Course Syllabus
Course Description
Quantitative concepts used in merchandising fashion goods with an emphasis on profitability.
Prerequisite: FM 2336 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1316 or MATH 1319] both with grades of "C" or better.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Recognize the basic and elementary factors of the buying and selling process that affects sales, gross margin, and profit.
- Understand the relationship of the profit factors and how to improve profit performance by manipulating these factors.
- Understand how merchandise pricing affects the bottom line.
- Understand and apply basic mathematical concepts to solve real-life merchandising problems.
- Recognize the relationship between all the formulas and metrics involved in a business.
- Become familiar with standard industry terminology employed in the retail and merchandising business.
Canvas Information
Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.
For Canvas, Passwords, or any other computer-related technical support contact the ITAC Service Desk.
Phone: 512.245.ITAC (4822)
Email: itac@txstate.edu
LiveChat: https://livechat.itac.txstate.edu
Check Ticket Status: https://ticketstatus.itac.txstate.edu
Texts/Resources/Materials
Textbook: Tepper, Bette K., Green, Marla (2016) Mathematics for Retail Buying, Eighth Edition. New York, NY: Fairchild Books, Bloomsbury.
Materials: portable calculator, small index card notebook (preferably 4X6)
Course Expectations and Policies
Statement on Civility and Compliance in the Classroom
Someday soon, you will all be expected to maintain professionalism in your future career.
Students and faculty are full partners in fostering a classroom environment which is conducive to learning. Our actions should promote respect for both one another and the traditions of collegiate learning. Class sizes and emphases can create situations in which acceptable behavior in one course may be unsatisfactory in another situation, as for example when collaborative team work can lead to movement and in-class conversation, which may be totally inappropriate in a large lecture class. Texas State policy (PPS 4.02) describes general behaviors that are always disruptive. Examples of such behaviors include but are not limited to: making loud noises, speaking without recognition, making personal threats or insults, eating or drinking in classrooms, sleeping during class, using electronic equipment prohibited by the instructor or disrespectful of other students, using inappropriate or vulgar language, or taking other actions that others might find offensive, demeaning, or disrespectful. As the instructor in this class I will be the judge of behaviors that threaten the civility of the learning environment, and, when appropriate or necessary, I will bring such behavior to the attention of the class or individuals in the class.
For more information regarding conduct in the classroom, please review the following policies at https://policies.txstate.edu/division-policies/academic-affairs/02-03-02.html, Section 03: Courteous and Civil Learning Environment, and https://studenthandbook.txstate.edu/rules-and-policies/code-of-student-conduct.html, number II, Responsibilities of Students, Section 02.02: Conduct Prohibited.
Personal Pronoun Preference
Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student’s legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by a name different than what appears on the roster, and by the gender pronouns you use. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records.
Health, Wellness, and Safety
Considering rising infection rates and recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Texas State is requesting all members of the university community to take these five additional steps:
- Stay home and get tested if you develop cold-like or other COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.
- Promptly Report to Bobcat Trace if you test positive for COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who received a positive test result. Reporting information can be found on the Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps webpage.
- Isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Stay home and away from others for 10 days from the start of symptoms or the positive test if you have no symptoms.
- Quarantine if you have been identified as a close contact and stay home for the prescribed time period.
· Fully vaccinated Bobcats who are asymptomatic are not required to quarantine but should get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after last exposure. They should also wear a face mask when indoors in public spaces for 14 days since the exposure or until a negative test result is obtained three to five days after exposure.
· Unvaccinated Bobcats are required to quarantine for 10 days since the time of last exposure.
Please continue to follow the university’s Roadmap for updates.
Face Covering and Vaccination Protocol
-
Per standing guidance from Governor Abbott’s executive orders and confirmed by The Texas State University System’s Office of the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel, the university is not able to require face coverings or vaccinations. Every member of the university community is urged to get vaccinated and wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Together, we can reduce the risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19 and live out our shared values of respect and compassion.
Course Communication
Instructor/Course Communication to Students:
Any course communication will be sent through Canvas (with a copy forwarded to your Texas State email). Please be sure to check your Canvas app or email at least once a day.
Student Communication to Instructor:
You can expect a response from a direct email within 24 hours between 8 AM – 5 PM (excluding holidays and weekends). If I plan to be away from my computer or internet access for more than a couple of days, I will let you know in advance. However, if you haven’t received a response within 48 hours, it is likely that the answer to your question is either in the syllabus or already discussed in class. Please make sure to use proper communication etiquette:
- I get hundreds of emails a day so using the Canvas Inbox is often a better way to connect with me. If you choose to use email, please include FM 3330 somewhere in the subject line of your email so I can prioritize your email when responding.
- Address me with respect—I do not answer messages that are not respectful.
- Write in proper sentences (avoid texting language or abbreviations).
- Close your message professionally.
Class GroupMe
I have created a class group me for this semester's buying class. Group Me is a good way to quickly ask questions (i.e., what were we supposed to do for the assignment? Do we need to bring a calculator to class today?). Many other professors have found it useful to be in the Group Chat as well to field any questions. This is not required and will not replace announcements from Canvas, but I am more likely to respond to these on nights and weekends.
How to be Successful in this Course
This course utilizes several learning tools to ensure everyone is successful. While I am here to facilitate your success, your success will largely be driven by your efforts. There are ample opportunities to practice the concepts we’ll cover in the class, including practice sets, homework sets, and in-class activities that will occur at different times throughout the semester. This class is designed to promote student engagement through diverse in-class activities to ensure that the learning outcomes are met. In addition, participation in online forums, discussions, etc. will also be used as learning tools.
Student’s Responsibility
- Be prepared for all classes.
- Do not miss class without extenuating circumstances (please communicate before class)
- Submit assignments on time.
- Be respectful of others.
- Actively contribute to the learning activities in class.
- Abide by University policies.
Instructor’s Responsibility
- Be prepared for all classes.
- Open communication with students
- Assignments will be graded within a timely manner
- Respectful of all students. I am an ALLY for all.
Maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
Course Requirements, Asessments, and Evaluations:
Grading
a All grades will be posted on Canvas. If you think there is an error or mistake, please reach out to me within one week of the grade being posted. After a week, I assume there was no error or mistake and the grade stays.
How to calculate your grade
Your course grade (%) = [Total points you have received including extra points] / 800
Rounding Rule
Percentages will be rounded at the second decimal point. For example, 89.94% would be rounded to a B, while 89.95 will be rounded to an A.
Attendance & Participation
Class attendance is very important and will be checked each class period. Each time class meets, attendance will be taken. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure that you are counted present when you attend. If you are not present when attendance is taken, you will be marked absent. However, if you arrive after attendance has been taken, you must see me to ensure that you get your attendance for coming to class. I will change your absent to a late. If not, the absence remains.
Please arrive on time and remain until dismissed. Each absence will result in a five-point deduction, and lateness will result in a two-point deduction from your class participation grade.
Each of the following categories will be counted as an absence:
- An unexcused absence.
- Being late more than 10 minutes.
- Leaving before the class is dismissed without the instructor’s permission.
- Any disruptive/irrelevant behavior including text messaging, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, studying for other exams, writing in your planner, etc.
An excused absence will only be granted for personal injury/illness, death in the family, participation in a university-sponsored activity (https://policies.txstate.edu/university-policies/02-06-03.html), required participation in active military service, official religious holy days (https://policies.txstate.edu/university-policies/02-06-01.html), or some other EXTRAORDINARY circumstance, and must be verified in writing by a physician or appropriate authority. If your absence is excused or unexcused, it is your responsibility to get notes from your classmates.
COVID-19 will continue to impact us this semester. If at any point during the semester you need to isolate or quarantine, you should report to Bobcat Trace and contact me ASAP to make appropriate arrangements for completing assignments. You can notify me directly or utilize the absence notifications form.
Participation grades will be determined based on attendance and in class-activities that will occur at different times throughout the semester. This class is designed to promote student engagement through diverse in-class activities to ensure that the learning outcomes are met. In addition, participation in online forums, discussions, etc. will also be used as learning tools. In particular, many of you might have similar issues with excel or the formulas we’ll learn this semester. I encourage you to post them on the forums to help your classmates out with learning.
Course Assignments
Practice Problems
There are 8 practice problem sets that correspond with the chapters. These are to be submitted on canvas by midnight the night before we will cover it in class. These are graded based on completion; however, the following point structure will be utilized:
|
If you complete… |
Your grade will be… |
|
100% of the assignment, including showing your work |
100% |
|
75% of the assignment, or fail to show work |
75% |
|
50% of the assignment, regardless if your work is shown |
50% |
|
< 50% of the assignment or haphazard work |
0% |
Late practice sets will not be accepted, automatically resulting in a zero. This is to ensure that you attempt the problems so everyone can be fully prepared to review them during class.
Homework Sets
There are 2 homework sets to further assess your mastery of the course concepts. These assignments are graded for accuracy, in order to solidify your knowledge and serve as a review before the exams. These are due the weekend before the exam, to serve as additional study materials and increase your success on the exams.
Late Work Policy
Work is considered “on time” when the assignment is submitted to Canvas by the due date at 11:59 PM Central Time Zone. Any work submitted after 12:00 AM Central Time Zone the next day is considered late. On the first day work is submitted late, there will be a 25% deduction. On the second day work is submitted late, there will be a 50% deduction. 72 hours after the assignment was due, the work will not be graded, resulting in a “0” for the assignment.
Exams
Students are responsible for taking the exams at the times scheduled in the course syllabus. There will be three exams given, covering material from lectures, discussions, and online activities. The instructor reserves the right to change the questions and/or format of a make-up exam. The class period before the exam will be provided as an exam review.
Make-Up Exams
Make-up exams will only be given if a student contacts the instructor prior to the exam time with an appropriate excuse. A missed exam without verification of an extraordinary circumstance will result in 0 for that exam. A maximum of one makeup exam is allowed for each student. A student has to take their makeup exam within three days before/after the scheduled exam time. Otherwise, they will not have a chance to make up the exam.
University Policies
University Honor Code:
Each student is expected to do original work. Violations will be subject to Texas State University Policies outlined in the Texas State Honor code as well Code of Student Conduct. Please refer to the following links for the full policy.
- Code of Student Conduct ‐ http://www.dos.txstate.edu/handbook/rules/cosc.html
- The Honor Code ‐ http://www.txstate.edu/honorcodecouncil/Academic‐Integrity.html
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by an Academic penalty, including failure on exams, papers, or assignments; failure in the course; and/or expulsion from the university.
Emergencies Effecting Texas State Campuses: It is helpful to know that in the event of an emergency, students should monitor http://safety.txstate.edu/ for all safety and emergency communications. This page will be updated with the latest information available to the university, in addition to providing links to information concerning safety resources and emergency procedures.
Texas State University Mission and Shared Values
Our Mission:
Texas State University is a doctoral-granting, student-centered institution dedicated to excellence and innovation in teaching, research, including creative expression, and service. The university strives to create new knowledge, to embrace a diversity of people and ideas, to foster cultural and economic development, and to prepare its graduates to participate fully and freely as citizens of Texas, the nation, and the world.
Our Shared Values:
In pursuing our mission, we, the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State University, are guided by a shared collection of values:
- Teaching and learning based on research, student involvement, and the free exchange of ideas in a supportive environment;
- Research and creative activities that encompass the full range of academic disciplines—research with relevance, from the sciences to the arts, from the theoretical to the applied;
- The cultivation of character, integrity, honesty, civility, compassion, fairness, respect, and ethical behavior in all members of our university community;
- A diversity of people and ideas, a spirit of inclusiveness, a global perspective, and a sense of community as essential conditions for campus life;
- A commitment to service and leadership for the public good;
- Responsible stewardship of our resources and environment; and
- Continued reflection and evaluation to ensure that our strengths as a community always benefit those we serve.
Texas State University Honor Code
As members of a community dedicated to learning, inquiry, and creation, the students, faculty, and administration of our university live by the principles in this Honor Code. These principles require all members of this community to be conscientious, respectful, and honest.
WE ARE CONSCIENTIOUS. We complete our work on time and make every effort to do it right. We come to class and meetings prepared and are willing to demonstrate it. We hold ourselves to doing what is required, embrace rigor, and shun mediocrity, special requests, and excuses.
WE ARE RESPECTFUL. We act civilly toward one another and we cooperate with each other. We will strive to create an environment in which people respect and listen to one another, speaking when appropriate, and permitting other people to participate and express their views.
WE ARE HONEST. We do our own work and are honest with one another in all matters. We understand how various acts of dishonesty, like plagiarizing, falsifying data, and giving or receiving assistance to which one is not entitled, conflict as much with academic achievement as with the values of honesty and integrity.
THE PLEDGE FOR STUDENTS
Students at our university recognize that, to ensure honest conduct, more is needed than an expectation of academic honesty, and we therefore adopt the practice of affixing the following pledge of honesty to the work we submit for evaluation:
I pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and responsibility at our university.
THE PLEDGE FOR FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION
Faculty at our university recognize that the students have rights when accused of academic dishonesty and will inform the accused of their rights of appeal laid out in the student handbook and inform them of the process that will take place.
I recognize students’ rights and pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and responsibility at our university.
ADDRESSING ACTS OF DISHONESTY
Students accused of dishonest conduct may have their cases heard by the faculty member. The student may also appeal the faculty member’s decision to the Honor Code Council. Students and faculty will have the option of having an advocate present to insure their rights. Possible actions that may be taken range from exoneration to expulsion.
Statement of Copyright: Students are prohibited from selling class materials (the lecture notes, handouts, assignments, and all other materials used in this course) and from being paid for taking notes from this course by any person or commercial film. Students are also prohibited from making audio or video recording of the lectures without professor’s permission.
Academic Accommodations for Students with a Disability
If you are a student with a disability who may require any accommodation(s) to successfully participate in this course, please contact me as soon as possible. Failure to contact me in a timely manner may delay your accommodations. The Family and Consumer Sciences Department cooperates with the Office of Disability Services to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.
Emergency Management
In the event of an emergency, faculty, students, and staff should monitor the Safety and Emergency Communications web page. This page will be updated with the latest information available to the university, in addition to providing links to information concerning safety resources and emergency procedures. Faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to sign up for the TXState Alert system.
Sexual Misconduct Reporting (SB 212)
Effective January 2, 2020, state law (SB 212) requires all university employees, acting in the course and scope of employment, who witness or receive information concerning an incident of sexual misconduct involving an enrolled student or employee to report all relevant information known about the incident to the university's Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX coordinator. According to SB 212, employees who knowingly fail to report or knowingly file a false report shall be terminated in accordance with university policy and The Texas State University System Rules and Regulations.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|