Business Administration

(4 credits) This course covers the basic introduction to financial management and financial accounting, including an understanding of the concepts, principles and practices in these areas.

(3 credits) This course covers the basic concepts, principles and practice in managerial accounting, including the use of accounting in management decision- making. Prerequisite: ACC215.

(2 credits) This course introduces students to marketing terminology; defines the elements necessary in moving a product, service or idea from concept to market sales; and enables students to understand and replicate the marketing process at an entry level.

(2 credits) This course introduces the student to the basic principles of management. It includes the understanding of manager's actions in the work place, on the organization and employees. It includes the study of basic management tools and techniques.

(2 credits) The goal of this course is to provide the student with an introduction to the American legal system from a Christian perspective. Emphasis is placed on those topics which are particularly relevant to business and business transactions.

(2 credits) This course covers the basic principles, theory and techniques of financial decision-making in the structure of a corporation. Prerequisites: ACC215 and ACC216; and either MAT109QR or MAT117QR.

(4 credits) This capstone management major course is designed to assist students in analyzing and synthesizing the material covered in other courses throughout their studies along with integrating their faith with that of their business education. It focuses on an integrated approach to management decision-making using all of the functional areas of business with an emphasis on strategic thinking. Prerequisites: Completion of business core and senior class standing.

(2 credits) (Writing intensive) Agribusiness Writing is an interdisciplinary writing course focused on the study and practice of written communication essential to success in the professional world. The course explores techniques and strategies specific to agribusiness writing through lectures, exercises, collaborative projects, and individual writing assignments. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and two ACC, AGR, BUS, or ECO courses.

(2 credits) (Writing intensive) Business Writing is an interdisciplinary writing course designed to provide instruction on writing skills relevant to the workplace. The course focuses on the practice and study of methods of written communication that are utilized in the professional world. This course explores techniques and strategies specific to business writing through in-class lectures and exercises, a group project, and individual writing assignments. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and two ACC, AGR, BUS or ECO courses.

(2 credits) This course is an introduction to the field of project management. The main objective is to gain a basic overview of how project management is an art, a science, and a practice. Students will gain technical skills but even more importantly soft skills. Projects are about people, working with people, using skills like communication, working effectively in teams, interpersonal skills, time management, critical thinking, and organizational skills that are all highly valued by employers. The course will emphasize experiential learning and collaborative learning. Prerequisites: BUS200 or BUS201.

(2 credits) This course is a foundational course designed to inspire and engage students in dimensions that drive new ideas as well as the methods and tools to develop innovation and problem solving. Students will address practical problems associated with starting a business, including a feasibility analysis. The focus is to empower learning through entrepreneurial thinking and immerse students in experiences that will develop skills for new ventures. This course will be of value to students of all majors and requires no specialized knowledge.

(2 credits) This course teaches students to use spreadsheets to organize, calculate, analyze, and report on business data. Topics include using built-in statistical, logical, lookup, and financial functions, writing custom formulas and conditional formulas, using built-in data analysis tools, presenting information with charts and graphs, creating PivotTables and PivotCharts, exporting and importing data to and from other applications, sharing data on the World Wide Web, and using macros to automate tasks. The course will culminate by developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards.

(4 credits) Microeconomics deals with price determination and how the price system functions. Supply and demand, output, competition, monopoly, resource pricing, international trade and finance will be studied.

(4 credits) Macroeconomics concerns itself with economic aggregates such as inflation, unemployment, recessions, national debt, and income inequality international trades. Macroeconomic models will be introduced. These models will be used to understand the application of monetary and fiscal policy.

(3 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) The course is designed to study statistical methodology commonly used in business including descriptive statistics (the nature of data and how to summarize it), basic probability concepts, and inferential statistics (making claims or decisions from one or more sets of data using confidence intervals and multiple types of hypothesis testing). Prerequisite: ACT math score of 20 or above (SAT 510 or above), ALEKS placement exam score of 46 or above, concurrent enrollment in MAT100, or permission of instructor. Note: Students may receive credit for only one course among MAT 116QR, MAT 117QR and MAT 208QR.

(4 credits) This course will examine the foundational principles in livestock and crop production systems utilized in the Midwest. Basic cultural, management, scientific, and business principles used in the production of food and fiber will be covered. In addition, the course will incorporate agricultural safety and occupational hazards for developing competencies needed for the agricultural work site.

(1 credit) This course will provide practical work experience for students in the field of agricultural business. Prerequisite: AGR101.

(4 credits) This course will provide exposure to many of the current technology advances utilized in modern agricultural production. Topics will include drones, global positioning systems, auto steer, variable rate technology, soil grid sampling, cloning, embryo transfer, robotic milking, laser cutting, and data analysis. This course will include numerous tours, demonstrations, and presentations. Prerequisite: AGR101.

(2 credits) This course will examine many of the current issues and ethical arguments facing the agricultural industry today. Topics will include livestock production practices, animal rights issues, genetically modified crops, organic foods, water quality issues, climate change, conservation, energy use, food safety, land acquisition, and government farm programs. Prerequisites: AGR101 and sophomore standing.

(4 credits) In this course, we will analyze and review commodity marketing, marketing costs, governmental regulations, marketing information sources, pricing, distribution, competition, and retailing. In addition to marketing, we will examine the risk factors on the production side of agricultural products. Prerequisites: AGR101 and ACC216.

(3 credits may apply toward the major). Prerequisite: approval by business department.

(4 credits) This course focuses on current theory and practice relating to starting and continuing management of small and family businesses. As such, it is designed for students contemplating management or ownership of a small business. The course will focus on leadership, decision-making, management, marketing, financial controls and other necessary processes to ensure the successful start-up and long-term health of the small business enterprise. It will include identifying the particularities of small business management, analyzing process and life cycle, focusing on growth, and taking an emphasis on total quality management. Prerequisites: junior standing.

(4 credits) Models of risk and return are carefully developed to provide a basis for assessing investment opportunities and to enhance our understanding of the role and importance of financial markets. A considerable portion of the course will be devoted to the pricing of derivative securities including options, forward contracts and futures contracts. Prerequisite: BUS300 or ACC315.

(4 credits) This course is a continuation of Principles of Finance. We will explore topics such as the cost of capital, capital structure and dividend policy, and analyze their significance in long-term financing decisions. We will also examine international aspects of corporate finance and the management of risk with derivative securities. Prerequisite: BUS300 or ACC315.

(4 credits) This course is designed to increase understanding of how banks and the banking system fit into the entire economic system. The functions of money, the federal reserve system, monetary theory, inflation and the international financial system will be taught. Prerequisites: ECO213 and 214.

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is a study of functions, limits, derivatives and integrals with a strong emphasis on both theory and applications. Prerequisites: C- or higher in MAT109, or an ACT math score of at least 24 (SAT 570 or above), or permission of mathematics department chair. Note: Meets four times per week.

(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) Builds on the concepts of inflation, unemployment and economic growth learned in principles level macroeconomics. Introduces models with which the student will become more proficient in understanding how the economy works. Prerequisite: ECO214 and MAT111QR or 112QR.

(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) This course will examine economic theory and methodology with emphasis on the principles of price determination, consumer behavior, market equilibrium, optimality of resource allocation, production and costs, comparison of market structures, and the behavior of firms in nonperfect competition. Prerequisite: ECO213 and MAT111QR or 112QR.

(4 credits) This course, which is required for finance, economics, and actuarial science majors, is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of econometric analysis. To this end, the primary focus is on simple and multiple linear regressions using cross-sectional data and time series regressions. We will also discuss highly useful extensions including regression with binary dependent variables, and regression analysis using panel data if time. The course will put a heavy emphasis on empirical applications, econometric theory will be discussed where necessary but will not be the central focus. Instead, we focus on estimating regression models using statistical packages such as R, SPSS, or Stata, and on interpreting the results. Both estimation and interpretation are highly marketable skills. The coverage of this course will be sufficient for SVEE Applied Statistics (SOA) and useful for CFA exams. More broadly, what you learn from this course will be valuable for a career in consulting, banking, insurance, and other related fields. Prerequisites: C- or better in MAT112QR and MAT116QR or MAT117QR. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in mathematics.

(4 credits) This course is designed to assist students in applying what they have learned in other courses to the international business environment. An emphasis on culture and the interconnections of management functions in global commerce provide an integrated approach to international management decision-making, using all of the functional areas of business. Prerequisites: junior or senior class standing.

(4 credits may apply toward the major) Domestic students (from the United States) are required to complete an internship in a country outside of the United States. This may be done in conjunction with a Semester Study Abroad when available. International students are required to complete an internship in a country that is not their home (passport issuing) country. For international students, this may be completed by working with a business involved in international trade that is located in the United States. Prerequisite: approval by department chair.

(4 credits) This course is a study of the theory and practice of international trade, international economic and monetary activity, balance of trade international payment mechanisms, exchange rate systems, functions of the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. Prerequisites: ECO213 and 214.

(3-5 credits; non-yearly, consult department) This is an upper-level course that will involve an international trip. Students will observe business principles as practiced in other countries. It will explore concepts from management, marketing, finance, and accounting, as well as economic implications. Tours of businesses in other countries will play a prominent role in this course. Prerequisites: Approved application and sophomore standing. Note: This course will not meet the NWCore requirements for Cross-Cultural Engagement.

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (NWCore option under Self and Society) This course investigates war and terrorism in a globalized world. We will examine possible causes of international conflict and the obstacles to peaceful solutions, as well as studying the various aspects of globalization (political, economic, social, etc.) as the context in which these issues take place.

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) A survey of the politics of several countries from different continents. Special attention is paid to historical development and ideological, religious, and cultural factors affecting a country's politics.

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) This course introduces the study of political, physical and cultural features of space and place around the world. Familiarity with major physical and political features of the world's regions will be stressed. In addition, the course will raise various issues connected with the cultural aspect of geography, e.g., perceptions of place, changes in space over time, the interactions of human communities, the natural environment and patterns of human presence on the land.

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) As human beings we live our lives within the context of culture. Although many aspects of human life are similar across cultures, differences are also evident in a variety of dimensions. In this course we examine the ways humans differ across cultures and how culture impacts the way humans think and feel, as well as the way culture changes how we understand ourselves and our stories. Christian faith requires love and respect for others in the midst of the challenges culture can present. Ways Christians can learn from and love others will be discussed.

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) This course will review the major historical and contemporary themes and phases of organizational theory and behavior. The class will examine and discuss the evolution and practice of the modern organization. The course will provide an understanding of the key concepts and principles of organization theory and behavior. This course will provide an opportunity for critical analysis of practical application of the concepts identified through the readings and lecture. Prerequisite: BUS201.

(4 credits) Students study the development of human resources management, including history, policies, practices and applications. Specific attention is paid to the study of the processes involving the management of human resources and its legal environment. Prerequisites: BUS201 or permission of instructor.

(4 credits) This course integrates the theory, scope and practice of operations in industrial and service settings and the importance of supply chain management as a recent development in operations management. It includes the study of quality, lean management, supply chain management, capacity, scheduling, inventory control, logistics, forecasting and coordination. A strong emphasis is placed on practical and behavioral aspects of operations management. Prerequisite: BUS201.

(4 credits) This course offers students an extensive examination of leadership in organizations and provides a set of experiences that are designed to enhance self-awareness and capacity for effective leadership. As such, students will explore both how organizations function and leadership and followership choices within organizations. The coursework will allow individuals to begin to develop a vision of their leadership practice within a perspective of how organizations work in God's world. It will include an overview of issues related to organizational leadership, including the definition of organizations, theories of leadership, characteristics and behaviors of leaders as well as varying contexts under which leaders must perform. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

(4 credits) Success in business depends on the positioning of the firm and the management of its resources. Through the lens of economics, students will learn to think systematically and strategically about critical management issues concerning consumer demand, costs, pricing, market competition, and organizational incentives. This course is an advanced economics course focusing on economic reasoning and decision-making in everyday life of a manager or an entrepreneur. Emphasis will be placed on case studies and quantitative data analyses. Prerequisites: ECO213 and MAT116QR or MAT117QR.

(4 credits) This course will examine promotional and integrated communication strategies which include various marketing communication functions: sales promotion, personal selling, branding, event promotion, public relations, advertising, and interactive marketing. Students will learn to utilize this information in developing effective marketing communication strategies and programs. Prerequisite: BUS200.

(4 credits) This course explores the cultural, social, personal and psychological factors influencing buyer behavior; buying-decision processes and stages; and learning theory integrated with consumer beliefs and attitudes. Prerequisite: BUS200.

(4 credits) In this course, students learn to identify research needs, select research techniques, design research projects, develop research instruments and understand descriptive statistical methods. The goal is to equip them for reading, interpreting and conducting business research. Prerequisites: MAT116QR or MAT117QR, BUS200 and BUS205.

(4 credits) Graphic Design I is an introduction to the computer applications used in the communication, design and publishing fields. There will be an introduction to graphic design problems and projects in order to learn how these applications all work together.

(4 credits) Graphic Design II is a course for students to gain the understanding of what good design is and how to clearly communicate with it. Students will produce finished examples of graphic design with a specific use in mind such as advertising, public information, business communication, etc. Prerequisite: ART220.

(4 credits) This course is a study of the skills needed to develop and manage long-term relationships with customers and suppliers. Emphasis is placed on relationship selling, presentation, prospecting, handling objectives and closing techniques with consideration given to differences in the global marketplace. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

(4 credits) This course examines customer relationship management (CRM) and its application in marketing, sales, and service. Effective CRM strategies help companies align business process with customer centric strategies using people, technology, and knowledge. Companies strive to use CRM to optimize the identification, acquisition, growth and retention of desired customers to gain competitive advantage and maximize profit. Anyone interested in working with customers and CRM technology and would like to be responsible for the development of any major aspect of CRM will find this course beneficial. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

(2 credits) This course introduces students to some of the basic equipment, aesthetic techniques and procedures used in creating short videos. Students will practice these skills through a series of projects, assessing how the techniques could be applied to their unique areas of study.

(3 credits) Covers basic principles of design as they apply to a wide variety of publications. Emphasis on selecting type, art and graphics appropriate to subject matter, purpose and audience.

(3 credits; alternate years, consult department) Study of writing and design for a Web environment. Students will analyze Internet sites and design sites of their own, using a standard program for Web design. Prerequisites: ENG184 or equivalent and any of the following: COM263, ART220, ART230, or permission of instructor.

(3 credits, alternate years, consult department) The primary objectives of this course are knowledge integration and skills application. By conceiving, researching, creating, executing, and evaluating a comprehensive advertising communication plan that incorporates research, creative, media, and promotions, students will understand how various components work together to provide a client with a cohesive campaign that communicates their message. Students will give a formal oral presentation to their client that includes a usable campaign and all the creative materials needed to execute the campaign.