1. Assessment

The subject grade will be determined as follows:

1.1 Examinations (50%)

One week prior to the final exam, a case will be handed out. The final exam will be open book, worth 50% of the total grade for the course. It will include (a) questions covering lecture material and (b) questions pertaining to the case.

1.2 Syndicate-based case write-up (25%)

Three weeks prior to the due date, a case with associated assignment questions will be handed out (in class) as the basis of the syndicate-based case write-up. A strict word limit of 3,000 words will be applied.

• The title page and appendices are not included within this limit, but tables and exhibits are. The title page should include: the name of the subject, the name of the author(s), the name of the case, a statement of the word count for the body of the report, and the date.
  
• The appendices should include only supplemental information such as calculations and assumptions (the document must make sense without the appendices).
  

These limits are to encourage you to concisely express your opinions, as would be expected of a CEO.

1.3 Syndicate-based case problems (10%)

Over the course of the term, each syndicate will be assigned two ‘problems’ or ‘analyses’ that relate to a case we will be discussing in class. Each ‘problem’ will be worth 5% of the overall subject grade. The problems vary from a specific numerical analysis, to the application of a framework (e.g. the value-net). The syndicate is expected to submit their solution electronically to the instructor on the Online Learning System.

• Deadline: 10am Monday (PT Class), 12 noon Monday (for the FT Class) during the day just before the case is discussed in class.

The syndicates will be called upon in class to explain and debate their analysis. A limit of 500 words is imposed for each problem. This limit is primarily an indicator of the magnitude of effort we are expecting -- typically a 1-2page writeup.

1.4 Class participation (15%)

This is NOT class attendance. You are expected to analyze the readings and cases prior to each session, and to contribute during class discussions.

• I will actively call upon students during class. Preparing should take 3-5 hours per week. Do not come to class unprepared. Every week, the final class slide contains a guide to help you estimate the effort to put into each reading.
• Accidents and emergencies do happen. If you are not prepared, leave me a note at the front of the class or speak to me beforehand and we won’t call on you.
• Students are graded for participation based on quality rather than quantity. Here are suggested rules of thumb:
  • Make points that are relevant.
  • Go beyond a mere recitation of the case facts.
  • Be clear.
  • Show evidence of critical thinking and analysis.
  • Link your comments to those of others (build upon them or constructively improve upon weaknesses).
  • Make your contributions further the class’s understanding of the issues
    

Important: No marks are subtracted if you say something "wrong". This helps other students clarify their misconceptions. However, if you don't say anything at all, it doesn't help you. If you have something to say, no matter how silly, raise your hand. Class participation is crucial because it helps you build self-confidence. As a manager, you must be able to articulate your case convincingly to others.

2. Expectations of students

2.1 Ground Rules

• We have a fixed seating plan.
  
• Don’t be late for class. Each session starts on time.
  
• Turn your cellphones/pagers/blackberries to silent mode. If you need to take a call urgently, leave temporarily.
  
• Feel free to disagree with me, or your classmates. But please be polite.
  

2.2 Honour Code

By enrolling in this subject, a student is expected to comply with the Student Honour Code, available on the student intranet.
Warning: Plagiarism will be severely penalized.

Relevant footnotes and references should be included to credit original sources of ideas other than yourself (or your syndicate). This helps distinguish your thoughts from those of others, showing how you used various sources of materials around you to build up your own arguments and analysis. For examples and details visit http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/llsu/resources/referencing/

2.3. Submitting Assignments

The School requires all written submissions to be accompanied by a front cover. This sheet is included in the reading pack (or directly from Student Services). Assignments will not be graded if the coversheet is not included in a submission.

All submissions are to be made via the Learning Management System in electronic form. Do not send a print copy of your assignment to Student Services

2.4 Late Submission

The MBS teaching code states that:

• If (assignments) are not in on time, they are regarded as not submitted.
• From the Course and Subject Guide) “Students are reminded that only in exceptional circumstances will the School grant permission for assignments to be handed in after the due date or for examination and tests to be taken at times different from those set out.”. Thus, Late assignments will only be graded if (i) the student has applied for special consideration; and (ii) that application is considered acceptable. Applications for extensions must be made before submission date, and will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.