Courses

This course focuses on how to design and maintain organizational effectiveness through developing appropriate levels of control and coordination. This course introduces and critically examines the current theories and approaches to the management and structural design of organizations, and assesses their relevance and usefulness to organizations wanting to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

A study of the impact of information technology and the ways in which organizations can achieve competitive advantage and support of key business functions through the strategic design, deployment, and use of information technology. The course teaches students the utilization of spreadsheet, database management, and project management software to manage the design, deployment, and use of information technology within an organizational setting.

This course considers the various operative models with which firms attempt to create value. Topics include: quality theory, quality measurement, production/supply chain planning and execution, process design, and project management. The course also covers information tools necessary for effective operations, and management of the service content of the firm's products.

This course looks at the management of operations' variables and their part in the overall business strategy. Students will focus on one chosen firm or industry, possibly with additional focus on the business climate in a chosen geographic region. Topic emphasis will vary depending on the focus, but will include some combination of: allocation and scheduling of resources, inventory and quality control, personnel needs, how to achieve production efficiencies and cost control, operation layout and design, and standards and methods development. Quantitative management tools are incorporated.

An introduction to global business practices while on a travel study. The course surveys governmental and corporate practices of major economic systems throughout the world. Different cultural meanings of concepts such as globalization, world class, nimble organizations, empowerment, and teams are explored. The class provides students with experiential as well as classroom learning to provide a better grasp of the differences in cultures and the adaptation of the concepts.

This course studies the competitiveness of companies in different countries and regions given ever-changing economic conditions and policies. The course reviews factors that determine competitive advantage including: factor conditions, demand conditions, supporting industries, firm strategy, and government policy.

This course examines the emerging role of business as mission, in both international and domestic context. The general themes taught in this course include: the theology of business as mission; practical issues related to using business as a vehicle for cross-cultural mission; and, specific for-profit business models and case studies.