2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog

All programs offered by the Foster College of Business Administration, Bradley University, are accredited by the AACSB International: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Course Descriptions

Implementation of spreadsheet software to solve business problems covering both introductory and intermediate skills. Review and extension of presentation skills using common presentation software. Use of linking functionality between varied applications to create integrated presentations. Brief introduction to the data analysis functions of spreadsheet software and specialized statistical analysis software. May not be counted for degree credit in the Foster College of Business Administration. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: business major or minor or consent of department chair.

Provides an introduction to object-oriented computer programming using VisualBasic.NET. Demonstrates the advantages of using a programming environment to efficiently develop computer programs. Focuses on developing logical approaches to problem solving and implementing programmed solutions to those problems.

Survey of computer applications in business, personal computers, and business information systems. Emphasis on personal computer applications from the perspective of the individual user. Intermediate-level software packages. Prerequisite: BMA 172 or successful completion of Foster College of Business Administration computer proficiency exams.

Object oriented business application development using Visual Basic. Emphasis on object classes, events and properties, and data structures, controls, and objects. Prerequisite: BMA 175.

Provides an introduction to developing e-commerce solutions and their components using various tools. Also explores the business models available for implementing these solutions within and between organizations. It focuses on the application of networked information technologies to implement a rich variety of business applications.

Insurance aspects of risks. Nature of risk assessment control and financing activities in organizations. Firm risk policy issues. Cross-listed as ASB 315. Prerequisites: junior standing.

Social, equitable, and ethical considerations influencing the development of the law. Procedure, constitutional law, contracts, torts, international law, and agency. The influence of government regulation of business: antitrust, labor, securities, environmental, and consumer law. Emphasis on analytical legal reasoning and the case method. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing.

Principles of law in commercial paper, agency, business organizations, sales, and contracts, with application of the commercial code. Prerequisite: BMA 342.

Interdisciplinary approach to management and organizations. Emphasis on the complex roles of managers and the behavioral processes of leadership, communication, motivation, group dynamics, conflict, change, and organization development. International management, diversity, social responsibility, and business ethics. Case studies. Prerequisite: junior standing or 42 credit hours and declared management first major.

Survey of issues and methods related to designing, implementing, and controlling production systems. Project management, production planning, quality control, just-in-time techniques, and strategic importance of operations management. Prerequisites: QM 263; BMA 352.

Collective bargaining as a social innovation in labor-management relations. Current public policy, major substantive issues in management and union policies, and tactics in collective bargaining and dispute settlement. Case studies. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing; BMA 352 or consent of BMA department chair.

Management of human resources in work organizations. Emphasis on employee recruitment, selection, development, and skill utilization for efficiency and effectiveness. Prerequisite: BMA 352.

Recognition, development, and practice of organizational leadership skills. Enhancing interpersonal dynamics and relationships. Organizational politics and interpersonal influence, creativity and innovation, negotiation and conflict resolution. Handling problem situations; effectively utilizing diverse talents and personalities. Introduction to major leadership and interpersonal development techniques. Case studies. Prerequisite: BMA 352.

Descriptive and prescriptive approaches; formal and informal methods. Emphasis on subjective judgments and choices. Prerequisites: BMA 352 or 6 hours psychology and/or sociology; a 3-credit-hour course in statistics.

Management of information resources. Use of information systems for competitive/strategic advantage. Advances in information technology, including industry trends and innovations. The information systems function in organizations. Electronic commerce and the World Wide Web. The impact of information systems on organizations. Ethical and legal issues in information use. Information security. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing; Foster College of Business Administration computer skills proficiency requirement.

Study of the theories, design and technologies utilized in modern business data communications networks. Study of the functionality, performance and management of multiple network designs. Prerequisites: BMA 272 and junior/senior standing.

Investigation and application of advanced database concepts: administration, technology, and selection and acquisition of database management systems. In-depth business practicum in data modeling and system development in a database environment. Overview of future trends in data management. Prerequisites: BMA 272 and junior/senior standing.

Information systems in business applications. Emphasis on relationship of information systems planning to overall business goals, policies, plans, management style, and industry condition; analysis, design, and implementation of information systems. Overview of future trends in data management. Prerequisites: BMA 272 and junior/senior standing.

Provides an introduction to the theory of human factors and process of usability testing. Explores current theory of human factors and human-computer interaction and how they should be applied to designing business systems. Emphasis placed on the scientific approach to systems testing to ensure systems meet usability standards and on the statistical benchmarking these tests provide. This is a non-technical course designed for those interested in managing the development of technical products and evaluating the usability of existing products and processes.

An introduction to the various technical and administrative aspects of information security and assurance. Provides the foundation for understanding the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining the levels of protection and response to security incidents, and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system, with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features. Prerequisite: BMA 172.

Activities involved in starting, financing, growing, and harvesting a new business venture. Entrepreneurs and their behavior, analysis of opportunities, obtaining capital, and venture strategies. Prerequisite: ATG 158; junior standing or 42 credit hours and a declared entrepreneurship first major. (Not open to students who have had BMA 359.)

Management and operation of a small business. Marketing, human resources, financing, and administration plans directly related to the small company. Prerequisite: BMA 352. (Not open to students who have had BMA 451.)

Planning and strategies involved in starting or expanding a business. Emphasis on capitalization, record keeping, liquidity management, fixed asset management, financial analysis, expansion strategies, establishing firm value, and exiting the firm. Cross-listed with FIN 384. Prerequisites: BMA 352; FIN 322.

New product development with an emphasis on high-technology products. Opportunity screening, feasibility studies, demand, analysis, and cost projections necessary for product commercialization. Prerequisite: junior standing.

Basic principles of real estate and real estate practices in property rights (contracts, deeds, and mortgages), property ownership, financing and management, real estate brokerage, valuation, planning, public housing, and urban renewal. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing.

Legal issues surrounding employment-at-will and collective bargaining, including hiring and firing, discrimination, workers’ compensation, personnel handbooks, alcohol and drug abuse, federal wage and hour law, and federal labor law. Prerequisites: BMA 342, 352.

Concepts, principles, and techniques of developing strategy in competitive markets. Case studies for analysis of firms’ strategic maneuvering. Simulation exercises on strategic decision making in competitive market structures. Prerequisites: BMA 352; FIN 322; MTG 315.

Integrated capstone course. Top level management activities; strategic analysis, planning, strategy development, policy formulation and implementation. Case material and applied projects. Prerequisites: FIN 322; BMA 352; MTG 315; senior standing.

Financial returns, tangible services, and benefits employees receive. Prerequisite: BMA 356.

Activities associated with the human resources function. Emphasis on the theoretical, technical, and legal aspects of selecting, developing, and maintaining employees. Prerequisites: BMA 356.

Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic and prerequisite stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under different topics for a maximum of six hours credit.

Development of a business computer system application with the life cycle methodology. Specific concepts and skills of project management. Team projects. Prerequisites: BMA 375.

Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic and prerequisites stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under different topics for a maximum of six hours credit. Prerequisite: stated in current schedule of classes

Supervised experience with an approved new or emerging firm or with an agency providing assistance to emerging high-technology firms. Application of entrepreneurship skills. Written application required (available from internship director). May be repeated for a maximum of 3 hours. Prerequisites: junior standing; entrepreneurship major; 2.5 overall GPA; at least one entrepreneurship-related course.

Topics of special interest, which may vary each time the course is offered. Topic and prerequisite stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under different topics for a maximum of six hours credit. Prerequisite: junior standing.

Studies undertaken by academically qualified students under the guidance of a faculty member, with the approval of the chair of the Department of Business Management and Administration. Business Management and Administration majors only. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing.

Bradley University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities for all persons regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University also is committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination, harassment and affirmative action.

This Catalog represents the University’s best effort to communicate information on academic programs, policies, rules, and regulations that were in effect at the time of its printing. Students should be aware that the University reserves the right to modify these programs, policies, rules, and regulations at any time within a student’s term of residence. The University’s policy is to provide notice of any such modifications sufficiently in advance of their implementation to ensure adjustments without undue inconvenience. Before pre-registering for any academic term, students should contact the administrative office of their academic department or college to verify the most current information