GSBA 539 Business Environment and Leadership Section # 15788

Spring 2017January 9, 2017 – April 28, 2017

9.5 units

Course Syllabus

INSTRUCTORS: Ayse Imrohoroglu (Macroeconomics)Email: aimrohor@marshall.usc.eduPhone: (213) 740-6518

Carl Voigt (Corporate Strategy)Email: cvoigt@marshall.usc.eduPhone: (213) 740-0764

Scott Joslin (Financial Markets)Email: sjoslin@marshall.usc.eduPhone: (213) 740-6515

Arif Ansari (Analytics)Email: aansari@marshall.usc.eduPhone: (213) 821-5521 or (213) 999-3554

OFFICE HOURS: By appointment

EMERGENCY NUMBERS: USC Emergency Info Line: 213-740-9233 USC Emergencies: 213-740-4321 USC Information Line: 213-740-2311 or KUSC Radio (91.5 FM)

PREREQUISITES: GSBA 505

REQUIRED READINGS:Students are required to purchase or rent the following:

Abel, A., & Bernanke, B. & Croushore, D. (2014). Macroeconomics, eighth edition, and MyEconLab Student Access Code Card, Pearson, 2014 (either looseleaf or eText). ISBN-13: 978-0133407921

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ISBN-10: 0133407926 Grant, R. (2013). Contemporary Strategy Analysis, eight edition. Wiley.

ISBN-13: 978-1119941880ISBN-10: 1119941881

Brealy, R., Myers, S. & Allen, F. (2010). Principles of Corporate Finance 10th edition. McGraw Hill.ISBN-13: 978-0077356385ISBN-10: 0077356381

Links will be made available within the course for the following readings: USC Course Reader: Macroeconomics USC Course Reader: Strategy

Course DesignThis thematic course combines several subject areas. All content is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of faculty members and includes both asynchronous and synchronous instruction. This course is designed in the flipped model with core content delivered asynchronously prior to synchronous session, in which students deepen and apply the subject matter presented. The order of the subject matter may be adapted and adjusted to advance connections within and across areas.

Course DescriptionGSBA 539 is an online course that comprises part of the OMBA Program. The core subject areas (macroeconomics, corporate strategy, financial markets, and analytics) are offered over a 15-week period as part of an overarching theme that explores managing the business environment and leadership. The percentage of time devoted to each of the core business subject areas in GSBA 539 is as follows:

Macroeconomics & International Business 35%Corporate Strategy 35%Financial markets 15%Analytics 15%

OMBA Program Learning Goals1. Our graduates will develop a strategic level of understanding of traditional and contemporary

management issues and the relationships between core business disciplines in order to analyze business situations and make holistic judgments about business innovations.

2. Our graduates will develop a global mindset through theoretical, practical, and experiential educational opportunities in order to incorporate economic and financial interdependencies that impact geopolitical relationships into business decisions.

3. Our graduates will demonstrate critical thinking skills through the use of quantitative and qualitative tools, theories and context in order to effectively solve problems, make decisions,

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and develop new business opportunities to strategically navigate the complex demands of current dynamic business environments.

4. Our graduates will develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to effectively guide team collaboration in order to derive optimal solutions to complex issues requiring multiple skills and diverse capabilities.

5. Our graduates will demonstrate ethical reasoning skills, understand social, civic, and professional responsibilities and aspire to add value to society.

6. Our graduates will be effective communicators, including communicating with the use of appropriate technology tools, to facilitate information flow in organizational, social, and intercultural contexts.

Course ObjectivesThe broad goal of this course is to introduce students to strategies they will need to lead and manage the overall business environment of a company. Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

Readily discriminate between good strategy and bad strategy; and be able to leverage the kernel of strategy to construct effective business and corporate strategies.

Insightfully identify and dissect the key competitive forces with industries; and anticipate and predict their impact on a firm’s strategic moves.

Identify, describe, and explain a firm’s corporate strategy; and evaluate the effectiveness of the firm’s corporate advantages to produce superior profits.

Identify, describe, and explain a firm’s global strategy; and evaluate the effectiveness of the firm’s global advantages to produce superior profits.

Understand risk and return in stock and bond markets. Use portfolio theory to construct portfolios to meet investment objectives. Analyze uses of financial and real options by both investors and firms. Evaluate the effects of government policy such as changes in tax rates, or money supply on

individuals, firms, and the economy. Analyze and critically evaluate the news about the macro economy in the financial press. Collaborate with others to judge news about the U.S. and world economy.

Grading PolicyThe grade for this course is based 35% on macroeconomics content, 35% on corporate strategy content, 15% on financial markets, and 15% on analytics content. Weighted averages will be computed to determine the final score and final grade; students must have a passing score in each area in order to pass the course. For more information on grading policies, go to: http://www.usc.edu/dept/ARR/grades/gradinghandbook/gradingpolicies.html.

GradesThe course grade is based on synchronous class participation, moderated discussion forums, homework, projects, quizzes and exams. Unless otherwise stated, all readings, discussion forums, homework assignments, and quizzes must be completed prior to synchronous class sessions.

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TOPIC AND ACTIVITIES % OF GRADE DUE DATESMacroeconomics (35% of total course grade)

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TOPIC AND ACTIVITIES % OF GRADE DUE DATESMarshallTALK Participation 10% weeklyExercises/Discussions 15% weeklyMidterm 25% M4Group Project 20% As assignedFinal 30% M8

Corporate Strategy (35% of total course grade)Course Participation/Commitment (including quizzes)

15% weekly

Assignments 20% As assignedGroup Project (Case Analysis w/ Macroeconomics)

25% As assigned

Final Exam 40% M15

Financial Markets (15% of total course grade)Participation 10% weeklyQuizzes (best 4 of 5) 20% As assignedHomework 20% As assignedFinal 50% M15

Analytics (15% of total course grade)Participation (MarshallTALK/Discussions)

25% weekly

Quizzes/Exams 30% As assignedHomework/Projects 45% As assigned

Synchronous Sessions (MarshallTALK)In order to earn full participation points, students must actively participate in all synchronous sessions via computer or laptop, with a webcam and headset/speakers. Students are expected to be visually present and to ask thought-provoking questions, offer relevant comments, and answer questions from faculty in a clear and concise manner.

As outlined in the student handbook, there are specific expectations of an online student. When attending MarshallTALK sessions, present and act appropriate as if you were in a physical classroom. Examples of inappropriate actions include, but are not limited to:

Inappropriate dress, such as revealing clothing, costumes, pajamas, bathrobes or swim attire Engaging in a simultaneous activity (e.g., using a telephone, reading a book, knitting) Interacting with persons who are not part of the class Leaving frequently or not being on camera for extended periods of time Having other persons or pets in view of the camera Actively engaging in child care Behaving in an overtly inattentive manner (looking distracted, not participating) Attending class in a non-quiet area where activities of other people or pets are potential

distractions

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Engaging in inappropriate tone and language with instructors or classmates during discussions, postings, instant messaging or email

Discussion ForumsIn order to earn full written discussion forum points, students must write thoughtful, robust posts as well as substantive responses to their peers.

GroupsIn addition to individual assignments, students will select their own groups of to work on team assignments. Unless otherwise specified, they will work within these course teams to complete all group or team assignments during this semester.

CommunicationStudents are expected to notify instructor(s) for prior approval if they are unable to attend a synchronous session or to complete a written discussion, assignment, or exam by the posted due date.

Asynchronous ActivitiesAll readings, videos, and assignments can be found in the Virtual Classroom. There are three ways to access materials in Canvas

1. Via the Home Page2. Via Modules 3. Via Assignments

Synchronous ActivitiesStudents are required to attend MarshallTALK sessions each week in order to earn full participation credit. Links to weekly MarshallTALK sessions will be found within each Module and on the left navigation bar for easy access. If you cannot attend a MarshallTALK session, notify faculty prior to class.

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MarshallTALK will be held every Monday starting at 5:30 pm Pacific Time and Wednesdays, starting at 5pm Pacific Time as follows:

COURSE INTRODUCTIONMonday, January 9 Intro 5:30pm - 7:30pm ALL FACULTY

MODULE 1 - MarshallTALKMonday, January 16 Session 1a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & JoslinWednesday, January 18 Session 1b 5pm-7pm Imrohoroglu

MODULE 2 - MarshallTALKMonday, January 23 Session 2a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & JoslinWednesday, January 25 Session 2b 5pm-7pm Imrohoroglu

MODULE 3 – MarshallTALKMonday, January 30 Session 3a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, February 1 Session 3b 5pm-7pm Imrohoroglu

MODULE 4 - MarshallTALKMonday, February 6 Session 4a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, February 8 Session 4b 5pm-7pm Imrohoroglu

MODULE 5 - MarshallTALKMonday, February 13 Session 5a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, February 15 Session 5b 5pm-7pm Imrohoroglu

MODULE 6 - MarshallTALKMonday, February 20 Session 6a 5:30 pm-7:30pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, February 22 Session 6b 5pm-7pm Imrohoroglu

MODULE 7 - MarshallTALKMonday, February 27 Session 7a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, March 1 Session 7b 5pm-7pm Imrohoroglu

MODULE 8 - MarshallTALKMonday, March 6 Session 8a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, March 8 Session 8b 5pm-7pm Ansari

MODULE 9 - MarshallTALKMonday, March 13 Session 9a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, March 15 Session 9b 5pm-7pm Ansari

MODULE 10 - MarshallTALKMonday, March 20 Session 10a 5:30 pm-7:30pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, March 22 Session 10b 5pm-7pm Ansari

MODULE 11 - MarshallTALK

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Monday, March 27 Session 11a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, March 29 Session 11b 5pm-7pm Ansari

MODULE 12 - MarshallTALKMonday, April 3 Session 12a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & JoslinWednesday, April 5 Session 12b 5pm-7pm Ansari

MODULE 13 - MarshallTALKMonday, April 10 Session 13a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, April 12 Session 13b 5pm-7pm Ansari

MODULE 14 - MarshallTALKMonday, April 17 Session 14a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, April 19 Session 14b 5pm-7pm Ansari

MODULE 15 - MarshallTALKMonday, April 24 Session 15a 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Voigt & Joslin Wednesday, Apr 26 Session 15b 5pm-7pm Ansari

Academic ConductPlagiarism – presenting someone else’s ideas as your own, either verbatim or recast in your own words – is a serious academic offense with serious consequences. Please familiarize yourself with the discussion of plagiarism in SCampus in Section 11, BehaviAuor Violating University Standards https://scampus.usc.edu/1100-behavior-violating-university-standards-and-appropriate-sanctions/. Other forms of academic dishonesty are equally unacceptable. See additional information in SCampus and university policies on scientific misconduct, http://policy.usc.edu/scientific-misconduct/.

Discrimination, sexual assault, and harassment are not tolerated by the university. You are encouraged to report any incidents to the Office of Equity and Diversity http://equity.usc.edu/ or to the Department of Public Safety http://capsnet.usc.edu/department/department-public-safety/online-forms/contact-us. This is important for the safety whole USC community. Another member of the university community – such as a friend, classmate, advisor, or faculty member – can help initiate the report, or can initiate the report on behalf of another person. The Center for Women and Men http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/cwm/ provides 24/7 confidential support, and the sexual assault resource center webpage sarc@usc.edu describes reporting options and other resources.

Support SystemsStudents whose primary language is not English should check with the American Language Institute http://dornsife.usc.edu/ali, which sponsors courses and workshops specifically for international graduate students. The Office of Disability Services and Programs http://sait.usc.edu/academicsupport/centerprograms/dsp/home_index.html provides certification for students with disabilities and helps arrange the relevant accommodations. If an officially declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible, USC Emergency Information http://emergency.usc.edu/ will provide safety and other updates, including ways in which instruction will be continued by means of blackboard, teleconferencing, and other technology.

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Technology Support

Canvas

Check out the "Help" link at the bottom, left-hand of each Canvas page. You may also call +1 (844) 408-6460. They are available 24/7.

Zoom Video Web Conferencing System (MarshallTALK)

For assistance using Zoom, go to https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us. You may also call +1 (888) 799-9666 ext. 2 or +1 (650) 397-6096 ext. 2. They are available 24/7.

YouSeeU

For assistance in using YouSeeU go to http://youseeu.info. Advanced support technicians are available 7:00am-midnight (Pacific) via email at Help@YouSeeU.com. General support is available 24/7 by phone at +1 (877) 667-7338.

USC Systems (USC Login, MyUSC, USC Gmail, GoogleApps)

For assistance with your USC login or other USC systems, please call +1 (213) 740-5555 or email Consult@usc.edu. They are open Mon – Fri 9:30am – 5pm and weekends from 8am - 5pm (all Pacific time).

Marshall Systems (MyMarshall, Marshall Outlook email, Office365, OneDrive)

For assistance with Marshall systems you can call +1 (213) 740-3000 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm (Pacific), email HelpDesk@marshall.usc,edu, or use our self-help service portal as shown below. The portal allows you to get immediate assistance by searching for the information you need. You can also use it to chat with a technician or input a request. To access the service portal follow these steps:

1. On a computer or mobile device, go to https://mymarshall.usc.edu and click the “Help” link on the upper right.

2. Log in using your Marshall username and password. (If you don’t know your Marshall login please follow the onscreen instructions pertaining to login issues)

Note: Please refer to the resources listed above if you need technical assistance. If any of the support options below do not sufficiently address an issue or if you have additional questions or feedback, please USC Marshall Online MBA program staff at OMBA@marshall.usc.edu.

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