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Concentration or Elective Courses

Competitive Intelligence

Competitive intelligence (CI), as defined by the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP), is a "systematic and ethical program for gathering, analyzing, and managing external information that can affect your organization's plans, decisions, and operations."

Competitive intelligence should be part of everyone's job description - from president to analysts. Areas where CI professionals work include competitive intelligence or analysis; marketing planning, research, or analysis; strategic planning; information center or services; business development/product planning/R&D; financial planning/counterintelligence; and others.

Through the Competitive Intelligence concentration, students can apply leading-edge decision-making, analytical, and knowledge management techniques, strategies, tools, and methodologies to enhance organizational intelligence. The "professional of tomorrow" will need to possess these knowledge areas and skill sets to be competitive in the marketplace.

Competitive Intelligence Requirements:

Finance

The Finance concentration provides a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance, securities analysis, portfolio management, and financial institutions and markets. Students who elect to pursue an MBA concentration in Finance typically work as financial or investment analysts in corporations, investment firms, or financial institutions.

A grade of B or better must be earned in 756.701 Corporate Finance to declare a concentration in Finance.

Finance Requirements:

Select four Finance electives from the following:

Human Resources Management

Students learn about the development and management of the workforce and how individuals, through their performance, enhance the value of organizations.

Human Resources Requirements

(For students admitted for Fall 2005 and following.)

Note: 782.720 Critical Issues in the Development and Management of Human Resources must be the first course taken for the Human Resources concentration.

Choose one concentration course from the following:

Information Security Management

Organizations are increasingly aware of the devastating effects of security breaches. This sense of urgency has spurred the creation of a wide range of new technologies, but they must be thoughtfully integrated with well-designed policies, practices, processes, and training.

The information security management concentration will complement the broader MBA courses with knowledge of the issues, techniques, and best practices for managing the information security function in an organization. Johns Hopkins University has been recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by the U.S. National Security Agency.

Information Security Management Requirements

Note: The required course 773.719 has a prerequisite of 770.517 or equivalent.

Information Technology

Rapid changes in information technology provide enormous challenges and opportunities for modern business. The Information Technology concentration is designed for students who have entered the MBA with strong technical backgrounds and want to increase or broaden their technical knowledge as part of their MBA or for those students who want a more general technology concentration.

Information Technology Requirements

Choose four courses from the list below to fulfill the concentration requirements:

Management

Today's managers must engage in new and innovative problem-solving strategies, lead a diverse and global workforce, develop partnerships with customers and competitors, manage horizontally and across teams, and utilize technology for competitive advantage. These new demands affect all organizations - public, nonprofit, corporate, education, and small business. The management concentration is designed to prepare students for leadership challenges, problem solving, and decision making in organizations.

Management Requirements

Note: Students must complete 761.731 Management and Organizational Behavior prior to taking their concentration electives.

Choose three concentration courses from the following:

Note: Students may be able to complete the Leadership Development Program for Minority Managers or the Skilled Facilitator Certificate and apply some credits to fulfill the Management concentration. However, students choosing this option must first obtain approval from the management department. Note that 761.726 Managerial Strategy and Policy is a required Management concentration courses.

Marketing Management

Marketing and social marketing expertise have emerged as key factors in determining the success of many organizations. Corporations, nonprofit organizations, governmental and public sector organizations, and entrepreneurial businesses increasingly recognize the key roles marketing plays in achieving their goals, whether those goals involve growing a business or influencing social conduct.

The Marketing Management concentration prepares students to lead organizations through complex challenges in the global marketplace. State-of-the-art marketing practices, theories, and trends are combined in results-oriented courses that equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make sound marketing decisions.

Marketing Management Requirements

Select two courses from the following list:

Note: All other courses offered through the marketing department are open to Master of Science in Marketing students only.

General MBA Electives

Students pursuing 12 credits of electives in lieu of a specific concentration can choose from several .600- or .700-level courses in a variety of discipline areas. However, students must meet all course prerequisite(s) prior to course registration.

The following is a list of criteria for general elective course selection as specified by each department.

Marketing

All courses listed under the MBA/Marketing Management concentration are allowed. All other courses offered through the marketing department are limited to concentration majors only.


Management

All courses under the MBA/Management concentration are allowed, provided prerequisite requirements have been fulfilled.

General MBA Electives - Real Estate

Real Estate

The following selected courses from the Master of Science in Real Estate program may be taken for a general concentration with department approval and provided that individuals have prerequisite real estate industry work experience. All other courses in this area are limited to Master of Science in Real Estate candidates  only.

General MBA Electives - OD

Organization Development and Strategic Human Resources

All courses under the MBA/Human Resources concentration are allowed, provided that prerequisites have been met. Courses in the ODSHR program are restricted unless approved by the department's program adviser.


Skilled Facilitator Certificate

The following courses from the Skilled Facilitator Certificate are allowed. All other courses in this program are restricted to students enrolled in the certificate program.

Accounting

All courses under the Accounting concentration are allowed, provided prerequisite requirements have been fulfilled.


Finance

All courses under the Finance concentration are allowed, provided prerequisite requirements have been fulfilled.


International Business

All courses under the International Business concentration are allowed, provided prerequisite requirements have been fulfilled.

Information Technology

All 77X.XXX courses can be taken, provided prerequisite requirements have been fulfilled, with the exception of 770.600 IT Budget and Financial Management and 770.601 Technical Writing.

 

  • 771.710 Organizational and Legal Issues in Technology

    With the advent of information systems, complex legal issues have developed concerning the planning, management, operation, and support of technology functions. This course provides a background in legal theory in the context of technology’s impact on business operations. Topics include ownership, intellectual property rights, software licensing, liabilities, contracting, and privacy. (3 credits)

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  • 773.721 Competitive Intelligence

    Competitive Intelligence (CI), as defined by the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP), is a systematic and ethical program for gathering, analyzing, and managing external information that can affect an organization’s plans, decisions, and operations. Students learn to apply the CI process and CI-related methodologies, techniques, and tools to better analyze an organization’s current and future competitive position. Students will apply analytical and socio-technical techniques to improve organizational decision making as related to CI, and should understand the issues related to the collection, analysis, and management of external information. (3 credits)

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  • 773.701 Data Mining and Discovery Informatics

    Discovery informatics is the study and practice of effectively employing the full spectrum of computing and analytical sciences and technologies to discover knowledge by identifying and validating patterns in data. Students learn strategies, methods, and tools associated with this emerging methodology, including data mining, the knowledge discovery process, identification of structural patterns in data, decision trees, classification and association rules, evaluation and validation of discovered patterns, visualization, and ethical and privacy issues. (3 credits)

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  • 776.716 Knowledge Management Systems

    Students learn the fundamental principles of knowledge management (KM) and a wide range of KM strategies, techniques, and technologies that can be introduced to improve the effectiveness and competitiveness of organizations. Topics include enhancing organizational communication and innovation; capturing, mapping, and structuring knowledge; using KM for human capital strategies; supporting and enhancing collaboration; creating and sustaining a knowledge-sharing culture; leveraging advances in artificial intelligence and expert systems; managing and measuring intellectual capital; and designing effective knowledge management systems. (3 credits)

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  • 751.705 Intermediate Financial Accounting

    This course explores the conceptual framework and theory underlying the objects and principles of financial reporting. Specific topics examined are the measurement and reporting of revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities. The course focuses on using generally accepted principles to record business transactions, the determination of quantitative characteristics of useful accounting information, and the interrelationship between financial statements and their information content. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.790.611 OR BU.756.001

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  • 756.710 Advanced Corporate Finance: A Case Study Approach

    By employing a case study approach, students learn how the theoretical concepts and tools learned in the Corporate Finance class are applied in solving real world problems. Through such key concepts as financial forecasting, cost of capital, capital budgeting, optimal capital structure, dividend policy, and firm valuation, students learn the analytical techniques necessary to make rational financial decisions. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701

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  • 756.711 Venture Capital and Entrepreneurial Financing

    This course introduces students to identifying, accessing, and evaluating sources of financing for start-ups and expanding technology companies. The approach is practical and hands-on, with case studies, group interaction, and meetings with practitioners. Attention will be given to financial theory, risk assessment, valuation options, term sheets, due diligence techniques, and the setting up of financial reports for monitoring progress toward meeting milestones. Entrepreneurs starting, transforming, or expanding technology companies, as well as those interested in financing such companies, would benefit from the course. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701

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  • 756.714 Corporate Governance and Market Regulation

    The course is designed to prepare graduate students to become economists, policy analysts, and regulators in the field of finance and financial markets. It provides a descriptive analysis of financial markets, their economic purpose and the public interest in the safe and efficient operation of those markets. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701

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  • 756.715 Financial Risk Management

    The course offers an introduction into the evolving and expanding practice of financial risk management. Risk management is a complex process of identifying, measuring, and controlling risk exposure. The course addresses how to control for market and credit risks. Liquidity, operational, and legal risks are discussed. Topics include value at risk, Monte Carlo simulation, scenario analysis, stress testing, credit value at risk, and credit derivatives. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.760 AND BU.756.761 AND BU.756.701

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  • 756.720 Fixed Income Securities

    This advanced course focuses on the major markets and instruments, pricing and volatility, and risk management of fixed income securities and portfolios. Major topics include features and risks of a variety of fixed income securities including bonds with embedded options, mortgage-backed and other derivative bonds, yield spreads, forward rates and term structure theories, risk management techniques, and bond investment risks and portfolio management strategies. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.760 AND BU.756.701

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  • 756.724 International Financial Management

    This course introduces students to the financial management problems and opportunities of a multinational firm. This course builds on and extends all the principles provided by domestic corporate finance to account for dimensions unique to international finance. Topics include foreign exchange market, currency risk management, and multinational corporate investment and financing decisions. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701

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  • 756.726 Financial Statement Analysis

    This course uses a case methodology approach to examine the information content of financial statements and how this information is used by external decision makers. The course focuses on analyzing the impact of various business transactions on financial statements and how this information is used to make investment, valuation, and credit decisions. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.790.611 OR BU.756.001

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  • 756.730 Financial Modeling

    Taking a valuation perspective, the course is aimed at helping students gain familiarity with financial spreadsheet modeling techniques and strengthening their understanding of financial analysis; as well as equipping students with practical skills and techniques necessary in modern financial decision making. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701 AND BU.756.760

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  • 756.732 Econometrics in Finance

    Econometrics is a useful set of empirical techniques that allows one to analyze economic and business phenomena and forecast future trends. This course provides a theoretical foundation and a practical application of regression analysis. It prepares students to conduct empirical research in an academic or business setting. This course is held in a computer laboratory where students work with real-world data. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701

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  • 756.752 Mergers, Acquisitions, and Valuation

    Using a case approach, this course explores the incentives for using acquisition, divestiture, and alliances as vehicles to achieve corporate strategic objectives. Students address analytical techniques often employed in restructuring and alliances, negotiation strategies, valuation, and the evolution of these transactions. Also discussed are problems encountered in post-merger integration and alternative modes of market entry, such as joint ventures and internal development. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701

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  • 756.760 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

    Through an in-depth study of portfolio theory and asset-pricing models, students acquire the analytical skills necessary to conduct valuations of equities, fixed-income securities, and alternative investments. This exploration leads to an understanding of the concept of portfolio management and the importance of diversification in controlling portfolio risk. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.790.609 OR BU.756.004

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  • 756.761 Derivative Securities

    The aim of the course is to offer a broad overview on forwards, futures, swaps and options. This course will cover both the actual working of derivatives and some of the analytical tools needed to effectively understand derivatives. In fact, the course balances theory and application. The overall emphasis is on how to use derivatives to reduce/control risk. Skills are developed in basic pricing analysis, use of pricing models, and trading and hedging strategies. The strategies are developed to match specific economic goals, such as portfolio risk reduction or variable cost elimination. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701

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  • 756.780 Advanced Portfolio Management

    The purpose of this course enables students to have hands-on portfolio management experience. A majority of class time will be devoted to discussing world financial markets, stock bond and commodity prices and other real time metrics. Students acquaint with tools currently employed in the asset management industry through a series of lectures and portfolio management simulation project. Students actively manage risky portfolios in a simulated environment that emphasizes the process of creating, maintaining, and evaluating profitable investment portfolios given constraints of investors. The purpose of this is to give students real world investment experience. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.760 AND BU.756.761 AND BU.756.701

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  • 756.744 Personal Wealth Management

    This course provides strategies for coordinating financial planning for high-net worth individuals. Students will become skilled at identifying and dealing appropriately with client's goals, needs, and problems in the areas of investment and investment planning. The course is designed to address the importance of taxation, retirement, capital accumulation, and estate planning. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.790.609 OR BU.756.004

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  • 756.731 Financial Institutions Management

    This course examines the role and structure of financial institutions in global economies. Students gain knowledge through the use of models that simulate asset and liability management. Students also explore new applications and innovations in multinational hedging, borrowing, investing, interest rate risk management, and product development. Previous work in financial modeling and derivatives is applied to complex current topics. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.756.701 AND BU.756.760

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  • 782.720 Critical Issues in the Development and Management of Human Resources

    Matching an organization’s strategic plan, its employees’ characteristics, and its human resources management (HRM) activities is important for achieving desirable organizational results, competitive products, and services. Emphasis is placed on understanding the strategic role HRM activities can play in organizations and the challenges and opportunities brought by global competition, technology, diversity, the supply and demand of knowledge and skills in the workforce, restructuring and downsizing, and the contingent workforce. HRM functions such as employee selection/placement, rewards and benefits, appraisal, and employee development are reviewed in the context of how organizations can be prepared to cope with internal and external challenges, and how HRM can be a strategic business partner. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.714 Human Resources, Labor Relations, and Employment Law

    A survey and analysis of the laws governing labor relations and employee rights in the workplace. This course examines the legal framework in which collective bargaining takes place, including negotiations for and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, this course examines the current laws affecting equal employment opportunity, workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, immigration reform and control, privacy issues, and wrongful discharge. The course also addresses ensuring safe employment practices and developing legally sound policies and procedures. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.723 Performance Analysis and Improvement Strategies

    This course is based on behavioral concepts as they apply to performance in organizations and organizational effectiveness. Additionally, this course examines performance standards, assessment, and appraisal in relation to how an employee’s competencies, interests, and accomplishments contribute to the future of the organization. Students learn when and how to use performance improvement strategies such as feedback and incentive systems, professional development plans, and workplace and job design. As a result of this course, students create a performance analysis and improvement strategy application. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.706 Career Management

    Increasingly, human resources and organization development specialists are called upon to play key roles in the design and delivery of career management services. This course introduces participants to career development theory and practice, models for delivering services to individuals in career transition, and strategies for implementing career management systems in today’s organizations. Through lectures, personal self-assessment, class discussions, and individual and group projects, students learn the science of career decision making, workplace trends impacting career management practices, assessment strategies, ethics, and liability. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.712 Staffing, Recruitment, and Selection

    This course focuses on recruiting, screening and selecting, hiring, and outplacing employees within the public and private sector. The recruitment and selection of a diverse workforce including an analysis of labor force demographics, equity in recruitment and selection, and sensitivity to diverse cultures are also discussed. Finally, the course addresses the use of technology to find and attract employees, including company Web page criteria for staffing and electronic communication policies. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.715 Compensation and Benefits

    This course examines and reviews the elements of compensation and rewards systems that affect an organization (both public and private sector), including employee compensation theory and practice, wage and incentive design techniques, and administrative considerations and theoretical justification. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.724 Principles of Training and Development

    This course examines key principles relevant to training and development, including the role of training in an organization, adult learning theory, needs assessment, training methodology, organizational support, resources and constraints, evaluation of training, and managing the training function. International training considerations are also addressed. Issues that influence training implementation, such as ethics and interpretation, are also reviewed. Students design and develop training modules in response to the needs of a client organization and of adult learners. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 773.719 Information Security Foundations

    This course covers the basic principles and concepts in information security and information assurance. It examines the technical, operational, and organizational issues in assuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Topics include malicious code, cryptography, security risk management, and security procedures and policies. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.770.517

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  • 770.517 Information and Telecommunication Systems Architecture

    This course provides the foundations of information systems and telecommunications systems as applied in business and management. Topics include computer hardware and software,processor architecture, computer storage systems, operating systems, peripheral devices, components of data communications systems,and contemporary information system architecture in the organization, including its structure, theory, and application. (3 credits)

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  • 770.610 Foundations of Data Communication Systems (formerly Business Telecommunications)

    The objective of this course is to prepare students to understand telecommunication systems and networks as applied enterprises in the commercial and public sectors. In this course, selections of telecommunications technologies necessary to support business applications are discussed. This course enables students to gain an in-depth understanding of telecommunications systems and networks, proposal writing and evaluations, cost vs. performance trade-offs, requirements developments, and requirements analyses. Technical and managerial aspects of telecommunication systems and networks with an emphasis on communication networks (LAN and WAN) and methodologies using distributed processing are discussed as well. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.770.517

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  • 770.618 Project Management for Information Systems

    Students learn to plan and manage projects for information systems. Topics include calendar preparation, project outlines, task analysis, resource allocation, risk management, cost analysis, and scheduling. (3 credits)

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  • 770.627 IT Strategic and Change Management

    Students learn to use information technology as a strategic resource and to manage information systems as an asset to the organization. Change management is discussed as how best to affect culture and behavioral changes in an organization, as related to the use of IT. Planning strategies, tactics, and practices are covered, and overall corporate strategic plans are linked to information technology. Through the use of case studies, students learn to develop, manage, and implement change to improve information resource utilization.

    Notes: Prerequisite(s): 770.600 IT Budget and Financial Management or Completion of all MBA foundation courses. (3 credits)

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  • 771.713 Business Processes and Change Management

    Organizations are implementing new technology and applications as integral parts of their operations. This course examines the structure of business processes, effective ways to engineer them, and best practices to restructure them in response to changing strategic direction. Topics include business process re-engineering and continuous process improvement. The course focuses on the need for integrated planning to maximize the positive impact of new technology on business operations. Students explore the critical element of dealing effectively with change in technology-intensive organizations and managing change as a routine part of the management challenge. (3 credits)

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  • 771.716 Database Management Systems: Structure & Design

    This course provides students with an understanding of today’s database structures (hierarchical, relational, and object-oriented). Other topics include data warehousing, data mining, open data structures, development, methodology, and implementation. (3 credits)

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  • 771.751 The Internet and Electronic Commerce

    The Internet affords great opportunities for conducting business transactions that do not require physical proximity. This course describes the fundamental components and issues involved with electronic commerce, such as Internet fundamentals, business process analysis, electronic payment methods and systems, security, certificates, EDI, standards, and commerce servers. (3 credits)

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  • 773.700 Database Development and Programming

    This course builds on the knowledge and skills obtained in 770.515 Database Management Systems: Structure and Design. Students work with a contemporary DBMS to develop a database and queries and generate reports. Topics also include programming special requirements and distributed and security issues. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.771.716

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  • 773.701 Data Mining and Discovery Informatics

    Discovery informatics is the study and practice of effectively employing the full spectrum of computing and analytical sciences and technologies to discover knowledge by identifying and validating patterns in data. Students learn strategies, methods, and tools associated with this emerging methodology, including data mining, the knowledge discovery process, identification of structural patterns in data, decision trees, classification and association rules, evaluation and validation of discovered patterns, visualization, and ethical and privacy issues. (3 credits)

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  • 773.719 Information Security Foundations

    This course covers the basic principles and concepts in information security and information assurance. It examines the technical, operational, and organizational issues in assuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Topics include malicious code, cryptography, security risk management, and security procedures and policies. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.770.517

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  • 773.721 Competitive Intelligence

    Competitive Intelligence (CI), as defined by the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP), is a systematic and ethical program for gathering, analyzing, and managing external information that can affect an organization’s plans, decisions, and operations. Students learn to apply the CI process and CI-related methodologies, techniques, and tools to better analyze an organization’s current and future competitive position. Students will apply analytical and socio-technical techniques to improve organizational decision making as related to CI, and should understand the issues related to the collection, analysis, and management of external information. (3 credits)

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  • 773.750 Advanced Topic in Information Technology

    Each term, this course explores a different evolving technology, its function, and its use in developing state-of-the-art system applications. Through projects and outside readings, students learn the concepts and working components of the new technology and its effective application.

    Notes: Since the topic changes from semester to semester, this course can be taken twice for credit (i.e., 6 credits for Advanced Topics). Prerequisite(s): Completion of all MS/ITS courses. (3 credits)

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  • 773.752 Basic Web Site Development and Information Architecture

    The rapidly evolving capabilities of World Wide Web client browsers provide important opportunities for Intranet/Extranet applications. This course presents fundamental Web design principles as well as the current HTML coding model, practices, and standards. Example applications are explored and students construct their own application Web pages. (3 credits)

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  • 774.701 Telecommunication Systems and Network Design Analysis

    Building on the core telecommunication and analysis courses, students undertake the integration of networking systems that can be applied to business operations and needs. Participants examine these networking technologies, with particular attention to how these systems are used effectively in an organizations' technologies to create telecommunication. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.770.610

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  • 774.702 Global Enterprise Sys

    Modern enterprise network systems are complex, multi-vendor, and vital to organizations functioning. They include Local Area Networks (LAN) integrated with Network Management Systems (NMS) that are comprised of internetworking devices, bridges, routers, gateways, and backbone interfaces. This course covers the fundamentals of LAN and NMS technologies with emphasis on design and operation procedures. Topics cover various aspects of LAN and NMS standards, internetworking systems, devices, routers, gateways, and backbone interfaces. Hardware and software tools for NMS and configuration management, along with management policies, and standards operating are also discussed. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.770.610

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  • 774.715 Financial Issues in Managing a Secure Operation

    This course addresses the risks (financial, reputation, business, and third party), costs, return on investment, and other business issues in developing a secure operation. Topics include qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, audits, metrics, responses to threats, and developing cost-effective solutions given constraints in money, assets, and personnel. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.773.719

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  • 774.716 Security Architecture

    This course builds on Information Security Foundations and focuses on the various security models and architectures. Students review hardware and software security measures, network security standards, LAN/WAN/MAN security, wireless and VPN security, security protection levels, encryption standards, internal versus external access protection, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.773.719

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  • 774.760 Satellite, Wireless and Distributed Network Systems (formerly Wireless and Broadband Communications)

    This course explores the use of satellite, wireless and distributed networks for wide-area data communications. Technologies and topics studied include commercial and military satellites, direct broadcast satellites (DBS), low and medium earth orbiting (LEO and MEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellites, and wireless networks including very small aperture terminals (VSAT) and vehicle fleet tracking along with networks protocols, designs, and operations. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.770.610

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  • 776.716 Knowledge Management Systems

    Students learn the fundamental principles of knowledge management (KM) and a wide range of KM strategies, techniques, and technologies that can be introduced to improve the effectiveness and competitiveness of organizations. Topics include enhancing organizational communication and innovation; capturing, mapping, and structuring knowledge; using KM for human capital strategies; supporting and enhancing collaboration; creating and sustaining a knowledge-sharing culture; leveraging advances in artificial intelligence and expert systems; managing and measuring intellectual capital; and designing effective knowledge management systems. (3 credits)

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  • 776.736 IT Enterprise Architecture

    This course examines the true complexity of planning, developing, and managing integrated enterprise-wide systems. Students examine real-world examples of enterprise-wide approaches to IT and examine the implementation issues within their own organizations. Topics include proposal generation and evaluation, legacy systems, organizational issues, organizational readiness, and the acquisition, integration, and deployment of enterprise-wide systems. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.773.719 AND BU.770.610

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  • 776.754 E-Business Security

    This course discusses what e-business security is, what it hopes to accomplish, problems encountered in migrating from legacy to Web-based e-business models, and Internet security and Web privacy from both client and server perspectives. Topics include internal transaction security, basic cryptography, SSL, active content security issues (PKI, Java, ActiveX, JavaScript, VB Script), Web privacy, secure server configuration (hardening, access controls, encryption), CGI scripting, remote authoring, administration, and firewalls. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.773.719

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  • 771.753 Finance for Technical Start-Ups

    Students gain understanding of basic financial structures and instruments, as well as fundamental financial principles such as risk and return, cost of capital, and the time value of money. Students will be able to read and understand the three basic financial statements. Students will identify types of capital typically available to technically driven start-up companies, the sources providing capital to start-ups, the criteria various sources of capital use in deciding which companies to fund, the financial and non-financial terms of funding, and the methods funding sources use to set company valuations. (3 credits)

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  • 774.717 Implementing Effective Information Security Programs

    This course focuses on the personnel, legal, regulatory, and privacy issues that constitute many of the basic management areas that must be considered in developing and implementing an effective information security program. The course also emphasizes the need for reasonable policies and procedures to ensure compliance. The course discusses many domestic and international laws and regulations that affect what can and can not be done legally to secure systems. Specific topics include HIPAA, GASSP, security best practices, political issues in the organization, implementation of an enterprise-wide security strategy, and finally, the organization, roles, staffing responsibilities, and funding. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.773.719

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  • 761.726 Managerial Strategy and Policy

    Students integrate knowledge of business functions to understand the development and implementation of successful strategy. Students explore concepts of mission and goal setting, industry analysis, competitive advantage, and appropriate organizational structure and leadership for successful implementation of strategy. Case analysis is used to examine the unique and universal challenges of domestic and multinational firms.

    Notes: This is a required course in the Management Concentration. (3 credits)

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  • 761.721 Global Strategic Management

    Emphasis in this course is placed on the connections between host country environments and multinational strategies, including developing an awareness of how variations in culture, politics, and society influence both the host country and the multinational firms’ organizational and managerial dynamics. Case studies are used to identify unique and universal practices of international firms in various countries; to appraise business functions and potential risks and opportunities; and to suggest future trends in the global marketplace. (3 credits)

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  • 761.723 Business Law

    A thorough working knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment in which businesses operate is essential for well-prepared business executives. This course provides an overview of the legal and regulatory environment affecting business in the United States and abroad. Topics include forms of business organization, contracts, torts and products liability, international business transactions, antitrust law, environmental law, securities regulation, ethics, and discrimination and employment issues. The course also emphasizes the relationship of businesses and business executives with legal counsel. Students are expected to utilize electronic library and Internet resources to complete assignments. (3 credits)

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  • 761.725 Management Decisions: Judgment and Tools

    Students increase their insight and ability to make effective decisions in managerial situations as they become familiar with innovative and contemporary management approaches applicable in a wide range of areas. Social, psychological, economic, and political aspects of individual and group decision making are examined. Decision making under uncertainty, prospect theory, decision regret, decision heuristics, perception, multi-criteria decision making, judgment, and bias are explored through a mixture of cases, theories, and group exercises. (3 credits)

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  • 761.735 Business and Fiscal Planning: Start-Up

    Students are exposed to the most common problems and issues faced by professionals who start new businesses. This course integrates the concepts of strategy, marketing, finance, human resources, management information systems, organizational behavior, and international competition. Students create and defend a business plan, identify financing strategies, and study the process of managing start-up operations. They are exposed to small business start-ups through case studies, field consultations, and presentations by subject experts. (3 credits)

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  • 761.740 Entrepreneurship

    This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities in business development. Students form entrepreneurial teams and experience each step of the entrepreneurial process by beginning a business of their own choice. The end result is a business plan that could be used in a real entrepreneurial situation. Emphasis is placed on a hands-on approach with learning supplemented by cases appropriate to each phase of the course. Entrepreneurs and subject experts expose students to real entrepreneurial operations and businesses, such as incubator and venture capital firms, via consultations and presentations. (3 credits)

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  • 782.705 Conflict Resolution and Mediation Process

    This course examines conflict theory and the processes of conflict management and resolution, such as negotiation, mediation, alternative dispute resolution, and analytical problem solving. Students study the development and assessment of the roles of mediator, arbitrator, and reconciliator; assess third party interventions in a variety of organizational settings; compare and contrast legal processes and alternative dispute resolution; and discuss ethical perspectives and dimensions.

    Notes: Open to MBA/Management concentration students. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.718 Facilitating Strategic Planning, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making

    At the heart of effective organizational change is the ability of managers, consultants, and team members to facilitate strategic planning and involve employees in problem-solving and decision making. Students examine and use methods of decision making including unilateral decision making, consultative decision making, and group decision making. In order to solve problems effectively, teams need a structured process to identify causes and implement the best possible solution. (3 credits)

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  • 782.736 Advanced Topics in Organizational Learning

    Students engage in an in-depth examination of learning and change issues in organizations. The selection of topics reflects current trends, how organizations respond to changes in the business and economic environment, labor market issues, new technologies, political trends, and consumer demands. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.743 Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice

    This course blends theory and practice to help students develop their leadership skills. A robust theory of leadership effectiveness, woven throughout the semester, includes articulated style and domain traits, personal and positional power bases, social forces, and organizational, group, and individual variables for leadership. Emphasis is placed on case studies of leaders as effective change agents in organizations confronting turbulent times.

    Notes: Open to MBA management concentration students. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.747 Leading Organizations: Strategy, Structure, and Roles

    At the heart of effective organizational change is the ability of managers and consultants to lead strategic planning processes and to involve employees in problem solving and decision-making. Participants develop an understanding of the strategic planning process, including a detailed exploration of SWOT analysis, decision making among strategic choices, and strategy implementation by means of the organization’s structure.

    Notes: Open to MBA/Management concentration students. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 782.749 Managing for Competitive Advantage: Diversity and the Global Workforce

    Given the increasingly diverse and global workforce, managers and organization development and human resources professionals need to understand what it takes to create a thriving organizational community and culture, which is critical to the development of a competitive organization. Students examine the source of differences such as goals, beliefs, national cultural values, race, and gender. Through classroom exercises, students develop strategies for valuing, leading, and managing diversity through various scenarios, including issues of conflict and different styles of management.

    Notes: Open to MBA/Management concentration students. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): BU.782.620 AND BU.782.625 AND BU.782.636 AND BU.782.638 AND BU.782.640 AND BU.782.642 AND BU.782.644

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  • 761.724 Project and Team Management

    The temporary team, assigned to a finite project, is an increasingly common way of organizing in corporate America. This applied course provides techniques for managing each phase of the project life cycle to include crafting scope; defining tasks and work breakdown structures; estimating time and costs; controlling activities via schedules, budgets, and milestone charts; and closing the project by documenting, client debriefing, and team member assessments. Group process skills receive equal attention. Students learn how the project manager creates task commitment and positive working norms, establishes clear roles, and manages conflict. Students use project management software throughout the semester. (3 credits)

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  • 762.702 Consumer Behavior Analysis

    This course provides students with a solid foundation in the dynamic interaction of affect, cognition, behavior, and environmental events in consumer evaluation of purchasing alternatives and decision making. Included is the study of consumers’ knowledge and involvement, attention, comprehension, learning, attitude development, and purchase intention. Strong emphasis is given to the design and modeling of response patterns, diffusion of innovations, and consumer behavior for specific products and services. Also discussed is the practical impact of consumer behavior analysis on marketing mix strategies, market segmentation/positioning, product and brand loyalty, persuasion process and promotion, and price affect and cognition. (3 credits)

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  • 762.717 Marketing Research I

    Students examine the basic concepts and techniques used in marketing research as a problem-solving aid in decision making in marketing. Problem definition, research design, types of information and measurement scales, and evaluation and utilization of secondary data with an emphasis on electronic access are discussed. Students are trained in the basic methods of primary data collection, including structured and unstructured interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Practical and intensive applications on sample size, questionnaire design, data analyses, and interpretation are emphasized. Students are introduced to computer analytical techniques for inputting and analyzing data using the SPSS statistical package. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): ( BU.762.702 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.762.709 AND BU.762.730 AND BU.762.731 ) OR ( BU.753.701 AND BU.756.701 AND BU.761.700 AND BU.761.731 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.771.732 AND BU.771.750 )

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  • 762.711 Integrated Marketing Communications

    Integrated Marketing Communications is a strategic process to drive brand communication and not simply product promotion programs. This course looks at a variety of communications disciplines (e.g. advertising, direct mail, sales promotion, public relations, internet marketing, etc.) and combines these to create a unified and consistent message to maximize impact. Students will develop a positioning goal and employ research and analysis to aid in developing consumer focused marketing plans from which to create consistent communications. An overview of positioning and examining what constitutes good marketing copy will be studied using real world cases studies.

    Notes: Formerly: Promotional Strategy, Management and Design (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): ( BU.762.702 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.762.709 AND BU.762.730 AND BU.762.731 ) OR ( BU.753.701 AND BU.756.701 AND BU.761.700 AND BU.761.731 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.771.732 AND BU.771.750 )

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  • 762.719 International Marketing

    The course provides a managerial approach to understanding the marketing mix beyond national boundaries. Students address diverse cultural settings and their impact on effective marketing decisions. Students explore the challenges and opportunities of each level of involvement in international marketing with a particular focus on global strategies for gaining and maintaining a competitive edge. Students build on previous knowledge of marketing and strategy as they perform analysis on products and services in foreign markets. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): ( BU.762.713 AND BU.762.717 AND BU.762.720 AND BU.762.752 AND BU.762.753 ) OR ( BU.753.701 AND BU.756.701 AND BU.761.700 AND BU.761.731 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.771.732 AND BU.771.750 )

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  • 762.732 Brand Management

    This course examines the value proposition for creating a strong brand and analyzes the relationship between branding, customer loyalty, pricing, and market leadership. Learning the principles of brand management, students utilize newly acquired knowledge to build a plan to make products brand leaders. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): ( BU.762.702 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.762.709 AND BU.762.730 AND BU.762.731 ) OR ( BU.753.701 AND BU.756.701 AND BU.761.700 AND BU.761.731 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.771.732 AND BU.771.750 )

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  • 762.755 The Four Spheres of Marketing: A Comparative and Confluence Analysis

    This course combines the disciplines of services marketing and business-to-business marketing. It examines the strategies employed in marketing’s four spheres: products and services marketed to consumers and businesses. The primary learning outcome is for students to understand the similarities and differences between marketing to consumers and marketing to businesses and how these vary whether it is a product or service that is being offered to the marketplace. This course begins by discussing the main marketing concepts that are common across disciplines. The emphasis is largely on areas related to strategy and the types of analyses needed to make informed decisions. Students will learn through the use of readings, case studies, and rigorous analysis. Class discussion and critical thinking will provide the bases for learning.

    Notes: Formerly: Marketing of Services (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): ( BU.762.702 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.762.709 AND BU.762.730 AND BU.762.731 ) OR ( BU.753.701 AND BU.756.701 AND BU.761.700 AND BU.761.731 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.771.732 AND BU.771.750 )

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  • 762.756 Special Topics in Marketing

    This course provides students with the opportunity to focus on a special topic in marketing. The topic varies and is based upon current and relevant issues and trends faced by the marketing professional in the 21st century. Check course schedule listing. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, nonprofit marketing, e-marketing, and supply chain management. (3 credits)

    Prerequisite(s): ( BU.762.702 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.762.709 AND BU.762.730 AND BU.762.731 ) OR ( BU.753.701 AND BU.756.701 AND BU.761.700 AND BU.761.731 AND BU.762.703 AND BU.771.732 AND BU.771.750 )

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  • 767.691 Foreign Real Estate Development

    International real estate development and investment projects outside the U.S. offer challenges beyond complex domestic projects. This course addresses a number of legal, design, cultural, and financial issues. (3 credits)

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  • 767.699 International Emerging Real Estate Markets

    This course focuses on the opportunities (and pitfalls) for real estate investment and development in international markets. Students are exposed to most of the world’s major markets where potential for profitable real estate activity currently exists. (3 credits)

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  • 782.678 Building Teams and Developing Teamwork

    This course is designed to teach students to benchmark the qualities, characteristics, and structures that lead to high performance teams. Students examine the similarities and differences among interdisciplinary work teams, multidisciplinary work teams, cross-functional work teams, and virtual teams. Models of team development and organization culture are applied to diagnosing, consulting, and facilitating team success. (3 credits)

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  • 782.698 Effective Negotiation and Conflict Management

    This course examines the sources of conflict in organizations both within and between individuals. Students examine the role of resistance in conflict. Students also prepare for a variety of conflict management and negotiating forums, including defining the needs of the participants, confronting appropriately, understanding each party’s objectives and motivations, and utilizing proven strategies and tactics to negotiate effective outcomes.

    Notes: Credit toward a degree is not awarded for both 782.698 Effective Negotiation and Conflict Management and 782.705 Conflict Resolution and Mediation Process. (3 credits)

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  • 782.718 Facilitating Strategic Planning, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making

    At the heart of effective organizational change is the ability of managers, consultants, and team members to facilitate strategic planning and involve employees in problem-solving and decision making. Students examine and use methods of decision making including unilateral decision making, consultative decision making, and group decision making. In order to solve problems effectively, teams need a structured process to identify causes and implement the best possible solution. (3 credits)

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Student giving presentation