Saint Francis University

Course Descriptions

Basic Core (12 Credits) These undergraduate courses can be waived based on a review by the Graduate School Office of an undergraduate transcript of work already completed.  

CPSC 101 Introduction to Computer Science
(3 Credits)
Introduction to the basic concepts and techniques of how computers are used to help solve problems. Discussion of all components of a complete computer system, including equipment, programs, data, procedures, and personnel. Elements of programming in BASIC. Use of applications packages including word processing, electronic spreadsheet, and data base system on an IBM PC. No prior experience to computers assumed.

STAT 301 Quantitative Business Analysis I
(3 Credits)
The first of two courses which, when combined, investigate basic descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques and their application in business and economic decision situations. Topics include the collection and presentation of data; measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion; probability and probability distributions (discrete and continuous); sampling and sampling distributions; point and interval estimation, and hypothesis tests involving a single sample mean or a single sample proportion. MINITAB statistical software is used extensively throughout the course.

MBA 498 Financial Accounting or Acct 101 Principles of Accounting I
(3 Credits)
An accelerated introduction to the basic concepts and techniques that underlie the collection, processing, and reporting of financial information in organizations. Emphasis is placed on financial and managerial accounting with the goal of enabling the student to understand and use corporate financial statements and internal financial data as a basis for decision making. This course may be waived if students have completed 3 credits at the undergraduate level equivalent to: ACCT 101 Principles of Accounting I.

MBA 499 Economics for Managers or Econ 101 Macroeconomics
(3 Credits)
The basic macro and micro tools of economic analysis. The emphasis of this course is on the principles of economic theory which are particularly relevant to business decision-making. Application of economic theories through economic policies and their effect on consumers and businesses. This course may be waived if students have completed 3 credits at the undergraduate level equivalent to: ECON 101 Macroeconomics.

Integrative Core (21 Credits)

MBA 500 Perspectives on Management
(3 Credits)
Perspectives on management is the foundation course in the MBA program, introducing students to the principles and practices of management through a combination of theoretical and applied analysis. Includes a study of the development of management thought and an analysis of managerial functions for the purpose of understanding the nature of organizations and the way in which they function.

MBA 501 Financial Management
(3 Credits)
An overview of current theory and practice of financial administration with emphasis on the development of decision making criteria. Topics include financial planning, cash budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, leasing alternatives, mergers and acquisitions, financial reorganizations, and financial policy in international markets. Cases illustrating the interactive nature of financial decisions will be used to augment theory.
Prerequisites: MBA 498 Financial Accounting or (ACCT 101), MBA 499 Economics for Managers or (ECON 101).

MBA 502 Marketing Management
(3 Credits)
Focuses on the role of marketing in today's organizations; strategic marketing planning, concepts, and tools; the marketing environment; characteristics of consumer and institutional markets; market segmentation and product positioning; product life-cycle strategies; new product planning and market research; and marketing information systems.

MBA 503 Managerial Economics
(3 Credits)
A microeconomic course combining theory and quantitative methods as a tool for managerial decisions. The application of concepts and techniques to practical management problems is stressed. Topics covered include the analysis of consumer demand (forecasting), production and costs, prices, profit maximizing, resource use and allocation, and investments.
Prerequisites: MBA 499 Economics for Managers (or ECON 101) and STAT 301 QBA I.

MBA 504 Managerial Communications
(3 Credits)
Students will become acquainted with both micro and macro views of organizational communications. Students will gain experience in professional speaking, listening, business writing, nonverbal communication, situation/case analyses, and field research. Course assignments will include both individual and collaborative tasks. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to create a coordinated and coherent corporate communication system that allows the organization to face the new century with effective communication strategies and tools.  
Prerequisite: Familiarity with Microsoft Office 95/97, Word, and Power Point, or similar software.

MBA 505 Quantitative Business Analysis
(3 Credits)
This course focuses on the use of modern quantitative methods (management science) to support the managerial decision making process. Particular models examined include those which assist in describing and analyzing problems and those devoted to suggested possible managerial actions. Topics covered include linear programming, inventory models, network models, waiting line models; and introduction to Markov analysis and simulation.  
Prerequisite: STAT 301 Quantitative Business Analysis I

MBA 506 Management Accounting
(3 Credits)
This course is designed for management personnel who are not accountants but need to understand and use accounting information in their decision making. Examines the framework underlying management accounting and describes how accounting information should be used to fulfill planning, control, and performance evaluation functions. Topics include job and process costing, standards, budgets, estimates; the interpretation and utilization of accounting reports and statements to control current operations and formulate policies for the future. 
Prerequisite: MBA 498 Financial Accounting or (ACCT 101).

Electives (9 Credits)
(Students may choose three MBA electives from the following approved list of MBA electives)

MBA 496 Computer Applications for Managers
(3 Credits)
This course focuses on the computer applications that managers will need to master. The "hands-on", computer driven course will feature applications using word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and databases. This project-based course is designed for beginners and novice computer software users. A series of practical computer-based projects are incorporated into the course.

MBA 507 Entrepreneurship
(3 Credits)
This course will introduce you to the entrepreneurial spirit and teach you the practical methods and procedures used by the most successful entrepreneurs to research, plan, implement, control and sell a successful business. Using a step-by-step approach, the course will guide you through the essential stages of making your business dream a profitable reality and at the same time offering practical and realistic advice.

MBA 510 International Business Management
(3 Credits)
The objective of this course is to acquaint the student with the theory of international banking and finance, with the international monetary exchange system, with the differences in cultures and value systems, with influencing problems like political corruption, and with the operations of the multinational enterprise.
Prerequisites: MBA 498 Financial/Managerial Accounting or (ACCT 101), MBA 499 Economics for Managers or (ECON 101) and MBA 500 Perspectives on Management.

MBA 512 Ethics In Management
(3 Credits)
Stresses the development and application of moral concepts to practical case situation involving ethical dilemmas. Addresses questions of the responsibilities and values involved in managing a firm's relationship with society, its marketplace, and employees.
Prerequisite: MBA 500 Perspectives on Management.

MBA 513 Selected Issues in Management
(3 Credits)
Covers advanced or exploratory topics within a discipline. Specific content developed by instructor. Content will vary, depending upon the interests of instructor and students, with the instructor choosing specific topics.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and the Director of the MBA Program.

MBA 514 Research
(3 credits)
An elective course that permits a student to write a research paper in consultation with an individual faculty member and with approval of the MBA Program Director.
Prerequisites: STAT 301 Quantitative Business Analysis I, MBA 504 Managerial Communications: Speaking and Writing for Management, Permission of the MBA Program Director and Faculty Mentor.

MBA/FIN 515 International Trade and Finance
(3 Credits)
This course is designed to study the international trade and finance in the world economy. Topics covered in the area of international trade include trade policies, international organizations and agreements affecting international, recent trade agreements and political events affecting the global economy. The emphasis of this course is on international finance. Topics of international finance include: The international monetary system and balance of payments, international financial balance of payments, the foreign exchange markets, international financial markets and institutions, international portfolio investment, foreign direct investment and multinational corporations, structural and institutional change in international finance.
Prerequisites: MBA 499 Economics for Managers or (ECON 101) and MBA 501 Financial Management.

MBA/FIN 516 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
(3 Credits)
An analytical approach to investment decisions. Major topics include operation of security markets, valuation of common stocks, modern portfolio theory, and impact of inflation on investment returns. Emphasis is placed on institutional methods of stock selection and stock valuation models within the context of efficient markets.
Prerequisites: MBA 499 Economics for Managers or (ECON 101) and MBA 501 Financial Management.

MBA/FIN 517 Financial Markets and Institutions
(3 Credits)
Analyzes the supply and demand for loanable funds and their flow through the money and capital markets. Time and demand deposits, treasury bills, commercial paper, mortgages, stocks and bonds, and other money and capital market instruments are examined; and the supply and demand for these instruments is discussed within a theoretical framework. Financial management of the major financial institutions, especially commercial banks, savings institutions, insurance companies and pension funds, and to a lesser degree, market-related intermediaries, such as investment bankers is emphasized.
Prerequisites: MBA 499 Economics for Managers or (ECON 101) and MBA 501 Financial Management.

MBA/FIN 518 Selected Issues in Finance
(3 Credits)
A finance seminar course that focuses on current issues and problems in financial markets, financial institutions, and financial management. A single focus such as international finance may be adopted; or a series of i.e., analysis of working capital, capital budgeting, and dividend policy may be utilized.
Prerequisites: To be determined and published on a course-by-course basis by the MBA Program Director.

MBA/FIN 519 Research
(3 Credits)
Same as MBA 514 but with a focus on a finance topic. This course may be used to fulfill part of the concentration in finance and must be approved by the MBA Program Director.
Prerequisites: MBA 516 Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management and MBA 517 Financial Markets and Institutions.

MBA/HCA 520 Economics of Medical Care and Health Care Resource Management
(3 Credits)
This course is designed to study the organization of medical care, the demand for and supply of health care services, the production, distribution, financing, institutional structure and mechanism of the delivery systems, the problems associated with various alternative delivery systems, the market for medical human resources, the growth and pressures exerted by third-party payers, and the market for health insurance. The role of government planning and regulation of the medical care industry is also studied, particular emphasis is given to an economic analysis of the major proposals to restructure the U.S. medical care system.

MBA/HCA 521 Perspectives of Health Care Administration
(3 Credits)
This course is designed to study the theory and practices of managing health services organizations. The course examines the relationship among corporate strategy, organizational structure and process, and internal management systems. This course covers managerial issues such as strategic management, budgeting, the job manager, organizational culture and environment, organizational process, leadership, legal and ethical aspects, decision making and implementation.
Prerequisites: MBA 500 Perspectives on Management.

MBA/HCA 522 Health Care Marketing
(3 Credits)
This course is designed to study the use of marketing concepts, functions, and policies within health service organizations. This course examines the environment, buyer behavior, product development, price, distribution, promotion, and advertising of health care services. This course also focuses on the role of marketing in the health care industry; market development for health related services; tools of health care marketing; market research and access to health care, role of insurance in health care marketing; process and planning of strategic marketing.

MBA/HCA 523 Health Policy and Strategic Planning
(3 Credits)
This course is intended to provide the learner with a broad overview of the health care system in the United States, while equipping the student with knowledge sufficient to make basic analysis of emerging policy decisions. The examination of the structure of the health care system will provide a forum for discussion and analysis of issues of current concern recently featured in the nation's media.

MBA/ACC 531 Financial Accounting Theory
(3 Credits)
A detailed review of the theory behind generally accepted accounting principles. Comprehensive examination of the conceptual framework of financial accounting and reporting. Emphasis on impact of the theories and concepts of financial accounting on professionals in the field.
Prerequisites: Accounting 202 Intermediate Accounting II

MBA/ACC 532 Corporate Taxation and Research
(3 Credits)
An introduction to the tax laws which govern the formation, operation and dissolution of corporations. Common corporation transactions and the resulting consequences to the corporation and its shareholders will be studied and proper methodology for approaching, researching, and communicating conclusions concerning tax issues embedded in a given set of factual circumstances will be employed.
Prerequisite: MBA 498 Financial Accounting or (ACCT 101).

MBA/MKG 540 Marketing Research
(3 Credits)
This course will examine marketing research design, implementation, analysis and interpretation. It will promote appropriate and ethical marketing research and its applications. The course will also explore the business decision making that can benefit from marketing research. Marketing Research goes beyond
gathering information. The research manager must comprehend business situations, understand their financial and marketing implications, and ultimately make recommendations that will benefit the business. This class will integrate classroom studies and apply them to real world situations.

MBA/MKG 541 Promotion Management
(3 Credits)
This class will provide more detail for promotions, one of the elements of the marketing mix. Students will explore the dynamics of elements of the promotional mix and their relationship to marketing strategies and the marketing mix.

MBA/MKG 542 Global Marketing Management
(3 Credits)
Identifying opportunities and analyzing emerging trends in foreign markets. Distinctive culture, social, economic, and political characteristics and the need for alternative methods and strategies in the application of marketing concepts and principles, challenges in marketing research, problem solving and decision making from the viewpoint of the marketing executive in an international perspective.

MBA/MKG 543 Principles of Selling and Sales Force Management
(3 Credits)
Personal selling is one of the elements of the Promotion Mix. Theory and application will be combined as the course identifies how personal selling is used strategically and tactically to execute marketing plans. Principles of professional salesmanship and relationship selling will provide a foundation for managerial material to plan, organize, staff, train, operate and evaluate a successful sales force.

MHRM 510 Labor Law I
(3 Credits)
Industrial relations laws and legislation: the National Labor Relations Act, as amended. Decisions of the National Labor Relations Board and court decisions are studied concurrent with the acts.

MHRM 512 Employment Law
(3 Credits)
This course surveys the legal aspects that impact on the general practice of Human Resources Management in both the private and public sectors, and in both unions and non-union environments.

MHRM 520 Collective Bargaining
(3 Credits)
National labor policy and collective bargaining; bargaining processes and techniques; the labor agreement including standard contract provisions, grievance procedures, mediation, and arbitration; economic consequences of collective bargaining.

MHRM 521 Human Resource Management
(3 Credits)
Studies the general and special functions of a professional in personnel, including human resource planning, recruiting, selecting, training, placing, appraising, compensating, discharging, or laying- off, and controlling the work environment: recognizing legal requirements and the interests and rights of employees and the firm.

MHRM 547 Alternative Dispute Resolution
(3 Credits)
This course surveys various dispute resolutions processes (arbitration, meditation, negotiation and various hybrid processes) currently in practice. The course examines the conditions under which particular forms are most effective and why some forms should be rejected to avoid problems with judicial and employee acceptance. Particular emphasis on skill development through practice exercises in class will be made to enhance the overall value of the course to practitioners.

Policy Area (6 credits)

MBA 550 Strategic Management and PolicyAnalysis
(3 Credits)
A capstone seminar in the formulation and administration of organizational planning and policy. The student is given the opportunity to utilize, integrate, and apply the theories, concepts, principles, and techniques acquired in his/her other MBA coursework (i.e., marketing, management, accounting, finance, statistics) to empirical business problems and situations, Use of case studies, course projects, library research, field research, group decision making, role playing, simulations, and other strategic planning exercises.
Prerequisites: Completion of the MBA Integrative Core: MBA 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 and 506 or permission of the MBA Program Director.

MBA 555 Business and Society
(3 Credits)
Examines major issues of social impact and social responsibility between an organization and the society of which it is a member. Discusses the issues of politics and public policy, managerial roles and conduct, economics, morality and ethics, which result from modern society's evolution into a social responsibility and its major problems and limitations. Consideration given to: the legal framework within which economic activity occurs; the casual relations and response pattern of business to selected current social issues and problems; and attempts to identify the implicit ethical assumptions of the interaction of legal and social issues with the business community.
Prerequisites: Completion of MBA Integrative Core: MBA 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 and 506 or permission of the MBA Program Directo