Course Descriptions

MBA-SL Prerequisite Course Descriptions:

MBA 5001  Principles of Economics (3 units)

Examines forces and factors that impact overall performance on an economic system, including government policy and business decisions. Major topics include GNP, full employment, unemployment, inflation, stagflation, aggregate demand and supply, and multiplier effects.

MBA 5002  Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 units)

An introduction focusing on accounting information used in decision-making (from a management perspective). Students study corporate reporting using the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and ratios used in evaluating financial performance. The course includes: problem solving, written analysis, actual company cases and addresses ethical issues.

MBA 5003  Statistical/Quantitative Analysis and Research Methods (3 units)

The course provides a basic understanding of what research can, and cannot, accomplish and how to effectively use research tools in management decision-making. Students learn how managers design a research project, when to commission one, and how to interpret research results.

MBA 5004  Finance (3 units)

Students learn how to obtain and use money to maximize the value of a business. Areas covered include: planning and managing equity financing, control of short term assets and liabilities, and measuring risk and value.

MBA-SL Core Course Descriptions:

MBA 5100  Interpersonal Relations, Consultation, and Cross-Cultural Communication (3 units)

To create a cohesive, inclusive and productive work environment, participants develop communication, team building, consultation and relationship skills, including sensitivity to different histories, traditions and customs. Theory and practice in verbal and non- verbal communication within a range of business situations are emphasized, including factors affecting leadership in systems ranging from process teams to multicultural or globally dispersed organizations.

MBA 5101  Business Communication and Issues in General Management (3 units)

Focusing on written and presentation communication, this course helps the student to develop sound business communication skills. Writing concepts emphasized include: information packaging, the strategic planning of communication, writing for the reader, visual appeal in writing, and the effective use of “headlines.” Presentation concepts include: the effective use of voice, stage presence, using media in presentations, presentation styles and types, presenting for the audience, and strategically planning a presentation. Participants focus on selected business issues confronted by managers. General management theories, business practices, and the latest research are used to develop and evaluate alternative courses of action.

MBA 5102  The Business Environment: Economics, Culture and Politics (3 units)

A consideration of the effects of the growing globalization of business – highlighting the historical trends and current forces that shape business organizations. Topics include growing economic interdependence, political and cultural globalization, and political and financial risk assessment.

MBA 5103  Developing Human Resources and Personnel Policies (3 units)

An examination of the contribution of human performance to business success. The course analyzes strategies for optimizing human potential in the workplace and considers human resource law, ethical dilemmas, and compensation incentives to achieve business objectives.

MBA 5104  Managerial Leadership: Leading People and Organizations (3 units)

This course examines leadership styles within the business framework of power and authority, which contributes to an individual’s identity as a leader. Reviewed are the ethical responsibilities of leadership, strategies for team development and leading, 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.

MBA 5105  Accounting for Decision-Making, Profitability, and Financial Analysis (3 units)

This course examines the interrelations among emerging accounting systems and other organizational changes including new technologies. Participants will increase their ability to understand, analyze, and use financial statements. Students use accounting tools to analyze and classify costs and other data for management decision-making, planning and control.

MBA 5106  Strategic Marketing: Domestic and Global Marketplaces (3 units)

Examination of the core role of strategic marketing in business performance by studying market-driven strategies of successful organizations competing in a wide array of product, service, and market situations. Analytic techniques are used to identify and evaluate market opportunities, competition, customers’ needs, and expectations. The course includes a study of situation analysis, segmenting and positioning, competitive benchmarking, and marketing management.

MBA 5107  Management of Technology and Innovation (3 units)

An overview of business technologies, capabilities, and applications. Participants identify and select the most effective technologies for communicating, managing, designing, producing, and marketing products and services. They examine alternative approaches for integrating and balancing operation and human needs while adapting technology to achieve business goals.

MBA 5108  Negotiating, Bargaining and Resolving Conflict (3 units)

The study of decisions made in domestic and global businesses, with identification of goals and types of approaches appropriate for the circumstances. Participants are prepared to build long-term relationships based on mutual trust and respect by developing negotiating, bargaining, and conflict resolving capabilities. Participants identify situations where private dispute resolution is an effective alternative to civil litigation.

MBA 5109  Financial Management and Performance (3 units)

Participants examine the evaluation of projects, company strategies, and financial securities together with major financial decision-making areas. Topics include dividend policy, capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, leveraged buy-outs, share repurchase, venture capital, raising and allocating investment banking, strategic risk management, forces governing world financial markets, and financial forecasting.

MBA 5110  Integrating Business Policies (3 units)

Students examine the role of strategy formulation and implementation on sustained performance, the importance of cross functional and holistic thinking, and the ability to recognize patterns of strategy under conditions of imperfect information. Business policies are analyzed with respect to the industrial and competitive environment, and internal capabilities such as human, fiscal and technological resources. A focus is placed on organizational processes that facilitate strategy implementation in local, national and international arenas.

MBA 5111  Capstone (3 units)

The capstone experience allows students to integrate knowledge and skill learned in the classroom and is an applied study. Successful completion of the capstone demonstrates expertise in all the business disciplines.

MBA 5200  Executive Study Abroad (ESA) (3 units)

Designed for the professional who cannot spend a full semester abroad, ESA is an intense 9-10 day program that exposes the participant to multiple cultures and global business topics. Students may participate in up to two (2) ESA trips, earning up to six (6) credit hours (substitutes for the final semester courses). Sample trip combinations already completed or in design include: Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva, Switzerland; Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina; London, England and Dublin, Ireland; Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand; and Rome and Florence, Italy.