Business Administration Degree

This course covers advanced financial accounting topics relevant to professional exams as well as practice. Such topics include: Business combinations and consolidated financial reporting; foreign currency transactions; hedging and related derivatives; partnerships and LLCs; and SEC reporting. Authoritative accounting research is also incorporated. Prerequisite: AC 312

Accounting Theory is a course in basic accounting theory or the “whys” of the current reporting standards. The course reviews the historical development of accounting theory and explores its impact on current accounting practices. Current reporting standards are reviewed regarding the theoretical rational for such and the tie-in to the conceptual framework. Other areas of discussion will include the policy making process, contemporary accounting issues, and some comparisons of U.S. reporting standards to international accounting requirements. Prerequisite: AC 312

This course is a continuation of cost accounting and is designed for those interested in gaining a more thorough knowledge of advanced managerial and cost accounting concepts and practices. Topics include current managerial and cost accounting issues such as the balanced scorecard, responsibility accounting, inventory and production management, strategic cost management, capital budgeting, and quality and performance measurement. Prerequisite: AC 321 Cost Accounting or MBA 641

This class covers the creation, formation, and liquidation of C corporations as well as tax practices and ethics as they relate to C corporations. Also covered will be taxation across state lines, business tax credits, and international tax. Prerequisite: AC 331 or AC 631

This course addresses auditing standards and techniques as prescribed by the PCAOB and ASB. Emphasis is placed on internal control, developing audit evidence, evaluating audit risks, and preparing audit reports. Also covered are professional standards, ethics, and legal liability; internal, operational, and compliance auditing; and other assurance services such as reviews, compilations, and agreed-upon procedures. 12 credit hours of accounting including AC 312

This course integrates basic auditing with an advanced application of related concepts and standards. Topics of exploration may include: Audit sampling, ethical dilemmas, professional discipline, fraud detection, special purpose frameworks, and particular assurance engagements, among others. Prerequisite: AC 442

This course examines current concepts in accounting information systems emphasizing the security/control of systems as well as digital forensic information and investigation. Focus is placed on security and control issues from an accounting and auditing perspective along with the related technology issues and the impact on business cycles. The processing of accounting data and the controls necessary to assure accuracy and reliability of data by a responsive accounting system are also emphasized. Technology issues used by auditors and forensic accountants and highlighted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (i.e. data mining) are an integral part of this course. Prerequisite: AC312

This course covers governmental accounting and the various funds associated with non-profit enterprises including a study of accounting techniques as applied to federal and state governmental units, public school systems, colleges and universities, hospitals, voluntary and welfare organizations, and other non-profit organizations. Students will be expected to prepare basic financial statements for a sample government using a dual-track computerized accounting software package. Prerequisite: AC 312

This course provides an opportunity for students to expand their learning by gaining experience in the workplace. The learning objectives and specific program of study must be developed in consultation with, and should be approved and sponsored by a full-time College of Business Accounting faculty member and the work supervisor of the intern prior to the start of the internship.

This course focuses on the pre-award business and contracting knowledge necessary to process complex procurement with an emphasis on the following topics: business relationship, strategic sourcing, risk management, contract financing, subcontracting plans, source selection, and contractor responsibility. Students can apply the knowledge learned to practical exercises involving acquisition planning, source selection, and award of technical support service contracts. Additional topics include service case communication, teaming and leadership, customer analysis, spend analysis, multiple award IDIQ, and formal source selection. Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624

This course focuses on the legal considerations in the procurement process with an emphasis on contract law, fiscal law, protests, assignment of claims, subcontracting, dispute and claims, fraud, debt, and terminations. Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624

This course focuses on cost analysis and negotiation techniques and topics including cost analysis, quantitative techniques, indirect cost, accounting and est. systems audits, FCCM, profit analysis, and negotiations of acquisition planning, cost analysis, negotiation, and contract administration. Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624

This course is designed to provide a foundation of SAS analytics programming concepts and environments. It provides the tools necessary to write SAS programs to perform data management, analysis, and reporting. Topics include creating and documenting data sets, managing and reshaping data, writing reports, computing statistics on data set variables, and performing effective SAS programming. Hands-on exercises designed to facilitate understanding of all the topics are included. The course also provides the basis for more advanced work in data analytics and advanced programming techniques for data management. This course aligns with the SAS Base Programming certification concepts offered through the SAS Institute, Inc. Prerequisite: None

This course offers an in-depth exploration of all the major topics in the field of data and information management from an applied perspective with an emphasis on data warehouses. The course is designed to provide not only a strong theoretical foundation, but also the technical skills required in analyzing, designing, implementing, managing, and utilizing information repositories. Topics covered include relational database model, data modeling, logical and physical database design, structured query language (SQL) implementation, procedures and triggers, data integration and quality, data warehouses and other relevant techniques for addressing big data issues in organizations today. The strategic roles that data and information play in business operations, customer relationship management, business decision-making, and strategy development are also discussed.

This course provides an analytical toolset to address modern, data-intensive business problems. To be effective in a competitive business environment, a business analytics professional needs to be able to use analytical tools to translate information into decisions and to convert information about past performance into reliable forecasts. Using a case-based approach, the course provides an overview of the key concepts, applications, processes and techniques relevant to business analytics. The course makes use of the leading software products to illustrate the use of business analytics methodologies to enhance business decision-making. Prerequisite: None

As business organizations collect more and more data as a byproduct of their operations, decision-makers are beginning to proactively and systematically analyze these data to improve decision quality. This course focuses on topics relevant to data mining, which is the process that uses a variety of data analysis tools to discover patterns and relationships in data that may be used to make proactive, knowledge-driven decisions. The course provides an in-depth discussion on various techniques of data mining including predictive modeling, pattern recognition, prescriptive analytics, and text mining. Both the theoretical and practical aspects of data mining are discussed in this course. Prerequisite: BAN 600.

This course is designed as an overview of the investigative methods and tools associated with computer forensics. Topics include: processing crime and incident scenes, digital evidence controls, recovery of information, network forensics, data acquisition, and legal and ethical issues associated with investigations.

This course addresses the issues relating to successful information security management. Topics include access control systems, network and software security, management practices, risk management, protection mechanisms, business continuity planning, and legal and ethical issues. The course allows for analysis of current security management models.

This course is designed as an overview of the fundamental processes associated with waging war in an electronic age. Topics include strategic planning and tactical analysis for target identification, reconnaissance, and tool selection. The intent of this course is to focus on individual, corporate and national forms of warfare.

This course focuses on the architecture and security associated with cloud computing. Emphasis in placed on key drivers which lead to cloud computing adoption and issues associated with cloud computing governance. Additional topics will include infrastructure security, identity and access management, cloud services, data security and storage, and auditing and compliance. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental components of security architecture. Topics include computer organization; hardware, software and firmware components; open and distributed systems; and protection mechanisms. Discussion also includes certification and accreditation; formal security models; and evaluation criteria. Assigned projects include designing a model secure system.

This course provides a technical study of offensive and defensive techniques for protecting cyber assets. Topics include security testing, risk mitigation techniques, and threat response. Discussion also includes penetration testing theory, techniques, and tools; networks, systems, and application vulnerability scanning; risk analysis and response; and intrusion detection and response. Emphasis is placed on identification of system vulnerabilities and threats and techniques for preventing attacks.

This course will deal with the sources of capital for early stage companies and the implications of the decisions a company makes to fund its operations. It also explores issues in the valuation of ventures and how the achievement of milestones can impact that valuation. Venture capital and angel investors are also covered. Lastly, the course will explore accounting and finance techniques to monitor the success of the enterprise. It will provide the skills and techniques to manage the business by the numbers exploring methods successful entrepreneurs use to understand their costs and cost drivers, break- even point and integrating these into an activity-based forecast for their business. Prerequisite for the MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630

This course covers promoting and marketing an entrepreneurial idea from its inception to the marketplace. The course is designed for exploring the unique marketing strategies required to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. It will also focus on issues surrounding companies with high growth potential, an interest in sustainability and the creativity needed to develop innovative marketing for these environments. Prerequisites for the MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630.

This course is centered on the single-person or family business and the issues associated with business transition planning. The course covers development and implementation of strategy for small businesses, and succession planning for the entrepreneur. It also covers valuation issues and timetables for moving profitably out of a business. Prerequisites for the MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630.

This course is designed for anyone who is charged with managing the day-to-day operation of a small to medium firm. It covers planning, budgeting, payroll issues, business taxation issues and use of tools and techniques to ensure that small business owners can comply with established laws keep accurate records and produce helpful reports for managerial decision-making. Prerequisites for MSM program only: MSM 500, 510, 520, 610, 620, and 630)

This course includes fundamental principles and practices of risk management and insurance with an applied focus on risk management processes as well as institutional and contractual details of the insurance industry. Topics include risk identification; risk characterization; pricing of risk reduction techniques; risk retention; regulatory, legal and tax implications; insurance; and other hedging strategies. Additionally, personal, business, and public policy perspectives concerning life, health, property, and liability risk management and insurance are addressed. Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624 or MSF 624

Investment principles and practices are studied in the context of individuals and or organizations. The course will integrate economic relationships and practices for an understanding of the current investment environment. Additionally, the course will survey the institutions and securities that make up the investment environment to provide students a history of how Wall Street operates. Students should learn to understand and experience how individuals trade financial instruments, including stocks, options, bonds, futures, and other derivative securities. Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624

This course will focus on international financial tools, applications, and concepts. Topics covered include fundamental international financial relationships and their application to firms and individuals, international transactions, tax issues, and multinational corporations. It will cover many essential elements of transacting in an international market place. It also will address the fundamental risks inherent in international business and the use of financial securities to hedge these risks. Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624 or MSF 624

Cash Management, also known as treasury management, short-term financial management, or working capital management, addresses fundamental principles and practices concerning cash management for businesses operating in today’s financial markets. This course challenges students to understand and assess fundamental principles, practices, and applications relevant to efficient and effective cash management and to understand why cash management is a critical success factor for businesses of any type. Topics addressed include: the role of cash management, credit, accounts receivable, collection management, accounts payable, disbursement management, electronic commerce, information / technology needs, forecasting, short term investments / borrowing, international concerns, relationship management, and other contemporary issues. (Dual listed as BA 618 / MSF 618) Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624; or MSF 624

This course has two main objectives. First, students study about people's attitudes, values, and biases to analyze sources of money conflict. Students also learn about sources of effective communication processes to provide financial counseling and manage economic crisis events. Second, this course provides an introduction of the operations of financial markets, as well as the evolving regulatory framework within which these markets operate. Prerequisite: MSF 520

This course presents fundamental micro and macroeconomic concepts relevant to managers and other policymakers in business and government. Students are challenged to recognize, apply, and assess these concepts to decision making in business management and public policy. Students address the applicability of economic concepts to themselves, businesses, and society. Concepts and implications fundamental to the market supply and demand economic framework are addressed with an emphasis on their application to the firm and individual. Additionally macro-economic concepts, including an overall aggregate model of the economy are addressed. Students are encouraged to take a holistic view of how economic concepts impact the firm. Dual listed as MBA 611/MSF 611 Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

Investment principles and practices are studied in the context of individuals and or organizations. The course will integrate economic relationships and practices for an understanding of the current investment environment. Additionally, the course will survey the institutions and securities that make up the investment environment to provide students a history of how Wall Street operates. Students should learn to understand and experience how individuals trade financial instruments, including stocks, options, bonds, futures, and other derivative securities. Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624

This course examines the multitude of laws, legal entities and compliance issues associated with administration within healthcare organizations. The complexity of ethical issues, both administrative and biomedical, is discussed in various applied medical settings. Prerequisite: Cohort courses must be taken in order.

This course provides students with a foundational view of healthcare delivery systems in the United States. Students discuss the formal structure of healthcare organizations and how costs, access and quality impact the delivery of care. Emphasis is placed on healthcare as a system of care delivery. Prerequisite: Cohort courses must be taken in order.

An introduction to healthcare finance, including management control processes, financial statement analysis, ratio analysis, variance analysis, and capital structure is the focus of this course. A foundational background of the economics of today's healthcare environment is examined.

This course describes the various functional areas within the Human Resources field as well as applicable employment laws. Functional areas addressed include: Talent Management (i.e. Recruitment/Selection and Training/Development), Organizational Behavior, Employee/Labor Relations, Health and Safety and Total Rewards (i.e. Compensation and Benefit Administration). Areas of employment law covered will include: Equal Employment Opportunity, Employment/Labor Relations, Health and Safety and Compensation/Benefits related laws. Human Resource metrics and evaluation will also be introduced in this course. *It is recommended that this course is taken prior to other HR related courses.

This course examines the roles of compensation and benefit management theory and practice within the field of Human Resources. This includes detailed examination of the different components of Total Rewards, including: job evaluation, internal/external equity, base/incentive pay, voluntary/mandated benefits, trends and applicable employment laws. Evaluating the effectiveness of these functions by utilizing applicable Human Resource metrics will also be addressed in this course. *It is recommended that students complete BA 603 prior to taking this course.

This course is designed for students who desire to understand and master the intricacies associated with the recruitment and selection of human resources and practices including: employment branding, legal and regulatory factors affecting selection practices, recruitment strategy, evaluation and practices to ensure equal employment opportunity. Other topics addressed in this course include: training design/delivery/strategy, performance management, employee engagement, and career management. Evaluating the effectiveness of these functions by utilizing applicable Human Resource metrics will also be addressed in this course. *It is recommended that students complete BA 603 prior to taking this course.

This course addresses the issues relating to successful information security management. Topics include access control systems, network and software security, management practices, risk management, protection mechanisms, business continuity planning, and legal and ethical issues. The course allows for analysis of current security management models.

This course presents an examination of effective security methodologies based on comprehensive assessment of threats and implementation of a layered system of physical and electronic protection. Threat identification, countermeasures, and prevention are explored.

This course provides an exploration of the human aspects of Cybersecurity. Topics include human behavior and interaction, motivation and influence, and social engineering. Emphasis on the human element of cyber incidents in relation to protecting information and technology assets.

This course provides an exploration of how organizations manage risks to information technology assets. Discussion includes the application of methodologies and models for managing such risks. Topics also include recognition of security threats and vulnerabilities and the analysis of associated risks. A systematic approach for acquiring and analyzing information to support decision-making in the protection of assets and the allocation of security resources is presented.

This course explores the concepts of governance and how it applies to information systems. Discussion includes the importance of compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures as a means of minimizing risk through mandated security and control measures. Through this course, students also gain an understanding of Information Technology (IT) Auditing processes and principles.

This course provides the student with an opportunity to identify the processes associated with business continuity planning and disaster recovery. Business continuity topics such as project scope and planning, assessing risk, developing policy and procedures, conducting business impact analyses, recovery strategies, recovery plan development, and implementation are explored. Disaster recovery will be discussed in terms of recovery plan development, implementation, and restoration.

This course will focus on international financial tools, applications, and concepts. Topics covered include fundamental international financial relationships and their application to firms and individuals, international transactions, tax issues, and multinational corporations. It will cover many essential elements of transacting in an international market place. It also will address the fundamental risks inherent in international business and the use of financial securities to hedge these risks. Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624 or MSF 624

This course is to introduce International Consumer Behavior, with emphasis on developing a customer focus and competitive advantage by using consumer behavior analysis. The goal is to understand what effects stemming from internal and external influences affect the consumer decision-making process in the global economy. Identifying customer behaviors leads to designing products/services to meet their needs and wants consistent with the different consumer characteristics found throughout the global marketplace. Prerequisite: MBA 500 Prerequisites for MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630.

This course is an examination of the basic categories of regulations and laws to develop the framework within which organizations operate in the global economy. The international framework will be contrasted with the one constraining domestic operations. Knowledge and skills in making ethical, strategic decisions within this framework will be developed through readings, assignments, and projects. Ethical and moral analysis will examine issues in human rights, environmental considerations, investment, and social responsibility considerations. Prerequisite MBA 500

This course examines the nature, characteristics, and culture of the online environment to understand, develop, and implement marketing strategies and tactics for conducting effective online commerce. Emphasis is on the hardware/software tools necessary for Internet-based commerce, market segmentation identification, product development, pricing, direct marketing, global marketing, and the methodology to execute marketing strategy in a computer mediated environment. Prerequisite: MBA 500 Prerequisites for MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630.

This course is to introduce International Consumer Behavior, with emphasis on developing a customer focus and competitive advantage by using consumer behavior analysis. The goal is to understand what effects stemming from internal and external influences affect the consumer decision-making process in the global economy. Identifying customer behaviors leads to designing products/services to meet their needs and wants consistent with the different consumer characteristics found throughout the global marketplace. Prerequisite: MBA 500 Prerequisites for MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630.

This course examines development, structure, and implementation of an effective and profitable sales force across substantially different environmental conditions. Strategies involving various markets, sales person characteristics, sales program design, and quantitative measurements are emphasized. Prerequisite: MBA 500 Prerequisites for MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630.

In a rapidly changing and connected marketplace, effective brand management has become a pivotal component of a thriving organization. This course provides an essential framework for building new brands, revitalizing existing brands and managing brand experiences in a challenging and complex consumer environment. Incorporating foundational marketing principles with real-world practical experience, this course covers central branding concepts and theories as well as strategies and techniques that appeal to consumers. This course will focus on branding as a cornerstone element of marketing strategy. Students will get a blend of hands-on experience and practical work, managing both established and emerging brands in a contemporary marketplace. Prerequisite: MBA 500 Prerequisites for MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630.

MBA 664 examines the marketing research process of gathering, analyzing and using information that contributes to effective marketing decisions. Course emphasis includes exploratory, descriptive and causal research, data collection methods, and reporting/presenting marketing research reports. Prerequisite: MBA500 Prerequisites for MSM program only: MSM 500, MSM 510, MSM 520, MSM 610, MSM 620, and MSM 630.

This course is an overview of foundations for professional success in business and professional communication. Emphasis is placed on applying communication and management theories to practices in contemporary organizations, implementing optimal interpersonal communication strategies, and deploying advantageous group communication strategies. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

In this course, students develop the knowledge and communication skills necessary to thrive in an intercultural world. The course addresses the importance of intercultural communication; the relationships among culture, communication, and identity; and common cultural patterns. Emphasis is placed on the roles of language and nonverbal communication and the development of intercultural communication skills. Students will research and discuss best practices for professional behavioral expectations and for confronting problems and misconceptions whether conducting business locally or globally. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

This course examines organizational communication and leadership from distinct perspectives, including symbolic, political, structural, and human resources. The course also focuses on designing, implementing, and assessing interventions for improving leadership communication in organizations. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

This course is a study of the causes and resolution of conflict. Emphasis is placed on the theory and practice of negotiation as a primary means of resolving conflict. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

This course addresses the complex and unique issues related to effectively managing projects in an Information Technology context. Focus is placed on processes, teams, technology, and global project management. The course is grounded on the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) principles. Students will prepare project management deliverables based on actual problems provided within various business sectors and industries. The course provides students with an understanding of the problems inherent in managing integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholders.

This course is designed to teach the importance of risk management in projects and provide information about the tools needed to effectively assess and monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle. Emphasis is placed on managing risks associated with project changes and risks associated with information technology projects. Topics covered include recurring issues that lead to failure in IT projects, methods for addressing recurring issues, and assessing risk impact. Prerequisite: CIS 433 or CIS 633 or acceptance into the Master of Project Management (MPM) degree program.

This course explores communication and leadership techniques in order to equip project managers with the skills they need to deal effectively with issues relating to resources, stakeholders, global teams, and changing technology. Topics covered will include learning how to manage conflict, creating a positive team environment, running effective meetings, and managing successful projects. Prerequisite: CIS 433 or CIS 633 or acceptance into the Master of Project Management (MPM) degree program.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of relevant topics in the area of global project management. Topics include characteristics of global and virtual workplaces, challenges and issues in global project management, methods and tools for effective global project management, and managing virtual teams. Students will engage in a virtual group project in order to experience key aspects of project management in a way that simulates real project management in a global organization. Prerequisite: CIS 433 or CIS 633 or acceptance into the Masters in Project Management Program (MPM)

This course is designed to explain the process of gathering requirements with emphasis on the successful management of requirements and its relationship to project success. Topics covered include requirements gathering techniques, identifying success criteria, and common reasons for project failure. Prerequisite: CIS 433 or CIS 633 or acceptance into the Master of Project Management (MPM) degree program.

This course examines classical and contemporary issues in managing supply chains in domestic and global environments. The capabilities that a supply chain must have to support a firm’s business strategy are studied. Students learn to analyze and assess the strategic role of the supply chain and the fundamental issues in managing them. Methodologies for designing and planning a supply chain are introduced and methods to apply them in supply chain activities are learned. Prerequisite: MBA 500 or MSCM 500; MAQC Prerequisite: MBA 500

With the business environment constantly changing, new strategies and topics in supply chain management emerge continuously. This course is devoted to bring such topics to the foreground. It examines the emerging issues by evaluating their immediate and long-term impact on traditional supply chain management theories as well as other business disciplines and practices. Contemporary readings and guest speakers supplement traditional academic literature and textbooks as the topics are fluid and very dynamic. Prerequisite: MBA 670

This course examines the importance of various technology-driven practices which affect the performance of supply chains, such as timely information sharing, reducing lead times, and reducing inventory levels, are examined. Software and products used in managing supply chains, such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), are introduced. The advantages and disadvantages of each are analyzed, and students learn how they benefit the enterprise and how to propose choices for various industries. Prerequisite: MBA 670

The course provides students with a thorough overview of the Logistics Management concepts and their interface with other functional areas. Students will learn about activities involved in moving and storing materials and information through the supply chain. Course activities include developing and integrating models of procurement, transportation, warehousing, materials handling and information storage. Problem solving projects and assignments require basic knowledge of Excel and Access. Prerequisite: MBA 624 and MBA 670, MAQC Prerequisite: MBA 520 and MBA 624

This course covers advanced topics for the individual taxpayer including: Working under the tax code and related ethical frameworks; various deductions and losses; property transaction gains and losses; investor losses; depreciation, amortization, and depletion; the qualified business income (QBI) deduction; and accounting periods and methods. Tax research and planning are also incorporated. Prerequisite: AC 331 or AC 631

This class covers the creation, formation, and liquidation of C corporations as well as tax practices and ethics as they relate to C corporations. Also covered will be taxation across state lines, business tax credits, and international tax. Prerequisite: AC 331 or AC 631

This course will cover tax issues for flow-through entities such as Subchapter S corporations, partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, trusts and estates. Also addressed will be estate and gift taxes, tax planning issues, tax practice and ethics. Sources and applications of federal tax law are also covered. The course also emphasizes tax research processes including appropriate communication. Prereq: AC 331 or AC 631

This course covers tax issues relating to investments, charitable giving, estate planning, business succession planning, ethics, and cross-border tax considerations. Sources and application of federal tax law are also covered. The course emphasizes tax research processes including appropriate communication. Prereq: AC 331 or AC 631