MBA Assumption
Elective Course Descriptions
Foundation & MBA Functional Core Course Descriptions
NOTE: For the current schedule, click Course Schedules.
MBA ELECTIVE COURSE TITLES
MBA700 - Advanced Managerial Accounting
MBA701 - Internal & Operational Auditing
MBA703 - Financial Aspects of Mergers
MBA704 - Tax Concepts for Managers
MBA705 - Corporate Financial Reporting
MBA706 - International Accounting & Taxation
MBA707 - Human Resource Management
MBA708 - Labor Relations
MBA709 - International Management
MBA710 - Business & Society
MBA711 - Small Business Management
MBA712 - Special Topics Seminar
MBA713 - Business Research Seminar
MBA715 - International Marketing
MBA716 - Promotional Strategy
MBA717 - Strategies for Services Marketing
MBA718 - Management Information Systems
MBA719 - Advanced Information Systems Management
MBA720 - Purchasing & Supply Management
MBA722 - Project Management
MBA723 - Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management
MBA724 - International Corporate Finance
MBA725 - Managerial Economics
MBA726 - Organization Development & Change
MBA727 - International Business (Doing Business in a Specific Region/Country)
MBA728 - Legal Frameworks of Business
MBA729 - Technical & Professional Communication Seminar
MBA730 - International Human Resource Management
MBA731 - Training & Development
MBA732 - Compensation & Benefits
MBA734 - Managing Diversity
MBA743 - Leadership
MBA745 - Non-Profit Management
MBA795 - Management Practicum
MBA799 - Independent Study
MBA901 - Strategic Planning and Implementation for Nonprofit Organizations*
MBA902 - Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations
MBA903 - Marketing and Public Relations for Nonprofit Organizations
MBA904 - Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations
MBA905 - Leadership and Human Resource Management for Nonprofit Organizations*
MBA906 - Governance, Executive Leadership and Ethics in Nonprofit Organizations*
MBA907 - Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations
* Pending Approval
MBA ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MBA700 - Advanced Managerial Accounting
This course focuses on information provided by management accounting systems to assist managers in their planning and control activities. It concentrates on using quantitative techniques and discussing management and cost accounting theory. Casework is assigned and extensive use of computer software is required.
Prerequisites: MBA550A&B
Concentration: Accounting
3 Credits
MBA701 - Internal & Operational Auditing
This course covers the concepts of internal and operational auditing, focusing on the internal auditor's role as internal management consultant. In addition to teaching the techniques of internal, operational and IS systems auditing, the course encourages students to think like entrepreneurs as they perform audits. Specifically, the course covers the Institute of Internal Auditor's Standards of Professional Practice, techniques for analyzing operational deficiencies, identifying sources of problem, measuring and evaluating the cost/benefits of changes and developing solutions. The course stresses effective communication for presenting audit results and recommendations. This course is intended for those interested in auditing and individuals expecting to assume managerial or control responsibilities.
Prerequisites: MBA550A&B
Concentration: Accounting, Management
3 Credits
MBA703 - Financial Aspects of Mergers
This course covers the subject of mergers and acquisitions from several standpoints. Consideration is given to the characteristics of a merger candidate, valuation and pricing of the company, and methods of financing. The two major financial reporting approaches are covered as are opportunities for tax-free reorganization status. The course concludes with an examination of a major recent merger.
Prerequisites: MBA552B (MBA603 helpful)
Concentration: Accounting, Finance/Economics
3 Credits
MBA704 - Tax Concepts for Managers
This course is designed to enable the non-accounting specialist to recognize the important tax consequences of decisions made by managers, administrators and others involved in business. The tax law and planning fundamentals applicable to many everyday business transactions are discussed and explored.
Prerequisites : All Foundation Courses or Permission of MBA Director
Concentration: Accounting, Finance/Economics, Management
3 Credits
MBA705 - Corporate Financial Reporting
This course provides students with an understanding of the current state of financial reporting practices and the manner in which corporate financial statements published in annual reports, prospectuses and proxy statements influence our economic system. It is designed for students who wish to enhance their ability to understand and use corporate financial statements. Prerequisites: MBA550A&B
Concentration: Accounting, Finance/Economics
3 Credits
MBA706 - International Accounting & Taxation
This course introduces the concepts of internal and external reporting associated with entities engaged in international business. The subject matter covers international accounting problems, analytical capabilities associated with international accounting policy issues and international taxation from two perspectives: (1) domestic operations owning foreign subsidiaries, and (2) foreign subsidiaries owning domestic subsidiaries. Familiarity with intermediate accounting or consolidation is helpful.
Prerequisites: MBA550A&B
Concentration: Accounting, International Business
3 Credits
MBA707 - Human Resource Management
This course explores the elements of supervision and leadership that are crucial factors in effective management. Using a case study format, the course examines various approaches to job development / enrichment, evaluation, and supervision.
Prerequisites: MBA601
Concentration: Human Resources, Management
3 Credits
MBA708 - Labor Relations
This course is designed to expose the student to labor-management relationship dynamics. The traditional topics of labor history, law, organizing, collective bargaining, contract administration, impasse, grievance and arbitration are dealt with in depth. The course also explores contemporary issues, such as white collar unionism, changing trends in bargaining, union/management cooperation, union survival and others. The course is designed to appeal to practitioners from labor and management, and anyone else with an interest in the field.
Prerequisites: MBA601
Concentration: Human Resources, Management
3 Credits
MBA709 - International Management
This course examines the issues confronting managers as they plan, organize, lead and control global / transnational operations. The basic premise is that management of a multinational corporation differs in many ways from that of a firm doing business within the boundaries of one country. Case studies of multinational corporations provide an opportunity to learn problem analysis and decision making in this complex, rapidly changing international environment.
Prerequisite: MBA601
Concentration: International Business, Management
3 credits
MBA710 - Business & Society
This course explores the increasing impact of environmental events on the managerial decision-making process. Selected phenomena such as technology, inflation, energy, the changing international order, and governmental regulation are examined for impact on total organizational strategy formulation, implementation and control. It also investigates the changing relationships among management and other organizational stakeholders using the case method to develop analytic and action-oriented skills.
Prerequisites: MBA550B
Concentration: Human Resources, Management
3 Credits
MBA711 - Small Business Management
This course is designed for students who are interested in starting and successfully managing a small business. It explores in detail the sequence of events required to establish a business and develop plans/strategies for successful small business management. The course is interdisciplinary, dealing with issues from business law, management, marketing, finance, personnel, operations management and other related areas. The method of instruction relies heavily on experiential exercises and simulation. Prerequisites: MBA550 through 552
Concentration: Management, Marketing, and Accounting
3 Credits
MBA712 - Special Topics Seminar
This course is designed to provide a three-credit graduate elective course in contemporary topics and issues. Topics are chosen based on timeliness, interest, and relevance to current business practice. The course allows students the opportunity to examine such current issues with greater detail than would be possible in other course offerings.
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor or as designated on the
course schedule when offered.
3 Credits
MBA712A - Special Topics in Accounting
This course covers current topics regarding financial and managerial cost accounting. Financial accounting topics include market-to-market accounting revenue recognition and income determination. Managerial cost accounting coverage includes balanced scorecard performance measurements, target costing, and transfer pricing. Selection of other topics will be based upon the specific interests of course participants.
Prerequisite: MBA 550A or MBA 605, Permission of MBA Director
Concentration: Accounting, Finance, Management
3 Credits
MBA712B - Conflict & Dispute Resolution
This course is designed to assist the developing business professionals to learn negotiation theory and practice; to develop negotiation capabilities that include conflict resolution and peacemaking in both business and social settings; and to examine the skill sets required for business professionals to manage people and process programs in today's complex multinational business settings.
Prerequisite: Permission of MBA Director
Concentration: Management; Non-profit Leadership
3 Credits
MBA712C - E-Commerce II: Web Marketing
This course addresses the evolution of the World Wide Web to Web 2.0 Marketing. The Internet has become what it was intended to be - a resource that allows for information creation, sharing and dissemination. This evolution of the Internet is of great importance to marketers because marketing is all about WOM - Word of Mouth - building brand and communicating your message. Web 2.0 has a unique "viral" nature inherent in its foundation. The course explores in depth the proliferation of interconnectivity and social interactions on the Web. Social Networking sites such as Linked In, My Spaced Face Book, Second Life, You Tube and others are introduced, explored, analyzed and reviewed for their marketing possibilities.
Prerequisite: Permission of MBA Director
Concentration: Marketing
3 Credits
MBA713 - Business Research Seminar
This course explores the realities of the market research process through application of theories and processes to actual or case situations. It concentrates on the relationship between research and the development of total marketing strategy. Students will demonstrate mastery of their knowledge of research concepts, then complete cases of several types. At least one major project is conceived, executed and analyzed.
Prerequisites: MBA602
Concentration: Marketing
3 Credits
MBA715 - International Marketing
This course explores marketing across national boundaries and within foreign countries as well as the coordination of marketing in multiple international markets. Specific topics will include cultural diversity, marketing intelligence, entering foreign markets, product and product line policy, distribution, advertising / promotion, pricing, planning and controlling an international marketing organization. An appreciation will be developed for the ever changing environment and the risks / opportunities that impact the field. Prerequisites: MBA602
Concentration: International Business, Marketing
3 Credits
MBA716 - Promotional Strategy
This course deals with the areas of advertising, sales promotion, media strategy, personal selling, direct marketing and public relations from the perspective of a strategic decision maker. Contemporary techniques and approaches to resolving informational gaps in marketing communications will be presented and discussed. Students will perform critical analyses of marketing communications' situations as presented in business case scenarios and develop strategies which successfully differentiate products, services or ideas to potential consumers. Students are expected to design, produce, and present a complete marketing communications strategy for a specific consumer product, service or idea.
Prerequisites: MBA602
Concentration: Marketing
3 Credits
MBA717 - Strategies for Services Marketing
This course examines the service provisioning paradigm from the perspective of managers responsible for tactical / strategic goals and planning horizons. It provides them with the requisite skill sets for business planning, decision making, and strategy formulation unique to the service sector. Topics addressed include: the behavior of the service consumer; marketing issues for service producers; the role of the service worker; service development; service pricing issues; marketing communications for services, and service delivery.
Prerequisites: MBA602
Concentration: Marketing
3 Credits
MBA718 - Management Information Systems
This course focuses on the role of managing information in achieving strategic objectives, with special emphasis on evolving technological, application and organizational issues. This is accomplished by examining the organizational and technical foundations of information systems and exploring the tools, techniques and approaches for building and managing effective information systems.
Prerequisites: MBA550B, Computer Literacy
Concentration: Human Resources, Management, Marketing
3 Credits
MBA719 - Advanced Information Systems Management
This course deals with the management of information technology in today's businesses. The strategic role of information systems (IS) requires effective management of those resources, closely integrated with other functional strategies. Emphasis will be on this strategic role of IS, managing the essential technologies, directing the development of systems, providing effective end-user computing and support systems and dealing with the people-related issues.
Prerequisites: All Foundation Courses and MBA718
Concentration: Human Resources, Management, Marketing
3 Credits
MBA720 - Purchasing & Supply Management
This course covers the principles of purchasing and supply management and is concerned with development and administration of policies, systems and procedures related to acquiring, holding and distributing materials. Prerequisites: MBA604
Concentration: Management
3 Credits
MBA722 - Project Management
This course examines how to plan and manage projects effectively. Project Management is concerned with the planing, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling of the organization's resources for a specific time period to meet a particular set of one-time objectives. Students will learn: a) how to start with realistic project goals, to plan and track progress, and to use strategies for keeping projects on schedule; b) how to use scheduling tools such as GANTT, CPM/PERT and to utilize computer software in managing projects; c)the art of communicating on projects, handling disagreements, creating teamwork, facilitating creativity, and leading people on project teams.
Prerequisites: MBA604
Concentration: Management
3 Credits
MBA723 - Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management
This course examines the fundamentals of investment theory, markets and market forces. It will provide the student with an understanding of investment markets, the valuation of securities, and portfolio management strategies. The student will also be exposed to the techniques of aggregate market and company analysis. In addition, the course will provide a basic understanding of investment companies, stock options, warrants and convertible securities, commodity futures, financial futures and international diversification. Prerequisites: MBA552B
Concentration: Finance/Economics
3 Credits
MBA724 - International Corporate Finance
The course is concerned with understanding the issues and the principles and techniques employed in financial decision making in an international business organization. Topics include foreign exchange markets and the international monetary system, foreign exchange risk management, financing internationally, direct foreign investment, and financial management of ongoing operations. In addition, an overview of international taxation and accounting issues is provided.
Prerequisites: MBA550A&B, MBA603
Concentration: Finance/Economics, International Business
3 Credits
MBA725 - Managerial Economics
This course covers micro- and macro-economic theory and their application to forecasting, production, budgeting, and government regulations in managerial decision-making.
Prerequisites: Calculus, MBA551A and MBA553A
Concentration: Finance/Economics
3 Credits
MBA726 - Organization Development & Change
This course examines the process of change from individual, team and organizational perspectives. Because business environments are rapidly changing, managers need to improve their abilities to diagnose, implement and evaluate planned change. This course uses an experiential approach to develop the skills managers need to improve performance in changing organizations.
Prerequisites: MBA601
Concentration: Human Resources, Management
3 Credits
MBA727 - International Business (Doing Business in a Specific Region/Country)
These courses give the graduate student exposure to specific issues associated with doing business outside the United States. Each 1.5 credit free-standing module deals with a particular region or country. The course takes up relevant economic, legal, cultural, business, trade, and related issues that are important to businesses interested in export from, import to, locations or expansion into the designated regions. A maximum of two modules may be combined to count as a single three-credit MBA elective. The regional offerings are regularly rotated.
Prerequisites: None
Concentration: International Business
3 Credits
MBA728 - Legal Frameworks of Business
This course includes an examination of the sources of law that provide the legal framework for society in general and business relationships in particular, including national and state constitutions, legislative bodies, court systems, and administrative agencies. Contracts, agency, corporations, partnerships, the Universal Commercial Code (UCC) and consumer protection are covered as well.
Prerequisites: None
Concentration: Management
3 Credits
MBA729 - Technical & Professional Communications
This course in oral and written management communication emphasizes analysis of contexts; critical thinking processes; frameworks for planning, organizing and editing; listening skills; and social/ethical perspectives. The course promotes teamwork and group interaction.
Prerequisites: None
Concentration: Human Resources, International Business, Management, Marketing
3 Credits
MBA730 - International Human Resources Management
This course explores the impact and complexities that the process of internationalization has on the activities and policies of human resource management in terms of cultural, legal and functional differences. Prerequisites: MBA707
Concentration: Human Resources, International Business
3 Credits
MBA731 - Training & Development
Using a systems approach and based on adult learning theory, this course teaches how to design, implement and evaluate formal organizational learning experiences that improve employees' performance, skills, competencies, and knowledge and lead to the attainment of organizational human resource objectives.
Prerequisites: MBA550B, MBA601
Concentration: Human Resources
3 Credits
MBA732 - Compensation & Benefits
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the design, development, and implementation of a "total compensation" program of both direct and indirect forms of compensation. It identifies issues in designing traditional and alternative reward strategies, administering retirement, health and deferred compensation plans as well as communication strategies for such an integrated compensation system.
Prerequisites: MBA707
Concentration: Human Resources
3 Credits
MBA734 - Managing Diversity
The changing composition of the workforce requires organizations to think of diversity as a business issue. This course examines and evaluates the role of diversity in the policies, practices and strategies of organizational systems. Prerequisites: MBA601
Concentration: Human Resources, Management
3 Credits
MBA743 - Leadership
This course is structured to provide any MBA student a comprehensive view of leadership in business and society. It covers a variety of leadership paradigms, theories, and approaches. The overriding aim for the course is to create a "learning laboratory" for students that contains opportunities to understand their own approaches and styles to leadership as they relate to the theory an various applications. The course allows for exploration of related issues to leadership and utilizes group exercises and simulations, self-evaluations and teamwork.
Prerequisites: MBA601
Concentration: Management
3 Credits
MBA745 - Nonprofit Management
This course will offer MBA level students the opportunity to examine various management functions in the context of the mission-based organization. The course will examine current theory as it applies to leadership, governance and the roles of staff, volunteers, and donors. Additional topics will include establishing partnerships and forming alliances, allocating resources, and involving staff and volunteers in organizational growth and transition. Prerequisites: MBA550A&B, 551B, 552B
Concentration: Management
3 Credits
MBA795 - Management Practicum
This course requires the student to selectively apply knowledge and analytic and decision-making skills acquired in prior courses to a field research project and the writing of a comprehensive case study. The project and case are based on a local organization in which the student is an employee or with which he or she is very familiar.
Prerequisites: All Functional Core Courses & Permission of
Instructor
Concentration: Management
3 Credits
MBA799 - Independent Study
This course has a flexible structure that permits library/field investigation of topics, issues and problems of particular interest to the graduate business student. Students are allowed a maximum of two Independent Studies. Prerequisites: None
3 Credits
MBA901 - Strategic Planning and Implementation for Nonprofit Organizations*
This course will introduce the role and functions of nonprofit, voluntary, and philanthropic organizations, as well as the nature of strategy and strategic planning as it applies to entities in this sector. Students will learn analytic techniques, planning, and specific strategic models appropriate to various economic, competitive, and sector-specific conditions. The strategy change cycle in the nonprofit sector will be explored, as will implementation and assessment techniques.
Prerequisite: None
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership
3 credits
MBA902 - Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations
Students who complete the course will understand the various approaches to raising funds for nonprofit, governmental, or social service organizations for which the typical methods of business revenue generation (sales of products and services, venture capital, and loans) are not practical or desirable. Ethical fundraising practices and those consistent with the mission of the organization will be stressed. Topics pertinent to the current regulatory climate will be presented.
Prerequisite: None
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership
3 credits
MBA903 - Marketing and Public Relations for Nonprofit Organizations
This course will examine marketing and public relations theory and practice in the context of the nonprofit sector, and will explore the ways in which strategic communications campaigns support mission attainment and increase public accountability for nonprofit organizations. Cases will illustrate public relations processes and marketing strategies that effectively identify organizational strengths, create value for the public, and communicate the value of organizations to a broad range of stakeholders.
Prerequisite: None
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership
3 credits
MBA904 - Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations
This course presents a description of the financial management techniques appropriate to nonprofit, voluntary, and philanthropic organizations. Operational budgeting, financial planning, nonprofit accounting, pricing, capital budgeting, and investment strategies will be considered in detail.
Prerequisite: None
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership
3 credits
MBA905 - Leadership and Human Resource Management for Nonprofit Organizations
This course presents theories of leadership, organizational development, organizational behavior, and their application to nonprofit, voluntary, and philanthropic organizations. In addition, students are exposed to basic practices of and issues in hiring, compensation, training, and performance evaluation as they apply to this sector. The role, value, and dynamics of volunteerism and diversity are explored.
Prerequisite: None
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership
3 credits
MBA906 - Governance, Executive Leadership, and Ethics in Nonprofit Organizations*
This course focuses on the history, role, and functions of nonprofit boards with respect to providing leadership at the organizational, community and societal levels. Emphasis is placed on how boards in parnership with executive leadership achieve the mission and vision of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit sector boards are contrasted with public and for-profit sectors. Board development is considered, as is how boards embody, establish, and monitor organizational values such as trust, stewardship, service, volunteerism, civic enjoyment, freedom of association, and social justice.
Prerequisite: None
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership
3 credits
MBA907 - Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations*
This course explores current accounting principles designated for not-for-profit organizations such as hospitals, colleges, voluntary health and welfare organizations and fraternal organizations. Recent pronouncements covering financial reporting, pledges and revenue recognition, and cost allocation is covered and discussed. The relationship between traditional fund accounting and the new financial statement format is covered.
Prerequisite: None
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership
3 credits
* Pending approval