Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

Graduate Courses

MBA 500   Units: 4.5   Schedule

Essentials of Business and Leadership

An intensive (full-time) module that constitutes the first month of the MBA program for all Daytime and Evening students. Content includes accounting, writing and research skills; decision-making and case analysis; teamwork and presentations skills; a business simulation; guest speakers; and orientation and social activities.

Note: Prerequisite to MBA Foundation module. Attendance and participation are mandatory.

MBA 501A   Units: 0   Schedule

Integrative Management Exercise (IME)

The first of two client-based business practice exercises (Daytime or Evening program), taking place during the Foundation module. The MBA 501A IME will integrate core subject material, usually in the context of examining a particular industry or organization. Reports and/or presentations are requirements of the IME exercise. This IME takes place on campus.

Note: Attendance and participation are required. Registration in MBA 501A is for the domestic, "on campus" IME.

Grading: INP, COM, N, F

MBA 521   Units: 1.5   Schedule

Also: COM 410

Leadership Strategies

An examination of leadership in a variety of environments: corporate, the military, and the public sector. Identifies the characteristics of a leader and instills an interest in and awareness of this vital organizational skill. Includes a review of leadership research from a historical perspective as well as current theory on transformational leadership. Experiential exercises, case studies and role playing techniques are employed to demonstrate leadership skills.

Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 521, COM 410.

Prerequisites: Completion of the MBA Foundation module or permission of the Program Director.

MBA 524   Units: 1.5   Schedule

Also: COM 445

Corporate Finance

Serves as a continuation of the introductory finance course to more advanced applications of the techniques, concepts, and tools of corporate finance. Main topics include short- and long-term financial management, cost of capital, capital structure, financial leverage, dividends policy, working capital management, leasing, mergers and acquisitions, and the use of derivatives for risk management.

Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 524, COM 445.

Prerequisites: Completion of the MBA Foundation module or permission of the Program Director.

MBA 525   Units: 1.5   Schedule

Also: COM 446

Investments

Covers the fundamental principles that are crucial to understanding the securities traded in international financial markets. The main topics include market structure, information efficiency, asset pricing models, valuation and trading of stocks, bonds, options and futures.

Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 525, COM 446, 450 (if taken in the same topic), ECON 435.

Prerequisites: Completion of the MBA Foundation module or permission of the Program Director.

MBA 530   Units: 1.5   Schedule

Managerial Finance

An introduction to corporate financial management. The primary objective is to provide a framework, concepts, and tools for analyzing financial decisions. Main topics include discounted cash flow techniques, the valuation of financial assets, financial statement analysis, capital budgeting decisions, risk and return tradeoffs, diversification and portfolio theory, capital market efficiency, and the cost of capital to the firm.

MBA 531   Units: 1.5   Schedule

Also: COM 425

Taxation for Managers

Reviews the fundamentals of the income tax system for all taxpayers. It then examines tax planning techniques that maximize cash flow and return on investment. While the course emphasizes business decisions, it also includes personal financial planning issues.

Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 531, COM 425.

Prerequisites: Completion of the MBA Foundation module or permission of the Program Director.

MBA 550   Units: 1.5   Schedule

Strategic Analysis and Action

Introduces the integrative nature of management. Explores the overall general management of the organization, and the formulation, development and implementation of the strategic direction of the firm. Intended to develop an appreciation of the role of a general manager from a conceptual as well as an operational standpoint.

MBA 560   Units: 0.5   Schedule

Managing Legal Risks

Examines various legal risks (whether arising from the common law or through legislation) that must be identified and effectively managed within contemporary organizations (including for-profit businesses, not-for-profit firms and governmental organizations). Examines the legal risks associated with the manufacture, delivery and marketing of goods and services, the creation and protection of confidential information and other intellectual property, and risks arising from employment and contractor relationships. Also reviews risk management strategies available under the law of tort and contract.

MBA 595   Units: 0.5-5.0   Schedule

Special Topics in Business Administration

Course content will reflect the interests of the faculty members and current issues in business and industry. Topics will vary annually.

New specialization modules will also be introduced under MBA 595.

Note: May be taken more than once for credit in different topics.

MBA 596   Units: 3.0   Schedule

Management Consulting Report

An individual or group consulting report. Participating students work individually or are placed into small teams and under faculty supervision, maintain a consulting/client relationship with a corporate sponsor. The students examine a problem of current interest to the sponsor and prepare detailed oral and written recommendations.

Grading: INP, COM, N, F

MBA 598   Units: 3.0   Schedule

Research Report

A substantial analysis of a significant management problem or policy issue, prepared individually in consultation with a faculty adviser.

Note: Students choosing to take MBA 598 Research Report, rather than MBA 596 Management Consulting Report, will be required to take an appropriate Research Methods course of 1.5 units in lieu of or in addition to 585. Students choosing 598 should consult with their academic supervisor to identify an appropriate Research Methods course.

Grading: INP, COM, N, F