Business

The introductory course to any track in the business program, focusing on management theory and practice; applied concepts such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling; principles of self-development and professional development; and examination of historic and contemporary readings to explore the full meaning of "management" as a professional endeavor.

BSNS 170 — Computer Applications in Business. 3 hours.

This course serves to establish a foundation of business applications through the use of the computer and business applications software. Students will be required to show competency in the following areas: key terminology and basic Windows operations; spreadsheets; word processing; presentation software; Internet navigation and research and other current topics. The primary focus is on business applications to prepare students in each of the functional areas of marketing, finance, economics, and accounting. Business casework and problem solving will be emphasized. This course is a prerequisite for all other Business courses except BSNS 160.

BSNS 241 — Business Statistics. 3 hours.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods with an emphasis on the evaluation of business problems using computer technology. Topics include graphical descriptive techniques, measures of central tendency and dispersion, sampling, probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions, statistical inferences about the mean including estimation and hypothesis testing, and simple linear regression. Prerequisite: MATH 117 and BSNS 170.

BSNS 252 — Consumer Economics. 3 hours.

Same as FACS 252.

BSNS 253 — Principles of Marketing. 3 hours.

An overview study of marketing that introduces the student to the dynamics of the marketplace and the processes used to successfully develop and deliver goods and services to meet market needs. A philosophy of management by the "marketing concept" is fostered. Specific topics include the role of marketing in business and society, consumer analysis, market evaluation and segmentation, the marketing mix, and marketing decision-making.

BSNS 270 — Principles of Finance. 3 hours.

An introduction to techniques used by corporate financial managers. The course provides students with the ability to provide answers to three important questions: 1) What investments should a firm take on? 2) How does a firm finance its investments? 3) How does a firm manage its day-to-day operations? Topics include financial statement analysis, time value of money concepts, capital budgeting and financial forecasting, capital structure and risk analysis, and asset management.

BSNS 303 — Management Information Systems. 3 hours.

This course is an overview of the design, implementation and use of computer based information systems within a business organization. The course will focus on the management of information in helping an organization reach its goals. The course stresses the importance of recognizing the IT functional area as consisting of resources that need to be properly managed and integrated with the other functional areas of the organization. The course analyzes how IT can be used to support business operations, management and decision making.

BSNS 310 — Systems Analysis and Design. 3 hours.

Same as CSIS 310.

BSNS 315 — Federal Seminar. 1-3 hours.

Same as SSCI 315. This course, when taken for 3 credit hours, may serve as a Management or Marketing elective.

BSNS 351 — Business Law I. 3 hours.

A study of the judicial system of the United States, constitutional authority to regulate business, business torts and crime, contracts, sales, and commercial paper.

BSNS 352 — Business Law II. 3 hours.

A study of the law of agency. Credit and bankruptcy, sole proprietorship and partnership, corporation, property law, and liability of accountants.

BSNS 356 — Retail Merchandising. 3 hours.

Same as FACS 356.

BSNS 362 — Financial Markets and Institutions. 3 hours.

Same as ECON 362.

BSNS 365 — International Trade and Finance. 3 hours.

Same as ECON 365.

BSNS 367 — Organizational Behavior. 3 hours.

This course will analyze the behavior of people in organizations. Discusses organizational motivation, group behavior, group dynamics, communication, and decision-making. This is an extension and intensification of the behavioral portion of BSNS 160 Principles of Management.

BSNS 390 — Fundamentals of Salesmanship and Sales Management. 3 hours.

The application of behavioral and persuasive communication theories and techniques necessary to develop effective personal skills at both the consumer and business level. Also, management of the sales force; emphasis on recruitment, selection, and training of sales representatives; and problems in allocation of sales effort, supervision, and control. Prerequisite: BSNS 253.

BSNS 394 — Marketing Management. 3 hours.

A study of marketing theory that presents a strategic overview of the marketing concept. Students will learn how to plan and implement marketing strategies and policies. Topics include consumer behavior, feasibility studies, market segmentation, marketing strategies, marketing mix, forecasting, and budgeting. Prerequisites: BSNS 160, 253, 270.

BSNS 400 — Decision Support Systems. 3 hours.

The focus of this course is the use and application of information systems to support the decision-making process. Recursive partitioning machine learning algorithms, neural networks, genetic algorithms, and rule-based systems are discussed as they apply to data mining techniques. Hands-on experience in developing management support systems applied to real-world applications. Prerequisite: BSNS 303 and CSIS 245.

BSNS 425 — Advanced Computer Applications. 3 hours.

Two thirds of the course emphasize advanced EXCEL spreadsheet techniques and tools to solve complex business problems in accounting, finance, marketing, and economics. Particular attention will be given to working with large complex spreadsheets and modeling. The remaining third of the course focuses on building intermediate skills in the ACCESS database systems.

BSNS 440 — Marketing Research. 3 hours.

Marketing research methods, role of marketing research information as a tool in management decision-making. Emphasis is on current marketing research theory and literature as well as practical application. The class conducts a hands-on marketing research activity working with a real world client. Extensive use of statistical methods is included, utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Prerequisites: BSNS 241, 253, 394.

BSNS 450 — Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. 3 hours.

A workshop approach to study and practice of methods, problems, and skills necessary for launching and operating a successful small business venture. Procedures for raising capital, real-time development of a business plan, and seminar format will be used to create a hands-on environment. Prerequisites: BSNS 160, 170, 253, and 270 and ACCT 110.

BSNS 453 — Global Marketing. 3 hours.

The theory and practice of contemporary global marketing management. The context or environment of international marketing management is covered along with the task of marketing within a variety of national and cultural markets. Major topic areas included in this course are: the global marketing environment; global market research, including market entry and product planning; and marketing strategy in a global context. Several projects will involve students in global marketing research and analysis as well as case studies.

BSNS 457 — Advertising and Promotions. 3 hours.

Building on a general understanding of promotion as one element of the marketing mix, students will become familiar with integrated marketing communications theory, literature, concepts, and research with in-depth treatment of all elements of the promotion mix—advertising, sale promotions, point-of-purchase communication, direct marketing communications, public relations and sponsorship marketing, and personal selling. There will also be treatment of e-commerce and evaluation of media. Designing a comprehensive, integrated advertising and promotions campaign is also required. Prerequisites: BSNS 241, 253, 394.

BSNS 460 — Intermediate Finance. 4 hours.

An extension of Introduction to Finance into topics such as leasing, mergers, and multinational finance. The theory of finance will be applied to investment instruments, including stocks, bonds, options, and futures markets. Capital budgeting, cost of capital, valuation, and risk will also be studied at an advanced level of analysis. Prerequisites: BSNS 270 and ECON 110.

BSNS 468 — Human Resource Management. 3 hours.

Presents principles and current practices in handling personnel as individuals and as groups, with emphasis upon the role of operating supervisors, executives, and the union in dealing with such problems as selection, placement, training, wage and salary administration, promotion, transfer, fringe benefits, employee services, and management-labor relations. Prerequisite: BSNS 160.

BSNS 473 — Investments. 3 hours.

An evaluation and analysis of the various securities that may become a part of an investment program. Emphasizes the organization and function of the major securities markets. Basic determinants of investment values are considered. Prerequisite: BSNS 270.

BSNS 487 — Field Placement. 4 hours.

This course requires a work and study program of 220 clockhours on-site, with (1) self-search for appropriate work setting; (2) supervisor confirmation of hours worked and level of satisfaction with intern; (3) a major paper required at the end of the placement that meets departmental specifications; and (4) location supportive to faculty on-site evaluation. Approval of the chair of the Department of Business is required. Prerequisites: Second-semester junior or senior standing, and approval of the department chair.

BSNS 490 — Business Policy and Strategy. 3 hours.

A capstone seminar course designed to help the student integrate and apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the whole of his or her academic studies in business. Emphasis will be placed on current practitioner literature and real world examples. Each student will participate in a team-based company research project and write a comprehensive individual case analysis. Students must have senior standing and have had all other courses in their major track (prior completion or concurrent enrollment). Prerequisites: Senior standing, approval of the instructor.

BSNS 492 — Students in Free Enterprise. 2 hours.

This course will give students a unique hands-on opportunity to develop their managerial and analytical skills by acting as consultants for a profit or nonprofit organization. Students will also compete in SIFE regional and national competitions. Students must take BSNS 492 and 493 consecutively. Credit for BSNS 492 can be earned only upon successful completion of BSNS 492 and 493. Prerequisite: Senior standing and approval of course instructor.

BSNS 493 — Students in Free Enterprise. 2 hours.

A continuation of BSNS 492. Prerequisite: Senior standing, approval of course instructor, and BSNS 492.

BSNS 494 — Field Experience in Info Systems. 3-4 hours.

Same as CSIS 494.

BSNS 495 — Seminar in Leadership. 3 hours.

Focus will be on clarifying the distinction between management and leadership, and the integration of the Christian faith into various business topics. Prerequisites: Senior standing and BSNS 160.