Course Syllabus

 

HFT 3375:  Entertainment Business

Department of Tourism, Events & Attractions

Rosen College of Hospitality, University of Central Florida

 

Instructor:	Professor Arthur D. Sims, II, Esq.	Term:	SPG 2022
Office:	4000 Destination Pkwy., 4th Fl., Suite 413, Office B	Class Meeting Days:	RSH 103 Mon
Office Phone:	407.903.8074	Class Meeting Hours:	3-4:15 pm
Mobile Phone:	407.579.22425	Class Location:	RSH 103
E-Mail:	arthur.sims@ucf.edu	Lab Location:	RSH 103
Website:	---UCF WebCourses	Class Section:	0M62
Office Hours:	M-W 11:00-1PM and by appointment via zoom or phone	Class Code:	M

 

Course Description:

The course examines business models in the various subsectors of the entertainment industry with a focus on financial, economics, strategic relationships, marketing, human resources, and value proposition.  (3 credits; Core; Fall, Spring)

 

Course Goals:

This course will review the best and worst practices in the entertainment industry and with special consideration of the economic and financial issues as wells as the components of the industry’s business models such as resources and competencies, organization and value propositions. By understanding the fundamentals of what makes an entertainment business successful and by distinguishing between best and worst business practices, students will be better positioned to make informed business decisions in fast evolving markets.

 

Prerequisites:

HFT 2071: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry; HFT 2401: Hospitality Industry Financial Accounting

 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Define business models in the context of entertainment
• Identify drivers of successful entertainment business models
• Describe the concept of value propositions within entertainment business models
• Distinguish best from worst business practices in the entertainment industry
• Identify good decision making frameworks in order to make better business decisions in the entertainment industry
• Critique entertainment business ideas
• Demonstrate basic descriptive analyses for industry benchmarks in order to visually present data

 

Format: 

Online lectures with group discussions and reviews of assignments, projects, discussion, student presentations and additional application of textbook and course readings, guest speakers, and in-field experiences. The course may be offered in face-to-face, mixed-mode, and online modalities.

 

Textbooks: Entertainment Industry Economics, 9^th Ed. Harold L.Vogel (Required and provided by Professor)

All You Need to Know About The Music Business., 9th Ed., Donald Passman (Suggested, not required)

Business of Entertainment, 9th Ed.Sickels (Required and Provided by Professor)

Supplemental Referenced Materials will also be provided.

Assessments:

May include the following activities:

• Written assignments (papers and case study analysis and reports)
• Graded experiential discussions
• Scenario analyses
• Completion of reading material
• Class attendance
• Presentations demonstrating ability to analyze and communicate key data
• Tests/exams

Completion of the assigned readings and discussions is highly recommended to insure success in the class, and failure to do so may severely impact your grade.

** YOU MUST CHECK YOUR WEBCOURSES ANNOUNCEMENTS ON A DAILY BASIS FOR ANY UPDATED AND FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS COURSE.

 

Grading Scheme: 

Grading Scale (%)	Letter Grade
100-94	A
<93-90	A-
<89-87	B+
<86-84	B
<83-80	B-
<79-77	C+
<76-74	C
<73-70	C-
<69-67	D+
<66-64	D
<63-60	D-
<60	F

 

Course Policies: (These are common policies to be formatted for different modalities.)

 

Final Exam: TBD

 

Course Expectations

Time Commitment

For most students striving for B grades or higher, I recommend that you schedule about six (6) hours per week for this course. Your background knowledge/experience and other variables may require you to spend additional time. Please plan accordingly by scheduling time on your calendar now.

Several factors influence student academic performance and long-term learning. Active engagement in all course activities (e.g., class participation, readings, homework, assignments, projects, studying, etc.) will contribute to your learning and success in this course.

Financial Aid and Course Contract Agreement

Effective the Fall 2014 semester, faculty members are required to document students' academic activity at the beginning of each course.  In essence, the regulation states that students who receive federal student aid must be academically engaged in each course in which they are enrolled. Without verification of this engagement, students will not receive their aid.

To document that you began this course, please complete the first online class assignment during the first week of class or as soon as possible after adding the course, but no later than Friday, January 14, 2022, at 11:59 PM.  Failure to do so will result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid.  Please check the assignment on the Webcourses@ucf page for this class.

 

Important Dates:

Classes Begin: Monday, January 10, 2022

Withdrawal Deadline:  Friday, March 25, 2022

Classes End: Monday, April 25, 2022

Final Exam Period: Wednesday, April 27, 2022- Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Grades due in myUCF: Friday, May 6, 2022, 12 p.m. E.S.T.; Grades available Sunday May 8, 2022, 9:00 a.m. E.S.T

Holidays (No Class): Monday, January 17, 2022; Spring Break Sunday March 6-Sunday March 13, 2022

 

 

Webcourses

Online learning requires lots of planning and self-pacing so that you may be successful in my course.  Since I will be covering material that is typically covered in a face to face course over 15 weeks,  I would highly recommend treating this course as a regular lecture course and keeping up with lectures, readings, and assignments. Please do not be tempted to skip two weeks of lectures, readings, or assignments and expect to catch up easily.

Webcourses is an online course management system (accessed through my.ucf.edu and then the “Online Course Tools” tab) that will be used as a medium for turning in assignments/quizzes and a forum for communicating with your teammates. My recommendation is to check Webcourses every day for updates.

If you are not familiar with Webcourses, please visit the following link “USING WEBCOURSES@UCF” https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/student/knights-online/using-webcoursesucf/

 

Using Zoom for Remote Instruction

Because of the continued remote instruction requirement, please take the time to familiarize yourself with Zoom by visiting the UCF Zoom Guides at <https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/webcourses/zoom/>. You may choose to use Zoom on your mobile device (phone or tablet).

Things to Know About Zoom

You must sign-in to my Zoom session using your UCF NID and password.

• The Zoom sessions are recorded and saved in the Zoom Recordings Tab by date.
• To receive any extra credit for participation you must have your camera on, confirm your presence in the Zoom Poll, and respond to questions when asked.
• For each module, a recorded lecture may be accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation.
• Improper classroom behavior is not tolerated within Zoom sessions and may result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct.
• You can contact Webcourses@UCF Support at <https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/webcourses/> if you have any technical issues accessing Zoom.

Rules/Protocols of Communication Online

Before posting, always make sure your posting has no grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. You may do this by copying and pasting the text into Microsoft Word and pasting it back to the posting area.

 

Please use the following conventions when composing an online posting:

• A helpful hint for use with both online posting and email – Compose your message in your word-processing application to check spelling, punctuation, and grammar – then copy and paste your composition into an email or the posting This not only saves online time but also works as a preventative measure from losing information while typing.
• Avoid posting large blocks of If you must, break them into paragraphs and use a space between paragraphs.
• Use the “reply” button rather than the “compose” button if you are replying to someone else’s
• Do not use postings such as “I agree,” “I don’t know either,” “Who cares,” or “ditto.” They do not add to the discussion and will not be counted for assignment
• Everyone should feel free to participate in class and online Regular and meaningful discussion postings constitute a substantial portion of your grade.
• Respect each other’s ideas, feelings, and
• Be courteous and It is important to be honest and to express yourself freely, but being considerate of others is just as important and expected online, as it is in the classroom.
• If you want to send a personal message to the instructor or another student, use email rather than the class discussion.
• Do not expect an immediate response when you send a message.
• Explore disagreements and support assertions with data and substantive rational analyis.

Netiquette

“Netiquette” has evolved to aid us in infusing our electronic communications with some of these missing behavioral pieces. “Emoticons” and other tools have become popular, and I encourage their use when it will add to the clarity of your communication.

• :-) happy, pleased
• :-( sad, displeased
• :-O surprised
• >:-I angry

 

Netiquette continues to evolve and I am sure that we will have constant additions to this growing language. The important thing to remember is that all of the “cute” symbols in the world cannot replace your careful choice of words and “tone” in your communication.

ProctorHub

ProctorHub (https://proctorhub.cdl.ucf.edu/proctorhub) is a UCF test monitoring system that utilizes a webcam to monitor test-taking activity during online testing. Videos are only accessible to your instructor and are stored in a secure environment.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you will have access to a computer with a webcam and know how to log into and use ProctorHub, before the time that the tests start.  A quiz or an exam completed without ProctorHub technology will be automatically converted into 0.  Currently, ProctorHub is not yet compatible with Apple iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) or Android smartphones.

If you do not have a webcam, there are computers with webcams in the UCF library, or you can visit the LibTech desk (https://library.ucf.edu/services/computers-technology/libtech/) at the library to check out one. Please note that these computers cannot be reserved ahead of time. Furthermore, the UCF and the Rosen libraries allow students to borrow laptops and webcams.  Please inquire directly with the library.

Communication

E-Mail Communication

In 2008, UCF implemented a student email system called Knights E-Mail to be used for official University business.  Effective with the 2009-2010 catalog, UCF requires students to create and use a Knights E-Mail account for all university business. Effective September 28, 2009, only a Knights E-Mail address will be used for all university business.

Our official mode of communication is through Webcourse e-mail. Students are responsible for checking their e-mail accounts regularly. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the contents and announcements. The student is fully responsible for any consequences that may be caused by his/her ignorance.

Also, please remember to regularly check your Knights E-Mail address as it is used for all university business, including class rosters, financial aid, advising, etc. There will be no other e-mail address available for university personnel to access.

 

All communications between student and professor and between student and student should be respectful and professional. The following are proper email etiquettes that apply not only to this course but in any situation:

 

1. When sending an email, please make sure to have a proper subject Since the professor receives a variety of emails each day, not all emails are read right away. By having this professional subject line, the professor will read your email immediately.
2. Be respectful and professional by addressing the professor by name ( Professor Sims).
3. Make sure that your email includes a considerate welcome, greeting, and This makes it not appear demanding.
4. Spell check! Not only the content but also the name of the recipient!
5. Always end with “Thank you,” “Sincerely,” “Regards” and so

Professor Availability

I am available online and face-to-face on Zoom and telephone.  Please email me on Webcourses or at Arthur.sims@ucf.edu.

While I will respond to inquiries as soon as I can, please do not expect an immediate response after 5 pm, over the weekend, and during holidays.

 

 

 

 

Tentative Proposed Course Topics & Schedule:

	SUBJECT	ASSIGNMENT
Week 1-3	The concept of a  business model and the concept of value. Business models in music and publishing	MODULE 1
Week 4-5	Business models in movies and television.	MODULE 2
Week 6-7	Business models in cable and broadcasting.	MODULE 3
Week 8	Business models in performing arts.	MODULE 4
Week 9	Business models in sports	MODULE 5
Week 10	Business models in gaming and wagering	MODULE 6
Week 11-12	Components of the industry business model: resources and competencies; organization; and value propositions	MODULE 7
Week 11-12	Drivers of successful business models in the entertainment industry: “Everything is on demand”, industry fragmentation, and the impact of technology. The future of Entertainment.	MODULE 7
Week 11-12	Components of the industry business model: resources and competencies; organization; and value propositions	MODULE 8
Week 13-14	Business barriers in the entertainment industry for market entry: Capital, know-how, regulations, and price competition	MODULE 8
Week 14	Data analyses in entertainment business models	Constructing Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, or HHI
	Final Exam

 

 

Make-up Exams and Assignments

Per university policy, you are allowed to submit make-up work (or an equivalent, alternate assignment) for authorized university-sponsored activities, religious observances, or legal obligations (such as jury duty). If this participation conflicts with your course assignments, I will offer a reasonable opportunity for you to complete missed assignments and/or exams. The make-up assignment and grading scale will be equivalent to the missed assignment and its grading scale. In the case of authorized university activity, it is your responsibility to show me a signed copy of the Program Verification Form for which you will be absent, before the class in which the absence occurs. In any of these cases, please contact me ahead of time to notify me of your upcoming needs.

Otherwise, no make-up examinations will be given. Students who encounter serious problems on the examination date should contact the instructor by email as soon as possible for alternative arrangements. Conflicts with work schedules will not be accepted as a reason for being unable to attend a scheduled exam, a quiz, or any other assignment.

Policy on late submissions/incomplete work

In the learning environment as well as in the work environment, due dates are essential. Our assignments, including quizzes and tests, have due dates to ensure that the student can successfully complete the class in a certain timeframe. This includes timely participation in the threaded discussions to maximize the learning experience for all parties. To avoid late penalty deductions, assignments should be submitted on or before the due date.

Written papers and Online Discussion Late Submission:

• All written course work must be submitted no later than the due date. If a student submits an assignment after the due date, a 20% grade penalty will be assessed for work up to 24 hours late; an additional 10% penalty is assessed for each additional day the work is late.
• Online discussions cannot be submitted after the discussion is closed.
• Attendance Quizzes, 2 points will be deducted for each day late. Will not be accepted after the 5th unexcused late day.
• Regular Exam, 10 points deducted for each day late, Will not be accepted after the 3rd unexcused late day.

The following are considered as serious events that could be considered for a make-up, at the discretion of the instructor with proper documentation:  

• Bereavement: immediate family only.
• Accidents: personally affected, loss of vehicle, or medical treatment required as a result.
• Medical Emergency: treatment by licensed health care providers, other than regular or periodic care.
• Force Majeure: loss of residence or property through a natural disaster.
• Civil Responsibility: jury duty, military service, mandatory court appearance.
• UCF Sanctioned Events: career fair, band, athletic, or other approved field trips, but not volunteer experiences
• Religious Holidays: If attendance precludes participation in scheduled religious service.

 

Extra Credit

Please note that all extra credit will be included in the scheduled regular exams and assignments.  There will be no make up for missed extra credit and there will be no extra credit given outside of the regular exams. Please govern yourselves accordingly.

 

University’s Services and Resources

Library Resources and Services

The UCF Library provides access to over 600,000 eBooks, 43,000 journals, and 350 databases for your use anywhere, any time.

Before opening any of the articles from the library databases, we suggest that you login to Off-Campus Access. This will give you seamless access to all UCF Libraries content and services, which will limit the number of times that you will be required to log in. If you are having trouble accessing an article by clicking the direct link, try copying and pasting it directly into a browser. We suggest that you use Google Chrome or Firefox as the browser.  Further problems?  Let the librarians know at rosenlib@ucf.edu so that we can help.

Important Library Tips:

• The Rosen library’s research guide is a one-stop-shop for all hospitality related library resources, including databases, eBooks, citation help, and more.
• If you have any questions about library resources you are encouraged to contact the Rosen librarians at (407) 903-8100 or at rosenlib@ucf.edu. UCF librarians are also available via chat or text.

Having trouble accessing a reading? Try these steps:

1. Close and reopen your browser and try the link again.
2. Try a different browser.
3. Copy and paste the link in the browser if it doesn’t open when you click on it.
4. Clear the cache and cookies in your browser. Click here for instructions on how to do that in most browsers.

Feel free to reach out to the librarians at the Rosen Library at rosenlib@ucf.edu or call us at (407) 903-8100 if you need further assistance.  We’re here to help.

Visit the UCF Libraries’ home page for the latest news about the UCF Libraries services. Login to Off-Campus Access before connecting to library e-resources for seamless access to all UCF Libraries' content and services. Watch this short video with the sound on to get started using the UCF Libraries’ website and databases. Familiarize yourself with other library processes and services through more video tutorials.

Laptop and webcams

The UCF and the Rosen library allow students to borrow laptops and webcam.  Further details should be inquired directly with the library.

Academic Services and Resources

A list of available academic support and learning services is available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Academic Support and Learning Services" on the right-hand side to filter.  

UCF offers a wide range of free academic resources to support student success, including services offered by KARS (Knights Academic Resource Services), SARC (Student Academic Resource Center), UCF Libraries, the University Writing Center, the Math Success Center, the Chemistry Tutoring Center, and VARC (Veterans Academic Resource Center). I am available at [list preferred method of contact] if you are seeking more information on how to be successful in this course. Your academic advisor is another helpful resource to assist you in meeting the requirements of this course.

Non-Academic Services and Resources

A list of non-academic support and services is also available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Support" on the right-hand side to filter.  

If you are a UCF Online student, please consult the UCF Online Student Guidelines for more information about your access to non-academic services.

 

Policy Statements

COVID-19

To protect members of our community, everyone is required to wear a facial covering inside all common spaces including classrooms. Students who choose not to wear facial coverings will be asked to leave the classroom by the instructor. If they refuse to leave the classroom or put on a facial covering, they may be considered disruptive (please see the Golden Rule for student behavior expectations). Faculty have the right to cancel a class if the safety and well-being of class members are in jeopardy. Students will be responsible for the material that would have been covered in class as provided by the instructor.  

Depending on the course of the pandemic during the semester, the university may make changes to the way classes are offered. If that happens, please look for announcements or messages in Webcourses@UCF or Knights email about changes specific to this course.

COVID-19 and Illness Notification

Students who believe they may have a COVID-19 diagnosis should contact UCF Student Health Services (407-823-2509) so proper contact tracing procedures can take place.

Students should not come to campus if they are ill, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID, or if anyone living in their residence has tested positive or is sick with COVID-19 symptoms. CDC guidance for COVID-19 symptoms is located here: (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html)

Students should contact their instructor(s) as soon as possible if they miss class for any illness reason to discuss reasonable adjustments that might need to be made. When possible, students should contact their instructor(s) before missing class.

If the instructor falls ill during the semester, there may be changes to this course, including having a backup instructor take over the course. Please look for announcements or mail-in Webcourses@UCF or Knights email for any alterations to this course.

Accommodations may need to be added or adjusted should this course shift from an on-campus to a remote format. Students registered with Student Accessibility Services should speak with their instructor and should contact sas@ucf.edu to discuss specific accommodations for this or other courses.

Academic Integrity

Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct. According to Section 1, "Academic Misconduct," students are prohibited from engaging in:

• Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.
• Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.
• Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.
• Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
• Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.
• Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
• Helping another violate academic behavior standards.

For more information about Academic Integrity, students may consult The Center for Academic Integrity.

For more information about plagiarism and misuse of sources, see “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”.

Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating

Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to academic misconduct. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, suspension or expulsion from the university, and/or a "Z Designation" on a student’s official transcript indicating academic dishonesty, where the final grade for this course will be preceded by the letter Z. For more information about the Z Designation, see http://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/zgrade.

Course Accessibility Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need disability-related access in this course should contact the professor as soon as possible. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (Ferrell Commons 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone (407) 823-2371). Through Student Accessibility Services, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential access and accommodations that might be reasonable. Determining reasonable access and accommodations requires consideration of the course design, course learning objectives, and the individual academic and course barriers experienced by the student.

Campus Safety Statement: Fully online course sections (W, V)

Though most emergencies are primarily relevant to courses that meet in person, such incidents can also impact online students, either when they are on or near campus to participate in other courses or activities or when their course work is affected by off-campus emergencies. The following policies apply to courses in online modalities.

• To stay informed about emergencies, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to https://my.ucf.edu and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
• Students with special needs related to emergencies should speak with their instructors outside of class.

Deployed Active Duty Military Students

Students who are deployed active-duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements.

Copyright

This course may contain copyright-protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download, or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Sharing copyrighted material (including questions and answers for quizzes, exams, or assignments) on public platforms, or privately with other students will lead to an F for the entire course, for both distributors and receivers. Your compliance with the above requires you to keep the course content strictly confidential.  Both distributors and receivers of copyrighted material will be subject to appropriate referrals to the UCF Office of Student Conduct for further action.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course, you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.

Unauthorized Use of Websites and Internet Resources

Many websites are claiming to offer study aids to students, but in using such websites, students could find themselves in violation of academic conduct guidelines.  These websites include (but are not limited to) Quizlet, Course Hero, Chegg Study, and Clutch Prep. UCF does not endorse the use of these products in an unethical manner, which could lead to a violation of our University’s Rules of Conduct.

 

They encourage students to upload course materials, such as test questions, individual assignments, and examples of graded material. Such materials are the intellectual property of instructors, the university, or publishers and may not be distributed without prior authorization. Students who engage in such activity could be found in violation of academic conduct standards and could face course and/or University penalties. Please let me know if you are uncertain about the use of a website so I can determine its legitimacy.