University of Texas at Dallas

Graduate School of Management

Spring 2005

Course: MKT 6220.595

Time: Friday, 6:00-10:00 pm
Room: 1.102
Professor: Dr. Kristi Saveraid-Kite
Office: SM3.616
Phone: 972-883-2051 (leave message)
E-mail: kkite1@comcast.net
Office Hours: Friday, 5-6 pm, by appointment

Textbook Consumer Behavior, 2001, 9th Edition, by Blackwell, Miniard, and Engel.

Course Description
The objective of this course is to study how consumers make purchase decisions. It will focus on identifying
the activities included in consumer behavior and how consumer analysts monitor consumer trends. Various
methods of consumer research allow all of us to observe record and analyze a variety of consumer reactions,
behaviors, and characteristics. Understanding consumer behavior is a prerequisite for the success of firms in
the marketplace. It provides insights into product, pricing, retail, advertising, and communication strategies.
All aspects of consumer behavior will be examined.

Attendance and Participation

Attendance in class is required for all involvement exercises. One must arrive to class on time.

Policies and Procedure

Final grade will be based on exam, final exam, two article reviews, case studies, participation, and attendance.
All assignments must be turned in or completed on the assigned date. Makeup tests will be permitted only
with an excuse valid and acceptable to UTD.

Academic Dishonesty
The University of Texas at Dallas has procedures to deal with students who commit acts of academic
dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarizing, submitting for credit any work
attributable to another party, taking an exam for another person. Plagiarism is a serious offense and
points will be deducted for committing it. All assignments handed in must represent your original
work or ideas. If any words or ideas used in the class assignments do not represent your original
words or ideas, you must cite all relevant sources and make clear the extent to which such sources
were used.
Article Review
Using the Internet or other resources, find an article that discusses the relevant topic of the evening class. In a
900 word abstract, write a brief summary of the article describing the purpose of the research, and assessing
the importance of the research in relation to consumer behavior. Be prepared to discuss your review in the
class.

Journal Resources:
Journal of Marketing
International Journal of Research in Marketing

Exams
Midterm and final exam will consist of multiple choice and essay questions. Details of the exams will be
discussed in further detail later in the semester.

Group Case Studies

Group case study groups will consist of 5-6 students. Each group will be given an in-depth case study in
which you will be required to develop a professionally typed and organized paper to hand in, as well as
present to the class. Further details will follow.

Grade System
Internet Article Review 25 pts.
Small Group Comparison Project 25 pts.
Journal Article Review & Discussion 40 pts.
Exams 2 @ 50 pts. ea. 100 pts.
Research Paper & Presentation 60 pts.
250 Total Points
Course Outline

Date Topic Assignments Due

March 18 Course Introduction/Syllabus Team Case Studies

March 25 Introductions to Consumer Behavior Chapters 1, 2

Internet Article Review
Small Group Comparison Project

April 1 Individual Determinants of Consumer Behavior Chapters 3-6

Journal Article Review
Small Group Discussion

April 8 Mid-Term Exam Chapters 1-6

Environment Influences of Consumer Behavior Chapters 7-10

April 15 Environmental Influences on Consumer Behavior Chapters 11- 12

Consumer Behavior Research Paper
Individual Presentation

April 22 Influencing Consumer Behavior Chapters 13 - 14

Consumer Behavior Research Paper
Individual Presentation

April 29 Final Exam Chapters 7 -14

Course outline is subject to change.