Courses

MB 107.    BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT    4
A broadly based introduction to the field of business that can serve either as the first course in the departmental sequence or as an only course for a student desiring an overview of the business world from a manager's perspective. Topics include strategic analysis and planning, marketing, financial management, control, organizational design, human behavior, and communications. Students present individual written analyses and engage in group oral presentations.

MB 190.    PRESENTING THE BRAND CALLED ME    1
Students will be required to present themselves in a variety of situations related to career development. Learning contexts will include formal job and information interviews, formal and short impromptu presentations, and dialogues regarding career issues. Students will have the opportunity to apply skills taught by Theatre instructors and business professionals. Academic and professional mentors will provide essential knowledge to students regarding the presentation of self in diverse situations. Non-liberal arts..    P. Calhoun

MB 214.    FOUNDATIONS OF MARKETING    3
A comprehensive assessment of marketing's dynamic role in contemporary global society. The course emphasizes the development of marketing strategies which reflect domestic and cross-national competitive structures and diverse market place realities. Topics include consumer analyses, target market identification, positioning, e-commerce, and coordination of marketing mix elements. Prerequisite: MB107 or permission of instructor.    B. Balevic, C. Page, E. Lepkowska-White

MB 224.    FOUNDATIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR    3
The theoretical and experiential basis for the analysis of individual, group and organizational behavior in both domestic and international contexts. Prerequisite: MB107 or permission of instructor.    M. Correa, T. Harper, P. Prasad, C. D'Abate

MB 224H.    FOUNDATIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR    4
The theoretical and experiential basis for the analysis of individual, group and organizational behavior in both domestic and international contexts. Develops student's ability to critically read the research literature and provides opportunities for development of reflective management practice. Prerequisite: MB107 or permission of instructor.    M. Correa, T. Harper, P. Prasad, C. D'Abate

MB 234.    FOUNDATIONS OF ACCOUNTING I    4
An introductory course in financial accounting examining the process of accumulating accounting information for decision-makers outside the organization. It introduces the accounting process, reviews the preparation of financial statements, examines the accounting for assets and liabilities, and concludes with an examination of accounting for corporations. The course focuses on the interpretation and effective use of financial statements and other financial data. Prerequisite: MB107 or permission of instructor.    M. Canavan, C. Chiarella

MB 235.    FOUNDATIONS OF ACCOUNTING II    3
Continuation of the study of financial accounting begun in MB234. The course addresses international accounting issues and emphasizes the effective use and interpretation of corporate financial statements. Approximately two-thirds of the course focuses on the use of accounting information by managers for planning, control, and decision making. It introduces key management accounting concepts and techniques including manufacturing accounting, cost systems, budgeting, and responsibility accounting. Prerequisite: MB234. Non-liberal arts.    M. Canavan, C. Chiarella

MB 240.    COACHING AND TEAMWORK SERVICE LEARNING EXPERIENCE    1
Provides the student and opportunity to serve as a coach for a group of students working on the MB107 Executive Presentation project. Students will be able to integrate knowledge and skills gained in MB107 with theory and applied experience acquired in MB224. The course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. This course cannot be taken simultaneously with MB316. Prerequisites: MB107, 224, and 234.    T. Harper

MB 301.    TAXATION OF CORPORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS    4
Reviews the basic concepts of corporate and partnership taxation. The course focuses on tax research and emphasizes the importance of taxation in business decisions. Students look at the rationale behind provisions of the tax laws and discuss landmark and current court decisions that give insight into the work- ings of the income tax system. Prerequisite: MB234 or permission of instructor. Non-liberal arts.

MB 303.    COST ACCOUNTING FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS    3
A review of the various methods of cost accumulation for product costing and the analysis of cost data for planning and control. The course focuses on management systems and emphasizes the application of management accounting concepts and principles to decision making. Prerequisite: MB235 or permission of the instructor. Non-liberal arts.

MB 306.    FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS IN THE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT    3
Analyzes the political, social, legal, economic, competitive, technological, and cultural environments of international business. It focuses upon the challenges facing multinational corporations operating in these dynamic and often ambiguous environments. Topics to be covered include: strategic issues related to competition in global markets; issues of organizational structure and control; questions of the transferability of "made in America" management theories in a cross-cultural context; fundamentals of trade theory; and noneconomic impacts of multinational corporations and their ethical, social, and ecological responsibilities. Prerequisites: MB107, 214, 224, 234, EC103, 104, or permission of instructor; prerequisites may be waived for interdepartmental business majors and international affairs minors by permission of instructor.    J. Kennelly, P. Prasad

MB 307.    FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING I    4
Examines the generally accepted accounting principles related to the preparation of financial statements, with particular emphasis on balance sheet valuations and their relationship to income determination. The course also examines the concept of time-value of money; the application of present value techniques to accounting valuations, and the valuation and disclosure problems associated with cash, temporary investments, receivables, inventories, plant assets, intangible assets, and long-term investments. Prerequisite: MB235. Not for liberal arts credit.

MB 308.    FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING II    3
Advanced course continuing the study of financial accounting begun in MB307. Students analyze the problems arising in the application of accounting theory to specific business situations. The course explores financial reporting and disclosure topics including intercorporate investments, equity and debt financing, leases, and pensions. It also addresses problems in income determination and reporting, including income tax allocation and earnings per share. Prerequisite: MB307. Non-liberal arts.

MB 312.    IDENTITY AND OPPORTUNITY    3
Explores issues, theories, and research findings focusing on the implications of social identity and categorization in the workplace. Topics include social identity and categorization, perceptual processes, stereotyping, in-group and out-group dynamics, work group processes, and business policy. Prerequisite: MB224 or permission of instructor.    T. Harper

MB 313.    CONSUMER BEHAVIOR    4
Examination of the psychological, sociological, and anthropological theories related to consumer decision-making. Among the separate topics covered in the course are motivation, memory, cognition, attitude formation and change, persuasion, learning, and value systems of cultures and subcultures, all inter-related with the formation of marketing strategies. Prerequisite: MB214 or permission of instructor.    C. Page

MB 314.    ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY    3
The development of alternative concepts, models, and theories of organizing as a basis for determining strategy and structure in both domestic and international organizations. The course provides the application of theory to organizations in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Prerequisite: MB224 or permission of instructor.    M. Correa and P. Prasad

SB 315.    WORK, FAMILY, AND ORGANIZATIONS    3
The analysis of various white-collar and blue-collar occupations and their relationship to work and family life. Topics include the changing nature of work; professionalization; working within organizations; and occupational socialization, careers, and mobility. Prerequisite: SO101 or MB224 or permission of instructor.    C. Berheide

MB 316.    DYNAMICS OF LEADERSHIP    4
Integrates traditional theories of leadership with contemporary approaches to group dynamics in order to provide a framework for the leadership roles encountered in modern organizations, both public and private enterprises. The course provides an intensive workshop to allow students to assess their personal strengths and challenges as leaders. There is also a required practicum, which provides an opportunity to apply theory and to further develop and practice leadership skill. This course cannot be taken simultaneously with MB240. Prerequisites: MB214, 224, and 338. Not for liberal arts credit.    M. Correa

MB 317.    MARKETING RESEARCH    4
Focuses on fundamental issues in research design and analysis. Topics include problem formulation, data collection, sample selection, data analysis and interpretation. Special topics include issues on the use of the Internet for research purposes (such as data collection) and those raised by global research. Prerequisites: MB214 and EC237 or equivalent.    E. Lepkowska-White

MB 319.    MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND E-COMMERCE    4
An introduction to management information systems and e-commerce, engaging a number of the disciplines that define the field of MIS. From Web-design and active server pages to spreadsheet driven decision support systems, students will acquire a working knowledge of a variety of information systems and an understanding of the roles that the underlying technologies play in management decision making and e-commerce. The course also focuses on the enhancement of analytical skills, especially as applied to the solution of unstructured problems. Prerequisites: MB214, 224, 235.

MB 333.    BUSINESS LAW I    3
A study of the origin of laws, the court system, and legal procedures with emphasis on their impact in business and economic situations, in-depth study of the laws of contracts, agency, corporations, partnerships, employment and labor law. Examination and briefing of existing case law in these fields.    C. Kopec

MB 334.    BUSINESS LAW II    3
A study of the laws of real property, sales, wills and estates, trusts, security instruments, mortgaging and leaseholds, personal property, and bailments. Prerequisite: MB333.    C. Kopec

MB 336H.    DIVERSITY AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE AMERICAN WORKPLACE: IS THE MELTING POT BOILING OVER?    3
An interdisciplinary examination of the many challenges and issues raised by the growing diversity and multiculturalism of the North American workplace. The course provides a historical introduction to the patterns of immigration that affected different workplaces and offers an overview of the legal structures that deal with questions of difference in work organizations (e.g., the Equal Employment Opportunities Act). It also examines how organization structures and cultures influence the reception, inclusion, and experiences of different social identity groups along dimensions of gender, race, age, ethnicity, disability, and sexual preference. Recent workplace movements that promote and oppose greater diversity are also discussed. (Designated a Cultural Diversity course.) Prerequisites: MB107 and 224 or permission of instructor.    P. Prasad

MB 337.    ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION    4
Examines advertising and promotion principles from an integrated marketing communications perspective, emphasizing the planning, design, and implementation of advertising campaigns. Topics include consumer and market analysis, creative strategy, media selection, promotional budgeting, campaign evaluation, and agency relations. Prerequisites: MB107 and 214. Non-liberal arts.    C. Page

MB 338.    FOUNDATIONS OF FINANCE    4
Examines the fundamentals of business finance as influenced by political, cultural, economic, and physical environmental forces. Attention is given to the implications of entrepreneurial and international activities on financial decisions. Topics include an overview of the financial environment including investments, capital markets and institutions, corporate financial theory, asset pricing, financial analysis and planning, corporate capital structure and costs, and corporate investment decisions. Prerequisites: MB235 and EC237.    G. McClure, A. Zhao

MB 339.    INVESTMENTS    3
An investigation of the concepts of security analysis and valuation and of the fundamentals of market analysis. Special attention will be paid to securities and security markets, risk-return characteristics of investment types, and investment strategies including the use of convertible securities and options. Prerequisites: MB235 and 338.    G. McClure, A. Zhao

MB 344.    INTERNATIONAL MARKETING   4
Examines the influence of cultural, political, legal, technological, socioeconomic, and physical environments on international marketing decisions. The course also covers the theory and practice of international marketing strategies. Topics include international planning, implementation and control decisions, international market research, international product decisions, global pricing, distribution, international advertising, and sales promotion. Special topics include green marketing, international e-commerce, and global marketing ethics. Prerequisite: MB214 or permission of instructor.    E. Lepkowska-White

MB 345.    GLOBAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT    4
An extension of MB338 to the financial management of corporations in the global environment. Topics include the role of multinational industrial corporations in world trade, an overview of international capital markets and institutions, international financial analysis and planning, international debt and equity financing, international corporate investment decisions, the influence of foreign currency on finance decisions, and the relationship between business development and the global physical environment. Prerequisite: MB338 permission of instructor.    G. McClure

MB 346.    GLOBAL SALES AND MERCHANDISING MANAGEMENT    3
This course examines the historical, societal, legal, and technological framework that affects the planning and implementation of strategies in professional sales and merchandising within specific industrial, institutional, and international environments. Prerequisite: MB107 or permission of instructor.    B. Balevic

MB 347.    COMPARATIVE MANAGEMENT    3
Contemporary issues in comparative management, addressed through the paradigms of cultural anthropology, organizational theory, and area studies. This course focuses on two questions: the extent to which management theory is influenced by cultural and regional variables, and the extent to which key management processes can transcend cultural boundaries. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: MB224 or permission of instructor.    M. Correa

MB 349.    BUSINESS STRATEGY    4
Provides the final, integrating experience for the student. The course covers all of the functional areas the student has studied—marketing, finance, control systems, organizational behavior—but views them from the integrating perspective of a general manager operating in a global environment. Prerequisites: MB214, 224, 235, 306, and 338. Open only to seniors.    B. Wales, M. Youndt

MB 350.    ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS    3
Designed to present problems faced by entrepreneurs in developing, organizing and managing small businesses. The course will consider all functions relating to small business decisions. The case method will be used extensively. Student projects relating to the formation and/or management of small business units will be required, primarily through group analysis and presentations. These group projects will require field consultation exercises with owners/managers at small businesses. Prerequisite: Management and business majors/minors or permission of instructor. Non-liberal arts.    M. Canavan, B. Wales

MB 351, 352.    SPECIAL TOPICS IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT    3, 3
Advanced and special topics in business which reflect areas of current relevance. This course allows the student to study in depth an area only briefly covered in the regular curriculum or to study an advanced, currently relevant topic which would not normally be covered in the regular course offerings. Topics will vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit with permission of department chair. Prerequisites: Will vary each time the course is offered; there will always be some of the business core required for this course.

MB 355.    BUSINESS, ETHICS AND SOCIETY    4
An interdisciplinary approach to the role of business in American society including ethical obligations to employees, consumers, stockholders and others, and corporate responsibility in the community. Emphasis will be on application of ethics to actual business situations. Although readings in philosophy, government, and social issues will be assigned, this is a case-study course. Prerequisite: MB107 or permission of instructor.    J. Kennelly, C. Kopec

MB 358.    HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT    4
Explores the history, theory, and practice of human-resource management. The course focuses on thinking systematically, strategically, and ethically about managing employees. It examines the importance of recruitment, selection, diversity, job design, performance appraisals, training, and compensation to both the worker and the organization. Prerequisites: MB107, MB224.    C. D'Abate

MB 359.    GLOBAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS    3
Extends MB338 to the role of private and public financial institutions in the global environment including the U.S. Federal Reserve System, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, European Union Central Bank, and Bank for International Settlements. The course examines the history, role, and functions of these financial institutions and the important services provided by financial institutions in the conduct of both domestic and international money and capital market activities and funds transfers. Special emphasis is placed on the role and contributions of commercial banks in the economic growth and development of nations and the world economy. Prerequisite: MB338 or permission of instructor.    G. McClure

MB 364.    MANUFACTURING STRATEGY AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS    3
Analyzes the critical role that manufacturing strategy plays in determining the overall competitiveness of a business and of a nation. Macro and micro economic variables such as exchange rates and industrial financial systems will be examined along with technological and scientific policies of business and government. Prerequisites: MB214, 306.

MB 371, 372.    INDEPENDENT STUDY    3, 3
Research or special project in business. Independent study provides an opportunity for a student already well grounded in an area to pursue an interest which falls outside the domain of courses offered by the department. The student should carefully define a semester's work that complements his or her background, initiate a proposal with a study sponsor, and obtain formal approval from the student's sponsor and the department chair. Application to do such work in any semester should be made and approved prior to registration for that semester. A student may or may not receive liberal arts credit for an independent study, at the discretion of both the department chair and the registrar (and, in exceptional instances, the Curriculum Committee of the College). Prerequisites: MB214, 224, 235, 306, 338, and permission of department.

MB 373.    THESIS SEMINAR A    3
Required seminar for students planning to write a thesis in the department. Students learn about conducting research, develop their research question, derive hypotheses, and select appropriate research methodologies. Students must complete a thesis proposal that is approved by the Department and the student's thesis advisor.

MB 374.    THESIS SEMINAR B    3
Students implement the thesis proposal: collect and analyze data; identify results; and project their implications for management theory, practice, and future research. The seminar prepares students for writing the final document and for the oral presentation to the department. Prerequisites: MB373 or permission of the instructor.

MB 376.    BUSINESS ISSUES    3
Discussion, investigation, and analytical report on contemporary business issues. This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

MB 399.    PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN BUSINESS    3 or 6
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic experience in business. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into areas of business related to their academic course work. MB399 cannot be counted as one of the 300-level elective courses required of the management and business major. No student may earn more than nine semester hours of MB399. Non-liberal arts.