Evening MBA Elective Options

Evening MBA Elective Course Summaries

Note: This is a sample list of offerings and is subject to change. A confirmed list will be given to current students prior to term registrations.

All Evening courses have pre-quarter work to be completed the week prior to the first class.

ACC 586 – Shareholder Value Creation and Financial Statements Analysis
Pre-Requisite: ACC 502

The course focuses on financial statement analysis topics in the evaluation of the firm and the prediction of its future condition. The course is designed to provide:

• the skills to analyze financial statements,
• exposure to public sources of financial information used in the capital markets,
• an appreciation for the usefulness and limitations of financial statement analysis,

With these objectives, we investigate the following topics:

• fundamental analysis
• knowledge of complex accounting rules
• forecasting
• valuation of the firm

Concentration: Finance

CIS 508- Machine Learning in Business
Prerequisites: CIS 591

This course is an introduction to data mining and predictive modeling in the context of creating value for business. We will study fundamental principles and techniques of data mining by examining real-world examples. The student will complete this course with a broad set of practical data mining and predictive modeling skills based on “hands-on” experiences with a programming language, Python.

Concentration: Artificial Intelligence

CIS 541- Business Data Visualization
Prerequisites: None

The design of insightful business data visualizations and dashboards to improve business decision making. Key focus on data visualization design principles incorporating graphical integrity. Applies advanced data visualization techniques to make sense of large data sets such as temporal, geospatial, topical and business data while also making it easier to digest, present and utilize for business needs and users.

Concentration: Business Data Analytics

CIS 565- Artificial Intelligence in Business
Prerequisites: None

Explores modern artificial intelligence (AI) technology, applications, techniques and their implications for business. People, process and technology factors related to the innovation and adoption of AI in the commercial enterprise and how it shapes the competition and society in the future. Also covers implications for information systems professionals as it pertains to managing the AI infrastructure (robots, algorithms, platforms).

Concentration: Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, Leadership

ECN 503 - Global Business Environment
Prerequisite: ECN 502

In this course, students will explore issues related to economic growth, inflation, interest rates behavior, unemployment, exchange rate determination and global competitiveness through macroeconomic analysis. Students will evaluate a particular country's economy to analyze the business issues and current economic challenges.

Concentration: Entrepreneurship and International Business

FIN 525 – Investment Strategies
Pre-Requisite: FIN 502

Presents the fundamental principles of risk and return, portfolio diversification, asset allocation, efficient markets, active portfolio management, portfolio evaluation. Reviews selected alternative investment strategies such as hedge fund investments.

Concentration: Finance

FIN 540 – Advanced Financial Management
Prerequisites: FIN 502

This course is designed to further your expertise in areas where problems arise in the strategic aspects of financial problems in higher-level Finance professional positions. We begin with a thorough understanding of capital structure decisions on firm valuation. We then further that understanding by studying different valuation methods that are well grounded in financial theory. We continue our use of valuation tools by studying different applications of valuation. Next, we undertake another line of financial reasoning by studying derivative securities with a special emphasis on option valuation and complete the course with some work on real option applications in corporate finance.

Corporate Finance is a rigorous topic and as such you should be prepared to utilize the financial, quantitative and economical tools that you have learned in your previous coursework in the program.

Concentration: Finance

FIN 550 - Fixed Incomes
Pre-Requisite: FIN 502

Intermediate- to advanced-level course in fixed income instruments and associated relative valuation of the securities.

Concentration: Finance

FIN 560 – International Finance & Investments
Pre-Requisite: FIN 502

The objective of this course will be to determine how multinational companies deal with the array of risks that they face and a wide variety of financial instruments available to help manage these risks. It will include the examination of valuation methodologies needed to determine the value of any foreign investment project and the international market for debt and equity. Topics covered may include international parity conditions, corporate governance, foreign exchange exposure and related hedging strategies, global cost of capital and the complexities of budgeting for foreign projects.

Concentration: Finance and International Business

MGT 513 - Mindful Leadership
Pre-Requisite: None

Possessing leadership qualities and displaying leadership behavior are key requirements for anyone who wants to progress in their careers. It is essential for aspiring managers to learn about the nature of effective leadership and to develop leadership competencies. This course is designed with this goal in mind. The overall objective of this course is to enhance current leadership skills and to create a plan for developing these skills in the future. The specific learning goals for this course include the following: (1) to gain an understanding of traditional and emerging leadership theories and practices; (2) to improve the leadership skills of giving feedback, setting goals, and providing recognition; (3) to explain the role of vision in leadership and to create a personal vision statement; (4) to raise awareness about the methods and approaches used by organizations to develop leadership competencies; (5) to gain insights regarding effective and ineffective leadership through case analyses; and (6) to increase self-awareness about your leadership competencies by preparing a leadership development plan.

Concentration: Leadership

MGT 530 – Negotiations
Pre-Requisite: None

This course is designed to improve students’ understanding of and skills in the art of negotiation. For most managers, negotiation is a significant aspect of their day-to-day jobs, not to mention a major element of everyday life. This course is designed to give students experience in bargaining and negotiation, as well as provide a foundation in the essential knowledge bases crucial to being an effective negotiator. The emphasis of the course is on experiential learning – students will spend most of their time participating in exercises and negotiation simulations, as well as discussing negotiation-based cases involving issues that often arise in the workplace. The goal is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of what it takes to be an effective negotiator, as well as several experiences to draw upon in future negotiation situations.

Concentration: Entrepreneurship and Leadership

MGT 540 – Entrepreneurship
Pre-Requisites: ACC 502 and FIN 502

Coursework will focus on identifying, evaluating, valuing, developing, managing and harvesting opportunities from the specific perspective of the entrepreneur. This course will revolve around a series of cases, readings, guest speakers and interactive class discussions. These cases/readings/discussions are designed to build a distinctive competence in understanding and solving problems faced every day, in real life, by a broad spectrum of entrepreneurs at various phases of the venture development. Interwoven through our discussions will be a significant emphasis on understanding the valuation and financing of entrepreneurial ventures. You will be challenged to think critically every step of the way and to hone the skills you have learned in other classes and apply them in an entrepreneurial setting.

Concentration: Entrepreneurship

MGT 545 – Becoming Leaders Who Matter
Pre-Requisite: None

What is your leadership potential? What are your proven strengths as a leader today and what might be competencies you want to work on for the future? How effective are you at managing yourself and others in the workplace? How can you work towards creating a value-driven leadership style? These are some of the questions we try to address in this course. Today’s competitive and complex environment requires leaders who are equipped with not just the functional and technical skills necessary to run a business but, more significantly, the leadership skills that allow the business and the people involved it to thrive.

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for you to re-examine your thinking about leadership and assess your current skills and competencies in this area. We do this in a highly interactive learning environment with case analyses, exercises, discussion around key topics, guided reflection activities, and group work. Some of the topics we cover include: the role of emotions in the workplace; managing emotions for greater self and group effectiveness; understanding your true passions, motivations and values; using your life experiences to extract leadership lessons; and much more.

Concentration: Leadership

MKT 520 – Services Marketing & Management
Prerequisites: MKT 502

Services dominate the US economy and are becoming critical for competitive advantage in companies across the globe and in all industry sectors. For many manufacturers, services represent primary growth and profit strategies in the 21st century. In fact, recent award-winning publications take the view that “all businesses are service businesses.” In addition, many governments around the world (e.g., China, Germany, and Finland) recognize the importance of service(s) as an innovation and competitive platform for their countries.

This course focuses on challenges of managing service brands and delivering quality service to customers across industry sectors. The attraction, retention, and building of strong customer relationships through quality service(s) are at the heart of the course content. The course is equally applicable to organizations whose core product is service (e.g., banks, transportation companies, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, professional services, telecommunication, etc.) and to organizations that depend on services for competitive advantage (e.g., high technology manufacturers, automotive, industrial products, etc.).

Concentrations: Marketing & Leadership

MKT 555 – Business to Business Marketing
Pre-Requisite: MKT 502

In the business market, the customers are organizations (businesses, governments, and institutions) and these customers (large and small) represent a huge market opportunity. While we think of companies like Procter & Gamble, Sony, or Ford as sellers, they are also buyers that annually spend billions of dollars each on products and services sold to them by other businesses. Building and maintaining a close relationship with a customer, like P&G, requires careful attention to details, meeting promises, and swiftly responding to new requirements.

This course provides you with the tools and specialized knowledge for developing and executing marketing strategy in the business-to-business market. You will learn how to:

• Identify the forces that drive buying behavior in organizations
• Measure business market opportunity
• Analyze competitive forces
• Identify profitable segments
• Manage complex customer relationships
• Develop strategy—particularly for turbulent, high-technology markets

Selected cases are analyzed to isolate the unique challenges that confront the marketing strategist in high-technology, manufacturing, and service markets. The course also provides a perfect vehicle for profiling leading business marketing firms such as IBM, Cardinal Health, Cisco Systems, Dell Computer, and others that demonstrate best practices in serving customers in the business market. This course is ideal for students who currently work in the business-to-business environment, or who are simply interested in learning more about in B2B marketing strategies.

Concentration: Marketing and International Business

MKT 550
Pre-Requisite: MKT 502

Develops student proficiency in product management skills to guide products and services through their product lifecycle. In particular, explores effective ways to coordinate customer needs, ensure accurate product development, and how to develop and use the appropriate tools needed to successfully sell products and services to customers from the perspective of the product manager.

Concentration: Marketing

MKT 571
Pre-Requisite: MKT 502

Gives students the applied understanding of the internet marketplace that will allow you to adapt to its many changes, while also equipping them with the practical skills needed to perform vital daily functions. Covers web experiences, SEO, search ads, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and mobile marketing. Learn how digital marketing has revolutionized the interactions between firms and consumers.

Concentration: Marketing

SCM 520 - Strategic Procurement
Prerequisites: SCM 502

The purpose of this course is to learn and apply the principles, philosophies and processes of supply chain management to the purchasing management process on a global basis. The vision of the course is to learn to facilitate the continuous improvement of the purchasing management system in which we work and companies operate. Toward this end, real company case studies will play a vital role in this educational process.

Concentrations: International Business & Supply Chain Management

SCM 587 – Project Management
Pre-Requisite: None

Projects are the instruments of change in organization. The outcomes of projects include new products, and new processes, which lead to renewed organizational competitiveness. Best-in-class competitors can be characterized by careful management of their project portfolio, as well as effective project management planning and control processes and tools. The primary goal of this course is to prepare you to effectively manage projects in organizations. The fundamental philosophy of this course is that project management is a process that can be utilized for change regardless of the industrial context, thus the best project management theories and practices are relatively insensitive to the organizational context. Regardless of the industry that you work in, it is possible to learn from the project management processes and practices in other organizations, and from your classmates.

The scope of course topics will include planning, organizing and controlling of projects in a variety of environments, including research and development, manufacturing, and service organizations, as well as the strategic context for projects. Topics covered will include project selection, planning methods, financial considerations in projects, project scheduling, project resource management and management of project organizations. The course will include coverage of current topics of interest, including e-business project management, concurrent engineering, micro-computer project planning packages, integrated product/process development, critical-chain project planning methods, team selection and team building.

Course sessions will be highly interactive, with frequent opportunities for discussion and cooperative learning. Case studies will be used throughout to examine project management issues in organizations. My teaching philosophy is based on the premise that we each learn in repeating cycles of planning, doing, and then reconsideration. During the “planning” phase, we consider theory, previous best practices in decision-making, develop a plan for action, and develop meaningful performance metrics. During the “doing” phase, we may simulate actual situations, or actually engage in managerial activity. During the “reconsideration” phase, we collect performance metrics from the “doing” phase, consider performance, and document lessons learned for the next cycle. We will engage in all phases of this cycle, during both the project planning exercise, and class and on-line activities. These learning cycles will require a partnership between you as the individual team member, your other team members, and myself as a facilitator, discussion leader and mentor. Your role in this partnership is to read all course materials before team and class meetings, and to support our learning partnership. As such, your partners will require professional behavior on your part at all times, including meeting all of your team commitments, as well contributing professionally to all course sessions.

Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Supply Chain

SCM 515 – Decision Models
Pre-Requisite: SCM 502

This course helps students develop practical analytical and spreadsheet skills while introducing quantitative modeling tools that are widely used to aid management decision making. The course focuses on structuring complex business decision problems to make them tractable by systematically identifying alternatives, objectives, constraints, and uncertainties, and quantifying the relationships among them. The emphasis is on formulating models in a spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) environment and on applying readily available spreadsheet tools to solve these models and gain insights into the business problems. The course is taught largely through the use of examples. These examples come from a wide variety of areas such as logistics, procurement, workforce scheduling, capital budgeting, production and inventory planning, project evaluation/selection, resource allocation, facilities location and expansion, new product introduction, portfolio optimization, and bidding. Featured modeling approaches include optimization, Monte Carlo (risk analysis) simulation, and decision analysis. Practical methods for obtaining probability data in conjunction with risk and decision analysis models are also presented

Concentration: Business Data Analytics, Leadership, Supply Chain

SCM 541 – Logistics in the Supply Chain
Pre-Requisite: SCM 502

This course provides an overview of logistics topics in supply chain management. It introduces theories and practices of modern logistics management within a market-driven supply chain-oriented framework. Logistics issues are also considered from the point of view of the entire supply chain, thereby encompassing marketing, logistics, manufacturing and supply management. The course is designed to develop analytical skills for sound decision-making. It emphasizes practical applications with the method of instruction combining lectures, guest speakers and discussions of current events in the logistics environment. The course covers the various logistics tools such as inventory management, forecasting, warehouse management, outsourcing, third party logistics and service providers, and performance measurement. Issues such as collaboration and sharing of information are also discussed in detail. There are a number of site visits to local companies to provide students with some further insight into how companies run some of their logistics activities. As part of the assessment a case report is required involving the analysis of often complicated decision making undertaken by companies when trying to address many of the issues that are driving change in today’s global supply chains.

Concentration: International Business and Supply Chain

SCM 571 - Sustainability & Social Responsibility
Pre-Requisite: None

This course will examine sustainability and social responsibility in supply chain management from a perspective of both profitable and responsible business practice. Topics include life cycle analysis and measurement, Business Sustainability Strategy, Closed-loop supply chains, Green Manufacturing, Socially Responsible purchasing, and reaching the Bottom of the Pyramid. Class work is heavily focused on class participation including case discussions, general class discussions, several small group presentations, mini-research presentations and in-class small group exercises. Course assignments also include written case analyses and a written life cycle analysis exercise and small research reports. With such a wide ranging and new topic a great deal of the course is going to be exploratory in nature; examining incomplete or uncertain ideas, and looking at new events as they develop and happen.

Concentration: Supply Chain Management