Version 2.1.

FY2020

Business Center of Excellence

Business Management Department
https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/business/business/

BMGT: 2303 Problem Solving and Decision Making

Lecture | 28311
Fall 2020 | 12 Weeks (9.21.2020-12.13.2020)
Online
3 Credit Hours | 48 hours per semester

Instructor Contact Information

Instructor: Dr. Raven Davenport Office Phone: 713-718-6478

Office: Virtual Office Hours: by appointment only
HCC Email:[email protected] Office Location: virtual

Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this
course. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear the
concerns and just to discuss course topics.

Instructor’s Preferred Method of Contact

Always use your HCC Email to contact me. I preferred to be contacted via email. I will
respond to emails within 24 to 36 hours Monday through Friday; I will reply to weekend
messages on Monday mornings.

What’s Exciting About This Course

This course is designed for Business Administration students to enhance and utilize logical
and creative problem solving techniques. Students will enhance their critical thinking and
management skills. You will be expected to consolidate the wealth of information you have
learned in the management program and apply it to practical experiences you will encounter
in the real world. These experiential activities will require you to utilize managerial decision
tools which are used in real companies. BizCafe is a computer simulation that provides a
great way to learn about running a business. It is designed to help you learn about the
challenges and rewards of making good decisions in a small, service-based business. You will
learn about management, operations, marketing, and accounting by running your own coffee
shop for up to 12 simulated weeks. This course is being used as a substitute for course for
the co-operative education course which is designed to give you practical work experience. If
you are in this course, it is because you are not able to take the co-op course and need an
alternative course to graduate this semester. BizCafe is a business essentials simulation that
introduces students to running a business. It is designed to help your students learn about
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the challenges and rewards of making good decisions in a small, service-based business.
Students will learn about management, operations, marketing, and accounting by running
their own coffee shop.

My Personal Welcome

Welcome students:
This course mimics the current co-op course by not only teaching you
professional skills, but also providing you with the opportunity to learn the
fundamentals of business by running a simple start-up enterprise. Please
read everything and familiarize yourself with the Homepage and the
syllabus. Your ability to do well in this course depends upon your ability to
read and follow instructions. Your assignments will be in Interpretive
Simulations. The link and information is on the homepage. Interpretive
Simulations will send you your user id so that you access the simulation
course site and complete the registration process. Please make sure to read
the simulation case for a description of the coffee shop and the decisions
you will have to make. Make sure to take the Online Case Quiz to make sure
you have a good understanding of what is expected of you. You may be
working in teams of 2 and one person will be the team leader. Please do the
Cafe' name selection assignment to prepare you for your startup decision. All
this information is under the Getting Started Resources tab. The team leader
must finalize the startup decision in order to gain access to the rest of the
simulation. You will have approximately the next week to practice before the
Case Quiz is due and competitive play starts. Your grade will be a
combination of the decisions, the quizzes and exams and the simulation
results. The simulation results will depend upon how much revenue you
bring in, customer satisfaction and cumulative net income. It is very
important that you send all correspondence pertaining to this course
through Canvas. It keeps a record and it is easy for me to tell which course
you are in.

Prerequisites and/or Co-Requisites

This course is a substitute for the capstone course of your degree/certificate. You should be
in your final semester of your matriculation. If you have enrolled in this course having
satisfied these prerequisites, you have a higher chance of success than students who have
not done so. Please carefully read and consider the repeater policy in the HCCS Student
Handbook.

Eagle Online Canvas Learning Management System

This section will use Eagle Online Canvas (https://eagleonline.hccs.edu) to supplement in-
class assignments, exams, and activities. HCCS Open Lab locations may be used to access

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the Internet and Eagle Online Canvas. It is recommended that you USE FIREFOX OR
CHROME AS YOUR BROWSER.

HCC Online Information and Policies

Here is the link to information about HCC Online classes including the required Online
Orientation for all fully online classes: http://www.hccs.edu/online/

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Instructional Materials

Textbook Information

The textbook listed below is required for this course.

"Professionalism Skills for Workplace Success Loose Leaf"
(4th edition) by

Anderson (Pearson)

ISBN: 9780133868944

MyLab Access Code is included in a package that contains the text as well as an access code
and are found at the HCC Bookstore. You may either use a hard copy of the book or rent the
e-book. Order your book here: HCC Bookstore

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Other Instructional Resources

Biz Café Simulation

BizCafe Simulation ISBN: 978-1-885837-68-4

BUSINESS CASE
In a college-town, a local successful business professional wants to help college students
learn about business by operating their own company. In BizCafe you will be selected to
receive a $25,000 start-up loan at 10% interest to manage your own coffee shop for a year
as an independent study for credit.

Tutoring
HCC provides free, confidential, and convenient academic support, including writing critiques,
to HCC students in an online environment and on campus. Tutoring is provided by HCC
personnel in order to ensure that it is contextual and appropriate. Visit the HCC Tutoring
Services website for services provided.

Libraries
The HCC Library System consists of 9 libraries and 6 Electronic Resource Centers (ERCs) that
are inviting places to study and collaborate on projects. Librarians are available both at the
libraries and online to show you how to locate and use the resources you need. The libraries
maintain a large selection of electronic resources as well as collections of books, magazines,
newspapers, and audiovisual materials. The portal to all libraries’ resources and services is
the HCCS library web page at http://library.hccs.edu.

Supplementary Instruction
Supplemental Instruction is an academic enrichment and support program that uses peer-
assisted study sessions to improve student retention and success in historically difficult
courses. Peer Support is provided by students who have already succeeded in completion of
the specified course, and who earned a grade of A or B. Find details at
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/supplemental-instruction/.

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Course Overview

BMGT 2303 (Problem Solving and Decision Making) describes decision-making and
problem-solving processes in organizations utilizing logical and creative problem-
solving techniques. Application of theory is provided by experiential activities using
managerial decision tools

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

1. Identify essential management skills necessary for career success.

2. Describe the relationships of social responsibility, ethics, and law in business.
3. Construct a business plan.
4. Examine the role of strategic human resource planning in support of
organizational mission and objectives.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)

Upon completion of BMGT 2303, the student will be able to:

1. Identify individual, group, and organizational decision-making processes

2. Write, present, and defend project recommendations
3. Apply process to solving problems using managerial decision tools and critical-
thinking skills

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives for each CSLO:

1.1 Identify individual decision making processes
1.2 Identify group decision making processes
1.3 Identify organizational decision making processes
2.1 Identify managerial skills
2.2 Identify critical thinking skills
2.3 Apply problem solving processes using managerial decision tools and critical thinking
skills
3.1 Analyze decision making process
3.2 Analyze problem solving process
3.3 Write recommendations
3.4 Present recommendations
3.5 Defend recommendations

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Student Success
Expect to spend at least twice as many hours per week outside of class as you do in class
studying the course content. Additional time will be required for written assignments. The
assignments provided will help you use your study hours wisely. Successful completion of
this course requires a combination of the following:
• Reading the textbook
• Attending class in person and/or online
• Completing assignments
• Participating in class activities
There is no short cut for success in this course; it requires reading (and probably re-reading)
and studying the material using the course objectives as a guide.

Instructor and Student Responsibilities

As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:

• Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades
are to be derived
• Facilitate an effective learning environment through learner-centered instructional
techniques
• Provide a description of any special projects or assignments
• Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness, and making up
assignments
• Provide the course outline and class calendar that will include a description of any
special projects or assignments
• Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required

As a student, it is your responsibility to:

• Attend class in person and/or online
• Participate actively by reviewing course material, interacting with classmates, and
responding promptly in your communication with me
• Read and comprehend the textbook
• Complete the required assignments and exams
• Ask for help when there is a question or problem
• Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts, and all assignments
• Attain a raw score of at least 50% on the departmental final exam
• Be aware of and comply with academic honesty policies in the HCCS Student Handbook

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Assignments, Exams, and Activities

Written Assignment

Decision making requires us to consider the possible consequences of our options and we're
advised to consider how our actions might affect us and the world around us. Do our actions
always affect the world around us, other people for example? If not, when don't they? If so,
why? The final presentation is an opportunity for you to reflect on the Biz Cafe experience
and your decisions and outcomes. Your presentation will focus on the execution of the
decisions you made and the results. Please make sure to defend your project
recommendations.

Quizzes/Exams

Syllabus Quiz –10 question

Case Quiz –10 question quiz
Exam 1 Chapters 1-4
Exam 2 Chapters 5-8
Exam 3 Chapters 9-12
Exam 4 Chapters 13-16

Discussions

Each module contains a discussion topic you must respond to. Your posts in the discussion
area should exhibit careful thought and logical reasoning and provide evidence for your
position. Each post should be at least two well-developed paragraphs (approximately 200
words or more). Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The discussions must be
completed by the due dates specified in the course calendar. Replying to a fellow student’s
posts is required. You must respond to at least one other person's post. Your replies should
offer new substantiated ideas or thoughtful questions. Your response should be a minimum of
1 paragraph. A paragraph is a minimum of 5 sentences or approximately 100 words.
Version 1.2.61916I encourage friendly debates and disagreements, so do not be afraid to
speak your mind. Always be mindful that your opinion is one of many and I ask that you be
respectful and courteous of others. No Late Postings Will Be Accepted. If you post to a topic
late you will receive a zero for the post.

Grading Formula

Final Presentation -20%

Quizzes/Exams –20%
Discussions –10%
Simulation –50%

HCC Grading Scale:

A = 100- 90 4 points per semester hour

B = 89 - 80: 3 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70: 2 points per semester hour
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D = 69 - 60: 1 point per semester hour

59 and below = F 0 points per semester hour
FX (Failure due to non-attendance) 0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) 0 points per semester hour
W (Withdrawn) 0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete) 0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit) 0 points per semester hour

IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental

courses. The student must re-enroll to receive credit. COM
(Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses.
FINAL GRADE OF FX: Students who stop attending class and do not
withdraw themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline may either be
dropped by their professor for excessive absences or be assigned the
final grade of "FX" at the end of the semester. Students who stop
attending classes will receive a grade of "FX", compared to an earned
grade of "F" which is due to poor performance. Logging into a DE
course without active participation is seen as non-attending. Please
note that HCC will not disperse financial aid funding for students who
have never attended class.

Students who receive financial aid but fail to attend class will be
reported to the Department of Education and may have to pay back
their aid. A grade of "FX" is treated exactly the same as a grade of
"F" in terms of GPA, probation, suspension, and satisfactory academic
progress.

To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points
by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades "IP,"
"COM" and "I" do not affect GPA.

Incompletes: The grade of “I” (incomplete is conditional. A student

receiving an “I” must arrange with the instructor to complete the
course work within six months of the end of the incomplete term.
After the deadline, the “I” becomes an “F”. Upon completion of the
coursework, the grade will be entered as I/grade on the student
transcript. All “I” s must be changed to grades prior to graduation.

Incomplete Policy:

In order to receive a grade of Incomplete (“I”), a student must have completed at least 85%
of the work in the course. In all cases, the instructor reserves the right to decline a student’s
request to receive a grade of Incomplete.

HCC Grading Scale can be found on this site under Academic Information:
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/

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Course Calendar
Week Chapter Topic / Assignments Due
1 Attitude, Goal Setting and Life Management
1
Introduction to Simulation and Case Preparation
2 Personal Financial Management
2
Case Quiz
3 Time and Stress Management/Organizational Skills
3
Decision 1
4 Etiquette and Dress
4 Decision 2
Exam 1 Chapters 1-4
5 Ethics, Politics and Diversity
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Decision 3
6 Accountability and Workplace Relationships
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Decision 4
7 and 8 Quality Organizations and Service/ Human Resources + Policy
7 Decision 5
Exam 2 Chapters 5-8
9 and 10 Communication and Electronic Communication
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Decision 6
11 and 12 Motivation, Leadership, and Teams/Conflict and Negotiation
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Decision 7
13 and 14 Job Search Skills/Resume Package
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Decision 8
15 and 16 Interview Techniques/Career Changes
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Decision 9
Final Project Portfolio
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Exam 4 Chapters 13-16

Syllabus Modifications
The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus at any time during the semester and
will promptly notify students in writing, typically by e-mail, of any such changes.

Instructor’s Practices and Procedures

Missed Assignments
Students are expected to maintain a state of technical compliance, including (but
not limited to): up-to-date software as required by the instructor; a stable Internet
connection; and use of the Firefox browser when using Eagle Online.

The instructor is NOT required to give consideration for lost/missing/unacceptable

work stemming from technical non-compliance and/or end-user technical issues.
The concept behind DE is relevant material and standardized instructional delivery
to a group, in a consistent and fair manner, and at the lowest tuition price possible.

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To achieve these ends, deadlines must be adhered to strictly. This is a standard for
all DE institutions, HCC college policy, and that of every instructor; not just mine.

Tests and Assignments MUST be submitted through the window on the

assignments page. If it is locked out, you missed it! Deadlines and penalties are a
part of the business world. When your rent is late, landlords charge a $5 penalty
each day late. If you are late picking up children from daycare, the fine is $1/minute
late. IRS charges penalties AND interest on a daily basis. Both utility and credit card
companies have late fees, penalties, and ultimately higher interest rates for missed
deadlines. These are the ways of the world!! You must learn them now.

In rare circumstances, special arrangements could possibly be made in advance if

there is some rare reason you need preferential treatment, but do not count on it.

Academic Integrity

Scholastic Dishonesty will result in a referral to the Dean of Student Services. See the link
below for details.

Here’s the link to the HCC information about academic integrity (Scholastic Dishonesty and
Violation of Academic Scholastic Dishonesty and Grievance):
http://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/student-
procedures/

Attendance Procedures

It is important that you LOG INTO THIS COURSE IN EAGLE ON LINE for attendance
purposes before the census date and also register in the simulation by the first week of
school because we are obligated to report attendance to the registrar's office by DATE AND
TIME. If you have not logged in to Eagle OnLine by the above date and registered into Biz
Cafe by the above stated date, you will have been considered as never attending and the
registrar's office will drop you from this course. I will NOT reinstate you.
Although it is the responsibility of the student to withdraw officially from a course, the
professor also has the authority to block a student from accessing Eagle Online, and/or to
withdraw a student for excessive absences or failure to actively participate regularly. On Line
students who do not log into their Eagle Online class before the Official Day of Record will be
automatically dropped for non-attendance. Completing the On-Line orientation does not
count as attendance.
During the course, I reserve the right to withdraw you from the course due to
excessive non-participation in class assignments or activities Active participation is based
upon ATTEMPTING AND SUBMITTING Interpretive assignments for grading. Your instructor
will continuously monitor the number of SUBMITTED Interpretive assignments and your
grade average. Any grade average of 50 % or lower will alert your instructor to review your
course work and determine if the grade average is due to lack of submitted work or lack of
understanding the material. A student may be considered as non-participating and subject to
withdrawal if they have attempted and submitted less than 75% of your assignments. The
instructor will apply the above-mentioned guidelines for officially withdrawing a student
before or by the official day of withdrawal. These same guidelines will also apply after the
official day of withdrawal in assigning a final grade of FX.
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Student Conduct

As with on-campus classes, all students in HCC On Line Education courses are required to
follow all HCC Policies & Procedures, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook,
and relevant sections of the Texas Education Code when interacting and communicating in a
virtual classroom with faculty and fellow students. Students who violate these policies and
guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access to course-
related email, discussion groups, and chat rooms or being removed from the class.

Instructor’s Course-Specific Information (As Needed)

Student agreement and responsibilities-YOU MUST READ THIS SECTION-Please review the
following items to verify that you have the basic skills, equipment and much needed ambition
to properly complete this course.
1. You have read the syllabus and understand the grading system and course requirements.
2. You are responsible for managing & scheduling your time to study & complete assignments
by the designated due dates.
3. You are responsible for having the correct book as stated in the syllabi.
4. If your course uses a publisher homework system, such as Interpretive Simulations, you
will enroll immediately for access to assignments to meet due dates. You understand that
you are required to pay for the Publisher’s homework system (Interpretive Simulations) and
if you fail to pay you will be given an “Incomplete” until the system indicates you have paid.
5. You are not a person that waits until the last minute to complete your work.
a. Assignment due dates are NEVER extended.
b. NEVER ask for an extension.
c. Complete your work well before the due date –if an issue arises (computer or personal),
there is still time to resolve.
d. An emergency situations does not constitute a valid reason for extensions of due dates.
(All assignments are open from the first day of class-be prepared)
6. You are self-motivated and tenacious in your pursuit of the correct answer.
7. You have access to a computer, PC platform with Adobe, Microsoft Word and Excel.
a. You have a basic understanding of how to use Word and Excel.
b. Submitted documents must have a file extension of .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf
c. You know how to attach documents when submitting.
8. If your personal computer fails at any time, you have convenient access to another
computer.

HCC Policies
Here’s the link to the HCC Student Handbook http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-
students/student-handbook/ In it you will find information about the following:

• Academic Information
• Academic Support
• Attendance, Repeating Courses, and Withdrawal
• Career Planning and Job Search
• Childcare
• disAbility Support Services
• Electronic Devices
• Equal Educational Opportunity
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• Financial Aid TV (FATV)
• General Student Complaints
• Grade of FX
• Incomplete Grades
• International Student Services
• Health Awareness
• Libraries/Bookstore
• Police Services & Campus Safety
• Student Life at HCC
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Student Services
• Testing
• Transfer Planning
• Veteran Services

EGLS3
The EGLS (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System) will be available for
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most courses near the end of the term until finals start. This brief survey will give invaluable
information to your faculty about their teaching. Results are anonymous and will be available
to faculty and division chairs after the end of the term. EGLS3 surveys are only available for
the Fall and Spring semesters. EGLS3 surveys are not offered during the Summer semester
due to logistical constraints.
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/egls3-evaluate-your-professors/

Campus Carry Link

Here’s the link to the HCC information about Campus Carry:
http://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry/

HCC Email Policy

When communicating via email, HCC requires students to communicate only through the HCC
email system to protect your privacy. If you have not activated your HCC student email
account, you can go to HCC Eagle ID and activate it now. You may also use Canvas Inbox to
communicate.

Housing and Food Assistance for Students

Any student who faces challenges securing their foods or housing and believes this may
affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students at their
college for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing
so.

This will enable HCC to provide any resources that HCC may possess.

Office of Institutional Equity

Use the link below to access the HCC Office of Institutional Equity, Inclusion, and
Engagement (http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/)

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disAbility Services
HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or
experience academic barriers based on your disability (including long and short term
conditions, mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a
campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable
accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive
process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services. It is the policy and practice of
HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and
state law. For more information, please go to http://www.hccs.edu/support-
services/disability-services/

Title IX
Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from
inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual
assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Sex discrimination includes all forms of
sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and
personal dignity. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and
parental status in educational programs and activities. If you require an accommodation due
to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor. The Director of EEO/Compliance
is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. All inquiries
concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as
Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to:

David Cross
Director EEO/Compliance
Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity
3100 Main
(713) 718-8271
Houston, TX 77266-7517 or [email protected]
http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/title-ix-know-your-rights/

Office of the Dean of Students

Contact the office of the Dean of Students to seek assistance in determining the correct
complaint procedure to follow or to identify the appropriate academic dean or supervisor for
informal resolution of complaints.

https://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/student-
complaints/speak-with-the-dean-of-students/

Department Chair Contact Information

Department Chair’s name, email address, and office phone number.

Dr. Raven Davenport

713-718-6478

[email protected]

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