Bill Jones Syllabus Hybrid W21 BA495-HB1 1-4-2021

BA495-HB1 BUSINESS STRATEGY – BILL JONES (FACULTY)
HYBRID/ONLINE CLASS: WINTER 2021
WINTER TERM 2021: BA495-HB1 (40302)

HYBRID: Business Strategy/Capstone Course
Instructor: Bill Jones
Online Class Schedule: Wednesdays 5:40-8:30PM
Classroom Location: all classes will be online entire winter Term
Entire Class Meet Every Week Using Online Zoom Link: Join URL: https://pdx.zoom.us/j/87921848358
1. Breakout Room: Theus Weiskopf (Farm Punk Salads): Gavin D’Avanther (Livelihood NW) contact to
be included in all client communication
2. Breakout Room: Austin Buell (Easy Company Consulting)
3. Breakout Room: Taylor Valdes (The Venderia LLC) Gavin D’Avanther (Livelihood NW) contact to be
included in all client communication
Phone: office 503-725-9992; mobile 503-869-6407
Email: wmj@pdx.edu
Weekly Office Hours: by appointment (email: wmj@pdx.edu) or the following
Weekly online Office Hours: Click on or copy/paste to browser:
• Click on or copy/paste to browser: https://pdx.zoom.us/j/83439340339
• Mondays (Noon-1PM): ZOOM Link beginning January 4, 2021:
• Thursdays (6:00-7:00PM): ZOOM Link beginning January 7, 2021:
Syllabus Table Of Content (click links to jump to sections)
COURSE DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 1

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROGRAM LEVEL LEARNING GOALS................................................. 2
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 4 UNST BUSINESS GOALS ................................................. 3
REQUIRED READING MATERIALS & WHERE TO GET THEM ................................................... 4
GRADING/ASSSIGNMENTS: .............................................................................................................. 5
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE ......................................................................................................... 6
COURSE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................... 17
LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY .......................................................................................................... 25
IMPORTANT RESOURCES: .............................................................................................................. 25
IMPORTANT NOTES.......................................................................................................................... 26
OIT HELP DESK .................................................................................................................................. 26
COURSE POLICIES ............................................................................................................................ 27
DIVERSITY POLICY .......................................................................................................................... 27
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This strategy and capstone course is designed as a culminating experience for all senior Business
students. Students working in multi-disciplinary teams will apply the core competencies they have
developed from their academic course work to a “real world” project from a “real world” client
(external partner). Through the application of a consultant/client model, students will translate client’s
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project goals to a work scope designed to address client’s project goals through strategy
development.
Effective strategies lead organizations to stand out—for what they do and how they do it. One of the
primary pillars of Portland State University’s strategy is to develop students who can apply
interdisciplinary learning to real world issues and become leaders of change. PSU’s University
Studies program is one of the ways that the University has consistently gained international
recognition for a distinguished undergraduate experience
The Business Strategy Capstone course is designed to provide an integrative experience along two
dimensions
1. as a culminating experience for the University Studies program at PSU; and
2. as a way for business students from different majors to combine their knowledge and work
together in the field with an external partner on a pressing strategic issue
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROGRAM LEVEL LEARNING GOALS
1) Problem Solving. Graduates of the Business Administration Baccalaureate program will have the capacity to recognize
and understand a wide range of common and novel business problems, and to follow a systematic approach to solve
them effectively.
2) Business Sustainability. Graduates of the Business Administration Baccalaureate program will possess a holistic
perspective of the impact that business practices have on social, economic, and environmental systems.
3) Business Communication. Graduates of the Business Administration Baccalaureate program will effectively
communicate complex information with a variety of stakeholders.
4) Integrative Learning. This is an understanding and a disposition that a student builds across our curriculum, and then
demonstrates by making simple connections among ideas and experiences by synthesizing and transferring learning to
new and complex business situations. There are four Learning Objectives (LO) associated with the LG4:
• Connection of concepts (Obj-1): Students will connect examples, facts, or theories from multiple fields
of study or perspectives.
• Transfer of skills and theories (Obj-2): Students will adapt and apply skills, abilities, theories, or
methodologies gained in one situation to new situations to solve problems or explore issues
• Integrated communication (Obj-3): Students will fulfill assigned tasks by choosing a format, language,
and graphic or other visual representation that explicitly connects content and form, demonstrating
awareness of purpose and audience.
• Self-reflection (Obj-4): Students will evaluate changes in their own learning over time, reflecting on their
ability to address complex contextual factors that present, for example, uncertainty and ambiguity,
multiple interdependencies, ethical dilemmas, and discrepancies or frustrations
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COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 4 UNST BUSINESS GOALS
In this course, we will rely on business strategy frameworks to thoroughly analyze the client’s strategic
issues and formulate recommendations. The strategy content and the client project have been
selected so our students can experience the key business goals of the University Studies Program.
1. Hone critical thinking skills: Your client project will require you to thoroughly understand the
client’s problem, analyze pertinent data, and formulate recommendations. Working with a
client will make this process very real and exciting
2. Engage in effective communication: Throughout your career, effective communication will
be fundamental to your success, so we will practice both written and oral, and individual and
team communication.
3. Understand Diversity, Equity and Social Justice: Students will explore and analyze identity,
power relationships, and social justice in historical contexts and contemporary settings from
multiple perspectives. Students will apply this approach to better understand how diversity,
equity and social justice can impact the success or failure of a client’s business/organization.
Client’s strategic recommendations will be framed within the context of this learning objective.
4. Understand Ethics, Agency, & Community: Students will examine values, theories and
practices that inform their actions, and reflect on how personal choices and group
decisions impact local and global communities.
The following course objectives include notations about which University Studies goal(s) are
embedded within that objective:
● To develop the ability to incisively apply and effectively communicate business concepts in
practical application, including:
o Conducting a comprehensive analysis of an organization, its industry, competitors, and
general environment, and develop viable strategic alternatives. (communication, critical
thinking)
o Relating strategic management theory, concepts and frameworks to a partner
organization that will serve as the client during the term. (diversity, equity, & social
justice; critical thinking)
o Applying concepts to current news events. (communication, critical thinking)
● To develop abilities for assessing competitive environments and identifying value- creating
opportunities in the global economy. (diversity, equity, & social justice; communication; critical
thinking; social/ethical responsibility)
● To acquire tools for judging performance, identifying changing industry dynamics, anticipating
competitors’ responses, and leading organizational and strategy evolution accordingly.
(communication, critical thinking)
● To understand the levels of strategy creation spanning business unit-level and corporate-level
decision-making. (communication, critical thinking, social/ethical responsibility)
● To recognize the viewpoints and influences of a variety of stakeholders during strategy
creation. (diversity, equity, & social justice; critical thinking; social/ethical responsibility)
● To understand how strategy formulation demands simultaneous decision-making along
multiple dimensions involving innovation, functional areas, and external relationships.
(communication, critical thinking)
● To engage in highly interactive analyses, where students push each other to their analytical
limits in a respectful way and are encouraged to take risks, while also working collaboratively in
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a team-based setting. (diversity, equity, & social justice; communication; critical thinking;
social/ethical responsibility)
● To offer consultation services to the businesses that are our community partners in ways that
further both the interests of that community partner and us, as we share and hone our
expertise as business students from various majors (communication; critical thinking; diversity,
equity, & social justice; social/ethical responsibility)
REQUIRED READING MATERIALS & WHERE TO GET THEM
TEXTBOOK:
Frank T. Rothaermel, Strategic Management: Concepts. McGraw Hill Education; ISBN- (4th edition).
There are several sources to obtain the course Textbook. It doesn’t matter if you use the first, second,
third or even forth edition of the textbook. All will work.
● DIGITAL FORMAT: Purchase digital format directly from McGraw Hill (covers Chapters 1-9,
the only chapters we will address), The digital format is for the Fourth edition, but all editions
except the latest edition (Edition 5) cover the same content & in the same chapter order. Cost
$54.21:
DIRECTIONS TO PURCHASE DIGITAL FORMAT DIRECTLY FROM McGraw-Hill:
• eBook ISBN: 9781307317398
• Web address click on or cut/paste in web browser:
https://create.mheducation.com/shop/#/catalog/details/?isbn=978130
7317398
o E-Textbook title: Business Strategy, based on Frank T. Rothaermel, Strategic
Management, fourth edition
o Proceed to checkout. If you do not have an account with McGraw Hill, you will be
prompted to set one up before you purchase the textbook.
o E-Textbook title: Business Strategy
o Proceed to checkout. If you do not have an account with McGraw Hill, you will be
prompted to set one up before you purchase the textbook.
● TEXTBOOK HARDCOPY FORMATS & OTHER ACCEPTABLE FORMATS
● Hard Copy New: Edition 4 can be purchased from Amazon and other on-line
bookstores. IMPORTANT, I Do not use Frank T. Rothaermel, Strategic Management
5e (edition #5) because Chapter content order is slightly different than all previous
editions as well as the digital editions that I use in my class, which is Edition 4. Also
Edition 5 can be confusing when taking the Chapter quizzes, which are based on the
digital textbook for edition 4. Finally, Edition 5 is also expensive.
● Digital: used digital or electronic textbook versions that I have used in previous BA495
sections that I taught.
● Hard Copy Used Editions: can be purchased on-line & local bookstores (Not PSU
bookstore).
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Either Edition 1, 2 or 3 is acceptable. The only differences between the two are
o
case studies. I do not use case studies in quizzes. The text is nearly identical
● Hard copy PSU Library Reserve Desk: four copies of the First Edition Textbook are on reserve.
Caution, you will be sharing these four copies with all the other sections offered this term.
ARTICLE:
Porter, M.E., "The Five Competitive Forces that Shape Strategy," Harvard Business Review,
01/1/2008
● Digital File: purchase from Harvard Business Publishing (HBP); Cost $4.25
o Click on Link to HBP Course pack or copy & paste to browser:
Click on Link, OR copy & paste URL in browser:
●https://hbsp.harvard.edu/import/781531
● THIS ARTICLE is also FREE - Posted in D2L Course Shell for Week 2 & available in the PSU
Library as a digital file – both are free.
Additional Articles: Additional articles are posted in the D2L course site for the specific week. These
articles can be downloaded for free.
GRADING/ASSSIGNMENTS:
Grading will be based on two factors. First, will be based on point scores for the assignments in each
Category and the percentage weight each Category has to the overall score. Second, will be student
peer assessment from members of your project team mid-term and term-end (peer review evaluation
forms are posted in the D2L course shell).
All assignment Instructions except for the textbook quizzes are posted at the end of this syllabus.
GRADING: Categories/Assignments and Weighting
Categories/Number of Points/Assignment =
Graded Item Weighting %
Assignments Max. Points Possible
Individual Textbook Chapter 16.7 pts X 6 = 100

1 Quizzes (7, drop lowest (excludes the lowest 10
score) quiz score)
Individual Weekly Writing

75 pts X 2 = 150 (not
2 Assignments (2 + Extra 15
including extra credit)
Credit)
Individual UNST Business

3 150 pts X 1 = 150 15
Goals Reflective Essay (1)
4 Team Final SOW (1) 100 pts X 1 = 100 10
5 Team Client Presentations (4) 50 pts X 4 = 200 20
6 Team Final Report Outline (1) 50 pts X 1 = 50 5
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GRADING: Categories/Assignments and Weighting
Categories/Number of Points/Assignment =
Graded Item Weighting %
Assignments Max. Points Possible
7 Team Client Final Report (1) 250 pts X 1 = 250 25
Total Score 1,000 100%
Final Grade Adjustment (THIS IS CRITICAL TO YOUR GRADE):

● I do not round grades up or down.
● Final grades will be adjusted based upon the following:
o Student Peer reviews/assessments: Mid-Term & End-Term assessment forms all students fill out
evaluating the performance of their project teammates (peers).
o Professor’s observations and assessment: focusing on student performance working in their
project teams
● Students who disagree with scores on their individual written work have one week from the score posting
to write a justification for a different score.
The letter grade equivalent for the total points is as follows:
Grade A* A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
Point
≥940 <900 880 840 800 780 740 700 680 640 ≥600 <600
Range/Grade
Minimum
≥94 90 88 84 80 78 74 70 68 64 60 <60
percentage
*SB does not give ‘A+’ grades. Therefore, ‘A’ grade begins with a 94%.
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
Week Weekly Lessons Individual Assignments Team Assignments
Week 1 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL – After 1. ALL STUDENTS – Attend
(Jan. 4-10) Week 1 application & video reviews, Synchronous First All Class
2. Read: Week 1 Slide Deck sign-up for Client Team – in Mtg. Wednesday. Go to
Synchronous Class Mtg. D2L Groups Folder Class Zoom link:
3. Read: Syllabus located in 2. INDIVIDUAL - Take Quiz: https://pdx.zoom.us/j/87921
D2L Course Shell and Chapters 1& 2 – DUE: 848358. After all-class mtg.,
emailed to you prior to the Sunday, 11:30PM teams will go into their
beginning of the term 3. INDIVIDUAL - If desired separate Break-out rooms
4. View Video: Course after quiz, add a. BREAKOUT ROOM Austin
Introduction/Syllabus comments/questions to D2L Buell (Easy Company
5. Review: Slide deck Course Discussion Folder for Consulting)
Introduction/Syllabus Chapter 1 Reading b. BREAKOUT ROOM Theus
6. View Video: Overview of Questions and/or Chapter 2
Weiskopf, Gavin
Clients, team formation, and Reading Questions (Not
D’Avanther (Farm Punk
activities. Graded or Required)
7. Review: Slide deck Overview 4. INDIVIDUAL: Sign NDA Salads)
of Clients/team formation, Addendum only for Client c. BREAKOUT ROOM Taylor
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and activities. you will be doing capstone Valdes, Gavin

8. Read: 3 Client Applications in project.. D’Avanther (The
D2L course shell, Venderia LLC)
9. View Videos: 3 Client 2. TEAMS – All teams must
Projects D2L Client folders meet outside of class;
10. Read: Textbook Chapters 1 organize consulting group,
(What Is Strategy?) & 2 appoint Project Coordinator
(Strategic Leadership: (PC); PC contact Client for
Managing the Strategy introductions & meeting set-
Process) up to occur ASAP to
11. View Videos: Chapters 1 discuss client project, goals,
(What Is Strategy?) & 2 resources.
(Strategic Leadership: 3. TEAMS – Initiate client &
Managing the Strategy Industry research based on
Process) client project goals. Reach
12. Review: Slide decks of out to Keri Wu (PSU
Chapters 1 & 2 Business Librarian) for
13. View Video: Basic industry resources &
Understanding of Business research.
Organization - Business
Model Canvas.
14. View Video: Instructions for
signing NDA/Signature
Addendum (D2L “Client
Information” folder).
Week 2 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Prepare & 1. TEAM/INDIVIDUAL -

(Jan. 11-17) Week Two upload to D2L Attend Synchronous All
2. Read: Week 2 Slide Deck Assignments: Weekly Class Mtg. Wednesday -:
Synchronous Class Mtg. Write-up #1 (UNST Goal: client research, Team project
3. View Video: Proposal Outline Diversity, Equity & Social work; developing proposal.
& Team Assignment Justice)– DUE: Sunday, https://pdx.zoom.us/j/879218
Instructions 11:30PM 48358; Then go to Team
4. Review: Slide deck Proposal 2. INDIVIDUAL - Take Quiz: Breakout Room for your
Outline & Team Assignment Chapter 3 External Client
Instructions Analysis: Industry a. BREAKOUT ROOM Austin
5. View Video: How to write a Structure, Competitive Buell (Easy Company
Weekly writing assignment & Forces, and Strategic Consulting)
Individual assignment Groups & Porter’s Five b. Gavin D'Avanther
instructions Forces Article – DUE: (Livelihood NW) :
6. Review: Slide deck How to Sunday, 11:30PM BREAKOUT ROOM Theus
write a Weekly writing 3. INDIVIDUAL - If desired
Weiskopf, Gavin
assignment & Individual after quiz, add
assignment instructions comments/questions to
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7. Read: In D2L Week 2, D2L Discussion Folder for Salads)

Chapter 4 “Groups are Fun Chapter 3 Reading c. BREAKOUT ROOM Taylor
and Not Fun” and Chapter 5 Questions (Not Graded or Valdes, Gavin
“Creating Cultural Required) D’Avanther (The
connections”
Venderia LLC)
8. Read/Skim: In D2L Week 2
1. TEAM - Prepare & Email to
click on Link to - Why
Client (CC Bill Jones):
Diversity Matters McKinsey &
Weekly Progress Report
Co. Feb. 2015
#1 – DUE: Weekend
9. Read/Skim: In D2L Week 2
4. TEAM - Prepare & email to
click on Link to - Making the
Client (CC Bill Jones):
Business Case for Racial
Team Project Proposal –
Equity (Dec. 2013)
Due Sunday, 11:30PM
10. View Video: How to be
5. TEAM - Upload to D2L
effective working in teams
Assignments: Team
11. Review: Slide deck How to be
Proposal (only ONE
effective working in teams
member of each team
12. Read: Textbook Chapter 3
upload Proposal) – DUE:
External Analysis: Industry
Sunday, 11:30PM.
Structure, Competitive
Forces, and Strategic Groups
13. Read: Porter, M.E., "The Five
Competitive Forces that
Shape Strategy," Harvard
Business Review, Jan 2008:
2-17
14. View Video: The Five
Competitive Forces That
Shape Strategy (Interview
Michael Porter)
15. View Video: Chapter 3
& Porter’s Five Forces
16. Review: Slide deck Chapter 3
& Porter’s Five Forces
17. View Video: How to Write a
18. Review: Slide deck How to
Write a Weekly Progress
Report
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Week 3 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Take Quiz: TEAM/INDIVIDUAL - Attend
(Jan. 18-24) Week Three Chapter 4 Internal Synchronous All Class Mtg.
2. Read: Week 3 Slide Deck Analysis: Resources, Wednesday: Work Scope
Synchronous Class Mtg. Capabilities, & Core Development; External
3. View Video: Developing a Competencies – DUE: Environment Assessment
Work Scope & Team Sunday, 11:30PM Presentation Development
assignment Instructions 2. INDIVIDUAL - If desired https://pdx.zoom.us/j/8792184
4. Review: Slide deck after quiz, add 8358; Then go to Team
Developing a Work Scope & comments/questions to Breakout Room for your
team assignment Instructions D2L Discussion Folder for Client
5. View Video: Consultant Chapter 4 Reading a. BREAKOUT ROOM Austin Buell
Presentations, goal, content, Questions (Not Graded or (Easy Company Consulting))
format, presentation topics, & Required) b. BREAKOUT ROOM
Team Assignments Theus Weiskopf, Gavin
6. Review: Slide deck,
Consultant Presentations,
Salads)
goal, content, format,
presentation topics, & Team c. BREAKOUT ROOM
Assignments Taylor Valdes, Gavin
7. Read: Textbook Chapter 4 D’Avanther (The
Internal Analysis: Resources, Venderia LLC)
Capabilities, & Core 2. TEAM - Prepare & email to
Competencies Client (CC Bill Jones):
8. View Video: Chapter 4 Weekly Progress Report
Internal Analysis: Resources, #2 – DUE: Weekend.
Capabilities, & Core 3. TEAM - Prepare & Email
Competencies to Client (CC Bill Jones)
9. Review: Slide deck Chapter 4 Draft Work Scope: - DUE:
Internal Analysis: Resources, Sunday, 11:30PM.
Capabilities, & Core 4. TEAM - Upload to D2L
Competencies Assignments Draft Work
Scope (only ONE member
of each team upload Draft
Work Scope) – DUE:
Sunday, 11:30PM
Week 4 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Take Quiz: 1. TEAM – Attend
(Jan. 25-31) Week Four Chapter 5 Competitive Synchronous All-Class
2. Read: Week 4 Slide Deck Advantage: Firm Mtg. Wednesday. Prepare
Synchronous Class Mtg. Performance, and slide deck & practice for
3. Read: Textbook Chapter 5 Business Models – DUE: Wednesday’s External
Competitive Advantage: Firm Sunday, 11:30PM Environment Client
Performance, and Business 2. INDIVIDUAL - If desired Presentations:
Models after quiz, add https://pdx.zoom.us/j/8792
Page 9 of 27
4. View Video: Chapter 5 comments/questions to 1848358; Then go to Team

Competitive Advantage: Firm D2L Discussion Folder for Breakout Room. Client
Performance, and Business Chapter 5 Reading Presentations take place at
Models Questions (Not Graded or times listed below.
5. Review: Slide Deck Chapter 5 Required) 2. TEAM/INDIVIDUAL –
Competitive Advantage: Firm 3. INDIVIDUAL - Upload to Online Presentation:
Performance, and Business D2L Assignments: Weekly Client-Team External
Models Write-up #2 (UNST Environment Client
6. Review Video (from Week 3): Business Goal: Ethics, Presentations
Consultant Presentations, Agency, Community)– a. 6-:6:30: Austin Buell
goal, content, format, DUE: Sunday, 11:30PM (Easy Company
presentation topics (External Consulting)
Environment), Team BREAKOUT ROOM
Assignments.
b. 6:35-7:05: Theus
7. Review Slide Deck:
Weiskopf, Gavin
goal, content, format, D’Avanther (Farm
presentation topics (External Punk Salads)
Environment), Team BREAKOUT ROOM
Assignments c. 7:10-7:40: Taylor
Valdes, Gavin
D’Avanther (The
Venderia LLC) -
BREAKOUT ROOM
Finalize Work Scope,
begin preparation Internal
Environmental
Presentation
3. TEAM - Email to Client
(CC Bill Jones) External
Environment Presentation
Slide Deck – DUE: No later
than Wednesday Mid-
afternoon 3:30PM
Assignments Folder:
External Environment
Presentation Slide Deck
(only ONE member of each
team upload External
Environment Presentation
Slide Deck) – DUE: by
Sunday 11:30PM
5. TEAM - Prepare & Email to
Client (CC Bill Jones)
Page 10 of 27

#3 – DUE: Weekend.
6. TEAM - Prepare & Email
(CC Bill Jones) Final Work
Scope – DUE by Sunday,
11:30PM
Assignments: Final Work
Scope (only ONE member
of each team upload Final
Work Scope) – DUE by
Sunday, 11:30PM
Week 5 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Take Quiz: TEAM – Attend Synchronous
(Feb. 1-7) Week Five Chapter 6 Business All-Class Mtg. Wednesday.
2. Read: Week 5 Slide Deck Strategy: Differentiation, Prepare slide deck & practice
Synchronous Class Mtg. Cost Leadership, and for Wednesday Internal
3. Read: Textbook Chapter 6 Integration – DUE: Environment Client
Business Strategy: Sunday, 11:30PM. Presentations.
Differentiation, Cost 2. INDIVIDUAL - If desired https://pdx.zoom.us/j/87921848
Leadership, and Blue Oceans after quiz, add 358; Then go to Team
4. View Video: Chapter 6 comments/questions to Breakout Room. Client
Business Strategy: D2L Discussion Folder for Presentations take place at
Differentiation, Cost Chapter 6 Reading times listed below.
Leadership, and Blue Oceans Questions (Not Graded or a. 6-:6:30: Austin Buell
5. Review: Slide deck Chapter 6 Required) (Easy Company
Business Strategy: Consulting) BREAKOUT
Differentiation, Cost ROOM
Leadership, and Blue Oceans b. 6:35-7:05: Theus
6. Review Video (from Week 3):
Weiskopf, Gavin
goal, content, format,
presentation topics (Internal Salads) BREAKOUT
Environment), Team ROOM
Assignments. c. 7:10-7:40: Taylor
7. Review Slide Deck (from Valdes, Gavin
Week 3): Consultant D’Avanther (The
Presentations, goal, content, Venderia LLC) -
format, presentation topics BREAKOUT ROOM
(Internal Environment), Team 1. TEAM/INDIVIDUAL -
Assignments. Attend Class: Team
Internal Environment Client
Presentations,
(CC Bill Jones): Internal
Page 11 of 27
Environment Client
Presentation Slide Deck –
DUE: Deck – DUE: No
later than Wednesday Mid-
afternoon 3:30PM
Assignments: Internal
Environment Client
(only ONE member of
each team upload Internal
Environment Client
Presentation) – DUE:
Sunday, 11:30PM
TEAM - Prepare & Email to
Client (CC Bill Jones): Weekly
Progress Report #4 – DUE:
Weekend.
Week 6 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. Fill-out online: Self-Peer TEAM/INDIVIDUAL - Attend
(Feb. 8-14) Week Six Team Evaluations; Synchronous All-Class Mtg.
2. Read: Week 6 Slide Deck 2. INDIVIDUAL - Take Quiz: Wednesday. Prepare
Synchronous Class Mtg. Chapter 7 Business Alternative Futures & ID
3. Read: Textbook Chapter 7 Strategy: Innovation & Quantitative & Qualitative
Business Strategy: Entrepreneurship – DUE: Comparisons.
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Sunday, 11:30PM https://pdx.zoom.us/j/87921848
and Platforms 3. INDIVIDUAL - If desired 358; Then go to Team
4. View Video: Chapter 7 after quiz, add Breakout Room.
Business Strategy: comments/questions to a. BREAKOUT ROOM
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, D2L Discussion Folder for Austin Buell (Easy
and Platforms Chapter 7 Reading Company Consulting)
5. Review: Slide deck Chapter 7 Questions (Not Graded or b. BREAKOUT ROOM
Business Strategy: Required Theus Weiskopf, Gavin
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, D’Avanther (Farm Punk
and Platforms Salads)
6. View Video: Individual Writing c. BREAKOUT ROOM
LG4 Integrative Essay Taylor Valdes, Gavin
Purpose & Instructions
D’Avanther (The
7. Review: Slide Deck Individual
Venderia LLC)
Writing LG4 Integrative Essay
1. Develop a Technical
Purpose & Instructions
Memo outline of
Alternative Futures &
Quant/Qualitative
Comparisons (see
Page 12 of 27
instructions below). DUE:

D2L Course shell, Sunday,
no later than 11:30PM..
(CC Bill Jones): Weekly
Progress Report #5 –
DUE: Weekend
Week 7 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Prepare & 1. TEAM/INDIVIDUAL -

(Feb. 15-21) Week Seven Upload to D2L Attend Synchronous All-
2. Read: Week 7 Slide Deck Assignments: Last Weekly Class Mtg. Wednesday.
Synchronous Class Mtg. Write-up #3 (UNST Discuss Presentation of
3. Read: Textbook Chapter 8 Business Goal(s): Your Alternatives & Quant/Qual
Corporate Strategy: Vertical choice). EXTRA CREDIT, comparison Presentations;
Integration & Diversification NOT MANDATORY – https://pdx.zoom.us/j/8792
4. View Video: Chapter 8 DUE: Sunday, 11:30PM 1848358; Then go to Team
Corporate Strategy: Vertical 2. INDIVIDUAL - Take Quiz: Breakout Room.
Integration & Diversification Chapter 8 Corporate Presentations take place at
5. Review: Slide deck Chapter 8 Strategy: Vertical times listed below
Corporate Strategy: Vertical Integration & a. 6-6:30: Austin Buell
Integration & Diversification Diversification; Chapter 9 (Easy Company
6. Read: Text book Chapter 9 Corporate Strategy: Consulting)
Corporate Strategy: Strategic Strategic Alliances, BREAKOUT ROOM
Alliances, Mergers, and Mergers, and Acquisitions b. 6:35-7:05: Theus
Acquisitions – DUE: Sunday, 11:30PM
Weiskopf, Gavin
7. View Video: Chapter 9 3. INDIVIDUAL - If desired
D’Avanther (Farm
Corporate Strategy: Strategic after quiz, add
Alliances, Mergers, and comments/questions to Punk Salads)
Acquisitions. D2L Discussion Folder for BREAKOUT ROOM
8. Review: Slide deck Chapter 9 Chapter 8 Reading c. 7:10-7:40: Taylor
Corporate Strategy: Strategic Questions and/or Chapter Valdes, Gavin
Alliances, Mergers, and 9 Reading Questions (Not D’Avanther (The
Acquisitions Graded or Required) Venderia LLC) -
9. View Video: Final Report BREAKOUT ROOM
Outline, Draft & Final Report 2. TEAM - Email to Client
Team Assignment (CC Bill Jones): Alternative
10. Review: Slide Deck Final Futures & Quant/Qual
Report Outline, Draft & Final comparison Presentation
Report Team Assignment Slide Deck – No later than
11. View Video (Week 3): Wednesday Mid-afternoon
Consultant Presentations, 3:30PM
goal, content, format, 3. TEAM - Upload to D2L
presentation topics Assignments: Team Final
(Alternative Futures), Team Report Outline (only ONE
Assignments. member each team upload
Page 13 of 27
12. Review Slide Deck (Week 3): Outline) – DUE: Sunday,

Consultant Presentations, 11:30PM
goal, content, format, 4. TEAM - Email to Client
presentation topics (CC Bill Jones): Weekly
(Alternative Futures), Team Progress Report #6 –
Assignment. DUE: Weekend
Week 8 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Attend TEAM - Attend Synchronous
(Feb. 22-28) Week Eight Class: Climate Change: All-Class Mtg. Wednesday:
2. BECKY SANCHEZ: visit, Impact By and On Climate Change: Impact By
discuss Employment Survey and On Businesses/
Businesses/organization
3. Read: Week 8 Slide Deck organizations & the World;
& the World; Client Final
Synchronous Class Mtg.
Report work Client Final Report work;
4. View Video: Prince Ea "Dear
https://pdx.zoom.us/j/8792184
Future Generations: Sorry";
8358; Then go to Team
https://d2l.pdx.edu/d2l/le/cont
Breakout Room.
ent/798658/viewContent/4494
a. BREAKOUT ROOM
613/View
5. View Video: WMO Weather Austin Buell (Easy
Report 2050 - USA Weather Company Consulting)
Channel: b. BREAKOUT ROOM
https://d2l.pdx.edu/d2l/le/cont Theus Weiskopf, Gavin
ent/798658/viewContent/4494 D’Avanther (Farm Punk
730/View Salads)
6. View Video: Disclosure of c. BREAKOUT ROOM
Climate Change-related Taylor Valdes, Gavin
Financial Risks: D’Avanther (The
https://www.cigionline.org/mul
Venderia LLC)
timedia/disclosure-climate-
change-related-financial-
d. TEAM - Email to Client
risks?utm_source=climate- (CC Bill Jones): Weekly
l&utm_medium=social&utm_c Progress Report #7 –
ampaign=cop23 DUE: Weekend
Week 9 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Attend TEAM - Attend Synchronous
(Mar. 1-7) Week Nine Class: Prepare Final All-Class Mtg. Wednesday.:
2. Read: Week 9 Slide Deck Project Presentation; Prepare Final Project
Synchronous Class Mtg. Work on Draft Final Presentation; Work on Draft
Reports Final Reports;
2. INDIVIDUAL - Upload to https://pdx.zoom.us/j/87921848
D2L Assignments: UNST 358; Then go to Team
Business Goals Reflective Breakout Room.
Essay – DUE: Sunday, a. BREAKOUT ROOM Austin
11:30PM Buell (Easy Company
Consulting)
Page 14 of 27
b. BREAKOUT ROOM Theus

Weiskopf, Gavin
Salads)
c. BREAKOUT ROOM Taylor
Valdes, Gavin
D’Avanther (The
Venderia LLC)
TEAM - Email to Client (CC
Bill Jones): Weekly
Progress Report #8 – DUE:
Weekend
1. TEAM - Prepare & Email
to Client (CC Bill Jones):
DRAFT Final Report as a
MS Word File ONLY –
DUE: Sunday, 11:30PM
Assignments: DRAFT
Final Report as a MS
Word file (only ONE
member of each team
upload DRAFT Final
Report) – DUE:
Sunday, 11:30PM
Week 10 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Fill-Out TEAM/INDIVIDUAL - Attend

(Mar. 8-14) Week Ten UNST Course Evaluation Synchronous All-Class Mtg.
2. Read: Week 10 Slide Deck – ONLINE Wednesday;
Synchronous Class Mtg. (https://portlandstate.qual https://pdx.zoom.us/j/87921848
3. Review Video (Week 3): trics.com/jfe/form/SV_8w 358; Then go to Team
Consultant Presentations, DV0Swjx8eZqtf) Breakout Room. Final Project
goal, content, format, 2. INDIVIDUAL - Fill-Out Presentations; . Presentations
presentation topics (Final School of Business take place at times listed below
Presentation), Team Course Evaluation – a. 6-6:30: Austin Buell
Assignments ONLINE (link will be sent (Easy Company
4. Review Slide Deck (Week 3): to you). Consulting)
Consultant Presentations, 3. INDIVIDUAL - Fill-Out
BREAKOUT ROOM
goal, content, format, Self & Peer Review – in
b. 6:35-7:05: Theus
presentation topics (Final D2L
Weiskopf, Gavin
Presentation), Team
D’Avanther (Farm
Assignments
Punk Salads)
Page 15 of 27
BREAKOUT ROOM
c. 7:10-7:40: Taylor
Valdes, Gavin
D’Avanther (The
Venderia LLC) -
BREAKOUT ROOM
(CC Bill Jones): Final
Presentation Slide Deck –
DUE: Sunday, 11:30PM
Assignments: Final
(only ONE member of
each team upload Final
Presentation) – DUE:
Sunday, 11:30PM
(CC Bill Jones): Weekly
Progress Report #9
(LAST PROGRESS
REPORT) – DUE:
Weekend
Week 11 1. D2L Course Site: click on TEAM - Email to Client (CC Bill
(Mar. 15-21) Week Eleven Jones): Final Report DUE:
Wednesday, 11:30PM -
Deliver in the following 2
formats:
● #1 Report body: MS
Word application,
Appendices: all in their
original software
format (e.g., Excel,
PPt, jpg, pdf., etc.)
● #2 Full Pdf: one file of
the entire report: body
and appendices –
1 TEAM - Upload to D2L
Assignments Folder: Final
Report (only ONE member
of each team upload Final
Report) – DUE:
Wednesday, 11:30PM -
Deliver in the following 2
formats:
● #1 Report body: MS
Page 16 of 27
Word
application; Appendice
s: in their original
software format (e.g.,
Excel, PPt, jpg, pdf.,
etc.)
● #2 Full Pdf: one file of
the entire report: body
and appendices
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The following are the assignments and instructions that will be graded in this course. There are also several non-
graded Team Assignments that are associated with Team Graded Assignments (e.g., Proposal part of SOW,
draft final part of Final Report). The assignments are divided between Individual and Team assignments.
Individual assignments (40%of your grade) will be scored for each student separately and include the
following:
1. Textbook Chapter Quizzes for Textbook chapters 1-9: 7 quizzes (drop lowest score)
2. Weekly Writing Assignments: 2 required, 1 extra credit
3. UNST Business Goals Reflective Essay
Team Assignments (60% of your grade) will be scored for the entire group. Though each member receives the
same score, it is important to read Grading Policy section for exceptions on final grading.
Group assignments include the following:
4. Scope of Work (SOW)
5. Client Presentations: 4 presentations
6. Final Report Outline
7. Client Final Report
1. Individual Quizzes (Textbook Chapters 1-9): 7 quizzes, lowest scored quiz will be dropped from the
overall grade [16.7 point scale/quiz, Total Points 6 x 16.7 = 100 pts; 10% TOTAL of Grade]
Each student will take a weekly quiz for weeks one-Seven. It will be an on-line quiz for Textbook Chapters One-
Nine.
Requirements for assignment:
● Take On-line in D2L for week specified.
● Quiz Format: 10 multiple choice questions
● Quiz Timing: 15 minutes; 1 minute grace period
● Your lowest quiz score will be dropped automatically in the final tabulation.
Due Dates:
● See Weekly Class Table
● All quizzes are due by Sunday 11:30PM
Instructions (How do I complete this assignment?)
Go to the D2L Course Shell for this class & click on the Week Quiz is due. Scroll down to the Apply
Section & click on the quiz link.
Quiz answers will be available just after the quiz closes for that week. Review any incorrect answers at
that time.
Page 17 of 27
Grading: Rubric (How will I be graded on this assignment?)
Each quiz will have 10 multiple-choice questions and be worth 10 points. The lowest quiz score will be
dropped..
2. Individual Weekly Writing Assignments: Required write-ups Weeks 2,4; Extra Credit write-up Week
Seven (7) [75 point scale/write-up, Total Points 2 x 75 = 150; 15% TOTAL of Grade]
Each student will prepare a weekly writing assignment. The write-ups are to be submitted in weeks 2
and 4. Weekly write-up for week seven (7) will be Extra Credit, so while not required, should you
choose to submit one it will only help your overall class grade.
Requirements for each assignment:
● 1 page (max), single spacing, 11 pt Arial font. I’m looking for succinct, dense, and concise writing!
Due Dates:
o 11:30PM Sundays. Upload to D2L Assignments folder Labeled by number (e.g., FOLDER
Weekly Write-up #1, Folder Individual Write-up #1).
o Due Dates: Week 2, Week 4, Week 7 (Extra Credit),
o 75 point grading scale/write-up: Superficial = 25; Adequate = 56; Superb (insightful) = 71+
Content for weekly write-ups: IMPORTANT, EACH WRITE UP WILL BE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT, READ
CAREFULLY
o The purpose of all short write-ups is to allow students to practice applying strategy concepts in
the readings and the UNST Business Goals to the student’s client project & current events.
o PLEASE FOLLOW THIS FORMAT
▪ First Section: Paragraph(s) define the concept(s) (your choice of concept) from the
reading, class discussion, or client project IN YOUR OWN WORDS (do not quote the
concept from the textbook or any source you use). Illustrate your definition with an
example, to demonstrate to me your understanding of the concept. The example can be
hypothetical. It does not have to actually exist. I just want to make sure you understand
the concept.
▪ Second Section: Paragraph(s) apply the concept(s) to a current business issue in the
news from the last 6 months. Make sure you focus on the strategic implications of how
or why the concept(s) is/are relevant or not relevant to the business issue. Must use at
least one example from the current business issue to demonstrate your understanding of
the concept.
▪ Third Section: Paragraph(s) apply the concept(s) to your client. Make sure you focus on
the strategic implications of how or why the concept(s) is/are relevant or not relevant to
your client. Must include at least one example to illustrate your concept. IT’S
PERFECTLY FINE TO DETERMINE THAT THE CONCEPT DOESN’T FIT YOUR
CLIENT. IF YOU DO SO, EXPLAIN & PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE.
▪ Forth paragraph(s): For Weekly Write-ups 1 & 2 (Weeks 2 & 4) you will apply one of
the UNST Business Goals to your client & business. That is, you will use either the
UNST goal of Diversity, Equity & Social Justice (Week 2) OR Ethics, Agency,
Community (Week 4) in that write-up & discuss how it does or doesn’t apply to your
client. You must use an example to illustrate the UNST Goal.
▪ Last Section: Finally, cite the news source for the current business issue
▪ WRITE UP Number & UNST GOAL to address:
● Write-up #1 (Week 2): Apply impact that Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice may
have on client business/organization. See Rubric in D2L Course Shell
● Write-up #2 (Week 4): Apply your understanding of Ethics, Agency, Community
Goal to client business/organization. See Rubric in D2L Course Shell
Page 18 of 27
●EXTRA CREDIT WRITE-UP (Week 7): follow the same format as previous write-
ups 1 & 2. Include the Fourth Paragraph by selecting either the UNST Business
Goal of Diversity, Equity & Social Justice OR Ethics, Agency, Community Goal.
Explain how they are or are not relevant to your understanding of business issues &
your client. You must illustrate with an example.
Examples in D2L Course Shell:
o There are examples of student’s previous weekly write-ups in your D2L course shell.
3. Individual UNST Business Goals Reflective Essay [150 point scale, Total Points 1 X 150 = 150; 15%
TOTAL of Grade]
Each student will prepare an essay on the University Studies Goals as Experienced in the BA495 Business
Strategy Capstone Course.
Requirements for assignment:
● 1.5 to 2 pages maximum, single spacing, 11 pt Arial font
Due:
● Upload Week 9 (Sunday, 11:30PM) to the D2L Assignments folder designated for the essay.
o 150 point scale: Superficial = 105; Adequate = 117; Superb (insightful with examples) = 135+
Examples in D2L Course Shell:
o There are several examples of student’s reflective essays in your D2L course shell.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSIGNMENT:
The purpose of the Capstone is to serve as the culminating general education course at PSU allowing, students
to apply academic learning to address a real issue in our community. The Capstone has four UNST Business
Goals: critical thinking; communication; diversity, equity & Social justice; and social and ethical responsibility.
REFLECT ON YOUR COURSE EXPERIENCE RELATED TO THE UNST BUSINESS GOALS

While you can address all or a combination of the goals, it is required that your essay incorporate the UNST
Business Goal for Diversity, Equity & Social Justice OR Ethics, Agency, Community.
The UNST Business Goals are defined as follows:

1) Inquiry and Critical Thinking: able to: develop and utilize decision criteria for problem/opportunity
identification, utilize appropriate data sources, use analytical tools and quantitative evaluation techniques,
and select and present a solution consistent with identified decision criteria.
2) Communication: able to communicate clearly for a variety of purposes and to diverse audiences; written
and oral output is marked by lucid and orderly thinking, substantial depth, fullness and complexity of
thought.
3) Diversity, Equity and Social Justice: “diversity” refers to differences in ethnic, religious, and cultural
perspectives, class, race, gender, age, sexual orientation and ability; to be able to view issues from
multiple perspectives, to analyze what differential power in relationships means, to question what is being
taught, and to construct independent meaning and interpretations; demonstrate broad awareness of how
the self (you) appears from the greater perspective of human experience, to question one’s own views in
light of this awareness, and to contemplate its implications for life choices in the personal and public
spheres; recognize what social justice means and to be able to discern sources or inequality.
4) Ethics, Agency, Community: Examine values, theories and practices that inform your actions, and
reflect on how personal choices and group decisions impact local and global communities. .
To help you frame your essay, please consider the following:

● Imagine someone from PSU has selected you to speak to the four University Studies goals from your
own lived experience in this Capstone course. What connections can be made between your lived
experience in this course and the UNST Business goals with particular emphasis on the Diversity, Equity
& social Justice OR the Ethics, Agency, Community Goal?
Page 19 of 27
● Consider how your team has handled working together, with the client. From the framework of the UNST
Business Goals you’ve selected, what were some of the issues you experienced with your teammates &
the client?
You may consider these questions to craft your reflective paper addressing how you enhanced your approach to
the four areas:
● From my own lived experience, how did engaging in the project for this course enhance my abilities in the
four goal areas?
● How has the structure of this course, the assignments, the tasks of this course, and/or course discussions
enhanced my ability to analyze community issues from diverse perspectives?
● How has my work as a team member given me insight into collective problem solving, communication,
and recommendation formulation?
● How does this process of self-reflection enhance my ability to critically think about my beliefs and
attitudes towards the real world issues we addressed in this Course?
● How has the production of the inputs into the final project for the client allowed me to expand and practice
my skills in the goal areas?
● How have the readings and in this course furthered my skills in the goal areas? What new insights and
understandings have I gained through the required reading of this course?
As you craft your essay, remember to write from your own experience with I/me/my language. It will be important
that you generate your observations and experiences with detail. You can draw on frameworks from prior
courses to shape your essay. As you write, ask yourself how do I claim this to be true? Be sure the content of
your essay reflects those claims.
4. Team Scope of Work [100 point scale, Total Points 1 X 100 = 100; 10% of Grade]
View Video with instruction on Proposal & Video on SOW preparation. Also review work examples of Proposals &
Scopes of Work in D2L Course Shell Folder.
The Scope of Work is a three-stage process – proposal, draft scope of work, final scope of work. Prior to
preparation of the Scope of Work, each team will prepare a short Proposal, followed by draft & final Scope of
Work (SOW) document that will outline the steps or tasks your team will take to achieve your client’s project
goals. The Proposal is not graded. The Final SOW is graded.
The Proposal is the initial deliverable designed to confirm client’s goals & your overall project approach. The SOW
is critical to success of the project as it outlines the specific tasks and sub-tasks that the team will perform. In
each task you will define the task goal, outline the specific work to be performed, identify whether there is or not a
product or deliverable to be sent to your client, and the task schedule (e.g., Due dates for task & deliverable(s)).
See D2L Course Shell for examples of actual Proposals & Scopes of Work (SOWs).
The SOW must be based on your client’s goals. That is, all tasks you identify in the SOW must have a link to the
client’s goals you are trying to help your client achieve. In each task you will define the task goal, outline the
specific work to be performed, identify if whether there is or not a product or deliverable to be sent to your client,
and the task schedule (e.g., Due dates for task & deliverable(s)).
To do so each team will first prepare a short Proposal prior to developing the Draft SOW. The purpose of the
Proposal is multi-fold, but overall it is designed to get feedback from client (and me) on your approach before
you spend lots of time detailing the specific tasks in the SOW. Proposal is designed to:
Page 20 of 27
• Demonstrate to client that you understand their business/organization, goals client is trying to
achieve, & business consulting services requested of the student team,
• Outline approach team proposes to take including a list of team’s own project goals (if they are a
subset of client’s goals because team cannot accomplish all client goals in one term; essentially too
much work in too short a time period).
• Identify the data or information the team needs to collect & compare to discern differences between
the alternatives. The data/information needs & methods used to obtain the data/information must be
tied directly to the client goals. Otherwise, you will not be able to discern how alternatives differ.
• Identify the methods (e.g., financial, research, quantitative, qualitative, etc.) team will take to obtain
the data & information.
• Finally, briefly outline the major work steps or work phases team will take. Does not have to be
detailed, just a bulleted list.
Comments from client & me will then be used to refine your approach for the Draft SOW.
Each Team will submit three documents

1. Proposal: email to client (CC me) & upload to D2L proposal assignment folder (Week 2)
o Proposal length 3-4 pages (lots of bullets & white space)
o Elements to include: Describe Client’s business/organization; challenge client
trying to address, short & long-term goals, methods being considered by Team,
brief outline work scope (phases)
2. Draft SOW: email to client (CC me) & upload to D2L Draft SOW assignment folder (week
3)
o SOW length 8-12+ pages
o Elements to include: introduction include business/organization
description/challenge & Goals; team goals (from Proposal); numbered tasks
(include subtasks); task purpose description, task work, deliverables, task &
deliverable schedule.
3. Final SOW (based on draft SOW comments): email to client (CC me) & upload to D2L
Final SOW Assignment folder (Week 4)
SOW & Proposal Templates are in the D2L Course Shell labeled Project Templates:
o It is not required to use any of the Proposal or SOW templates, but you might find it
easier to use the template because the style sheet has already been formatted.
o Regardless as to whether you use the proposal or SOW templates, the work scope must
include the same information that is in the templates,
SOW & Proposal examples in D2L Course Shell:
o There are examples of Team’s Proposal & SOW assignments in your D2L course shell.
DUE: See due dates in the Weekly Class Schedule
o PROPOSAL: end of Week 2, 11:30PM
o DRAFT SOW: end Week 3 Sunday, 11:30PM
o FINAL SOW: end Week 4, Sunday, 11:30PM
Grading: Rubric - Only grade the Final SOW (How will I be graded on this assignment?)
o 100 point scale: Superficial = ≤60; Adequate = 70; Superb = 90+
5. Team Alternative Futures Quantitative/Qualitative Comparisons Outline [Non-graded]
Page 21 of 27
Alternative comparisons are a critical part of the project. The purpose is to identify & compare different ways to
achieve your client’s goals. By using both quantitative (financial) & qualitative (soft, non-quantitative) comparison
methods based on your client’s goals, it is possible to determine the alternative (or it could be an integration or
combination, or sequencing of the alternatives) that best fits your client’s goals. The assignment will be
completed before team presentations on Alternative Futures Quant/Qual Comparisons, which is week 7.
Assignment Requirements:
• Develop an outline that includes:
o Descriptions of alternative Futures: need a minimum of 2 but commonly 3.
o Identify quantitative & qualitative outputs/data: These are the data you will need to make the
comparisons
o Describe methods: these are the methods you will use to obtain the data the team will use for
comparisons. Describe how the alternatives are tied to client’s goals. If the methods used for
comparisons are not tied to client’s goals team will not be able to determine what alternative (or
it could be an integration or combination, or sequencing of the alternatives) is best for the client
o Upload to D2L Assignments Folder (do not email to Client as this is an internal team Document).
I will comment on the Outline & return the Outline to your team. Comments can be used to
prepare for your Alternative Futures Presentation and your final report.
• Length: 4-5 pages (lots of bullets & white space, not long narrative)
• Examples: in D2L Course Shell
• Due: Week 6 by Sunday, 11:30PM
6. Team Client Presentations [50 point scale/presentation, Total Points 4 x 50 = 200; 20% TOTAL of
Grade]
Each project team will conduct four presentations based on a particular aspect of your client’s business
project. Your client will be present for each presentation. (see dates/times for each presentation in the
Weekly Class Schedule).
Each team will do the following four (4) presentations: See actual example presentations in D2L
Course Shell
1. Presentation #1: Evaluating Client’s External Environment and specifically address UNST Business
Goal for Diversity, Equity and Social Justice (25% of presentation grade)
2. Presentation #2: Evaluating Client’s Internal Environment and specifically address UNST Business
Goal for Ethics, Agency, Community (25% of presentation grade)
3. Presentation #3: Identify Alternative Futures & Quantitative (Financial) & Qualitative Comparisons
(25% of presentation grade)
4. Presentation #4: Final Strategic Recommendations and implementation schedule (25% of
presentation grade)
• Examples of each Presentation in D2L course shell
• Due Dates: See Weekly Course Schedule because each Presentation has a different due date.
Presentation Content: See Weekly Class Schedule in this Syllabus for video & a slide deck on the
content of the presentations.
Page 22 of 27
IMPORTANT: While content will differ for each presentation based upon the purpose of the presentation
and the UNST Goal to be highlighted (only for Presentations 1 & 2), the format for the assignments are
identical for all presentations
2. Each team member will present a minimum of twice
3. Team members who are not presenting must still attend synchronous session in Breakout Room.
4. When formal presentation is completed, all team members (presenters & non-presenters) will
participate in the Q&A.
5. Presenters wear business-casual attire
6. Each presentation will be 30 minutes, which will include formal presentation & client/team Q&A.
7. Student team formal presentation (with slide deck) length no more than 15 minutes maximum.
Remainder of 30 minutes will be for Q&A.
8. All team members (presenters & non-presenters) are required to participate in the Q&A session.
9. Teams will prepare a presentation using slides such as PPt. Use of graphics, tables, figures, matrices
is highly encouraged. You also can incorporate other media in your presentation EXCEPT PREZI.
Prezi is not allowed to be used in the BA495 class due to several intellectual property violations with
capstone teams using it to present to their clients.
10. Send a slide deck prior to the presentation to client & me. The slide deck to your client & me is due no
later than Mid-afternoon (3:30PM), Wednesday, the day of the presentation.
11. Team will email a digital copy of the presentation slides & media to D2L course folder for that
presentation.
12. Due Date for Slide Deck: One Team member will upload to D2L Assignment Folder a digital file of
the PPT slide deck to the appropriate titled Assignment Folder, by Sunday, 11:30PM
13. Find PPt master slide template in D2L Template Folder. You are not required to use that template,
but you will need to have the same content.
14. Find Example Presentations in D2L examples folder.
Synchronous Presentation Due Dates:

● External Environment (PESTEL, 5 Forces, UNST Business Goal: Diversity, Equity & Social Justice
Goal) Synchronous Presentation Week 4.
● Email to client (CC Bill Jones) PPt Slide deck & other materials used in presentation mid-
afternoon (3:30PM), day of presentation: Week 4.
● Upload to D2L Assignments folder for External Environment same materials as emailed to client
(only one member of each team), Week 4, by Sunday, 11:30PM.
● Internal Environment (SWOT, VRIO, UNST Business Goal: Ethics, Agency, Community)
Presentation, Synchronous Presentation Week 5.
● Upload to D2L Assignments folder for Internal Environment same materials as emailed to client
(only one member of each team), Week 5, by Sunday, 11:30PM.
● Alternative Futures Quant/Qual Comparisons methodology, UNST Critical Thinking Goal).
Synchronous Presentation Week 7.
● Upload to D2L Assignments folder for Quantitative/Qualitative Assessment same materials as
emailed to client (only one member of each team): Week 7, by Sunday, 11:30PM..
● Final presentation (strategic recommendations & road map). Synchronous Presentation Week 10.
● Upload to D2L Assignments folder for Final Presentation same materials as emailed to client
(only one member of each team), by Sunday, 11:30PM.
Page 23 of 27
● All presentations will be scored on a 50-point scale.
● Each party (clients, professor) contributes one-half to the final score. All parties use the
same evaluation form.
● Final presentation score for each presentation is the average of the two parties.
7. Team Final Report Outline: (50 point scale, Total Points = 50; 5% TOTAL of Grade)
Each team will prepare and submit to D2L Course Shell (NOT TO CLIENT) Final Report Annotated Outline. The
outline is important as it organizes how you will write your final report, the most important assignment in this
course. The outline identifies the contents to be included, the order of sections (e.g., Executive Summary, TOC,
specific sections, references, appendices), and relative level of detail for each section.
• Final Report Template is located in the D2L Course Shell.
o It can be used as a guide for the Final Report Outline.
o Not required to use the final report template, but is it already preformatted so you may find it
useful to use.
• View Video & review slide deck on Final Report & Outline assignment.
• Examples of Final Report Outline in D2L Course Shell
• Due: Week 7, by Sunday, 11:30PM
• Grading: Rubric (How will I be graded on this assignment?)
o 50 point scale: Superficial = 20; Adequate = 35; Superb = 47
8. Client Final Report [250 point scale, Total Points = 250; 25% TOTAL of Grade]
Each project team prepares a final report (business plan or related deliverable) that makes clear the strategic
recommendations & implementation schedule based on the work scope each team prepared for their client.
• See Final Report Examples in D2L Course Shell
Due:
▪ Draft Final Report: Week 9, by Sunday, 11:30PM
▪ Email to client (CC Bill Jones): MS Word file or another word processing program for the
body of Draft Report (DO NOT SEND A PDF FILE OF THE DRAFT FINAL REPORT TO YOUR
CLIENT); Executive Summary & Appendices are not required but if you have them completed,
include them in your deliverable. The appendices also need to be in their original format (e.g.,
PPt, Excel, MS Word, Pdf, Jpg, etc.).
▪ Upload (one team member only) to D2L Assignments Folder titled Draft Final Report & same
materials emailed to client.
▪ DUE: end of Week 9, no later than 11:30PM
▪ Final Report: Week 11, Wednesday, 11:30PM
▪ Email to client (CC Bill Jones): Two Formats
▪ MS Word file for body of Final Report; all Appendices in their original format (e.g., PPt,
Excel, MS Word, Pdf, etc.).
▪ Pdf file for entire Final Report: body and appendices (for excel spreadsheets just use a
screenshot of the first page). Indicate on the screenshot to see original excel file for
information.
▪ Upload (one team member only) to D2L Assignments Folder titled Final Report same materials
emailed to client
▪ Final Report is scored on a 250-point scale.
Page 24 of 27
▪ Final Score Based on the following:
▪ PLUS: completed all mandatory deliverables, methods used in project tied closely to client
project goals, demonstrates exceptional analysis & insightful key findings, strategic
recommendations logical result of alternative futures comparisons; completed all mandatory
deliverables, uses methods related to client goals; analyses result in reasonable findings;
strategic recommendations related to alternative futures comparisons;
▪ Minus: not completed all mandatory deliverables, not clear all methods tied to client goal, not
clear analyses result in findings identified, strategic recommendations not supported by
alternative futures comparisons.
LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY

All assignments and projects for this course will be submitted electronically through Desire2Learn (D2L) unless
otherwise instructed. Assignments must be submitted by the given deadline unless through prior arrangement.
All discussion assignments must be completed by the assignment due date and time. Late or missing
assignments will affect the your grade.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES:
PSU LIBRARY: Should be your first stop when conducting research:
PSU Library now has a BA495 website with helpful resources for conducting client research
(http://guides.library.pdx.edu/ba495). For help doing research go to the Research Guides & Tutorials page
(http://guides.library.pdx.edu/home) page. There is also the DIY (Do It Yourself) research guidance web page that
can be extremely useful to your project. Go to this site to begin your research (http://library.pdx.edu/diy/). Another
helpful site is the “Databases & Articles” page (http://library.pdx.edu/dofd/). There you’ll find by category (including
Business) publications & database links.
▪ If you need further assistance AFTER YOU HAVE USED THE ABOVE LINKS, Contact Kerry Wu. She is the
designated SBA librarian & can be reached at wuq@pdx.edu & can be very useful in helping you locate
business-related materials.
DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER:

Access and Inclusion for Students with Disabilities: PSU values diversity and inclusion; we
are committed to fostering mutual respect and full participation for all students. My goal is to
create a learning environment that is equitable, useable, inclusive, and welcoming. If any
aspects of instruction or course design result in barriers to your inclusion or learning, please
notify me. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides reasonable accommodations for
students who encounter barriers in the learning environment.
If you have, or think you may have, a disability that may affect your work in this class and feel
you need accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center to schedule an
appointment and initiate a conversation about reasonable accommodations. The DRC is
located in 116 Smith Memorial Student Union, 503-725-
4150, drc@pdx.edu, https://www.pdx.edu/drc.
• If you already have accommodations, please contact me to make sure that I have received a
faculty notification letter and discuss your accommodations.
• Students who need accommodations for tests and quizzes are expected to schedule their tests to
overlap with the time the class is taking the test.
Page 25 of 27
• For information about emergency preparedness, please go to the Fire and Life Safety
webpage (https://www.pdx.edu/environmental-health-safety/fire-and-life-safety) for information.
QUEER RESOURCE CENTER (QRC):

QRC provides students along sexuality and gender spectra with the support they need to persist to graduation.
The Queer Resource Center’s vision is to facilitate a campus environment such that Portland State University is
the higher education destination of choice for students, staff, and faculty along sexuality and gender spectra.
Location: 458 Smith Memorial Student Union; webpage: http://www.pdx.edu/queer/; phone: 503-725-9742; email:
qrc@pdx.edu ; Resources:
1. Name/Pronoun Advocacy: website (http://www.pdx.edu/queer/namepronoun-advocacy ); confidential form
to submit to QRC
2. Trans Student Resources and Retention Coordinator: email (psutrans@pdx.edu ); phone (503-725-9742)
THE WRITING CENTER: 188 Cramer Hall

The Writing Center can help with all varieties of projects including class assignments. The Writing Center aims to
help writers at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to the final draft. Contact TWC:
http://www.writingcenter.pdx.edu/index.php#; Phone: 503-725-3570;
IMPORTANT NOTES
Admittance to this course: If you miss class sessions 1 and 2, you cannot take this course.
Academic Honesty: Students will uphold the honor code in all work associated to this course. All work must be
original and non-original work should be appropriately referenced. Copying material from the internet or any other
source without proper citation is considered plagiarism and cheating and will receive a failing grade. For more
information regarding PSU’s policies on behavior and academic honesty, please see:
http://www.pdx.edu/dos/psu-student-code-conduct
Advising & Assistance: The SBA provides academic advisors as well as career/internship advisors to assist students to
enrich their college experience. Academic advisors are trained to provide counsel in a wide range of issues. From selecting
a business major to evaluating transferred transcripts, academic advisors are here to help students with all of their degree
related questions. All SBA advisors are available by appointment, which must be scheduled in advance. Drop-in hours are
available as well. Drop-in hours are held regularly throughout the week and are designed to help answer routine or simple
questions. For more information about SBA advising and drop-in hours please visit the School of Business website at
http://www.pdx.edu/sba/ and click on student resources. The following is a brief summary of the type of issues with which
academic advisors can offer assistance: DARS reports / SBA admissions requirements / Major selection and requirements
/ Transcript evaluation / Course overrides / Transfer credit petitions / Career planning / Portland State rules and policies
OIT HELP DESK

Students can find assistance with common FAQs on the Student D2L Help webpage. If students need help on a
topic that isn't listed on the Student D2L Help webpage, then they can contact the User Support Services
Helpdesk at (503)725-4357 or submit an E-Learning Support Request.
Page 26 of 27
COURSE POLICIES
Netiquette- Netiquette is the set of rules for how to behave professionally in online environments.
Here are the basics:
1. Even though you are looking at a computer screen, remember you are interacting with humans
and need to be respectful at all times. Avoid personalized conflict.
2. Be respectful of other participant’ time and bandwidth. Of course, we want lots of online
engagement. Just be aware that you should always be thoughtful with your posts and comments. People
will be taking time to read through them and you should see your online posts as “your brand”, a brand that
is valuable to you and to others.
3. Share your expertise. Be sure you share your experience and knowledge when it is relevant to
the course content. You bring a great deal of knowledge to the course. The learning community counts on
student ideas as part of the benefit of online coursework. Wherever possible support your ideas with course
material.
4. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes.
Adapted from “Netiquette” from Virginia Shea
DIVERSITY POLICY: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In this class you are welcome to be who you are at all times. You can share anything about your life you are
comfortable sharing without fear of judgment or ridicule. As your instructor I appreciate everything that makes
you unique. In that same vein I expect nothing more than tolerance and acceptance of others even if their
words, life choices, or personal attributes do not agree with yours or your own moral preferences. Everyone is
different and that is ok. If you find yourself writing something that judges someone, or potentially offends them,
delete it or I will. That sounds harsh, but I have zero tolerance for it. If at any time you notice a questionable post,
please make sure I am notified so I can take care of it. Individuality makes life exciting and should be
celebrated!
Page 27 of 27

Bill Jones Syllabus Hybrid W21 BA495-HB1 1-4-2021

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BA495-HB1 BUSINESS STRATEGY – BILL JONES (FACULTY)

HYBRID/ONLINE CLASS: WINTER 2021

WINTER TERM 2021: BA495-HB1 (40302)

COURSE DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 1

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROGRAM LEVEL LEARNING GOALS

REQUIRED READING MATERIALS & WHERE TO GET THEM

Individual Textbook Chapter 16.7 pts X 6 = 100

Individual Weekly Writing

Individual UNST Business

4 Team Final SOW (1) 100 pts X 1 = 100 10

5 Team Client Presentations (4) 50 pts X 4 = 200 20

6 Team Final Report Outline (1) 50 pts X 1 = 50 5

7 Team Client Final Report (1) 250 pts X 1 = 250 25

Total Score 1,000 100%

Final Grade Adjustment (THIS IS CRITICAL TO YOUR GRADE):

WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE

Week Weekly Lessons Individual Assignments Team Assignments

and activities. you will be doing capstone Valdes, Gavin

Week 2 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Prepare & 1. TEAM/INDIVIDUAL -

7. Read: In D2L Week 2, D2L Discussion Folder for Salads)

4. View Video: Chapter 5 comments/questions to 1848358; Then go to Team

Weekly Progress Report

instructions below). DUE:

Week 7 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Prepare & 1. TEAM/INDIVIDUAL -

12. Review Slide Deck (Week 3): Outline) – DUE: Sunday,

b. BREAKOUT ROOM Theus

Week 10 1. D2L Course Site: click on 1. INDIVIDUAL - Fill-Out TEAM/INDIVIDUAL - Attend

REFLECT ON YOUR COURSE EXPERIENCE RELATED TO THE UNST BUSINESS GOALS

The UNST Business Goals are defined as follows:

To help you frame your essay, please consider the following:

Each Team will submit three documents

5. Team Alternative Futures Quantitative/Qualitative Comparisons Outline [Non-graded]

Synchronous Presentation Due Dates:

LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY

DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER:

QUEER RESOURCE CENTER (QRC):

THE WRITING CENTER: 188 Cramer Hall

OIT HELP DESK

Here are the basics:

4. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes.

Adapted from “Netiquette” from Virginia Shea

DIVERSITY POLICY: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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