TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION


ACCOUNTING 524

SYLLABUS

  

ACCT524LEGAL, REGULATORY AND ETHICAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS
INSTRUCTOR:CHARLES WM. MOHUNDRO, JD, Ph.D.
OFFICE:ROOM 213
OFFICE HOURS:SEE INSTRUCTOR'S HOME PAGE FOR CURRENT POSTING
E-MAIL ADDRESScharles.mohundro@tamut.edu
TELEPHONE:903-223-3019
COURSE NUMBER:ACCT524
COURSE TITLE:LEGAL, REGULATORY AND ETHICAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS
COURSE TIMES:ACROSS THE WEB
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:THE STUDY OF THE LEGAL, REGULATORY AND ETHICAL ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH ORGANIZATIONS MUST OPERATE.  SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON LEGAL AND REGULATORY INSTITUTIONS, THEIR IMPACT ON THE OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE OF BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT, ETHICAL STANDARDS AND THEIR EFFECT UPON BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT.  
PREREQUISITES:NONE
TEXTBOOKS:

 

CROSS, F. & MILLER, R.,  (2007).  WEST'S LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS: Text and Cases,  6TH ED. CINCINNATI: WEST LEGAL STUDIES IN BUSINESS.  ISBN 0324549806.  Text is "bundled" with Info Trac and Web Tutor Advantage.  *Caution--If purchased off campus be sure that you received the bundled package under the indicated isbn or you will incur additional cost.

 

Optional Text:  GLEIM, I. &  RAY, J. (2006). CPA REVIEW, (Nov 05-May 06 Ed.). GAINESVILLE: GLEIM PUBLICATIONS, INC. 

 

 

NATURE AND OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE

The student should acquire a working knowledge of the basic statutes and federal regulations that affect the business world. The study of the legal regulatory and ethical environment of business focuses on the problems faced by decision makers in society and how law, regulations, and business ethics functions as a part of the social structure. The student will be introduced to the legal and regulatory systems and their procedures affecting business including:       

  • Business & Its Legal Environment and Litigation

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution and Business Ethics

  • Constitutional and Administrative Law

  • Criminal, International and Comparative Law

  • Contracts

  • Sales and Leases (UCC)

  • Torts, Strict and Product Liability

  • Business Organizations and Agency

  • Debtor-Creditor Relationships, Bankruptcy and Consumer Protection

  • Employment Law

  • Securities Regulation

  • Antitrust, Monopoly & Restraint of Trade

  • Environmental Law

  • Intellectual Property and Internet Law

  • Land Use Control and Real Property Law

 

TYPE OF INSTRUCTION

The course will be taught across the Web.  Computer based instruction, PowerPoint, exercises, case studies, and e-mail are employed in course instruction.  It is essential that the student review all available materials located in the text, on WebCT and e-mail. The course is partially self-paced in that you may complete a specific week's assignment anytime during that week time frame.

COURSE ETHICS

You are expected to do your own work in this course and not to give or receive any unauthorized aid or assistance.  No aid, human or otherwise, is permitted in taking the online chapter quizzes and/or exams. Copies of previous semester end of chapter case/question solutions, article critiques and/or research papers or copies found on the web, should any exist, are expressly prohibited and to use them will place you in violation of course ethics.  You may be requested to submit the following signed pledge on any assignment "I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment or any assignment in this course".  A failure to submit the sign pledge, if requested, or other course ethics violation will result in zero for that particular assignment, at a minimum,  and may result in being dropped from the course.  Nothing in this course ethics statement should prevent students from studying together or discussing any assignment in the normal and accepted academic manner. The intention is that each student will do his/her own work.

GRADE DETERMINATION

There will be four exams (multiple choice /short answer -- 50 to 100 questions) as indicated in the Calendar and on the TOC page (off the Information page).  Each exam will be worth a maximum of 100 points (total exam points for the semester-400).  Exams must be taken during the assigned dates.  Exams, at the instructor's option, may be given on-line or placed in the University's Testing center. Assigned dates for completion of on-line exams will be shorter than testing period listed in the calendar (an exam's testing period listed in the calendar is for an exam if placed in the Testing Center).  Testing dates, whether in the Testing Center or on-line will be firm and make up exams will not be given except where an emergency excuse from the instructor is granted. If excused and taken late, 10 points will automatically be subtracted from the raw score. If unexcused, student will receive a zero for that exam. Chapter quizzes required during the semester will be taken on-line during specified times and dates are firm with no exceptions (total quiz points for the semester-140).

The Journal of Organizational Leadership and Business (JOLB) publishes outstanding student work product completed in the business and leadership curricula at TAMUT. The aim of JOLB is to provide the University community, prospective employers, students, and the community at large with examples of outstanding work product of business students at TAMUT.  If you would like to research and write a term paper for consideration for submission to the Journal for publication please contact me or refer to the JOBL's Student Submission Page for further details.  In general, the paper would be in lieu of one exam.

FINAL GRADE SCALE:
 
Exams400 
Quizzes140
    Total Points  540
 
Points Earned
90%= A
80%= B
70%= C
60%= D
Below 60%= F 

READING QUIZ DEADLINES

Quizzes must be taken over the web during prescribed times.  Any failure to take a quiz during its prescribed time period will result in a zero for that particular quiz.  No make up quizzes will be given.  Be sure that you read the quiz deadlines correctly.  Usually the ending date for a quiz is stated "To January 10, 2003, 00:00".  This means that you can take the quiz until that time--which means that you take the quiz anytime until midnight January 9 .  YOU CANNOT TAKE THE QUIZ ANYTIME ON JANUARY 10.  

SUBMISSION FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

All required submissions must be in the format indicated in the instructions.  Each shall be in an individual Word document file and attached to a transmittal e-mail (only one attachment per transmittal).  The transmittal e-mail must contain a specified subject line.  The attachment file must be named in a specified manner as well.  The subject line and the attachment file must be identical (except for the file extension).  Please see the instructions off the Information page for submission instructions.  I receive some 4,000 e-mails in a particular semester and the rigid submission requirements are necessary so that I can give you an automated acknowledgement of submission receipt and find your submissions for grading purposes.  A failure to submit in the require manner will result in a letter grade reduction for the submission if am able to find it or a zero in the event that I am not able to locate it.

E-MAIL REQUIREMENTS

All students must have and maintain an e-mail address.  Should you not furnish the instructor with a home or office e-mail address your university e-mail address (first four letters of your last name and last four digits of your social security number) will be used .  Home or office e-mail addresses must be furnished to the instructor in an e-mail in the following prescribed form: subject line of e-mail must use the course prefix and number, i.e. Acct524  and the first line of the body of the e-mail must contain you name (last name first) and your e-mail address in this prescribed format: "Mohundro, Charles" <charles.mohundro@tamut.edu>.  You must use quotation marks and the greater-than and less-than signs as indicated.  Also include both your home and office telephone numbers on the line below your name with non local calls indicated with a (ld) after the number.

 

It is the student's responsibility to check his/her e-mail.  Students also have responsibility for all notices posted on their assigned TAMUT e-mail or posted to the e-mail address last given to the instructor.

 

Students are required to follow file naming and e-mail subject line protocols which are set forth in instructions pages (off the Information Page) on the web and Submission Format Requirements below.  Failure to do so will result in the non acceptance of require work.

You must be identifiable from your e-mail address.  Your address does not have to contain your complete name, however a reasonable person (your instructor) must be able to determine who sent the e-mail after looking at the class roster. "Foxylady@xxx.com", "PGISGIRL@XXX.COM",  "TISDFLASH@xxx.com" or "brokendownpickup@xxx.com" will not work.  Your address should, no must, be professional in this course.  Consider what your address indicates about you.  You can adjust the address that you now use, assuming that it does not contain you name in some fashion, by placing "your name" between quotation marks immediately before you address and your e-mail address proper between the less than and greater than signs (< >).  The use of quotation marks around your name is usually optional.  Example: "Charles Mohundro" <charles.mohundro@tamut.edu>.  On my e-mail program I can change my address by looking under "Tools" and "Options".  Your e-mail will likely be different.  You can probably find directions for your particular e-mail program by looking under its "Help" function.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Internet browsers are necessary to access the course material on WebCT online.  Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.0 or higher (with the exception of IE 5.5 with Service Pack SP installed and version 6.0.28 with Service Pack installed) is supported.  IE 6.0 without the service pack can be downloaded from Microsoft's web site or from a link on TAMUT tech department's software page http://www.tamut.edu/techde/software.htm.  Results with other browsers are unpredictable. Internet Explorer should have Java and JavaScript enabled, Cache set to reload page and file name extension made visible.  Directions are given on the introductory pages of WebCT course material.  Please click on "Check Browser" at the top of the course page when access to WebCT is given.  It may also be necessary for you to disable "Pop-up Screen Blockers" should you not be able to view certain pages in the course.

Web pages are designed for viewing using Microsoft Internet Explorer.  The use of other browsers may cause formatting difficulties and result in pages being difficult or impossible to read.   Internet Explorer is a free download.  All submissions must be in Microsoft Word format.

Audio files are in the MP3 streaming format or .wav format and are designed for Microsoft Windows Media Player.  Other audio players may or may not work properly.  One should not attempt to save the audio file but to open the file from its current location when directed by Media Player so that streaming will work properly.  Windows' Media Player (or other media player) should be set to "View" the control screen in "compact" format to listen to and properly view related materials.

COMPUTER COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Students are expected to have computer skills and/or be able to perform the computer related tasks as indicated below.  In the event that you do not possess these skills it is highly recommended that you take MIS301- Microcomputer Applications in Business.

Microsoft Word:

1.       Keyboard efficiently.

2.       Copy, cut and paste material within a document and from one document to another.

3.       Save files under a designated name

4.       Set proper page margins

5.       Insert page breaks, bookmarks, and pictures.

6.       Create hyperlinks within a document and to Internet sites.

7.       Use heading styles and frames to create a linked table of contents

8.       Use bookmarks and hyperlinks to create a linked table of contents.

9.       Properly document formatting using fonts, paragraph format, bullets and numbering.

10.     Create and use appropriate tables when necessary.

11.     Use spell check and thesaurus.

 

E-mail:  Send and receive e-mail with file attachments. 

  

Internet:

1.       Access the Internet. 

2.       Use Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.

3.       Download and install software from the Internet.

4.       At least minimum ability to navigate the Internet.

 

Windows operating system: 

1.       Use general operations effectively including Windows Explorer and/or My Computer 

2.       Effectively manage files on drives (copy, move, delete, create folders), and control of desktop environment

 

WebCT:  students should be able to navigate content modules, discussion, homepage, and presentations.  Please refer to Student Resources and the Student Guide to WebCT at http://www.tamut.edu/webcourses/index.php?pageid=37.

for initial WebCT instructions.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Acton, H.B., The Ethics of Capitalism, London 1972, Foundation For Business Ethics.

 

Berger, R., Federalism: The Founder's Design, 1987, University of Oklahoma Press .

 

Bopp, G.M., Jim L. Flegle, Robert E. Kinney, and Eden P. Sholeen, "The Internet and American Business in the New Millennium", Texas Bar Journal, January 2000.

 

Cardozo, The Nature of the Judicial Process, 1921, Yale University Press .

 

Davis, Kenneth C. and R. J. Pierce, Jr., Administrative Law Treatise, 1994, Little Brown Co.

 

Epstein, Richard A., "Microsoft, Micro-screwed: The Decline of Anti-trust", National Review, December 6, 1999.

 

Fazioli, Joseph A., "Chevron Up in Smoke? Tobacco at the Crossroads of Administrative Law", Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, Summer 1999.

 

Gould, W. B., A Primer on American Labor Law, 3rd. Edition, 1993, Chicago:MIT Press.

 

Gruthan, Roy, et.al., "Lawyers and Thieves: Legal Shenanigans, Courtroom Scandal, and the Endless Hunt for Money", 1990, Simon & Shuster .

 

Jenkins Holman W. Jr., "Too Rich to Win: Bill Gates and the Jurisprudence of Envy", National Review December 6, 1999.

 

Karmel, Roberta S., "Creating Law at the Securities and Exchange Commission: The Lawyer as Prosecutor", Law and Contemporary Problems, Summer 1998.

 

Kionka, Edward J., Torts in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition, 1992, West Publishing Company.

 

Leiterman, Hannah, "The Citizen's Jury", Social Education, November/December 1999.

 

Lockwood, Gary, "Seeking Cover in the Age of Litigation", Business Law Today, September/October 1999.

 

Loss, L. and J. Seligman, Fundamentals of Securities Regulation, 4th Edition, 1995, Little Brown & Co.

 

Moore, Christopher W., The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict, 2nd Edition, Jossey-Bass 1996.

 

Murry, John Jr., "Big Changes are Due in Laws Governing U.S. Commerce, Purchasing, July 15, 1999.

 

Posh, Robert J. Jr., "Letters of intent--Rarely a Good Idea", Direct Marketing, February 1999.

 

Ritz, Susan, The Civil Rights Act of 1991: Its Impact on Employment Discrimination Litigation, 1992, New York: Practicing Law Institute.

 

Ryan, John Paul, "The American Trial Jury: Current Issues and controversies", Social Education, November/December 1999.

 

Schwartz, Bernard, The Great Rights of Mankind: A History of the American Bill of Rights, 1992, Madison House.

 

Scott, Robert E., Contract Law and Theory, 1988, Michie Co.

 

"State Farm:  What's Happening to the Good Neighbor?", Business Week, November 8, 1999.

 

Sullivan, E. T., Understanding Antitrust and Its Economic Implications, 1994, Matthew Bender.

 

Wallace, Jonathan D., "Supreme Court's Rulings Threaten Free Speech", USA Today Magazine, March 1999.

 

Weiss, Steven A., "ADR: A Litigator's Perspective, Viewing the Plusses and Minuses", Business Law Today, March/April 1999.

The text for the course: West's Legal Environment of Business

Author Cross/Miller

ISBN 0324549806

The Gleim book is optional and can be purchased directly from http//www.gleim.com/accounting/cpa/cpasiteorder.php