Graduate Courses

BUS 500 Statistical and Quantitative Analysis

Covers the statistical and quantitative tools for conducting basic research in the business environment. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability distributions, and hypothesis testing, with extensive treatment of multiple regression models. Course presumes some familiarity with statistics and basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

3

BUS 501 Economic Analysis

Provides a comprehensive review of macro- and microeconomics topics as background for M.B.A. study.

3

BUS 505 Introduction to Operations & Technology Management

Overview of how Operations Management & Information Technology work together to improve business efficiencies and competitive positioning. Emphasizes competitive advantages derivable through intelligent application of operations management and information technology 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 analyses and technical skills development.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 500 or successful completion of tutorial.

BUS 506 Principles of Accounting

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.

3

BUS 508 Innovation for Sustainability

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.
3

Cross Listed Courses

ENV 501

BUS 510 Economics and Metrics for Sustainability

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.

3

BUS 511 Cross-Cultural Management

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) throughout the course.

3

BUS 512 Leadership and Higher Level Management

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.

3

BUS 513 Social Responsibility in Organizations

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.

3

BUS 514 Accounting and Financial Controls for the Nonprofit Organization

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.

3

Prerequisites

Permission of EMBA program director.

BUS 515 Management of Nonprofit Organizations

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.

3

Prerequisites

Permission of EMBA program director.

BUS 517 Marketing for Nonprofit Organization

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.

3

Prerequisites

Permission of EMBA program director.

BUS 518 Financial Management for the Nonprofit Organization

An in-depth 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 fundraising, grantwriting, philanthropy, financial capital markets, corporate giving/ sponsorships, working capital and cash flow analysis, Excel for financial analysis, and managing investments and working with foundations.

3

Prerequisites

Permission of EMBA program director.

BUS 519 Business Analytics

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.

Prerequisites

BUS 500; BUS 543 preferred

BUS 520 Applied Marketing Strategies

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.

3

BUS 521 Consumer Behavior

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 520 or equivalent.

BUS 522 Marketing Research

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 520 or equivalent.

BUS 523 Negotiation and Persuasion Strategies

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.

3

BUS 524 Integrated Marketing Communications

Provides an in-depth examination of how to build a brand for a corporation or non-profit organization through uses of various elements of marketing communication, including advertising, sales promotion, public relations, and event sponsorships.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 520 or equivalent.

BUS 525 Sales and the Global Market

Understand the personal selling function as a means to develop buyer-seller interrelationships. Provides an opportunity to discuss and practice the selling process and personal selling strategies with an emphasis on managing across cultures. Role plays and cases are featured components for enhancing marketing and sales skills.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 520 or equivalent.

BUS 526 Sustainable Marketing

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).

3

Prerequisites

BUS 520 or equivalent.

BUS 527 Digital Marketing

Explores the strategic uses of digital marketing tools (e.g., search advertising, mobile messaging, social networks, blogs, etc.) to build a brand or to further a nonprofit organization's mission.  Students will have hands-on experience using digital marketing tactics to launch or build a brand, or to promote a nonprofit organization or cause.
3

Prerequisites

BUS 520 or equivalent.

BUS 530 Corporate Finance

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 500 or successful completion of tutorials.

BUS 531 International Finance

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 532 Security and Portfolio Analysis

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 533 Financial Markets and Institutions

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 534 Derivatives and Risk Management

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent

BUS 535 International Economics and Trade

Deals with the exchange of goods, services, and capital across national boundaries. The record of these transactions and the balance of payment accounts are analyzed extensively. Other topics include theories of trade, exchange rate determination, and economic growth.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 501 or equivalent.

BUS 536 Personal Financial Planning

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 537 Applied Financial and Economic Forecasting

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 501 or equivalent.

BUS 538 Corporate Financial Strategy: M&A and Restructure

A course on advanced corporate financial strategy. Content includes advanced coverage on financing strategies, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy and reorganization, and corporate governance and managerial incentives. Other topics include the role of taxation on corporate strategy and the nature of information conveyed by financial decisions.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 539 Research Methods in Finance

Examines the statistical techniques employed to answer questions in the finance field for both practitioners and researchers. Content includes event studies, tests of asset pricing models, time-series modeling of exchange rate, interest rate, and stock returns behavior, portfolio optimization, and assessment of option pricing models. Course involves the use of common time-series econometric software such as SAS, RAT's, and Shazam.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 540 Process Analysis & Quality Management

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).

Prerequisites

BUS 543

BUS 541 Human Resource Management

Covers theories, practices, and research in employment, development, appraisal, and compensation of employees from the views of line management and the human resource department. Also covers government regulations, the diverse labor force, job analysis, safety and health, and globalization. Strategic implications and skill-building are emphasized.

3

BUS 542 Systems Analysis and Design

Provides fundamental systems analysis and design techniques for modern information systems. Oriented to problem solving, which studies a current business system, determines business needs and information requirements, and evaluates alternative solutions. Topics include the general feasibility study, the traditional analysis and design approach using a Systems Life Cycle Model, and emerging approaches such as Object-Oriented analysis and design.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 505

BUS 543 Decision Modeling

Develops understanding of quantitative 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. The course stresses the use of computer software in performing business analysis.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 500 or successful completion of tutorial.

BUS 544 Managing Innovation and Technology

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.

3

BUS 545 Project Management

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 realities.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 543

BUS 546 Supply Chain Management

Examines the flow of materials and information through the suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in order to effectively match supply with demand. Topics include firm coordination, incentive design, the impact of uncertainty, and information technology. Special emphasis is given to understanding how business context shapes the strategic design and management of the supply chain.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 500. BUS 505 is recommended.

BUS 547 Inventory Management

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 543

BUS 548 Project Management Processes and Certification

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.
3

Prerequisites

BUS 545 is recommended.

Cross Listed Courses

BUS 454

BUS 549 Business Data Communications & E-Commerce

Course provides introduction to fundamentals of data communications and E-commerce and is designed to provide students with a conceptual foundation for the study of data communications using the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layered architecture model. Technical and managerial aspects of data communications will be covered. Course introduces fundamental E-commerce concepts, business models, and technology infrastructure required for conducting E-commerce activities.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 505

BUS 550 Excel Spreadsheet Modeling

Covers techniques widely used to assess and manage risk, structure problems, determine the optimal decision, and estimate the impact of a decision on performance measures of interest. Improves problem-solving skills, analytical and logical thinking, and decision-making ability in an uncertain and complex environment. Students are expected to enhance their proficiency in spreadsheet analysis and modeling.
3

BUS 551 Introduction to the Healthcare Industry

Provides a survey of the American health care system and the linkage of organizations in the health care industry. Explores the evolution of health care policy and the economics of alternative health care delivery systems.

3

Cross Listed Courses

BME 551

BUS 560 Managerial Accounting Applications

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 506 or equivalent.

BUS 561 New Venture Funding

This course examines the process and techniques used in the Venture Capital industry and explores their application to new company formation. Students develop an understanding of the venture capital partnership, the tools used for valuation of new enterprises, the legal agreements used to structure the deal and its terms. Students will understand funding issues confronting the Entrepreneur.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 562 Real Estate Finance

Examines the various forms of real estate investment including home ownership, rental property, REITs, real estate syndicates, mortgages and packages of mortgages, real estate companies, investment in land, etc. Brokerage, real estate mathematics and loan analysis, real estate valuation techniques and the application of these techniques, will also be covered.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 563 Financial Statement Analysis

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 530 or equivalent.

BUS 564 Macro Economics in the Global Economy

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 501 or equivalent.

BUS 565 Auditing

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 311 or equivalent.

BUS 566 Advanced Accounting

Covers both accounting for not-for-profit entities and international/foreign currency accounting. Examines accounting regulations for governments, charitable organizations, colleges and universities, and hospitals. Considers transactions made by U.S. entities but denominated in foreign currencies and international accounting standards compared to U.S. standards.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 311 or equivalent.

BUS 567 Applied Portfolio Management

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.

3

Prerequisites

Application and professor approval required.

Cross Listed Courses

BUS 468

BUS 568 Income Tax Planning

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.

3

Prerequisites

BUS 506 or equivalent.

BUS 570 Social Entrepreneurship

Examines the process used by social entrepreneurs to create new independent or corporate ventures (nonprofit or for-profit) that pursue two primary missions: social benefit and financial return on investment. Addresses the unique issues faced in searching for innovative and entrepreneurial ways to solve societal problems.

3

BUS 571 New Venture Management

Examines the entrepreneurial process-the critical ingredients determining a startup's success or failure and the driving forces behind this event through the eyes of the entrepreneur. Course exposes students to the role of the entrepreneur and the process used in finding, screening, and evaluating new business opportunities.

3

BUS 572 Family Business Planning

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.

3

BUS 573 International Ventures

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.)
3

BUS 575 Introduction to Commercializaton of Technology

Explores how to recognize and screen technology opportunities in diverse areas. Participants gain an overview of intellectual property acquisition, creation, and protection. Unique business models related to high technology start-ups and technology licensing are covered.

1

Prerequisites

TEC program student status.

BUS 576 External Programs and Networking

Students attend at least 15 hours of off-campus programs and seminars offered by organizations dedicated to the growth in innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization of technology in the region. Through this experience participants gain content knowledge and an extensive network of people and organizations actively engaged in supporting technology entrepreneurship.

1

Prerequisites

TEC program student status.

BUS 577 Technology, Entrepreneurship and Law

Seminar style class concentrating on issues pertinent to both the law and emerging technology businesses; such as negotiations, use of legal counsel, business and legal ethics, intellectual property, firm governance, raising capital and exit strategies, and the anatomy of business/legal transactions.

3

Prerequisites

TEC program student status.

BUS 578 Management of Technology for Life Science

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.

3

Prerequisites

TEC program student status.

Cross Listed Courses

BME 578

BUS 579 Technology Practicum

Participants apply the skills developed throughout the program by working to commercialize an invention. A specific technology invention is selected by the student teams from a portfolio of technologies and approved by the course instructor as a suitable project. Each project team has two mentors on their project and may apply for funds to be used to advance technology.

4

Prerequisites

TEC program student status.

BUS 580 Strategic Issues and Applications in Management

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.

3

BUS 581 Advanced Business Communication

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.

3

Cross Listed Courses

CST 581

BUS 582 Global Business Law

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.

3

BUS 590 Directed Study

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.

Variable

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor, M.B.A. director, and dean.

BUS 591 Seminar

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.

Variable

BUS 592 Seminar

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.

Variable

BUS 597 Graduate Internship

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.)
Credit arranged.

BUS 598 Nonprofit Organization Field Project

This capstone class requires the student to develop a written project proposal acceptable to the instructor and a chosen nonprofit organization. The project must provide tangible value to the organization as well as demonstrate the students' ability to integrate their academic experiences within the practices of the nonprofit sector.

3

Prerequisites

Permission of EMBA program director.

BUS 599 Thesis

MSF candidates pursuing the Thesis Option will complete a thesis and oral defense on a finance topic following the Thesis Guidelines of the University of Portland Graduate School. Once a student has completed 50% of their degree program requirements, the student should consult the finance faculty and establish a thesis committee consisting of three University of Portland faculty members.
3