced to various studies (and related results) that academics and practitioners often rely upon to make informed decisions. Additionally, students will receive packets containing articles on contemporary business practices. Based on their knowledge of fundamental business theories and related research findings, students will work in groups to develop and present critical analyses of current business practices as reported in the articles. Thus, throughout the semester there will be four class periods (5% each) set aside for student groups to discuss their critical analyses.
Development of Questions for Visiting Experts (20%):Throughout the semester students are required to develop sets of questions that will be asked of visiting business professionals. Each set of questions should consist of 3 questions meant to further explore: a) the extent that visiting professionals’ business practices reflect the fundamental theories discussed in the course; b) how the visiting professionals collect data and/or use research findings to make informed business decisions; and, c) the validity and generalizeability of research findings to the visiting professionals’ workplace. In short, each set of questions should demonstrate the student’s ability to formulate complex questions that aid in the critical analyses of business decisions and practices.
Each set of questions will be due at the beginning of the class session that is prior to the session scheduled for the visiting professional. However, please note that you will not receive credit if your questions are turned in late or if the questions you submit are viewed as superfluous.
Discussion of Questions with Visiting Experts (30%): 8-10 business professionals (mostly from the entertainment, media and technology business sectors) will visit the classroom throughout the semester. The time that they spend with us is invaluable since it provides you with a rare opportunity to engage them in a highly informed dialogue about their business, its practices and how they explicitly and/or implicitly use business theories and data to make informed decisions. Thus, the professional are not here to lecture us on business but rather to engage us in a rich dialogue that illustrates the extent that business practitioners rely upon basic theories of business and related research to make informed business decisions. Therefore, your course instructor will act as a facilitator for the discussions, also asking probing questions that link business theory, research and practice. The combination of your questions and the instructor’s questions should result in a highly informed and value-added discussion. Lastly, students will be notified of the class dates for the visiting professionals once confirmed, but in no cases will this notification be less than two weeks prior to their visits.
Rule of 4: Given the rare and highly valuable opportunity to engage in a rich, contemporary and informative dialogue on business, students are required to attend all sessions with visiting business professionals. Moreover, students will automatically receive an F for the course should they miss 4 or more of these sessions without prior, expressed and written approval of the course instructor.
Grades (please note that there is no rounding of grades in this course):
A (94-100); A- (90-93); B+ (87-89); B (84-86); B- (80-83);
C+ (77-79); C (74-76); C- (70-73); F (69 or below)
Schedule
Weeks 1-7: (Theme) The evolution of business and the theories used to study and advance business
The language of business
Business in variouslegal, governmental and social settings
Threefundamental paradigms underpinning the study of business
Fundamental theories for advancing business research
The interaction of societal and economic forces and management practices
Business ethics and social responsibility
The role of management vs. the role of leaders
Empowerment, motivation and performance
Individual and team performance
Maximizing creative potential
Decision-making
Critical analyses of contemporary business practices: Theory vs. practice (1 session)
Exam 1: Covers the topics above and the discussions by visiting professionals
During this section of the course we will be visited by two business professionals.
One professional is an Academy Award winning producer that has managed workforces ranging from 5 to 100+ employees. His topic of discussion will be on empowerment and motivation for maximizing individual and team performance. He will also discuss his views on identifying creative potential and capturing this creative potential through innovation.
One professional is the former manager for an iconic rock act and a former senior executive for global manufacturers. He has a long tenure as an executive in Asia. His topic of discussion will be on operating businesses in Asia contrasted with operating businesses in the US. He will also address the ethical parameters for doing business in Asia and contrast them with the ethical parameters for doing business in the US.
Weeks 8-11: (Theme) Data collection, analysis, results and the use & assessment of these results
The common methods for conducting business research
Common uses of business research and the validity and generalizeability of this research
Applied use of research findings for business: Marketing and productions
Applied use of research findings: Business strategy
Critical analyses of contemporary business practices: Generalizeability of findings (2 sessions)
Exam 2: Covers the topics above and the discussions by visiting professionals
During this section of the course we will be visited by two business professionals.
One professional is a senior executive with one of the 5 major motion picture studios. His primary area of responsibility is in the marketing and advertising of feature films. The topic of discussion will center upon how studios collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to make informed marketing decisions (e.g., pricing and promotion decisions). He will also discuss how this data is used on a regular basis to modify business strategies and financial investments.
One professional isthe founder and President of a mid-level television and film production company that owns and/or produces properties for the Travel Channel and National Geographic networks, to name but a few. Her discussion will be on using consumer behavior and interest research to inform the company about options for productions. She will also discuss the nuances of conducting operations in multiple countries around the world.
Weeks 11-15: (Theme) Exploration and application of knowledge of business to current practices
The socioeconomic factors that impact on entrepreneurial activities
The impact of the intersection of entertainment, media and technology on business infrastructure
Yes the numbers matter: Negotiating and the basic financial ratios and accounting statements
Critical analyses of contemporary business practices: Theory & Research v. Practice (1 session)
Exam 3: Covers the topics above and the discussions by visiting professionals
During this section of the course we will be visited by 4 (possibly 6) business professionals.
One professional is the President and founder of a mid-sized professional sports agency. His topic will focus on negotiation and motivation techniques employed when brokering contracts between organizations and contract employees (e.g., professional athletes).
One professional is a retired professional athlete with an extensive history in the NFL. His discussion will be on the essential elements of leadership, developing and motivating individuals and groups, teamwork and performance based incentives.
One professional is the founder and President of a major entertainment marketing firm. She will discuss how her firm collects and uses data to make informed decision for marketingphilanthropic causes (cause-related marketing), performing artists, toursand film and television properties.She will also discuss the use of some of the newer web-based services for collecting and analyzing data.
One professional is the President of a major entertainment and media production firm. He has also been recognized as one of the leading entrepreneurial and innovative forces in business by Fortune Magazine. His topic of discussion will be on the impact of socioeconomic factors on the nature and structure of entrepreneurial enterprises.
Please note that a completed calendar including specific dates for visiting professionals, dates for conducting critical analyses and dates for exams will be made available by the end of the third week of class.
*Please note: As an instructor of a general education course, you will be expected to provide sample assessment items and corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.
[D1]Recommend substituting “entertainment and the entertainment industry”. Adjust language elsewhere here as appropriate.