Goizueta Business School

Request for Proposals: MBA Spring Mid-Semester Modules, late February - mid March 2011

Summary  The Goizueta Business School of Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia) is seeking proposals for its mini-elective Mid-Semester Modules  The Mid-Semester Modules are one opportunity to expose Goizueta students to innovative elective subjects and formats not easily addressed in the traditional semester format  Mid-Semester Modules can either be Atlanta-based or travel-based and will be taught during the Mid-Semester Module break which is adjacent to Spring Break. o Atlanta-based Modules will be taught between February 24 and March 2, 2011 o Travel-based modules to be taught to MBA students February 25 and March 12, 2011  Final deadline for this year’s Module submissions is August 1, 2010

Background and History Mid-Semester Modules build on a well-established Lead Week model of innovative educational modules. By shifting the timing to the middle of the semester, we also have the option of linking content of the modules with the content of courses the students could be taking in the Spring semester.

Mid-Semester Modules are one way Goizueta Business School facilitates innovation and variety in its elective courses, by providing an opportunity for students to choose from a slate of mini- electives that would not easily fit into the usual set of elective offerings due to their content, format, or special teaching requirements.

We intend to offer three travel-based modules and five Atlanta-based modules in the middle of the Spring semester.

All full-time MBA students who are not part of a joint degree program must take one Mid- Semester Module each academic year. (Joint degree students must take a Mid-Semester Module during the MBA residence year only.) Grading is on a Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory basis, and 1 credit hour is granted for successful completion of a Module. Atlanta-based Modules Nearly 60% of our MBA students choose to take Atlanta-based Mid-Semester Modules. Student enrollment ranges from 25 to 70 in each Atlanta-based Module.

The following is a partial list of Atlanta-based Modules that have been offered:

 Economics and Finance of Sports  Principles and Practice of Finance  Global Risk Management  Syndicated Data Analysis for Brand Scientists  Advanced Communication Skills for High Potential Managers  The U.S. Health Industries Sector: Basics, Trends, Issues and Opportunities (sponsored and led by PWC)  The Real Estate Development Process: From Market Research to Project Financing  The World of Strategic Brand Management (sponsored and led by SmithKline Beecham)  Marketing Creativity  The Consulting Process: From Questions to Action  Tomorrow’s Capitalism: Emerging Global Patterns of Ownership, Performance and Sustainability  Managing Early Career Issues  Business Law (led by Smith, Gambrell & Russell)  Sales and Business Development  Valuation Techniques  Emerging Technologies – Biotechnology and Nanotechnology  Relationship Economics

Suggested Guidelines for Atlanta-based Modules A critical objective of the Mid-Semester Modules is to provide a place for non-standard forms of elective courses; hence we expect diversity in the nature of the Modules proposed. In order to help possible faculty shape proposals that are likely to fit the Goizueta vision, we have created the following guidelines. These are meant to make the concept more concrete but are not meant to be absolute or restrictive.

Content Themes Possible content themes for Modules include: industry or regional focus; examination of inter-disciplinary, inter-organizational, or cross-functional issues; professional development related topics; and current “hot topics” with significant impact on business management and operations. The expectation is that, for most Modules, the content will require no prerequisites and will be open and accessible to both first- and second-year MBA students.

2 Format As with full length courses, in-class contact time may take different forms such as lectures, case discussion, guest speakers, panels and student presentations. Outside class requirements might include pertinent readings, research, case preparation, field work, group meetings, exercises, and preparation of presentations and papers.

Modules need not be offered in a standard classroom format. Possible variations might include site/field visits, experiential exercises, and local travel. In any case, it is expected that whatever form the Module takes, there will be regular and frequent contact with the Module instructor. A minimum of 15 contact hours is expected.

Scheduling The available window for 2011’s Atlanta-based Modules is February 24 to March 2, 2011. Although a variety of meeting schedules is possible, a typical format is classroom-centered. A single Module will represent a student’s full academic load during this period, so it is expected that outside assignments will require at least 3-5 hours per day. The Module may require a final paper or project to be due some time after March 2, but before April 1.

Requirements and Grading All Modules carry one hour of course credit, and students will be graded on a Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory basis. The instructor must design the Module requirements so that there is a reasonable basis on which to evaluate the students’ performance. In previous Modules, grade components included participation in case discussions, short written assignments, final projects and presentations and research papers. Examinations are permitted but have not employed by any of the Modules to date.

Some Modules required students to complete significant specified work in advance of the first meeting of the Module; others have permitted final papers or projects to be submitted several weeks after the final meeting of the Module. The instructor must clearly articulate to the students his/her expectations with respect to course requirements and grading.

Compensation for Atlanta-based Modules Instructors will receive compensation in the range of $5000 to cover travel expenses, accommodations, and honorarium for Atlanta-based modules. If there are multiple instructors for a module, how the compensation is to be split must be determined by the instructors prior to the delivery of the module. For Goizueta faculty, there is no teaching credit awarded for delivering modules.

3 Travel-based Modules The rest of our MBA students choose to take travel-based Mid-Semester Modules. Student enrollment ranges from 20 to 45 in each travel-based Module. Historically, these Modules have been led by Goizueta faculty, primarily because few outside the school have proposed travel- based Modules.

The following is a partial list of travel-based Modules that have been offered:

 Nicaragua – Social Enterprise focus  London/Paris/Atlanta – Energy Industry focus  Japan  Turkey  China  India  South America – Brazil and Argentina  South Africa  Southeast Asia – Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore; Vietnam & Thailand  Dubai/Cairo

Suggested Guidelines for Travel-based Modules A second critical objective of the Mid-Semester Modules is to provide a place for real exposure to international business issues. In order to help possible faculty shape proposals that are likely to fit the Goizueta vision, we have created the following guidelines. These are meant to make the concept more concrete but are not meant to be absolute or restrictive.

Content Themes Each travel-based Module should identify a broad business topic relevant to the geographic destination. Examples include: the impact of political change on business in Latin America, comparison of economic development in large corporations and start-up businesses in Egypt, real estate and development in Dubai, microfinance and NGO activity in India, and the rise of national economies through offshoring to Central Europe. The expectation is that, for most Modules, the content will require no prerequisites and will be open and accessible to both first- and second-year MBA students.

Past successful travel-based modules linked the academic content of the module with the culture of the destination. For example, it is beneficial to understand Chinese culture and history since it impacts China’s view of multinational business opportunities.

4 International versus Domestic Destinations Travel-based modules may be either international or domestic. Goizueta strongly encourages its American students to take an international travel module. We also recognize that our international students would benefit from a US-based travel module.

Format and Format Variation Travel-based Modules should include significant pre-work to prepare the students to fully take advantage of the international travel. Pre-work might include readings, lectures, Atlanta-based field trips, or panel discussions. The time spent abroad should deepen the students’ understanding of the topic under study. Additionally, most past travel-based Modules have included a debrief session upon return to Atlanta. Finally, travel-based Modules need not stay in one city or country, though travel time must be balanced with learning time. A minimum of 30 total work hours is expected.

Scheduling Mid-Semester Travel Modules will take place between February 25 to March 12, 2011. Most Modules are 8 – 12 days, with the remaining time available to the students for personal vacation travel. A single Module will represent a student’s full academic load during this period, so it is expected that the academic portion outside of travel time and cultural tours will require at least 3-4 hours per day during the business week.

Number of Travelers Mid-Semester Modules Travel modules should have between 25 and 45 participants. While enrolled students have priority, partners are welcome to travel if there is space available.

5 Enrollment Students will select their Mid-Semester Modules in late September 2010. Their final non-refundable deposit is due by December 1, 2010.

Number of Trip Managers In addition to the instructor, each trip should plan on one non-student manager accompanying the trip. Of these two responsible parties, at least one should be an Emory employee or Emory affiliate.

Budget Mid-Semester Module budgets must break even with a minimum of 20 paying participants. Trips with fewer students are subject to cancellation.

Compensation for travel-based Modules Module Leaders will receive compensation of a $10,000 honorarium for travel-based modules. Reasonable travel expenses for the instructor will be rolled into the cost billed to the student participants. If there are multiple instructors or organizers for a module, the compensation is to be split and must be determined prior to the delivery of the module. This includes any non- Emory person or organization that assists with logistics as well as a Goizueta employee who supports a module outside his/her regular work. For Goizueta faculty, there is no teaching credit awarded for delivering modules.

6 Submission of Proposals for Both Atlanta- and Travel-based Modules Module proposals should contain the following information:

• Suggested Title • Contact information for the lead instructor • Module Learning Objectives • Major Topics and Issues • Format & Preliminary Schedule • Student Requirements • Module Prerequisites (if any) • Additional Budget Requests (if any) • Qualifications of the Instructor to lead the proposed Module

• Travel based modules should also include estimates of the costs the students will incur to participate in the module

Typically, this information should be 3 pages in length and should not exceed 6 pages.

Proposals should be mailed or emailed to: Harriet Ruskin Director, MBA Program Office Goizueta Business School 1300 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30322

[email protected] 404-727-6644

If you have questions please contact Harriet Ruskin.

Proposals for all Modules should be received no later than August 1, 2010.

Proposal Evaluation Process Proposals will be evaluated by the Full-time MBA Program Office and the Faculty MBA Program Committee. During the evaluation process, additional formal input on each submission may be sought from the Area Coordinators (the faculty heads of Goizueta’s five academic areas). In addition, high-potential module proposals are typically discussed further with the person submitting the proposal in order to gather additional information and insight about the proposal and suggest amendments that might strengthen it.

Module proposals will be evaluated on a variety of individual and portfolio criteria. Modules proposals most likely to garner support will be those that:  Clearly articulate their learning objectives,  Hold the students to high intellectual and professional standards,

7  Have a high potential to generate student interest,  Make an original and unique contribution to the Goizueta curriculum.

Module proposals that materially duplicate existing Goizueta courses have little chance of being accepted.

The Faculty MBA Program Committee will develop a prioritized slate of Modules and forward it to the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will negotiate all contracts for accepted proposals. The Full-time MBA Programs Office will implement the final slate to the extent possible. Proposed modules not included in the final slate may be resubmitted for future Mid-Semester modules.

This evaluation process will take place on a rolling basis, starting on or around August 1, 2010.

Modules are subject to cancellation due to low student enrollment.

Additional Note to Goizueta Faculty Goizueta faculty are encouraged to submit proposals themselves, and to distribute this Request for Proposals to other members of the University community, colleagues at other institutions, alumni, business contacts, and others you think might be valuable additions to the Mid-Semester Modules. If you have any additional questions, please contact JB Kurish or Anne Dries in the MBA Program Office.

Additional Note to Goizueta Students Goizueta students are encouraged to partner with an interested faculty member or outside professional to develop a proposal. Current students are not eligible to serve as an instructor for a Mid-Semester Module. Goizueta students are also encouraged to distribute this Request for Proposals to other members of the University community, colleagues at other institutions, alumni, business contacts, and others you think might be valuable additions to the Mid-Semester Modules. If you have any additional questions, please contact Harriet Ruskin.