College of Business and Communication

School of Business
OL 680: Global Moral Responsibility
Fall 2019 Online – Section D2

Brenau University Mission Statement

Brenau University challenges students to live extraordinary lives of personal and professional fulfilment.
As students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees or non-degree programs at Brenau campuses
and online, each prepares for a lifetime of intellectual accomplishment and appreciation of artistic
expression through a curriculum enriched by the liberal arts, scientific inquiry and global awareness.

Section 1: Contact Information

Instructor: Dr. James F. Sennett

Telephone: 678-827-7305
Email: jsennett@brenau.edu
Office Location: South Atlanta Campus
Virtual Office Hours: I do not keep regular office hours during the summer. Contact me
through email or Canvas inbox to make an appointment.

Section 2: Common Course Elements

Textbook(s)/ISBN: There is no textbook for this class. All readings will be provided via link
or PDF in the relevant Canvas modules.

Canvas Link https://my.brenau.edu

Section 3: Important Dates for Fall 2019 Session D2

First Day of Class October 21
Drop/Add Deadline (without penalty) October 25
Last Day to Withdraw with a Grade of “W” November 13
Last Day of Class December 6

Course Description: This course will build a foundation of ethical theory and moral reasoning, then
utilize it to build a strategy for identifying, analyzing, and evaluating moral issues in business and other
organizational environments. This strategy will then be applied specifically to contemporary professional
ethics issues generated by the recent phenomena of globalization and fully integrated international
commerce.

This is an online course that does not require face-to face meetings. All activities for this course will take
place in the designated Canvas site described below. Session: October 22 – December 7.

Week 1: Monday, October 21 through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, October 27

Week 2: Monday, October 28 through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, November 3
Week 3: Monday, November 4 through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, November 10
Week 4: Monday, November 11 through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, November 17
Week 5: Monday, November 18 through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, November 24
Week 6: Monday, November 25 through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, December 1
Week 7: Monday, December 2 through 11:59 pm EST Friday, December 6
 BA 680 D2 1909 Syllabus, page 2

Important Information Regarding Online Courses

This is a fully online course. You are expected to log in to Canvas at the start of the class. Students are
able to access their online courses through Single Sign On at https://my.brenau.edu. Once logged in
please click on the Canvas icon.

Canvas is Brenau’s learning management system, which creates the online learning environment for this
class. It is where students will be able to access their online courses and complete the required activities
and assignments.

A computer with Internet access is required for all online students while enrolled in an online course or
program. Additional hardware such as webcam and microphone may also be needed. For more
information on recommended computers, refer to the information provided by the University’s IT
department at the website below. This website also provides details on recommended browsers and
software programs: http://archive.brenau.edu/requirement/.

NOTE WELL: Assignments should NOT be submitted to Canvas using a smartphone or tablet. It is
Brenau's policy that all assignments be completed using a PC, Apple desktop, or laptop with an approved
browser, NOT a tablet or a smartphone.
• If you try to submit assignments through one of these devices and it does not submit properly, it
will be considered unsubmitted and will be subject to the Late Work policy.
• Approved browsers are Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
• You should NOT use Microsoft Explorer or Microsoft Edge. They do not interface well with
Canvas and will cause glitches and faulty downloads.
• For technical support, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@brenau.edu or submit a Help Desk
ticket at https://intranet.brenau.edu.

Program Outcome Evaluation Instruments Used

Evaluate how ethical issues are impacted by Essay Exam, Case Analyses, Video Presentation
organizational leaders and how leaders shape the global
arena.

Course Learning Outcomes Evaluation Instruments Used

After completing the course, students will have Students should be able to demonstrate mastery
developed the knowledge, skills, and abilities to: of these Learning Outcomes via the following:

1. Identify, articulate, and explain the major theories of Discussions; Reading Assignments,
modern ethical theory. Final Essay Exam

2. Identify, articulate, explain, and apply the canons of Discussions; Reading Assignments,
moral reasoning. Final Essay Exam

3. Identify, analyze, and evaluate moral issues in Discussions; Case Analyses, Video Presentation
organizational contexts.

4. Apply these skills to organizational ethics generated Case Analyses; Video Presentation, Video
by globalization and international commerce. Critique, Final Essay Exam
 BA 680 D2 1909 Syllabus, page 3

University Policies
The University Policies stated below can also be found in each Canvas course under the Resources link in
any course menu as well as in the current University Catalog (catalog.brenau.edu ):

University Class Attendance and Participation Policy

All grades and evaluations earned by the student and issued by the faculty are based upon the quality of
the student's overall academic performance both in and out of class. Students are expected to attend and
participate in class regularly, and to assume responsibility for meeting all requirements as specified in the
course syllabus. Because of the differences in schedules and contact hours, there are different attendance
policies for the Women’s College and the evening, weekend, and online sessions. (See current catalog for
specific requirements.)

Academic Honesty
Brenau University is an academic community actively engaged in scholarly pursuits. As members of this
community, students are expected to recognize and honor standards of academic and intellectual integrity.
Brenau supports the ideals of scholarship and fairness by rejecting all dishonest work when it is submitted
for academic credit. Brenau University encourages students to be responsible and accountable for their
decisions and actions. It is Brenau’s hope that its students will uphold the honor of the university by
refraining from every form of dishonesty in the community. Any attempt by students to present the work
of others as their own or to pass an examination by improper means is regarded as a most serious offense
and renders those students who do so liable to disciplinary action. Assisting another student in any such
dishonesty, or knowing of this dishonesty and not reporting it, is also considered a grave breach of
honesty. (See current Catalog for further information, as well as appeal process.)

The Brenau Honor Code

I promise to uphold the Brenau University Honor Code by refraining from every form of dishonesty and
cheating in university life, and will strive to create a spirit of honesty and honor. Failure to do so is
considered a breach of trust toward the faculty and student body. I accept this commitment as a personal
responsibility to refrain from and to report all forms of dishonesty and cheating.
VeriCite
Brenau University is committed to promoting intellectual growth while stimulating and encouraging
standards of academic and intellectual integrity. Instructors support the Academic Honesty Policy stated
in the Brenau catalog and enforce the Brenau Honor Code. While the university believes each student will
maintain academic integrity at all times, the faculty reserve the right to utilize electronic means to help
prevent plagiarism. Students agree that by taking this course, all assignments are subject to submission for
textual similarity review to VeriCite. Assignments submitted to VeriCite will be included as source
documents in the VeriCite restricted access database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism within
documents. Additional information about VeriCite can be found at https://vericite.com/.
Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Brenau University is committed to complying with all applicable requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and
state laws. Brenau does not discriminate in violation of these laws in its programs and services to all
admitted students.
The Learning Center assists qualified students with disabilities in obtaining a variety of services, directed
by the University’s Disabilities Service Provider (DSP). The University’s Compliance Officer coordinates
the University’s efforts in complying with federal, state, and local laws such as Section 504 and ADA,
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Eligibility for services is determined by the DSP, and individuals must self-identify and provide proper
documentation as outlined by the DSP. After eligibility is approved, students must meet with an assigned
coordinator to develop an individualized service plan that identifies appropriate accommodations and
services.
 BA 680 D2 1909 Syllabus, page 4

The compliance/grievance procedures can be found in our catalog at this link:

http://catalog.brenau.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=635#grievance

The complaint/grievance contacts are:

The University Compliance Officer: The Disabilities Services Provider (DSP):

Dr. David Barnett, CFO
Executive Vice President
Brenau University
500 Washington Street, SE
Gainesville, GA 30501-3697
(770) 531-3116
Ms. Jennifer Wilson Loggins
Learning Center, Director
Brenau University
530 Washington Street
Gainesville, Georgia 30501-3697
(770) 534-6134

Communication
Please note that Email is the official means of communication for the University, and all students and
faculty are required to utilize the Brenau Email System. Please check your Brenau Email account daily
whiles classes are in session and use it for all University correspondence.

Grading System
Academic progress and graduation honors are both determined by grades submitted by the instructors at
the conclusion of each semester. Final grades represent the cumulative quantity and quality of a student's
course work for that semester.

The grading system is as follows:

Grade Interpre- Quality Grading Guidelines

tation Points
A Excellent 4 A grade of “A” signifies an exceptional, clear, and creative grasp of the
90-100 concepts of the course with demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to
specific problem situations. It also means that the student has actively
participated in class activities and has completed all material in a neat and
timely manner. The material indicates that the student spent extra time,
personal energy, and critical reflection in an effort to demonstrate
exceptional work.
B Good 3 A grade of “B” signifies a solid understanding of the major concepts of the
80-89 course and the ability to apply those concepts. It also means that the
student’s effort and class participation have exceeded the minimal basic
requirements for the course. All assignments were judged to be solid in
content and were completed in a timely manner.
C Average 2 A grade of “C” signifies a satisfactory understanding and application of the
70-79 concepts of the course as well as minimal participation in class activities. It
also indicates that the student completed the appropriate assignments that
satisfied the basic course requirements.
D Poor 1 A grade of “D” signifies a below average demonstration and application of
60-69 the concepts of the course and/or inadequate preparation in class activities. It
may also indicate that assignments were not completed in a satisfactory or
timely manner.
F Failure 0 A grade of “F” signifies that the student has not demonstrated adequate
0-59 understanding or application of the course material. It may also indicate that
the student has not met the attendance or assignment requirements. A grade
of “F” can also be awarded for dropping a class past the final drop date.

GRADE SCALE: A = 100%-90%; B = 89%-80%; C = 70%=79%; D = 60-69%; F = 0-59%.

 BA 680 D2 1909 Syllabus, page 5

SPECIFIC COURSE POLICIES

What this Class Is; What this Class Isn’t

1. It is very common for online students to complain that a course is “too much work for a seven
week class.”
a. However, this is not a seven week class. This is a three credit hour class.
b. Ordinarily the work done for such a class is done over a full semester.
c. This class is condensed, which means it is designed to cover all the work normally done in a
semester long class in seven weeks.
d. That means the material and the assignments come faster. It does not mean the material or
assignments are reduced.
2. That’s the deal. You get to finish a class in seven weeks if you are willing to put in the extra work
required.
3. The fact that this class lasts only seven weeks does not mean you get three credit hours for less
work than full semester students do.

Assignments
a. All assignment work must be submitted in the Canvas site on the date scheduled.
b. Students must read the instructions and guidelines for each assignment.
a. Failure to follow instructions or guidelines will result in a reduced grade.
b. Complete failure to follow instructions or guidelines will result in a zero (0) for the
assignment – regardless of how much work you did or the quality of that work.
c. Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling should be used and students should follow APA style
for in-text citations and the list of references. Serious problems in these areas will result in a
reduced grade.
Extra Credit (or lack thereof)
Extra credit assignments will not be given, so do not ask. They are counterproductive to good student
performance in a variety of ways.
1. E.g., the promise of extra credit zaps motivation for good performance on required assignments.
2. But more important, the only people who can afford the time to do extra credit are those who
don’t need it. If you are not satisfied with your grade, concentrate on doing your best on your
remaining assignments.
3. The time to be concerned with grades is NOW, at the beginning of the term.
a. Please do not come to me at the end of the term with sad stories about losing scholarships,
incurring parental, spousal, or employer wrath, or crippling graduation plans. I will
sympathize, but I will grade all students according to syllabus guidelines.
b. You have been warned.

Late Work Policy (or lack thereof)

Assignments WILL NOT be accepted for any credit once deadlines have passed.
1. In fact, they will not even be available on Canvas after their deadlines.
2. Unsubmitted assignments will receive a grade of zero.
3. Therefore, it is imperative that you note all deadlines and complete all work on time.
4. THIS POLICY IS FIRM. Exceptions will be made ONLY in the most unavoidable and prolonged
circumstances.

Special Note Regarding Due Dates

1. Unless otherwise noted, the deadline for any assignment is 3:00 the morning AFTER the
designated day. I.e., an assignment that says “Due Wednesday” is actually due by 3:00 a.m.
Thursday morning.
2. This gives you a little extra time if your evenings are filled with work, family obligations, or
other “life gets in the way” issues. Of course, you are free to finish your assignment any time
before the deadline.
 BA 680 D2 1909 Syllabus, page 6

Special Notes Regarding Student/Professor Relationships

1. As your professor it is my job to do whatever I can to help you do as well as you can in this class.
a. However, please understand: I will not babysit you. If you are having trouble with the class, I
will not come to you unbidden to see what I can do for you.
b. I will treat you as an adult. If you do not come to me for help, I will assume you do not want
my help and I will respect your privacy.
c. If you come to me, you will find me willing and eager to give you as much help as I can.
d. Don't wait for me to come to you. That will be a long wait. You are the one who needs help.
You are the one who needs to take the initiative.
2. Unfortunately, some professors allow students to get away with shoddy, mediocre work.
a. (And believe me – if you didn't have to work hard at it, if you didn't have to discipline
yourself, stretch yourself, and challenge yourself – the work you did was shoddy and
mediocre. I don't care what grade you got.)
b. It is very unfortunate and very unfair to you that they let you get away with that. It's easier for
them and easier for you, but it benefits no one.
3. I will not let you get away with shoddy or mediocre work. My basic rule is this: I will not let you
get away with anything that your boss won’t let you get away with. And note: I am talking about
the boss in a high quality, career track, success driven job -- the kind you go to college in order to
get.
4. You can get mad at me. You can curse me. You can complain about me to friends, deans, and
online “rate the prof” sites. I understand the frustration. But what I care about is that, when you
pass my class, you are better educated and better prepared for success than you were when you
came in.
5. I will not cheat you, even if you want me to.

ASSIGNMENT CATEGORIES

Assigned Readings
a. Reading assignments for the entire course are given in the relevant class modules on Canvas.
b. There is no direct grade for reading assignments. However, the extent to which these have been
completed and comprehended will be reflected in all course assignments – especially the Reading
Homework. I.e., if you don’t do the reading, you will not do well on the assignments.
c. Note: Anything worth reading is worth reading well.
i. Do your assigned reading in a conducive environment—quiet, well lit, comfortable (but
not too relaxing), and free of distractions.
ii. If you find yourself getting sleepy while reading, then get better lighting, assume a less
relaxing position (don’t lie down or recline when you read), take very short eye breaks
every few minutes (look away from the book, focus on more distant objects—but don’t
close your eyes; you’ll never open them again!), or get more sleep. Reading is not the
problem. Determine what the problem is and solve it.
iii. Anything worth reading is worth reading twice. You will be utterly amazed at how much
more you pick up the second time you read informational material.

Video Lectures
a. Each week’s material contains one or more video lectures.
b. These lectures are required and you are responsible for the information provided.
c. Two support documents will be available for each lecture to aid you in your study:
• a PDF of the lecture slides and
• an mp3 of the audio portion of the video.
d. The information about good reading in paragraph c of the “Assigned Readings” section above
also applies to studying the video lectures. It is also a VERY good idea to take notes on video
lectures and use the provided supplements.
 BA 680 D2 1909 Syllabus, page 7

Discussion Questions (DQs) (20%)

a. Each week’s work will include one Discussion Question.
b. Depending on its size, your class may be divided into groups for these discussions, so you do not
have to try to keep up with too many posts. There will be different groups each week, giving you
a chance to interact with all of your classmates during the term.
c. DQs will typically address material from the previous week or a subject that stretches across the
last two or more weeks.
d. Each DQ has a minimum requirement of one substantive original post and three substantive reply
posts to the original posts of other group members.
• This minimum must be met to receive a grade of C or higher for any DQ assignment.
• NOTE: responses to replies to your original post do not count toward the minimum
requirement.
e. Reply posts must be substantive.
• A substantive post is one that contributes to the discussion by (i) demonstrating an
understanding of relevant course materials and (ii) articulating original thought grounded in
those course materials.
• “Good point!” or “I agree with you!” or other contentless replies alone do not count as
substantive responses.
f. NOTE: In week 1 there will be a Syllabus Quiz (all T/F, Matching, etc.) The grade for this quiz
will count as a DQ grade.
g. At the end of the term your lowest DQ grade will be dropped. The remaining DQ grades will
constitute your cumulative DQ grade. This grade will constitute 20% of your final grade.

Reading Homework (20%)

a. The first five weeks of class will include a Reading Homework assignment.
b. These assignments are short quiz assignments (objective questions) pertaining to the reading
assignments for the week. These assignments are “open book” and “open note.”
c. No source other than the assigned readings should be used in completing these assignments.
Outside sources may use different vocabulary or make different emphases, leading to a confusion
of material and missed answers.
d. At the end of the term your lowest homework grade will be dropped. The average of the
remaining homework grades will constitute 20% of your final grade.

Case Analyses (20%)

a. There will be three case analyses. They will be given during the second, third, and fifth weeks of
the class.
b. These assignments will include detailed and precise instructions concerning completion.
Failure to follow these instructions explicitly will result in significant grade reduction.
c. Your average case analysis grade will constitute 20% of your final grade. There will be no
dropped grades.

Global Ethics Video Project (25%)

a. Twenty-five percent of the grade from this class will come from a video research project that will
extend through the entire term.
b. This project has four main stages:
i. A preliminary report on research, due Week 4 (5%)
ii. A video presentation of research findings, due Week 6 (15%)
iii. Discussion on the video presentations, due Week 7 (2.5%)
iv. A critique of an assigned classmate’s video presentation, due Week 7 (2.5%)
 BA 680 D2 1909 Syllabus, page 8

c. Specific instructions regarding each of these stages will be given in the Canvas modules:
i. Preliminary report instructions, Week 3
ii. Video presentation instructions, Week 5
iii. Video discussion instructions, Week 7
iv. Video critique instructions, Week 7

Final Essay Exam (15%)

a. An essay exam will be assigned for the end of the term. This exam will provide students with the
opportunity to determine the extent to which they have comprehended class materials and
understood how properly to apply them in real life organizational leadership situations.
b. The exam questions and all instructions will be provided at the start of Week 5.
c. The essay exam is due at the end of Week 7.
d. Your grade on this exam will constitute 15% of your final grade.

Course Evaluation Instruments Weighting

Discussion Questions 20%
Reading Homework 20%
Case Analyses 20%
Final Essay Exam 15%

Video Project Preliminary Report 5%

Video Project Presentation 15%
Video Project Discussion 2%
Video Project Critique 3%

TOTAL 100%

Course Schedule appears on next page.

 BA 680 D2 1909 Syllabus, page 9

COURSE SCHEDULE

WEEK TOPICS READINGS ASSIGNMENTS

WEEK 1 Introduction See Week 1 Discussion 1
• Ethics, Morality, and Moral Canvas Module Syllabus Quiz
Responsibility Reading Homework 1
• Application to an Organizational Subject Selection
Leadership Context

WEEK 2 Moral Decision Making See Week 2 Discussion 2

• Structure of Moral Decision Canvas Module Reading Homework 2
Making Case Analysis A
• A Moral Decision Making
Method

WEEK 3 Organizational Ethics See Week 3 Discussion 3

• Ethical Organizational Culture Canvas Module Reading Homework 3
• Organizational Ethics Overview Case Analysis B

WEEK 4 Globalization and Organizational See Week 4 Discussion 4

Global Ethics Canvas Module Reading Homework 4
• Overview of Globalization Project Prelimary
• Overview of Global Report
Organizational Ethics

WEEK 5 Global Moral Decision Making See Week 5 Discussion 5

• Dilemmas and Deliberation in Canvas Module Reading Homework 5
Global Organizational Ethics Case Analysis C
• A Unified Strategy for Global
Moral Decision Making

WEEK 6 Issues in Global Organizational Ethics See Week 6 Discussion 6

• A Global Organizational Ethics Canvas Module Project Final Report
Perspective
• Application of Unified Strategy to
Selected Cases

WEEK 7 Putting It All Together See Week 7 Project Discussion

• Overview of Course Concepts Canvas Module Video Critique
and their Applications Student Videos Final Essay Exam
• Student Video Presentations