ADMN 1206 – Qualitative Management Skills

Development and Secondary Research Methods

Instructor: Johnathan Buck
E-mail: johnathan.buck@algomau.ca
Office Hours: Thursdays, 11:00-11:40 am EST on Zoom. The link for office hours is
https://eclasses-contactnorth.zoom.us/j/89880636214

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course’s main focus is on effective writing, referencing, citation and the qualitative
research process. This course uses the three skill sets of Management to reinforce these
competencies. These skill sets are Personal Skills (self-awareness, managing personal stress,
problem solving), Interpersonal Skills (supportive communication, power and influence,
motivation, managing conflict), and Group Skills (empowering and delegating, teams, leading
change). Through a combination of readings and assessments, you will gain an appreciation for
the importance of identifying relevant information and using it effectively in the business
decision-making process.

In a separate part of this course, you will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for using
and MS Word and PowerPoint. The instructor for this part of ADMN1206 is Kevin Hauck, and
he has complete responsibility for giving assignments, dealing with student questions, and
grading.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will:
 Gain an appreciation of the importance of proper writing, summarization, and evaluation
 Be able to correctly use citation and referencing
 Be able to conduct effectively basic secondary qualitative research to support business
decision-making using library resources
 Gain understanding of basic management skill development

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
 Learn how to communicate effectively with particular emphasis on the improvement of
writing, library research and citation skills
 Develop familiarity with primary and secondary qualitative research processes
 Gain experience with the management process
 Use MS Word to write effective assignments

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

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1. Whetton, D. A. & Cameron, K. S. (2011). Developing management skills (8th edition).
Toronto, ON: Prentice (you don’t need to buy this textbook to complete the course work;
comprehensive textbook slides are posted on the course site)
2. Gaskin, S., Ferrett, R. L., Vargas, A., & McLellan, C. GO! With Microsoft Office 2010.
Toronto: Pearson, ISBN: 0133481700 (Please use this ISBN when ordering in the
bookstore). The course TA will use the Pearson MyITLab to teach students about MS
Word.

The American Psychological Association (APA) style and citation guidelines (the standard used
in this course) may be found at http://owl.english.purdue.edu It is important that you develop a
working familiarity with APA guidelines because it will be important throughout the BBA.
Various other readings, Internet addresses, and video resources will be made available as
required.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Students will be expected to have access to the internet. Students will be expected to access
course material from the course site and have the capacity to submit assignments electronically.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Taking an online course requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline. You will need to
maintain diligence in completing course activities or you will fall behind. You should complete
all assigned readings. You can expect me to respond to your questions and concerns quickly
(within 48 hours).
MARKING SCHEME
  Weight %
Assignments Assignment Description of Final Grade
Quiz #1 Week 3: Chapters 1, 2 4%
Quiz #2 Week 5: Chapters 3, 4 4%
Quiz #3 Week 7: Chapters 5, 6 4%
Quiz #4 Week 9: Chapters 7, 8 4%
Quiz #5 Week 11: Chapters 9, 10 4%
Lab Assignments/Assessment Refer to MyITLab instructions 10%
Secondary Research Assign. #1 Week 4: Sunday 11:30pm 15%
Secondary Research Assign. #2 Week 8: Sunday 11:30pm 15%
Secondary Research Assign. #3 Week 12: Sunday 11:30pm 15%
Final Exam Exam period: TBD 25%

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
An outline of all assignments, and quizzes is given below. Full details of assignments
(including content, length, and format) will be provided at the time of assignment and posted on
the course site. In all assignments, students will be expected to incorporate relevant course

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concepts and, as the course progresses, increasing mastery of course skills. The standard for all
assignments is provided by the APA style and citation guidelines, and adherence to these will be
strictly enforced.

Please note the following:

1. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE.
2. NO MAKE-UPS OR DO-OVERS WILL BE OFFERED unless there are legitimate
extenuating circumstances (ex. sickness or family emergency).
3. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED
4. ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO USE 12-PT TIMES NEW ROMAN FONT AND
MUST BE DOUBLE SPACED.
5. ALL THREE SECONDARY RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED
BEFORE THE STUDENT IS PERMITTED TO COMPLETE THE FINAL EXAM.

Individual secondary research assignments: In addition to providing students with practice in

summarizing and presenting research articles on various topics, the assignments are
opportunities to gain familiarity with finding and accessing resources in Algoma University’s
Wishart Library.

 Secondary Research Assignment I (15%):Using the university library site, you will
find an article that is no more than 10 years old from Decision Sciences Journal of
Innovative Education. In addition, you will say why you chose the article (i.e., identify its
relevance to the topic) and provide an evaluation of the article’s content. The summary
will follow APA publication guidelines for an essay, typed in Times New Roman 12-
point font and double spaced. It should identify the topic or subject area, the issue(s)
being addressed, the finding(s)/conclusion(s), and an appropriate critical reflection. The
text of the assignment should not exceed 300 words. If the word limit is exceeded, a
deduction will be applied. YOU MUST USE YOUR OWN WORDS! PLAGIARISM IS
NOT TOLERATED! Remember to follow APA citation standards. This assignment must
be completed individually – NO COLLABORATION!

 Secondary Research Assignment II (15%): The instructor will provide a topic area in
which you are to do an annotated bibliography.

 Secondary Research assignment III (15%) : This assignment will be an analysis of

three references from an academic journal article.

Class Quizzes (20%)

There will be 5 quizzes based on the content in the PowerPoint slides posted on Brightspace.
Each quiz will consist of 20 multiple-choice questions.

MyITLab Assignments and Lab Exam (10%)

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There are 5 lab assignments (6% of your overall grade) and a final lab exam (4% of your overall
grade). These assessments will be handled and marked by the TA.

Final Examination (25%)

The final exam is comprehensive and will be based on ALL of the slides posted under the
Modules. The exam will be posted on Brightspace (at the bottom of the Content section). More
detail about the format of the exam will be provided later in the semester.

COURSE POLICIES

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY/DISHONESTY
The University takes a very serious view of such offences as plagiarism, cheating, and
impersonation. Penalties for dealing with such offences will be strictly enforced. The instructor
reserves the right to assign a final grade of F for these types of infractions. Consult the academic
calendar for further information. Algoma University academic policies, procedures, and
regulations are available at http://www.algomau.ca/academics/policies/#.UN9d9DJYujc. They
contain the complete policy statements on academic matters including academic dishonesty
and attendance. Students are encouraged to read this information for further clarification
of policy issues.

IT HELP DESK

The IT Help Desk will provide support for CMS-related problems as well as general computer
or software problems. All IT requests must be submitted through http://my.algomau.ca. Please
bookmark this website for easy access. To do so, log in using your MyAlgomaU
username/password and click on the "Contact IT Helpdesk" button. If you have problems
logging in, there is another "Contact IT Helpdesk" link, which can be used on the login screen
(however, it will not automatically complete your personal information). Submitting your
request electronically is preferred; however, if your request is urgent, the IT Help Desk can be
contacted at (Toll Free) 1-888-254-6628 extension 4450.

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SOCIETY (AUBS)

AUBS is a student-run club that creates networking opportunities and hosts information
seminars as well as social events for AU business students. AUBS is dedicated to enhancing the
student experience and providing opportunities that will help them in their future business
studies and/or career. For upcoming events and more information, you can visit
www.algomaubiz.com. If you are interested in being directly involved with AUBS, contact
aubs.algoma@gmail.com