ACCOUNTING CONCENTRATION:

MBA542 Accounting Theory (Spring, Even Years)
This course identifies and discusses the elements that frame accounting theory and relates these elements to significant problem areas of accounting. Current literature and pronouncements are examined with respect to these elements. Prerequisite: MBA501 (3 credits)

MBA552 Accounting Information Systems (Fall, Odd Years)
This course investigates and analyzes the role of accounting information systems (AIS) within companies’ operating environments. Emphasis is placed upon internal controls, current technology (including databases), application of AIS, and AIS auditing techniques. Prerequisites: MBA501 and MBA527 (3 credits)

MBA562 Financial Statement Analysis (Summers)     
In intensive study of financial statement analysis, with emphasis on description and explanation of the demand and supply forces underlying the provision of financial statement data, properties of the numbers derived from financial statements, key aspects of decisions that use financial statement information, and features of the environment in which these decisions are made. Prerequisites: MBA501 and MBA527 (3 credits)

 

FINANCE CONCENTRATION:

MBA562 Financial Statement Analysis (Summers)     
An intensive study of financial statement analysis, with emphasis on description and explanation of the demand and supply forces underlying the provision of financial statement data, properties of the numbers derived from financial statements, key aspects of decisions that use financial statement information, and features of the environment in which these decisions are made. Prerequisites: MBA501 and MBA527 (3 credits)

MBA582 Investments (Each Spring)      
This course examines securities markets, the different classes of securities, and the importance of portfolio management. Various assets are discussed, including bonds, options, futures contracts, and foreign currencies, but the course emphasis is on common stocks and the stock market. A major goal of the course is to show students methods for obtaining optimal portfolio allocation. Prerequisite: MBA 572 (3 credits)

MBA592 Financial Planning (Each Fall)     
This course is a study of the five areas of financial planning. Students will examine the fundamentals of investments planning, insurance planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and income tax planning. Important topics include mutual fund and real estate investments; home, life, and auto insurance contracts; pension plans; wills and trusts; and retirement management. Each topic includes an emphasis on risk management. A major goal of the course is for students to develop their own personal financial plan. Prerequisite: MBA572 (3 credits)

 

MANAGEMENT CONCENTRATION:

MBA554 Human Resource Management - See description under Human Resource Concentration.

MBA556 Leadership Theory and Practice (Each Fall)      
This course is designed to review and analyze the major traditional and nontraditional theories that have developed in the field of management. This course will also examine current challenges and problems that managers face and how theories can be applied in improving effectiveness, efficiency, and general performance. Topics such as leadership, change, downsizing, re-engineering, diversity, technology and innovation, and teamwork will be discussed. Case analysis, experiential exercises, and readings will supplement the course work. Prerequisite: MBA503 (3 credits)

MBA566 International Business (Each Spring)     
In overview of how the global business environment impacts decision making and planning within the multi-national firm. Topics include: economic reasons for global trade, environmental factors that impact decision making (economic, cultural, political, legal), foreign market penetration strategies, and international considerations in a variety of business areas (finance, organizational design, staffing, marketing, strategic planning). Prerequisites: MBA502 and MBA503 (3 credits)

MBA586 Continuous Improvement and Lean Systems Development (Each Spring)     
 A successful Lean effort has a significant impact on an organization's performance. This course discusses how lean methodologies can improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.  The focus of the course is on the application of lean tools in service and manufacturing settings. Students will manage a continuous improvement project as part of the course requirement. Topics include: 5S, point of use storage (POUS), standardized work, single minute exchange of die (SMED), Kaizen, value stream mapping, level loading, and Kaban. The class may include plant tours. Prerequisite: MBA505 (3 credits)

MBA 591 Six Sigma and Quality Management (Each Summer)      
The course is an introduction to Six Sigma and Quality Management. The emphasis of the course is on the application of Six Sigma. In particular, students will complete a Six Sigma project as part of the course requirement. The course requirements include those of a standard Six Sigma Black Belt program. Topics covered in the course include: history of quality management, problem solving techniques, voice of the customer, design for six sigma, statistical techniques, and project management. The class may include plant tours. Prerequisite: MBA 523. (3 credits)

 

MARKETING CONCENTRATION:

MBA558 Buyer Behavior (Fall, Odd Years)      
The student taking this course will examine customer behavior from the standpoint of the marketing manager. The course covers consumer learning, consumer perception, and consumer motivation and how they shape and influence the marketing process. This course gives special attention to models of buyer behavior and their use in the making of strategic and tactical marketing decisions. Prerequisite: MBA503 (3 credits)

MBA568 Promotional Strategy Management (Fall, Even Years)      
The student taking this course will examine promotional strategy from the standpoint of the marketing manager. The course covers the absolute and synergistic impacts of combinations of advertising, publicity, personal selling, and sales promotion. Special attention is given to the concerns of budgeting, planning, targeting, implementing, and evaluating promotional strategies under conditions of uncertainty. Prerequisite: MBA503 (3 credits)

MBA578 Marketing Information and Research (Spring, Odd Years)      
The student taking this course will examine marketing research from the standpoint of the marketing manager. The course covers techniques for soliciting, compiling, evaluating, and interpreting the information necessary to make marketing decisions. This course gives special attention to problems in data collection, questionnaire construction, and experimental design. Prerequisite: MBA503 (3 credits)

MBA598/MBA599 Directed Study      
Research in fields of special interest of supervised study covering areas not specifically included in the curriculum. Completed under the direction of a faculty member with prior consent of the MBA Committee.