Course Descriptions

Business Administration Lower Division Course Descriptions:

BUS 1000  Macro-Economics (3 units)

This course focuses on forces and factors that influence the overall performance of an economic system – whether national or global. Among the measures studied are gross national product, the balance of trade, employment levels, inflation and deflation, real and nominal interest rates, and aggregate supply and demand. The effect of monetary and fiscal policies at the national level is also considered.

BUS 1001  Micro-Economics (3 units)

This course focuses on the decision-making behavior of smaller economic units, such as individuals, households, and firms. Among the issues studied are how individuals and firms respond to economic policy implemented at the national level, as well as the role of rational self-interest and profit maximization. Industry-level dynamics are also considered: regulation, consolidation, perfect competition, and monopolies.

BUS 1002/3004 Research Methods & Business Statistics (3 Units)

This course will teach skills for acquiring data – either by searching the existing academic and practitioner literature, conducting interviews with subject matter experts or by designing a research study designed to “get the answers.” One-third of this course will be devoted to business statistics, including sampling methods, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and linear and multiple regression and correlation analysis.  The upper division option available to transfer students requires an additional project.

BUS 1040 Introduction to Sports Management (3 units)

This course provides a general introduction to the sports management field.  There are three main goals associated with this course: (a) to provide a perspective of the sports and recreation industry, (b) to explore the wide variety of exciting career opportunities in an expanding array of sport and recreation delivery systems such as Parks and Recreation, Health Clubs, university and professional sport, and (c) to focus on some of the most important issues impacting the sport and recreation field today. 

BUS 1900 Professional Development Seminar – MS Office (1 unit)

This workshop builds basic proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook with in-depth coverage of Excel.  Emphasis is on common managerial uses of the software tools in specific business situations.

BUS 1901 Professional Development Seminar – Business Career Management (1 unit)

This workshop introduces students to the concept of managing their own careers and choosing jobs or projects with a focus toward building their skills and talents-as well their own marketability.  Balancing employer-specific training and assignments with experience that can be applied to their industries or employers is explained.  Students will learn to manage and market themselves as though they were a unique “brand.”

BUS 1902 Professional Development Seminar – Project Management (1 units)

The majority of work today is structured as projects-rather than ongoing tasks.  This workshop will equip students with the basics of leading a simple project, including how to write a work breakdown structure, create timelines, and plan for contingencies.  Communication skills and techniques for project leaders will be emphasized.

BUS 1903 Professional Development Seminar – Team Development and Leadership (1 unit)

This workshop will teach students about the classic theory of team development, as well as team member roles.  It will also give tips for first-time team leaders – what they can expect and what pitfalls to avoid.

BUS 2000  Financial Accounting (3 units)

This course introduces financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity. A thorough study of the accounting cycle emphasizing how information moves through an accounting system is discussed. The class presents detailed accounting for merchandising activities, financial assets, inventories, depreciation, income, and retained earnings. Group work, written case analysis, quizzes, examinations, and understanding ethical issues is required. Recommended prerequisites: MATH 1400, BUS 1000 and BUS 1001.

BUS 2001  Managerial Accounting (3 units)

The class begins with an annual report financial statement analysis project and a study of global accounting issues. Managerial accounting topics fill the remainder of the sessions, including computation of the cost of goods manufactured, cost-volume-profit, incremental analysis, and responsibility accounting concepts are applied in a decision-making context. Group work, written case analysis, understanding ethical issues, reading outside articles and financial statements, examinations, and a presentation are required. Prerequisite: Business 2000.

BUS 2030/3001  Business Communications & Critical Thinking (3 units)

This course helps students to develop sound business writing and presentation skills while honing critical thinking / analytic skills. Concepts emphasized in writing include: information packaging, the strategic planning of communication, writing for the reader, visual appeal in writing, and the effective use of “headlines.” Critical thinking is reviewed through analyzing non-linear, creative and analytic thought. The upper division option available to transfer students requires an additional project.

Business Administration Upper Division Core Course Descriptions:

BUS 3011  Organizational Behavior (3 units)

This course examines OB foundations, theories and concepts, with an emphasis on real world application through experiential learning. Both profit and not-for profit organizations are investigated at the organization, group, and individual levels. Particular attention is given to the role of the individual within the organization, motivation, job design, corporate governance, and how individuals and groups affect the structure and operation of organizations.

BUS 3012  Marketing Principles (3 units)

Marketing deals with customers. Understanding, creating, communicating, and delivering customer value and satisfaction are at the very core of modern marketing thinking and practice. The marketer’s role is to build a portfolio of products or services that bring value to targeted customers, to be able to assess that value and price accordingly, and to plan for the effective distribution of the goods.

BUS 3013  Corporate Finance (3 units)

The valuation of the firm, its market value, determining which investments to undertake the assessment of risk, and the tradeoff between risk and rate of return are among the topics investigated in this course are at the center of this course. Long-term capital structure, dividend policy and leverage, beta and the security market line, are also included among the modern topics of finance.

BUS 3014  Management Information Systems (MIS) (3 units)

This course provides an in-depth analysis of the most common management information systems in use today: accounting and financial information systems; marketing or customer relation management (CRM) systems; manufacturing and supply chain information systems; and human resources software – all within the context of being able to enter, exchange, and access the systems via the Internet or through an organization's intranet site.

BUS 3015  International Business (3 units)

An introductory course on how multinational companies manage basic business processes in responding to the complex challenges of operating in an international environment of diverse economic, cultural, and political systems. The course will examine concepts and theories in international business, impact of environment on business, global markets and institutions, and international business strategies.

BUS 3016  Sustainable Development (3 units)

This course centers on the relationship between social and economic development and the environment – focusing on the concept of sustainable development. Many dilemmas of the modern-day world will be raised in this class, such as how do we allocate scarce resources to maximize the well-being of human life or how can market forces be harnessed to ensure that the environment is protected in the long term?

BUS 3017  Business Law & Ethics (3 units)

This course provides an introduction to law, legal institutions, and the legal environment affecting business and business managers. The focus is on principles of justice and ethics in the business environment. Topics include the following: Key provisions of the US Constitution impacting business; formation of contracts and remedies for breach of contract; anti-trust; employment and labor law; environmental regulation; securities law; intellectual property; taxation; and international business issues.

BUS 3018  Business Strategic Management Policy and Capstone (3 units)

This capstone course for seniors will integrate the functional knowledge acquired throughout the major (economics, accounting, finance, marketing, strategy, and organization design). The central theme of this course is sustained success through dynamic strategic planning.  The course will stress the importance of strategy by establishing a clear mission and goals; identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of an organization; and relating strategic thought to the organization, industries and the great global environment.  A policy level perspective will be assumed in analyzing the effect of the organization on its greater environment as well as the effect of the greater environment on the organization. The assessment and management of risk will be considered, as well as guiding principles for making ethical, long-term decisions.  A comprehensive written strategic plan is required.

Other Business Administration Upper Division Course Descriptions:

BUS 3350  Facilities and Operational Management

This course introduces students to a variety of job functions and managerial skills in the professional field of sports and recreation. Through involvement in experiential activities, group discussion, guest lectures, readings and research, students will gain an insight into the role of a manager. The course is intended to help students answer the question, “What does it take to become a successful manager of sports or recreational facilities or operations?”

BUS 3351 Legal Liability and Risk Management

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to reduce the risk of injury in sport, leisure, and recreation activities, and the potential for negligence litigation.  It explores negligence liability and the risk management planning process.  Participants will learn the critical concept of ‘reasonable standard of care’ and how this impacts all risk management planning.  Valuable risk management planning tools will provide the skills necessary to develop and implement a comprehensive risk management plan.  Furthermore, this class will explore major legal concepts ranging from constitutional law, employment law, and intellectual property.

BUS 3355 Sports Media and Public Relations

This class introduces students to an historical and current review of the business of sports media and related public relations field.  It defines and examines occupational and career opportunities surrounding sports and sports teams.  Sports media includes television, radio, print and sales.  Public relations include college SID, professional team media relations, and PR agencies.

BUS 3359 Special Topics – Sports Management

A variety of topics will be introduced on an ongoing basis.  Special topic courses are developed from current issues in Sports Management and may draw from other disciplines.  Topics may include: Special Events Management in Sports; Women in Sports and Title IX; Coaching Theory and Practice.

BUS 3900 Professional Development Seminar – Conflict Resolution (1 unit)

Whether on a one-to-one basis between co-workers or as an alternative to costly litigation, conflict resolution can be invaluable to managers.  This course will teach the basics of conflict resolution-as well as conflict prevention.

BUS 3901 Professional Development Seminar – Negotiation for Long-Term Relationships (1 unit)

Negotiating with a winner-take-all mentality may work in the short-term, but it generally fails to build the long-term relationships that most organizations desire with their customers and suppliers.  This workshop will teach the basics of collaborative or win-win negotiation.

BUS 3902 Professional Development Seminar - Strategies for Leading Change (1 unit)

Since constant innovation is a necessity for the survival of most organizations, the attendant change that accompanies innovation has become a constant in organizational life.  Managers are often placed in the role of implementing change and thus need to understand how individuals vary in their reaction to change, as well as leadership behaviors that help support the implementation of organizational change.

BUS 3903 Professional Development Seminar – Peer Coaching (1 unit)

Since more and more work is being done in self-managing teams, the ability to give and receive feedback among one’s team members/peers in order to keep team member relationships healthy and productive is essential.  Students will learn and practice the basic steps in giving and receiving performance-related feedback with peers.

BUS 4000  Human Resources Management (3 units)

This course examines organizations' superior performance from a human resource based perspective, by integration of the activities of human resources to meet business objectives through strategic partnership. Key features of high-performance employee development systems are examined including recruitment, selection, evaluation, and continuous learning/training. Current topics include using the Internet for recruiting, creating knowledge management and performance support systems.

BUS 4010  Marketing Research (3 units)

The collection and analysis of market and consumer-related data are foundation skills for those who expect to manage projects within a marketing function. The role and design of research in solving marketing and business problems, how to identify and define the information needed, methods of collecting data, analyzing data using statistical software packages, and evaluating the success of the research design and methodology are covered.

BUS 4014  Integrated Marketing Communications (3 units)

Marketing communications has become more complex than ever; and while many believe the Internet will supplant other media forms as the primary mode of marketing communication, the use of TV, radio, and print media to generate Web site traffic is proof enough that it is the mix that counts. This course will teach strategies for conveying a consistent, compelling message to your targeted customer just when they need it, and at the lowest possible cost.

BUS 4015  Internet Marketing (3 units)

Company sites from a marketing perspective will be scrutinized and students will then have the opportunity to critique different forms of multimedia and to learn of strategies for adding online sales to sites. Internet marketing principles are covered and online customer service and retention, buyer behavior, merchant services, and current Internet commerce issues are presented. Online store experiences are also reviewed.

BUS 4016  Social Marketing (3 units)

Social marketing theory has played an important role over the past decade in addressing issues such as AIDS awareness. Students will be challenged to explore marketing techniques such as advertising, sales promotions, and the marketing mix to address important social and health related problems. Theories underpinning social marketing will be debated as the class seeks to gain a broad understanding of consumers’ perceptions.

BUS 4027  International Finance (3 units)

The globalization process – accelerated dramatically by the telecommunication and information revolution – has been particularly evident in the financial arena. A financial crisis in one country can quickly take global dimensions. This course covers these topics and provides the tools to understand them. Students will learn the most important instruments used in cross-border financial transactions, and get a sense of the tremendous opportunities, and risks, involved.  

BUS 4028  Investment Principles (3 units)

This course investigates the valuation of financial assets, and their optimal allocation in a portfolio. The selection of investments in the global market, and the management of efficient portfolios of securities are thoroughly studied. Stock market analysis; industry analysis; various strategies of investing; stock selection; asset pricing models; introduction to derivative markets and securities; are discussed.

BUS 4029 Financial Statement Analysis (3 units)

Students will identify the critical data needed to make effective business decisions.  Students will learn how financial information is used in equity valuation, consideration of loan applications, credit analysis and initial public offerings.  The needs and motivations of internal and external interested parties, including regulatory agencies and competitors are covered.  Students will develop strategic financial analytical skills including issues in working capital management, financial leverage, and sustainable profitability.

BUS 4030  Intermediate Financial Accounting I (3 units)

Prerequisites: BUS 2000, MATH 1400 or 1450. An in-depth study of financial accounting principles and financial statement preparation. Ratio analysis focusing on liquidity, solvency, management performance, risk, and asset management. Application of time value of money concepts to business situations including bond valuation and leases. Analysis of the asset accounts: current assets, investments, property, plant, and equipment, and intangibles in a decision-making context.

BUS 4031  Intermediate Financial Accounting II (3 units)

Prerequisites: BUS 2000, MATH 1400 or 1450. An evaluation of the sources of debt and equity capital for the business is the primary focus of this class. Implications of the time value of money on debt-financing decisions; lease versus purchase options for assets; preparation and interpretation of the statement of cash flows; computation and analysis of earnings per share and its importance in merger and acquisitions; and traditional stock exchanges.

BUS 4032 Taxation for Business

Students will determine Federal individual and corporate tax liabilities.  The tax implications of investment, retirement, and business decisions are covered.  The class will study the impact of tax policies on the economy.  Students may apply their knowledge of taxation in a service-learning opportunity with Tax Aid.

BUS 4038  eBusiness Strategy and Planning (3 units)

Despite the Internet’s phenomenal impact on business and its reach across all sectors, no model has clearly emerged that values companies’ Internet efforts with clarity. Determining where the value proposition is being offered, understanding the factors that drive revenues, costs, and profits and the ability to make key strategic decisions that confront companies pursuing specific model, e.g., aggressive growth strategies or diversification, are analyzed in this course.

BUS 4039  Information Technology and Management (3 units)

The term eBusiness encompasses IT and management issues covering a range of activities involved in promoting business transactions over the Internet. This course is designed to create an understanding among students of the interactive forces of business, technology, and societal change that influences the way people live, work and meet their needs for products, services and community. Topics include customers and markets, virtual communities, technical infrastructure and management regulatory issues.

BUS 4074 Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Small businesses play an important role in the United States and world economies.  Students will explore the personal and business objectives of entrepreneurs and small business owners, and the current opportunities and challenges facing the small business community.  The unique challenges faced by the small business in marketing, management, operations, and financing are presented.  Through the examination of real-world examples, case studies, and current issues, students gather practical advice to design and grow new small ventures.

BUS 4075  Leadership: Theory and Application (3 units)

This course examines the role of leaders in business, leadership styles, the ethical responsibilities of leadership, strategies for team development and leading, planning for organizational change, as well as conflict resolution and group decision-making. Particular emphasis is placed on the strategic significance of the organization’s structure and ways in which this impacts both the leader, members of the organization, and both internal and external relationships.

BUS 4076  Global Cultures and Management (3 units)

In today’s global economy managers need to negotiate across cultures and on a global scale to conduct international business. To be successful both individuals and institutions need to have an informed understanding of different cultures. This course will examine spatial cultural patterns, cultural impacts on management and business, and approaches for conducting business in specific cultural regions.

BUS 4200  Executive Study Abroad (ESA) (3 units)

Designed as a unique opportunity for high achieving undergraduates, ESA is an intense 9-10 day program that exposes participants to multiple cultures, high level business executives, and global business topics. Students may participate in ESA trips, earning one (1) to three (3) credit hours (serves as an elective course). Sample trip combinations already completed or in design include: Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland; Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina; and London, England and Dublin, Ireland. Students are expected to complete in depth, assigned readings prior to the trip abroad and then design and write a comprehensive paper on a topic covered during the trip.  Note:  BUS 4200 is offered in cooperation with the Graduate Business Program.

BUS 4210/4211/4212/  Spanish/French/German for Business (3 units)

Foreign language needs for the business professional can be very unique. This course is designed to provide beginning Spanish/French/German learners with the many unique business terms in the Spanish/French/German language. Students will practice day-to-day conversational Spanish/French/German in business specific settings. By course completion, the student will be comfortable with basic business discussions conducted in Spanish/French/German.  Note:  BUS 4210-4212 are offered in cooperation with the Graduate Business Program.

BUS 4912  Business Senior Project (3 units)

The goal of the project is to present extended project related material in a clear and effective manner. The project or written creative work is a serious demonstration of a student’s ability to explore, develop and organize materials and should become a visible and permanent record of the quality of the work that a student has accomplished. The student usually selects a subject clearly relevant to his/her course specialization.

BUS 4914  Business Senior Thesis (3 units)

The senior thesis is intended to provide the student with an opportunity for personal intellectual growth in their final year. It is a serious demonstration of a student’s ability to explore, develop and organize materials relating to a specific area of interest. It can take the form of an original research effort or it can be a deeper exploration of a subject or topic and approximately 5,000 words in length.

BUS 4921 Special Topics: Accounting

A variety of topics may be introduced on an ongoing basis.  Courses will generally address current developments in accounting.  Topics may include:  Auditing; Cost Accounting; Advanced Accounting.

BUS 4922 Special Topics: Finance

A variety of topics may be introduced on an ongoing basis.  Courses will generally address current developments in finance.  Topics may include:  Financial Modeling; Money and Financial Institutions.

BUS 4923 Special Topics: International Business

A variety of topics may be introduced on an ongoing basis.  Courses will generally address current developments in International Business.  Topics may include:  Multinational Corporations; Import/Export and International Trade.

BUS 4924 Special Topics:  Management

A variety of topics may be introduced on an ongoing basis.  Courses will generally address current developments in management.  Topics may include:  Staffing and Benefits; Conflict Resolution.

BUS 4925 Special Topics: Management Information Systems

A variety of topics may be introduced on an ongoing basis.  Courses will generally address current developments in MIS.  Topics may include:  Data Networks; Programming; Database Management; Systems Analysis.

BUS 4926 Special Topics: Marketing

A variety of topics may be introduced on an ongoing basis.  Courses will generally address current developments in marketing.  Topics may include:  Marketing in the Music Industry; Strategic Brand Management; Advertising and Promotion.

BUS 4994  Teaching Assistant /Tutoring  (1-3 units)

This course provides teaching experience at the undergraduate level and allows students to gain experience working with students both in a classroom and on an individual basis. Permission required.

BUS 4996 Internship in Sports Management (1-3 units)

Students must have completed all Lower Division prerequisites before being accepted into the Internship Program. Internships set in a variety of sports and recreation settings help t students build professional competencies and a network of industry contacts. Managerial placements in the Conlan Recreation Center and in professional and intercollegiate sports, health and fitness clubs, sport marketing and management firms provide students with real ‘on-the-job’ working experiences in the sport industry.  Students may apply a maximum of 3 Internship units to the minor.

BUS 4996  Business Internship (1-3 units)

The ability to work off Campus will provide students with the opportunity to develop an awareness of business topics and skills in an actual work setting outside the classroom. Getting the opportunity to observe business related practices in the workplace and being able to connect this experience to the classroom theories are a particular emphasis. Students will meet the academic requirements determined by the faculty sponsor. For full description see General Description–ART 4996–All Internships at end of Art Course Descriptions.

BUS 4999  Independent Study (1-3 units)

Independent research may be conducted on a topic of special interest to a student and a supervising faculty member. This course is available by request, and subject to the approval of the Chair of Business Programs and the Dean.

Last updated: May 31, 2007.