Port and Maritime Security Working Group

S.U.N.Y. Maritime College
Global Business & Transportation
GBUS 100-01: Introduction to Business & Economics

Course Description: This course examines the basic concepts, interrelationships and vocabulary of business. It also focuses on developing an understanding and appreciation of the function and role of the business enterprise in society. The course is designed to help the student understand the topics and theories he or she will study in greater detail in more advanced business courses. Students will do case analysis, which is intended to explore the relevance of business and demonstrate the above concepts and economic drivers.

Textbook:

Ebert, Ronald J. and Griffin, Ricky W., Business Essentials, 5th Edition, Pearson-Prentice Hall, 2005.

Other Material:

There are readings in materials on reserve at the library and specified in the syllabus.

If material other than that mentioned in this syllabus is specifically required for a project or discussion students will be given advance notice of at least a week. Otherwise the reference is simply meant to enrich the student’s education and it is voluntary as to whether students access it or not. There will often be student handouts of material that is fair game for exam coverage. I recommend that you prepare a folder or binder of class material.

Grading:

Item Proportions:                                                   Grading Scale:

Four Segment Tests                  30% (7.5% each)               90-100         A
Two Case Studies            17.5%                             80-89           B
Participation***               12.5%                             70-79           C
Midterm Exam                 20%                                60-69           D
Final Exam                     20%                                          Below 59      F

“Plus” and “Minus” distinctions will be made.
Grading (continued):

***Participation scores come from your responsiveness in class to questions when asked and your initiation of questions and useful dialog that helps shed light on class topics. As an example, most Fridays there will be an opportunity for some students to gain participation points responding correctly when asked to define a key vocabulary term found in the reading assignment for the week. Another participation grade opportunity will come from a field trip planned in Week 4 (see the schedule below.)

I do not grade on the curve. I try to ensure that your grade accurately reflects your performance in completing assignments and helping to create a stimulating learning environment in class.

Policies:

Class attendance is required and civility is expected in order to attain an “A” score. If you are absent from three classes consecutively or for a total of four classes without my authorization I will drop you from the class and assign an “F.” Ditto if you consistently disrupt the learning environment.

No late assignments will be accepted without preauthorization and no make-up exams will be given. An exception to this rule will be made only in rare hardship or cases at my discretion. I emphasize rare.

Each student, whether by use of a personal computer or by use of computers provided in facilities on campus, must be prepared to communicate responsively with the instructor by email and to carry out assignments requiring the use of a computer including Internet access. Remember Murphy’s Law: anything that can go wrong will, i.e. always back up your electronic submissions and files.

Lectures are not meant to regurgitate material assigned in the textbook or readings but rather to examine the topics covered by bringing in additional material and analysis. Do not expect to rely only on class notes as a substitute for buying the textbook. The best grades will come from taking a holistic approach! My exams are fair but comprehensive.

Plagiarism, including copying material from the Internet without attributing its source and passing it on as your own work, is unacceptable.

Speak up, ask questions; do not let the opportunity to learn go by. The only dumb question is the one that you needed to ask but didn’t. You can see me during office hours on Thursday, 0900-1100 hours, and otherwise by appointment; during the week I live on campus so I am available and will make every effort to be as accessible as possible.

Schedule:

Week 1: Wednesday, August 29th and Friday, September 2nd

Topic: Doing Business in the U.S.A.

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 1, pp. 2-33 by class time on Friday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on page 29 by class time on Friday

Week 2: Wednesday, September 7 and Friday, September 9th

Topic: Ethics and Accountability

Wednesday: Review of Library Resources. You will be given a check-off list during the class session. Do Not Lose It! Each time you successfully use one of the library resources that are mentioned on the check-off list, get that item signed by a reference librarian or other library official. A fully signed check-off list will boost your participation score. A check-off list that is missing a lot of signatures will not help your participation score.

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 2, pp. 34-67 by class time on Friday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on page 64 by class time on Friday

First Case Study: The Case of Martha Stewart. Deadline: Due in hardcopy form in class on Wednesday, September 14th or as a Word attachment to an email sent to the professor no later than 1000 hrs Wednesday, September 14th. No late assignments will be accepted.

Read “The Rules of Tipping” segment in Chapter 2, pp. 34-36, continued on pp. 62-63.
Consult at least four more sources on the subject of ImClone and the indictment/conviction of Martha Stewart on insider trading. You are responsible for developing these sources independently and citing them in acceptable style e.g., Modern Language Association (MLA), or the American Psychological Association (APA)
Apply the following case study format and write an evaluation of the Case of Martha Stewart that answers each of the four questions posed in the “Questions for Discussion” on p. 63 of the textbook.

Case Study Format

Please use the following format to perform all of your case study analyses. In this first case, make sure that as you follow the format, you also answer the questions for discussion on p. 63 of the textbook. Highlight that part of your narrative that you intend as answers to the questions. Minimum words: 900 (use your word processor’s word count tool). There is no maximum but if no additional value is created by lots of pages your grade will not be improved.

Grading: Content is worth 80% of your case study grade; grammar, spelling, elegance of language, style and all technical issues are worth 20%.

The Problem

Describe the central issue. Use your own words to concisely state the central issue and significance of the case.

The History

Describe chronologically and in brief substance the major environmental and
contributing factors to the problem. Who, what, why, why, and how?

Alternatives

Suggest alternative solutions for the problem other than the one that occurred. What were the other possible actions that were not taken which had potential of changing the outcome described in the case? Were any of these alternatives considered but not acted upon?

Specific Concepts

Tie the case into theoretical concepts currently under review in the course
reading or discussion. What answers, if any, does the case provide for
theoretical issues?

Solution

What were the outcomes of the case? What can be learned from it? Is the case
one that provides generally applicable lessons, or is it unique?

Week 3: Wednesday, September 14th and Friday, September 16th

Topic: Entrepreneurs

Due by 1000 hrs Wednesday: Your first case study project, either in hardcopy form or as a Word attachment to an email addressed to the professor

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 3, pp. 68-99 by class time on Friday morning.

Know the Key Terms listed on page 95 by class time on Friday. They will be incorporated into your first segment test.

Segment Test 1 of 4: Friday; this is an in-class test. There will be no opportunity of making it up, unless for a rare compelling reason (e.g., you were pounded by a meteor shower on your way to class and against your will, two 400 lb emergency responders took you by ambulance to a hospital instead of letting you make it to class), entirely at the professor’s discretion.

The professor will be traveling Wednesday after class through late Friday the 16th and the exam will be proctored.

Week 4: Wednesday, September 21 and Friday, September 23

Topic: The Local and Global Contexts of Business

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 4, pp. 100-131 by class time on Friday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on page 127 by class time on Friday.

Field Trip: On Wednesday September 21 the class will accompany the professor to the U.S. Maritime Security Expo at the Jacob Javits Center. Browse the Expo’s website at: http://www.maritimesecurityexpo.com. This week’s topic is the local and global contexts of business and security issues today are an important part of each. You can improve your participation score by submitting to the professor an essay about the Expo and how what you saw and learned there related to the material that you read in Chapter 4 of the textbook. In order to get a good grade you must clearly relate your experience at the Expo to the content in Chapter 4. Although this exercise is optional, you cannot get an “A” in the participation segment of your class grade unless you complete this exercise. The essay should be no less than 600 words and must be submitted to the professor either in hardcopy or as a Word attachment to an email no later than 1000 hrs on Wednesday, September 28th. Grading: Content is worth 80% of your essay grade; grammar, spelling, elegance of language, style and all technical issues are worth 20%.

Week 5: Wednesday, September 28 and Friday, September 30

Topic: What is “Management?”

Due by 1000 hrs Wednesday: Your optional field trip essay, either in hardcopy form or as a Word attachment to an email addressed to the professor.

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 5, pp. 100-131 by class time on Friday morning

Required Additional Reading: Keegan, Dan (1997). Informal vs. Formal Traffic Laws. Drivers.com. Retrieved August 13, 2005 from: http://www.drivers.com/article/149 . Finish it by class time on Friday morning.

Know the Key Terms listed on page 159 by class time on Friday.

Week 6: Wednesday, October 5 and Friday, October 7

Topic: The Second Function of Management: “Organizing”

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 6, pp. 164-191 by class time on Friday morning

Second Case Study: The Case of Sara Lee. Deadline: Due in hardcopy form in class on Wednesday, October 12th or as a Word attachment to an email sent to the professor no later than 1000 hrs Wednesday, October 12th. No late assignments will be accepted.

Read the “Cooking up a New Structure” segment in Chapter 6, pp. 164-166, continued on pp. 187.
Read the case study made available to you by the professor: “Sara Lee Corporation: Brenda C. Barnes’ Restructuring Strategies.”
Consult at least three more sources on the subject of the reorganization of Sara Lee’s business units. You are responsible for developing these sources independently and citing them in acceptable style e.g., Modern Language Association (MLA), or the American Psychological Association (APA)
Apply the case study format on p. 3 of this syllabus and write an evaluation of the Case of Sara Lee that answers each of the five questions posed in the “Questions for Discussion” on p. 187 of the textbook.

Know the Key Terms listed on pp. 188-189 by class time on Friday. They will be incorporated into your second segment test.

Segment Test 2 of 4: Friday; this is an in-class test. There will be no opportunity of making it up.

Week 7: Wednesday, October 12 and Friday, October 14

Topic: The Third Function of Management: “Controlling”

Due by 1000 hrs Wednesday: Your second case study, either in hardcopy form or as a Word attachment on an email addressed to the professor.

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 7, pp. 192-225 by class time on Friday morning

Assigned Viewing, Library Reserve: “W. Edwards Deming: Prophet Unheard”, a BBC production put out by Films for the Humanities & Sciences. Exam questions will be based on this video. Be sure that you have viewed it by class time on Friday morning.

Know the Key Terms listed on page 221 by class time on Friday.

Review for Midterm Exam on Friday – The Midterm Exam will be comprehensive of all material covered in the course through Week 7 of the syllabus, including textbook chapters 1-7.

Week 8: Wednesday, October 19 and Friday, October 21

Midterm Exam: Wednesday. This is an in-class exam and there will be no opportunity for a makeup exam.

Topic: The Human Resources Channel

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 8, pp. 226-257 by class time on Friday morning

Third of Four Segment Tests: This is not an in-class exam; instead it is a practical exercise demonstrating the importance of human resources. You will be given a schedule of appointments to keep with the Placement Center during which you will learn how to write a resume, conduct yourself in an interview, and learn other job-search skills. Your grade depends on how well you complete the scheduled exercises. All materials must be signed off by the Placement Center and submitted to the professor by class time on Friday, October 28.

Know the Key Terms listed on page 254 by class time on Friday.

Week 9: Wednesday, October 26 and October 28

Topic: Motivating Employees (The Essence of Business Leadership)

Due: Segment Test 3 materials, each exercise signed off by the Placement Center, by class time on Friday, November 4th.

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 9, pp. 258-287 by class time on Friday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on pp. 283-84 by class time on Friday.

Week 10: Wednesday, November 2 and Friday, November 4

Topic: The Marketing Channel

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 10, pp. 288-321 by class time on Friday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on page 317 by class time on Friday.

Week 11: Wednesday, November 9 Short Week – Veterans’ Day 11/11

Topic: The Marketing Functions of Pricing, Placement, and Promotion

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 11, pp. 322-355 by class time on Wednesday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on page 351 by class time on Wednesday

Week 12: Wednesday, November 16 and Friday, November 18

Topic: The Communications Channel

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 12, pp. 356-383 by class time on Friday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on pp. 379-380 by class time on Friday

Week 13: Wednesday, November 23 Short Week – Thanksgiving Vacation

Topic: Accounting (A “Control Function”)

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 13, pp. 384-417 by class time on Wednesday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on page 412 by class time on Wednesday

Week 14: Wednesday, November 30 – Friday, December 2

Topic: Money, Banking, and the Finance Channel

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 14, pp. 418-447 by class time on Wednesday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on page 443 by class time on Friday. They will be incorporated into your last segment test.

Segment Test 4 of 4: Friday - This is an in-class test. There will be no opportunity of making it up.

Week 15: Wednesday, December 7 – Friday, December 9 (last day of class)

Topic: Securities & Investments

Textbook Reading Assignment: Finish Chapter 15, pp. 448-479 by class time on Wednesday morning

Know the Key Terms listed on page 475 by class time on Friday

Course Description: This semester, “Lectures in Contemporary Security Issues” is a one-time offering, which will count for ITT students as a GBAT elective. Beginning Fall 2006, the department intends to transform into the capstone course of a minor in intermodal and maritime security jointly offered with the Department of Marine Transportation. In addition to lectures by the professor, from time to time prominent experts in maritime and intermodal security, from both public and private sectors, will address the students on topical issues of the day in their field of security. Students will be required to do a research paper that integrates the information from the different speakers as well as research performed by the student.

Posner, Gerald (2003) Why America Slept: The failure to prevent 9/11, New York: Random House.

There will be readings in materials placed on reserve at the library as announced by the professor.

There will often be student handouts of material that is fair game for exam coverage. I recommend that you prepare a folder or binder of class material.

Item Proportions:                                                   Grading Scale:

Research Paper               40%                                90-100         A
Midterm Exam                 20%                                80-89           B
Participation***               10%                                70-79           C
Final Exam                      20%                                60-69           D
                                                                             Below 59      F

“Plus” and “Minus” distinctions will be made.
Grading (continued):

***Participation scores come from your responsiveness in class to questions when asked, your initiation of questions and contribution of useful dialog that helps shed light on class topics. Another participation grade opportunity will come from extra credit assignments that the professor will announce during the course.

I do not grade on the curve. I try to ensure that your grade accurately reflects your performance in completing assignments and helping to create a stimulating learning environment in class.

The textbook explains how in 1990, the blind Islamic cleric, Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, emigrated into the United States, despite the fact that he was on a terrorist watch list because of his complicity in the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar El-Sadat.Rahman went on to seize control of a mosque in Brooklyn and use it as the springboard for a plot that resulted in the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Your research assignment is to answer the question of whether in 2006, a terrorist similar to Sheik Rahman could repeat what Rahman did in 200, i.e. slip unnoticed into the country, organize, and implement a major terrorist plot. You may think not, you may think, “yes,” it could be done again; whatever your opinion, it is your task to develop well the supporting evidence and persuasively set it out in your paper. It is important that you use good style, e.g. Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), or the Chicago Style Manual.

To get an “A” you must develop some primary (as opposed to secondary) research, e.g. try to interview NYPD, FBI, or other law enforcement officials, or NYC/Port of NY-NJ officials who can shed light on the issues involved in your research.

Your paper should integrate some of the main concepts found in the text, in class discussions, and the remarks of speakers brought to the class. For example, what about the lack of good co-operation, for whatever reason, between various American intelligence and law enforcement agencies? Is it still a problem?

An updated schedule will be sent to all students registered for the course as soon as some arrangements are finalized.

On Thursday, February 2 GBAT is hosting a Conference on Cutting Edge Issues in Shipping, 9 A.M. to 4 PM in the same lecture hall used for this class. Many of the presentations will be on security. You are strongly urged to register for the conference and participate in discussion sessions. Participation credit will be earned by those students who register for the conference and take part.

On February 27 Uri Mendelberg, head of International Security & Defense Systems, Ltd. (http://www.isds-usa.com), will address the class. The class will be hosted by Brigadier General Bob Wolfe, USMC (ret). Dr. Howard will be traveling, attending an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) security conference in Hanoi, Vietnam.

On March 20, Bethann Rooney, the Manger, Port Security for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will speak on on how the Port of NY/NJ coped with the events of 9/11 and the “Lessons Learned” from that experience that have resulted in concrete policy and operational steps.