Business and Strategy
Courses:
Course No: BUS 110
Course Title: Business Computers
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course provides a current introduction to computer system concepts and personal computers. Implications of information technology on business are explored. Problem-solving skills using word processing and presentation software and the world-wide web are developed.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the evolution of modern’s computer and network environments
2. Manage and organize information in a computer system both local and online.
3. Achieve a basic understanding of computer operations.
4. Use the Windows operating system as user level.
5. Terms, concepts and skills related to key selected applications including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer and Outlook, databases.
6. Learn how to critically analyse situations of computer uses and identify issues, consequences, and viewpoints.
7. Realize the potential value of Information Technology in business and in our everyday lives.
8. Learn how to manage an online presence to create a personal or business brand.
9. Learn how to engage internet and social audiences.
Course No: MTH 116
Course Title: Math Problem Solving
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Develops student problem-solving skills by teaching different problem-solving strategies and allowing students the opportunity to develop and reflect on their own problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The students will apply these strategies to real world scenarios. Satisfies Quantitative Reasoning General Education requirement.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Operate correctly with whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
2. Round numbers and make estimations.
3. Use algebra to solve equations.
4. Apply ratios.
5. Solve problems involving proportions.
6. Find percentages and solve related problems, such as taxing.
7. Have knowledge of the purpose of Statistics.
8. Understand basic descriptive statistics methods.
9. Understand and find probabilities.
10. Use formulas correctly.
11. Understand the concept of slope and find line equations.
Course No: BUS 120
Course Title: Business Fundamentals I
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Half of a two-term integrative interdisciplinary course (with Business Fundamental Strategies – BUS 121) focusing on the interdependencies in business while providing a foundation for advanced study and a framework for defining internship and career direction. Readings, exercises, and team projects are used to develop the analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills required for business success.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Identify the main participants, activities and strategies of business, and explain their role in the achievement of organizational objective.
2. Learn to read analytically and think critically.
3. Develop interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively in teams.
4. Practice writing and oral communication skills.
5. Learn to read reports, news and cases from a business point of view.
Course No: BUS 121
Course Title: Business Fundamentals II
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Half of a two-term integrative interdisciplinary course (with Business Fundamental Strategies – BUS 121) focusing on the interdependencies in business while providing a foundation for advanced study and a framework for defining internship and career direction. Readings, exercises, and team projects are used to develop the analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills required for business success.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Identify the main participants, activities and strategies of business, and explain their role in the achievement of organizational objective.
2. Learn to read analytically and think critically.
3. Develop interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively in teams.
4. Practice writing and oral communication skills.
5. Learn to read reports, news and cases from a business point of view.
Course No: MTH 126
Course Title: Applied Statistics
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Introduces the student to applied statistical methods used in industry and scientific applications. Emphasis will be on the practical aspects as students use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze real data in applications of hypothesis testing, ANOVA, and linear regression and correlation. Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning General Education requirement.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Know the basic elements of statistical thinking and practice.
2. Be familiar with summaries and graphs of collected data in order to analyze data and draw conclusions.
3. Summarize numerical data using measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position.
4. Study linear correlation and regression.
5. Understand discrete and continuous probabilistic models and apply them in business, economics and the social and physical sciences. The binomial and normal probability distributions in particular.
6. Work with sampling distributions: of the mean and of proportion.
7. Use the sampling distribution of the mean and proportion to create confidence intervals.
8. Use hypothesis tests to make inferences about population means and proportions.
9. Study significant differences between two or more population proportions or means using chi-squared tests and ANOVA.
10. Generally, to get a sense of the power of Statistics in the face of decision making under uncertainty.
Course No: MTH 134
Course Title: Calculus
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course offers an introduction to differential and integral calculus of the single variable. The course includes the study of limits and continuity, the mean value theorem and techniques of differentiation including the chain rule. It also covers optimization, the fundamental theorem of calculus, antiderivatives and introductory integrals and their applications. Properties of transcendental functions (exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric) are explored using calculus. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is assumed. Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning General Education requirement.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Work with different types of functions.
2. Understand the concepts of continuity and limits.
3. Understand the concepts of derivatives and the rate of change.
4. Comprehend some applications of derivatives.
5. Understand the concept of antiderivative, integral and their applications.
6. Relate to some real-life examples of integrals in physics, social sciences and in business.
Course No: ACC 175
Course Title: Financial Accounting
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course introduces students to basic accounting concepts and principles used in today’s business world. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of financial statements and maintenance of accounting records throughout the accounting cycle. Other topics within the framework of this course include the valuation of inventory, basic principles of internal control accounting for the acquisition, depreciation and disposal of fixed assets, and current liabilities.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand and apply the generally accepted basic accounting procedures, concepts, principles, formats, terms and philosophies to financial statements, accounting records, working papers and supporting documents.
2. Establish and maintain accounting records and prepare working papers and financial statements manually in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP.)
3. Perform accounting functions such as analyzing accounts, journalizing, adjusting, and closing entries.
4. Record accounting transactions relevant to cash, receivables, inventories, the acquisition, depreciation and disposal of fixed assets, current liabilities, long-term debt and stockholders’ equity.
Course No: ACC 185
Course Title: Managerial Accounting
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Continues to develop the foundation for a thorough understanding of basic accounting principles. Emphasis is placed on the accounting issues that are relevant to the corporate form of business organization including, but not limited to, long-term liabilities, investments, dividends and retained earnings. Other topics within the framework of this course include cash flow statements, and an introduction to cost accounting concepts and systems including budgetary planning. Prerequisite: Financial Accounting.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Achieve solid understanding of the different cost concepts within a business environment.
2. Understand how product costs are calculated.
3. Become familiar with the main managerial accounting tools used for decision-making purposes.
4. Prepare budgets and calculate and analyze variances.
5. Evaluate investment projects.
Course No: BUS 200
Course Title: Managerial Accounting
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
An introductory overview of marketing in the 21st century. Techniques for the application of key marketing frameworks and tools for analyzing customers’ competition and marketing strengths and weaknesses are examined. Emphasis is placed on methods for the selection of target markets. Strategies that integrate product, price, promotion and place to meet needs of a target market are studied.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Acquire a holistic understanding of marketing theories and concepts
2. Learn how to implement theoretical aspects to a specific marketing project
3. Develop the ability to analyse real business scenarios
4. Understand how to identify key aspects of Marketing activities
Course No: ECN 201
Course Title: Macroeconomics
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
The measurement of the U.S economy and the factors that contribute to economic growth are the focus of macroeconomics. The role of the government in the economy is closely examined. Particular attention is paid to tax and spending policy as well as the policy of the Federal Reserve. Government policy has a significant impact on the performance of the private economy.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Understand how market economies function and the roles that the private and public sectors play in modern economies.
2. Know the importance of business cycles and economic rates of growth.
3. Evaluate political and economic viewpoints and developments.
4. Develop, understand and communicate personal economic views in a competent and knowledgeable manner.
Course No: ECN 202
Course Title: Microeconomics
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course examines the basic concepts of microeconomics, including theories and models that describe how consumers and producers of goods and services make rational economic choices, and the implications of those choices for market prices, quality, and product variety. It looks at demand and supply elasticity, the nature of competitive rivalry, factors of production, income distribution, and the impact of government regulation.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Achieve a sound understanding of major economic concepts.
2. Develop the ability to analyze and interpret microeconomic data.
3. Learn how to identify and understand real economic problems.
4. Learn how to analyze the present economic situation.
5. Reach a University level of studying economic material.
Course No: BUS 210
Course Title: Finance
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
An introduction to finance including organization, taxes, capital markets, the commercial banking system, interest rates, financial analysis, financial forecasting, working capital management, marketable securities, accounts receivables, inventories, and short-term credit markets. Students will use financial calculators and/or Excel to apply concepts.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Use financial analysis in business decision making.
2. Apply time value of money for asset valuation.
3. Make proper capital budgeting decisions.
4. Relate risk and return.
5. Calculate the cost of capital.
6. Use Excel®’s main financial formulas and for Capital budgeting analysis.
Course No: BUS 270
Course Title: Communicating in Business
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Develop critical oral and written managerial communication skills required of professionals. Students learn the characteristics of effective business communication, including the need to identify audiences and their preferred communication styles. Written, oral and interpersonal communication skills are built through a variety of exercises that include crafting email, letters, memos, executive summaries and visual aids. Students learn how to incorporate evidence and effectively structure communications to deliver negative and positive business news, how to contend with ethical considerations and how to communicate persuasively. Additionally, focuses on how to use tables, figures, and graphs to tighten and enhance all forms of communication.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a familiarity with the principles of effective written communication in business by composing different styles of corporate writing that show an understanding of the purpose of the communication and the impact on stakeholders.
2. Apply their knowledge of the necessary language and skills for effective verbal communication in business by designing and delivering effective presentations.
3. Demonstrate an ability to identify the appropriate audience, tone, format, and medium when presenting business-related material and information.
4. Apply strategies for international communication success by identifying cultural differences that lead to miscommunication.
5. Demonstrate an ability to carry out research, analyze data and deliver the results via presentation accompanied with high-quality tables, figures or graphs of the relevant data.
Course No: BUS 300
Course Title: Entrepreneurship
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Examines historic evolution, economic, and societal impact of the entrepreneurship process from conception to implementation of a new venture. Focus is on attributes of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial teams, and their search for and assessment of various resources to convert opportunities into profitable businesses.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Have a robust idea of what it means to be an entrepreneur.
2. Identify the critical success factors to launch a new idea, product or service.
3. Develop the language required to compete in today’s start-up world.
4. Build a contemporary business plan that is “business-plan competition” viable.
5. Leverage his or her leadership skills appropriately in any organization.
6. Master the right technologies to support the right vision and plan execution.
Course No: BUS 303
Course Title: International Business
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
An overview of the environment in which international businesses compete, this course introduces the student to the impact of culture and political economy on business decision making, the economics and politics of international trade and investment, the nature of the international monetary system, the strategies and structures that characterize successful international enterprises, and the Special role that each business function plays within a firm operating globally.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Understand the forces that influence companies and their operations in a global marketplace.
2. Explore the essential characteristics of a successful global organization.
3. Develop an understanding of major global business problems, with particular emphasis on issues of economic and political risk facing corporations in the management of their international operations.
4. Be familiar with ethical issues that occur when conducting international business.
5. Assess global business opportunities and competitive challenges from a variety of perspectives. Understand how regional and local events may present important challenges and opportunities to multinational corporations.
6. Understand the global integration/local responsiveness paradox and be able to make insightful business decisions within that context.
7. Assess the usefulness to international companies of different organization and human resource management approaches.
8. Assess the issues and concerns that arise from cross-border strategic alliances.
9. Understand the perspective of home and host country governments as variables in the operations of the global firm.
10. Understand issues of global social responsibility as they apply to the operation of global companies.
11. Explain the importance of international trade and foreign direct investment to companies, customers, and societies.
12. Explain differences in doing business in global markets versus domestic markets.
13. Develop an understanding of the cultural, historical and institutional factors that influence management practices, focusing on key regions.
Course No: BUS 320
Course Title: Organizational Behavior
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
A comprehensive investigation into the dynamics of behavior in organizations. Examines individual and group behavior, motivation, leadership styles, conflict, organizational culture and the process of change in organizations. Through case studies and group exercises, the course emphasizes an analytical approach. Satisfies the Individual and Society General Education requirement.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic fundamentals of Industrial Psychology.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic fundamentals of Organizational Psychology.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the real world implications of Industrial Organizational (IO) Psychology.
4. Distinguish between the many facets of psychology in the world of business.
5. Discuss how behavior and emotions affect organizations, industries, and workers.
Course No: BUS 325
Course Title: Operations Management
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
An introduction to operations and production management, this course examines the evolution of the modern operations function, the design of systems and scheduling, the management of materials, and the provision of services in contemporary businesses. All facets of an enterprise, including employees, processes, customers, and suppliers are looked at as a system.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of business and operations management through readings, videos, classroom discussion, written assignments, book reading and group collaboration.
2. Understand project management and Six Sigma techniques and methodologies.
3. Evaluate and analyze the operations management strengths and weaknesses of businesses.
4. Solve operations and supply chain management related problems from service, manufacturing and logistics areas.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of current events in operations through research and analysis.
Course No: BUS 328
Course Title: Sales Management
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course examines the elements of an effective sales force as a key component of an organization’s total marketing effort. The course addresses understanding the sales process, the relationship between sales and marketing, sales force structure, customer relationship management (CRM), use of technology to improve sales force effectiveness, and issues related to recruiting, selecting, training, motivating, compensating and retaining effective salespeople.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the sales process including prospecting and forecasting.
2. Discuss the importance of knowing what buyers want and need.
3. Identify the role of selling and the sales person in the market.
4. Elucidate the issues involved managing the sales process and sales force.
Course No: BUS 348
Course Title: Sales Management
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course will examine how data analytics (big data) informs business decisions and processes. Students will acquire an understanding of the terminology, concepts and potential tools and solutions of data analytics. Regression methods including linear, non-linear, and Bayesian will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the retrieval, cleaning, and manipulation of data, and the process for identifying the relevant data elements for a given audience. Prerequisites: MTH126.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of business analytics and its applicability to various industries.
2. Define and apply “Big Data” and other terminology that is used in the marketplace today.
3. Execute Data Mining techniques.
4. Utilize quantitative reasoning skills such as inductive vs deductive reasoning.
5. Work with basic tools for descriptive analytics, e.g., Excel, as well as advanced tools visualization techniques.
Course No: BUS 365
Course Title: Human Resources Management
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course examines employee-employer relationships in the workplace. Policy areas covered are: job design, recruiting, employee selection, placement, job training and career development, performance evaluation, compensation strategies, incentives and benefits. There is also discussion of current economic situations as they impact the workplace today, including labor/management relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Explain how the effective management of human resources contributes to the success of an organization.
2. Summarize current trends in the workforce and in changing business practices and explain how they impact the management of human resources.
3. List the major federal and state laws that regulate the management of human resources and explain how they impact the day to day management of employees.
4. Summarize the steps involved in job design and job description preparation.
5. Explain how to successfully interview, recruit and select employees.
6. Describe how training and development programs impact both individual employee success and organizational performance.
7. Discuss the various methods organizations use to evaluate and improve employee performance.
8. Describe how organizations retain and motivate employees.
9. Summarize and explain the basic principles of compensation and benefits administration.
Course No: BUS 370
Course Title: Business Analysis and Research
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Students will learn the research and analysis tools they need to be successful in the required senior courses: Thesis I and II. This course covers social scientific quantitative and qualitative research skills and forms used by communication scholars. A prerequisite for the Semester Internship, focus is on translating a business problem into a research project. Includes approaches to industry and internal analysis, ways to identify relevant data and appropriate sources, primary and secondary data collection, methods of data analysis and effective interpretation and presentation of findings. Examples of published research in business will be analyzed to provide a foundation for the creation of an effective research design proposal for an actual business problem as the final deliverable in the course. Satisfies the Writing Designated core requirement. Prerequisites: INT200, BUS121, BUS270, junior class status or permission of instructor.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Identify and clearly articulate a business problem.
2. Develop specific research questions from a business problem.
3. Create a robust and feasible research design and an implementation plan.
4. Utilize social networking skills to facilitate access to information.
5. Identify relevant and targeted secondary information sources.
6. Gather primary information through observation, interviews, and questionnaires.
7. Synthesize findings and draw conclusions.
8. Develop written summaries (reports) of their research and prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.
Course No: BUS 415
Course Title: Business Negotiation
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Provides students with techniques for becoming skillful negotiators in a wide range of settings. The framework and fundamental steps of negotiating, including how to develop an effective negotiating action plan are examined. Students will be introduced to current theory surrounding the negotiation process.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze negotiation situations.
2. Describe the importance of information for negotiating efficiently.
3. Summarize common negotiating mistakes.
4. Develop a strategic plan for effective negotiation.
5. Gain an intellectual understanding of negotiator behavior.
6. Use trust, body language, and psychology for better negotiations.
7. Understand the difference between integrative and distributive negotiation.
8. Understand and be able to use win/win negotiation strategies.
9. Be familiar with negotiation ethics.
Course No: BUS 450
Course Title: Dynamics of Leadership
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
An extensive look at the nature of leadership and the dilemmas facing leaders of people at work. In-depth analysis of the forces motivating the behavior of people working in ongoing and temporary groups. Includes problems of roles and norms, initiation of change, and dealing with resistance. Recognition of women’s and men’s parity in leadership opportunities as a major consideration.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Distinguish the concept of leadership from the concept of management.
2. Compare and contrast the major theories of leadership.
3. Analyze the influence of leadership styles on individual performance.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of culture, ethics, legal and corporate social responsibility issues on leadership.
5. Assess the skills necessary to exert power and influence in a non-authoritative leadership role.
6. Define leadership, ethics, and power and illustrate the link among these concepts.
7. Develop and apply knowledge of leadership in a variety of real world contexts.
8. Determine the role that power plays in leadership.
9. Explain the effects of leadership style on the organizational environment and its result on followers’ motivations.
10. Understand the complexities of leadership and the multidisciplinary nature of leadership theory.
Course No: BUS 475
Course Title: Business Strategy and Policy
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
A culminating course in the Business program, examines the challenge to top management presented by a new or expanding business. Students learn decision-making for an organization experiencing growth and change. Topics include organization planning and strategy in a competitive environment. The student is asked, from the point of view of the senior manager, to integrate and apply the knowledge learned in accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, etc., to develop a comprehensive strategy for a firm that can lead to competitive advantage and high-performance results.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the forces that influence companies and their operations in a global marketplace.
2. Identify and explain the relationship between market structure and power.
3. Understand the nature of strategic competitiveness and develop the ability to analyze the competitive environment facing a firm.
4. Develop business level strategies by defining the type of advantage sought, scope of operations, and activities required to deliver the chosen strategy.
5. Understand how to assess the likely sustainability of firm strategies and competitive positions.
6. Consider how the actions of competitors impact the firm’s ability to reach its strategic goals.
7. Integrate knowledge and apply analytical techniques from various disciplines, including finance, accounting, marketing, operations, organization theory and organizational behavior.
Course No: BUS 489
Course Title: Senior Thesis I
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Senior Thesis I is the first phase of a two-semester thesis sequence through which students lay the groundwork in an area of interest for the original work they are expected to undertake in Senior Thesis II. Students refine their topics, review and synthesize literature related to their areas of focus, conduct research, and develop research proposals or plans for creative projects. The final course outcomes consist of both a literature review and a Senior Thesis II project proposal.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Identify, define, and provide context around a problem worthy of research; including industry analysis, situation analysis of internship organization, research methods and analysis of the results.
2. Identify and describe generic business problems.
3. Develop the literature review of the studied field.
a) Identify, read, paraphrase, quote, and summarize sources.
b) Evaluate and critique source materials.
c) Find agreement and contradictions in the literature.
d) Identify key frameworks.
e) Organize their reasoning through outlining and thesis writing.
Course No: BUS 490
Course Title: Senior Thesis II
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Senior Thesis II is the second phase of a two-semester thesis sequence through which students lay the groundwork in an area of interest for the original work they are expected to undertake in Senior Thesis II. Students refine their topics, review and synthesize literature related to their areas of focus, conduct research, and develop research proposals or plans for creative projects. The final course outcomes consist of both a literature review and a Senior Thesis II project proposal.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Thoroughly investigate a problem or issue which confronts the business researcher and has relevancy to personal experience or goals. A successful Senior Thesis II research project will include:
a) Identification of a topic that is relevant to the business discipline studied.
b) Examination of theoretical and historical research related to the topic (literature review)
c) Development of the identified critical issue and research question that is based on review of literature, research collected, and personal involvement with the topic.
d) Design and execution of empirical research to collect ‘real world’ data that can be analyzed in relation to research questions.
e) Synthesis of research into conclusions and recommendations for action as a business professional.
2. Effectively communicate in a formal paper the critical issue and research question along with research findings, conclusions and recommendation(s).
3. A successful Senior Thesis II written paper will include:
a) Grammar and syntax
Sentence and paragraph structure must be comprehensive and organized. Grammar, spelling, tenses, and punctuation must be free from errors.
b) Content
All content must be coherent and must contain logical development of ideas with concrete and relevant supporting evidence. Such evidence must be cited properly. No generalizations or conclusions can be made without said evidence.
c) Format and style
Each thesis paper must include chapters with headings and sub-headings as indicated on the thesis outline. The appropriate citation format must be utilized.
d) Substance
The thesis paper must be a minimum of twenty five pages.