5 classes, a whole semester's worth of work due in 4 weeks...

Individual Studies (BM 3804)

INSTRUCTOR

Chris Robberts 247 Dowell Annex 218-281-8144 Email: [email protected]

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Topic related to student’s major not covered in regular offered courses (1 to 3 credits can be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits).

COURSE PREREQUISITES

Junior status or approval of instructor

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the project you will be able to:

 Develop a topic that you want to research

 Perform a thorough literature review of the available literature using the online library database

 Write an outline of the proposed project

 Complete the manuscript

STEPS IN THE WRITING AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Upon completion of BM 3804, students should have gained in-depth knowledge of the topic that was investigated by doing the following:

 A thorough literature survey to gain knowledge

 Analyzing the information and ensuring that all information pertaining to the study is retained while additional information is discarded. Many good projects are buried in an overdose of peripheral information

 Discuss interim findings with the advisor for comment and input

 Present the final document The final report will be written using the APA style of referencing. I expect at least 30 pages

double spacing Times New Roman, 12 point font per credit.

For 3 credits the final report will be 90 pages or more.

SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS

Project agreement = 10 points Literature survey = 30 points Interim reports = 3 X 10 = 30 points Final report = 30 points

Total Points for the Course = 100 I expect about 30 pages double spaced using Times New Roman 12 point font per credit in

the final report. That means that a 3 credit value report will be at least 90 pages long with cover and index pages.

GRADE SCALE

Grade Grade points

C+ = 77 – 79%

2.33

A = 93 – 100%

4.00 C = 73 – 76% 2.00

A- = 90 – 92%

3.67 C- = 70 – 72%

1.67

B+ = 87 – 89%

3.33 D+ = 67 – 69%

1.33

B = 83 – 86% 3.00 D = 60 – 66%

1.00

B- = 80 – 82%

2.67 F = < 60% 0

PENALTIES FOR LATE WORK

All reports must be submitted by the deadline as negotiated. Extension of the period of work will be granted only if at least 50% of the materials have

been received. If an extension is agreed upon the penalty for late work will also be extended to accommodate the circumstance.

I expect the interim reports at the end of 5 weeks, 9 weeks and 12 weeks. Late work will be penalized at 5 points per week.

POLICY STATEMENT ON ASSIGNMENTS AND REPORTS

Submission of all the assignments is compulsory and they must be completed before the end of the semester.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

This is an online course that requires extensive use of the computer connected to the Internet. Because some of the material is bandwidth intensive a broadband/high speed connection will enhance the learning experience. To complete required assignments, the following software is required:

1. An Internet Browser – Google Chrome provides the highest level of compatibility. Microsoft's Internet Explorer at times may have technical challenges to overcome.

2. Use of the University of Minnesota, Crookston e-mail account 3. Microsoft Office - with Word and Excel, an excellent basic Office package can be

purchased at Wallmart or any local store for about $120. To purchase MS Office software from the University at a much reduced price go to:

http://www.oit.umn.edu/utools/all-software/microsoft-office-125161.html

You will also need an e-mail system where you will be able to get and send messages and attachments.

WHAT THE UNIVERSITY REQUIRES FROM YOU

To be a successful student and get the most out of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management class you are expected to:

• Participate Positively: Prepare for each session by reading the appropriate chapter. Work on the subject at least five days a week for at least one and a half hours. Regular work of shorter duration is more beneficial than an extended period once a week.

• Accomplish Scholarly Work: Complete assignments and projects on or before the due dates and take and complete all quizzes, tests and the final exam on time.

• Scholastic Ethics: Cheating, plagiarism, etc. of any type are not allowed and are grounds for receiving an "F" in the course.

PREPARATION, PARTICIPATION, AND ATTENDANCE

To you to get the full benefit from the class you will have to stay on track with the work. Fifteen weeks go by soon and there will be no time for procrastination. After deciding what you want to do for the individual studies class, start finding appropriate sources from the library and see what is available.

Getting started is the biggest problem with Individual Studies as it is for any project. Do not allow this process to continue after week 2.

In this class you are really on your own and I will just help with guidance..

HONOR SYSTEM

I assume that your personal integrity is sufficient that in academic matters you will own your own work without unauthorized help from any other source. Academic integrity is essential to a positive teaching and learning environment. All students enrolled in University courses are expected to complete coursework responsibilities with fairness and honesty. Failure to do so by seeking unfair advantage over others or misrepresenting someone else's work as your own can result in disciplinary action.

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY

You are expected to do your own academic work and cite sources as necessary. Failing to do so is scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty means plagiarizing; cheating on assignments or examinations; engaging in unauthorized collaboration on academic work; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission; submitting false or incomplete records of academic achievement; acting alone or in cooperation with another to falsify records or to obtain dishonestly grades, honors, awards, or professional endorsement; altering, forging, or misusing a University academic record; or fabricating or falsifying data, research procedures, or data analysis. (Student Conduct Code: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Student_Conduct_Code.html ) If it is determined that a student has cheated, he or she may be given an "F" or an "N" for the course, and may face additional sanctions from the University. For additional information, please see: http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/INSTRUCTORRESP.html .

The Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity has compiled a useful list of Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to scholastic dishonesty:

http://www1.umn.edu/oscai/integrity/student/index.html. If you have additional questions, please clarify with your instructor for the course. Your instructor can respond to your specific questions regarding what would constitute scholastic dishonesty in the context of a particular class-e.g., whether collaboration on assignments is permitted, requirements and methods for citing sources, if electronic aids are permitted or prohibited during an exam.

I reserve the right to treat each case of scholastic dishonesty individually, but typical actions that could be carried include any or all of the below if plagiarism or cheating is detected:

• Receive an F on the assignment • Receive an F for the course In addition, if a student has offended more than a single occasion, University administration

may take additional action, including: • the loss of athletic or other privileges • expulsion from school Cheating is an unpleasant subject for which I have zero tolerance. My policy is simple, if I

catch you cheating, you fail the course. All quizzes and exams are intended to be taken with all possible help from the textbook and

other materials. I will drop a number of the lowest quiz scores. They will be designed to assist the student in preparing for the examinations. Their combined weight will be 100 points.

STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

The University seeks an environment that promotes academic achievement and integrity, that is protective of free inquiry, and that serves the educational mission of the University. Similarly, the University seeks a community that is free from violence, threats, and intimidation; that is respectful of the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University; and that does not threaten the physical or mental health or safety of members of the University community.

As a student at the University you are expected adhere to Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code. To review the Student Conduct Code, please see: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Student_Conduct_Code.html .

Note that the conduct code specifically addresses disruptive classroom conduct, which means "engaging in behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor's ability to teach or student learning. The classroom extends to any setting where a student is engaged in work toward academic credit or satisfaction of program-based requirements or related activities."

APPROPRIATE STUDENT USE OF CLASS NOTES AND COURSE MATERIALS

Taking notes is a means of recording information but more importantly of personally absorbing and integrating the educational experience. However, broadly disseminating class notes beyond the classroom community or accepting compensation for taking and distributing classroom notes undermines instructor interests in their intellectual work product while not substantially furthering instructor and student interests in effective learning. Such actions violate shared norms and standards of the academic community. For additional information, please see: http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/CLASSNOTESSTUDENTS.html .

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

"Sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of

unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment in any University activity or program. Such behavior is not acceptable in the University setting. For additional information, please consult Board of Regents Policy: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/humanresources/SexHarassment.html

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

The University will provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs and facilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more information, please consult Board of Regents Policy: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/administrative/Equity_Diversity_EO_AA.html .

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

The University is committed to providing quality education to all students regardless of ability. Determining appropriate disability accommodations is a collaborative process. You as a student must register with Disability Services and provide documentation of your disability. The course instructor must provide information regarding a course's content, methods, and essential components. The combination of this information will be used by Disability Services to determine appropriate accommodations for a particular student in a particular course. For more information, please reference Disability Services: http://ds.umn.edu/students/Enrolled/responsibilities.html .

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

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 and may reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. University of Minnesota services are available to assist you. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via the Student Mental Health Website: http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu .

ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

Academic freedom is a cornerstone of the University. With the scope and content of this course as defined by your instructor, it includes the freedom to discuss relevant matters in the classroom and online. Along with this freedom comes responsibility. Students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment about matters of opinion, but are responsible for learning the content of the course of study for which they are enrolled.

Reports of concerns about academic freedom are taken seriously, and there are individuals and offices available for help. Contact your instructor, Department Chair, your adviser, or the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs if you have academic freedom concerns.