ENT 501 Family Business in Canada - Ryerson University
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ENT 501
Family Business in Canada
Our goal is to provide students with a deeply experiential and transformative learning
experience in a vibrant urban environment. We empower students with a philosophy of
entrepreneurial thinking, passion, and action-orientation that they can apply to their
lives, their jobs, their communities, and/or their own new ventures.
We ignite students' passions and empower them to achieve extraordinary goals.
Canada’s pre-eminent and largest entrepreneurship program, we deliver innovative
educational programs and support multi-disciplinary experiences across campus with
local, national and global impact. We provide access to world-class support and
funding for our students’ new ventures and are embedded within our community.
1Family Business in Canada
ENT 501 – Fall 2020
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor: Janie Goldstein
Office Telephone: Please use email
E-mail Address: janieg@ryerson.ca
Office Location: Online course. No physical office this term.
Consultation Hours: Mondays 3:00-4:00 and 5:15-6:00, or by
appointment.
COURSE INFORMATION:
Pre-requisites and/or Exclusions:
None.
CALENDAR COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Planning, Succession and Control. The students study many of Canada's internationally known family-run
businesses. They will learn about the challenges faced by the owners in planning and succession as well
as the impact that family structure plays in determining the future of the firm. Key issues to be examined
include the relationship between ownership and management, the strategic planning process, succession
planning, technical and management skills, support structures, funding, leadership and the family
structure.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to achieve the following Learning
Outcomes:
1. Describe the special strengths and weaknesses of family firms;
2. Address the behavioral, operational, and strategic issues prevalent in family firms;
3. Demonstrate analytical skills related to family firm issues and an ability to assess the
governance effectiveness of family firms from the multiple perspectives of the business,
ownership and family; and
4. Manage effectively and cope interpersonally within these complex and emotionally charged
organizations.
EVALUATION:
The grade for this course is composed of the mark received for each of the following components:
Method Percent/Weight
Team-based project 25%
Class / course participation 16%
Final take home assignment 20%
Assignments during semester (cases, peer review, article analysis) 31%
Weekly online multiple choice self-assessment quizzes 8%
TOTAL 100%
2Participation (16% of final grade)
Students are expected to attend and actively participate in weekly Zoom classes. The interactive classes,
typically 75-90 minutes, will include smaller breakout rooms and interactive discussions. There is one
week with no Zoom class (September 28), and students will be expected to contribute to a discussion
board in lieu of class that week. During the final two weeks of class, students will be expected to provide
feedback to their classmates on their group projects which will be another input to the participation grade.
More detail can be found on D2L on the “Grades” page.
Group Project: (25% of final grade)
Students will be able to choose one of two types of family businesses - either an iconic / well-known
company which has extensive information available or a smaller, private company for which someone in
the group has a strong personal connection and so can interview the leadership team. In groups of 5-6
people, students will document and analyze the family business operations and key issues to ultimately
form recommendations. Detailed project content guidelines and grading considerations are posted on
D2L. Group case presentations will occur in the final 2 classes and are part of the final project grade.
Final Take Home Assignment (20% of final grade)
In lieu of a final exam, students will receive detailed instructions for a take home assignment which will
be completed during the exam period. Students will have approximately one week in which to work on
the assignment. It will only take a few hours to complete, but students can work at their own pace and not
have a timed test. Specific dates will be finalized over the semester.
Assignments during semester (31% of final grade)
There will be three case assignments during the semester. The first case will be worth 3% but is an
opportunity to test your knowledge and obtain feedback prior to the due date of the second case.
PeerScholar will be used for the second assignment so that students can evaluate each other,
anonymously, and then reflect on and revise their initial submissions. The revised case submission will be
worth 7%, and the quality of the peer assessments provided will be worth an additional 6%. The quality
of the peer assessments will be calculated using PeerScholar and more details can be found on D2L. The
third case will be worth 10%. In addition, towards the end of the term, students will be asked to find an
“article that made you think” and write about how it aligns with course concepts. That assignment will be
worth 5%. Assignments are typically graded within 2 weeks of submission. Late assignments will not be
accepted, unless approved prior to the deadline by the instructor.
Weekly Self-Assessments (8% of final grade)
For 9 of the first 10 weeks, students will be asked to complete 5 multiple choice questions on the concepts
introduced that week. These will be in the form of quizzes on D2L. Students can complete the quizzes as
many times as they want, and the correct answers will be provided after each answer is recorded. Only the
attempt with the highest grade will be recorded. The question banks are small (typically 10-15 questions),
so questions will be repeated each time a quiz is taken. The aim is to ensure that since we have only a
limited time for interactive meetings, we focus on the most engaging topics but ensure everyone has a
base level of understanding prior to our time together. On week 5 there is no quiz due prior to the start of
the class. The timing cut off for completing the quizzes will be the start of class for that week. I will use
the top 8 weekly quizzes – so your lowest weekly scores will be dropped. Assuming students take the
time to do these weekly quizzes, review the answers provided, repeat the quiz if they want, a grade of
100% in this category should be attainable.
TEXTS AND READING LISTS:
Required Text: Poza, Ernesto and Daugherty, Mary (2018). Family Business, Fifth Edition. Cengage
Learning ISBN: 978-1-337-39876-3
3Please read the note on D2L with important text information as there are multiple editions which might be
suitable, and also an electronic version which is available as well.
There are additional cases and readings which will be available on D2L. Readings are to be done PRIOR
to the class indicated. Submission of assignments is to be done by the date and time indicated on D2L.
Late submissions will not be accepted, unless prior arrangements have been confirmed with the instructor
for medical or other valid reasons.
There will be weekly Zoom classes. Students will be asked to complete a survey at the start of the term to
outline technology constraints and provide input on specific course components. This is outlined in D2L.
The University has issued a minimum technology requirement for remote learning. Details can be found
at: https://www.ryerson.ca/covid-19/students/minimum-technology-requirements-remote-learning/ .
TOPICS – TENTATIVE SEQUENCE AND SCHEDULE (Subject to change – check D2L for any
updates during term)
Week Date In-Class Content Studio Assignments Due
Session
Sept What Makes Family Businesses Unique Chapter 1 See checklist on
1
14 Systems Theory / 3 Circle Model D2L for week 1
Sept Strengths & Weaknesses of Family Chapter 2
2 21 Businesses
Family Business Policies
Sept Ownership Challenges Chapter 3 Case assignment:
3
28 Vega Foods
Oct 5 Governance and Professionalization Chapter 4 & Draft of Simpson
4 Overview 5 Seeds case for Peer
Strategic Planning Considerations review
Oct Succession Process and Planning Chapter 6 & Peer review using
5
19 7 PeerScholar
Oct Change, Adaptation and Innovation Chapter 8 Case assignment:
6
26 Simpson Seeds
Nov More on Governance and the Role of the Chapter 9 & Group project
7
2 Board and Family Council 10 proposal
Nov Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Chapter 11 Case assignment:
8
9 Estate Planning & 12 Valley Carriers
Nov Owners Plan Chapter 13 Assignment:
9 16 Financial Measurements & 14 Article That Made
Me Think
Nov Role of Non-Family Managers Chapter 15
10
23
Nov Group Project Presentations Group project
30 written report.
11
Presentations for
half of groups.
Dec 7 Group Project Presentations Continued Presentations for
12 remainder of
groups.
TEACHING METHODS:
4The course will be taught using D2L and Zoom. Each week, unless noted as an exception, the class will
be taught over a 60-90 minute interactive Zoom session. Lectures and introduction of concepts will be
taught via D2L, through a combination of required readings, pre-recorded instructor lecture videos and
optional readings / videos. The course will also make extensive use of the required textbook. Students
are expected to complete case assignments for submission and discussion, as well as complete and present
a group project.
The live sessions will be recorded for subsequent viewing only by the instructor and not for distribution –
unless informed otherwise.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Professional communication is expected; poorly written emails or assignments may receive a
grade of zero.
Professional behaviour during Zoom sessions is expected. You are expected to log in on time and
participate in all classes. Missing four (4) or more Zoom sessions during the course, without
permission, will result in failure of the course.
It is your responsibility to clarify any ambiguities that you may find in the course materials or
syllabus; when in doubt, ask.
POLICIES AND COURSE PRACTICES
Standards for In-Class Zoom Meetings and Other Virtual Activities
Students must first log into the D2L course shell using their Ryerson Matrix email ID and then
join the Zoom meeting by clicking on the correct link on D2L (this should prevent Zoom
Bombing by outsiders).
Display a professional head shot of yourself as well as your name if you are not going to keep
your video on (these features are accessible from within the Zoom settings).
Your instructor may record parts of some sessions, but they will not be for distribution to the
students – unless notified otherwise via email or D2L. You will be notified on Zoom if the
session is recorded.
Mute your microphone until it is your turn to speak.
When you are speaking, please turn your video on when possible and appropriate.
For any side conversations please use the Chat feature. Don’t assume that the professor is able to
track these conversations so be prepared to raise your hand using the correct button within Zoom.
Do not annotate others unless requested to do so.
Follow professional conduct and be polite.
Do not share the Zoom link with others.
Students are not permitted to record any part of a Zoom or other virtual activity session with their
professor, whether as part of a lecture or an informal meeting.
Standard for Written Work
Students are expected to use an acceptable standard of business communication for all assignments,
in-class discussions, and communication with the professor and any guest speakers. This includes all
email communication. Poor grammar, unprofessional and/or unacceptable standard of business
communication may result in a grade of zero for that assignment. However, any student who
provides a prior draft corrected by Ryerson Writing Support will not be penalized.
You are encouraged to obtain assistance from Writing Support
(https://www.ryerson.ca/studentlearningsupport/writing-support/) for help with your written
communications as needed. (See the Ryerson Library for APA style guide references:
http://www.ryerson.ca/library/ref/style.html). Sloppy, poorly written, or unprofessional documents
5or communication may be returned with a grade of zero, no grade or unread. Please be sure to use
Writing Support (and/or use Grammarly) if you need it!
Course Management
Every effort will be made to manage the course as stated. However, adjustments may be necessary
during the term at the discretion of the instructor. If so, students will be advised, and alterations will
be discussed prior to implementation through D2L.
Students are encouraged to review the Ryerson Senate Course Management Policy which provides a
framework of common understanding for students, faculty and staff concerning the structures,
processes, objectives, and requirements that pertain to Ryerson undergraduate courses. For more
detailed information refer to Policy #166: Course Management Policy at
www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/.
All communication about the course or material related to the course will be posted on the D2L
course site. In addition, all student study resources can be accessed through D2L. Students are
expected to check the site regularly for updates.
Academic Consideration
All assignments must be submitted to turnitin.com using the Assignment Drop Box on D2L. The
assignment Due Dates are identified in the course outline and as advised in D2L. A late submission
will be penalized 10 percentage points per day (e.g. 77% becomes a 67% in the first 24 hours, then
becomes 57% in the next 24 hours… until the mark becomes a 0%). There will be no penalty for
work missed for a JUSTIFIABLE REASON pre-approved by the instructor.
Assignments submitted for grading will be evaluated within two weeks, except for the final take
home assignment.
There will be no penalty for work missed for a justifiable reason. Students need to inform the
instructor of any situation that arises during the semester that may have an adverse effect on their
academic performance, and request any necessary considerations according to the policies and well in
advance. Failure to do so will jeopardize any academic appeals.
Except in cases of accommodations for disabilities, where documentation is handled directly by
Academic Accommodation Support, students must fill out an Academic Consideration form and
submit it to their own program office:
http://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/senate/forms/academic_consideration_document_submission.pdf
In addition, the following procedures must be followed:
o Medical certificates – If a student is going to miss a deadline for an assignment, a test or an
examination because of illness, he/she must submit a medical certificate (see
www.ryerson.ca/senate/forms/medical.pdf for the certificate) to their program office within 3
working days of the missed assignment deadline, test or examination. The program office will
notify the instructor that the documents have been received. It is the student’s responsibility to
make arrangements with instructor for a make-up exam.
o Policy 167: Academic Consideration for Fall 2020 due to COVID-19: Students who miss an
assessment due to cold or flu-like symptoms, or due to self-isolation, are currently not
required to provide a health certificate. Other absences must follow Senate Policy 167:
Academic Consideration.
o Religious observance – While it is strongly encouraged that students make requests within the
first two weeks of class, requests for accommodation of specific religious or spiritual observance
must be presented to their program office no later than two weeks prior to the conflict in
question (in the case of final examinations, within two weeks of the release of the examination
schedule). The student must submit a Request for Accommodation form
(http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/forms/relobservforminstr.pdf) to their program office. The office
will notify the instructor when they have received the request form.
o Other requests for Academic Consideration which are not related to medical or religious
observation must be submitted in writing together with the Academic Consideration form to the
6student’s program office. The letter must clearly state the reasons for the request and describe
the events or circumstances that seriously impair the student’s ability to meet their academic
obligations, and that were beyond the student’s control. When possible, supporting
documentation must be attached to the letter. The office will notify the instructor when they have
received the request.
o Students with disabilities - Ryerson University acknowledges that students have diverse learning
styles and a variety of academic needs. If you have a diagnosed disability that impacts your
academic experience, connect with Academic Accommodation Support (AAS). Visit the AAS
website or contact aasadmin@ryerson.ca for more information. Note: All communication with
AAS is voluntary and confidential, and will not appear on your transcript. Before the first graded
work is due, students should also inform their instructor through an “Accommodation Form for
Professors” that they are registered with AAS and what accommodations are required.
o Regrading or recalculation – These requests must be made to the instructor within 10 working
days of the return of the graded assignment to the class. These are not grounds for appeal, but are
matters for discussion between the student and the instructor.
Submission of the Academic Consideration form and all supporting documentation to your program
office does not relieve you of the responsibility to NOTIFY YOUR INSTRUCTOR of the problem
as soon as it arises, and to contact with the instructor again after the documents have been submitted
in order to make the appropriate arrangements.
If you do not have a justifiable reason for an absence and/or have not followed the procedure
described above, you will not be given credit or marks for the work missed during that absence.
For more detailed information on these issues, please refer to Senate Policy 167 (Academic
Consideration) and Senate Policy 150 (Accommodation of Student Religious Observance Obligations).
Both can be found at www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/.
At Ryerson, we recognize that things can come up throughout the term that may interfere with a
student’s ability to succeed in their coursework. These circumstances are outside of one’s control
and can have a serious impact on physical and mental well-being. Seeking help can be a
challenge, especially in those times of crisis. Below are resources we encourage all Ryerson
community members to access to ensure support is reachable.
https://www.ryerson.ca/mental-health-wellbeing
If support is needed immediately, you can access these outside resources at anytime:
Distress Line — 24/7 line for if you are in crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of emotional support
(phone: 416–408–4357)
Good2Talk- 24/7 hour line for postsecondary students (phone: 1-866-925-5454)
.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and penalties range from zero in an assignment to expulsion
from the University. Plagiarism is defined in the Student Code of Academic Conduct as claiming the
words, ideas, artistry, drawings, images or data of another person as if they were your own. Also,
knowingly assisting someone to commit any form of academic misconduct is itself academic
misconduct.
It is assumed that all examinations and work submitted for evaluation and course credit will be the
product of individual effort, except in the case of team projects arranged for and approved by the
course instructor. Submitting the same work to more than one course, without instructors’ approval,
is also considered plagiarism.
Students are strongly encouraged to visit the Academic Integrity Website at
www.ryerson.ca/academicintegrity for more detail and to refer to Policy #60: Student Code of
Academic Conduct at www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/ .
Turnitin.com is a plagiarism prevention and detection service to which Ryerson subscribes. It is a tool
to assist instructors in determining the similarity between students’ work and the work of other
students who have submitted papers to the site (at any university), internet sources, and a wide range
7of books, journals and other publications. While it does not contain all possible sources, it gives
instructors some assurance that students’ work is their own. No decisions are made by the service; it
generates an “originality report,” which instructors must evaluate to judge if something is plagiarized.
Students agree by taking this course that their written work will be subject to submission for textual
similarity review to Turnitin.com. Instructors can opt to have student’s papers included in the
Turnitin.com database or not. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject to the terms-of-use
agreement posted on the Turnitin.com website. Students who do not want their work submitted to
this plagiarism detection service must, by the end of the second week of class, consult with their
instructor to make alternate arrangements.
Even when an instructor has not indicated that a plagiarism detection service will be used, or when a
student has opted out of the plagiarism detection service, if the instructor has reason to suspect that an
individual piece of work has been plagiarized, the instructor is permitted to submit that work in a non-
identifying way to any plagiarism detection service.
Maintaining a Professional Learning Environment
Students shall not behave in disruptive ways that obstruct the learning, teaching and work
environment.
See Policy #61: Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct at www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/
Academic Grading Policy
Evaluation of student performance will follow the established academic grading policy outlined in
Policy #46: Policy on Undergraduate Grading, Promotion, and Academic Standing (the “the GPA
Policy”) at www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/. The grading system is summarized below:
Definition Letter Grade Grade Point Percentage Range
A+ 4.33 90-100
Excellent A 4.00 85-89
A- 3.67 80-84
B+ 3.33 77-79
Good B 3.00 73-76
B- 2.67 70-72
C+ 2.33 67-69
Satisfactory C 2.00 63-66
C- 1.67 60-62
D+ 1.33 57-59
Marginal D 1.00 53-56
D- 0.67 50-52
Unsatisfactory F 0.00 0-49
IMPORTANT RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT RYERSON
The Library provides research workshops and individual assistance. If the University is open,
there is a Research Help desk on the second floor of the library, or go to Research Skills
Workshops.
8 Student Learning Support offers group-based and individual help with writing, math, study
skills, and transition support.
You can submit an Academic Consideration Request when an extenuating circumstance has
occurred that has significantly impacted your ability to fulfill and academic requirement. You
may always visit the Senate website and select the blue radial button on the top right hand side
entitled: Academic Consideration Request (ACR).
Ryerson COVID-19 Information and Updates for Students summarizes the variety of
resources available to students during the pandemic.
Preparing for Online Classes includes guides to using D2L Brightspace and Google Suite,
completing quizzes or exams in D2L, and joining online meeting or lectures.
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