Undergraduate Programs

Course Descriptions

BUS 132 - Business Statistics (3)

Prerequisite: Math 131
Collecting, organizing, analyzing and interpreting data with an emphasis on business applications. Descriptive statistics, sampling, probability distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, introduction to linear regression and correlation analysis. The use of Minitab statistical software is included. A graphing calculator is required. The TI-83 is recommended. Offered every semester.

BUS 200 - Principles of Economics (Macro) (3)

Offered every semester

The study of principles underlying the operation of a national economy as a whole: analysis of Gross Domestic Product accounts, national income determination, levels of employment (or unemployment) and inflation, taxation and government expenditures, monetary and fiscal policy, and the basics of international trade.

BUS 201 - Principles of Economics (Micro) (3)

Offered every semester

The study of the principles concerning the operation of the market economy. Emphasis is placed on demand and supply analysis and understanding the competitive behavior of individual firms, industries and individual consumers; price determination and profit maximization in various types of market structures ranging from perfect competition to monopoly.

BUS 210 - Financial Accounting I (3)

Offered every semester

Corequisite: Placement in Math 131, Math 131 or department consent
Introduction to accounting principles and concepts related to business income and determination of financial position. Assets and liabilities will be examined in detail. Emphasis is on understanding financial information for decision making purposes.

BUS 211 - Managerial Accounting (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisite: BUS 210
Continuation of Financial Accounting I (Business 210). Preparation, analysis and interpretation of financial statements for corporations. A detailed discussion of internal managerial accounting practices will include manufacturing operations, job order and process cost accounting systems, standard costs, cost-volume-profit analysis and budgeting. Individual and corporate income taxes will be introduced.

BUS 220 - Business Law I (3)

Offered every semester

A study of the fundamental concepts, principles and rules of laws that apply to business transactions. Primary attention is given to contracts, sales and commercial paper. Each area will be discussed and analyzed through the use of cases and problems. Required for those seeking an accounting degree.

BUS 221 - Business Law II (3)

Offered every Spring

Prerequisite: BUS 220
A study of the fundamental concepts and rules of laws that apply to business organizations. Principles of agency, partnerships and corporations are discussed and analyzed through the use of cases and problems. This course is strongly advised for students who intend to take the CPA exam.

BUS 223 - The Legal Environment of Business (3)

Offered every semester. Fast-Track - Fall II

A study of the history and development of the judicial system and the creation of the various administrative agencies that affect the legal environment of business. Principles of labor management, consumer, antitrust and environmental law are discussed and analyzed through the use of cases and problems. Special emphasis is placed upon the impact of administrative law in the world of business. (A recommended business law course for all business students not majoring in Accounting.)

BUS 242 - Computer Applications in Business (3)

Offered every semester

An introduction to the management and role of computers in business organizations. Course includes hands-on experience in the use of leading business software packages including word processors, spreadsheets and data base managers.

BUS 300 - Introduction to International Business (3)

Offered every semester. Fast-Track - Fall II

Prerequisite: BUS 200 or BUS 201 and 45 hours
Starting with basic international trade theories, foreign exchange market, tax and accounting aspects, management strategy, organizational structure and practices of multinational company and international institutional arrangements. Discussions will include current economic and business problems.

BUS 311 - Individual Income Taxation (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisites: BUS 211 and 45 hours
Theory and broad outline of federal and Illinois state income tax law as it applies to the individual. Concepts of gross income, exclusions, deductions and accounting periods and methods will be covered. Tax return preparation techniques will be covered.

BUS 313 - Cost Accounting (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisites: BUS 242, BUS 211
Detailed study of accounting systems for managerial planning and control, the use of their outputs, and their effect on the organization. Coverage includes cost-volume- profit analysis, costing systems, standard costing, capital budgeting, and relevant cost analysis. Students will be exposed to emerging issues in the field. Certain assignments will require the use of microcomputer.

BUS 315 - Intermediate Accounting I (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisite: BUS 211
Development of accounting theory. Coverage includes cash, receivables, short-term investments, current and long-term liabilities, inventory and fixed asset valuations. It is recommended that this course be taken fall semester, sophomore year.

BUS 316 - Intermediate Accounting II (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisites: BUS 315
Continuation of the development of accounting theory and application from the perspective of a financial accountant. Emphasis on stockholders' equity certain long-term liabilities including pensions, deferred taxes and leases. The Cash Flow statement will be studied in depth. This course should be taken immediately after Business 315.

BUS 319 - Auditing (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisite: BUS 316
This course develops an understanding of the theory and application of generally accepted auditing standards necessary in the attest function. Coverage includes auditing standards, the standard audit and other reports, substantive and compliance testing and internal control.

BUS 320 - Operations/Production Management (3)

Offered every semester. Fast-Track - Spring I

Prerequisite: Math 132, BUS 242, and 45 hours
This course studies the management of the direct resources required to produce the goods and/or services provided by an organization. The course focuses on competitiveness, with emphasis placed on the close coordination of business unit operational decision making and strategic planning.

Topics covered include Product/Process Design, Aggregate Planning, Operations Scheduling, Inventory Theory, Quality Control, and incorporate the use of quantitative techniques for operational decision making. Attention is given to the strategic uses of advanced manufacturing systems such as EMS, MRP, and JIT. Comparisons of Western and Japanese management and manufacturing philosophies are also studied.

BUS 323 - Advanced Accounting Issues

Offered every semester

Prerequisite: BUS 316
A study of special accounting issues including the accounting for business combinations (mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships) and the study of fund/account groups as they relate to governmental and other non-profit entities.

BUS 331 - Accounting Information Systems

Offered every Fall

Prerequisite: BUS 242 and BUS 350
Introduction to state of art accounting information software and systems. Required by Accounting majors.

BUS 340 - Principles of Marketing (3)

Offered every semester. Fast-Track - Fall I

Prerequisite: BUS 200 or BUS 201 and 45 hours
A survey in the field of marketing designed to give a basic understanding of the principles of marketing and the operation of our marketing system. The class will explore the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, and services. The class will learn how to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives.

BUS 341 - Marketing Strategy (3)

Offered every Fall. Fast-Track - Spring I

Prerequisite: BUS 340
An in-depth study of the integration of the marketing mix variables into a comprehensive marketing strategy. The class will analyze product, market, and trade channel problems; the influence of the consumer; marketing policies concerning trade channels, pricing and terms of sale, and brand policies; and "external" factors affecting marketing, government legislation, administrative regulations, and international influences in a world market. Cases are discussed applying theory to a decision-making context. A strategic marketing plan will be developed.

BUS 345 - Marketing Research Methods (3)

Offered every Spring

Prerequisites: BUS 340 and Math 132
Research methods applied to the systematic gathering, recording, and analyzing of data about problems relating to the marketing of goods and services. Analysis will focus on the selection and development of a research design, project planning and implementation, utilizing various quantitative methods to analyze data, and the application of information for analysis and decision-making in marketing problems.

BUS 346 - Principles of Sales (3)

This course is a study in the principles and concepts of sales, the strategy and management of sales, and current sales practices and trends.

BUS 347 - Consumer Behavior

Consumer Behavior is the study of the buying habits and preferences of consumers. The course analyzes the methods of predicting consumer and marketing behavior; consumer movements and attitudes and how this impacts for marketing management. Consumer functions such as decision-making, attitude formation and change, cognition, perception, and learning and their effect of product-positioning, segmentation and branding are studied.

BUS 350 - Principles of Management (3)

Offered every semester. Fast-Track - Spring I

Prerequisite: 45 hours
This course will introduce the student to the process of management: getting things done by working with people and physical resources in order to accomplish the objectives of the organization. The basic functions of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling, will be studied.

BUS 351 - Organizational Design and Development (3)

Offered every Fall

Prerequisites: BUS 350
Study of research and applications in the design of organizations to fit changing environments and missions. Topics include goals and bargaining, group and inter group processes, communications systems, organizational culture and climate, and organizational development and change.

BUS 352 - Personnel Administration (3)

Offered every Fall. Fast-Track - Spring II

Prerequisites: BUS 350
Principles and methods of general personnel management. Topics include such personnel activities as staffing, evaluation, training and development, and compensation within the framework of organizational, governmental, and societal goals and restrictions.

BUS 353 - Labor-Management Relations (3)

Offered every Spring

Prerequisites: Business 350
Provides a theoretical, historical, and legal framework to analyze current labor-management practices, issues, and tactics in union organizing, collective bargaining, and grievance/arbitration administration. Skill building experiences will be provided through class attendance at a National Labor Relations Board hearing, guest speakers, simulated grievance/arbitration cases, and a major negotiation exercise with the participation of a professional mediator.

BUS 354 - Business and Professional Writing (3)

Cross Ref: English 354

BUS 357 - Industrial Psychology (3)

Cross Ref: Psychology 357

BUS 360 - Finance (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisite: BUS 210 and 45 hours
Introduction to corporate finance and the techniques used by financial managers. Students learn about the financial markets, time value of money, risk and uncertainty, valuation of securities, financial analysis and forecasting, capital budgeting, cost of capital, capital structure, and working capital management.

BUS 365 - Organizational Behavior (3)

Offered every Spring. Fast-Track - Fall I

Prerequisite: BUS 350
Analysis of the behavior of individuals and groups in organizations intended to enable the students to anticipate and understand the attitudes and behaviors that are likely to accompany various types of managerial styles and to follow organizational changes. Topics include personality differences, reaming patterns, work motivation, job satisfaction, stress, conflict management, leadership, influence processes, and group dynamics.

BUS 366 - Small Business Management

This course will introduce the student to the basics of business management, including planning, raising capital, using business information, managing employees, and marketing products and services. Emphasis will be placed on applying general management skills to the problems and opportunities faced by small and medium sized businesses.

BUS 368 - Advanced Corporate Finance (3)

Offered every Spring

Prerequisite: BUS 360
Quantitative analysis of the management of funds within a corporate environment. Topics include planning for current and long run financial needs, merger analysis, dividend policies, choosing the optimal capital structure, raising funds in both domestic and foreign capital markets and risk management in an international setting.

BUS 370 - Business and Society (3)

Offered every Spring. Fast-Track - Fall I

Prerequisite: 60 hours
The role of business in a free competitive society. A discussion course emphasizing the major issues facing business today, such as business ethics, labor, equal employment opportunity, worker safety and health, environmental quality, financial disclosure, government and others.

BUS 373 - Training and Performance Management

Theories in adult learning, motivation and instructional design will be explored and analyzed. Current personality and learning assessment instrumentation will be explored and related to workplace performance. Theories and perspectives on individual and group performance needs will be discussed. The student will learn to determine situation when training interventions are and are not appropriate.

BUS 375 - Business Internship (3)

Prerequisite: 60 hours. Under the tutelage of a cooperating organization, the student studies the management of an administrative or staff function and submits projects. Internship may not include any of the duties of a currently held position.

Students receiving credit must have the pre-approval of the Internship Coordinator. Approval will be based on the level of technical work actually being done during the internship. Additional readings and research will supplement the work experience. Grade is based on job performance and academic projects related to the position.

BUS 380 - Directed Readings (1-3)

With the consent of an instructor, Administration of the Graham School, the student completes a prescribed set of readings in a selected area and submits a report or takes an examination.

BUS 381 - Selected Topics (3-6)

Seminar or other course on a subject of current interest, as announced. Subjects include current topics in a selected area of business.

BUS 390 - Business Strategy (3)

Offered every semester. Fast-Track - Spring II

Prerequisite: BUS 340, 350, 354, 360; 90 hours
The students will use cases to analyze business problems from the viewpoint of the general manager and will be expected to apply and integrate the knowledge obtained from other courses taken as a business major. In addition, current theories relating to the formation and implementation of business strategy will be examined.

BUS 400 - International Finance (3)

Offered every Fall

Prerequisite: BUS 360
Intensive study of the issues related to the international financial environment and the tools used by management of multinational corporations to make decisions involving foreign investments and financing. Core areas studied include foreign exchange markets, parity conditions and currency forecasting, and multinational capital budgeting.

BUS 407 - Money and Banking (3)

Offered every Spring

Prerequisite: BUS 360
Study of money and the financial system in modem economies, the level and structure of interest rates and the prices of securities. The role of the Federal Reserve System and depository institutions in the creation or destruction of money is studied in detail. Emphasis is placed on the ongoing controversies concerning the effect of monetary policy on employment, output, inflation and interest rates.

BUS 411 - International Economics (3)

Prerequisite: BUS 200 and 201
Extensive understanding of the international trade theories; classical and modem theories of international trade, barriers to free trade and their implications. Foreign investment, foreign exchange market, economic integration with particular attention to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Economic Community (EC). Balance of payments in international trade and the U.S. foreign trade deficit and its consequences for the domestic economy is also studied.

BUS 412 - Corporate Income Taxation (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisite: BUS 311 and 60 hours
Theory and application of federal income tax principles as they relate to corporations, S-corporations, and their shareholders and related tax planning. Tax issues related to partners and partnerships is included. The textbook will be supplemented with student research of the issues and readings of relevant court cases and IRS rulings.

BUS 425 - Futures and Options (3)

Prerequisites: BUS 360
Theory of options and futures with a focus on practical use in the business world. Options and futures theory will also be explored as it relates to real market environments.

BUS 428 - Investments and Portfolio Analysis (3)

Offered every Fall

Prerequisite: BUS 360
Theory and techniques basic to control of investment risks and optimization of investment returns. Topics include: analysis of securities and security market operations, theories of market behavior and security valuation, and personal and corporate strategies of portfolio selection.

BUS 430 - E-commerce/Internet Technology (3)

Offered every semester

Prerequisite: BUS 242 and 45 hours
The course will examine the steps necessary to successfully create an integrated customer focused electronic corporation. Emphasis will be placed on the need to link business and information technology strategies to achieve competitive advantage. Students will apply value chain analysis in identifying electronic marketing, electronic customer relationship management and electronic supply chain management applications to support transformation from traditional business standard to the next generation e-business model. Enabling technologies such as use of the Internet, use of multimedia, web site development and web site administration will be closely investigated. Concepts, issues and skills will be discussed and developed through case studies, individual assignments, and a comprehensive group project.

BUS 431 - Project Management (3)

Offered every Spring

Prerequisite: Business 242 and 60 hours
Project Management is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in project management. Students will learn how to select projects, initiating projects and operating and controlling projects. The demands placed on project managers and the manager’s interaction with the parent organization will be discussed. Problems associated with conducting a project using people and organizations that represent different cultures or may be separated by a considerable distance will be covered.

BUS 432 - Database Management in Business (3)

Offered every Fall

Prerequisites: BUS 242
Investigation and application of database concepts including database administration, database technology and selection and acquisition of database management systems. In-depth practice in data modeling and system development in a database environment.

BUS 433 - Systems Analysis and Design (3)

Offered every Fall

Prerequisite: BUS 330
An evaluation of information analysis methodologies; structured logical analysis and design; specification of system input, processing, and output. Includes structured techniques and tools such as data flow diagrams, data dictionary, modular design, E/R diagrams, and the use of a computer aided software engineering tool

BUS 435 - Advanced Database Management (3)

Prerequisite: BUS 432
This course extends the students' knowledge of database management by introducing them to client/server architectures, distributed databases, and data warehouse concepts and database administration. Students will be given opportunity through hands on exercises to manage data directories, tables, indexes, data integrity constraints and users.
Students will learn how to create and drop users, grant and revoke system privileges, create user profiles, and institute password authentication. Individual and group projects will require students to create programmed procedures, generate custom query and report forms, and develop a comprehensive menu driven integrated database application.

BUS 439 - Data Communication/LANs (3)

Offered every Spring

The course is designed to provide a business oriented introduction to building and administering data communication networks. Fundamental communication concepts, communication hardware, communication protocols, network configurations, and communication software. Emphasis is placed on understanding the design and use of local area networks, and their interconnection with other networks.

BUS 442 - Promotional Strategy (3)

Offered every Spring. Fast-Track - Fall II

Prerequisite: 340
Techniques for planning, implementing, controlling and evaluating advertising and sales promotion activities. Topics covered include analysis of social, economic and legal aspects of advertising, determination of promotional objectives, selection of campaign themes, media planning and testing, copy preparation and production. A promotional plan will be developed.

BUS 461 - International Marketing (3)

Offered every Fall

Prerequisites: Business 300, 340 and 60 hours
Multinational marketing and the activities of multinational corporations. Important aspects in the formation of a multinational marketing program are discussed in relation to foreign marketing, finance and manufacturing. Included are such topics as: the international environment; international business operation; the effects of different social, cultural, governmental and economic systems on marketing strategies; and the U.S. economic position in regard to overseas business.

BUS 485 - Real Estate (3)

An examination of the nature of real estate and ownership principles of converting property ownership, types of real estate opportunities, real estate financing, insurance development and appraisal.

HOSP 300 - Introduction to Hospitality Management (3)

The course is designed to provide an overview of the hospitality industry including all of its related fields; restaurant, lodging, meetings, and conventions. Students are provided with a broad exposure to one of the largest and fastest growing industries. Students will leave the course with an understanding of the career opportunities available in the industry, have a knowledge of the current operating procedures and understand the functions of management in the Hospitality and tourism industry.

HOSP 301 - Hospitality Marketing (3)

Hospitality marketing discusses the major decisions hospitality marketing managers face in their efforts to balance objectives and resources against needs and opportunities in today's global marketplace. The main objective when marketing any product is to make your product attractive to potential customers and/or a particular market. In hospitality specifically, marketing refers to the process of how a restaurant, hotel, travel business, or resort can sell itself in a competitive marketplace.

HOSP 302 - Achieving Service Excellence (3)

The course provides students with an opportunity to integrate their acquired knowledge of the industry through experience and coursework with the service dilemma organizations face. Students will learn how managing operations, human resources, finance, and technology along with controlling costs can impact the delivery of service excellence and organizational performance.

HOSP 304 - Hospitality Human Resource Management

The course provides training in the principles of human resource management. Topics to be covered include: understanding employment laws, job analysis, recruiting, training and development. Consideration is given to the organizational climate of leisure service agencies.

HOSP 375 - Hospitality Internship (3)

Prerequisite: 60 hours. Under the tutelage of a cooperating organization, the student studies the management of an administrative or staff function and submits projects. Internship may not include any of the duties of a currently held position.

Students receiving credit must have the pre-approval of the Internship Coordinator. Approval will be based on the level of technical work actually being done during the internship. Additional readings and research will supplement the work experience. Grade is based on job performance and academic projects related to the position.