Vietnam National University – HCMC

International University
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

COURSE SYLLABUS1

Business Ethics

Start 14:40

1The syllabus is prepared following the format provided by the School of Organisation and Management,
University of New South Wales, with kind permission.
 - Camera always on; if ‘off’ -> ‘-‘
- Attention: + Observing cameras
+ Ask questions -> ‘+’
or ‘-‘ Given; No rep.
-> absence

Note: The outline with specific venue and time, and updated learning
materials for the current semester will be provided to the enrolled students
by the lecturer
1. COURSE STAFF

Lecturer: Dr. Nguyen Nhu Ty

Room: O1. 308
Telephone: 0979.997.050
E-mail: nhutynguyen@hcmiu.edu.vn

Teaching Assistant: TBA

Room: TBA
Telephone: TBA
E-mail: TBA
Consultation Hours: TBA

Should the students wish to meet the staff outside the consultation hours, they are advised
to make appointment in advance.

2. COURSE INFORMATION

2.1 Teaching times and Locations

Lecture: TBA
Venue: TBA

2.2 Units of Credit

This course is worth 3 credits.

2.3 Parallel teaching in the course

There is no parallel teaching involved in this course.

2.4 Relationship of this subject to others

Business ethics should be distinguished from the philosophy of business, the branch of
philosophy that deals with the philosophical, political, and ethical underpinnings of
business and economics. Business ethics operates on the premise, for example, that the
ethical operation of a private business is possible -- those who dispute that premise, such
as libertarian socialists, (who contend that "business ethics" is an oxymoron) do so by
definition outside of the domain of business ethics proper.

The philosophy of business also deals with questions such as what, if any, are the social
responsibilities of a business; business management theory; theories of individualism vs.
collectivism; free will among participants in the marketplace; the role of self interest;
invisible hand theories; the requirements of social justice; and natural rights, especially
property rights, in relation to the business enterprise.
Business ethics is also related to political economy, which is economic analysis from
political and historical perspectives. Political economy deals with the distributive
consequences of economic actions. It asks who gains and who loses from economic
activity, and is the resultant distribution fair or just, which are central ethical issues.

According to Frederick Winter, the dean of the Katz School of Management (University
of Pittsburgh) where eliminating business ethics as a separate class is the approach, it
may be better to integrate ethics into other classes, so students see it as an integral part of
other subjects such as finance, accounting or marketing.

2.5 Approach to learning and teaching

Employing the interactive learning and problem-based teaching approach, this course
emphasises the interaction between lecturers and students. The lecture materials will be
uploaded in Blackboard to help the students to preview the materials and to concentrate
on listening and critical thinking during the lecture. This will help students to interact
with the lecturer during the classroom. The sessions for presentations and discussions
comprise company case studies as well as answering some theoretical and conceptual
questions, which help the students to see how the concepts are applied in the real
international business context. Students will present the case to the class and discuss with
the peers.

3. COURSE AIMS AND OUTCOMES

3.1 Course Aims

The aim of the course is to communicate theoretical and practical insights and
developments in the fields of business ethics and sustainable business. The students learn
the characteristics of ethical issues in business. They become acquainted with the
theoretical basis of business ethics: stakeholder-theory, theories of responsibility and
normative ethical theory, intercultural ethics; as well as with theories and practices on the
implementation of business ethics.

3.2 Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should have:

- A deep understanding of basic theoretical concepts of business ethics and

sustainability
- An enhanced ability to critically examine business practices from a variety of
ethical perspectives
- An increased capacity to think, speak and act in ethical ways
3.3 Teaching Strategies

The learning system in this course consists of lectures and scheduled

presentations/discussions. Lectures elaborate the appropriate theoretical content in the
textbook and readings. Classes provide a more detailed and refined analysis of both
concepts and applied materials. Classes are strongly oriented towards interactive
discussion of the text and cases. In order to gain the most from the lectures and class
activities, the assigned text/reading should be read before the lecture to participate in the
discussions.

From the second week, the students will need to form small discussion groups (3-4
students/group) which will take turns in presenting the assigned cases each week.
However, all students are required to take active part in the discussions in class. Look at
articles and clippings from business sections of relevant electronic and print media which
are relevant to the presentation topic. The students should explain how the material
relates to the theory discussed in the text. Discuss with group members as to the common
strategy for sourcing, documenting, analysing and presenting cases each week - for which
a basic minimum interaction will be necessary. For the audience, it is important that they
contribute to the case by getting additional information carefully beforehand so that they
are fully familiar with the materials, and are prepared to participate in the discussions.

4. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT

4.1 Workload

It is expected that the students will spend at least six hours per week studying this course.
This time should be made up of reading, research, working on exercises and problems,
and attending classes. In periods where they need to complete assignments or prepare for
examinations, the workload may be greater.

Over-commitment has been a cause of failure for many students. They should take the
required workload into account when planning how to balance study with part-time jobs
and other activities.

4.2 Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance at lectures and seminars is expected in this course.
University regulations indicate that if students attend less than eighty per cent of
scheduled classes they may be refused final assessment. Exemptions may only be made
on medical grounds.
4.3 General Conduct and Behaviour

The students are expected to conduct themselves with consideration and respect for the
needs of the fellow students and teaching staff. Conduct which unduly disrupts or
interferes with a class, such as ringing or talking on mobile phones, is not acceptable and
students will be asked to leave the class. More information on student conduct is
available at the university webpage.

4.4 Keeping informed

The students should take note of all announcements made in lectures or on the course’s
Blackboard. From time to time, the university will send important announcements to their
university e-mail addresses without providing a paper copy. The students will be deemed
to have received this information.

5. LEARNING ASSESSMENT

5.1 Formal Requirements

In order to pass this course, the students must:
● achieve a composite mark of at least 50; and
● make a satisfactory attempt at all assessment tasks (see below).

5.2 Assessment Details

Participation (randomly), 4 times, not for final exam 05%

Presentations (10 groups; 2 pre./group) 15%
Quizzes 10%
Mid-Term Exam (~90 minutes) 30%
Final Exam (90~120 minutes) 40%
Total 100%

Sample Essay Titles

1. Do you believe that money is the reward for taking risk. Do you believe that investors
should consider the common good, when they are making a choice amongst alternative
investments.
2. Give an argument for and an argument against acceptance of a contract to buy
materials from a company notorious for its poor treatment of workers in third world
countries.
5.3 Presentations (15%): 20 – 45 minutes; 10 groups; 02 presentations/group
1. PowerPoint: 30%
a. Structure and content：20%
b. Skills and effects：10%
2. English: 20%
a. Language expression: 15% (pronounce clearly and accurately, intonation, oral
expression and presentation skills)
b. Body language: 05%
3. Information: 50%
- Sts needs to provide correct information.
5.4 Special Consideration

Request for special consideration (for final examination only) must be made to the Office
of Academic Affairs within one week after the examination. General policy and
information on special consideration can be found at the Office of Academic Affairs.

6. ACADEMIC HONESTY AND PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is the presentation of the thoughts or work of another as one’s own (definition
proposed by the University of Newcastle). Students are also reminded that careful time
management is an important part of study and one of the identified causes of plagiarism
is poor time management. Students should allow sufficient time for research, drafting,
and the proper referencing of sources in preparing all assessment items. The university
regards plagiarism as a form of academic misconduct, and has very strict rules regarding
plagiarism.2
7. STUDENT RESOURCES

7.1 Course Resources

Please note that it is very important to gain familiarity with the subject matter in the
readings and cases prior to attendance in classes.

Textbook:
Andrew Ghillyer (2012). Business ethics: Now. International Edition. New York, NY:
McGraw Hill.

Reference Books:
Joseph W. Weiss (2003). Business ethics: a stakeholder and issues management
approach (3rd ed.). Quebec, Canada: Thomson Learning.

Additional materials provided in Blackboard

The lecturer will attempt to make lecture notes and additional reading available on
Blackboard. However this is not an automatic entitlement for students doing this subject.
Note that this is not a distance learning course, and you are expected to attend lectures
and take notes. This way, you will get the additional benefit of class interaction and
demonstration.
Recommended Internet sites
UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development)
WTO (World Trade Organization)
Business Week
The Economist
Fortune
Forbes
UNGC -> SDGs

2 This is adapted with kind permission from the University of New South Wales.
Recommended Journals
Harvard Business Review
International Business Review
Journal of Management Studies
Asia Pacific Journal of Management

7.2 Other Resources, Support and Information

Additional learning assistance is available for students in this course and will be made
available in Blackboard. Academic journal articles are available through connections via
the VNU - Central Library. Recommended articles will be duly informed to the students.

8. COURSE SCHEDULE
Session Topic Learning materials and
activities
1 Understanding Ethics Textbook, Chapter 1
What is Ethics?
Understanding Right and Wrong Forming Study groups
How Should I Live?
The Value of a Value Allocation of Discussion
Value Conflicts Questions
Doing the Right Thing
The Golden Rule How to prepare for case study
Ethical Theories presentation
Virtuous Ethics
Ethics for the Greater Good
Universal Ethics
Ethical Relativism
Ethical Dilemmas
Ethical Reasoning
2 Case 1.1. All the news that’s fit to
Presentation 1 (Case 1.1): Pass A+ (2) print
Presentation 2 (Case 1.2): BEllion(1) Case 1.2. The man who shocked
Presentation 3 (Case 1.3): Ethical Team (6) the world
Special Topic about Ethical Values Case 1.3. Life and death
Handout
3 Defining Business Ethics Textbook, Chapter 2
Defining Business Ethics
Who Are the Stakeholders?
An Ethical Crisis: Is Business Ethics an Oxymoron?
The History of Business Ethics
Justifying Unethical Behavior
Building and Operating an Ethical Business
4 Presentation 4 (Topic Given): Hotline (3) Case 2.1. Phoenix or Vulture?
Case 2.2. Unequivocal dedication
 Why Does Ethics Matter in Business? to business ethics?
Presentation 5 (Topic Given): BE 07 (7) Case 2.3. Teaching or Selling?
Can Business Ethics Be Taught and Trained?
Presentation 6 (Case 2.3): LK 100 (2)

Special Topic about Business Ethics

5 Organizational Ethics Textbook, Chapter 3
Defining Organizational Ethics
The Ethics of Research and Development Case 3.1. Boosting your résumé.
Ethics in Manufacturing Case 3.2. Bank of America’s most
Ethics in Marketing toxic asset
Ethics in Human Resources Case 3.3. Johnson & Johnson and
Ethics in Finance the Tylenol poisonings
Ethical Challenges
GAAP
Creative Bookkeeping Techniques
Conflicts of Interest
So When Does It Start to Go Wrong?
6 Presentation 7 (Case 3.1): BE 90 (6) Textbook, Chapter 4
Corporate Social Responsibility
- Describe and explain corporate social Case 4.1: Walmart
responsibility (CSR) Case 4.2: Corporate social
irresponsibility
- Distinguish between instrumental and
Case 4.3: The pesticide DDT
social contract approaches to CSR.
- Explain the business argument for “doing
well by doing good”.
- Summarize the five driving forces behind
CSR
- Explain the triple bottom-line approach to
corporate performance measurement.
- Discuss the relative merits of carbon-
offset credits.
7 Presentation 8 (Case 4.3): Reminder (9) Textbook, Chapter 5

Corporate Governance Case 5.1. Hewlett-Packard:

Corporate Governance Pretexting
What Does Corporate Governance Look Like?
In Pursuit of Corporate Governance Case 5.2. Socgen
“Comply or Explain” or “Comply or Else”? Case 5.3. Healthsouth
“In the Know” or “in the Dark”?
The Chairman and the CEO
Effective Corporate Governance
22 Questions for Diagnosing Your Board
A Fiduciary Responsibility
8 Corporate Governance
9 Presentation 9 (Case 5.1): Good luck (5) Textbook, Chapter 6
Presentation 10 (Case 5.2): Unicorn (10) Case 6.1.
 Case 6.2.
Presentation 11 (Case 5.3): Number 1 (4)
Case 6.3.

The Role of Government

10 Presentation 12 (Case 6.1): Member (1) Textbook, Chapter 7

Case 7.1.
Case 7.2.
Case 7.3.
Blowing the Whistle

11 Presentation 13 (Case 7.2): BE (8) Textbook, Chapter 8

Case 8.1. Stumbling over Gmail

Case 8.2. Reverb communications
Case 8.3. The Hipaa Privacy rule
Ethics and Technology
Ethics and Technology
Do You Know Where Your Personal Information Is?
The Promise of Increased Worker Productivity
The Employer Position
The Employee Position
The Daners of Leaving a Paper Trail
Vicarious Liability
The Right to Privacy – Big Brother Is in the House!
Big Brother Is Here to Stay
12 Presentation 14 (Case 8.1): Hotline (3) Textbook, Chapter 9

Case 9.1: Toms Shoes: Ethically

Presentation 15 (Case 8.2): BE 07 (7) global?
Case 9.2: Suicides at Foxconn
Case 9.3: The ethics of offshoring
clinical trials
Ethics and Globalization
- Understand the ethical issues arising in
global business
- Explain the issue of ethical relativism in a
global environment
- Explain the challenges in developing a
global code of ethics
- Analyze the ramifications of the UN
Global Compact
- Explain the OECD guidelines for
Multinational Enterprises
13 Presentation 16 (Case 9.1): LK 100 (2) Textbook, Chapter 10
 Case 10.1. Mott’s: Sour Apples
Presentation 17 (Case 9.2): BE 90 (6) Case 10.2. The failed
transformation of BP
Case 10.3. Unprofessional
conduct
Making It Stick: Doing What’s Right in a
Competitive Market
Making It Stick
Establish a Code of Ethics
Support the Code of Ethics with Extensive
Training for Every Member of the
Organization
Hire an Ethics Officer
Becoming a Transparent Organization
14 Making It Stick: Doing What’s Right in a
Competitive Market
Presentation 18 (Case 9.3): Reminder (9)

15 Presentation 19 (Case 10.2): Good luck (5)

Presentation 20 (Case 10.3): Unicorns (10)

Review