Graduate Catalog: Business and Managerial Science Courses

509 Leadership in the Information Age (3)

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of current and emerging leadership theories, best practices in organizations, cases, and learning experiences relevant to the development of their individual and team leadership potential. Students' leadership styles and competencies are assessed and feedback offered to give students the opportunity to understand and better develop their leadership competencies.

510 Management Role of the Information Professional (3)

This course is designed to provide students with theories, frameworks, and best practices to robustly understand the management and technology issues and challenges they will confront in organizations as information professionals. Topics include current and emerging trends in management and technology, competencies and best practices of effective managers, learning organizations, change management, knowledge creation and management, information ecology, and communities of practice.

512 Applications ofAccounting/Financial Concepts to E-business (3)

This course presents the basic concepts of accounting and finance with an emphasis on e-business applications. Topics include constructing, reading, and interpreting the four primary financial statements, time value of money, capital budgeting, risk and return, capital structure and dividend policy, and case studies such as calculating the return on investment of an e-business system.

513 E-business Marketing (3)

This course creates a framework with which to teach students how to think about and implement Internet-based electronic marketing. The course explores the strategic and tactical marketing implications of e-business, specifically the theoretical frameworks, strategies, capabilities, and key tactics of Internet marketing. Topic areas include: Internet marketing models, online consumer behavior, e-enabled marketing mix, e-mail marketing, and B2B marketing on the Web.

514 E-business Systems Design/Analysis (3)

This course focuses on the analysis and design of fast, focused, and flexible business processes, systems, and applications with special emphasis on leveraging webbased and related technologies for enterprise transformation and productivity gains. It aims to equip students with an e-relevant domain of competencies (frameworks, concepts, approaches, methodologies and techniques) to describe, analyze, diagnose, design (or redesign) web-enabled business processes, systems, and applications.

531 Advanced Topics in Management Information Systems (3)

This course is designed to provide students with theories, frameworks and best practices to robustly understand the interrelationships of strategy, organizational architecture, and information technology. Course examines how collective intelligence and information technology, within and across organizations, can be harnessed to bring about improvement to complex problems rapidly. Topics include current and emerging trends and challenges in technology and management, industry structure and business landscape analysis, strategy, technology infrastructure, functional information systems, enterprise solutions, knowledge management, business analytics, ethics and information security and business. (Prerequisite: BUS 301, its equivalent, or permission of the Chairperson.)

533 Computer Programming Languages: Object Oriented (3)

Deals with concepts and constructs that underlie most of the programming languages that have been designed and implemented. Topics include the structure and elements of programming languages and an overview of imperative programming, object oriented programming, functional programming,logic programming, and concurrent programming using representative languages. (Prerequisite: BUS 531 and a programming language.)

534 Business Intelligence (3)

Organizations are gathering and storing more and more data. Every year the amount of data in the world is approximately doubling. This data is of little benefit unless it can be turned into useful information and knowledge. Business Intelligence (BI) is the new discipline that combines all of the tools to gain data inferences together. This course thus provides an integrative foundation in the field of business intelligence at the operational, tactical, and strategic levels. BI components such as value chain, customer service management, business process analysis and design, transaction processing systems, management information systems, and executive information systems are brought together as well as other topics relevant to the field of Business Intelligence. Additionally, this course is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of how Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing with Data Marts, support a Knowledge Management environment. It also introduces the basic principles of Knowledge Management, focusing on the need for and use of information.

535 Data Mining and Warehousing (3)

Data mining is a relatively new term used in the academic and business world, often associated with the development and quantitative analysis of very large databases. Its definition covers a wide spectrum of analytic and information technology topics including a set of techniques that have been designed to efficiently find interesting pieces of information or knowledge in large amounts of data. Association rules, for instance, are a class of patterns that tell which products tend to be purchased together. There is currently a large commercial interest in the area, both for the development of data mining software and for the offering of consulting services on data mining, with a market for the former estimated in the billions of U.S. dollars. In this course we explore how this interdisciplinary field brings together techniques from databases, statistics, machine learning, and information retrieval. We will discuss the main data mining methods currently used, including data warehousing,  denormalization, data cleaning, clustering, classification, association rules mining, text indexing and searching algorithms, how search engines rank pages, and recent techniques for web mining.

541 Organizational Behavior and Development (3)

Investigation and critique of contemporary theories of organization and administration with respect to their scientific support and practicality for increasing rationality, prediction, and control in business administration. Examines such topics as: motivation, interpersonal and organizational communications, work group dynamics, intergroup interaction and leadership, as well as organizational structure and effectiveness. (Prerequisite: BUS 121, its equivalent, or permission of the Chairperson.)

542 Financial Planning and Management (3)

This course concentrates on the principles and techniques for effective use of business capital and on decision-making ability developed for short-range and long-range financial planning. Financial theory, institutions and capital markets as they affect national, multinational and transnational corporations are discussed. Readings and case studies are utilized. (Prerequisite: BUS 321 or its equivalent.)

543 Human Resources in Management (3)

This course examines the Human Resource Management function and its strategic role in the corporate structure. Recruitment, selection, training and development administration, performance appraisal, succession planning, global aspects of HRM and current trends in Human Resource Management are among the topics included in the readings and class discussions. Case studies and role play related to HRM have a role in the learning process. At least one speaker from the industry is invited to class each semester as a means of connecting the student to the "real world" application of Human Resource Management. A comprehensive final project/paper is written and presented at the end of this class. Students are encouraged to write research papers suitable for submission to appropriate journals. (Prerequisite: BUS 121, its equivalent, or permission of the Chairperson.)

546 Managing the Organization in the Marketspace (3)

A profound consequence of the ongoing information revolution is its influence on how value is created and extracted when information about a product or service can be separated from the product or service itself. This course explores various conceptual frameworks and best practices for maximizing opportunities in an emerging area referred to as a marketspace. This course also examines how organizations work marketplace and marketspace environments to their best advantage to achieve and sustain competitive advantage. (Prerequisite: BUS 531, or permission of the Chairperson.)

548 Operation Analysis and Management: Quantitative Methods (3)

The importance of operations management has increased dramatically in recent years. Fierce global competition, shorter product and service life-cycles, better educated quality-conscious consumers, and the capabilities of new and emerging technologies have placed increasing pressures on the operations function to improve productivity while providing a broader array of quality products and services. This course examines problems encountered in planning, operating, and controlling production of goods and services. Topics include: waiting-line management, quality assurance, production systems, project management, and inventory management. Computer and quantitative models used in formulating managerial problems. With the advent of technology being infused into all dimensions of business operations, the course may be offered in an Online Hybrid format. (Prerequisite: BUS 312, or its equivalent.)

549 Labor Relations – Manpower and Collective Bargaining (3)

An analysis of collective bargaining and the negotiation process. Factors affecting the negotiation between management and the labor unions are discussed. Cases a re utilized to illustrate impact of statutory law on private enterprise. (Prerequisite: BUS 541 or permission of the Chairperson.)

550 Production Management: Total Quality Management (3)

Production and inventory planning and control systems. The design of production facilities, location, capacity, and assembly line production are covered. Cost factors, including labor, standards, preventive maintenance, product planning, manpower planning. All are part of the resources used in a total quality management scenario.
TQM presents methods, tools, technologies and case studies for product, process and service quality improvement. The emphasis is on prevention through quality engineering, design, and implementation. The ISO 9001:2000 standard, is a keystone aspect of this course, as it serves as a must for quality audits and certifications.

551 Management of International Business Organizations (3)

An in-depth study of international business organizations, with an emphasis on the social systems within countries as they affect the conduct of business from one country to another. Through case studies the alternatives for overall corporate policy and strategy that accommodate global operations will be explored. A research project on doing business in another country is part of the course requirement.

553 International Marketing (3)

The methods and systems of international marketing are discussed. International promotion, marketing intelligence, advertising, distribution in foreign markets, and global logistics, as well as international product policies, are discussed. (Prerequisite: BUS 111 or its equivalent.)

554 Policy Formulation and Strategy Management (3)

This course is designed to provide students with an exposure to the broad framework embraced within the process of strategic planning and policy formulation. It is a comprehensive review and integration of all the functional areas covering business entities. Specifically, the course blends concepts, theory, and current practice. These elements are coordinated with selected case studies from actual business and/or organizational situations supported by executive presentations that are coordinated by student groups. Complex cases allow the students to test and extend their conceptual analytical skills. (Prerequisite: all other core courses.)

556 Business Venture and the Entrepreneur (3)

Provides the student with practical knowledge of the entrepreneurial mindset covering evaluation of opportunities, sources of financing, business planning and development, deal structure, and valuation techniques. This course will include case analyses and require students to develop a business plan which will be presented and analyzed in class.

562 Systems Analysis and Design: Industrial Problem-Solving (3)

This course examines the nature of the various problems confronted in business and how systems thinking and systems development concepts, methodologies, tools and techniques can effectively deal with them. Topics include characteristics of complex ill-structured problematic situations, appreciative systems, systems thinking, inquiry systems, decision traps, constituency identification, problem formulation, requirements determination, project definition and system study, design and implementation, and project management. (Prerequisite: BUS 531.)

563 Information Systems - Database Management (3)

The course introduces database management and database management systems (DBMS). Students will acquire technical and managerial skills in planning, analysis, logical design, physical design, implementation, and maintenance of a database. Students will be provided hands-on training in database design, development, and implementation using relational DBMS software. Emphasis is placed on designing and developing reliable databases to support organizational management. (Prerequisite: BUS 531, its equivalent, or permission of the Chairperson.)

564 Accounting Information Systems (3)

This course examines the information system's role in accomplishing the objectives of financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax accounting and auditing. Systems covered include manual accounting, computerized accounting, and Internet electronic commerce applications. Additional topics include internal controls, systems analysis, systems design and systems implementation.

566 Telecommunications for Business Systems (3)

This course provides the essential technical understanding necessary to evaluate and integrate telecommunication technologies into sustainable business models as well as to make decisions concerning the communications infrastructure, in any organization. Technology topics covered include voice and data networks, local and wide area networking, Internet, and generations of wireless technologies to form the basis for the discussion of economic and managerial issues about how the technology is deployed, including issues of interoperability, scalability, regulations, security,
service level agreements, convergence, unified messaging, and service quality.

568 Legal Aspects of the Management Process (3)

The course examines the growing importance of legal aspects as they relate to corporations, partnerships, and limited partnerships. Topics covered include: agency and employment, limited liability, managers’ legal obligations, shareholders’ rights, capital structure, duties and powers of directors and officers. (Prerequisite: BUS 252 or its equivalent.)

569 Management of Technology (3)

The innovation process and its management have been examined by scholars and practitioners for many years from the perspectives of a wide variety of disciplines. This course is designed to provide students with a robust framework that brings together a vast array of concepts, issues and challenges, cases and best practices related to progress in the study and practice of innovation and technology and its management. Course also provides students with tools and techniques needed to understand, construct and deploy a model of innovation that can be employed in many practical business and non-business settings.

570 Marketing and Strategic Planning (3)

This course examines marketing as a major part of an organization's strategic plan. Readings and discussion for this class include the basic functions of marketing, segmentation of markets, marketing research techniques and advertising and PR as part of the marketing campaign. Students work in marketing teams to analyze cases and produce a strategic marketing plan. Each semester at least one team produces a marketing plan for a particular local organization in need of greater visibility. A speaker from the industry visits the class to give the students real world insights into marketing as a major part of the organization's strategic plan. Discussions also include aspects of both ethical and unethical marketing. (Prerequisite: BUS 111.)

581 Acquisition and Divestment (3)

The course covers the theory and practice of strategic acquisitions and divestments. In addition, it discusses structure of Leverage Buy Out (LBO) and the role top management plays in the process. Furthermore, the course utilizes financial analysis techniques applied in the economic evaluation of consolidation, merger, liquidation, and reorganization. It reviews the transaction needed to complete an acquisition and gives defensive mechanisms used by management to deter a raider. Case studies and business reports are utilized. (Prerequisite: BUS 542.)

582 Business Taxation (3)

Comprehensive, detailed study of federal tax law with emphasis on the formation, operation and dissolution of corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole-proprietorships. (Prerequisite: BUS 568.)

583 Retirement and Estate Planning (3)

This course covers all the major retirement-related issues including plan design and flexibility, social security, and Medicare. Techniques for achieving various financial goals and structuring investment portfolios will be discussed. In addition, the course examines legal, financial and practical considerations in the creation, management and conservation of an estate. Various types of property interests (joint tenancy, tenancy in common, community property) are reviewed and the use of revocable and irrevocable trusts, gifts, powers of attorneys, retirement and custodial accounts are discussed. The influence of federal estate and gift and state taxation rules on estate planning techniques is examined. Ultimately, students will gain a thorough understanding of the process for developing a comprehensive financial plan.

584 Managerial Economics (3)

Coverage includes the economic theory in managerial decisions. Emphasis is placed on the application of these economic techniques within the business environment. Topics include estimation of supply and demand, forecasting and trend analysis, production and cost functions, and pricing strategies in various market structures. (Prerequisite: Economics I and II or permission of the Chairperson.)

585 Risk Management and Insurance (3)

Effective risk management is essential in today's uncertain business environment. Derivatives are standard instruments for managing financial risk with more than 90% of the Fortune 500 companies using fixed income derivatives to manage interest rate risk exposure. Thus, this course develops tools for valuing and modeling an organization's risk exposures, and it explores key issues in fixed income, financial engineering, and risk management. The sources of risk information are examined, business risks are analyzed, and the alternative methods of handling risks evaluated. Criteria for selection of proper insurance coverage and selection of carriers and intermediaries are also reviewed.

586 SEC and the Financial Markets (3)

Operation and regulatory management of various financial markets such as Money Markets, Capital Markets, and Derivative Markets, etc., are discussed. A discussion of various instruments in addition to the involvement of various institutions (such as SEC, FDIC, FHLBB, FOMC) in each of these markets is also included.

587 International Trade and Investment (3)

The objective of this course is to assist students in achieving a better understanding of the multinational corporation in our increasingly interdependent world. Topics include: the determination of foreign exchange rates in a stable and variable rate system; the management of currency risk; and international portfolio investments. Trade relations and policies toward multinational enterprises are also discussed. (Prerequisite: BUS 542.)

588 Portfolio Theory and Capital Markets (3)

A comprehensive survey of theories relating to construction of optimum portfolios, including discussion of the determinants of selecting securities within each portfolio. Institutions involved in the investment process as administrators or investors will be studied and performance evaluation criteria for investment houses discussed. (Prerequisite: BUS 542.)

589 Advanced Topics in Real Estate Management (3)

The focus of this course is the practical skills and judgment that contribute to creating and delivering successful projects in the real estate environment. It provides an advanced survey of modern residential and commercial real estate financing techniques from the perspective of the borrower and the lender. Although special entrepreneurial opportunities are considered, the course also recognizes that almost every executive is likely to be a significant user of real estate as a corporate leader, member of government, or trustee of a nonprofit. And, for most organizations, building projects are significant decisions whose execution is critical to overall sustainability and growth. Thus, this course provides the applied skills and techniques to make that decision a responsible and successful one and to appreciate the complex design and construction that contribute to a building's functionality, aesthetics, and overall value. Topics include: real estate contracts and regulations; financing methods and techniques, institutional sources of funds for real estate, appraisals and risk analysis; and real estate financing decision-making. The course includes lectures, demonstrations, spreadsheet software exercises, and guest speakers.

590 Research Methodology (3)

This course is designed to provide students with a thorough coverage of Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in business research topics backed by solid theory. Our approach blends a discussion format related to methodological and procedural issues with practical application through research projects performed in real-life settings. The course also addresses ethical issues, the role of the researcher, and strategies for reporting results. With the advent of technology being infused into all dimensions of society, the course may be offered in an online hybrid format.

592 Web Application Design and Development (3)

A growing number of businesses are concerned with increasing the strategic exploitation of technology and are using the web in rapidly changing and increasingly complex and critical ways. Generally, this course is about the development of web-based applications; it is not a Web page design class. Thus, the focus is not on the client tooling but the server side such as scripting languages, database interfaces, XML, web services, PHP andWeb application design concepts. The course includes a survey of current web business practices to help the student gain an appreciation of the tools and web technologies necessary for business application design and development. The student will also learn to specify and design identity management and security requirements for web services, and to apply appropriate tools and techniques to design an e-business system. Additionally, the student will learn the ethical, legal and professional issues in the development of web business applications.

593 Business Information Security and Continuity (3)

Man-made and natural incidents happen within corporations every day. Many of these are caused by security breaches. Some occur suddenly and, if not handled quickly, can cascade out of control to become crises and disasters that can threaten the very existence of a corporation. Therefore, Business Information Security and Continuity are major topics in all corporations. From assuring the safety of the firm's workers to the firm's property to the firm's information assets, pro-active security measures must be "everywhere." Additionally, since disasters are often created by security breaches as well as other factors, business continuity, including IT continuity is another key topic in the 21st century. This course involves detailed examinations of a systems-wide perspective of information security,  beginning with the strategic planning process. It then provides insights into the various technical and administrative aspects of Information Security and Assurance. It identifies the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining the levels of protection and response to security incidents, and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system, with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features. Students are exposed to a wide spectrum of security activities, methods, methodologies, and procedures for the inspection and protection of information
assets, detection of and reaction to threats to information assets, and examination of pre- and post-incident procedures, technical and managerial responses and an overview of the Information Security Planning and Staffing functions.

594 ERP Systems (3)

Corporations world-wide have focused on improving business processes for the past two decades. Enterprise Resource Planning software is recognized as the means to provide these improved processes. All Fortune 500 companies have already adopted Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and many midsize companies are also planning ERP implementations. Business Managers and professionals at many corporations therefore work with ERP business solutions from the day they are hired. This course in ERP systems is used to reinforce many of the concepts covered in the business discipline. ERP Systems provides in-depth understanding of the general notions required to design and/or implement an Enterprise Resource Planning software solution. Through the use of case studies and exercises a detailed examination of ERP components, as they relate to the supply chain, manufacturing floor, distribution and logistics is provided. ERP can be viewed as a combination of business management practice and technology, where Information Technology integrates with a company's core business processes to enable the achievement of specific business objectives. This course helps prepare the graduate student for positions in organizations that have deployed ERP software.

595 Graduate Internship (3)

Places the student in a profit/nonprofit organization to receive on-the-job administrative training related to the student’s area of specialization. The student must log 250 hours of work experience to receive the three hours of credit.

598 Special Topics (variable credit)

Courses and seminars, short-term and semester-long, offered in a variety of course delivery modalities, to address various topics to meet current and emerging trends that impact business.

599 Independent Research (variable credit)

Designed for students performing in-depth research in a particular field or subject. Research may include, but is not limited to, tasks and analysis in service to the Pacer Investment Fund.

Business and Managerial Science Programs (Catalog)