A more detailed examination of microeconomic theory, focusing on the behavior of individuals, firms and the interaction of these agents in the marketplace. Course will focus on the organization of markets, theory of competition, market failure and the effects of government intervention in the market.
Theoretical models to explain the recurrent fluctuations in economic activity and mechanisms through fiscal and monetary policy affecting the economy. Course examines aggregate economic measures of output, inflation, and unemployment; how the economy works in the long-run and short-run, and the likely effect of fiscal and monetary policies; fixed and flexible exchange rate regimes; and growth models.
An examination of the legal environment of business through text materials and case study. Particular emphasis is given to the role of law in society, the law of contracts, sales law, the law of negotiable instruments and business organization.
Students are introduced to the social scientific approaches used to understand how demographic, institutional, cultural, economic and ecological factors influence, and are influenced by, societal development. Comparative case studies enable students to understand the structure and dynamics (e.g., population change) of human populations as they relate socioeconomic development. This course can also count towards the environmental and sustainability studies program.
Development and use of information, database management and decision support systems for business applications. Emphasis will be placed upon functional use of business information.
Students will collect, summarize, and analyze statistical data and will learn how to disseminate the results in an ethical manner using basic probability theory, single and multiple variable hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis. Students will learn to interpret the results in a global managerial context.
This course provides a foundation in the principles of management theory and practice. Topics explored include the classic management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The course integrates the four major themes of the Offutt School of Business into appropriate modules throughout the course. These include managerial ethics and social responsibility, the dynamic global business environment, leadership development and entrepreneurial perspective.
This course examines the role of human resource management as a strategic partner in for-profit, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Key functions such as planning, staffing, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, labor relations and legal compliance will be examined, with an emphasis on best practices. The implications of legal, ethical, and global contexts and current workforce issues are analyzed.
Students will be exposed to essential marketing concepts and will develop basic proficiency in marketing research, marketing planning and relationship selling. Included will be global and ethical discussions embedded in the core instruction. Students will also have the opportunity to strengthen their entrepreneurship and leadership skills through hands-on projects.
This course will introduce students to the concept of relationship selling and aims to develop a variety of skills such as active listening, precision questioning, problem solving, persuasion, effective personal branding, networking and relationship building. Emphasis will be placed on applied learning inside and outside the classroom.
The purpose of this course is to help students gain an understanding of retailing. More specifically it will focus on exploring current issues faced by retailers in a highly competitive environment. By focusing on both merchandise buying and general store management, this course is designed to appeal to students with a variety of interests and backgrounds.
The purpose of this course is to walk students through the processes of product innovation and brand management. Using creativity, empathy and problem solving skills, students will conduct hands-on projects and develop their own product prototype and brand. We will examine the new product development process from idea generation to development of the brand identity, product launch, messaging, and managing a product line.
Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
This course is designed to familiarize students with the role of culture in managing organizations in a global economy. Communication, decision-making, motivation, leadership, and human resource management are particularly subject to cultural influence. The environmental influences of geo-political entities, socio-cultural values and attitudes, and technology on global business will also be considered.
Organizational Behavior is an interdisciplinary field of study that investigates human behavior at the individual, group, and institutional levels and applies that knowledge to help people be more productive and satisfied in organizations. Topic areas include values and attitudes, motivation, perception, personality, stress and change, decision making, leadership and influence. Students will receive extensive exposure to the theories and research methodologies of Organizational Behavior as well as application of those theories. Open only to those with a Management concentration or consent of instructor if space available.
This course examines money (historical and contemporary), the market for loanable funds, banking, other financial markets and institutions, the central bank, monetary theory and policy. This course focuses on the question of interest rate determination, whether by markets or by administration. The course examines the concepts of market failure and government failure as applied to banking and other financial institutions.
Students will develop a basic understanding of global marketing processes. Through extensive exposure to cross-cultural issues, intercultural business practices, direct interaction with global marketing professionals and hands-on projects, students will be challenged to expand their horizon and understand another facet of marketing. Emphasis will be placed on international marketing research, market entry analysis, cross-cultural consumer behavior and practical training on export management.
The purpose of this course is to help students understand why, where, how and when consumers are buying or not. Students will be learning about internal, external and situational influences to consumption by reviewing and applying theories from the psychology and sociology literature. Practical marketing applications of these concepts will be encouraged through hands-on assignments throughout the semester. Recommended: PSYC 111 - Introductory Psychology, SOC 111 - Human Society.
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the nature and practice of leadership. Among the topics explored are historical, philosophical and theoretical foundations; ethics and values; power and influence; conflict management; and effective leadership in formal organizations. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.
The purpose of this course is to provide applied marketing research knowledge. This course introduces students to a variety of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative research. Students will have ample opportunities to apply their research skills and expand their analytical abilities through hands-on projects throughout the semester.
This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth study of a particular topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct research in a specific area of study, completed under the direction of a faculty mentor. Specific expectations of the research experience to be determined by the faculty. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
This course is designed to integrate the concepts of strategic design, formulation and administration within the business organization and serves as the capstone experience for the business major. Topics include the firm's mission and objectives, enterprise development, industry dynamics, sustained competitive advantage, organizational strengths and policy implementation.