MBA Course Descriptions Core Courses
MBA 501 S elf-Assessment and Managerial Skills (3)
Provides students with the opportunity to assess their intrapersonal and interpersonal characteristics, personal and organizational values, managerial and leadership styles, and the level of competency in selected executive skills (e.g., business case analysis, decision making, oral and written business communication, research proposal development). It is designed to teach a set of skills that are grounded in behavioral science theory and research that are essential for a successful professional career in business, as well as to help students refine skills important to doing well in their MBA studies. It is highly recommended students take MBA 501 as one of their first courses in the program. Prerequisite: none. Students who have successfully completed BUS 409 Senior Seminar through Mount St. Mary’s University may be eligible for a waiver of this course. MBA 503 F inancial Reporting and Control (3)
Accounting is the primary channel for communicating the economics of any business. Managers must understand the concepts and language of accounting in order to use this critical tool effectively for communication, monitoring and resource allocation. Financial Reporting and Control is not a comprehensive course in accounting. Rather, it provides a broad view of how accounting contributes to an organization and how managers can make the best use of accounting information, accounting records, systems, and accountants as internal resources for the purpose of making effective financial decisions. This course is designed to help students use accounting-based information to aid in managerial decision making. Case study analysis combined with written and oral case study presentation will be used extensively. Prerequisites: undergraduate accounting I and accounting II, or MBAP 001 and MBAP 002 (see page 25). MBA 504 Managerial Economics (3)
An investigation and analysis of the theoretical and analytical tools of economics, with emphasis upon their application to business decision problems. Topics include demand theory, production and cost theory, market structure, price determination, and profit strategies. Case studies of managerial situations will be examined. Prerequisite(s): undergraduate principles of microeconomics, or MBAP 003 (see page 25). MBA 505 S trategic Marketing (3)
This course provides an examination into the content and appropriate strategies of the marketing process and its importance in today’s dynamic organizations. The value and importance of effective marketing is evaluated with the methodology for developing an effective strategic marketing process. This course addresses the aggregate scope of marketing in the recognition and understanding of marketing theories and practices through the use of strategic market planning. These elements include the marketing mix, uncontrollable variables, market research, consumer behavior, branding, market segmentation and effective promotional practices. Prerequisite: none. MBA 506 Quantitative and Statistical Methods for Managers (3)This initial course in statistical methods provides the MBA student with the fundamental quantitative methods to solve decision problems faced by managers in business. The course develops two important quantitative skills: 1) identification of the appropriate methodology for solving the managerial problem; and 2) clearly and precisely specifying the interpretation of the analysis produced.As a result of applying the appropriate methodology and clearly reporting the interpretation of the analysis, the student can then recommend a sensible and understandable business decision. The course includes the development of data analysis techniques, the study of probability and measures of uncertainty, and the application of modern statistical methods for decision making. Throughout the course students will utilize the technology to gather, organize and summarize the data into meaningful information. Further, students will apply the software to draw inferences from the data so that appropriate decisions can be recommended. Topics include probability models, Bayesian analysis, discrete and continuous distributions, estimation, hypotheses testing, chi-square tests, and regression analysis. Case studies will be analyzed and the reporting of analysis and recommendations will be emphasized. Prerequisite: undergraduate statistics or MBAP 004 (see page 25), and computer competence. MBA 509 F inancial Analysis (3)
A study of financial management and the role of the financial manager within an organization. The course will begin with an introduction to basic financial management and progress to areas of study such as security valuation, risk and return, cost of capital, capital budgeting, equity and debt management, and asset management. Textbook material will be supplemented with case study analysis to integrate the concepts developed in class. Knowledge and use of financial spreadsheets and financial modeling are necessary to fulfill class requirements. Basic Internet use and search skills will be required. Prerequisites: undergraduate business finance or MBAP 001, 002 and 005 (see page 25), and computer competence. MBA 516 O rganization Theory and Management Practice (3)
An intensive study of the development of organization and management theory, the functions of management, and the systems approach to organization and management. Emphasis is placed on the external environment of the business organization, the total organization and its subsystems, leadership, management, decision making, leading and managing change, and corporate social responsibility and business ethics. Case studies supplement and amplify theoretical considerations. Prerequisite: none. MBA 518 Management and Information Technology (3)
Provides an overview of the essential role of information and its management in the modern organization. It is a survey course in the sense that it does not explore any issue in depth, but it instead provides an introduction to a variety of important issues. Understanding the crucial role of information requires an understanding of the nature of information systems (IS). While an information system need not be computer based, most modern IS applications that add value to an organization incorporate the use of technology. Hence, the discussion of IS will be framed within the context of current technology. The audience for the course is managers in an organization; the course is not designed for information technology (IT) workers. The primary focus of the course will be on how building and improving IS can create a competitive advantage for a firm, improve efficiency and ultimately add value to the firm. Prerequisites: none. MBA 519 S trategic Analysis and Integrated Decision Making (3)This capstone course examines the design and execution of a firm’s competitive strategy. Students are organized into management teams to run the CapSim© simulation. Teams design their firm’s competitive strategy and execute that strategy through operating decisions in product development, production, research and development, pricing, marketing, human resource management, financial management, and quality initiatives. The simulation is internet-based; teams upload their decisions according to a fixed schedule, and decisions interact. Prerequisite: minimum of 24 graduate hours (including MBA 503, 504 and 509) and all undergraduate prerequisites. MBA 599 Research Project (3)
Development and critical analysis of a business problem. Students will be required to perform basic research at the primary and secondary levels, design a research topic, and present the findings in an acceptable written form. Students will also be required to make an oral presentation of findings and conclusions of their research work at the end of the course. Prerequisite: a minimum of 27 graduate credits. Students should be prepared with a clearly defined business problem to research at the first class meeting. This course spans two sessions; however, classes do not meet every week. Elective and Concentration Courses
MBA 511 C ontemporary Business Law and the Legal Environment (3)
Provides an introduction to the modern issues in business law. Topics covered include: contracts; the Uniform Commercial Code; property law; debtor-creditor relationships; bankruptcy; agency; business organizations; insurance; estates and trusts; federal securities laws; and government regulation of employment and environment. Topics related to the legal environment of business such as constitutional law, administrative law and dispute resolution are also covered. Prerequisite: none. Must be taken as an elective if not previously taken as an undergraduate course. MBA 520 F inancial Statement Evaluation and Analysis (3)
A study of techniques used in analyzing and interpreting the financial statements of industrial business enterprises. Students are provided an understanding of the difficulties in resolving various financial reporting issues and of the significance and applicability of accounting data to the total business environment. Prerequisites: MBA 503 and 509. MBA 524 Advanced Auditing (3)
A study of auditing concepts and methods, emphasizing those issues most frequently encountered by the firm and external auditors. Prerequisites: MBA 503 and previous auditing course. Typically co-listed as an undergraduate course and run on a semester-long schedule. Start and end dates may follow the undergraduate calendar. MBA 525 F ederal Taxation (3)
This course will explore all aspects of federal taxation including: individual, partnership, corporate, estate and gift taxation and taxation of transactions in property. Students will be exposed to tax theory, tax compliance, and research methods used in solving tax issues MBA 526 Advanced Studies in Taxation (3)
Advanced topics in the income taxation of business entities and individuals are examined. Additional topics such as estate and gift taxation, fiduciary taxation, taxexempt entities and retirement plans are also included at a basic level. Ethics, research and tax planning will be integral throughout the course. Prerequisite: Previous course in taxation. Typically co-listed as an undergraduate course and run on a semester-long schedule. Start and end dates may follow the undergraduate calendar. Prerequisite:MBA 525. MBA 530 L eading the Culturally Diverse Workforce (3)
The diversity of today’s workforce requires managers to create a multicultural climate in which all organization members are supported, valued and allowed to reach their full potential. Topics covered in this class include understanding the benefits of diversity across race, gender, age and international impact of diversity on today’s managers. Students will explore the behaviors that block organizational and individual effectiveness in a diverse workplace. Through case studies, readings and other activities, students will explore effective strategies for problem solving in this area. Prerequisite: MBA 516. MBA 533 Personnel and Human Resource Management (3)Human resource management (HRM) is a central function in every organization today. The objective of this course is to provide students with sufficient background knowledge of the various HRM functions to enable them to work successfully in an HRM position and to put into practice learned information pertaining to HRM. Prerequisite: MBA 516. MBA 534 E ntrepreneurship (3)
A course in planning and development of new business ventures from the standpoint of the entrepreneur as the innovator. Topics covered include idea development, venture planning, market analysis, initial financing, startup, and related aspects of accounting, finance and management. Acquisition of an existing business is also covered. Prerequisites: undergraduate Accounting I, Accounting II, principles of microeconomics, statistics, finance and business law or MBAP 001, MBAP 002, MBAP 003, MBAP 004, MBAP 005 and MBA 511 or undergraduate business law course. MBA 535 O rganizational Structure, Design and Culture (3)
As modern society’s most dominant institution, organizations exert a tremendous influence on our lives. To provide information that will help current and aspiring managers, the foundations and implications of organizational theory based on major research findings is explained. Organizations function as goal-seeking systems. This course examines the role of goals in organizations; examine how managers structure their organizations for effective performance; discuss the relationship between an organization and its environment; and examine transitions, dynamics and processes common in organizations as they are redesigned and or reengineered. Prerequisite: MBA 516. MBA 536 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility (3)
Business is part of a larger social system and must interact with other elements in that system: for example, government, advocacy groups, the media, etc. This course explores these non-market interactions and concentrates especially on questions of business ethics and corporate social responsibility. Prerequisite: none. MBA 538 O rganizational Behavior (3)
Organizational behavior is the study of individuals, organizations and the way people behave in organizations. If “all of the world is a stage,” it is a stage filled with organizations. Organizations are not physical realities, nor are they people with common objectives. Instead, organizations consist of patterned activities and goal-directed behaviors. Through the lenses of leadership theory and real life experience, the class will focus on three distinctly different levels of analysis: the individual; the group; and the organization. Each level of analysis contributes unique insights to help us understand and diagnose what is happening in the world around us. Prerequisite: MBA 516. MBA 542 F inancial Markets, Institutions and Policy (3)Investigates the history, structure and functions of financial institutions (banks, savings and loans, credit unions, etc.) as well as central banking (the Federal Reserve System). It analyzes money, financial intermediaries, markets and recent banking legislation. Prerequisites: MBA 503 and MBA 509. MBA 545 C ases in Financial Management (3)
A case-oriented class that applies the principles of finance and accounting to the financial management of the firm. Computer-based models will be applied. Prerequisites: MBA 503 and 509. MBA 566 R egulation (3)
Students in this course will be exposed to topics and assignments that will require them to (1) recognize legal problems and issues (2) gain knowledge of legal principles and (3) apply legal principles to real conflicts and legal problems. Students will be exposed to a study of fundamentals of professional responsibility and commercial law MBA 576 I nvestment Management (3)
A critical examination and analysis of the types of investments, and their relative merits, security, prices and yield, methods of investment analysis, portfolio management, and policies of institutional investors. Prerequisite: MBA 509. MBA 577 Marketing Management (3)
A study of marketing function and strategies, including demand analysis, product planning, pricing, distribution, promotion and market forecasts from the viewpoint of the manager. Marketing research techniques and marketing policies are examined and case studies employed. Prerequisite: MBA 505.MBA 581 Marketing Research (3)
An analysis of techniques to approach the solution of the marketing problem. Emphasis is on research methods. Prerequisite: MBA 505. MBA 582 A dvertising and Mass Communications (3)
The advertising process is examined, considering types, strategies, methods and objectives. Effective use of public relations, publicity and sales promotions are considered. Case studies are used. Prerequisite: MBA 505. MBA 590 S eminar in Leadership (3)
This seminar focuses on leadership from conceptual, relational and behavioral perspectives in trying to understand what it is, and what factors contribute to doing it effectively. It also provides students with an opportunity to explore various aspects of their own leadership philosophy and personal experiences in organizations. Prerequisite: MBA 516. MBA 598 A ccounting Research I
Current topics in accounting research offered in an Internet-based format. This course focuses on executive summary research projects requiring the use of current authoritative literature as a basis for reporting on accounting topics, including financial and managerial accounting – internal reporting, financial accounting-external reporting, governmental and non-profit accounting, ethics and internal control, recently released FASB and other authoritative statement, international accounting and/or other topics selected by the professor.
MBA 599 A ccounting Research II
A mentored independent research project delivered in an Internet-based format. Working with a professor, the student will design a project focusing on the practice and/or education of the discipline of accounting. The project will involve original research and analysis. Prerequisite: MBA 598. MBA 600 I ndependent Study (3)
Topic varies. Requires permission from the instructor and MBA director. MBA 601 T opics (3)
An exploration of a special topic related to some aspect of business. This course may be repeated for credit if it is a new topic. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. MBA 620 I nternship
For students who do not have full time professional work experience, an internship combines practical work experience with an academic research component. A student wishing to complete an internship must fill out a Learning Agreement form, must be approved by the Career Center, and must have a faculty sponsor in the School of Business. Mini-Courses Mini-courses are 4-week intensive preparatory courses designed to provide an overview of the subject matter and to expose you to the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in the MBA program. Mini-courses are generally offered on Saturdays at a reduced cost. Students who earn a “C-“ or better satisfy the corresponding prerequisites, but no academic credit is awarded. MBAP001/002 Accounting I and II Mini-Courses (0)
Two courses designed as preparation for MBA 503 Financial Reporting and Control. These courses present an in-depth study of some of the basic financial and managerial accounting uses and techniques. The focus will be on how to begin to utilize accounting data and information when making business decisions. (It is important to make the distinction between the user vs. the preparer approach.) Coursework will consist of studying the accounting cycle, income statement, statement of owner’s equity, balance sheet, statement of cash flows, financial statement analysis and ratio analysis. MBAP003 Microeconomics Mini-Course (0)
A course designed as preparation for MBA 504 Managerial Economics. This course serves as an introduction to microeconomic theory. Topics include demand theory, production and cost theory, market structure, price determination, and profit strategies. Macroeconomic topics are also included. MBAP004 S tatistics Mini-Course (0)
A course designed as preparation for MBA 506 Quantitative and Statistical Methods for Managers. This course serves as an introduction to modern statistical techniques and includes a survey of important probability distributions, the study of measures of location and dispersion, and the application of appropriate tests for decision making. Emphasis will be placed on developing sound approaches and procedures to solve statistical problems. In addition, producing correct interpretation of results and clear reporting of analysis are of primary importance. Understanding the concepts and procedures developed and applying and interpreting them correctly are the primary goals of the course. Theoretical analysis will be kept to a minimum; however, understanding of techniques will be emphasized. It will be assumed that the student can perform basic algebraic calculations. MBAP005 F inance Mini-Course (0)
A course designed as preparation for MBA 509 Financial Analysis. This course will cover basic topics of an introductory nature to financial management including alternative forms of business organization, business ethics, financial statement analysis, financial markets, interest rate construction, time value of money, basic federal income taxes, common stock and investment banking, and long term debt. Basic case study analysis and group decision-making activities will be planned.
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