Independent University, Bangladesh Legal Ethical Issues in Business

(MBA # 515, Sec# 03) Spring 2012

Course Instructor: Dr. Shibly Noman KhanOffice: 4008Phone: 8401645-53, EXT 301 E-mail: ara@iub.edu.bd

Lecture Hours: Office Hours:Days TimeST 6.30-8.45

MW 6.30-8.45

Text Book:

Khan A R (2001) Business Ethics, Ruby Publications, Dhaka.

Course description: The spirit of business ethics cannot be taught in a text book- it is possible to learn only through repeated conscious practice. Business ethics is the study of conduct of the people involving in business from moral point of view. The world while restlessly chasing for rapid growth and prosperity without any reference to the need for mutual benefits, justice and care has become mindlessly mechanized opposed to altruistic outlook. The human society has, thus become livable with discomfort in an environment of confusion, conflict, suspicion and distrust. The resultant selfish performance of business caused expanding poverty level dividing the world into two conflicting camps- the haves and the have-nots, aggression on third world natural resources, social unrest, strained labor – management relations in addition to continuous ecological distortions and imbalances - all these can be corrected only by sincere and careful application of business ethics in all the transactions by the parties connected with business.

Days TimeST 4.30-6.30

MW 4.30-6.30

T 4.30-6.30

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Course Objective:This course aims to provide the students with the necessary tools to succeed in their future ventures as ethical entrepreneur, as well as potential ethical manager working for multi-national companies, by providing the following:

To familiarize with process of developing a strategy plan To identify problems and prospects of developing an enterprise, in particular

identifying third world perspectives An insight into operational features of Strategic Management in Bangladesh.

Topics (major and subtopics) to be covered:

TOPICS Specific Objective(s) per Topic Time Frame

Suggested Activities

Teaching Strategy(s)

The concepts and techniques of Business Ethics Meaning of Ethics

Morality in Business Definitions of Business Ethics, Value Orientation in Business

Week 1 Presentation, Discussion, Brainstorming, Movie show,Case analysis, Field work to carry out practical research and report writing, group presentation by the students, etc.

Student-oriented throughout the semester: Students are expected to participate enthusiastically in the classroom activities , Power point presentation

Theories and Tools of Business Ethics Major Ethical Theories

Relativism Basis of Different Ethical Systems, Ethical Standards for Business Ethical Models – A Different Expressions

Week 2

Social Responsibility of Business Definitions of Social Responsibility The Recent Views Legal Measures for Social ResponsibilityExpectation to and from Business & SocietyThe Community Expectations from and to the

Business

Week 3

Managerial EthicsChanging Values of Management Approaches to Managerial EthicsRights and Obligations of Management Factors of Managerial Unethical PracticesStatus of Managerial Ethics

Week 4Socialized Discussion by identifying small business in Dhaka or in other area.

Corporate EthicsStatus of Corporations : Collective Responsibility

Corporate Moral Decisions Opposing Views of Corporate Responsibility

Week 5

Mid Term Examination Week6Code of Ethics & Social Audit

Institutionalizing Ethical Conduct Measuring Social Performance Code of Ethics in Islam Week 7

Develop report writing skill

Ethical Expectations:

Employers & Employees The Organization of Work Wages & Benefits

Working Conditions Employee Rights Disciplining Gifts and Entertainment

Week 8Develop communication skill

Ethical Expectations: Buyers & Sellers Sellers Must Know Their Marketing Missions Buyer-

Seller Status Week 9Environmental Ethics

Ecology and the Four Laws Ecological Cycle Ethics and Ecology Types & Sources of Pollution

Attitudes of Business Towards Environment

Week 10

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International Business EthicsRationales of International Business

Misunderstandings about MNCs Intergovernmental Understandings, Impact of Operations of the MultinationalsDesired Operations to Ensure Mutuality

Week 11Newspaper and Other Publication Review

Research report finalization & modifications

Strategic leadership Ethics

Strategic leadership in the twenty-Firstcentury Week 12

Research report finalization & modifications

Presentation

-Develop report writing skill-Develop communication skill

Week 13 Presentation

14th week F I N A L E X A M I N A T I O N

Marks Distribution:Quiz 10%Individual Assignment 20%Individual Presentation 10%Mid Term 20%Final 30%Class Attendance and Participation 10%

Total 100%

Grading Policy:

Percentage Score Letter Grade Percentage Score Letter Grade 90 – 100 A 65 – 69 C+85 - 89 A- 60 – 64 C80 - 84 B+ 55 – 59 C-75 - 79 B 50 – 54 D+70 – 74 B- 45 – 49 D

44 or below F

Guidelines for Students:

Quizzes: All quizzes will be held on pre-announced days. There will be at least two quizzes, out of which best one will be taken as final Quiz mark. No make-up quizzes will be taken.

Individual Assignment & Class Presentation: You will be asked to prepare an individual report as an assignment. The topic of your assignment needs to be discussed and confirmed with your instructor well in advance so that you have ample time to prepare. The topics are to be finalized by 2nd week of the semester. Your assignment topic will be the subject of your class presentation. There should be evidence in the presentation that the student has thoroughly understood the subject matter. A superficial presentation is not acceptable.

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Attendance: It is absolutely necessary to be present in each class, each class will cover significant amount of the syllabus. Attendance records will be kept. Absence without a valid reason is not desirable. Absences (as well as tardiness) will negatively affect your grades. Absence in more than 3 classes will lead to ‘0’ points in the final attendance mark. Tardiness in three consecutive classes will be considered as one absence.

Plagiarism and Cheating during Examinations: Plagiarism of any degree will not be tolerated and there will be consequences as per IUB Rules and Policies.Any attempt at copying during examinations will lead to either substantial deductions in marks or cancellation of scripts depending on the level of offence.

Finally, No talking during the lecture and mobile phones must be switched off before entering the class. Please be attentive in the class, take notes if you wish. Thank you.

(Signature)----------------------------------------------

Name: Dr. Shibly Noman KhanDesignation: Assistant Professor