Is my Professor taking advantage of his position?

[letsgoblue86]

Is this that much different than a professor using his own book for the class?

I mean would you have to purchase some software anyways for this class?

Its my first accounting class where I have had to purchase software so im a little skepticle.

I think its a little different than buying a book the professor wrote because there alot of the money is going to the publisher and you hope that the publisher wouldnt publish it unless it was of reasonable quality.

Here I imagine the money is all going to the professors pocket and I really get no assurance of quality.

I'm also taking my first accounting course and we're not using any software.  But our textbook has our prof's name all over it.

[bdm860]

You should ask him if it's required.

Looking at what I assume is his website (looks very cheesy and unprofessional btw), the software part looks like it's just excel templates.

Now I'm going to make a few assumptions.

1. You're getting an MBA
2. Your professor wants you to buy pack K (the only one that costs $95 for students, all others apparently have a student discount).

Now Pack K is just Equity Analysis and FCF valuation templates.  If you're an MBA student, it would be very beneficial for you to know how to build these financial models, in my experience it's the kind of stuff you get asked a lot on interviews, and is in on alot of job requirements for more finance specific stuff.  In my personal opinion, neither Free Cash Flow or Equity models are that hard to build yourself in Excel (especially if you've taken other Accounting or Finance courses).  Also you could easily find other free FCF or Equity templates online.

Also it apparently includes a case as well.  Unless this is a unique case he developed (wouldn't put it past him), this may just be a case you can get for $3.95 from Harvard Business Review or for free somewhere else online.

So I would inquire about what it is your actually getting, and if you can pass the class without it.

[Rondo2287]

You should ask him if it's required.

Looking at what I assume is his website (looks very cheesy and unprofessional btw),the software part looks like it's just excel templates.

Now I'm going to make a few assumptions.

1. You're getting an MBA
2. One of these is the software package he wants you to buy: 3. Your professor wants you to buy pack K (the only one that costs $95 for students, all others apparently have a student discount).

Now Pack K is just Equity Analysis and FCF valuation templates.  If you're an MBA student, it would be very beneficial for you to know how to build these financial models, in my experience it's the kind of stuff you get asked a lot on interviews, and is in on alot of job requirements for more finance specific stuff.  In my personal opinion, neither Free Cash Flow or Equity models are that hard to build yourself in Excel (especially if you've taken other Accounting or Finance courses).  Also you could easily find other free FCF or Equity templates online.

Also it apparently includes a case as well.  Unless this is a unique case he developed (wouldn't put it past him), this may just be a case you can get for $3.95 from Harvard Business Review or for free somewhere else online.

So I would inquire about what it is your actually getting, and if you can pass the class without it.

Whoah, well done BDM,  I will

[arambone]

Stuff like this happens all the time, I imagine.  In law school, I had multiple professors who were authors of the text books we were using.

The question is, does the software help you learn the subject material, and will it benefit you in the long run?

The other thing that bugs me is that its 95 bucks for a semester long license so its not even like i could use it again if it was good.

Though i really don't know if it will help since i have never used it.

sounds like a total scam, and a lucrative one. Most software companies grant free educational licenses, in the hope that you will use their software professionally one day.

They wouldnt dare think of charging you to learn the software, let alone 90 bucks.

Did you pay 90 bucks to learn excel or quickbooks?

Report this guy, and if admin doesnt do anything, tell local papers.

[arambone]

My professor just sent out an e-mail from a company called JLG Research saying how delighted they are that his class chose to use their software and instructing students to purchase a copy of the software for $95 per license. 

The e-mail is signed by

"James L Grant
JLG Research"

My professors name is James L Grant. 

So basically he is forcing his students to buy his software for an additional $95 bucks.  I feel like this isnt right.


Unless its just an incredible coincidence.

I've always put the required and recommended texts in my syllabus, so that the students can make an informed decision while they can still drop the course. I typically also had one or two copies of the textbooks on library reserve, too. Of course, my philosophy has always been that everyone should have a reasonable tradeoff between convenience and spending money (yes, I did teach economics ).

This being said, I don't see buying software as much different from buying textbooks. I imagine there should be secondary market for both.

there's no physical printing costs, no shipping expenses.

And the email from a fake 3rd party the prof sent out. Id be pzzed

[Chris]

Stuff like this happens all the time, I imagine.  In law school, I had multiple professors who were authors of the text books we were using.

The question is, does the software help you learn the subject material, and will it benefit you in the long run?

Right, this is the key.  I actually think there is a distinct advantage to having the professor having actually written the book (or software) that you are learning from.  It provides for a much more cohesive learning experience. 

...providing the professor actually knows what they are talking about

If you do have an issue with it though, you can always take it up with the Dean.  However, my guess is the Dean has cleared this already..but they may be able to give you an explanation for the need.