Undergraduate Business Courses

Undergraduate Business Courses

BUS 100 (3 credits) - Introduction to Business

Provides a foundation of business knowledge. Students are exposed to major facets of the business world that affect everyday decision making including types of organizations, ethics, environmental impact, economics, management, marketing, and financial management. Enrollment is restricted to non-business majors and business majors with no more than six credits in business.

BUS 101 (3 credits) - Financial Accounting

Emphasizes conceptual framework of accounting to enable students to analyze transactions in terms of their effects upon the financial condition of a business. Topics include a selection of appropriate journals and ledger accounts, preparation of financial statements, and the impact of accounting methods upon operations of a business.

BUS 200 (3 credits) - Managerial Accounting

The use of accounting data for managerial planning and control. Cost flows, cost-volume-profit analysis, capital budgeting, and pricing strategies are among the major topics included. Not for accounting majors. Prerequisite: BUS 101.

BUS 205 (3 credits) - Fraud Examination

Study of how and why occupational fraud is committed, how fraudulent conduct can be deterred, and how allegations of fraud should be investigated and resolved. In addition to covering the material in the textbook, the instructor or a guest lecturer presents at least one actual fraud case to the class. The sessions are interactive, with students working through the cases, developing investigative strategies, and seeking to prove how the fraud was committed.  

BUS 206 (3 credits) - Management Principles

Provides an analysis of the traditional functions of management (i.e., planning, organizing, leading and controlling) with past, present, and future application. Topics examined include quality issues, team-based approaches to work, organizational design and re-engineering efforts, motivational techniques, globalization, technology, diversity, and ethics.

BUS 207 (3 credits) - Marketing Principles

An introduction to the basic functions of marketing and the marketing concept. Included topics of study are market analysis, consumer behavior, marketing research, the development of the marketing mix, and international and social marketing.

BUS 208 (3 credits) - Introduction to Sales

An introduction to the sales process including prospecting, lead generation and qualification, sales presentation and closing skills. Sales management focuses on planning, organizing, staffing and supervision of the sales effort. Prerequisite: BUS 207 or permission of instructor.

BUS 225 (3 credits) - Insurance and Risk Management

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of personal and business risk and understand the tools used to mitigate such risks. Methods utilized to mitigate and manage risk will be evaluated including insurance, forecasting, access to insurance, government regulations, legal principles, annuities and operational procedures involved with risk transfer.

BUS 227 (3 credits) - Financial Services

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of financial planning, process and environment. The course provides the key factors necessary to understand the financial planning process including client/customer relations, ethics and practice standards, regulations, financial institutions, and special circumstances in finance.

BUS 250 (3 credits) - Accounting Principles

Builds upon and expands fundamental accounting principles covered in Bus 101. Use of corporate asset, debt and equity accounts, preparation and analysis of financial statements, and impact of cash flow are highlighted. Prerequisite: BUS 101.

BUS 251 (1 credit) - High Performer Development Series I

The first course in the High Performer Development Series explores foundational skills for professionalism, such as personal selling, relationships, goal setting, writing and focus management. Highlights and reinforces the importance of the liberal arts and Franciscan values as related to high performers. Requirements include the Major Fields Test, Iliad Business Simulation, and job shadowing experience coordinated by Career Services.

BUS 252 (3 credits) - Intermediate Accounting I

Utilizes and expands the generally accepted accounting principles learned in BUS 101 and 250. Detailed analysis of accounting problems and related theories are included. Emphasis is placed upon acceptable accounting alternatives and their effects upon the preparation of financial statements. Prerequisite: BUS 250.

BUS 253 (3 credits) - Intermediate Accounting II

Provides further development of student’s ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles to more detailed and complex business situations. Topics relating to asset management, current and contingent debt, long-term investments, corporate debt and equity securities, earnings per share, statement of cash flows, and the impact of accounting methods upon statement preparations are emphasized. Prerequisite: BUS 252.

BUS 280 (3 credits) - Human Resources Management

The study of human resources in the management of the organization. Emphasis placed on understanding human resource planning, talent acquisition and talent management, total rewards management, and the human resource practitioner as a strategic partner. Impact of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), legislative issues, work design techniques discussed as well as other issues affecting human capital, including Employee Assistance Plans (EAP), discipline and discharge practices. Prerequisite: BUS 206.

BUS 293 (3 credits) - Change Management

An analysis of both traditional and contemporary approaches to fundamental issues of change management including challenges of sustainability, social responsibility, and the global economic system. Emphasis will be placed on the multiple perspectives of change and the implementation of leading change. The focus will be on analysis of successes and failures of programs in large and small organizations as well as for-profit and non-profit. Prerequisites: BUS 200 or 250, 206, 207, 280; ECON 248 & 249.

BUS 301 (3 credits) - Advanced Accounting

Expands upon concepts learned in lower level accounting courses and presents major new areas for students to consider. Emphasis is placed upon business combinations, consolidated financial statements, and accounting for not-for-profit enterprises. Prerequisite: BUS 253.

BUS 304 (3 credits) - Federal Taxation

Covers basic theory and concepts of income taxation with emphasis on the application of the Internal Revenue Code to business and non-business activities of the individual. Prerequisite: BUS 250.

BUS 305 (3 credits) - Accounting Information Systems

Discussion of the design, implementation, and improvement of accounting systems while emphasizing the role technology plays in each phase. A systems approach to the gathering, processing, summarizing, and reporting of financial information is key. The implementation of internal controls is also stressed. General ledger, financial reporting, receivables, payables, inventory, and payroll are among the specific areas of application students experience through an automated accounting package. Prerequisite: BUS 250.

BUS 309 (3 credits) - Advertising and Promotion

In-depth study of factors that go into promotion and advertising campaigns. Students critically examine elements involved in planning, research, budgeting, public relations, media selection, creative concepts, message appeal, cost-effectiveness, and legal constraints.  Emphasis is placed on the important role of promotion and advertising within the marketing context. Prerequisite: BUS 207 or permission of instructor.

BUS 311 (3 credits) - Principles of Management Information Systems

Examines the hardware and software components of information systems and the strategic uses of information. Topics include DSS (decision support systems), Executive Information Systems, AI (artificial intelligence), Expert Systems, and information ethics. The focus is on the Internet as an information tool and on E-Commerce. Prerequisites: BUS 101, BUS 206, and evidence of computer information literacy.

BUS 312 (3 credits) - International Business I

Examines the nature of international business within domestic, international and foreign environments. Financial, economic, socioeconomic, physical, political, sociocultural, legal, labor, competitive and distributive forces that have an impact on businesses are explored. Current trends shaping corporate strategies are analyzed. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement.

BUS 314 (3 credits) - Retail Management

Focuses on successful merchandise management as it relates to the constraints of time, place, quantity and price. The managerial issues emphasized are retailing structure, financial standing, credit and collections, account and expense control, layout and location, display, customer service and community relations. Prerequisite: BUS 207.

BUS 315 (3 credits) - Data Analytics & Information Systems

This course is designed to introduce the concepts of management information systems and business analytics to students and will include discussion of components of information systems, the strategic uses of information, artificial intelligence, information ethics, descriptive statics, data visualization, statistical inference, spreadsheet models and decision analysis. The course will include instruction on Microsoft Excel skills using online learning modules. The course will include instruction on Microsoft Excel skills sing online learning modules. The course will build upon students' knowledge of statistics and apply such knowledge to the analysis of business problems.

BUS 320 (3 credits) - Stakeholder Relations

A comprehensive study of labor relations including the development and structure of unions, union security and the role of the business and government in wage determination. Approaches to negotiation, mediation, conflict and stakeholder dialogue as a key component in the resolution process will be discussed and practiced.

BUS 322 (3 credits) - Current Issues in Human Resource Management

Presents current changes and events in the human resource profession. Topics such as workplace violence and safety, workers compensation, human resource information systems, current legislation, and ergonomics are discussed. Prerequisite: BUS 320.

BUS 324 (3 credits) - Consumer Behavior

An examination of the decision-making processes of consumers and the social forces that influence consumer decisions with an emphasis on the implications of relevant theories and research findings upon the practice of marketing.

BUS 330 (1 credit) - Investment Fund Management

This course is designed so that students can research, recommend and manage investment choices for the endowment fund of the university. The course will evaluate equity and debt opportunities to build an endowment portfolio where performance is based on the equity and debt positions as selected by students. Tracking performance versus sector averages is a key component of this course. This course is an "invited" course open to juniors and seniors who have selected finance as a major. Approval by the business department chair to participate in the course is required. Due to the nature of this course, students may consider enrolling in the course in multiple semesters with a maximum of three credits earned.

BUS 332 (3 credits) - Operations Management

Fundamental concepts, issues and techniques used to plan, analyze and control systems of production. Investigate operational problems in producing goods and services. Case analysis to include topics in making quality happen, logistics of planning production, managing inventories, dealing with capacity change, opportunities for vertical integration and operations strategy. Prerequisites: BUS 206; and MAT 208 or 209.

BUS 342 (3 credits) - Business Law

Deals with the meaning and functions of business law as applied to negotiable contracts, sales, agency employment, real property, insurance, labor, anti-trust law, consumer protection, and other legal issues such as international, environmental, privacy, tort and criminal law.

BUS 350 (3 credits) - Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Explores the application of psychological principles and results of empirical research to the behavior of individuals in the workplace. Topics include organizational issues (e.g. work motivation, job attitudes, leadership, and organizational stress) and industrial issues (e.g. employee attraction, selection, placement, performance appraisal and feedback, and ergonomics). Intrinsic connection between science and practice is emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

BUS 351 (1 credits) - High Performer Development Series II

The second course in the High Performer Development Series explores foundational skills for effectively working in teams and groups, such as leading, managing, teamwork, effective meetings, delegation, and problem solving. Introduces the concepts of followership and relationship selling, Requirements include the Myers-Briggs Indicator and externship experience coordinated by Career Services. Prerequisite: BUS 251.

BUS 400 (3 credits) - Cost Accounting

Focuses on the collection and allocation of costs of materials, labor, and overhead. Emphasizes application and interpretation of cost data, analyses of job, process, activity-based, and operations systems, the implementation of budgets and standards, the analysis of variances, and capital budgeting techniques. Prerequisite: BUS 253.

BUS 402 (3 credits) - Auditing

Incorporates the principles of accounting and applies them to auditing procedures and standards. The use of working papers simulates the actual auditing process. The auditor’s legal liability and responsibilities according to the Code of Professional Ethics established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants are reviewed. Prerequisite: BUS 301.

BUS 406 (3 credits) - Investment and Portfolio Management

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of investment theory and valuation principles and practices. In addition, valuation principles and analysis of stocks, bonds and derivatives are included in the course. Finally, asset management techniques will be incorporated into the course. Prerequisite: BUS 227.

BUS 410 (3 credits) - Financial Markets

Provides in-depth analysis of financial markets and how those markets facilitate the flow of funds to accommodate the needs of individuals, corporations, governments and the global market. The purpose is to study and understand the roles of the financial intermediaries in the market and how they direct funds in an ethical business manner. Prerequisite: ECON 248 or 249.

BUS 411 (3 credits) - Financial Decision Making

The role of the financial manager in the modern business organization is stressed. Topics include time value of money, financial analysis, risk analysis, financial forecasting, cost of capital, stock and bond valuation models, capital budgeting, investment decisions under conditions of uncertainty, long-term financial alternatives, and dividend policy. Prerequisites: BUS 200 or 250.

BUS 412 (3 credits) - International Business II

Focuses on how management deals with environmental forces in the global economy. Market assessment and analysis, export and import practices and procedures, global strategic planning, and technologically-driven changes will be analyzed. Emphasis is placed on diversified case studies. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement. Prerequisite: BUS 312.

BUS 414 (3 credits) - Global Strategic Marketing

Explore fundamental principles, theories, and concepts of rapidly changing international markets. Strategic issues dealing with market entry, trade barriers, foreign trade imbalance, environmental and legal differences, foreign competition, currency fluctuation, and their effects upon marketing decisions are analyzed. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement. Prerequisites: BUS 207.

BUS 420 (3 credits) - Employment Law

Approaches the study of labor and employment law through text case studies, leading court decisions and current events. Insight into the workplace legal environment is presented through interactive analysis. Multicultural and global legal employment trends are presented.

BUS 426 (3 credits) - Strategic Management

Study of development and implementation of strategic plans conceived by executive level management. Students integrate previously studied topics in the business core curriculum along with new information dealing specifically with strategic management. Utilization of in-depth case studies allows students to sharpen their skills of analysis and to develop coherent and comprehensive strategic plans. Prerequisites: BUS 200 or 250; Pre-or Co-requisite: BUS 411; Senior-level standing.

BUS 427 (3 credits) - International Human Resource Management

Explores the implications that the process of internationalization has on the activities and policies of human resource management. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement.

BUS 431 (3 credits) - Entrepreneurship

Explores the challenges and opportunities experienced in starting and managing a small business. Emphasis is placed on the planning, financing, accounting, marketing, and management skills required to build a successful business enterprise. The importance of business innovation and specific management techniques will be explored. Prerequisites: BUS 200 or 250; and BUS 206.

BUS 434 (3 credits) - Marketing Management

A capstone course in the marketing curriculum that integrates previously presented principles and practices. The course is designed to develop an appreciation of the marketing executive’s viewpoint which focuses on managing organizational resources to fully understand customer needs and wants; develop a compelling offering of products and services; effectively communicate with targeted customers; capture and deliver optimal value. Detailed case studies and projects will be used to explore the application of marketing theory to practical situations. Coursework will be oriented to consider profit-oriented, not-for-profit and public-sector organizations.

BUS 441 (credits vary) - Cooperative Education in Business I

A supervised learning experience that integrates theoretical coursework, career goals and objectives, and on-the-job work experience in the business field. Academic assignments supplement actual work experience. Maximum Cooperative credits for BUS 441 and BUS 442 are 9. Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed 90 credits and UNIV 200. This course meets the Writing Enhanced requirement.

BUS 442 (credits vary) - Cooperative Education in Business II

Supervised learning experience that integrates theoretical coursework, career goals and objectives, and on-the-job work experience in the business field. Academic assignments supplement actual work experience. Maximum Cooperative credits for BUS 441 and BUS 442 are 9. Prerequisites: BUS 441. This course meets the Writing Enhanced requirement.

BUS 443 (3 credits) - Compensation and Benefit Management

Applied examination of direct and indirect reward systems in organizations. Topics include job evaluation, wage surveys, incentives, pay equity, compensation and benefits strategy, benefit offerings mandated benefits, benefit-cost analysis and flexible benefit programs. Prerequisite: BUS 320.

BUS 444 (3 credits) - Marketing Research Seminar

Emphasizes principles of scientific methodology for marketing research. Topics include problem formulation, cost and research design, questionnaire construction, report preparation, data interpretation and reliability measurements. Findings are used to formulate marketing strategies directed toward specific market segmentation. Prerequisites:  BUS 207.

BUS 445 (3 credits) - Leadership Seminar

This course combines classroom instruction with practical experience via membership in one of our professional nationally affiliated organizations. Students will be expected to be active in one or more of these organizations and will be graded on specific projects/activities completed. This is an elective course for business and sport management majors only.

BUS 450 (3 credits) - Organizational Leadership

Analyzes organizations in terms of structure, authority, culture, managerial philosophy, and ethical scrutiny. Students learn theories of human perception, communication, motivation, organization culture, and change, and apply these theories to practice through research, experiential exercises and case studies.

BUS 451 (1 credits) - High Performer Development Series III

The third course in the High Performer Development Series explores skills important for leading organizations, such as power, persuasion, political skill influence tactics, assertiveness, conflict management, organization culture, strategy, and executive presence. Reinforces the importance of planning, organizing and assessment and introduces business to business selling. Requirements include the Major Fields Test and the Iliad Business Simulation. Prerequisites: BUS 251 and 351.

 

Economics

 

ECON 110 (3 credits) - Current Economic Issues

The class is designed to use basic economic theory and demonstrate how it is applied to current real-world public policy decisions, and how the outcomes have an immediate and personal impact.

ECON 218 (3 credits) - Personal Economics

Focuses on managing personal finances and financial planning. Prepares students to understand how consumers make choices in an economy. The course does not presuppose any formal knowledge of economics, accounting or finance. Major topics discussed include: budgeting, credit, housing and transportation, economy, insurance, basic investing, financial planning and income tax, and retirement/estate planning.

ECON 248 (3 credits) - Macroeconomics

Surveys the performance of the American economic system through National Income Accounting with emphasis on the aggregates of government, consumers, and businesses.  The focus is on total income, total output, a general level of prices and the major current problems of unemployment, inflation, and fiscal and monetary policy.

ECON 249 (3 credits) - Microeconomics

Surveys behavior of individual economic units (household and business firms) and the price mechanism interacting in the market structures of American capitalism.  Emphasis is on the specific product price and a specific amount of production in an efficient and profit-oriented competitive economic system.

ECON 260 (3 credits) - Sport Economics

This applied economics course explores economic issues in the sports industry. Students apply the principles of economics to professional and amateur sports. The focus is on the structure of sport markets, labor economics of sport, public finance of sport, and governmental policies on sport. Prerequisite: ECON 248 and ECON 249.

ECON 348 (3 credits) - Intermediate Macroeconomics

Measurement and determination of national income, employment, and output; economic significance of consumption, saving, investment, foreign trade, money and prices, fiscal and monetary policy.  Prerequisite:  ECON 248.

ECON 349 (3 credits) - Microeconomics

Theory and application of microeconomics; demand, supply, optimal customer choice, production, cost, profit-maximizing pricing and output decisions, employment of resources, externalities, efficiency, and welfare.  Prerequisite:  ECON 249.

ECON 352 (3 credits) - History of Economic Thought

Survey of economic ideas from Ancient Greece to present, emphasizing the changing focus and methodologies of economic relative to economic problems perceived at the time.

ECON 353 (3 credits) - Economic Justice and Judeo-Christian Conscience

Examination of economic and Judeo-Christian concern for justice.  Topics include the meaning of 'economic justice' in economic development; North-South relationships; economic system theories, poverty, and prosperity; business ethics and labor-management issues; issues related to economic faithfulness for individual Judeo-Christians.

ECON 432 (3 credits) - International Political Economy

The course emphasizes the nature of international trade and international economic theory, monetary and fiscal policies, and development.  It will discuss the interplay between politics and economics.  Current problems affecting international economic relations will be discussed.

Sport Management

SM 201 (3 credits) - Introduction to Sport Management

Explores organizational and managerial foundations of sport management, leadership styles, governance bodies, international sport management, sport tourism, critical thinking, and career options in different sport environments. Ethical challenges and legal considerations in sport management are examined.

SM 210 (3 credits) - Sport in Society

Sport is examined through the paradigm of different cultures within the U.S. and throughout the world and is discussed as a major social institution with the power to as a socializing agent and unifier of people. Complex social issues are analyzed through the forum of sport, forcing new and thought-provoking ways of understanding the importance and value of different cultures within the interdependent global community. Cultural components explored include gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and class. Fulfills diversity requirement.

SM 310 (3 credits) - Facility and Event Management

Analyzes the management process required for designing, managing, and selecting sites for sport facilities. Focuses on event planning and management for sport and special events and explores the economic impact of sport facilities and events.

SM 325 (3 credits) - Sport Marketing, Promotions, and Fundraising

This course explores the marketing process and the promotional developments and strategies relative to the sport industry. Fundraising as essential to youth, interscholastic, and intercollegiate sport is discussed along with effective strategies to meet established financial goals. Prerequisite: BUS 307.

SM 441 (3 credits) - Cooperative Education in Sport Education

The supervised learning experience that integrates theoretical coursework, career goals and objectives, and on-the-job work experience in the sports management field. Academic assignments supplement actual work experience. Prerequisite: senior standing and a 2.75 GPA. Special consideration may be given to outstanding juniors. Students must have successfully completed 30 credits at Alvernia. Cross-listed with BUS 441.

SM 455 (3 credits) - Sport Management Seminar

A capstone course in the sport management curriculum that integrates previously presented principles and practices. Students will complete a capstone project culminating in a paper and presentation. The student must develop and detail an organizational plan for an organization in the sport industry utilizing the foundational skills learned in the business core and sport management core. This project will incorporate the overall financial structure and management structure of the organization including a study of its leadership utilizing leadership theory. Pre-requisite: senior status or permission of the department chair.