Business Administration

Nature of accounting data and its use in business, fundamental procedures and records, operating cycle, preparation of financial statements, measurement of income and assets.

Accounting procedures and practices in partnerships and corporations, development of accounting data for use in management decisions, financial statement analysis, cash flow, income tax.

An in-depth study of the theory and techniques of financial accounting, including an accounting conceptual framework, a review of the accounting process and financial statement presentation, liabilities, and accounting concerns and standards relating to both current and noncurrent assets. This course covers materials and methods tested on the CPA exam.

A continuation of ACCT 315 emphasizing the application of accounting theory and standards to liabilities, equity, revenue recognition, leases, post-retirement benefits, income taxes, financial analysis, and accounting prices. Approximately one-quarter of this course deals with accounting research. This course covers materials and methods tested on the CPA exam.

An in-depth study of the technical aspects of cost accounting systems including cost allocations; joint product and by-product accounting; actual, standard, and direct cost methods. Process costing is emphasized. This course covers materials tested on the CPA exam.

Special accounting procedures for units of government and other not-for-profit organizations. This course covers materials and methods tested on the CPA exam.

A study of the theory and practice of auditing, with an emphasis on auditor compliance with governmental and professional regulations as well as ethical standards and on the detection of fraud. This course covers materials and methods tested on the CPA exam.

A study of advanced accounting and financial reporting topics including business combinations and consolidated financial statements, partnerships and branches, bankruptcy, multinational enterprises, and segments. This course covers materials and methods tested on the CPA exam.

A conceptual foundation of accounting information systems with emphasis on security, internal controls and setting up a computerized system using commercial accounting software.

A study of the provisions of federal income tax laws as they apply to individuals, corporations, and other taxpayers. Emphasis is on personal income taxes, the various types of income, and the deductibility of costs and expenses in the determination of tax liability. Approximately one-quarter of this course deals with tax accounting research. This course covers materials and methods tested on the CPA exam.

This course is an on-the-job, career-oriented internship program for training in accounting. Variable credit of 3-8 semester hours is available. Admission to internship is limited to students who have completed 40 semester hours in the business core and concentration and have maintained a GPA of at least 2.50 in the major. Prior approval of the business internship coordinator and department chair are required before the internship is started. The internship may count as one three-hour elective course in the accounting concentration. Note: A student may not exceed a total of 8 hours for ACCT 492, BUAD 492, and MKTG 492 combined. Eligible for IP grading. Grading is Pass/Fail.

Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

This course will explore the philosophy and competitive environment of the senior living industry in the United States, including assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities. The federal and state laws and regulations applicable to the classification, construction, and operation of senior living communities will be reviewed and the student will become familiar with the Texas licensing standards for assisted living. The management and marketing of senior living communities, including legal and ethical considerations, will also be covered.

This course will discuss how to provide excellent quality of care and customer service to all senior living facility stakeholders. Topics covered will include the aging process, person-centered care, service operations, family care considerations, senior healthcare, and memory care training.

An on-the-job, career-oriented internship program for training in senior living management. Variable credit of 3-8 semester hours is available. Admission to internship is limited to students who have completed 40 semester hours in the business core and concentration and have maintained a GPA of at least 2.50 in the major. Prior approval of the business internship coordinator and department chair are required before the internship is started.

An introduction to personal financial planning and the impact of economics, environment, age, geographic location, personal income and career choice on personal finances. Some topics include planning processes, budgets, taxes, credit, loans, insurance, investing and retirement planning.

An introduction to business models and functions within the current cultural and technological environments. Careers in each of the major areas of Business and common career orientation skills are introduced. The course further aims to provide practical research skills that are commonly used in the different functions of business. Additionally, the course serves as an instrument where the students' knowledge of business upon entering the program can be assessed as well as a place to introduce graduation requirements of the business program. Portfolio requirements are covered. Class Fee.

A course exploring the essence of entrepreneurship as expressed by leading experts in the field and visiting business professionals who share their personal experience. Emphasis is placed on innovation and teamwork as class members engage in new venture development.

There are two broad goals for this course. The first is to provide an overview of digital games as a cultural form. This involves a historical account of their emergence in the mid-twentieth century, an inquiry into theories of play and their relationship to culture, the origins and evolution of game genres, and the changing nature of game development and the game industry to the present day. The second is to learn contextual and formal methods for the analysis of digital games and game-play.

Offered every semester via Rize/LCMC Consortium.

Intro to Esports Management starts with an introduction to the history of competitive gaming and continues with an exploration of its emerging ecosystem. Students will learn the complexities involved in understanding the dynamics of the esports industry and all of its stakeholders from gamers to billion-dollar media companies. We will dive into each element of this value chain and provide you with insight into the interoperations of all companies included in the landscape of esports.

Students will learn to navigate the structure of esports leagues, teams, players, gaming publishers, tournament operators, media, and affiliate organizations. Relevant projects, market analysis, and critical thinking will be utilized to understand management approaches that have succeeded and failed with recent esports ventures. Students will also learn baseline skills in esports streaming, broadcasting, marketing, public relations, and written communication.

One of the major ways in which games are marketed to consumers is the convention. Shows like the Tokyo Game Show, PAX and E3 attract audiences ranging from 60,000 - 300,000 and serve as one of the best opportunities for game studios to generate excitement and favorable word-of-mouth for upcoming projects. Successfully executing a company presence at one of these shows requires a working understanding of budgeting, goal setting, demo creation, logistics, staffing, merchandising, and ROI evaluation, all topics covered in this course.

Course open to business and non-business students who desire to learn the intricacies of project management and leadership through practice. Students will work as part of
entrepreneurial teams to plan, design, develop, implement and evaluate projects. Projects will be focused on the improvement of economic, social or environmental issues in for-profit and non-profit settings. Each team will work independently, with the guidance of industry mentors and faculty coaches, to develop and implement specific projects. Enactus will be used as a means for accomplishing the practical aspects of the course. Course may be repeated.

This course provides an overview of sourcing and operations. It is divided into two parts. In the first part, students will learn the key components of sourcing: supplier selection, supplier Segmentation, make vs buy decisions, and supplier relationships.

In the second part, students will learn both the Lean Inventory methodology and the Six Sigma methodology. This will allow them to improve supply chain operations. Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a product of their choosing. Lastly, the course will be supplemented by guest lecturers who have significant experience in supply chain management.

Offered via Rize Consortium

This course provides a broad overview of the planning and execution of customer demand. It is divided into two parts: forecasting and logistics.

In the first half, forecasting is covered. Matching supply and demand require planning. You will master different forecasting techniques essential for building a sales and operations plan. At the completion of this course, you will have the tools and techniques to analyze demand data, construct different forecasting techniques, and choose the most suitable one for projecting future demand.

In the second half, the three major building blocks of logistics networks are covered: transportation, warehousing, and inventory. After completing this course, you will be able to differentiate the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transportation. You will understand what goes into designing and setting up a warehousing facility. Finally, you will be able to develop logistics networks that minimize costs and deliver top customer service.

Offered via Rize Consortium

The fundamentals of information systems: hardware and software, extensive information on database systems, telecommunications, electronic commerce, and knowledge management. Spreadsheet applications will also be covered in depth.

Introduction to general concepts of data analytics providing an overview of various analytic techniques. This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore data analytics with the goal of generating interest in exploring individual topics deeper.

There are two basic approaches to project management - waterfall, and agile. Students will become familiar with both through this course. This course also introduces students to vital project-management concepts, including the lifecycle of projects. Students will also develop an understanding of how individual projects - and the larger programs they make up - fit within the context of an organization.

This course is essential for any students wishing to pursue an education in project management and helpful for students who wish to gain an understanding of the role of project management within the modern workforce.

Any successful project starts with a plan. This course focuses on providing students a deep understanding of the rudiments of project planning: scope (What will the project produce / what are the requirements?), time (What’s the schedule?), cost (What’s the budget?), resources (What/who do we have available?), risk (What are the potential impacts/consequences?), and quality (To what standard is the project measured against or will achieve?).

These elements are interconnected and together provide the performance targets and principles of a project. Since projects are a series of tradeoffs between scope, cost, and time, project managers need to understand how to balance them in order to create a plan which is realistic and achievable. Students will also learn how to leverage resources, and how managing risk, quality, and stakeholder expectations are critical to the definition of project success. Other interdependent project variables such as communications and business change will be explored. 

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. Alternatively, Selected Topics may be used for teaching special courses on a limited basis that are not listed otherwise in the bulletin. This class may be repeated for different topics.

Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin.  . May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

A foundation course introducing the key management function of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Emphasis placed on leading and managing international organizations in a global economy and marketplace.

Information systems, components of the Office suite, and integration of the individual software packages with one another and the Internet. Projects will challenge students to apply advanced software functions to real-life business scenarios.

A study of the legal issues confronted in business operations. A general overview of the legal environment is presented, followed by an in-depth examination of contract law and the law of agency. This course covers materials tested on the CPA exam.

This course is designed to survey the principles and forms of communication frequently found in domestic and international organizations. Emphasis on oral and written communication theory and practice. This covers materials tested on the CPA Exam.

The role of a publisher in the games industry is to ensure that a game can get in front of its audience successfully. To do that, a publisher must consider a variety of distribution strategies and channels. This course explains the role of a publisher in-game distribution and details the various channels by which a game can be distributed.

Offered via Rize Consortium.

Introduces concepts of visual design in the display of data and creating dashboards. Students practice displaying data and developing dashboards in MS Excel and Tableau.

This course provides a broad overview of the planning and execution of customer demand. It is divided into two parts: forecasting and logistics.

In the first half, forecasting is covered. Matching supply and demand require planning. You will master different forecasting techniques essential for building a sales and operations plan. At the completion of this course, you will have the tools and techniques to analyze demand data, construct different forecasting techniques, and choose the most suitable one for projecting future demand.

In the second half, the three major building blocks of logistics networks are covered: transportation, warehousing, and inventory. After completing this course, you will be able to differentiate the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transportation. You will understand what goes into designing and setting up a warehousing facility. Finally, you will be able to develop logistics networks that minimize costs and deliver top customer service.

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

This course provides an overview of sourcing and operations. It is divided into two parts. In the first part, students will learn the key components of sourcing: supplier selection, supplier Segmentation, make vs buy decisions, and supplier relationships.

In the second part, students will learn both the Lean Inventory methodology and the Six Sigma methodology. This will allow them to improve supply chain operations. Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a product of their choosing. Lastly, the course will be supplemented by guest lecturers who have significant experience in supply chain management. Prerequisite – BUAD 360 (or concurrent)

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

Introduces the principles and techniques of effective data warehousing and data mining. Topics include data mining standards, data pre-processing, data modeling, and model evaluation.

Everything from the best concert you saw to your Covid-19 vaccine relies on the existence of effective supply chains. In this course, you'll learn about applying supply chain systems to vital real-world functions. By the end of this class, you'll have a much better understanding of why supply chain management is vitally important, how it intersects with business, national and global interest, and how supply chains literally save the world. This online class has optional live sessions.

Offered via Rize Consortium

This course covers the major relevant supply chain technologies and systems. In this course, you'll survey the systems that enable the supply chain in best-in-class supply chain organizations. Understanding how information flows throughout the supply chain is critical to managing a supply chain and this will be the main focus of this course. By the end of this course, you will have gained a basic understanding of how supply chain systems work and how they make the supply chain more efficient and effective. This online class has optional live sessions.

Offered via Rize Consortium

A course designed to provide a working knowledge of personnel functions, with emphasis on recruitment, selection, training, job design, performance evaluation, wage/salary administration, and compliance with regulation.

Training and staff development are keys to building an empowered and motivated workforce. This course is designed to help students develop knowledge and skill in the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of organizational training. It will also help students build skills in creating effective performance improvement programs, a vital resource in talent retention that is often overlooked. Lastly, students will be required to produce their own sample training plan.

A study of the total compensation management function in business, as evidenced through the human resource framework. Major areas of activity will include job analysis, job evaluation, establishing pay structures, and benefits.

This course is an overview of various laws and regulations that determine the rights and obligations of employees and employers. Topics covered include the nature of the employment relationship and common law principles, prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics such as race and gender, wage and hour law, the Family Medical Leave Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and other similar areas of labor and employment law. The primary focus is on federal laws governing the employment relationship, but there will also be discussion of state and local laws.

Offered via Rize Consortium.

This course examines the scope and role of HR in the occupational health and safety arena, the fundamental components of comprehensive programs and, more importantly, the interplay between these considerations, and how important HR professionals are in their success. Topics covered include OSHA requirements, risk management, and loss prevention, management of safety & workers’ compensation, employee assistance plans, preventative health issues, emergency response and preparedness, and developing a culture of safety, amongst others. There will be focus on the fundamental components of a comprehensive health and safety program to protect the employees in an organization and costly liability.

Offered via Rize Consortium.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, no project proceeds from beginning to end without encountering unforeseen challenges, and the changing scope, priorities, or context of a project may require various adjustments. Additionally, project implementation and closure require conviction and trust in established processes and personnel. In either context, these are vital parts of a project’s success and are reflections of how future projects will be managed. This course covers project execution, monitoring/control, implementation/handover, DevOps, and project closure. This course is intended to finalize a student’s preparation for their Project Management Practicum and Internship. 

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

Covers the essential tools, concepts and best practices of project management being used in today’s real world. The course uses a managerial process approach that includes initiation, planning, executing, controlling and closing phases of a project. Some course topics include strategy and project selection, project definition, project times and costs, scheduling resources and costs, risk, and progress/performance measurement and evaluation. The course also utilizes information from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) and will contribute to the preparation needed to pass the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification exam.

This course is intended as a culmination of a student’s work in the Project Management Major. Students will work in groups to manage a simulated project from scope to completion - encountering - and overcoming - challenges and complications along the way. This course will also provide students with an overview of the product life-cycle, governance, and other topics to help contextualize project work. 

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

A study of the understanding, prediction, and control of human behavior within organizations. Topics include motivation, learning, leadership, diversity, communication, interpersonal behavior, group dynamics, decision-making and change.

A study of communication between cultures in an ever-changing world. This course will examine the interdependent global society, the structure and identity of culture, worldviews and cultural values. The effects of cross cultural communication, both verbal and nonverbal, in business settings will be examined. Practical applications are made for cultural differences, management expectations, and marketing practices.

A study of the ethical, social, and legal responsibilities of business to its stakeholders, in relation to a dynamic macro-environment. Research paper required.

A general survey of decision-making theory including game theory, queuing theory, linear programming, integer programming, and goal programming. 

A study and analysis of the planning, design, direction, and control of physical and human resources used in the production of goods and services. Emphasis is placed on solutions to operational problems in the physical, locational, storage, and general service subsystems.

A study and analysis of the lean supply chain. Emphasis is placed in forecasting methods, demand analysis and the integration of demand into the production schedule throughout the value chain. Integrates advanced statistics and simulations.

A focused course within the supply chain, emphasizing the modes of transportation available, cost, timing, service and tradeoffs with overall production strategy. Explores storage and movement of goods throughout the production cycle.

A demonstration of mastery and technical proficiency in statistics and quality control, as prescribed very various different quality management systems such as Six Sigma and Agile. This includes foundations, measurement, analysis, improvement and controlling phases. Course includes a hands-on project for quality evaluation and improvement and a comprehensive exam. Students who pass the exam will earn an internationally recognized certification in quality management such as Six Sigma or Agile. 

A practical course combining applied statistics and database software. Emphasis is placed on obtaining and extrapolating data to develop reports, workflows, schedules and operational decisions in the context of linear programming.

This course encapsulates all of the skills that students have learned in other operations and supply chain courses and asks students to apply these skills toward solving full-scale supply chain challenges. It consists of two parts.

In the first part, students will use their knowledge in supply chain management to solve the challenges faced by a fictional company. We will work to solve problems in the four key areas covered in Logistics, Operations, Planning, and Sourcing-related courses. At the end of this section of the course, students will have a strong understanding of how the core components of a supply chain fit together.

In the second part, students will be tasked with addressing a real supply chain problem and will work in groups to produce a solution which will consist of a report and a presentation. In this capstone project, students will take on the role of supply chain consultants, redesigning the existing supply chain of a consumer products company with the goals of implementing lean inventory management and using six sigma processes to improve efficiency and allow the company to bring new products to market more rapidly.

This capstone project will be designed in conjunction with real-world employers who face similar issues in their supply chain on a daily basis. At the end of the course, students will therefore have real-world experience that they can show employers as part of a larger portfolio. Students will also have the opportunity to present their final projects to supply chain professionals, which will allow them to gain an understanding of how their knowledge will interact with the real world and will serve as a de-facto screening process for a coveted role within the industry. 

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

Subject to prior permission of department chair. An integrative capstone course that explains what policies are, how they relate to strategies, and how a manager builds a strategic dimension into his or her actions. Any problem or opportunity - accounting, management, marketing, finance, production, organizational, personnel or other organizational dimensions - if it materially affects a firm's performance, is of strategic concern. The Peregrine Business Administration Common Professional Component exam is taken and student participates in the Business Strategy Game simulation. Portfolio requirement and completion is covered. Lab Fee. Class Fee.

An on-the-job, career-oriented internship program for training in business or operations management. Variable credit of 3-8 semester hours is available. Admission to internship is limited to students who have completed 40 semester hours in the business core and concentration and have maintained a GPA of at least 2.50 in the major. Prior approval of the business internship coordinator and department chair are required before the internship is started. The internship may count as one three-hour elective course in the management or operations management concentrations. Note: A student may not exceed a total of 8 hours for BUAD 492, ACCT 492, FNCE 492, IBUS 492, and MKTG 492 combined. Eligible for IP grading. Grading is Pass/Fail.

Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. Alternatively, Selected Topics may be used for teaching special courses on a limited basis that are not listed otherwise in the bulletin. This class may be repeated for different topics.

Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin.  Student may be allowed to repeat the course for credit.

A basic study of macroeconomics which includes national problems such as supply and demand, growth, output and productivity, inflation, employment, interest rates, trade balance, and fiscal and monetary policies.

A basic study of microeconomics which includes supply and demand theory, production and operation cost theory, consumer theory, price theory, competition, market structures, economics of the firm, and the role of government.

A course designed to integrate advanced microeconomics theory and analysis into the strategy and analysis used in business management, operations, marketing and finance. Course will evaluate fundamentals of industry competition; the structure of markets and how firms participate in these markets; growth and consolidation of markets and governmental responses; analysis of market power; the predictive behavior of firms from the framework of a game model; competitive behaviors of firms that include price discrimination, collusion and vertical integration, industrial regulation and public policy.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the general principles of financial planning, professional conduct and regulation, and education planning. These topics constitute thirty percent of the principal knowledge topics tested on the CFP® Certification Examination. The course introduces students to the financial planning process and working with clients to set goals and assess risk tolerance. In addition, students will learn to process and analyze information, construct personal financial statements, develop debt management plans, recommend financing strategies, and understand the basic components of a written comprehensive financial plan. The course also covers the regulatory environment, time value of money, and economic concepts.

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the general principles of risk management and insurance planning for individual and family clients. These topics constitute approximately seventeen percent of the principal knowledge topics tested on the CFP® Certification Examination. The course first introduces students to the risk management and insurance planning process and working with clients to analyze and evaluate risk exposures. Second, the core insurance lines of coverage are explored in detail, including: health, disability, long-term care, life, and personal property and casualty (homeowners’, personal auto policy, etc.). In addition, the student will learn to analyze an individual and family’s insurance needs, to select the most appropriate insurance policy and company, and to understand a business owner's use of insurance to protect the business’ assets and future income.

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

The course is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the financial planning and asset management profession. The course and curriculum are approved by the CFP® Board of Standards and meet one component of the educational requirement for becoming a Certified Financial Planner. This course explores the securities market, sources of information, risk/return, stocks, bonds, options, futures, and security analysis, and culminates in portfolio construction and analysis. You will learn how to evaluate different asset classes for different investment objectives and determine their suitability for investors considering investment goals, time horizons, risk tolerance, and tax situations.

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

This course covers taxation for individuals, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, as well as the tax aspects of investments, insurance, annuities, and retirement planning. Students will be able to identify the likely tax consequences of personal and business financial activities and select appropriate and lawful tax-minimizing tactics and strategies.

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

This course is designed to provide students with the foundation to conduct a retirement needs analysis for individuals, to understand the different types of retirement plans available to individuals, and to recognize the key factors that affect retirement plan selection for business owners. Students will be able to evaluate and compare the characteristics of various retirement plans, address client suitability, and provide plan recommendations. The course covers tax-deferred retirement plans, IRAs, nonqualified plans, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, distribution strategies, taxation of distributions, and regulatory considerations.

In particular, the course covers strategies used by financial planners to help clients assess employee benefits and to reduce the tax burden while planning for retirement. Topics include retirement needs analysis; defined benefit and contribution plans; profit sharing; 401k; 403b; ESOP; IRA; SEP-IRA; Roth-IRA; Keogh; TSA; social security benefits and integration; vesting; employee benefits analysis; funding vehicles; plan installation and administration; asset balancing; buy-sell agreements, ERISA; stock redemption and cross-purchase plans; evaluation of retirement timing; life-cycle planning; retirement lifestyle issues; distribution planning; and post-retirement financial and qualitative assessment of needs.

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

This course provides an introduction to federal gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer taxes and the many planning techniques used to minimize the impact of these taxes on transfers of wealth. It also explores the income-tax effects of gifts and bequests, with particular attention to the limitations on income-shifting to family members. The nontax aspects of estate planning, including the estate planning process, property ownership, planning for incapacity, and planning for business owners are examined as are the need for estate planning documents for individuals, spouses, and unmarried couples. The course stresses the need for balancing tax and non-tax considerations in creating successful estate plans.

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

This course provides students an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge learned through the prerequisite six-course CFP® curriculum. Students will participate in developing a complete financial plan, through the use of case studies and interviewing mock clients. Presentations of a formal financial plan, demonstrating the ability to set client expectations and communicate with clients by answering questions and concerns, are also required. 

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

A survey of the field of finance, both private and public. Emphasis is placed on current problems in the field. Financial institutions are discussed, and loans and investment practices are analyzed.

This course will focus on portfolio optimization and asset allocation, the basics of bond pricing and debt portfolio management, the theory of asset pricing models and their pricing and debt portfolio management, the theory of asset pricing models and their implications for investment as well as techniques for evaluating investment management performance. The course will build upon the analytical skills developed in Financial Management. Class Fee.

Provides the student with the tools necessary for evaluating investments, including stocks, bonds, options and commodities. Evaluate the organization of securities markets, mutual fund investing, efficient market hypothesis, and fundamental analysis and valuation. Additionally, it presents a systematic methodology for constructing efficient portfolios and evaluating portfolio performance. Class Fee.

This course includes topics addressing short-term financial management and covers the cost to benefit trade-offs of liquidity, management of working capital, management and budgeting of cash, short-term investing and financing issues.

Financial management and economic theory in the international environment. The impact of regulation, taxation, capital and money markets, working capital management, capital budgeting, risk, and exchange rates on decision-making are considered. Consideration is also given to the development and application of economic principles within the world economy. Class Fee.

A course exploring advanced topics in corporate financial management. The objective is to focus on the factors that influence the decisions of corporate managers and the impact of those decisions on the value creation of the firm in terms of working capital, capital investment, capital structure, and shareholder distribution. The course will cover working capital issues, advanced capital budgeting, capital structure, leases, hybrid securities, hedging and specific derivatives, shareholder distributions, mergers, divestitures, firm failure and some international financial management areas.

An on-the-job, career-oriented internship program for training in Finance. Variable credit of 3-8 semester hours is available. Admission to internship is limited to students
who have completed 40 semester hours in the business core and concentration and have maintained a GPA of at least 2.50 in the major. Prior approval of the business
internship coordinator and department chair are required before the internship is started. The internship may count as one three-hour elective course in the Finance
concentration. Note: A student may not exceed a total of 8 hours for BUAD 492, ACCT 492, FNCE 492, IBUS 492, and MKTG 492 combined. Eligible for IP grading. Grading is pass/fail.

This course addresses classical and contemporary issues in the theory of money, banking, and financial institutions. Topics covered include: the gold standard, the structure of central banks and the Federal Reserve system, theories of money demand and money supply, the relationship between money supply and overall economic activity, the theoretical and practical aspects of monetary policies and money creation, the efficacy of fiscal policies versus monetary policies, and the role the Federal Reserve plays in economic stabilization. We shall pay particular attention to the money creation plays in economic stabilization. We shall pay particular attention to the money creation process, to endogenous money versus exogenous money, and to the ability of the Federal Reserve to stabilize the economy.

A course emphasizing a particular topic approached through travel and on-site visits to business-related locations associated with the specified topic. Subsidiary emphases of historical context, culture, language, and arts may be included to support and complement the business topic selected. The student will submit a research project as directed by the instructor. Specific topics may be applied toward the electives of a specific B.B.A concentration, as approved by the instructor and concentration adviser. To meet the requirements of the International Experience of the B.B.A. International Business degree, the student must attend a trip that primarily visits countries other than citizenship or permanent residency. May be repeated.

A survey of how various cultures, social values, political and economic systems influence management and marketing practices throughout the world. The course will explore the nature of global trade, cross-border governance and regulations, foreign direct investment, international trade contracts, working in multiple currencies and multinational business corporate strategy.

An on-the-job, career-oriented internship program for training in international business. Variable credit of 3-8 semester hours is available. Admission to internship is limited to
students who have completed 40 semester hours in the business core and concentration and have maintained a GP A of at least 2.50 in the major. Prior approval of the business internship coordinator and department chair are required before the internship is started. The internship may count as one three-hour elective course in the International Business concentration, however, the student must work in a country other than citizenship or permanent residency. Note: A student may not exceed a total of 8 hours for BUAD 492, ACCT 492, FNCE 492, IBUS 492, and MKTG 492 combined. Eligible for IP grading. Grading is pass/fail.

This course includes segments on lighting, the video camera, the production switcher, equipment interconnection, digital nonlinear editing, and program production for television. Emphasis is given to multiple camera techniques for both studio and location productions. Supplies fee. (Also taught as COMM 237)

A course dealing with definitions, basic objectives, and concepts of public relations. Attention is given to the role of public relations, research for public relations, public and target audiences, communication concepts and channels, campaigns, and the legal and ethical environment of public relations. (Also taught as COMM 241)

This course introduces students to both the theory and application of today's social media platforms and digital tools. Students will explore the development and influence of user-generated content as well as strategic use of branded content, all in the context of managing multiple digital channels. We will study theories on how content goes viral and examine case studies on ways viral videos have impacted the reputation of individuals and corporations. Overall, students will learn best practices in social media marketing as used by content creators, brands and major institutions.

This course does not teach about selling, it teaches how to sell. This experiential learning-based course utilizes best practice models of selling from the nationally ranked sales program at Western Michigan University. It covers selling topics from prospecting through relationship building. Through the use of role-plays and other experiential activities, it will equip the student with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in a professional selling position.

Offered most semesters via Rize Consortium

This course focuses on how to conduct and become more skilled at negotiating while providing an understanding of the underlying basic principles of negotiation.

Offered via Rize Consortium

Viral and organic growth have become the gold standard by which content marketing efforts are judged. This type of growth is highly valuable because it tends to be relatively cost-efficient. Companies which generate content that spreads through the internet with minimal effort and cost are among the most successful at growing their brand awareness and user base. This course is intended to teach students what drives users to share content, how to build shareable content, and how to run contests and perform other activities that tend to lead to viral or organic growth.

Offered via Rize Consortium.

An introductory course dealing with basic marketing concepts. Emphasis is placed on managerial decisions to meet customer needs in the areas of product design, price, promotion, and distribution. Lab Fee.

Application of marketing concepts to marketing databases focusing on theory and practice. Application of Customer Relationship Management concepts, analytic techniques, and ethics and practices of customer data privacy. This course is primarily project based.

An integration of marketing theory and the behavioral sciences in order to understand choices and influences in consumer decision behavior.

This course studies the role of advertising in society, its impact on the economy, its function in business and marketing, and its communication aspects, including media applications. Attention is given to social, legal, and ethical considerations, the business of advertising, consumer behavior, and creative strategies and processes. (Also taught as COMM 351)

Email marketing is one of the primary avenues by which modern businesses drive customer acquisition. This course will teach students how to craft successful email marketing campaigns when targeting business or individual customers. Students will also learn how to use email campaigns for customer engagement and activation.

Students will learn how to write emails that drive customers to take desired actions, and how to structure email campaigns for maximum effect. This course will ask students to build their own marketing campaigns to advertise an imaginary product, and to evaluate and improve existing email campaigns.

Offered via Rize Consortium.

Effective sales leadership requires a mastery of the “hard” analytical skills as well as the “soft” skills for effective management and coaching. This course is designed to be a “learning laboratory” for exploring key sales and management concepts related to the sales function and that of the sales manager in the firm. The course focus is on developing hands-on analytical and management coaching skills through the use of business case studies and articles and active hands-on practice.

Offered via Rize Consortium

This course is designed to pick up where the Relationship-Driven Professional Selling course left off with a focus on the planning and research necessary to be a credible and compelling salesperson. Additionally, this course will tackle the advanced topics of team selling, negotiating, and leveraging account development activities through a focus on hands-on activities, written assignments, and case simulations. 

Offered via Rize Consortium

When a potential customer is looking for a product, how do they find the right one? Often times, they'll ask Google or other search engines. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) help companies become more visible to customers by ensuring that they are among the first companies someone sees when doing initial research.

This course is intended to introduce students to the concepts of Social Media Marketing and Optimization, and teach them how to use these tools to drive top-of-funnel growth, also known as lead generation.

Offered via Rize Consortium.

Marketing professionals today have access to incredible amounts of data. The ability to use this data is what differentiates successful marketing efforts from failed ones. In this course, students will learn how to analyze digital customer behavior data using a range of tools and use that data to test marketing hypotheses and improve customer acquisition.

Offered via Rize Consortium.

This course uses team projects to teach the tools and techniques necessary to work in the fields of advertising and public relations. Advertising assignments may include, but are not limited to, image and identity, political advertising, jingles and slogans, campaigns for large and small companies, and demographic and psychographic research. Public relations assignments may include, but are not limited to, crisis management, special events, media relations, publications, and internal communications. (Also taught as COMM 442)

An overview of research theories, concepts, and methodologies as applied to marketing problems. Attention is directed toward the application of sampling, sample design, data analysis of marketing problems, and how findings are used in formulating marketing policies.

This course is an on-the-job, career-oriented internship program for training in marketing and e-commerce. Variable credit of 3-8 hours is available. Admission to internship is limited to students who have completed 40 semester hours in the business core and concentration and have maintained a GPA of at least 2.50 in the major. Prior approval of both the business internship coordinator and the department chair is required before the internship is started. The internship may count as one three-hour elective course in the marketing concentration. 45 work hours for each internship credit are needed. Note: A student may not exceed a total of 8 hours for MKTG 492, ACCT 492 and BUAD 492 combined. Eligible for IP grading. Grading is Pass/Fail.