Instructionally Related Activities Funds Request Summary

Project SponsorDax Jacobson
Activity TitleMGT492-03 - Service Learning w/Business Process Management (Improving processes for the Santa Rosa Island Research Station)
Activity/Event DateFall 2014
Date Funding Needed BySeptember 2014
Previously Funded?No
Semester/Year
Proposal #
Report submitted for previously Funded Activity?
Report submitted for previously Funded Activity
Academic Program or Center NameBusiness
Estimated total Course Fee revenue0
Amount Requested from IRA3,339
Estimated Number of Students Participating20
Conditions and ConsiderationsField Trip
Brief Activity DescriptionThis is the description of the course: MGT492-03, Service Learning w/Business Process Management will provide students a service-learning opportunity to create/improve business processes in local non-profit organizations. What is a business process? A business process is simply an activity or set of activities that will accomplish a specific organizational goal. Business processes are the building blocks for how organizations meet strategic objectives. Examples include the process of hiring new employees/recruiting volunteers, market research and accounts payable to name just a few. The class will be a mix of lecture, group work and field work as students work in "real time" with local nonprofits over the course of the semester to improve business processes. The class will also be blended, meaning class will not be held each week but will take advantage of technology so students can have the flexibility needed to work together and with the non-profit organization outside of class. The final deliverable is a presentation and report for the organization. The class is a great opportunity to learn about business processes, apply skills learned from other classes, get actual practical experience (always good for resumes!) and have a positive impact on local non-profits and the community. The course will be a 3 credit course. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Dax Jacobson.

For Fall 2014 students will be working to improve business processes related to the Santa Rosa Island Research Station. Part of that will include a trip to the island so students understand the mission, purpose and opportunities the island and research station present. Exact processes to be improved will be determined during spring and summer 2014 consultations with key Santa Rosa Island Research Station stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes and Relation to IRA to Course OfferingsAs mentioned in the Brief Activity Description the IRA funds will be used as a fundamental part of MGT492-03 Service Learning w/Business Process Management. This is an elective that I have developed to increase opportunities for business students to not only gain important experiential and service learning experience (considered high-impact learning opportunities) but also contribute to (and learn from) their community by applying business concepts to help local non-profit organizations.

For Fall 2014 the class will be working to improve a business process related to the work of the Santa Rosa Island Research Station. Exact dates and details have yet to be determined as the process to be analyzed has not yet been determined. But faculty and staff associated with the research station have agreed to make the research station a part of the class. It is expected the students will make one 3-day trip to the island at the beginning of the semester so they can get a feel for what the research station is and does as well as learn about the island itself so that they will understand the context through which they will be analyzing a business process. In addition, this is a great opportunity to get business students and faculty involved. I think it will be a transformational experience for the students.
Description of Assessment ProcessThere are two key assessment measures. First is a final public presentation that is a required element of the course. Students will have to present to the key Santa Rosa Island Research Station stakeholders the results of their analysis and recommendations for improvement of a business process. Both the stakeholders and I will evaluate whether the students have been successful.

In addition, reflection is a fundamental part of service learning and I require weekly reflections from the students. If the course is as valuable and transformational as I expect it to be it will reflected in the individual reflections of the students over the course of the semester.
Activity Budget13-14-ira-travelbudget-mgt-492-fall-2014.xlsx (MS Excel)
CIA Budget
CIA Proposal
Course Syllabus
CIA Certification
Other Sources of FundingNone. If we don't get this funding we won't make the trip as I won't ask students to pay for the trip on their own.
Target Audience/Student MarketingThe intended audience for the course is business students as well as students with a business minor. I prefer students who are Juniors or Seniors. As this is an elective, it does take some effort to get the word out. As with last time I taught it I will send out a mass email, talk to students in class and rely on word of mouth. Due to the overwhelmingly positive experience of students in the class the first time I taught it and the potential opportunity for students to go to Santa Rosa Island this time I think demand will be there.
Bring Benefit to CampusI plan on marketing the students' final presentation to the campus community and to make their findings publicly available. I will also ask the CCE to use the course as an example of service learning and get local media to cover the class and project.
SustainabilityWhile it is yet to be determined whether the students will be involved in processes related directly to sustainability at CI the fact that business students will get an opportunity to understand the environment and islands in a way they normally don't will foster and promote environmental awareness and sustainability at CI.
Program Chair/Directorjohn-andrew.morris
Academic Affairs AVPwilliam.cordeiro
AcknowledgementI acknowledge that I have reviewed and accepted the Conditions and Considerations herein. Please check off boxes as appropriate.

Program Chair/Director Approval

ApprovalI approve the IRA Funds Request described on this page
NameJ. Andrew Morris
Date/Time3/3/2014 9:22:05 AM

Academic Affairs AVP Approval

ApprovalI approve the IRA Funds Request described on this page
NameWilliam Cordeiro
Date/Time3/3/2014 9:23:44 AM
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