Business Administration

This elective course is a survey of current business practice. It examines the operation and organization of the business firm and the processes of its functional areas. The course focuses on the environment in which businesses operate. The course is highly recommended for (a) first-year business majors, (b) students who want to develop an understanding of business and organizations, (c) students who want to pursue a business minor, or (d) students who are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur.

The course is an introduction to economic and financial subjects, terminology, and institutions so that the student develops an understanding and basic fluency in current business and financial issues. Additionally, the objective of this course is to provide students a foundation to make more informed decisions regarding personal financial issues including budgeting, credit management, investment and retirement planning (never too early), and debt options. Topics to be covered include the role of Federal Reserve Bank; how money is created; the differences between Fiscal and Monetary Policy and examining each of those current policies; an introduction to the Stock and Bond markets and what drives their dynamics; the role of Wall Street in our economy; the basics of Foreign Exchange rates and why currencies move in value. There are no prerequisites for this course and it is meant to provide a good background for further course studies in economics, management, and business.  This course is also meant to provide a basic understanding of financial issues and markets for non-business majors so that they might be more confident in engaging financial issues for themselves in the future.

This course is designed to give the student a comprehensive look at the field of marketing. The course adopts a managerial focus as it covers topics such as the marketing concept, segmenting, targeting, positioning, and how the effective manager uses the marketing mix (product, price, place and promotion) to gain and hold the customers.

The primary objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of management and to the context of actual management practice. The course is organized around the functions of management; planning, leading, organizing, and controlling. The course is a primer for students of any field who are interested in the practice of management and studying contemporary management issues.

This course prepares students to use mathematics as a decision-making tool in business and prepares students for further work in financial management. Topics covered include a review of basic mathematical concepts and techniques: basic algebra, percents, ratios and proportions, statistics, simple interest, compound interest, in addition to computing present value, annuities, sinking funds, and amortization.

This course provides an introduction to the worldwide aspects of each business function covered in contemporary business and will give each student an understanding of the implications of the United States' involvement in a global economy. Topics covered include an introduction to international trade/foreign investment and economic theories of international trade as well as an overview of the forces operating in the international environment (financial, economic, legal, physical, and political) and their impact on management and marketing strategies.

This course is designed to give the student a comprehensive view of business law with an emphasis on the rationale behind the laws that affect business practice.  Both domestic and international laws will be analyzed providing the student with an understanding of the role of law in a global economy. Topics to be covered, include business formation and structures, agency, the nature and classification of contracts, statute of frauds, third party rights, contract formation, performance and breach, warranties, sales contracts and regulations affecting international business. (BUS 212 is equivalent to LAW 205).

This course is designed to give the student a comprehensive view of commercial transactions and the Uniform Commercial Code. The effects of international laws on American commerce and business will also be analyzed.  Topics to be covered include Article 2 sales, title and risk of loss, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, bankruptcy, anti-trust laws, product liability, consumer laws and import/export laws. (BUS 213 is equivalent of LAW 206).

A comprehensive study of methods and techniques of communications in a business setting. Topics to be covered include formal and informal communications, listening skills, oral reports, business writing, resume preparation, data management, and electronic and cross-cultural communication systems.

What is climate change and what does it mean to business? This course will explore those questions by first learning about the science behind climate change and the role that human activity is having in warming the planet at an unprecedented rate. The potential impacts that a warming planet will have to our way of life will also be examined, as well as how they, in turn, will change the way companies, industries, and whole sectors will (or will not) operate. This will include a discussion of the mitigation and adaption strategy options that are available through public policy and business leadership along with the business and functional level strategies necessary in the emerging “climate economy”. These changes and choices are certain to have impacts on business owners, employees, and customers for decades to come. Cross-listed with SCI 224.

This course explores the challenges of sustainability (i.e., social equity, economic vitality, and ecological viability) from the lens of creativity and entrepreneurial (i.e., innovative) problem solving. Specifically, theories, approaches, and practices that lead to enhanced creativity and problem solving are explored in order to enhance the ways students process complex problems and provide solutions that are possible, probable, and ultimately, profitable.

From climate change to social justice, much of the twenty first century challenges humankind faces are a result of the limits of our economic systems. This course explores a new model for thinking about our economy, based on the realities of the limits of the natural world and the goals of a healthy society. This model is rooted in a view that our economic systems are bounded by our social systems, which in turn are bounded by the limits of the natural environment. An understanding of this revised economic view provides a clearer framework for solving social and environmental problems.

To be arranged with faculty. Department chair approval required. 

A course in the planning, creation, and use of advertising for those who may be called upon to make advertising decisions. Includes historic and ethical aspects of advertising; positioning and branding; creative strategy and evidence-based ad principles; principles of layout and design; choice of media. The students in the class develop and test a real-world advertising campaign.

This course introduces the student to the ethical concepts that are relevant to resolving moral issues in business, imparts the reasoning and analytical skills needed to apply ethical concepts to business decisions, identifies the moral issues involved in the management of specific problem areas in business, and provides an understanding of the social and natural environments within which moral issues in business arise. Specific issues discussed in class may include affirmative action, discrimination, workers' rights, whistle blowing, truth in advertising, environmental protection, obligations in accounting and finance, multinationals, and other relevant issues.

This course is a comprehensive review of the core functions relating to the effective management of an organization's human resources recruitment and selection, performance appraisal, compensation, administration, and strategic human resource planning. Special attention is given to contemporary topics including equal employment opportunity, career development, separation and downsizing, and international human resource issues. The emphasis will be on understanding and applying these concepts to help students in the wide-range of positions and organizations in which students find themselves.
 

The content of this course provides students an insight into (a) the characteristics of entrepreneurs, (b) the approaches entrepreneurs use to create, identify, and evaluate opportunities for new ventures, and (c) the skills that are needed to start and manage new ventures along with how to develop a preliminary business plan. The following topics will be addressed:  creation and implementation of company strategies, marketing of products and services, pricing and promotion, financing, legal aspects of business formation, risk management, human resource management, and other related topics. Emphasis will be placed upon the preparation of an actual business plan.

This course will use an interactive format to examine values-aware approaches to the study of organizational ethics and social responsibility. The scope of this course will include private sector (business), public sector (non profit or governmental), and non-governmental organizations. By applying critical sociological and management frameworks, students will examine ethical issues facing managers and groups in modern organizations. Various interdisciplinary approaches to resolving dilemmas and organizational change will be explored.

Professional Selling provides a comprehensive overview of sales management control and sales force performance theory and best practices. Topics include the professional sales process, relationship versus transaction-focused selling, sales activities, and the responsibilities of sales managers (sales force recruitment, training, motivation, and compensation). Students will apply this knowledge in the development of research-based sales strategies, written sales plans and oral sales presentations. Individual and team case analysis and role play enhance and enliven the learning environment.

This course is designed to familiarize students with behavior in organizations. Topics include leadership, job design, attitude, motivation, interpersonal communication in the organization, small group behavior, inter-group conflict and cooperation, and complex organizational behavior.

The study of production and operations management explores the theoretical and quantitative decision tools for forecasting, planning, scheduling, and controlling the production process. Students will focus on evaluation of methods of production and selection of appropriate production alternatives.

This course is designed to help future managers better direct the e-commerce process. This will be accomplished through an integrated study of business models, marketing, and Internet technology. Both positive and negative aspects of ideas and techniques will be studied and cases will be used to illustrate successful as well as unsuccessful e-commerce management.

This course examines a series of business situations with an approach designed to integrate the student's previous business courses in management, marketing, accounting, and business law in order to determine the strategy a firm should follow to ensure its long-term survival. Students should plan to take this course in sequence with BUS 424.

This is the basic course in finance. Topics include the goals and functions of financial management, financial analysis and planning, working capital management and the capital budgeting process.

This course provides students with an opportunity to gain experience in an organizational environment. Students are required to meet with the internship director prior to registering for this course.

The internship provides the student the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience in business, an extremely valuable component of the graduate's resume. Faculty coordinators work closely with the intern and the employer to assist the student in achieving specific learning objectives.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, the old adage goes. But where does work end and play begin? What is the proper balance between them? This course is for students who have or have had careers and who wish to examine these and related questions about play and work. The class will consist of discussion of assigned readings as we think together about the economic, social, personal and spiritual dimensions of play and work.

This course addresses the issue of conflict from two positions: 1) through an examination of the causes, processes, costs, and benefits of social conflict; and 2) by offering methods for conflict resolution. From a management perspective, the role of conflict in organizations will be approached by studying management structures and organizational hierarchies for the ways they produce various types of conflict. Using sociological theory and research, this course will address the relationship of social issues e.g., difference and inequality, power and corruption to organizational and institutional conflict. Understanding that conflict and signal either a disruption in the operation of an organization or an opportunity for change and growth, this course will provide students with a broad-based perspective for making conflict an asset organizationally and interpersonally. The latter part of the semester will be devoted to methods for conflict resolution, including the 25 hours of course work needed for conflict mediation certification through a variety of certification options. Students will have the foundation to pursue an apprenticeship with a conflict mediation or dispute resolution center.

Focusing on the role of managers within an organization, this course emphasizes the role of computer-based information systems to support an organization’s objectives and strategic plans. The course includes core concepts and hands-on application projects to illustrate the strategic role of information systems in an organization.

What skills do 21st century leaders need? What is leadership and how do leaders lead? What are the challenges unique to leaders across race, class, ethnicity, ability and age? Effective leaders must understand the unique issues that exist when dealing with a highly diverse global community. This course provides an opportunity to examine leadership, and to explore the relations of leaders and followers across a variety of settings. The essential skills of effective leaders are explored, such as elaborating a vision, facilitating communication, working with diverse groups and teams, and facilitating change. Students will be encouraged to examine systematically their own leadership potential, values and ethics as they reflect on historical and contemporary examples of effective business and political leaders as well as leaders of causes and social movements. Emphasis will also be placed on providing an opportunity to apply theories in practical applications.

In order to respond to emerging economic changes, organizations must adapt and improve their effectiveness and efficiency. This course is a comprehensive review of concepts and theories developed by social scientists to describe the various characteristics of organizations. Topics include dimensions describing organizational structure and context and their interrelations.

This course offers in-depth study of subjects either beyond the range of core courses or of subjects suggested by evolving experience and professional practice and not otherwise addressed in the curriculum.

This course examines the diverse, expanding field of sport and recreation. The structure of the course is designed to provide a comprehensive look at the basic organizational structures and management practices found in the sport industry. Students will examine applications of managerial concepts and processes, and the ways in which organizations interact with each other and professional organizations and governing bodies. Current issues, ethical dilemmas in the sport environment, organizational responsibility, and professional ethics will be discussed.

This course will cover the basic theories and principles of sport marketing including the marketing of products such as professional and amateur teams, esports, as well as recreational and sport club services. The student will study and understand the market, develop a marketing strategy and implement marketing plans through sponsorship, licensing, promotions, advertising and sales. Innovative and traditional approaches including industry disruption to promotion and public relations in the sport industry are also discussed.

Walk up and down the aisles of any grocery store and you can buy organic potatoes, reduced packaging detergent, and "green" cleaning products. Go to buy a car and you have a choice of low emission, hybrid, and even electric. Sustainability has become the norm in many places of our society and businesses have had to respond. This course looks at the ways the early environmental movement, which more recently has given way to the sustainability movement, has shaped, and will continue to shape, business decision-making and behavior through the law, market demand, and stakeholder pressure. Dominant issues around business sustainability will be explored such as pollution, natural resource depletion, and climate change.

Examination of the relationship of the behavioral and social sciences to consumers and their individual and group behavior helps bridge the gaps in the understanding of consumer behavior and serves as an aid in understanding the marketing concept. The content presents broad areas of the impact of market promotion, marketing communications, research techniques, consumer motivation, and perception.

The goal of this course is to provide a fundamental understanding of marketing research process, methods, and data analytics. Marketing research is an organized way of providing information for decision- making purposes. This course will cover both qualitative and quantitative aspects of marketing research such as interviews, focus groups, sentiment analyses, projectives, customer observations, questionnaire
designs, consumer attitude measurement, experiment designs, and pricing research. Research designs will be evaluated in the context of typical marketing procedures that they are designed to address and how each is utilized to support marketing decisions.

Organizational Development is the application of behavioral science knowledge to improve organization performance and organization functioning. This course focuses on the process of making organizations more hospitable to people and more efficient and effective in meeting organization goals.

This course examines a series of business situations with an approach to integrate the student's previous business courses in management, marketing, accounting, economics, and business law. In order to determine the strategy a firm should follow to insure its long-term survival, students will utilize theoretical strategic frameworks, as applied through a rigorous semester-long business simulation exercise.

This course provides students the opportunity to complete their Entrepreneurial Sustainability Minor degree through a capstone, service learning, or action research project. The project is focused on developing a solution to one of the myriad of sustainability challenges, with goals to help lead to a healthier society, economy, ecology, or a combination of any of the three.  

This course is designed to introduce students to some of the laws, rules and regulations that apply to the sports industry which can have an impact on the management and operations of sport organizations in the United States. The purpose of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the legal issues so that they acquire the necessary skills and strategies to effectively work with business executives and lawyers to resolve these issues. The course will specifically focus on the practical application of these laws to situations that students may face, and the decisions they may need to make, if they become sports business professionals. Class structure and discussion with focus on, and require a critical analysis of, current legal issues in sports, and the real-world examples used in class will constitute an integral portion of this class. Students will learn about and analyze substantial legal concepts in agency law, employment law, intellectual property, antitrust, labor, bankruptcy, and contracts law.
 

This course provides students with an understanding of the complexity involved in sport facility or venue planning and event management. Sport facility management includes activities such as planning sports facility events, staff management, facility marketing, developing revenue streams, risk management, and facility scheduling and operating. Sport event management consists of identifying goals of the event and coordinating people in the organizations involved to achieve those goals with the resources available. The main focus of these principles will be on sporting events and facilities, but can be applied to many different areas, including corporate and social events.

The primary goals of this course are to help current and aspiring sport leaders gain a better understanding of effective leadership and to provide the necessary tools for developing effective leaders. This course examines topics within the field of athletics from an educational leadership perspective. The course intends to increase the student’s awareness of the current trends and topics in the field such as safety, transgender issues/athletes, hazing and bullying, unified sports, social media, booster clubs, sportsmanship, evaluation of coaches, dealing with parents/spectators, the value of an athletic trainer, dealing with officials, academic eligibility, home schooled students, and codes of conduct/eligibility.

Students will utilize their management, marketing and technology skills to learn how to create an event plan for implementation. Students will learn the necessary steps needed in order to manage various types of events including weddings, fundraisers, marketing events, sporting events, corporate functions, parties, and other special events. The course content will teach students how to plan and market an event from start to finish. They will learn how to put together an event plan, budget, design, and a detailed event timeline. Students will explore several kinds of event planning careers that are available to them.