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MBA Course Descriptions
Core Courses
MGT 505
MANAGEMENT TOOLS
This course is designed to give new MBA students a common foundation in management concepts and technologies. Students will improve their skills in research, critical thinking, presentations, writing and teamwork. Special topics include MS Office applications, financial accounting tools and online databases. 3 crs.
FIN 510
MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING
Accounting has been called the language of business. This course approaches the field from a decision maker's perspective, offering a clear understanding of accounting concepts. Students will gain hands-on knowledge about the accounting cycle, financial statements and financial reporting. Special attention will be given to accounting information used to assist management in operating the business, including product costing and budgeting. 3 crs.
FIN 513
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Strong financial management is a prerequisite for creating lasting business success. In this course, students will develop the baseline skills to make well-informed management decisions. Topics include the time value of money, risk and return, valuation, investment principles and the role of financial markets. Students are exposed to the important concepts and terms used by financial analysts and corporate strategists. 3 crs.
MKT 514
MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Effective marketing is a customer-focused process that pervades an organization. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, students learn how to segment markets and position a firm's offerings in order to create long-term customer and shareholder value. This course explores marketing opportunities through product development, pricing strategies, customer communications and channel management. 3 crs.
MGT 515
BUSINESS LAW
This course is a practical survey of the legal aspects of business. Students learn that successful management of business relationships rarely involves hiding behind clever legal strategies. The benefits of legal action must be weighed against the risks and costs of litigation. Topics include the legal environment, contracts, commercial transactions and business organizations. 3 crs.
MGT 518
STATISTICS FOR MANAGERS
Managers use statistics to help make important decisions in product development, marketing, personnel and customer service. Students explore how statistics and data analysis can help solve managerial problems, ensuring more effective decision making. This course covers basic concepts of probability, including random variables and probability distributions. 3 crs.
MGT 522
HUMAN CAPITAL
Modern organizations face a rapid rate of change and global complexity. Firms that thrive in this new economy pay close attention to their most valuable asset: people. In this course, students will learn how to value and manage today's worker by examining current organizational theory and real-world case studies. Students will also be exposed to recent trends and methods in leadership and human resource management. 3 crs.
MGT 528
MANAGERIAL DECISION METHODS
The ability to achieve successful business results depends on a sound decision-making process. This integrative course introduces students to managerial decision theory and analysis. Through readings and simulations, students will learn how to manage under uncertainty. Topics include structuring decisions, evaluating alternatives and making trade-offs. 3 crs.
MGT 526
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Successful managers understand the value of strategic planning. This course develops the analytical and financial skills to gain competitive advantage in a dynamic business climate. Students learn how to evaluate the business environment, assess an organization's strengths and capabilities, and decide on competing strategies. The case study method is used to explore strategic alternatives, implementation options and evaluation methods. 3 crs.
Perspective Courses
MGT 530
ETHICAL DECISION MAKING
Respected leaders possess a clear ethical framework for making decisions. They understand the legal requirements as well as the moral imperatives of business management. Using current events, cases and other materials, this course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of ethical decision making and their application to resolving ethical issues and conflicts in the workplace. 3 crs.
MGT 534
THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE
Global decision making requires a framework for understanding international trade, investment and cross-cultural interactions. Using case studies and current events, students analyze globalization trends and the impact of culture on international business dealings. Organizational, financial and marketing factors will be considered in creating a successful global strategy. 3 crs.
MGT 536
E-BUSINESS STRATEGIES
Companies are investing globally in e-business efforts and technology in order to capture competitive advantage. Designed for the non-technical manager, this course will use current events, case studies and hands-on projects to help students understand Internet strategy, e-commerce and Web-based marketing. Topics include online markets, channel structure and public policy implications. 3 crs.
General Management Concentration
MGT 532
CAREER MANAGEMENT
Creating a personally satisfying and professionally successful career in today's marketplace takes personal reflection, research and work. Students will be guided in a rigorous self-assessment, exploring concepts of professional identity and free-agent mentality. The goal will be to identify behaviors and abilities that can be used to make short- and long-term career decisions. Special topics include managerial career paths and self-marketing strategies. 3 crs.
MGT 542
GLOBAL OPERATIONS STRATEGY
The global competitive position of a firm depends on efficient operations. This course introduces students to operations management, resources and processes. Distribution, logistics management, supply chains and the role of IT will be seen from an international perspective. Case studies of prominent multinational corporations are used to illustrate sourcing strategies and evaluation methods. 3 crs.
MGT 567
SPECIAL TOPICS IN MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
This is an advanced course in selected issues in the theory and application of management and technology. Actual topics and cases will be chosen by the instructor and may vary from term to term. 3 crs.
MGT 594
MBA INTERNSHIP
The internship provides students with the opportunity to apply the cumulative knowledge and skills learned in the MBA to a real-life work environment. The internship involves the following steps: 1) selecting an interesting and challenging work site; 2) developing a contract that ensures both employer and student benefit; 3) fulfilling the contract activity through ongoing work; and 4) preparing a written report that summarizes the learning experience and outcomes. Students may receive elective credit for their MBA concentration by choosing an internship in their field of study. 3 crs.
INB 567
SPECIAL TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
This is an advanced course in selected issues in the theory and application of international business. Actual topics and cases will be chosen by the instructor and may vary from term to term. 3 crs.
Finance Concentration
FIN 542
CORPORATE FINANCE
This intermediate course approaches finance from the chief financial officer's perspective. Students will analyze practical problems in investment decisions, working capital, risk management, company valuation, financial planning and legal and ethical concerns. This course provides an understanding of the theories, concepts and applications of modern corporate finance. 3 crs.
FIN 549
INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
In a global economy, companies use international financial markets to access capital and manage risk. Students will explore the role of foreign capital markets, exchange rate risk, and financial control systems as applied to the international firm. Additional topics include political and economic risk, multilateral institutions, foreign trade and international accounting practices. Students will learn to apply sound financial principles in order to maximize competitive advantage and shareholder wealth. 3 crs.
FIN 550
REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS
This course is an introduction to corporate real estate decision making. Students are exposed to real estate investment, market analysis, project financing, leasing, property management and land-development issues. Through case studies, students will learn the economic factors and finance theories that affect property values. Consideration will be given to current trends in commercial real estate finance and deal making. 3 crs.
FIN 552
INVESTMENTS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Financial markets are engines of economic innovation, offering a range of investment vehicles for firms and individual investors. Students will examine the differences between real and financial assets and understand the role of the investment analyst. Topics include portfolio theory, capital markets, fixed-income securities and derivatives. Students will evaluate the trade-offs between risk and return in efficient markets. 3 crs.
FIN 567
SPECIAL TOPICS IN FINANCE
This is an advanced course in selected issues in the theory and application of finance. Actual topics and cases will be chosen by the instructor and may vary from term to term. 3 crs.
Marketing Concentration
MKT 542
INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
Companies use communications to build strong brand relationships with their customers. This course presents brand building as an integrated marketing function designed to create valuable customer relationships and sales. Topics include target market evaluation, agency relations, media planning, Internet strategies, public relations, budgeting and campaign evaluation. Students will create a comprehensive promotional plan that's effective and persuasive. 3 crs.
MKT 545
MARKETING RESEARCH
Marketing campaigns rely on organized and cost-effective marketing research. Students will learn how to gather, analyze and present information that solves common business problems, such as buyer behavior or market potential. This course provides an understanding of research methodology, secondary sources, survey construction, measurement, sampling methods and data analysis. As a final assignment, students will complete and present a real-world research project. 3 crs.
MKT 546
INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
This course examines international marketing programs from a strategic management perspective, as opposed to the technical aspects of import-export trade. Students will evaluate organizational objectives and market-entry strategies in a multinational business climate. Case studies are used to highlight differences between domestic and international customer segmentation, brand management, distribution channels, transport, pricing and e-business operations. The cross-cultural and political aspects of international markets will also be addressed. 3 crs.
MKT 567
SPECIAL TOPICS IN MARKETING
This is an advanced course in selected issues in the theory and application of marketing. Actual topics and cases will be chosen by the instructor and may vary from term to term. 3 crs.
Organizational Behavior Concentration
MGT 541
NEGOTIATIONS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Negotiations is a process that helps individuals and organizations settle disputes. Students will examine the management of conflict and learn the key elements of an effective negotiation. This course uses case studies, simulations and role-playing to explore concepts of trust, power, facilitation and communications. Students will develop interpersonal skills and techniques that will improve their negotiating strategies and tactics. 3 crs.
MGT 557
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW
Overlapping federal, state and local laws govern the modern workplace, creating a legal minefield for employers and employees alike. This course will provide a managerial overview of the legal do's and don'ts of corporate hiring, managing and firing. Topics include the rewarding, promoting, demoting and disciplining of employees. Students will gain familiarity with the U.S. legal system from an HR perspective. 3 crs.
ORG 563
LEARNING ORGANIZATIONS
Companies that excel recognize learning as a key to their competitive edge and strategic advantage. This course covers the tools and concepts of learning organizations. Students will explore the methods of successful companies through interactive, learning-by-doing exercises and projects. 3 crs.
ORG 565
LEADING CHANGE
Managing change is a top priority for leaders of complex, knowledge-intensive companies. A firm's capacity to withstand and thrive in turbulent times is directly related to its people and organizational structures. This course will focus on the nature of change as seen from a management or consulting perspective. Students will define and communicate change initiatives that overcome internal resistance and win trust. 3 crs.
ORG 567
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR
This is an advanced course in selected issues in the theory and application of organizational behavior. Actual topics and cases will be chosen by the instructor and may vary from term to term. 3 crs.
Capstone
MGT 598
FINAL PROJECT
In the Capstone course, students establish a link between their studies, their interests and the business world at large. This professional-level project demonstrates a functional and integrative knowledge of market opportunity and strategic management. Students will prepare a real-world business plan and investor materials for a new or existing organization and then present their strategies to a business audience. 4 crs.