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COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: BUSINESS ETHICS
Code Course Type Regular Semester Theory Practice Lab Credits ECTS
BUS 407 C 3 3 0 0 3 7.5
Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) Prof.Dr. Osman Nuri Aras oaras@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: Prof.Dr. Osman Nuri Aras oaras@epoka.edu.al , Wednesday 10:30-11:30 ; Thursday 13:30-14:30 : Friday 13:30-14:30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: NA
Language: English
Compulsory/Elective: Elective
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) Master of Science in Business Administration
Classroom and Meeting Time: E 311; Thursday 18:00
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: NA
Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics of EPOKA University
Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement: 75%
Course Description: This coourse provides an understanding of how ethical decision making occurs in an organization. -Provide knowledge and exercises to help you understand the responsibilities of ethical leadership -Identify ethical risks and issues in making ethical decisions in business. -Understand the relationships between ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability in the firm. -Learn how the oversight of top managers and corporate governance affect ethical decisions. -Examine external pressures for ethical decisions related to regulatory and self- regulatory organizations. -Experience real business ethics decisions through cases, simulations, debates, and other classroom activities.
Course Objectives: Provide an understanding of how ethical decision making occurs in an organization. Provide knowledge and exercises to help you understand the responsibilities of ethical leadership Identify ethical risks and issues in making ethical decisions in business. Understand the relationships between ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability in the firm. Learn how the oversight of top managers and corporate governance affect ethical decisions. Examine external pressures for ethical decisions related to regulatory organizations. Experience real business ethics decisions through cases, simulations, debates, and other classroom activities.
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
1 Business Ethics: The study of proper business policies and practices regarding potentially controversial issues like corporate governance, insider trading, bribery, discrimination, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
2 Importance of Business Ethics: Ethical behavior ensures trust with stakeholders, prevents legal issues, enhances reputation, and creates long-term success.
3 Stakeholders: Individuals or groups affected by or able to affect a company’s actions, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.
4 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A business’s commitment to contribute to the well-being of society and the environment beyond the profit motive.
5 Emerging Business Ethics: New ethical challenges arise from trends such as technological advancements, environmental sustainability, and social justice movements.
6 Institutionalization of Business Ethics: The formal adoption of ethical norms and practices within a company’s policies, procedures, and governance structures.
7 Ethical Decision Making: The process of making choices that align with ethical standards, requiring consideration of consequences, duties, and fairness.
8 Ethical Leadership: Leaders who guide their organization based on ethical principles, serving as role models and fostering a culture of integrity.
9 Moral Philosophies: Systems of thought that guide moral decision-making, such as utilitarianism (greatest good for the greatest number) or deontology (duty-based ethics).
10 Globalization and Ethics: The impact of operating across different cultures and countries, which introduces complex ethical dilemmas around labor practices, human rights, and environmental responsibility.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topics
1 Course Introduction. Syllabus Review.
2 Business Ethics and Importance of Business Ethics
3 Stakeholders, Social Responsibility, and Corporate Governance
4 Institutionalization of Business Ethics
5 Ethical Decision Making and Ethical Leadership
6 Individual Factors: Moral Philosophies and Values
7 Organizational Factors: Role of Ethical Culture & Relationships
8 Developing an Effective Ethics Program
9 Implementing and Auditing Ethics Programs
10 Emerging Business Ethics, Globalization and Ethical Decision-Making,
11 Project Presentations
12 Project Presentations
13 Project Presentations
14 Final Review
Prerequisite(s): N/A
Textbook(s): Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., Ferrell, L., Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases.
Additional Literature: N/A
Laboratory Work: N/A
Computer Usage: N/A
Others: No
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 To understand the impact of the business environment on ethical decision making
2 To distinguish between Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
3 To understand ethical issues in business
4 To apply moral philosophies to Business Ethics
5 To understand the importance of Ethical Decision Making and Ethical Leadership
6 To Develop an Effective Ethics Program
7 To Implement and Audit Ethics Programs
8 To analyze the role of stakeholders in shaping ethical business practices
9 To explore the impact of globalization on business ethics and ethical decision-making
10 To evaluate the role of corporate governance in fostering ethical behavior
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)
No Program Competencies Cont.
Master of Science in Business Administration Program
1 Integrate theories from business and economics to tackle business problem 5
2 Inspire an open minded-attitude through continuous learning and team-work. 5
3 Demonstrate ethical, social, and legal responsibilities in organizations 5
4 Organize and pursue scientific research projects 5
5 Enhance persuasive communication and presentation capabilities. 5
6 Critically evaluate contemporary research in specific business areas. 5
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
Method Quantity Percentage
Presentation
1
20
Project
1
40
Final Exam
1
40
Total Percent: 100%
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
Activities Quantity Duration(Hours) Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) 16 3 48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 16 4 64
Mid-terms 0
Assignments 1 15.5 15.5
Final examination 0
Other 2 30 60
Total Work Load:
187.5
Total Work Load/25(h):
7.5
ECTS Credit of the Course:
7.5
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

Attendance: Students should attend at least 75% of the classes. However, students should consider possible loss of specific evaluation in a certain day they are missing. Regular attendance is required and will be monitored. Exam content: Content for exam questions will be developed from class sides, projects, discussions, assignments & presentations. Academic integrity: Cheating, plagiarism or any other type of academic dishonesty is not tolerated. Students are expected to adhere to the university's academic integrity policy. Each student is responsible for understanding the Epoka Unversity Student Discipline Regulation and Exam Rules. Grading: Student grade is not subject to negotiation. In case of perceived human error by the lecturer side, the student should submit their concern in writing and ask for reevaluation of the exam paper/assignment/project. Late Submissions: Late submissions will incur a penalty unless prior arrangements are made.

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