BUS - Business Administration

Introduces students to the key skill bases in leadership (team building, communication and problem solving). Covers these skills within global and ethical frameworks. Course includes one Saturday team building requirement. Must be completed by all students during their first two semesters in the business program.  Fee: $100

Examines the coordinated usage of software applications commonly found in businesses today and approaches for utilizing them to enhance productivity. Covers analysis tools (e.g. Excel) including modeling and features of Word and PowerPoint that improve effectiveness.

Develops critical life skills: smart, ethical money management. Learn: how to create a budget and build credit; how to take advantage of the magic of compounding; time tested techniques for socially meaningful and successful investing; and how to tailor a personal plan to ensure financial security, balance, and happiness in your life. Course is graded P/NP.

Covers fundamental marketing concepts and practices, including the roles of marketing in organizations, marketing strategy, macro-environmental influences, market research, and the development of a marketing plan. Sophomore status.

Develops students’ abilities to discuss their personal brand and professional goals as they move toward choosing a vocation.  Part of the Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4), this course includes experiential learning activities designed to help students choose a major. Sophomore status. Course is graded P/NP. Fee $10

A survey of Finance with coverage of Corporate Finance, Investments, Financial Institutions, International Finance, Risk Management, and Real Estate Finance. Emphasis on the tools for financial decision making – valuation, financial statements, and measurement of risk.

Covers the preparation and interpretation of basic financial information. Includes the usage of information from the multiple perspectives of owners, creditors and investors of both large and small businesses who use this information in their lending and investing decisions.

Examines the use of accounting information for planning, control, internal decision-making, and performance evaluation. Introduces mathematical tools and techniques for producing managerial information and considers the behavioral effects of the information.

Provides an overview of the legal and ethical concerns of managers. Topics include governmental regulation of business, diversity in the workplace and the global legal environment. Explores private law topics including contracts and tort law. Designated as a writing enhanced course involving writing instruction and completion of several writing assignments. Sophomore status.

Provides an overview of Ops Mgmt & Info Tech & how they work together to improve business efficiencies/competitive positioning.  Introduces students to various high demand skills and concepts including forecasting, business process analysis and design, database management, cloud and network management, business intelligence and decision support, supply chain management and other operational disciplines. Sophomore status.

Credit arranged.

Part of the Pamplin Professional Preparation Program (P4), this course prepares students for a meaningful internship experience. Course is graded P/NP. Junior status. Fee: $45

Examines theoretical issues involving the valuing, classifying, recording, and reporting of accounting transactions related to asset and revenue recognition. Includes the analysis of financial statements, in particular the statement of financial position and statement of profit and loss and statement of comprehensive income. 

Examines theoretical issues involving the valuing, classifying, recording, and reporting of accounting transactions related to liabilities and equity. Includes the analysis of financial statements, in particular the statement of financial position, the statement of changes in stockholders' equity, the statement of cash flows, and the related footnotes.

Develops analytical skills used in cost and managerial accounting that are used for internal decision-making as distinct from external financial accounting. Topics include: the accountant's role in the organization, cost terms and purposes, cost-volume profit analysis, job costing, process costing, activity based costing, budgeting, variance analysis and other relevant information for decision making.

Considers the function of finance in relation to the overall strategy of an organization. Provides a conceptual and theoretical treatment to key corporate financial activities, including investing, financing, distribution, and risk-management. Extends core concepts relating to valuation, risk assessment, and financial statement analysis.

This course provides information and financial tools to empower students to make good financial decisions. We will cover developing a personal financial plan, the importance of good credit and debt management (including student loans and credit cards), compound interest, investing, taxes, retirement planning, and stewardship.

This optional lab serves as a complement to BUS 355. The lab time is used to clarify student questions, help students with Excel and statistical analysis software skills required to be successful in business, and provide feedback concerning assignments. There will not be any additional graded topics covered in the lab beyond those covered in BUS 355.

Develops understanding of analytics-based decision making by considering problems in accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, operations, and strategic business management. Examines the impact of uncertainty on business results and the tools and methods useful in making business decisions under uncertainty and constraints. Stresses use of Microsoft Excel and statistical software in business analysis.

Examines how data management supports & enables business processes/objectives. Focuses on analysis of business processes, data structure, design & implementation of database systems using the relational, non-relational, star schema data models. Covers database skills such as entity relationship model, normalization, data warehouse & database systems skills, structured query language using mysql, & data warehouse using Excel PowerPivot.

Course will prepare students to work with people from other cultures, both domestically and abroad, which is vital given today’s global economy and diverse work force. Students will gain greater understanding of the role of culture in organizational behavior; develop facility in applying frameworks for ethical decision-making & understand the role of corporate social responsibility. Junior status.

Focuses on the essential elements of Operations Management. Covers a diverse set of quantitative methods used in managing technology and operations such as queuing, quality management, inventory management, and scheduling. Provides students with a practical understanding of basic concepts related to the effective management of manufacturing and service operations.

This optional lab serves as a complement to BUS 361. The lab time is used to clarify student questions, help students with Excel and statistical analysis software skills required to be successful in business, and provide feedback concerning assignments. There will not be any additional graded topics covered in the lab beyond those covered in BUS 361.

Examines the key elements of creativity and innovation and managing innovation from both individual/team and organizational perspectives. Positions successful innovation outcomes as contributing to a firm's competitive advantage. Explores innovation as a creative problem-solving capability that is applied to a wide variety of market opportunities and social/institutional challenges.

Examines accounting information systems and internal control environments.  Course content includes understanding enterprise risk management and internal control frameworks, understanding and documenting transaction cycles, and evaluating the design, implementation and controls of accounting information systems. Junior status.

Provides an in-depth examination of the internal mental processes and external factors that shape consumers' responses to marketing strategies, purchase decisions, and product usage behavior. Emphasizes application of core concepts to marketing decisions. Junior status.

Explores the roles of marketing in a sustainable society. Sustainable marketing has two imperatives: 1) to conduct itself in a way that advances an organization's economic success while creating a positive impact on society and the environment, and 2) to help bring about a society that values and practices social and environmental sustainability in all its behaviors. Junior status.

Experience the entrepreneurial process. The course covers creating stand-alone new ventures as well as new business creation in established firms. Students are provided a hands-on opportunity to discover, develop, test, and present a financially viable and technically feasible new venture. Includes in-depth development of business plan and presentation to a panel of experts. Junior status.

In the semesters in which offered, varying subject matter as business faculty deems appropriate for needs of the student in meeting the objectives of the undergraduate business program.

Students must complete an approved internship to complete this course. Students will receive an In Progress (IP) grade until the completion of their internship and approval of final internship paper and evaluation. Course is graded P/NP.

Course examines the strategic leadership, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and ethical functions in a firm. Teaches students to think strategically and to consider the perspective of all stakeholders, both internal and external to the firm. Using cases, readings and professional presentations, students will learn to think deeply about industry trends, opportunities, and how to commit resources to action. Junior status.

Leaders in sustainability must be able to understand rapid changes in environmental and social conditions, innovate to adapt to those changes, collaborate to envision transitions to sustainable futures, and engage with others to realize those visions. To build these capacities, this course develops systems thinking skills using readings and case studies drawn from environmental, social, and business contexts.

Course examines legal issues associated with developing, acquiring, transferring and leasing real property. Topics include varieties of legal ownership, deeds, real estate contracts and leases, zoning and land use and environmental laws, vehicles for owning real estate, real estate covenants, conditions and restrictions, loan transactions. Course also examines how federal, state and local taxes impact real estate development.

This course covers accounting for business combination and corporate consolidations. It also covers accounting for foreign currency transactions, hedging foreign exchange risk, translation of foreign currency financial statement and other emergent issues in accounting. 

This course focuses on ethical theory, reasoning, and critical thinking. Covers integrity, competence, objectivity, confidentiality, subordination of judgment, and independence with reference to AICPA, SEC, and various Board of Accountancy ethics rules. Accounting and business case studies will examine moral dilemmas for auditing professionals and managerial and tax accountants.

Course covers the use of data analytics to the field of accounting. Students learn how to apply analytical tools and information technology to make data-driven decisions to answer business questions, analyze financial trends and control for fraud. Techniques include extracting, transforming, visualizing data and applying statistical concepts in accounting settings.  Junior Status.

Surveys the field of investment analysis and portfolio management. Topics include: investment process and financial planning, the definition and measurement of risk and return in global markets, security law and ethics, stock market indicators, stock and bond valuation models and real estate investment.

Examines the various financial markets that play a crucial role in helping individuals, corporations, and governments obtain financing and invest in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, mortgages, and derivatives. Includes the study of financial institutions that facilitate management of financial market transactions.

Provides the informational and decision-making tools needed for planning and implementing a successful personal financial program. Topics include money management models, consumer finance issues, insurance, investing, retirement, and estate planning. Includes a survey of the wealth management industry.

Course covers real estate finance and investment. Topics include the various forms of real estate investment including home ownership, rental property, REITs, real estate syndicates, mortgages and securitization of mortgages, real estate companies, investment in land, etc. Brokerage, loan analysis, and real estate valuation techniques will also be covered.

Examines derivatives, their markets and their role in portfolio and corporate financial management. Emphasis on risk management techniques employing derivatives and the pricing of options, futures, forward contracts and swaps. Other topics include market structure, speculation and arbitrage.

This course provides students with an understanding of the financial principles relevant to the business of sports. Students will learn about player/coach contracts and franchise valuation, endorsement and sponsorship deals, financing stadiums through public/private partnerships and the business of college sports.  Course will be taught “seminar style” which means: guest speakers and possible field trips.

Develops analytical skills using discounted cash flow techniques to study the performance of commercial real estate assets. Through case studies, students will learn to use Argus software to derive internal rates of return (IRR) by projecting income streams, operating expenses, debt service, tenant retention, and asset appreciation. Yield rates are tested to determine present values of income and reversionary cash flows.

Provides an in-depth examination of international money and capital markets, exchange-rate determination and currency-risk management techniques employing forward, futures, and options contracts. Considers the functions of international financial management in relation to the overall objectives of the organization.

Examines the challenges of entering a new international market by researching and developing the first step in this decision process, a Country Notebook, by identifying cultural and economic factors in an emerging market and determining if the uncontrollable factors can be met successfully by adjusting the controllable ones. Junior status.

Covers government regulation of business including securities regulation, antitrust, and union and employer relations. The course also explores private law topics including formation and operation of corporations, sales, leases of goods, real and personal property, bankruptcy, commercial paper, secured transactions, suretyship and professional liability. Junior status. 

This optional lab serves as a complement to BUS 455. The lab time is used to clarify student questions, help students with prescriptive analytics software skills required to be successful in business, and provide feedback concerning assignments. There will not be any additional graded topics covered in the lab beyond those covered in BUS 455. Course is graded P/NP.

Takes a comprehensive view of the concepts, tools and realities of successfully managing projects. Covers project selection, justification, planning and scheduling, and cash flow management including methods such as PERT/CPM, Critical Chain, Earned Value Analysis, and Simulation. Addresses important management and leadership issues including contracts, team composition, team building, motivation and compensation/incentives.

Takes a comprehensive look at supply chain design, operations and management. Develops skills in examining and improving the flow of materials and information through an international network of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in order to effectively match supply with demand. Topics include inter- and intra-firm coordination, incentive design, the impact of uncertainty, and the role of information technology.

Course looks at approaches & tools for planning, executing & closing projects based on the PMI library of global standards. Presents process-oriented view of project integration & managing project scope, cost, time, resources, quality & communications. Provides prep for PMI's Certified Assoc. in Project Mgmt & Project Mgmt Prof cert. examinations. Junior status.

Develops understanding of advanced optimization methods by considering business problems in a variety of functional areas. Covers linear programming, integer programming, goal programming, multicriteria optimization, network models, nonlinear programming, stochastic programming, and decentralized optimization. The course stresses the use of computer software in solving business optimization problems and performing business analysis.

Provides fundamental systems analysis and design concepts and methodologies essential for successful and effective development of complex information systems. Approaches the systems development from a business process-related problem-solving perspective including various systems models with data flow diagram, Structured English, ER model. Intended for students who plan to become business analysts or systems analysts.

Presents a comprehensive view of managing the flow of inventory to, within, and from the organization. Deals with the balance between shortages and excesses in an environment characterized by demand and supply uncertainty. Includes critical aspects of contemporary strategies such as JIT, lean, and reverse logistics (sustainable supply chains). Emphasizes both theory and practice applications.

This course covers the use of data, information technology, statistical analysis, and quantitative models to teach students how to make data-driven decisions. It provides students with knowledge and skills in descriptive and predictive analytics to understand, analyze, and predict business performance. The concepts learned will be applied to diverse business applications using easy-to-use software.

Takes a comprehensive look at process analysis & design, and quality management. Emphasizes qualitative and quantitative tools for designing efficient and effective processes and integrating quality management into the production or service process. Covers process diagramming, process performance measurement, flow analysis and managing process variability, process capability, lean operations, and quality management methods and philosophies (e.g. six sigma and TQM).

Develops understanding of R, a powerful statistical computing environment with an enormous base of statistical and modeling methods, frequently the statistical computing environment of choice for academia and industry. Emphasizes sound programming fundamentals and data management facilities.  Applications in data management, project management, quality management, and supply chain management will be used to strengthen problem solving and programming skills.

Examines theories and practices of staffing, training, assessing, and compensating employees from the perspectives of line management and the human resource department. Explores union/management interactions and healthy workplace environment while considering employment laws, the diverse labor force, and internal influences.

Develops an understanding of the scientific process as it relates to social science research methods, and uses the scientific method, appropriate quantitative techniques, and technological tools (R and Excel) to conduct a basic data science research project. Also covers issues related to quantifying, monetizing, and managing information.

Provides a survey of income tax issues for businesses. Includes overview of tax theory, taxation of corporations, partnerships and other business entities. Emphasizes how tax issues impact decision-making. Junior status.

Provides information on theory, methodology, and specific techniques used in the verification/presentation of financial data provided. Course introduces specific verification services, including assurance, attest, and audit services while concentrating on external audits of publicly traded companies.  Audit techniques, documentation of work completed, and audit opinions are studied and performed by the student. Accounting capstone.

Covers fundamentals of federal taxation for individuals, investments and pass-through business entities. Concepts include income tax computations, deductions, capital gains/losses & preferential income rates. Emphasis on planning transactions to minimize tax. Includes income tax case preparation. A service learning experience is offered to reinforce knowledge developed. Junior status.

Students study portfolio management while managing the Miller Fund.  Course involves the ‘real-time’ management of money.  Students must possess strong financial analytical skills & a solid financial/accounting knowledge base.  Concepts covered are investment philosophy, asset allocation, asset class management, investment process, and behavioral finance. Finance capstone. Senior status.

This course covers fundamentals of object oriented analysis and design. Topics include requirements gathering, systems modeling and software specification. The course emphasizes the use of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to specify the structural and behavioral aspects of a software architecture. Additionally, the course will address object relational mapping and illustrate key object oriented concepts using Java.

Surveys the field of marketing research, defined as all activities that provide information to guide strategic marketing decisions. Using an experiential method, students learn to define research objectives, choose and evaluate data sources, implement data collection procedures, interpret, analyze and present research results.

Closely examines and expands upon brand building strategies through social, digital and traditional promotional tools by analyzing brand touch points through hands-on learning by conducting an Integrated Brand Promotion Audit for a real client and making brand management recommendations. Marketing capstone. Senior status.

Presents personal selling as a professional marketing activity with a special focus on fundamentals of consultative selling. Helps students develop professional selling skills, including identifying and qualifying prospects, discovering customer needs, developing and making a sales presentation, handling objections, and closing a sale. Examines the role of selling in the total marketing process. Junior status

Provides students with a basic understanding of sports marketing, including the marketing of sports as well as marketing through sports. Specific emphasis is placed on market selection, marketing mix decisions, and implementation of the strategic sports marketing process. Also covered are event sponsorships, professional sports teams, governing organizations, sports media (broadcast, print, and Internet), licensing, and hospitality.

Provides students with hands-on experience developing web marketing strategies for businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to leverage digital media in their competitive strategies. Topic areas include web marketing planning, website design, search engine optimization, online advertising, and marketing via email, blogs, social media, and mobile media.

Offers an introduction to design thinking as a way of working with human-centered innovation to address business challenges, social problems, and complex systems. Students will learn how to use a set of tools that can apply in their workplace (everyday activities), where they continuously collaborate and communicate with clients, stakeholders, and co-workers to reimagine and solve problems or generate ideas.

Examines innovation in terms of developing and marketing new products (goods or services). Students learn the stages of new product development process, identify the components of new product development strategy, and understand how to structure organizations for creativity and innovation. Junior status.

Introduces the value of design in creating experientially based market strategies to leverage an organization's brand. Students will be introduced to brand, its elements -name, term, sign, symbol, design, or a combination- and architecture to achieve consistency. Furthermore, they will learn to assess the consumer journey of people that interacts with a brand to craft compelling brand messages.

Focuses on managerial, financial and process control issues specific to fast growing young companies. Organization systems and structure topics as applied to early stage growth companies also included. Junior status.

Provides an understanding of important roles of finance and accounting in funding and growing new ventures. Topics covered include (i) sources of financing young, fast growing business lines, (ii) valuation of new ventures, (iii) construction and presentation of pro forma financial statements, (iv) cash-flows in new businesses, (v) IPOs, (vi) measurement of financial performance, (vii) tax planning for new ventures. Junior status.

This course is about information technology auditing, controls, and management practices. As business continues towards a more substantial reliance upon the capabilities of information technology, it becomes increasingly important for staff to understand these systems and how they relate to financial and general organizational controls. Topics include internal auditing standards, risk assessment, governance, ethics, audit techniques, and emerging issues.

Designed as the culminating course in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management curriculum. Students are provided a hands-on opportunity to develop, test, present and launch a viable and sustainable new venture. Includes in-depth development of business plan and presentation to a panel of experts. Senior status.

Examines innovative organizations that are created to improve social conditions. These organizations adopt aspects of the market model leveraging profit to a social end, rather than as an end itself. The course emphasis is on how such organizations are started, how they are sustained, and the various business models that are adopted to achieve an organizational mission.

As Information Technology continues to be a main driver of organizational growth, it also becomes necessary to protect vital IT assets. Course provides a study of the principles and practices of IT security with an overview of security concepts, trends, issues, and risk assessment and governance, and prepares students to design, implement, and maintain effective IT security practices.

Designed for superior students desiring extensive and intensive study in a particular area of interest.

In the semesters in which offered, varying subject matter as business faculty deems appropriate for needs of the student in meeting the objectives of the undergraduate business program.

In the semesters in which offered, varying subject matter as business faculty deems appropriate for needs of the student in meeting the objectives of the undergraduate business program.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Students must complete an approved Meaningful International Experience (MIE) to complete this course. Students may receive an In Progress (IP) grade until completion of the MIE and approval of the MIE reflection document. Course is graded P/NP. May not be repeated for additional credit.

Students may complete a second internship related to their major areas in a different capacity than a previous internship. Students will receive an IP (In Progress) grade until the completion of their internship. (Preapproval by internship director. Senior status and School of Business students only.)

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, dean, and director of the honors program, when appropriate.

Covers introduction to statistical analysis for conducting basic research in various fields of business administrations. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and the introduction to regression analysis. The course presumes basic algebra and basic proficiency with MS Excel.

Microeconomics discusses the behavior of individual economic agents, i.e., consumers, workers and firms, in the market economy. Microeconomics shows how consumption, production, and income distribution are integrated through the market mechanism. Macroeconomics mainly discusses national income, unemployment, and inflation. It also explains the role of government policies that promote efficiency, growth, monetary and fiscal policies the stabilize the economy.

Overview of how Operations Mgt & Info Technology improve business efficiencies and competitive positioning as an integrated discipline. Introduces critical concepts including forecasting, business process analysis/design, database management, business intelligence/decision support, supply chain management and operational disciplines through case-book analysis and technical skills development.

Introduction to financial and managerial accounting and reporting issues. Topics include the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of general purpose financial reports and uses of accounting information for decision-making purposes.

Ecosystems, communities and enterprises are examples of complex systems. Sustainability, as it applies to each of these examples requires a systems thinking approach for its implementation and management. This course develops systems thinking perspectives and skills through a series of case studies drawn from environmental, social, and business contexts, using a participatory approach.

Comprehensive view of the current philanthropic/fundraising landscape will be presented, and we will explore the individual and organizational components necessary for fundraising to thrive in organizations. We will explore why donors are important, their motivations for giving, and explore your personal orientation to fundraising. Best practices in annual giving, stewardship programs, and board fundraising efforts will be reviewed.

Examines ecological and environmental economics and the role of the business, nonprofit, and government sectors in fostering sustainability. Through field study in the Portland region, students learn how to benchmark an organization's sustainability performance, build the quantitative and qualitative case for sustainability action, and propose flexible strategies for moving forward.

Promotes a systematic understanding of cultural differences across and within nations and their impact on business practice and managerial behavior. Students will conduct in-depth comparative cultural analysis and develop their global mindsets and multicultural skills (e.g., cultural sensitivity, intercultural communication, negotiations, and cooperation), while also applying frameworks for ethical decision-making.

Explores the role of leadership within organizations focusing on integrative roles of middle and higher level managers. Topics include a survey of leadership theory, team building skills, conflict and politics, and the management of change.

Explores the role of business in society. Coverage of company values, actions, and outcomes that affect employees, investors, business partners, communities, and the natural environment. Examines business ethics in these relationships and ways that leaders can improve corporate citizenship.

The course covers key accounting and financial control concepts necessary for effective financial management. It provides an overview of budgeting, managerial controls, financial statement analysis, capital budgeting, other long-term decisions, cost models, risk and assessment and auditing. Students gain experience with basic accounting and financial tools supporting the successful management of a nonprofit organization.

Addresses the key area of business for nonprofit organizations from public relations, promotions, revenue generation, and strategic planning to governance, financial controls, and the use of information. Employs lectures, discussions, and case analysis.

The course provides students with an understanding of the marketing function within nonprofit organizations. It covers material such as marketing terminology, functions, and activities. Additional topics include cause-related marketing, negotiations, PR and advertising for the nonprofit manager, pricing, and social media.

An examination of financial management of nonprofit organizations. The course addresses the role of finance in achieving the objectives of various nonprofit organizations by focusing on financial capital markets, working capital, cash flow analysis, Excel for financial analysis, and managing investments.

Business analytics is the use of data, information technology, statistical analysis, and quantitative models to help managers make data-driven decisions. This course provides students with knowledge and skills in descriptive and predictive analytics to understand, analyze, and predict business performance. The concepts learned will be applied to diverse business applications using easy-to-use software.

Develops marketing plans and strategies for products and services in an increasingly competitive environment. Examines processes for serving these markets in ways that are economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

Offers a detailed analysis of consumer decision processes, product usage behavior, and responses to various elements of marketing strategy. Explores external environmental influences and internal mental processes that help shape consumer behavior.

Presents a problem-solving approach to understanding the ways information is used to guide strategic marketing decisions. Using an experiential method, students learn to define research objectives, choose and evaluate data sources, implement data collection procedures, interpret, and analyze and present research results.

Applies negotiation strategies and tactics in a variety of business and nonprofit environments; emphasis on collaborative and competitive styles of negotiating. Seminar-style course with multiple bargaining simulations throughout the semester.

Provides an in-depth examination of how to build a brand, and successfully manage, an organization's brand by closely examining brand touchpoints including social, digital and traditional promotions tools of a chosen organization. 

Covers the principles of sustainable marketing. Using The Natural Step Framework, it begins at the mission, values, and strategy levels of marketing and then moves through the sustainable management of the various marketing influences (i.e. social, political, and technological) and functions (i.e. branding, product design, packaging, pricing, distribution).

Explores the strategic use of digital media and marketing tools to build a brand or achieve an organization’s goals. We will investigate best practices for offering consumers a seamless brand experience using multiple media, information sources and purchase options. Students will apply course concepts in creating a strategic, actionable digital marketing plan for a brand or organization of their choosing.

Provides students with a basic understanding of sports marketing, including the marketing of sports as well as marketing through sports. Specific emphasis is placed on market selection, marketing mix decisions, and implementation of the strategic sports marketing process. Also covered are event sponsorships, professional sports teams, governing organizations, sports media (broadcast, print, and Internet), licensing, and hospitality.

Examines innovation in terms of developing and marketing new products (goods or services). Students learn the stages of a new product development process, identify the components of new product development strategy, and understand how to structure organizations for creativity and innovation.

Examines in depth the key theories and practices in corporate finance. Covers the corporation's financing, investing, and distribution activities, the assessment and management of risk, a critical analysis of financial reports, and the valuation of claims and contingent claims. Quantitative content.

Examines international financial institutions, markets, and instruments. Emphasis on exchange-rate determination, and currency-risk management techniques employing forward, futures, and options contracts. Other topics include international money and capital markets, portfolio theory in an international context, international capital budgeting, and economic developments reshaping the financing and investment environment.

Surveys the field of investments. Topics include investment objectives, short-term and long-term media, real estate media, stock and bond valuation theory, the capital asset pricing model and portfolio theory, the efficient market hypothesis, options, and futures.

Studies the global financial system and the financial markets and intermediaries that comprise this system. The course examines related topics such as interest rates and the pricing of financial assets, regulation, and the risk analysis and management of banks and other financial institutions.

Examines derivatives, their markets, and their role in portfolio and corporate financial management. Emphasis on risk management techniques employing derivatives, and the pricing of options, futures, forward contracts, and swaps. Other topics include market structure, speculation, and arbitrage.

This course provides students with an understanding of the financial principles relevant to the business of sports. Students will learn about player/coach contracts and franchise valuation, endorsement and sponsorship deals, financing stadiums through public/private partnerships and the business of college sports.  Course will be taught “seminar style” which means: guest speakers and possible field trips.

Provides the informational and decision-making tools needed for planning and implementing a successful personal financial program. Topics include money management models, consumer finance issues, insurance, investing, retirement and estate planning.

Covers forecasting methods useful in a range of applications. Introduces basic graphic and statistical tools of data analysis. Applies statistical methods such as regression, moving average, smoothing methods, and autoregressive models to produce forecasts of stationary and non-stationary financial and other time series data. Experiments with these forecasting methods will use actual data from the web.

Course on advanced restructuring strategy. Content includes advanced coverage on mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganization, and corporate governance and managerial incentives. Other topics include the management of the acquisition process, study the nature of information conveyed by financial decisions, and commonly used business valuation/financial modeling methods can be applied to valuing various types of business combinations.

Examines techniques employed to answer questions in the finance field for practitioners and researchers. Empirical research conducted based on econometric techniques such as event studies, cross-sectional and panel regressions. Problems studied include price effects of various corporate events, capital structure, executive compensation, corporate governance, market efficiency tests, portfolio-trading strategies, among others. Involves use of common econometric software such as EVIEWS.

A comprehensive view of process analysis and quality management techniques with an emphasis on quantitative and qualitative analysis tools. A case based analysis approach will cover process diagramming, process performance measurement, process redesign, flow analysis, queuing methods, quality management methods, lean operations and six sigma concepts.

This course focuses on reward systems, performance management and motivational tools; all critical components towards professional effectiveness with organizational systems. This course will be designed to provide a foundation based on theory but also present the student with case studies and practical applications so as to be more effective managers in their organizations.

Provides fundamental information systems analysis and design skills. Analytical skills to help evaluate if current business processes and systems meet business needs/information requirements and alternative solutions to support/enable effective business processes. Covers systems lifecycle & object-oriented models with data flow diagram, Structured English, relational database model, and normalization.

Develops understanding of analytics-based decision making by considering problems in accounting, finance, HR, marketing, operations, and strategic business management. Examines the impact of uncertainty on business results, as well as the application of tools and methods useful in making business decisions under uncertainty and constraints. Stresses the use of computer software in performing business analysis.

Explores issues related to the management of innovation, technology and change within organizations. Examines the range of forces impacting new product/process/service development and the implementation and coordination of these activities with internal operations and external markets.

Takes a comprehensive view of project management, addressing the technical and socio-cultural aspects of the field. Examines how the technical/tools aspects of project management integrate with the socio-cultural aspects in successfully managing projects. Utilizes lectures, group problem-solving exercises, team planning activities, and case discussion to emphasize various aspects of project management concepts, tools, and trade-offs.

Develops skills in examining and improving the flow of materials and information through the network of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to match supply with demand effectively. Topics include inter- and intra-firm coordination, incentive design, the impact of uncertainty, and the role of information technology.

Covers inventory as more than simple raw materials or finished goods. Presents a comprehensive view of managing the flow of inventory to, within, and from the organizations. Deals with the balance between shortages and excesses in an environment characterized by demand and supply uncertainty. Includes contemporary strategies such as JIT, lean, and reverse logistics.

Takes a comprehensive look at approaches and tools for planning, executing and closing projects based on the Project Management Institute's (PMI) library of global standards. Presents a process-oriented view of project integration and managing project scope, cost, time, resources, quality and communications. Provides an excellent preparation for PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management and Project Management Professional certification examinations.

Develops understanding of advanced optimization methods by considering business problems in a variety of areas. Covers linear, nonlinear, integer, and goal programming, multicriteria optimization, network models, stochastic programming, and decentralized optimization. The goal is to maintain a balance between theory, problem formulation, solution development by computer software, and applications to business problems.

Develops an understanding of R, a powerful statistical computing environment with an enormous base of statistical and modeling methods, frequently the statistical computing environment of choice for academia and industry. Emphasizes sound programming fundamentals and data management facilities. Applications in data management, project management, quality management, and supply chain management will be used to strengthen problem solving and programming skills.

Covers fundamental concepts/techniques in design, implementation, and use of databases in the data driven business world. Approaches how database can support business objectives and solve business problems by managing data effectively. Focuses on conceptual relational database modeling using entity relationships models, normalization, relational schema and hands on database skills including Microsoft Access, Visual Basic Applications and Structured Query Language.

Examines the functions of management applied in the design and daily operation of a warehouse or distribution center. Students will develop an understanding of the basic processes, relationships and requirements of distribution operations and to satisfy the needs of the company. Explores the application of labor and technologies in performing warehouse functions. Identifies and practice skills required of operations managers.

Develops an understanding of the scientific process as it relates to social science research methods, and uses the scientific method, appropriate quantitative techniques, and technological tools (R and Excel) to conduct a basic data science research project. Also covers issues related to quantifying, monetizing, and managing information.

This course covers fundamentals of object oriented analysis and design. Topics include requirements gathering, systems modeling and software specification. The course emphasizes the use of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to specify the structural and behavioral aspects of a software architecture. Additionally, the course will address object relational mapping and illustrate key object oriented concepts using Java.

Provides students with accounting and analytical skills useful for managerial decision-making. Topics covered include: performance evaluation, pricing and operational decisions, strategy, cost allocation, variance analysis, inventory and capital budgeting, among others.

Develops analytical skills using discounted cash flow techniques to study the performance of commercial real estate assets. Through case studies, students will learn to use Argus software to derive internal rates of return (IRR) by projecting income streams, operating expenses, debt service, tenant retention, asset appreciation. Yield rates are tested to determine present values of income and reversionary cash flows.

Course covers real estate finance and investment. Topics include the various forms of real estate investment including home ownership, rental property, REITs, real estate syndicates, mortgages and securitization of mortgages, real estate companies, investment in land, etc. Brokerage, loan analysis, and real estate valuation techniques.

Develops skills for examining financial information by external users (lenders, stock analysts, and owners/shareholders). Includes study of properties of financial information, choices of generally accepted accounting principles, income manipulation, methods of information disclosure, and off-balance sheet accounting.

This course examines the determination of national output, inflation, and unemployment within the context of the global economy. Difficulties of implementing stabilization policies in the open economy are discussed. The effects of monetary and fiscal policy on interest rates and currency values are considered. The issue of trade deficits and surpluses are also discussed.

Examines the theory, methodology, and specific techniques used in the verification and presentation of financial data provided to outsiders. The course introduces specific verification services, including assurance, attest, and audit services while concentrating on the external audits of publically traded companies.   Audit techniques, documentation of work completed, and audit opinions are both studied and performed by the student.

The course covers accounting for business combination and corporate consolidations.  It also covers accounting for foreign currency transactions, hedging foreign translation of foreign currency financial statement and other emergent issues in accounting. 

Students accepted into course will study portfolio management while managing the Miller Fund.  Since this is an applied course involving the ‘real-time’ management of money, students must possess strong financial analytical skills and a solid financial/accounting knowledge base before beginning the course.  Concepts such as investment philosophy, asset allocation, asset class management, investment process, and behavioral finance are covered.

Examines how to integrate tax strategy into business decision-making. The focus is not on technical tax rules but optimizing operations to minimize tax. Topics include: fundamentals of the U.S. tax system; corporate structure, mergers, and liquidations; property dispositions; compensation issues including employee stock options; international and interstate tax planning; and family tax planning.

Covers the use of data analytics to the field of accounting. Students learn how to apply analytical tools and information technology to make data-driven decisions to answer business questions, analyze financial trends and control for fraud. Techniques include extracting, transforming, visualizing data and applying statistical concepts in accounting settings.

Experience the entrepreneurial process.  Understand the driving forces behind creating, launching and developing a new venture.  Hands-on opportunity to discover, create, test, present and launch a viable and sustainable new venture.  Includes in-depth development of business plan and investor presentation.  Emphasis on stand-alone new ventures; however, venture creation in established firms is also covered. 

Explores the personal, family, and business issues found in family owned firms. Focus on development of relevant analytical and managerial skills. Topics include family business systems, family business governance, succession, and family wealth planning.

Course focuses on analysis of international business environments.  Students will investigate cultural, legal and economic issues affecting the development of business relations in various countries and their economy.  Course includes one week of international travel for student meetings and cultural visits.  Primary research project for class will involve developing group projects specific to the development of international business relations.  (Additional fee will be assessed for travel component.)

Provides an understanding of the important roles of finance and accounting in funding and growing new ventures. Topics covered include sources of financing for young, fast growing business lines, valuation of new ventures, construction and presentation of pro forma financial statements, cashflows in new businesses, IPOs, measurement of financial performance, and tax planning for new ventures.

Presents personal selling as a professional marketing activity with a special focus on fundamentals of consultative selling. Helps students develop professional selling skills, including identifying and qualifying prospects, discovering customer needs, developing and making a sales presentation, handling objections, and closing a sale. Examines the role of selling in the total marketing process and the broad nature of how companies make purchase decisions.

Introduces the value of design in creating experientially based market strategies to leverage an organization's brand. Students will be introduced to brand, its elements -name, term, sign, symbol, design, or a combination- and architecture to achieve consistency. Furthermore, they will learn to assess the consumer journey of people that interacts with a brand to craft compelling brand messages.

Goes into depth on concepts and tools necessary to analyze the value of new technology, create new products, and get products to market. Upon completion, students will have the knowledge to put together a commercialization plan for bringing a new technology or product to market.

Examines the competitive process through the firm’s management of its strategic issues. Students are exposed to the techniques used by managers to evaluate their firm’s competitive position, to develop a strategy based on competitive advantages, and to successfully execute their chosen strategy. Course should be taken in student’s graduating semester.

Course designed to help students attain professional-level competence in oral and written business communication. Students learn rhetorical principles and apply them to business communication situations. Included: making formal oral presentations, conducting meetings, writing business reports.

Examines the impact of U.S., foreign, and international law on global businesses and comparison of U.S. and foreign commercial legal systems. Topics include laws governing multinational firms; international sales transactions; trade and transportation issues; protection of intellectual property; finance, accounting, and tax issues; and dispute resolution including the use of arbitration.

This course unpacks leaders’ communicative means to engage people’s thought, attention, motivation, and learning. Students examine research, theory, philosophy, and instructional communication practices designed to increase credibility, flexibility, comfort and effectiveness in teaching-learning leadership situations. Students develop their own teaching philosophies and learn about sharing memorable information, facilitating teamwork and discussion, and developing productive, satisfying teaching-learning relationships with others.

Course examines legal issues associated with developing, acquiring, transferring and leasing real property. Topics include varieties of legal ownership, deeds, real estate contracts and leases, zoning and land use and environmental laws, vehicles for owning real estate, real estate covenants, conditions and restrictions, loan transactions. The course also examines how federal, state and local taxes impact real estate dev.

This course is about information technology auditing, controls, and management practices. As business continues towards a more substantial reliance upon the capabilities of information technology, it becomes increasingly important for staff to understand these systems and how they relate to financial and general organizational controls. Topics include internal auditing standards, risk assessment, governance, ethics, audit techniques, and emerging issues.

As Information Technology continues to be a main driver of organizational growth, it also becomes necessary to protect vital IT assets. Course provides a study of the principles and practices of IT security with an overview of security concepts, trends, issues, and risk assessment and governance, and prepares students to design, implement, and maintain effective IT security practices.

Designed for strong students desiring to do extensive study in a particular area of interest for which there is currently no University course offered. Students electing to do a directed study must find a professor with a particular area of expertise to serve as their faculty sponsor.

In the semesters in which they are offered, courses cover a variety of subjects the staff considers appropriate for the needs of the students in meeting the objectives of the graduate business program.

In the semesters in which they are offered, courses cover a variety of subjects the. staff considers appropriate for the needs of the students in meeting the objectives of the graduate business program.

Allows highly-qualified M.B.A. students to complete an internship for credit to gain professional work experience. Interns must fulfill an academic component in addition to the contact time with the company. Open to full-time students. (Approval of the internship director required.)

Research study or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, dean, and graduate dean when appropriate. Prerequisite: Approval of Associate Dean.

Registration for any candidate who has received the grade of IP in BUS 599 is required while the thesis is in progress. Fee: $50