Course Descriptions

MBA-GM Prerequisite Course Descriptions

MBA 5005  Foundations of Business Communications (1.5 units) previously GSM 5112

This optional seven week course is designed as a refresher course for students whose mother language is not English.  The course focuses on the fundamentals of sound grammar, structure, and written presentation of thought.

MBA 5006 Statistics and Research Methods (3 units) previously GSM 5003

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 5007 Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 units) previously GSM 5002

The study of accounting information used in decision-making (from a management perspective).  Students evaluate corporate reporting using the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and financial ratios.  Budgeting, product costing and other internal financial management topics are covered.  The course includes: problem solving, written analysis, actual company cases and addresses ethical issues.

MBA 5008 Finance (3 units) previously GSM 5004

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 5009 Managerial Economics (3 units) previously GSM 5001

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-GM Core Course Descriptions

MBA 5201 Business Communications I (1.5 units) previously GSM 5113

Focusing on written communication, this course helps the student to develop sound business writing skills. Concepts emphasized include: planning strategies before writing, composing efficiently, revising effectively and quickly, providing constructive coaching to another writer, producing successful documents with enhanced image and effect, improving managerial review skills, recognizing nuances of written communication, and the effective use of “headlines”.

MBA 5202 Business Communications II (1.5 units) previously GSM 5114

Focusing on business presentations, this course helps students to hone their presentations skills.  Concepts emphasized include: planning a presentation strategy, designing the appropriate use of media, identifying audience need and characteristics, packaging the appropriate message for the audience, and using the body and voice effectively so as to develop a ‘stage’ presence.

MBA 5205 International Accounting (3 units) previously GSM 5121

Focuses on the financial and managerial accounting issues of international business.  Topics include: fluctuating currency levels, accounting for transactions in foreign currencies, restatement of foreign subsidiary financial statements, transfer pricing, and income taxes, consolidation and disclosure problems, and managerial control and organization.

MBA 5206 Strategic International Marketing (3 units) previously GSM 5117

An in-depth understanding of marketing functions are introduced, specifically focusing on providing students with experience in making marketing and business-related decisions.  Attention is paid to areas of increasing importance to marketing professionals, including services and Internet marketing.  Case study analysis and discussion form the basis of classroom instruction and a prime objective is to develop a sense of realism within these discussions on current business issues. 

MBA 5209 International Corporate Finance (3 units) previously GSM 5140

Explores traditional areas of corporate finance from the perspective of a multinational company-concentrating on decision elements that are rarely encountered by purely domestic firms.  Elements include multiple currencies, frequent exchange rate changes and varying rates of inflation, differing tax systems and derivatives; also studied are various FX exposures, global cost of capital, FDI strategy and international portfolio diversification.

MBA 5210 Strategic Management (3 units) previously GSM 5123

This course stresses the importance of design of an organization’s strategy through establishing a clear mission and goals; identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of an organization; and relating strategic thought to the greater global environment.  The formulation and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan (integrating all business disciplines) are reviewed. Strategic application takes place through the use of a strategic business simulation.

MBA-GM Domain Course Descriptions

The international domain creates the opportunity for the student to select courses from multiple domains (global regions) or to specialize in a specific region of interest.  Included in the domains is the opportunity to complete all, or part, of the domain coursework in international settings/locations.

MBA 5203 Global Organizational Behavior and Human Resources(3 units) previously GSM 5126

Examines organizations from an organizational, group and individual perspective.  Key features of high-performance structures and employee development systems are examined.  Current topics include: legal issues in personnel management, analyzing organizational structure and culture, global team dynamics, ethical management of human resources, using the Internet for recruiting, creating knowledge management and performance support systems, and achieving employee loyalty through non-compensation based strategies. Special emphasis on recruiting and retaining international employees.

MBA 5207 Global Information Management and E-Business (3 units) previously GSM 5120

Teaches students to prepare and train current and future managers to effectively operate in a globally connected economy.  An introduction to, and overview of, the principles of the connected economy and the roles that information technology and e-commerce play in it.  Students develop effective strategies, utilize information technology and e-commerce to achieve their global business objectives.

MBA 5208 Managing and Working Across Cultures in International Business (3 units) previously GSM 5146

In today’s global economy, managers need to have an informed understanding of different cultures.  Each culture has its own language, boundaries, and challenges.  The growing importance of global business requires business leaders to develop cross-cultural management skills.   This course will focus on spatial cultural patterns, cultural impact on management and business, and approaches for conducting business in specific cultural regions.

MBA-GM Elective Course Descriptions

MBA 5204 Organization and Leadership (3 units) previously GSM 5141
 
Leadership in effective organizations will be demonstrated at all levels of the organization. Leadership and organizational theories within the business framework will be examined. The course will include team and leadership practice to complement the business theories.   Emphasizes the leader's role in shaping ethically effective business organizations, and the strategic significance of the organization’s structure and ways in which this impacts the organization’s leaders and stakeholders. The topics will include strategies for team development and leading; importance of followership; power, authority and motivation; vision, creativity and innovation; the ethical responsibilities of leadership and corporate social responsibility; conflict resolution and facilitating group decision-making to effect organizational change. 

MBA 5214 International Organizational Effectiveness (3 units)

The central theme of this course is the understanding of the multiple processes required to align the organization’s structure and people to its market positioning. Leveraging existing knowledge of strategy, marketing, organizational behavior, and human resources management, the course will add the notion and dynamics of the five stages in the maturity cycle to address 1) Talent management (acquisition and retention {selection/performance management}), 2) Human capital as a competitive advantage (strategic competency requirements), 3) structural design, and 4) job design/span of control/spending authority (tying back to performance management).

MBA 5215 Globalization: Concepts and Effects (3 units) previously GSM 5111

The concept of globalization debate has captured every aspect of business. Many argue that the increasing integration of the world due to economic and technological developments has created an unstable world with the constant need to restructure and reconfigure. This course will focus on understanding the process of globalization and its impact on different economies. The different modules will focus on conceptualizing globalization, reconfiguration of power, and the impact of globalization on different industries and countries.

MBA 5216 Global Operations and Supply Chain Management (3 units) previously GSM 5118

Focuses on the managerial challenges in the operations of manufacturing and service industries.  Provides an understanding of the functional and strategic roles of production and distribution.  Distribution strategies are evaluated and costs and benefits of cooperation and coordination between different firms in the supply chain are also investigated.

MBA 5220 Special Topics in Asia Pacific (3 units) previously GSM 5142

This course deals with contemporary business issues relevant to Asia Pacific from an interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial perspective.  Topics vary from year to year in an effort to capitalize on current trends and their impact on future business models and practices.

MBA 5221 Diversity, Growth and Economic Development of Asia Pacific (3 units) previously GSM 5131

This course discusses the economic potential of the Asia Pacific and South Asian regions where the traditional modes of production, culture, social, and political relations have been undergoing dramatic changes. As a result of advancement of transport and communication technology, economic linkages, and political alliances, Asia Pacific is experiencing intense change. To understand the issues, the course focuses on the economic, cultural and social basis of the countries in the region. The course is designed to study the interrelationships between the natural environment and economic, political, and cultural activities.

MBA 5222 The Business Culture of Asia Pacific (3 units) previously GSM 5133

This course focuses on cross cultural communications and negotiations in an Asia Pacific setting.  Basic premise: although managers need analytical skills to discover optimal solutions to problems, a broad array of negotiation skills is needed to get these solutions accepted and implemented.  Development of students’ skills is achieved through experiential learning.

MBA 5223 The Japanese Corporate System (3 units)

Students will walk through the key features of Japan and Asian corporate systems: top management decision making, human resource management, information flow and organizational design, competitive strategies, corporate governance, and financial strategies.  Students will first familiarize themselves with the unique features of Japanese corporations, considering their strength and weaknesses through comparative studies.  They then apply their knowledge in examining the restructuring process of the Japanese companies in the 90s and the first half of 2000s.   This is particularly important in light of the current US economic uncertainty that is very similar to that in Japan in early 1990s.

MBA 5230 Special Topics: Europe (3 units) previously GSM 5145

This course deals with contemporary business issues relevant to Europe from an interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial perspective.  Topics vary from year to year in an effort to capitalize on current trends and their impact on future business models and practices.

MBA 5231 Special Topics: Europe (3 units) previously GSM 5145

This course deals with contemporary business issues relevant to Europe from an interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial perspective. Topics vary from year to year in an effort to capitalize on current trends and their impact on future business models and practices.

MBA 5232 Spanish for Business (3 units) previously GSM 5210

This course is designed to provide beginning Spanish learners with the many unique business terms in the Spanish language.  Students practice day to day conversational Spanish in business specific settings.  By course completion, the student will be comfortable with basic business discussions conducted in Spanish.

MBA 5233 French for Business (3 units) previously GSM 5211

This course is designed to provide beginning French learners with the many unique business terms in the French language.  Students practice day to day conversational French in business specific settings.  By course completion, the student will be comfortable with basic business discussions conducted in French.

MBA 5234 German for Business (3 units) previously GSM 5212

This course is designed to provide beginning German learners with the many unique business terms in the German language.  Students practice day to day conversational German in business specific settings.  By course completion, the student will be comfortable with basic business discussions conducted in German.

MBA 5237 European Business Practices: Impact of Culture and Language (3 units) previously GSM 5137

This course reviews varying business practices among European countries and focuses on the role of language and culture on both internal and external commerce.  In addition, to provide a modern context, a review of the EU history, institutions, and internal dynamics is reviewed and discussed. Three critical skill areas are reviewed (negotiation, practical research, and case analysis) in the context of this varied and dynamic region of the world.

MBA 5240 The Business Environment of Latin America (3 units) previously GSM 5153

This course focuses on the effects of the growing globalization of business highlighting the historical trends and current forces that shape foreign and domestic business organizations doing business in Latin America. Topics include growing economic interdependence, political and cultural globalization, and political and financial risk assessment.

MBA 5240 will provide an integrated study of the principles of international business and their application in the disciplines of economics, political science and socio-economics. Instruction will focus on the global business environment, the multinational challenges of changing market structures, and the impact of rapidly changing technologies on the international marketplace. Examining the historic and current forces that are shaping small and large businesses and organizations globally, we will study how they must adapt to various cultural, political, environmental and economic factors in the competitive marketplace. Students will be involved in range of individual and group activities including case analyses, in-class discussions, selected readings and a team project: Country and Political Risk Analysis, Industry Assessment and Feasibility Study of taking a product or service to Brazil, Chile or Argentina.

MBA 5250 The Business Environment of South Africa (3 units)

This course focuses on the effects of the growing globalization of business highlighting the historical trends and current forces that shape foreign and domestic business organizations doing business in South Africa. Topics include growing economic interdependence, political and cultural globalization, and political and financial risk assessment.

MBA 5250 will provide an integrated study of the principles of international business and their application in the disciplines of economics, political science and socio-economics. Instruction will focus on the global business environment, the multinational challenges of changing market structures, and the impact of rapidly changing technologies on the international marketplace. Examining the historic and current forces that are shaping small and large businesses and organizations globally, we will study how they must adapt to various cultural, political, environmental and economic factors in the competitive marketplace. Students will be involved in range of individual and group activities including case analyses, in-class discussions, selected readings and a team project: Country and Political Risk Analysis, Industry Assessment and Feasibility Study of taking a product or service to South Africa.

MBA 5260 Leading Change and Organization Development (3 units) previously GSM 5150

Organizational change is among the most challenging processes in business.  The course explores both the rational and creative processes of change leadership.  Participants examine change examples from business, governments, and society as models for managing change.  Topics studied include why organizations change, the types of organizational changes, models for organizational diagnosis, situations where change is resisted, implementing change, and the impact vision has on change leadership.  Strategies and techniques for communicating change and skills for implementing change in organizations will be practiced.

MBA 5261 Building and Leading Teams for International Business (3 units) previously GSM 5151

Organizations around the world depend upon team-based work to achieve shared goals.  Stages of group development, principles of collaborative organizations, building team relationships for synergistic decision making and high performing work teams and evaluating team performance will be studied.  Studies will examine and practice strategies and tactics for team leaders in the team building process.  Techniques for planning and facilitating participative team meetings, collaborating among distance teams, motivating team members, and techniques for overcoming team dysfunctions will be studied and experienced.

MBA 5262 Multinational Corporations (3 units) previously GSM 5152

Understanding the working of global business is impossible without a good understanding of the operations of multinational corporations (MNCs); more than that, understanding the international economic environment is increasingly more important for anyone in the business sector.  In this course the various types of MNCs, their various strategies, their competitive advantages and the special difficulties they face, are discussed; risk diversification, internalization, international transfer pricing, and foreign direct investment are thoroughly covered, as well as offshoring and outsourcing strategies; international networks, the international financial environment, and international financial crises, along with the dangers and opportunities to MNCs, are analyzed.

MBA 5270 Global Branding (3 units) previously GSM 5148

Increasingly, firms are realizing the importance of their brands, which are closely associated with their products or services.  Despite this recognition, relatively little attention has been paid to branding in MBA programs.  This course attempts to address this oversight.  Specifically, Global Branding is an advanced MBA elective that addresses important branding decisions faced by companies.  The course’s basic objectives are to increase understanding of the important issues in evaluating, planning and executing brand strategies; to offer models and theoretical constructs and other tools to make better branding decisions; to provide a forum for students to apply these brand concepts.  Particular emphasis is placed on understanding psychological principles as well as different perceptions of brand issues across geographies and cultures.  The end-result is designed to help students improve their managerial acumen with respect to brands.  Lastly, this course is designed to be flexible and relevant to any type of organization (public vs. private, small vs. large, U.S. vs. International).

MBA 5271 International Industry Focus (3 units) previously GSM 5154

Focusing on a specific global industry, this course will investigate an industry, analyzing and comparing strategic practices, product marketing and financial standards across the globe. Geographic and cultural affects on the industry are examined and best practices determined.

MBA 5275 Executive Study Abroad (3 units) previously GSM 5200

Executive Study Abroad is an intense 9-10 day program that exposes the participant to multiple cultures and global business topics. Students are expected to complete in-depth, assigned readings prior to the trip abroad, then attend approximately 40 hours of business and organizational visits/lectures within the host country Upon their return, participants select an approved topic then write an extensive research paper. Sample trip combinations already completed: Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland; Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina; London, England and Dublin, Ireland; Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand; Rome and Florence, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal, and Barcelona, Spain; and Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto, Japan. No more than three units of study abroad can count toward the MBA degree.

MBA 5299 Independent Study (3 units) previously GSM 5999

Independent study is an opportunity for the student to customize a course in lieu of the requirements of another course. This option must be approved by the Director of Graduate Business Programs and the content area expert mentor. This option is granted as an exception and is not routinely allowed.

MBA-GM Capstone Course Description

MBA 5280 Capstone in Global Management (3 units) previously GSM 5135

Completed near the end of the student’s academic program, 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.