Approved by: Graduate Council
Implementation Date: Spring 2014
Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.
Catalog Copy
II. Concentration and Elective Component (12 credit hours)
Students complete twelve hours of elective courses specified for a concentration. Students may enroll in electives as soon as they complete the prerequisites for each course. MBAD 6890 (Directed Individual Study) and MBAD 7090 (Special Topics in Business) may be included in a concentration with permission of the MBA Director and the related department.
Concentration and elective requirements:
Applied Investments Management
Required courses:
- MBAD 5158 Student Managed Investment Fund I (3)
- MBAD 5159 Student Managed Investment Fund II (3)
- MBAD 6153 Investment Management (3)
- MBAD 6157 Advanced Corporate Finance (3)
Business Analytics
Required Courses:
- MBAD 6201 Data and Knowledge Management (3)
- MBAD 6122 Decision Modeling and Analysis via Spreadsheets (3)
- MBAD 6207 Business Project Management (3)
Plus one of the following courses:
- MBAD 6202 Business Information Systems: Analysis, Design, and Management (3)
- MBAD 6203 Information Systems Economics, Strategy, and Policy (3)
- MBAD 6204 Business Data Communications (3)
- MBAD 6208 Supply Chain Management (3)
- MBAD 6172 Marketing Research (3)
- MBAD 6177 Pricing and Positioning Strategy (3)
- MBAD 7090 Special Topics in Business: Advanced Analytics (3)
- ECON 6112 Graduate Econometrics (3)
- ECON 6218 Business and Economic Forecasting (3)
Business Finance
Required courses:
- MBAD 6153 Investment Management (3)
- MBAD 6157 Advanced Corporate Finance (3)
Plus two of the following courses:
- MBAD 6151 Financial Institutions and Markets (3)
- MBAD 6154 Applied Business Finance (3)
- MBAD 6155 Multinational Finance (3)
Financial Institutions/Commercial Banking
Required courses:
- MBAD 6153 Investment Management (3)
- MBAD 6156 Commercial Bank Management (3)
- MBAD 6157 Advanced Corporate Finance (3)
Plus one of the following courses:
- MBAD 6151 Financial Institutions and Markets (3)
- MBAD 6155 Multinational Finance (3)
Global Business
Required courses:
- MBAD 6193 Global Business Environment (3)
- MBAD 6197 Managing Multinational Enterprise (3)
- Plus one course involving MBA-approved international study or travel (3)
And one of the following courses:
- MBAD 6155 Multinational Finance (3)
- MBAD 6174 Global Marketing (3)
Information and Technology Management
Required courses:
- MBAD 6201 Data and Knowledge Management in Business (3)
- MBAD 6202 Business Info Systems Development (3)
Plus two of the following courses:
- MBAD 6203 Information Systems Economics, Strategy, and Policy (3)
- MBAD 6204 Business Data Communications (3)
- MBAD 6122 Decision Modeling and Analysis via Spreadsheets (3)
- MBAD 6207 Business Project Management (3)
Management
Choose four of the required courses:
- MBAD 6162 Leadership in Organizations (3)
- MBAD 6163 Human Resource Management (3)
- MBAD 6164 Executive Communication (3)
- MBAD 6165 Negotiation and Conflict Management (3)
- MBAD 6166 Ethics and Global Capitalism (3)
- MBAD 6191 Entrepreneurship (3)
- MBAD 6192 Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility (3)
- MBAD 6193 Global Business Environment (3)
- MBAD 6197 Managing Multinational Enterprise (3)
- MBAD 6207 Business Project Management
Marketing
Choose four of the required courses:
MBAD 6172 Marketing Research (3)MBAD 6173 Promotional Strategy (3)MBAD 6174 Global Marketing (3)MBAD 6176 Consumer Behavior (3)MBAD 6371 Marketing of Sports (3)MBAD 6361 Management of Motorsports (1.5) and MBAD 6362 Management of Professional Team Sports (1.5)
- Prerequisite: MBAD 6270
Choose four of the following courses:
- MBAD 6271: Consumer Behavior and Strategy (3)
- MBAD 6272: Marketing Analysis and Decision Making (3)
- MBAD 6273: Brand Building and New Product Strategy (3)
- MBAD 6274: Advertising and Promotion Strategy (3)
- MBAD 6275: Global Marketing Strategy (3)
- MBAD 6276: Consumer Analytics (3)
- MBAD 6277: Social Media Marketing and Analytics (3)
- MBAD 6278: Innovation Analytics (3)
- MBAD 6279: Design Thinking and Innovation (3)
- MBAD 6280: Market Change and Innovating the Future (3)
- MBAD 6281: Pricing and Positioning Strategy (3) (on demand)
- MBAD 6282: Marketing of Sports (3) (on demand)
Real Estate Finance and Development
Required courses:
- MBAD 6158 Real Estate Finance & Investment (3)
- MBAD 6159 Real Estate Development (3)
Plus two of the following courses:
- MBAD 6160 Real Estate Capital Markets (3)
- MBAD 6258 Site Feasibility Analysis (3)
- MBAD 6259 Applied Real Estate Development (3)
Supply Chain Management
Required courses:
- MBAD 6122 Decision Modeling and Analysis via Spreadsheets (3)
- MBAD 6142 Quality & Manufacturing Management (3)
- MBAD 6208 Supply Chain Management (3)
Plus one of the following courses:
- MBAD 6207 Business Project Management (3)
- Elective approved by the MBA Director (3)
Student Structured Concentration
Students may propose a 12-semester hour concentration in a significant area of interest for approval by the Director of the MBA program. This concentration may include graduate courses from other programs within the University with approval of the related department.
COURSES IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBAD)
MBA Program Preparatory Courses
MBAD 5110. Foundation of Economics. (3) Prerequisite: enrollment in MBA program. Focuses on topics related to the scope and methodology of economics as a social science, the analysis of markets, the development of market structure, the characteristics of market failure, problems of economic concentration, the measurement of national income, the theory of national income determination, money and banking, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics and the theory of income distribution. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 5121. Business Information Systems. (3)
Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge and skills are assumed. Examination of how information systems are developed and used in organizations, how information resources are managed, and the potential strategic and competitive impact information systems have in domestic and global business environments.(Fall, Spring)
MBAD 5131. Fundamentals of Financial Accounting and Financial Management. (3) Prerequisite: enrollment in MBA program. Accelerated and in depth study of conceptual foundations and applications of financial accounting and financial management with emphasis on building accounting and finance information bases for external decision making. (Accounting and finance preparation to enter the MBA. May not be taken for credit toward any undergraduate degree within the Belk College of Business or used as equivalent credit for ACCT 2121-2122). (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 5141. Business Statistics and Quantitative Analysis. (3) Prerequisite: enrollment in MBA program. Designed to bring MBA students up to an acceptable level of analytical capability in the areas of probability theory, business statistics, basic linear mathematics (algebra and matrix algebra) and basic differential and integral calculus. Enrollment is limited to admitted MBA students. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 5191. Legal Environment in Business. (1)
Prerequisite: enrollment in MBA program. Legal environment in which business operates today; Legal, social, and ethical considerations of managers within the framework of federal and state regulatory laws; role and function of federal regulatory agencies and their impact on business activities. (Fall, Spring) Graduate Only – General MBA
MBAD 5158. Student Managed Investment Fund I. (3) Cross-listed as FINN 5158. Prerequisites: MBAD 5159, FINN 3120 or MBAD 6152, FINN 3222 or FINN/MBAD 6153, and permission of instructor. Management of an actual portfolio consisting of a portion of the University’s Endowment Fund. (Fall)
MBAD 5159. Student Managed Investment Fund II. (3) Cross-listed as FINN 5159. Prerequisites: MBAD 5158, FINN 3120 or MBAD 6152, FINN 3222 or FINN/MBAD 6153, and permission of instructor. Management of an actual portfolio consisting of a portion of the University’s Endowment Fund. (Spring)
MBAD 6028. Topics in Business Information Systems. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5121 or equivalent. Selected topics in information systems. Potential topics include information resource management, database management systems, management support systems, information systems in the financial and banking industry, information systems in manufacturing, information systems in health care, and EDP auditing. May be repeated for additional credit as the topics vary and with permission of MBA director. (On demand)
MBAD 6058. Special Topics in Financial Services. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. Each year, the subject matter of this course deals with a different specialized and contemporary topic of interest to students who are preparing for management careers in the financial services industry. Topics are chosen and covered in a way that builds on and supplements the topics covered in other courses in the Financial Institutions/Commercial Banking concentration. Emphasis is placed on the managerial implications of the subject matter as well as the impact on the financial system. Topics covered may vary from semester to semester, and the course may be repeated a maximum of one time for academic credit. (On demand)
MBAD 6100. Leadership, Ethics, and the Business Environment Seminar. (1) An introduction to leadership, ethics, and other essential skills and concepts for success in the current business environment. The particular topics and activities included vary each semester as the business environment changes. This course is to be taken by
MBA students in their first semester. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 6111. Macroeconomics and Business Forecasting. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5110 and MBAD 5141. Advanced studies of the interrelations of markets in national and international economies; mechanisms of monetary policy and interest rate effects, foreign exchange rates and inflation; relations between national saving, fiscal policy, foreign debt and investment; short-run and long-run effects of economic policy; tax policy, government spending and economic growth; types of economic forecasts; value and limits of forecasts. (On demand)
MBAD 6112. The Economics of Business Decisions.(3) Prerequisites: MBAD 5110 and 5141 or equivalents. Economic concepts in the decision making process. Topics include: scarcity; marginal analysis and tools of optimization; demand and supply analysis and market structure; economic efficiency; regression analysis; risk analysis and game theory; and international issues. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 6122. Decision Modeling & Analysis via Spreadsheets. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5141 or equivalent. An analytical approach to the management process. Generalized models for decision making with major emphasis on application of the scientific method to management problems.(Spring)
MBAD 6123. Applied Management Science. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6122. Mathematical model building aimed at integrating methods and applications. Overview of mathematical programming in practice and a series of projects implementing models in business and the public sector. (On demand)
MBAD 6131. Management Accounting. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5131 or equivalent. This course deals with using accounting information for strategic, tactical, and operating decisions with a focus on strategic cost management. Emphasis is on using cost and other management accounting information in making sound decisions, its effect on managerial behavior, and its use in formulating and implementing strategy, and issues of design and operation of management control systems including the intended and unintended consequences of performance measurement. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 6141. Operations Management. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5141 or equivalent. Design, operation, and control of service and manufacturing systems. Emphasis on using analytical tools for problem solving in process analysis and reengineering, work-force management, material and inventory management, aggregate planning, total quality management, and others. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 6142. Quality and Manufacturing Management. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6141. Current issues and advances in operations management including just-in-time inventory management, total quality management, continuous improvement, flexible manufacturing systems, computer integrated manufacturing systems, technology evaluation and
selection, and operations strategy. (Fall)
MBAD 6151. Financial Institutions and Markets. (3) Cross-listed as FINN 6151. Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. Major financial institutions, particularly commercial banks, and their role in the intermediation process and as suppliers of funds to the money and capital markets. Comparative financial policies of these institutions are examined in the context of their legal and market environment. (Yearly)
MBAD 6152. Financial Management. (3) Cross-listed as FINN 6152. Prerequisites: MBAD 6112 and MBAD 6131. Theory and practice of corporate finance including asset management, cost of capital and capital budgeting, optimization problems and socio-economic aspects of financial management. Computer technology may be employed when applicable. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 6153. Investment Management. (3) Cross-listed as FINN 6153. Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. Theory and practice of investment decisions of individuals and fund managers. Topics include: the status of capital market theory, the efficient market hypothesis literature, and a portfolio performance measurement. Standard institutional and investment analysis topics, futures and options markets, and international investment topics are covered. (Fall)
MBAD 6154. Applied Business Finance. (3) Cross-listed as FINN 6154. Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. Examination of business finance topics which typically confront the firm’s primary finance functional areas (CFO, Treasurer, Controller). The purpose is to develop advanced analytical skills in those topic areas. The following topics form the basis of the course: lease vs buy (borrow); leveraged buyouts: merger analysis (emphasis on valuation); international operations of American firms (capital budgeting and cost of capital); capital structure; risk management. Such additional topics as working capital management; risk management; and relevant current topics will be included as time permits. (On demand)
MBAD 6155. Multinational Financial Management.(3) Cross-listed as FINN 6155. Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. Financial management of the multinational firm including management of foreign exchange risk and political risk, and the control and evaluation of financial policies of multinational firms. (Spring)
MBAD 6156. Commercial Bank Management. (3) Cross-listed as FINN 6156. Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. Techniques for the management of commercial banks. Topics of study include industry structure, administrative organization, management of assets, liabilities, and capital, and financial analysis of the banking firm. (Yearly)
MBAD 6157. Advanced Corporate Finance. (3) Cross-listed as FINN 6157. Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. Theories of modern corporate finance, including theory of efficient capital markets; uncertainty and the theory of choice; market equilibrium asset pricing models (capital asset pricing model, arbitrage pricing theory, Black-Scholes); theories of capital structure and the cost of capital; dividend policy; and leasing. (Fall)
MBAD 6158. Real Estate Finance and Investment. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. This course focuses on the techniques used to analyze, finance and structure real estate transactions. Topics include: an overview of the real estate space and capital markets; the techniques of financial analysis; project ownership, taxation and financial structure; determining the financial feasibility of real estate development; and corporate real estate strategies. (Fall)
MBAD 6159. Real Estate Development. (3) Cross-listed as ARCH 5068 and GEOG 6103. Examination of the real estate development process. Identification and evaluation of the critical assumptions and issues related to market and site feasibility, financial feasibility, planning, acquisition, construction, and operation of economically viable commercial real estate projects. (Fall)
MBAD 6160. Real Estate Capital Markets. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6152. This course focuses on the techniques used to analyze, finance and structure real estate transactions, and emphasizes the role of the capital markets in facilitating development and investment in commercial real estate. Topics include: real estate in an investment portfolio; valuation and investment analysis for direct (private) real estate equity investment including coverage of valuation using real option methodology; primary and secondary commercial mortgage markets (CMBS); and, analysis of publicly traded equity real estate investment trusts (REITs). (Spring)
MBAD 6161. Human Behavior in Organizations. (3) Behavioral knowledge and skills essential to becoming an effective manager/leader including behavior and motivation in an environment of complexity and rapid change and ethical implications of actions and their effects on demographically diverse and increasingly international work force. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 6162. Leadership in Organizations. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6161. Continuation of MBAD 6161. Examines performance determinants and appraisal, design of complex organizations, team building, organizational change, career development and conflict management. (On demand)
MBAD 6163. Human Resource Management. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6161. An examination of the current critical issues and strategic questions associated with managing employees. Case material, readings and audiovisual material will be used to stimulate discussion of the most important and strategic questions to be tackled by general managers today and in the future in the relationship between management and workers. (Yearly)
MBAD 6164. Executive Communication. (3) Intensive study of communication in organizations from middle and upper management perspectives with special attention to corporate communication, media relations, technologically mediated communication, crisis communication and public affairs. Case studies, readings and project assignments will be used in a variety of business situations. (Fall)
MBAD 6165. Negotiation and Conflict Management. (3) Negotiation is the art and science of securing agreement between two or more independent parties. Conflict management involves resolving situations where the interests of two or more parties differ. This course will involve developing a repertoire of skills and techniques for negotiation and conflict management to develop a systematic and positive approach for negotiating with multiple stakeholders. Case studies, readings, and simulations will be used. (Yearly)
MBAD 6166. Ethics and Global Capitalism. (3) Prerequisite: Must be a Belk College of Business graduate student or permission of the MBA director. Study of ethical arguments supporting and critical of capitalist economic and social systems in relation to business strategy and public policy. Topics to be addressed may include property rights, justice, desert, equality, and sustainable capitalism. (Every other year)
MBAD 6171. Marketing Management. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6112. A managerial approach to strategic marketing decision-making. Topics include: promotional strategy, channels of distribution, demand analysis and pricing, e-marketing, and international marketing. Case studies, readings and simulations are used. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 6172. Marketing Research. (3) Prerequisite:MBAD 6171. Planning, execution and evaluation of marketing research activities. Emphasis on the techniques and methodology used in the collection, analysis and interpretation of economic, demographic and sociological data for use in marketing decision making. (Fall)
MBAD 6173. Promotional Strategy. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6171. Opportunities and challenges for an organization through advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and publicity. It includes analysis of the legal and ethical problems involved in this area.
MBAD 6174. Global Marketing. (3) Prerequisite:MBAD 6171. Study of opportunities, problems and techniques involved in marketing internationally. Analysis of environmental forces which affect international marketing and the methods companies utilize to market effectively on an international scale. (Spring)
MBAD 6176. Consumer Behavior. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6171. Graduate standing or permission ofdepartment. The consumer is the central focus of all business activity. This course is designed (a) to understand people’s consumption-related behaviors, and (b) to develop and evaluate marketing strategies to influence those behaviors. Concepts from the behavioral sciences will be analyzed from the perspective of the marketing manager, and will be used to develop dynamic and effective marketing strategies. (Fall)
MBAD 6191. Entrepreneurship. (3) Prerequisites: MBAD 6131, 6152, 6171, or permission of the MBA director. An examination of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs. Focus on planning the start-up of a fast-growth enterprise with the aim of rewarding the gains. Extensive use of case studies will provide a background of classroom activities to assist students in the preparation of a detailed plan for the hypothetical start-up of a fast-growth firm. (Yearly)
MBAD 6192. Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility. (3) Analysis of ethical issues that arise in contemporary business practice, both domestically and globally. Topics may include ethical issues concerning labor practices, marketing, financial services, environmental practices, human rights, and emerging technologies. Students will be taught to recognize, analyze, and address ethical challenges as they arise in their careers. Consideration will also be given to public policies and global ethics codes that inform business decision making. Case studies are used. (Yearly)
MBAD 6193. Global Business Environment. (3) Prerequisites: MBAD 6152, 6171, or permission of the MBA director. An overview of international business management. Specifically, the functional areas of business are covered to provide an international perspective. (Fall)
MBAD 6194. Global Strategic Management. (3) Prerequisite: All courses in the primary and intermediate block of the Functional Component or permission of the Director of the MBA program. Examination of the need to integrate the functional activities of the firm in planning corporate objectives and achieving operating results. Emphasis on ability to identify issues and problems of the firm as a whole, to explore alternatives and to make decisions which recognize the interrelationships of the functional specialties within the total organization. Application and integration of knowledge and skills of analysis developed in the preceding courses of the MBA program. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 6195. Strategic Management of Technology. (3) Prerequisites: MBAD 6141, 6152, and 6171. Impact of changing technology upon industries and companies and the consequent challenges for business managers. Major topics include: the historical context of change and innovation; organization and innovation; technology and business strategy; impact on functional areas; managing linkages; venturing and organization learning; government influence on innovation; executive leadership; the management of innovation and change. A comprehensive written report covering a significant aspect of emerging technology is required. (On demand)
MBAD 6196. Strategic Planning. (3) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Strategic planning within a rapidly changing environment including changing industry conditions as well as technological, social, political and economic changes. Examination of strategic planning techniques being developed by researchers and by corporate practitioners. (On demand)
MBAD 6197. Managing the Multinational Enterprise. (3) Prerequisites: MBAD 6152 and 6171. Management challenges associated with the development of international strategies and the management of organizations in business enterprises whose operations stretch across national boundaries; how multinational enterprises (MNEs) work. Case studies, projects, and presentations are used to help students apply concepts and theories. (Spring)
MBAD 6198. Professional Applications. (3) Prerequisites: Completion of the Functional Component. Team-taught, multidisciplinary course based on (1) structured, written cases and (2) contemporary management problems/issues presented in a non-structured, non-case format. Requires formal written position papers evaluating current business problems which are presented and defended before an audience of peers, faculty members, and business leaders. (On demand)
MBAD 6201. Data and Knowledge Management in Business. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5121 or equivalent. An overview of the business approach to identifying,
modeling, retrieving, sharing, and evaluating an enterprise's data and knowledge assets. Covers the organizational, technological and management perspectives. (On demand)
MBAD 6202. Business Information Systems: Analysis, Design, and Management. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5121 or equivalent. Examination of managerial issues associated with the study of business processes and the development of supporting information systems. Emphasis on the application of appropriate methodologies, techniques, and tools to analyze,
design, and implement business information systems. Study of relevant IS project management and quality assurance techniques. (On demand)
MBAD 6203. Information Systems Economics, Strategy and Policy. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5121 or equivalent. This course examines a collection of topics that deal with the strategic use of information systems. These topics include Business Value of IS, Network Economics, use of IS for competitive advantage, IS Planning and policy setting, IS evaluation selection and sourcing. (On demand)
MBAD 6204. Business Data Communications. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 5121 or equivalent. Examination of the information communication requirements of business environments, the fundamentals of communication technology, and the application of the technology for solving business problems. Emphasis on understanding communication technologies to assess needs, plan for the introduction of hardware and software, and manage these communication systems. (On demand)
MBAD 6207. Business Project Management. (3) Prerequisites: MBAD 5121 or equivalent and MBAD 6141. Project management is widely used in a variety of business environments to manage complex, nonroutine endeavors. Examples of projects include consulting and process improvement projects, advertising projects, and technology projects. This course focuses on tools, techniques, and skills for business project management, with attention to both the quantitative and the qualitative aspects of project management. Major topics include project evaluation, estimation, monitoring, risk management, audit, managing global projects, outsourcing, and project portfolio management. Students will also gain experience using Project Management Software. (Spring)
MBAD 6208. Supply Chain Management. (3) Prerequisites: MBAD 6141 or permission of the department. Supply chain management is concerned with all of the activities performed from the initial raw materials to the ultimate consumption of the finished product. From a broad perspective, the course is designed to examine the major aspects of the supply chain: the product flows; the information flows; and the relationships among supply chain participants. The course content is interdisciplinary in nature and will cover a variety of topics such as supply chain information technologies, supply chain design, strategic alliances between supply chain participants and supply chain initiatives. (Spring, On demand)
MBAD 6209. Management of Service Operations. (3) This course focuses on the challenges of managing service operations. The major topics covered are those critical to achieving operational excellence, including the design and delivery of services, service productivity, revenue management, risk management, customer contact management, service quality and customer retention, capacity management, and demand management. The course uses cases, readings, lectures and problem-solving tools to provide students with an understanding of these topics. (Fall)
MBAD 6258. Site Feasibility Analysis. (3) Cross-listed as GEOG 6305. Prerequisites: permission of instructor. Examination of factors affecting the feasibility of land parcels for commercial and residential development with emphasis on the physical evaluation of a given site, the market support for its intended use and the financial support for the proposed development. (Fall)
MBAD 6259. Applied Real Estate Development. (3) Cross-listed as GEOG 6105 and ARCH 5069. Prerequisite: MBAD 6159, GEOG 6103, or ARCH 5068. This course focuses on the application of the processes involved in real estate development. Students will work in groups on a semester project to select a site and prepare an appropriate development plan that emphasizes the market and financial feasibility of the real estate development. (On demand)
MBAD 6270. Marketing Management. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6112. A managerial approach to strategic marketing decision-making. Topics include: market segmentation, product strategy, pricing strategy, promotion strategy, distribution strategy, demand analysis, future market projection and global marketing. Case studies, readings and simulations are used. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
MBAD 6271. Consumer Behavior and Strategy. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. The consumer is the central focus of all business activity. This course is designed to help understand consumption-related behaviors and develop marketing strategies to influence those behaviors. Behavioral concepts will be applied to develop dynamic and effective marketing strategies from the perspective of the marketing manager (Annually)
MBAD 6272. Marketing Analysis and Decision Making. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. Planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of marketing research activities. Emphasis on the techniques and methodology used in the collection, analysis and interpretation of economic, demographic and sociological data for use in marketing decision-making. (Fall)
MBAD 6273. Brand Building and New Product Strategy. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. A strategic approach to branding, building new brands, measuring brand strength and equity and the management of existing brands and brand extensions. Understanding of new product development and the launch process for a new market offering or extending an existing market offering (Fall)
MBAD 6274. Advertising and Promotion Strategy. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. Opportunities and challenges for an organization through advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and publicity. It includes analysis of the legal and ethical problems involved in this area. Case studies and a project assignment are used. (Spring)
MBAD 6275. Global Marketing Strategy. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. Study of opportunities, problems and techniques involved in marketing globally. Analysis of environmental forces affecting global marketing and the methods used to market effectively on a global scale. (Spring)
MBAD 6276. Consumer Analytics. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. The utilization of analytics techniques in marketing decision-making and consumer strategy. This involves the extraction of hidden insight about consumers from structured and unstructured Big Data, and the translation of that insight into a market advantage. Applications in areas such as consumer targeting, product innovation and promotion strategy (Fall)
MBAD 6277. Social Media Marketing and Analytics. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. The utilization of social media in marketing strategy and tactics. Topics include the use of social media in building brand strength and equity, as a customer acquisition tool and as a customer relationship management tool. The utilization of analytics in effective social media marketing (Annually)
MBAD 6278. Innovation Analytics. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. The comprehension and application of text analytics as a tool to examine unstructured qualitative information to generate innovations. Identifying the various sources of consumer insight and using them in innovation strategy. Understand how to differentiate between what consumers want versus what they say (Spring)
MBAD 6279. Design Thinking and Innovation. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. The theoretical and practical components of innovation. Introduction to design thinking and the innovation process from idea generation to early design to declaration of importance to delivery to the end user. Implementation of innovations (Fall)
MBAD 6280. Market Change and Innovating the Future. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. The prediction and exploitation of marketplace change and the development of strategies to dominate future markets through innovative transformation. Frameworks to help market-driven organizations change before circumstances force them to do so and to create innovation-driven consumer strategy for the future. Understanding demographic and consumer trends (Spring)
MBAD 6281. Pricing and Positioning Strategy. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. Advances in pricing and positioning strategies. Topics include marketing, economic, organizational, psychological, legal, and ethical factors of pricing strategies. Emphasis on current pricing and positioning techniques, such as conjoint analysis and hierarchical value analysis, and practice creating and using spreadsheet simulators to model consumer response to pricing and positioning decisions in competitive markets. (On demand)
MBAD 6282. Marketing of Sports. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6270. Marketing concepts and practices applied to the marketing of sports products and services to the sports consumer. Emphasis on strategic marketing planning. Strategies to segment markets and identify customers; generate revenue, fan loyalty, and build the brand; collect and use marketing research data; promotional strategies including endorsements and sponsorships; pricing strategies (ticket prices) for sports teams/individuals in competition. (On demand)
MBAD 6310. Sports Economics. (3) Cross-listed as MBAS 6310. Prerequisites: MBAD 5110 or equivalent. Economic concepts in the decision-making process as applied to sport. Topics include: demand and supply analysis and market structure in sports; market efficiency issues in sports; salary and ticket pricing issues in sports; economic impact studies of sports; and labor market studies in sports including collective bargaining agreements and discrimination. Regression analysis will be covered and used in this course. (On demand)
MBAD 6361. Management of Motorsports. (1.5) Cross-listed as MBAS 6361. Prerequisite: MBAD 6161. The application of management concepts and theories to motorsports including leadership, structure, and human resources, especially labor relations. History of motorsports management including the role and impact of the media. Ownership, governance and governing bodies in motorsports, their authority and functions, eligibility requirements, and sanctions and appeals processes. (On demand)
MBAD 6362. Management of Professional Team Sports. (1.5) Cross-listed as MBAS 6362. Prerequisite: MBAD 6161. The application of management concepts and theories to the professional team’s franchise including leadership, organizational design, and human resources, especially labor relations. History of professional team sports management in the United States and the world. Ownership, governance and governing bodies in professional sports including league organizations (major and minor), their authority and functions; eligibility requirements, and sanctions and appeals processes. In addition, the role and impact of television on professional team sports management will be explored. (On demand)
MBAD 6371. Marketing of Sports. (3) Cross-listed as MBAS 6371. Prerequisite: MBAD 6171. Marketing concepts and practices applied to the marketing of sports products and services to the sports consumer. Emphasis on strategic marketing planning. Strategies to segment markets and identify customers; generate revenue, fan loyalty, and build the brand; collect and use marketing research data; promotional strategies including endorsements and sponsorships; pricing strategies (ticket prices) for sports teams/individuals in competition. (On demand)
MBAD 6500. Cooperative Education Experience. (0) Prerequisite: Completion of nine hours of graduate coursework. Participation in the Co-op program enables MBA students to pursue practical work experience that is complementary to their major course of studies. Each student's program must be approved by the director of the MBA program. Acceptance into the Experiential Learning Program by the University Career Center is required. Participating students pay a course registration fee for transcript notation (49ership and co-op) and receive full-time student status (co-op only). Assignments must be arranged and approved in advance. Course may be repeated; evaluation is Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Open only to Master’s level students. Ph.D. level students are encouraged to contact their academic department to inquire about academic or industrial internship options for credit. For more information, contact the University Career Center. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
MBAD 6890. Directed Individual Study. (3) Directed individual study and in-depth analysis of a special area of management, economics, business or accounting. The course may be used to satisfy up to six semester hours of graduate credit requirements in the Master of Business Administration degree program and may be repeated for credit provided a different area of study is undertaken each time. Permission of a member of the graduate faculty who would direct the study and permission of the MBA director must be secured before registering for the course. (Fall, Spring)
MBAD 7090. Special Topics in Business. (1-4) Special topics in any of the functional areas of business. Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit for different topics. (On demand)
MBAD 6177. Pricing and Positioning Strategy. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6171 MBAD 6270 or permission of the MBA Program Director. A study of advances in pricing and positioning strategies. Topics include: marketing, economic, organizational, psychological, legal, and ethical factors of pricing strategies. Emphasis placed on current pricing and positioning techniques, such as conjoint analysis, hierarchical value analysis, and practice creating and using excel simulators to model consumer response to pricing decisions in competitive markets.
MBAD 6191. Entrepreneurship. (3) Prerequisite: MBAD 6131, MBAD 6152, MBAD 6171 MBAD 6270, or permission of the MBA Program Director. An examination of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs. Focus on planning the start-up of a fast-growth enterprise with the aim of rewarding the founders and initial investors with significant capital gains. Extensive use of case studies will provide a background of classroom activities to assist students in the preparation of a detailed plan for the hypothetical start-up of a fast-growth firm.
MBAD 6193. Global Business Environment. (3) Prerequisites: MBAD 6152, MBAD 6171 MBAD 6270, or permission of the MBA Program Director. An overview of international business management. Specifically, the functional areas of business are covered to provide an international perspective.
MBAD 6197. Managing the Multinational Enterprise. (3) Prerequisites: MBAD 6152 and MBAD 6171 MBAD 6270. Management challenges associated with the development of international strategies and the management of organizations in business enterprises whose operations stretch across national boundaries; how multinational enterprises (MNEs) work. Case studies, projects, and presentations are used to help students apply concepts and theories.
Ph.D. Business Core
To ensure their preparation for doctoral level coursework in all business specialties, students most demonstrate proficiency in the Business Core. Students may satisfy this requirement either by taking the following courses or by having previously taken equivalent courses:
MBAD 6152 Financial Management (3)
MBAD 6171 MBAD 6270 Marketing Management (3)
MBAD 6194 Global Strategic Management (3)
Students who lack sufficient preparation in accounting, economics, or information systems may, at the discretion of the Program Director, be required to complete one or more 5000-level business courses in these disciplines. For the 6000-level courses listed above, only graduate courses may count as equivalent courses. However, students may, at the discretion of the Program Director, be permitted to take other 6000-level or higher-level courses in place of those listed above if the student’s background indicates that this would benefit the student.
MBA
I. Core Courses (22 credit hours)
MBAD 6100 Leadership, Ethics and the Business Environment Seminar (1)
MBAD 6112 Economics of Business Decisions (3)
MBAD 6131 Management Accounting (3)
MBAD 6141 Operations Management (3)
MBAD 6152 Financial Management (3)
MBAD 6161 Human Behavior in Organizations (3)
MBAD 6171 MBAD 6270 Marketing Management (3)
MBAD 6194 Global Strategic Management (3)
II. Concentration and Elective Component (12 credit hours)
Students complete twelve hours of elective courses specified for a concentration. Students may enroll in electives as soon as they complete the prerequisites for each course. MBAD 6890 (Directed Individual Study) and MBAD 7090 (Special Topics in Business) may be included in a concentration with permission of the MBA Program Director and the related department.
Concentration and elective requirements include:
Applied Investment Management
Required courses:
MBAD 5158 Student Managed Investment Fund I (3)
MBAD 5159 Student Managed Investment Fund II (3)
MBAD 6153 Investment Management (3)
Plus one of the following:
MBAD 6155 Multinational Finance (3)
MBAD 6156 Commercial Bank Management (3)
MBAD 6157 Advanced Corporate Finance (3)
FINN 6210 Financial Elements of Derivatives (3)
Business Analytics
Required Courses:
MBAD 6201 Business Intelligence and Analytics (3)
MBAD 6122 Decision Modeling and Analysis via Spreadsheets (3)
MBAD 6207 Business Project Management (3)
Plus one of the following courses:
MBAD 6202 Managing IT-Enabled Business Processes and Systems (3)
MBAD 6203 Information Systems Economics, Strategy, and Policy (3)
MBAD 6204 Management of Information Security and Privacy (3)
MBAD 6208 Supply Chain Management (3)
MBAD 6172 Marketing Research (3)
MBAD 6272 Marketing Analysis and Decision Making (3)
MBAD 6177 MBAD 6281 Pricing and Positioning Strategy (3)
MBAD 7090 Special Topics in Business: Advanced Analytics (3)
ECON 6112 Graduate Econometrics (3)
ECON 6218 Business and Economic Forecasting (3)
Business Finance
Required courses:
MBAD 6153 Investment Management (3)
MBAD 6157 Advanced Corporate Finance (3)
Plus two of the following courses:
MBAD 6151 Financial Institutions and Markets (3)
MBAD 6154 Applied Business Finance (3)
MBAD 6155 Multinational Finance (3)
MBAD 6156 Commercial Bank Management (3)
Energy
Required courses:
EMGT 5961 Introduction to Energy Systems (3)
MBAD 6962 Energy Markets (3)
Plus two of the following with at least one of the courses selected from: ECON 5181, EMGT 5963, or EMGT 5964.
ECON 5181 Energy and Environmental Economics (3)
EMGT 5963 Energy Systems Planning (3)
EMGT 5964 Case Studies in Energy Systems (3)
EMGT 6901 Advanced Project Management (3)
EMGT 6930 Capital Cost Estimating (3)
FINN 6210 Derivatives 1: Financial Elements of Derivatives (3)
MBAD 6157 Advanced Corporate Finance (3)
Financial Institutions/Commercial Banking
Required courses:
MBAD 6153 Investment Management (3)
MBAD 6156 Commercial Bank Management (3)
MBAD 6157 Advanced Corporate Finance (3)
Plus one of the following courses:
MBAD 6151 Financial Institutions and Markets (3)
MBAD 6155 Multinational Finance (3)
FINN 6210 Financial Elements of Derivatives (3)
Global Business
Required courses:
MBAD 6193 Global Business Environment (3)
MBAD 6197 Managing the Multinational Enterprise (3)
Plus one course involving MBA-approved international study or travel (3)
And one of the following courses:
MBAD 6155 Multinational Finance (3)
MBAD 6174 Global Marketing (3)
MBAD 6275 Global Marketing Strategy (3)
Information and Technology Management
Required courses:
MBAD 6201 Business Intelligence and Analytics (3)
MBAD 6202 Managing IT-Enabled Business Processes and Systems (3)
Plus two of the following courses:
MBAD 6122 Decision Modeling and Analysis via Spreadsheets (3)
MBAD 6204 Management of Information Security and Privacy (3)
MBAD 6207 Business Project Management (3)
Management
Choose four of the required courses:
MBAD 6162 Leadership in Organizations (3)
MBAD 6163 Managing People for Competitive Advantage (3)
MBAD 6164 Executive Communication (3)
MBAD 6165 Negotiation and Conflict Management (3)
MBAD 6191 Entrepreneurship (3)
MBAD 6192 Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility (3)
MBAD 6193 Global Business Environment (3)
MBAD 6197 Managing the Multinational Enterprise (3)
MBAD 6207 Business Project Management
Marketing
Choose four of the required courses:
MBAD 6271 Consumer Behavior and Strategy (3)
MBAD 6272 Marketing Analysis and Decision Making (3)
MBAD 6273 Brand Building and New Product Strategy (3)
MBAD 6274 Advertising and Promotion Strategy (3)
MBAD 6275 Global Marketing Strategy (3)
MBAD 6276 Consumer Analytics (3)
MBAD 6277 Social Media Marketing and Analytics (3)
MBAD 6278 Innovation Analytics (3)
MBAD 6279 Design Thinking and Innovation (3)
MBAD 6280 Market Change and Innovating the Future (3)
MBAD 6281 Pricing and Positioning Strategy (3)
MBAD 6282 Marketing of Sports (3)
Quantitative Methods for Business
Required courses:
ECON 6112 Graduate Econometrics (3)
MBAD 6122 Decision Modeling and Analysis via Spreadsheets (3)
Plus two of the following courses:
ECON 6217 Advanced Microeconometrics (3)
ECON 6218 Advanced Business and Economic Forecasting (3)
ITCS 6500 Complex Adaptive Systems (3)
MBAD 6172 Marketing Research (3)
MBAD 6272 Marketing Analysis and Decision Making (3)
MBAD 6211 Advanced Business Analytics (3)
Real Estate Finance and Development
Required courses:
MBAD 6158 Real Estate Finance and Investment (3)
MBAD 6159 Real Estate Development (3)
Plus two of the following courses:
MBAD 6160 Real Estate Capital Markets (3)
MBAD 6258 Site Feasibility Analysis (3)
MBAD 6259 Applied Real Estate Development (3)
ECON 6250 Advanced Urban and Regional Economics (3)
MSRE 6102 International Real Estate Study Tour (3)
MSRE 6120 Real Estate Law and Land Use Policy (3)
MSRE 6130 Site Planning, Building Design and Construction Fundamentals (3)
MSRE 6220 Financial Analysis of Development (3)
MSRE 6230 Construction Management (3)
Supply Chain Management
Required courses:
MBAD 6122 Decision Modeling and Analysis via Spreadsheets (3)
MBAD 6208 Supply Chain Management (3)
Plus two of the following courses:
MBAD 6201 Business Intelligence and Analytics (3)
MBAD 6207 Business Project Management (3)
ECON 6112 Graduate Econometrics (3)
Student Structured Concentration
Students may propose a 12-semester hour concentration in a significant area of interest for approval by the Director of the MBA program. This concentration may include graduate courses from other programs within the University with approval of the related department.