Gary Quinlivan, Dean, McKenna School and Program Chairperson

A. Mark Abramovic; Thomas W. Cline; Robert J. DePasquale; Dawn Edmiston; Charles Fazzi; William J. Hisker; Thomas C. Holowaty; Peter Hutchinson; Myron Kirsch, O.S.B.; Rodger Lewis; Robert Markley; Daniel P. Mertens; Nicholas Racculia; Richard Saccone

Adjunct Faculty: Scott Avolio; Gary Breckley; David Cofer; Cristina M. DeDiana; David Dahlman; Kenneth Dupre; Robert Feidner; George S. Glenn; Douglas Hagy; William Kimbro; James Kunkel; Richard Kunkle; John Malone; Jennifer Miele; Carol O’Laughlin; Kenneth Stillwell; Constantine Vishnevsky; Thurman Wingrove

The McKenna School’s business majors and masters in accountancy are accredited by the Association for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)—one of the top two premier accrediting agencies for business schools worldwide. With a requirement for faculty professional development (i.e., publications and research) and courses primarily taught by PhDs, the ACBSP is the number one business accreditation program devoted to teaching excellence and service to students. Given the McKenna School’s commitment to liberal arts and providing students with a well-rounded education, we believe that the ACBSP is the better match for our business program.

The Business Administration program of the McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government is designed to provide a thorough academic and professional education in the study of business principles, practices, and systems. The McKenna School’s business curriculum combines theoretical, quantitative, technical and case studies and simulations in order to understand business life and activity within a dynamic market economy. The program delineates the nature and functions of the firm and private enterprise and the relationship of business to society as a whole. It seeks to help students learn to apply analytical skills and sound judgment to managerial operations and to solve business problems. Accordingly, the curriculum integrates the scientific method with the functional areas of business, providing students with the methodological tools to describe, predict and explain the varied phenomena surrounding business problems.

The Business Administration program combined with the College’s liberal arts curriculum helps students integrate professional goals with an educational foundation for life-long learning and the pursuit of a responsible and rewarding way of life. To further facilitate the development of the written communication skills needed in business settings, there is a writing component requirement in many of the Business courses. To improve reasoning, judgment and decision making under uncertainty, students are exposed to data analytic methods and statistical software. Development of teamwork and oral presentation skills are also part of the curriculum.

The McKenna School encourages internships and other work experiences, which may be sought through the College’s Career Services Office. The capstone experience for all Business majors is achieved through the Business Policy and Strategy course. Basic civic knowledge, as well as economics, is part of the mission of the McKenna School: all Business majors must take Principles of American Politics. In these ways and by working closely with its students, the goal of the Business major is to help prepare students for successful professional careers or graduate studies in business and related fields.

The McKenna School offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Business Education, Finance, International Business, Management, and Marketing. All of our undergraduate business majors are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. Dual majoring in business is possible, but you must complete a minimum of 24 non-overlapping credits from the first business major.

The McKenna School offers a thirty-credit master’s degree in accountancy. See the relevant section of this Bulletin for a further examination of this graduate program.

Student Portfolio Requirement

As a requirement to graduation, all McKenna School business majors are required to complete a student portfolio. The portfolio will be utilized by the student to construct resumes, to provide evidence of professional skills (including written, oral presentations, quantitative, and analytical skills) relevant to their major, and to serve as a platform for talking points during interviews. The portfolio is also used to assess the student’s ethical development, writing ability, competency utilizing newer technologies applicable to business presentations and data analysis, and proficiency in business information systems.

The portfolio contains the following documents:

(1)Business Ethics paper written in BA 104 Introduction to Management (Freshman year);

(2)updated Business Ethics paper written in BA 305 Business Ethics (Junior second semester or Senior year);

(3)a resume (completed the Freshmen year and updated each year);

(4)at least one experiential project(s) defined by major with a focus on business skill sets;

(5)information systems analysis project;

(6)evidence of an oral presentation from a 300 level or above business class;

(7)term paper written in a 300 level or above business class;

(8)Optional: Professional Thesis

Unless noted below, all portfolio submissions must come from the portfolio grid (see McKenna School website). New opportunities for submission may be added to the grid overtime. The Business Ethics component of the portfolio, designed by Dr. William Hisker, is unique and was considered path breaking by our accrediting body, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. Businesses want employees who have strong ethical values. The resume will be utilized in internship and job searches. The experiential and information systems analysis projects provide evidence that the student possesses strong writing skills Unless noted below, all portfolio submissions must come from the, is comfortable with applications of advanced technologies relevant to his/her business discipline, and demonstrate a high level of understanding of the business discipline and tools utilized. An internship may be used to satisfy the experiential project requirement. Internships require a weekly log of the experience and a short synthesis paper evaluating the experience in light of the goals and objectives established on the Student/Faculty Agreement form completed as part of your application process. The synthesis paper must discuss how the student’s internship experience utilized their relevant coursework. Students must register for internship credit (BA 550) with the career services and the registrar office. Evidence of oral communication may be satisfied by oral presentations delivered in a class setting—300 level or above business class or in an approved (by your business advisor) on-campus setting or off-campus activity. The required term paper is in addition to the senior level business ethics paper. The term paper provides evidence of writing competency and the ability to write effectively and persuasively within the business discipline. The requirements underlying the Professional Thesis option, written in conjunction with BA 500, will be defined by the supervising professor.

Students may add or replace documents throughout their four years, but the required documents must be in the portfolio at the time of graduation. More than one submission in each defined area is permitted. The reason or purpose of the written work must be clear from the work itself or a copy of the project assignment must be attached to the submission.

Each portfolio will be retained for five years from graduation. All submissions to the portfolio are electronic and are to be completed in a timely fashion, as designated above, and in full prior to graduation. Questions regarding the portfolio may be addressed to the Assistant to the Dean, Eva Kunkel or the graduate assistant. A copy of the portfolio requirements may be obtained from the McKenna School website.

Transfer Credit

The College reserves absolute discretion with regard to the transferability of work done at other institutions, and in unusual individual circumstances, waiving an academic requirement. When, in its discretion, and due to the individual circumstances involved, the College elects to make an exception in an individual case, such a waiver shall not be considered to establish a precedent applicable to any other individual. Business classes designated 300 level and above may not be transferred to SVC from community colleges. Transfer credits for BA 200 Intermediate Accounting I and BA 201 Intermediate Accounting II require a challenge exam.

STUDENT GUIDE TO INTERNSHIP PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS  

    All students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to undertake an internship. The purpose of an internship is to allow you to gain hands-on experience in practical settings. This provides for the application of classroom knowledge and assists you in making career-related decisions.

    It is understood that in such placements you are in a professional setting and should adhere to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, seeking and following the direction of the site supervisor, as well as the theoretical expectations of the professor.

A vital part of the internship experience includes finding a position. You are encouraged and expected to find suitable placements and/or sites based on your expressed interests, the availability and willingness of the site to supervise a student, and stated career goals. Personnel from Career Services can assist you in your search for a suitable placement.  Your academic advisor, other McKenna School faculty, and the Dean are available for letters of recommendation and helpful suggestions, but securing the placement is your responsibility.

SCHEDULING AN INTERNSHIP

You should start thinking about internships in your sophomore or junior year, or at least one full semester before you would like to begin the internship. You should consider the types of internships available, when and where the internship might be, etc. This allows time to explore options, prepare a resume, plan to arrange class or work schedules, etc. If you do an internship during the summer, you typically register for credit the following fall semester.

Credit Hours

Meet with your academic advisor before you set up an internship to determine the number of credits required in your program of study. The number of work hours required per credit may vary depending upon the nature of your work. However, as a general rule, 45 hours of work for a period of 15 weeks earns three (3) credits; three credits being a maximum per internship at each employer.  There are a maximum of six (6) credits available for internships.

Credit/Grade

You should register for credit if you would like to have your internship appear on your transcript. In all cases, you will receive credit for the internship, but never a grade. McKenna school policy is that internships are graded on a pass-fail basis—in no case are letter grades (i.e., A, B, …) to be given for internships. To receive credit, you must communicate all details of your internship with your advisor for approval before you begin the internship.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNSHIPS

These are the general academic suggestions for internships for credit, but the specifics are to be determined by your academic advisor:

-a weekly log of the experience

-a short synthesis paper evaluating the experience in light of the goals and objectives established on the Student/Faculty Agreement form completed as part of your application process.

-a more in-depth paper, including evaluating the experience with relevant coursework.

Completed materials must be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the end of the term in which you register for credit to assure the credits will be granted. For summer internships, it is strongly recommended that you turn in your materials soon after completing your internship while the experience is fresh in your mind.

Weekly Log

The weekly log is a detailed account of your weekly activities during the internship. The log should contain a description of what you did, what you saw, and what you learned. You should also note your reflections on the meaning of the experience for you: what you are thinking about the experience, how it is affecting you, etc. To obtain the most value from your internship experience, be sure to write in your log every few days that you work. Trying to construct a log at the end of your internship is less meaningful for you and does not produce a log that is rich in reflection.

    The log is simply a notebook with legibly handwritten entries.  The log will be returned to you after your advisor determines if you have sufficiently reflected upon your experience.

Synthesis Paper

The synthesis paper serves as the final statement of the internship experience and consists of two sections:

Description of the placement: The first section details the particulars of the placement site. It tells about the agency, business, or site, what the functions of the organization are, who the clients or customers are, how the faculty is staffed, and other related questions. Also use this section to describe how you chose this particular organization and the position, department, or function that you did during the internship.

Summary reflection: The second section of the paper is the most important and should be emphasized during the writing process. The purpose of this section is to describe what you leaned and the effect of the experience on current studies and future plans. This section should also be used to evaluate the goals and objectives from the original student­/faculty agreement form. Did your internship experience provide you with insights about your major and incorporate relevant coursework?

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration 
 
Accounting

Business Education

Corporate Finance Track

Computational Finance Track

Investment Management Finance Track 

International Business

Management

Marketing

Minors in Business

The Department recognizes that there are many students who wish to major in other departments of the college, but who would like to complete a minor in Business. In order to permit these students to complete a minor by earning approximately 18 credit hours within the Department, course prerequisites, unless considered to be absolutely essential, are waived for minors. Moreover, most of the courses required for a minor are upper division courses in a particular field, rather than the subjects included within the Business core that must be completed by all students majoring within the Department. A student must maintain at least a C (2.0) average in the specific courses required for a minor. Listed below are the courses required for each minor and those course prerequisites that are considered to be essential. 

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Business students are eligible to participate in a cooperative program between Saint Vincent College and Duquesne University's Graduate School of Business that allows students to earn their bachelor's degree and MBA degree in five years.  Upon successful completion of the fourth year at Saint Vincent College, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in their respective major (Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Business Education, International Business, or Management).  Upon successful completion of the fifth year at Duquesne University Graduate School of Business, students will be awarded a Master of Business Administration.  For details, see Dr. Charles Fazzi, McKenna School Director of Masters Programs in Business.

Course Descriptions

BA 100 Elementary Accounting I

Topics include: a general introduction to accounting principles, basic financial statements, the double entry accounting system, the accounting cycle, worksheets and trial balances, merchandising operations, control accounts and subsidiary ledgers, special journals, and internal control and accounting for assets. Offered every semester. Three credits. 

BA 101 Elementary Accounting II

Students examine “generally accepted accounting principles” as it applies to the preparation of financial statements of corporations and partnerships. Students prepare financial statements for corporations and partnerships. Students also prepare and utilize the “statement of cash flow.” Students study and discuss federal payrolls taxes, especially employer liabilities and all journal entries. The course covers financial ratios to be used in the analysis of financial statements. The course analyzes long-term liabilities and all associated entries and also devotes a good deal of time to accounting for investments. Prerequisite: BA 100. Offered every semester. Three credits.  

BA 102 Survey of Accounting

Restricted to non-business majors only. This course examines topics common to BA 100 and BA 101, but at a level that is beneficial for non-business majors. Survey of Accounting is recommended to students who will eventually run their own business or be in an occupation that requires some degree of accounting knowledge. Topics include introduction to financial statements, internal controls, cash and accrual basis of accounting and financial statement analysis. The course was especially designed as a prerequisite for our Entrepreneurial and Operational Excellence minors. Offered every spring semester. Three credits.

BA 104 Introduction to Management

This is an introductory course designed for all freshmen regardless of major. The course introduces the student to the basic concepts of management. Students learn about the culture of management, strategic policy and decision-making, structure and design of organizations, leadership and communication functions, and operations and information systems management. It serves as a valuable elective course for non-majors who anticipate assuming some sort of management role during their chosen vocation in life. Introduction to Management is designed to focus on the specific needs of novice students and the course serves as the first course in an integrated four-year curriculum designed to develop a student’s ethical reasoning abilities. Offered every semester. Three credits.

A study of the use of accounting information in performing managerial functions including planning, controls, cost and financial analysis, costing behavior, and incremental costing. Emphasis is on the use of accounting as a tool for management decision making. Prerequisite: BA 100. Offered every semester. Three credits. 

BA 170 Organizational Behavior

A systematic study of the manager-subordinate relationship as it operates in the environment of an organization. Students develop managerial skills in leadership, motivation, communications, human relations, decision making, and policy formulation. Students learn ways in which these skills can be employed in organizations with established goals, technology and structure. Special attention will be given to how the individual, the work group, and the organization interact to influence the behavior of the business organization and that of its human resources. Offered spring semester. Three credits. 

BA 200 Intermediate Accounting I

Topics include: analysis of the balance sheet, cash, inventories, investments, tangible fixed assets, liabilities, intangible assets and miscellaneous topics. Prerequisite: BA 101. Offered fall semester. Three credits. 

BA 201 Intermediate Accounting II

This course focuses on the interpretation and analysis of financial statements and addresses topics concerning the corrections of errors, capital stock, retained earnings and dividends. The course includes case studies. Prerequisite: BA 200. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 220 Principles of Marketing

This course is an introduction to the theoretical and practical foundations of marketing in a global-managerial framework.  The primary marketing decisions variables (product design, pricing, distribution, sales, advertising, and promotion) are introduced and examined from both managerial and consumer perspectives.  The relationships among marketing and the other functional areas of business (accounting, finance, and management) are emphasized.  Applied economics, electronic commerce, and ethical decision making are interwoven with the substantive topics.  Students are exposed to current events in the Wall Street Journal and participate in case studies, group activities, and marketing simulations.  No prerequisites. Offered every semester. Three credits. 

BA 226 Fashion Marketing

Fashion Marketing extends the application of sound marketing practices into the fashion industry's highly fluid market-space that is global in nature and execution. The course will provide an overview of fashion industry structure, graphics and design, visual culture and marketing systems. Students will review current trends in the market and how companies are positioning their brands and products to satisfy those trends. The course includes a project and teamwork in developing a campaign that addresses one or more of the trends in accessories, household goods, or apparel that will generate sales at a retail level. Offered fall semester. Three credits. 

BA 230 Introduction to Entrepreneurship

This course studies the role played by entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American economy. The course will aid the student in both understanding the entrepreneurial process, as well as learning methods of starting successful businesses. Topics include: entrepreneurial traits, small business creation methods and the innovation process, small business management techniques, small business marketing, and financial issues affecting small businesses. Emphasis will be placed on the role that comprehensive business planning has on the success of a small business. Students assist the SVC Small Business Development Center with research, marketing, and design of small business plans for actual clients from Westmoreland and Fayette counties. Presentation skills, written work, and interaction with SBDC clients are emphasized. No prerequisites. Offered fall semester. Three credits. 

BA 250 Global Business Management

Students will be introduced to international trade theory and practical global business applications throughout the term. They will be provided with an overview of the global economy, the globalization debate, country and cultural differences, regional economic integration, and international management decision-making processes. Topics will include globalization, international trade theory, exporting considerations, market research resources and methodology, identification and evaluation of international business customers and/or partners, foreign direct investment, market entry methods, and basic international terms and documentation. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 251 International Business

This course examines the role of the multinational corporation in the global economy. Special attention is placed on the importance of culture in doing business globally. International legal aspects, human resource management, marketing, ethics, environmental concerns and finance are targeted. Political, economic and risk factors are also included. Offered fall semester. Three credits. 

BA 265 Management Information Systems and Technology Entrepreneurship

Students are provided with an introduction to the information technology hardware and software platforms, tools, and methodologies utilized in the corporate systems environment. Topics include: hardware, networks, operating systems, databases (e.g. Oracle, IBM DB/2, MySQL), Business Intelligence, Desktop Applications, Business Applications, Electronic Commerce, and Systems Design and Development. The course will also include a detailed examination of the SAP Business One application software. Offered every semester. Three credits.

BA 275 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

This course provides an introduction to the basics of GIS with emphasis on the application of GIS to problem solving. Students will learn how to manipulate tabular data, query GIS databases, and present data in charts and maps. GIS is an entirely computer based course, which incorporates the use of color laser printers and plotters. Students utilize GIS to propose solutions to a variety of real world problems concerning the environment, marketing, and public policy. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 300 Cost Accounting I

This course provides a thorough study of the three elements of production cost: direct materials, direct labor, and manufacturing expense. The course also provides an application of the aforementioned three elements to job order, cost systems, standard costs, flexible budgets, and break-even analysis. Stress is placed on cost accounting as a “tool of management.” Prerequisite: BA 200. Offered Fall semester. Three credits. 

BA 301 Cost Accounting II

Cost Accounting II is a study of cost allocation, capital budgeting, joint and by-product costing. The course emphasizes decision making and provides a detailed examination of process costing and transfer pricing. Prerequisite: BA 300. Offered spring semester. Three credits. 

BA 305 Business Ethics

This course is designed to focus the business major’s critical thinking and ethical reasoning through the lens of contemporary business issues. In addition to completing the theoretical material in the field of business ethics, students complete a series of short written and oral presentations based on the Taking Sides series. Student presentations utilize a range of resources including the internet, campus network, Blackboard course software, and Microsoft PowerPoint software. Students are also required to plan a service project to be carried out before graduation. Prerequisite: BA 104 or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester. Three credits. 

BA 310 Taxes I

This course provides students with an introduction to Federal Income Tax Law. The Internal Revenue code is studied and applied to various tax situations of individuals. Topics include gross income, exclusions, business expenses, non-business deductions, and the realization of gain or loss. Prerequisite: BA 100. Offered fall semester. Three credits. 

BA 311 Taxes II

The preparation of returns for partnerships, s-corporations, and corporations constitutes the subject matter of the course. Prerequisite: BA 100. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 320 Corporation Finance I

This course presents an analysis of the principal financial problems involved within the life cycle of the corporation. A large amount of time is also devoted to ratio analysis, cash budgets, financing fixed and working capital requirements, capital budgeting, the cost of capital, and dividend policy. The course utilizes Microsoft Excel to set up financial statements, to compute financial ratios, to develop charts, and to analyze financial trends.  Prerequisite: BA 101 and TIBA II plus calculator. Offered every semester. Three credits. 

BA 321 Corporation Finance II

Topics include Dividend Policy, capital project financing, business valuations, further ratio analysis and changing corporate governance issues. Case studies will be used to provide a practical application for financial theory. Prerequisites: BA 320 and TIBA II plus calculator. Offered spring semester. Three Credits.

BA 322 Entrepreneurial Finance

This course examines the sources of funding available to entrepreneurs to fund their businesses and options that they can utilize to harvest their investments. The course will focus on the private debt and equity markets that service start-up and rapidly growing entrepreneurial firms. The course will be divided into four parts. Pat I will provide an overview of small business financing and how the entrepreneur should prepare to approach the financial community. In Part II, we will examine the private equity markets that specifically provide financing to new ventures in the form of “seed money.” Particular attention will be focused on both angel financing and the venture capital market. Part III examines the private debt markets that provide financing to small firms with a particular emphasis on commercial banks and governmental agencies that are supportive of entrepreneurial ventures. Part IV will cover the options to the entrepreneur to monetize his/her investment. Prerequisite: BA 320. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 325 Analysis of Financial Statements

This course emphasizes the use of financial and accounting information. The course is a case study approach to the financial problems of sole proprietorships and corporations. Topics will center around ratio analysis, financial projections, working capital management, capital budgeting, the cost of capital, capital structure and planning, and dividend policy. Prerequisite: BA 320. Offered spring semester. Three credits. 

BA 330 Advertising and Promotion

This course provides a basis for understanding the marketing communication process and how it influences consumer decisions.  The overriding objective is to provide a sophisticated and thoughtful approach to the management of advertising and promotion activities.  The course draws heavily on the extensive research in consumer behavior and social psychology.  Special attention is given to ethical considerations in developing the communication process.  Students conduct special projects in observational research, critical analysis of advertising, the internet, and media planning.  Students complete a comprehensive advertising campaign.  Prerequisite: BA 220. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 331 Franchising

Prerequisite: BA 101 or BA 102. Offered Spring Semester. Three credits.

BA 332 Corporate Communications

This course will help you hone your corporate communication skills. Each class will begin with a professional or business scenario that reflects the importance of excellent corporate communications and ethical considerations when dealing with the public, the press, and corporate stakeholders. In addition, the class addresses the art of searching for a “good” job. You prepare a resume, cover letter, and receive aid with the delivery of a “knock your socks off” interview. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 335 Internet Marketing

An exploration of various potential applications of Internet marketing in addition to its obvious role of inducing sales or generating sales leads. Topics include the role of electronic commerce in the marketing mix, advantages of using the Internet as a marketing tool, the ethical and legal constraints of Internet marketing, and creative strategies for implementing Internet marketing campaigns. Current publications, online computer exercises, and class discussions are used to examine marketing via the Internet.  Prerequisite: BA 220.  Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 336 Sales Force Management

An overview of the role of the sales manager, both at headquarters and in the field, in managing people, resources, and functions of marketing. The challenges of forecasting, planning, organizing, communicating, evaluating, and controlling sales are analyzed. In addition, the changing role of the customer is examined and sales techniques to meet such changing market demands are evaluated.  Prerequisite: BA 220.  Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 340 Business Law

The course provides the student with an intensive analysis of contract and sales law, as well as the study of bailments and personal property. Legal sources, the court system, torts, and criminal law will be explored. U.C.C. sections on negotiable instruments, banking and secured transactions are studied. Federal bankruptcy, real property and estate planning are presented. A focus on business organizations includes agency, partnerships, limited partnerships, and corporations. Offered every semester. Three credits. 

BA 342 Advanced Management Law

The study of the legal regulatory environment faced by today’s managers. Emphasis on Human Resources issues and Employment law including employee handbooks and policies, codes of conduct, employment and non-competition agreements, state and Federal laws governing all aspects of the employment relationship from hiring to termination, employment discrimination, harassment, workers compensation, unemployment compensation, health and safety. Other topics include anti-trust and fair competition, advertising and product liability. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 345 Environmental Law

This course presents the case for government intervention at the federal, and to a lesser extent, on the state and local levels to protect the environment as an invaluable public or collective good. The materials presume that water, air and land pollution must be controlled and mitigated, and that the authority of the state must be put behind these efforts through the activity of agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. However, intervention must be fair and the policies and procedures used must incorporate notions of due process. Nor must it stifle the productive capacity of private industry, or private property in general. Speakers from various agencies will be invited to present their perspectives and functions. Cross-listed as PS 390. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 350 Statistics I

This course is an introduction to the study of statistics emphasizing descriptive and inferential  statistics. Topics include graphical presentation of data, summary descriptive measures (e.g., mean, median, mode, variance, and standard deviation), statistical sampling, probability, probability distributions, expected value, the normal distribution, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation. Students develop operational and presentational skills in computer applications through the use of statistical and spreadsheet programs. Offered fall semester. Three credits. 

BA 351 Statistics II

The course explores multiple regression and correlation, two-sample inferences, non-parametric statistics, analysis of variance, time series analysis, and index numbers. Use of statistical and spreadsheet programs are an integral part of the business statistics curriculum. Prerequisite: BA 350. Offered spring semester. Three credits. 

BA 353 International Finance

The course covers the following topics: recent developments in international finance markets, the utilization of foreign exchange and derivative security markets, exchange rate determination, international asset portfolio theory, and financial risk management strategies. Cross-listed as EC 353. Prerequisite: EC 102. Offered fall of even-numbered years. Three Credits.

BA 362 Investments I: Securities

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the general principles of investment, investment analysis, and portfolio management. Modern portfolio theory, investment timing, and techniques for analyzing investment selections are considered. Prerequisite: BA 320. Offered fall semester. Three Credits.

BA 363 Investments II: Derivatives

Topics include: the alternative trading strategies; the valuation of
options; the efficiency of option markets; commodity futures; spot, forward and future prices; empirical evidence on price relationships; hedging and speculation; the portfolio approach; risk and return on futures contracts; interest rate futures; alternative forward loans; options on futures; and currency futures. Prerequisite: BA 320. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 375 Seminar in Geographic Information Systems

This is a second-level applications course in the use of Geographic Information Systems. Students complete projects linked directly to their major course of study. Emphasis will be placed on the use and applications of tabular data, querying GIS databases, and presenting data in charts and maps appropriate for real-world business decision making. Using their knowledge of GIS, students will complete and present publicly a real world GIS application in education, the environment, management, or marketing. Prerequisite: BA 275. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 380 Consumer Behavior

The purpose of this course is to study human responses to products and services by linking the upstream conceptual foundations in consumer psychology with its downstream marketplace applications.  Accordingly, the extant research in social psychology will guide the development of marketing strategies.  Special attention is given to the scientific method in cognitive psychology.  Ethical issues surrounding consumer research are interwoven throughout the course.  Students will conduct an experimental research project including hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection and hypothesis testing, and interpretation.  This course provides dedicated workshops in SPSS software.  Prerequisites: BA 220.  Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 385 Financial Institutions

The nature and role of financial institutions in the economy. Topics include interest rate structure, regulation, financial markets, and asset and liability management of various types of financial institutions. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between theory and practice. Prerequisite: BA 320. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 395 Global Marketing 

This course is an upper-level, managerially-oriented course that offers a systematic treatment of marketing on a global scale. The purpose of the course is to examine the specific issues involved in entering overseas markets and conducting global marketing operations. Special attention is given to analyzing the global economic environment, targeting global markets, sourcing and producing internationally, formulating global marketing strategies, and implementing global marketing mixes. Students are exposed to current events in the Wall Street Journal and participate in case studies and simulations.  Prerequisites: BA 220. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 397 Marketing Research

This course introduces students to the descriptive, diagnostic, and predictive roles of marketing research by examining both the substantive and technical domains of the marketing research process.  Special attention is given to the survey method.  The theory driving the design of this course maintains that one must carry-out research in a field setting to fully understand the processes involved in research.  Thus, students will conduct a marketing research project including problem definition, design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.  This course also builds on the statistical foundations obtained in BA 350 and provides dedicated workshops in EXCEL and SPSS.  Prerequisites: BA 220 and BA 350.  Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 400 Advanced Accounting

Topics include: income presentation and interim reporting, disclosure of earnings per share and segmental data, business combinations and consolidated statements, partnership ownership changes and liquidation governmental accounting, accounting for non-profit organizations, estates and trusts and insolvency. Prerequisite: BA 200. Offered spring semester. Three credits. 

BA 405 Auditing

This course explores the field of auditing and public accounting as a career. Topics include conducting and concluding an audit, working papers, internal control and evidence, and the audit of selected groups of accounts. Prerequisite: BA 200. Offered fall semester. Three credits. 

This course, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), will focus on four general areas.  The first is the role M&A plays in corporate America as companies use M&A to achieve short and long-term strategic plans.  The second area of focus will be examining and analyzing the strategic business processes that drive M&A activity.  The subjects of valuation and financing M&A is the third area of examination.  The final area of focus is corporate and financial restructuring that leads to the sale of nonstrategic or underperforming business assets. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 420 Accounting Information Systems

This course examines accounting systems as an integral component of a management information system. The student will obtain an understanding of accounting systems theory, information theory, relational databases and system analysis. The course will also include a detailed examination of the SAP Business One application software. Prerequisite: Junior status or permission of instructor. Offered every semester. Three credits.

This senior-level course emphasizes the decisions that marketing managers face in their efforts to bring together the objectives and resources of their organizations with the needs and opportunities in the market place.  Building on the fundamentals of marketing and economics, special attention is given to the marketing decisions that students are most likely to confront in their careers.  The centerpiece of the course is a marketing simulation.  Teams of students will be responsible for the analysis, planning, implementation, and control of an on-going firm.  Prerequisites: BA 220, BA 330, BA 350.  Offered spring of even-numbered years. Three credits.

This course introduces the global nature of accounting in business. The course examines a variety of topics including: the comparative study of accounting concepts and reporting in various countries, international accounting standards, accounting problems of multinational corporations, and US GAAP requirements for the translation of foreign financial statements. Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

This course serves as a preparation for the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam Level I. Course content focuses on the Candidate Body of Knowledge, which encompasses the following ten areas: “ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, accounting and corporate finance, global markets and instruments, valuation and investment theory, analysis of fixed-income securities, analysis of equity investments, analysis of alternative investments, and portfolio management.” Prerequisite: Senior business majors or continuing education students with BA/BS in hand. In order to take the CFA exam in the summer, you must graduate within six months of the exam; thus, Juniors may take the course, but are not eligible to take the exam. Offered spring semester. Three credits.

BA 488 Portfolio Theory

This course focuses on portfolio management decisions and strategy; the specification and evaluation of asset management; and the evaluation of portfolio performance. This course will include studies of Mutual Funds and Hedge Funds and will integrate tools acquired in Investment I and Investments II. Prerequisite: BA 363. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 489 Valuations and Modeling

This course presents a set of valuation tools (such as DCF) to properly value companies. The course formally introduces financial modeling, a coveted skill in the modern business world.  Prerequisite: BA 363. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

 BA 490 Organizational Theory

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the theory of organizational processes. Students will examine how organizations evolve and adapt. A strong emphasis will be placed on the application of systems theory and the guidance role managers must play in the institutions of the late 20th and 21st centuries. This course is an upper division seminar and may not be taken prior to a student’s senior year. Continuing education students with sufficient background may be admitted with permission of the professor. Prerequisite: BA 170. Cross-listed as SO 490. Offered spring semester. Three credits. 

BA 491 Operational Excellence in the Service Industry with Applications in the Healthcare Professions

This course examines includes the following topics: challenges facing healthcare, concept of waste and quality in the healthcare environment, application of the Toyota Way to the healthcare industry, and building the healthcare industry of the future. Offered spring semester. Three credits. 

BA 492 Operations Management

This course provides an overview of Lean Manufacturing, the Six Sigma Process, the Toyota Production Process, and the Total Quality Management philosophies of continuous improvement of a process and of process variation. For accounting students, this course will include applications to managerial accounting, auditing, and information systems. Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of instructor. Offered every semester. Three credits.

BA 493 Supply Chain Management

This course is designed to help the student acquire and understanding of the most current practices being implemented by businesses as they compete to bring to the market place their products and services in an ever more demanding global economy. Students will be introduced to new, and sometime unconventional, tools companies are currently using in an effort to delete inefficiencies from their manufacturing, expenditure and revenue cycles by improving supply chain relationships. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 494 Quantitative Methods, Quality, and Problem Solving in Operational Excellence

This course focuses on the quantitative tools utilized in operational excellence. Tools include check sheets, Pareto charts, cause and effect diagrams, run charts, histograms, scatter diagrams, control charts, etc. Students review measures of quality and the implementation of quality improvement techniques. Students also devote a large of measure of time to operational excellence problem techniques. Prerequisite: Statistics I or permission of instructor. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 495 Business Policy and Strategy

This is the capstone course for all business majors and as such covers aspects of the McKenna school curriculum. The class covers the field of strategic management. This course utilizes a multi-performance approach. Each student participates in a simulation where teams operate and control every aspect of a corporation. Each corporation then competes in this virtual reality, utilizing every business course the have taken in various decision that are required. Students are not only expected to understand the role various levels of management play in strategic planning and control, but a required to demonstrate the abilities throughout the simulation. The course also utilizes case studies to give real-life examples of strategic situations. Students must be able to conduct a internal and external analyses (SWOT, 5 Forces, etc) of the company, which includes an analysis of cultural and political issues. Students must be adept at creating and presenting business applications, cases, etc. on power point technology. Students must demonstrate a fluid facility with major presentation technology, including overhead CD rom, VCR, DVD, Internet,Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, Blackboard, and Smart Board technology. Prerequisite: Senior status. Offered every semester. Three credits.

BA 496 Principles, People, and Values in Operational Excellence

This course provides a largely principle-based exploration of issues related to Operational Excellence.  Although drawing on a variety of sources, major emphasis is on “Lean,” in the manner practiced by Toyota, and its applicability to many types of operational problems in diverse organizations.  Using a combination of lectures, Harvard and other cases studies, and class discussion the course aims to equip students with the ability and confidence to more clearly and deeply assess problems and develop solutions that aspire to highest standards.  Prerequisite: BA 492 or equivalent work experience. Offered fall semester. Three credits

BA 497 Leadership

This course presents a theoretical and applied treatment of a pervasive and challenging task of leading in the new global economy—continuously and successfully dealing with the issues of constant improvement within a framework of ethical leadership.  Students will learn the leadership theories, concepts and applications that will allow them to successfully initiate, analyze and implement various types of organizational changes. BA 497 is the capstone class for the operational excellence minor. Offered fall semester. Three credits.

BA 500 Independent Study

May be repeated. Offered every semester. Variable credit.

BA 525 Global Experience

Spend your spring break in a city abroad. The curriculum varies
according to the city visited, but focuses on the various business and cultural themes. Offered spring semester. Two credits.

BA 550 Cooperative Education 

This course pertains to Business Administration Internships where work experience is utilized to extend the student’s learning experience. Students are employed in an area related to their academic endeavor. The purpose of the program is to integrate academic studies and employment activities. Offered every semester. McKenna School students have an upward limit of six credits for internships. Pass/fail optional only. Variable credit up to three credits.