BUS 507. Advanced Financial Accounting Procedures 3 credits
An advanced course in financial accounting. Emphasizes the external uses of accounting information by those who perform controller functions. Includes balance sheet, income statement of cash flows, accounting cycles, etc. Analyzes the effect of alternate accounting procedures in financial reporting.
Prerequisites: BUS 526 and 558.
BUS 515. Healthcare Systems 3 credits
This course serves as an introduction to the analysis, structure, and management of healthcare services in the United States. The course will cover topics such as comparisons of international health systems, organized delivery systems, legal considerations in healthcare, stakeholder management, finance management and reimbursement, human resource issues, financing, marketing, information systems, hospital history and organization, ambulatory care, physician practice management, managed care, quality assurance, and compliance program development. Particular emphasis will be given to the administrator’s role in a variety of organized delivery system management scenarios.
BUS 516. Law and Ethics in Health Systems 3 credits
Law and ethics continue to take center stage in the healthcare industry. This course introduces students to a wide range of laws and ethical issues of importance to traditional and non-traditional healthcare organizations such as: acute care, long-term care, home health, practice management, managed care, and academe.
BUS 517. Information, Productivity and Outcomes 3 credits
Information is central to the effective and efficient management and functioning of healthcare organizations. This course provides students with the latest knowledge about the gathering, use, maintenance, storage, and retrieval of information. Emphasis is placed on transforming data into information. Units of content also examine concepts related to quality improvement initiatives, outcomes measurement, and the transformation of data into useful information in decision-making.
BUS 518. Supply Chain Management 3 credits
This course will provide students with a broad view of the supply chain concept, as well as an in-depth analysis of individual firms’ efforts in the field. The topics to be covered include logistics, transportation, inventory management and warehousing, materials management, global supply, demand management, e-commerce, finance, and network design.
BUS 519. Evolving The Entrepreneurial Spirit 3 credits
This course will examine the various entrepreneurial roles in business development. Topics covered will include: differences and similarities between individual, corporate, group, women and male entrepreneurs; how one can identify and nurture entrepreneurial spirit, determining when entrepreneurial spirit is required to develop new vision, new business models, and when this becomes a hindrance to conducting business. Students will execute group and individual projects examining their particular interest.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 525. E-Commerce 3 credits
Examines the unique characteristics of electronic commerce as applied to large and small businesses engaged in manufacturing, distribution, and providing services. Topics include: Government regulation and intervention, selection of technology and applications, strategic issues and implications, marketing implications, basic building blocks required for effective implementation of e-commerce initiatives, and the growth of global e-commerce. Course employs case studies, trade journal readings and other material.
BUS 526. Accounting Concepts & Applications 3 credits
The use of detailed accounting information to effect control of corporate operations is studied. Based on a firm understanding of accounting principles and procedures, the course extends data collection to data interpretation via accounting information systems. Non-accounting majors will realize the usefulness of accounting data in forecasting, planning, budgeting, costing, variance analysis, and monitoring.
BUS 527. Energy Management and Strategy 3 credits
New and exciting course that will introduce students to an overview of the Energy field. The course will discuss current sources of energy, such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum and explore new sources including the Marcellus Shale. Topics will include renewable energy that focuses on sustainability such as wind and hydroelectric opportunities for the future.
BUS 528. Seminar in Applied Economics 3 credits
This course concentrates on the practical uses of economic theory in managing the firm, including microeconomic and macroeconomic topics. It is concerned with theory of the firm, production and costs, pricing, equilibrium, demand forecasting, factor pricing, market structure, input/output analysis, and aggregate economic parameters that impact efficient resource allocation. Specific firm and industry examples are developed throughout the course.
BUS 529. Ethical Decision Making 3 credits
This course provides a study of the changing environments of business and the consequent changing role of business in society. The theory of capitalism is fully developed and related to modern American business. Topics such as social values, corporate power, pluralism, social responsibility, and business ethics are addressed. Contemporary issues such as pollution, consumerism, and urban decay are viewed from the perspective of the business manager. Governmental regulations and policies are shown to have a significant effect on the firm. The future of business, government, and society is debated.
BUS 535. International Business 3 credits
This course is a study of the world market and an analysis of economic, political, cultural, and business trends as they influence the multinational corporation. Risk taking, financing, and investment are considered. Marketing variations among countries are discussed. Students are required to prepare a research report on the operation of a corporation doing business abroad or of another country’s business system.
BUS 538. Power, Culture, and Leadership 3 credits
This course reviews theoretical and practical approaches to influencing and motivating people. It explores relative effectiveness of various leadership styles, different motivation theories, and power tactics from a managerial point of view. Experience-based learning methods are used to aid diagnosis and understanding of individual influencing styles.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 539. Leading Organizational Change 3 credits
Theories of organizational change and the change agent’s role in the process are explored. Barriers to change are identified and strategies for organizational transformation developed. Potential topics for qualitative action research within the learner’s own organization are generated.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 545. Employment Law 3 credits
This course is intended to provide the student with an understanding of current legal issues in the area of employer/employee relations. Emphasis is on both the federal and state regulatory environment applicable to employment law. Areas covered include the basis for the employer-employment relationship, pre-employment relationship, pre-employment concerns, legal aspects of the employment relationship, discrimination issues, termination of the employer-employee relationship, and ethical issues in employment law.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 558. Financial Management 3 credits
Development of tools, concepts, and techniques of financial analysis are applied to corporate decision making. Topics addressed include goal setting, working capital management, financial forecasting, capital budgeting, and funds acquisition. Students are exposed to problems, cases, and reports in order to apply their analytical skills. Special attention is given to the dynamics of the financial market and its impact on the firm.
Prerequisite: BUS 526.
BUS 559. Portfolio Management 3 credits
Security analysis and investment. Determination of the optimal portfolio mix. A study of the financial market and its operation, investment banking, the risk characteristics of stock and bonds, valuation, capital structure theory, leverage, balance and diversification of fixed versus variable rate securities, and the relationships of securities to alternative investment opportunities. Students will simulate the acquisition and management of a securities portfolio. Evaluation of the operating performance of the portfolio is a course requirement.
Prerequisite: BUS 558.
BUS 566. Behavioral Interviewing 3 credits
This course examines the process of interviewing prospective candidates for a position, using a particular style of questioning, known as behavioral interviewing. Legal issues are addressed. Students practice behavioral interviewing and determine strategies for creating an effective climate for successful interviews.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 567. Conflict Resolution 3 credits
This course will require students to utilize knowledge and skills that have been developed in prior coursework and in their outside, personal and professional environments. In addition to learning new concepts, students will be required to utilize what they have acquired in the past in order to understand and resolve typical and yet sometimes complex real-life interactions.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 568. Performance Management 3 credits
Performance management focuses on both an overview and an in-depth acquisition and application of time-tested management philosophies, processes, and practices. This course will emphasize the critical elements of management such as basic management structures, positional competencies, active listening techniques, motivational survey tools, employee motivational strategies, performance coaching modules, standards of performance, and legal disciplinary guidelines.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 569. Consumer Behavior 3 credits
The purpose of this course is for the student to develop an understanding of the intriguing and dynamic field of consumer behavior. Although traditional theoretical perspectives of buyer behavior form the foundation of the course, new and emerging topics both in theory and in practice will cultivate the students’ contemporary understanding of customer behavior. The student will gain knowledge of all aspects of the consumer process including pre-acquisition, consumption, post-acquisition decisions. Consumer Behavior Theory will be introduced and applied to “real-world” marketing situations.
Prerequisite: BUS 578.
BUS 575. Organizational Behavior 3 credits
The organizational structure of the institution is studied. Topics addressed include: organizational patterns, goal setting, planning, leadership, motivation, communication, production, morale, rewards, confl ict, and change. The course integrates contemporary readings and case analysis with the topics being addressed.
BUS 576. Management Information Systems 3 credits
This course integrates data processing with the development of management information for decision- making. The interface between computer science and business and education is explored, particularly with respect to rapidly changing technology in information science and its effect on decision-making. Topics relative to the enhancement of decision-making are explored, including behavioral and quantitative information.
BUS 577. Human Resources Management 3 credits
This course covers a wide range of personnel management including: labor management relations; worker satisfaction; job safety; incentive systems; fringe benefits; wage and salary administration; manpower training and development; recruiting; and regulations. Speakers from labor and industry will share their perspectives with the class.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 578. Marketing Management 3 credits
The role of marketing in the goals of maximization of owner and consumer well being are studied. The course stresses the environmental posture of marketing, including both exogenous and endogenous infl uences. Topics include marketing and change, the marketing concept, the systems perspective, consumer behavior, marketing strategy, marketing organization, product and price policies, promotion and distribution policies. The student will participate in case analysis as well as in an interactive marketing simulation.
BUS 584. Advanced Finance 3 credits
The goal of this course is build upon the principles discussed in Financial Management. Major topics and areas to be covered include role of the financial manager, portfolio theory, asset pricing models, derivatives and risk management, capital budgeting, capital structure and value-based management, tactical financing decisions, and special topics such as mergers and multinational financial management.
Prerequisite: BUS 558.
BUS 585. Statistical Methods 3 credits
Application of classical and Bayesian statistics to business data. An examination of probability, inferential testing, sequential decision making, least squares regression, multiple regression and correlation analysis. Problem solving takes place in the classroom and through computer assisted instruction. A research design project is required.
BUS 586. High Performance Team Development 3 credits
This course provides team leaders and members with the tools to develop and sustain effective teamwork. The tools to be considered will contain strategies and tactics to achieve the outcomes of a shared vision, individual and mutual responsibility, perpetual development of communication processes, strong unified relationships, and the coordination of effort among team members.
Prerequisite: BUS 575.
BUS 587. Financial Management in Healthcare 3 credits
This course provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to make sense of financial information used to manage traditional and non-traditional healthcare organizations. The course presents healthcare financing on a broad base by introducing the student to such topics as organization of financial management, third party payment methodologies, budget and capital development, financial planning, financial reporting, cost accounting and analysis, and rate setting. The course focuses on students with non-financial backgrounds, providing them with fundamental concepts and skills that are applicable to any healthcare organization. Project is required.
Prerequisite: BUS 526.
BUS 588. Advertising 3 credits
A study of advertising as part of the marketing mix in business today. Topics discuss ethical viewpoints, marketing and consumer behavior, advertising strategy, research, creative strategies, media choices and planning, and interactive advertising utilizing the web. This course examines real-life advertising campaigns, their affects on society and creative challenges that direct media choices. The development of a complete advertising campaign including media analysis is a major requirement of this course.
Prerequisite: BUS 578.
BUS 589. Sales and Promotion 3 credits
This kind of course is rarely taught in an academic environment because successful selling is both a science and an art. It is necessary to understand and develop essential communication skills that are critical for success. Perhaps the most important communication skill is the art of listening. Mastery of the “soft skills” is a key element in forming interpersonal relationships. Particular focus will be given to a highly effective consultative sales strategy.
Prerequisite: BUS 578.
BUS 597. Individual Study 3 credits
Provides the candidate who wishes to concentrate his or her study in accounting, finance, management, or marketing the opportunity to engage in independent research under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. The course also may be taken by students who have further interest in such topics as economics, quantitative business analysis, or computer applications. A research paper or project is required. By arrangement.
BUS 599. Management Policy 3 credits
This is the capstone course for students completing the MBA. Taken near or at the end of the program, the course is designed to integrate the functional areas of accounting, finance, management, and marketing, and is patterned after the Harvard case method. Students are drawn into the problem-solving process through extensive out-of-class reading, analysis, and study group interaction, as well as written communication. Communication skills are refined in the classroom by panel discussions and oral reports.
Prerequisite: 30 credit hours including all core classes; BUS 526, BUS 528, BUS 535, BUS 558, BUS 575, BUS 576, BUS 578, BUS 585.
