2003 - 2004 Management Courses

An introduction to business as an area of study and to the educational goals of the Gore School of Business. Through explorations of disparate world historical events, students are guided in developing a view as to how and why traditional practices of business have developed. Students develop an appreciation and understanding of the historical origins of modern business practices (e.g., accounting, management, marketing, finance) and how they apply to the modern world.

Examines the concepts and influences operating in business organizations, the functions of managers in that setting, and the managerial role in non-business organizations. Emphasizes historical foundations of management and principles of management theory and how theory is practiced. Contemporary examples are used to illustrate/demonstrate fundamental precepts. Prerequisite: MATH 141.

Examines production/operations as the third aspect of the finance, marketing, and conversion triad. The course is important to the understanding of the assembly of materials and ideas in creating a product or service. Prerequisites: MGMT 305, MATH 150.

Discusses current legal problems confronting business and the legal aspect of decision-making. Develops an understanding of legal principles and the process of legal reasoning and proceedings, particularly as they pertain to business. Defines the responsibilities of business to consumers and the public. Provides a basic understanding of three legal areas: (1) introduction to the U.S. legal system, (2) broad understanding of contract law, and (3) broad understanding of forms of business organizations (sole proprietorship, partnerships, and corporations). Prerequisite: MGMT 305, MATH 141.

A tutorial-based course used only for student-initiated proposals for intensive individual study of topics not otherwise offered in the Management Program. Prerequisites: MGMT 305; junior or senior standing and consent of instructor and school dean.

Explores threats and opportunities, legislative, cultural, economic, and technological considerations in business today and their impact on current and long-term decisions. A changing title course in contemporary business problems and issues. Prerequisites vary with course content.

The study of macro-organization theory or structure of organizations, their components, dynamics, and behavioral aspects with respect to their environment. How organizations deal with, and initiate, change. Prerequisite: MGMT 305. Same as PSYC 433.

Students receive credit for meeting pre-arranged learning objectives while working for a company or non-profit organization. Internships give students the opportunity to compare their understanding of classroom material with current best practices in their field. Credit is based on the number of hours at the job site and the nature of the learning objectives. Monthly class sessions reinforce the student learning objectives, and allow interns to compare their experiences with other interns. Prerequisites: MGMT 305; junior or senior standing (transfer students must complete a minimum of 15 Westminster credit hours); completion of the Career Center Internship Workshop; and approvals from the Gore School of Business Practice Experience Coordinator and the Career Center Internship Coordinator.

The Disciplinary Practicum is a student team-based, company consultation project. The project addresses a real issue of concern to a client company (or non-profit organization), requires extensive research, and results in a formal oral presentation and written report to the company. Students work in teams of 3-6 students under the supervision of a Gore School of Business faculty member. Prerequisites: MGMT 305; MATH 150; junior or senior standing.

The Professional Portfolio is designed for mid-career professionals. The class gives students the opportunity to assess their interests and skills, design a career plan, and create a portfolio, which documents what they have to offer to an organization in an appropriate field. Students must have at least five years of professional or managerial experience to enroll in this class. Prerequisites: MGMT 305; junior or senior standing; and approval of the Gore School of Business Experience/Practice Coordinator.

A comprehensive look at the change process in organizations. This course is an extension of strategic management concepts with the focus on the implementation of strategy rather than the formulation of strategy. The emphasis is on developing an understanding of multiple change models instead of focusing on a single model. This approach demands a systems perspective and the assumption that change is continuous. In addition, characteristics of successful and unsuccessful change are discussed. The overall objective of the course is to develop an understanding of the complexity of managing organizational change. Prerequisite: MGMT 305 or MGMT 433.

This course surveys the entrepreneurial skills necessary for developing new ventures. The course will cover the fundamentals of business plan development, analyzing and securing financing from multiple sources and at different life-cycle states, the role of the owner in various stages of the firm life-cycle, the various post-establishment ownership and exit strategies, and the role of strategic market analysis in all phases of the process. Special emphasis is placed on the use of case study analysis to review successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurial enterprises. Prerequisites: MGMT 305; MKTG 300; FINC 307.

The capstone course in management. Specific application of the planning and development function in integration of the operative areas of the business. Required for all business-related majors. Prerequisites: ACCT 213, FINC 307, MGMT 305, MKTG 300, MATH 150, and senior standing.