Plan of Study – Business Administration

Interactive course that develops the necessary skills that students need to achieve their career goals. Students will develop a networking strategy, interviewing skills, and resume and cover letter writing. Students will evaluate and negotiate a job offer, along with developing job search techniques, and how to ask for references and recommendations.

Internships are experiential learning activities designed to provide students with opportunities to make connections between the theory and practice of academic study and the practical application of that study in a professional work environment. The internship provides an opportunity to build professional networks and to explore career interests. Students must complete a minimum of 180 hours of professional work related to their major or concentration. Prerequisites: Student must complete nine semester hours within their major or concentration and BUS 2020.

Capstone course; students bring to bear all the experience of their study in aspects of accounting, business administration, finance, economics, international business, legal environment of business, quantitative systems, and management information systems through developmental exercises and practice. Three major components comprise the course: the strategic analysis of an organization; strategic decision making utilizing a simulation, and completion of the Comprehensive Business Exam. Senior standing; to be taken the last semester prior to graduation (fall or winter only).

Study of the management of the financial affairs of a business enterprise in respect to planning and analysis of the financial decision making function. Topics include: time value of money, working capital management, leverage, ratio analysis, capital budgeting, capital structure decisions, dividend policy, and international financial management. Prerequisites: ACC 2020 and ECN 2720.

An introductory course in world trade, global economics, international management and other related topics. The focus will be on the expected changes to U.S. business. Prerequisite: ECN 295, 296; ECN 102, ACC 212, CIS 180

A study of the entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial spirit in business and the financial, organizational, and personal influences which combine to create a flow of new ideas, new markets, new products, and new technology. Applications of business research techniques for assisting local business owners and operators in analyzing their operations and practices. Prerequisites: ACC 2010, MGT 2360, and MKT 2440.

The value of information technology to business and the contribution technology can make to the strategic goals of an organization. Technical foundation concepts such as networks, hardware, and software. Case studies are used to illustrate concepts. Hands-on exercises using industry-standard software are included.

Study of social media networks and other media as they pertain to promotion, digital and mobile marketing, and the organization’s integrated marketing communications strategy. Topics include: the characteristics of social, broadcast, electronic and outside media; viral marketing; digital marketing; mobile marketing; message creation for various media; evaluating message and media effectiveness; and the creation of an integrated marketing communications campaign. Prerequisite: MKT 2440.

Explores the foundations of data analytics and the major concepts of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics in business organizations. Introduces and compares various types of data analytics models and methods, and explores the impact of data analytics on the creation of new initiatives, complex problem solving, and improving an organization’s competitive advantage. Students have some hands-on experience in the use of a data analytics tool and its application to business problem solving. Prerequisite: MTH 2350.

Fundamentals of operations and supply chain management. Introduces students to the major concepts, tools, and processes of operations and supply chain management and their impact on financial performance. Students learn how to create value in organizations through efficient local and global operations and supply chain management. Prerequisites: MGT 2360 and MTH 2350.

Students will learn the basic concepts of data inference and analysis using actual data and will be able to analyze large data sets and present their findings. Prerequisite: QS 2500

Exploration of how Data Analytics are applied within the workforce. Particular attention will be paid to the role of the Data Scientist or Analyst, machine learning, and the applications of Big Data. Prerequisite: QS 2500.

Students learn how to use the most common business analytics tools, and build foundational skills in SQL and Tableau to extract, analyze, and visualize data. Content includes database design, hypothesis testing, and big data nuances. Prerequisites: QS 2610, MTH 2350.

Students use spreadsheets for more advanced analyses and data manipulations. Learning Python programming will help students solve a wider range of data problems by expanding their data analytics toolbox. Predictive models are also introduced in this class. Prerequisites: QS 3300

An introduction to various financial securities, markets, and theories. Topics include arbitrage pricing theory, capital asset pricing model, efficient market hypothesis, and bond and equity valuation. Prerequisite: FIN 3150.

Basic planning of personal finances to satisfy personal and family life cycle goals. Topics include: budgeting, consumer credit, investments, insurance, personal residences and real estate, retirement plans, and individual income taxes. The life cycle of personal investment strategies is explored.

Introduction to various financial markets, including monetary market, stock market, foreign exchange market, and international markets. Examination of the characteristics, functions, organizations, and management of the markets, as well as the role of the monetary authority and its relationship to the financial system. Exploration of the frameworks, participants, and risks of specific financial instruments in each market. Prerequisite: ECN 2730.

A focus on how to interpret financial statements and how to gather useful information to make investment and lending decisions. Topics include profit analysis, risk analysis, company valuation, and valuation of investment decisions. Prerequisites: FIN 3150.

Integrated approach to management of activities involved in supply chain, operations, and customer relationships. Students will learn how to successfully create ties and linkages in three key function areas: project management, problem solving and decision making. Prerequisite: SCM 2650.

Covers logistics fundamentals and the challenges and opportunities for logistic managers in today's dynamic global landscape. Emphasis is on supply chain analytics, logistics, strategic and financial decision making. Achievement of operational and logistics efficiency and making managerial decisions in complex situations. Prerequisites: SCM 3500.

Current trends and emerging issues in global supply chain management. Examination of the systems and methods of building and managing global supply chains. Emphasis is on sustainable supply chain management. Prerequisites: SCM 2650.

In depth analysis of the dangers of inefficient supply chain management and its impact on an organization’s overall health and performance. Emphasis on effective decision making specific to scope and influence of supply chain procurement, supplier relationships, and legal & sourcing management leading to enhanced business performance.

Study of the law as it applies to organizational policies and practices relating to employment. Emphasis on the statutory, case, administrative sources of law which the business must understand. Prerequisite: BL 3300.

Analysis of personnel functions, job and manpower requirements, techniques for recruitment and hiring, job analysis techniques; compensation process; collective bargaining process. Prerequisite: MGT 2360.

Study of occupational/attitudinal surveying, testing, and evaluation: studies of validity, reliability, internal/external designs, item analysis, factor analysis, quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches. Course work includes measurement and development of instrumentation as applied to business-related issues. Students design and implement an original instrument applicable to either the private or public sector. Prerequisites: MGT 2360 and QS 2500.

The development, validation, and implementation issues associated with a wage-and-salary program. Topics include: market position, pay range development and validation, market surveying, and implementation techniques and issues. The technical, legal, and moral issues involved in fringe benefit planning, implementation, and administration. Prerequisite: FIN 3150.

This course will introduce the students to the fundamentals of the field and teach them a range of valuable professional skills, including how to set up operating systems, how to troubleshoot problems, and how to build a computer. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to take the next steps in IT and start solving technology problems.

This course will teach students how networks work, and how to set up and secure them. By the end of this course, students will be able to manage and maintain a range of different network types. Prerequisite: ITM 2500.

This course will teach students the fundamentals of Operating Systems structure, function, and architecture, and prepare you to administer both Windows and Linux-based systems. Prerequisite: ITM 2500.

This course will teach students how to help defend against this constant assault and keep valuable information and critical systems safe. Prerequisites: ITM 2500 and ITM 2550.

The study of the impact of consumer behavior (based on psychological and social forces) on the market. Analysis of the buying decision process and how it is affected by advertising, public relations, and the mass media. Emphasis on consumer-oriented legislation. Prerequisite: MKT 2440.

Study of professional selling theory and technique and the role and functions of sales managers in managing a sales force. Emphasis is placed on applying these selling techniques in role playing situations. Other topics include customer relationship management, ethical issues of selling, sales analytics and the sales management functions of recruiting, selecting, training, motivating, leading, and evaluating the sales force. Prerequisite: MKT 2440.

Provides insight into strategic brand management as related to consumer products and services. An understanding of the key issues in building and maintaining brands is explored. Participation in a project involving brand positioning, strategic brand management, brand loyalty, and branding strategies.

Strategic and decision-making aspects of marketing functions globally. The analysis, coordination, and execution of marketing programs is explored. Development of a marketing plan and analysis of pricing, placing, promoting and physical distribution of products and services to target markets. Prerequisite: senior status.

An introduction to the theory and concepts of financial accounting, including generally accepted accounting principles and issues as to classification, recognition, realization, measurement, and reporting. Emphasis on the accounting process, including preparation of basic financial statements and the accounting for and analysis of transactions affecting assets, selected liabilities, and equity. Prerequisite: MTH 1050 or equivalent.

An expanded study of accounting with emphasis on parterniships and corporate accounting. Topics include capital acquisitions, equity accounting, analysis and interpretation of financial statements, and cash flow analysis. Prerequisites: ACC 211

Study of the law and the legal process as it relates to business and society. Emphasis on the law of contracts, sales under the UCC, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, and agency. Basic concepts of the law of crimes and torts, including product liability, are covered. Prerequisite: MKT 2440 and MGT 2360.

A conceptual course focused on the social and ethical issues facing business. Approaches to processes that foster ethical decision-making in today's complex global business environment are examined. A variety of means, including case studies, are used to examine such topics as corporate social responsibility, global citizenship, ethical corporate culture, working conditions, environmental impact issues, and codes of conduct. Prerequisites: MKT 2440, MGT 2360; junior standing.

Study of marketing concepts, terminology, and applications, with special emphasis on the marketing mix relationships: e.g., product, price, promotion, and distribution. Introduction to the role and operation of marketing functions and their respective influence on the organization, both internally and externally.

A study of the strategies and stylistic devices which lead to clear, concise, and complete business writing. Various types of business letters, memoranda, proposals, and reports are examined and developed. Prerequisite: WRT 1020.

Theories of production and cost, demand, supply, competition, consumer behavior, and distribution of income. Prerequisite: MTH 1050.

Measurement and determination of economic activity and development, aggregate income, and employment. Emphasis on consumption, monetary policy, taxes, government, investment, and expenditures. Prerequisite: MTH 1050.

An introduction to the nature and principles of management; history, theories, practices, problems, and techniques; characteristics and qualities of managers; contemporary trends in management thought and practice.

Analysis of group and individual behavior in the organization; analysis of social structures which affect management policies and procedures. Prerequisite: MGT 2360.

Topics include linear and nonlinear systems of equations, complex numbers, analyzing polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and counting principles; applications and problem-solving. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test or departmental placement exam. This course does not apply toward a mathematics major or minor.

Topics include data collection and graphic presentation; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; normal and binomial distributions; regression and correlation; sampling methods; design of experiments; probability and simulation; sampling distributions; statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one-sample and two-sample problems; chi-square distribution and test of significance; ANOVA. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test or departmental placement exam.