2008-09 Catalog - Saint Mary's College of California

Business Administration Curriculum123 Financial ManagementA study of the organization and financial administration of businessenterprise. The course includes such topics as financial analysis, value andvalue theory, risk analysis, investment decisions, corporate finance andtheory, working capital management and related topics.124 MarketingThe principles of major areas of marketing decision-making that confrontorganizations. Topics include the utilization of marketing informationsystems as well as the formulation and implementation of integratedproduct, pricing, distribution, and promotion strategies.125 Marketing of Financial ServicesA study of the principles of marketing as applied to service firms. Specialemphasis is placed on major areas of marketing decision-making that confrontfinancial services businesses. Topics covered include the utilizationof marketing information systems as well as the pricing, distribution, andpromotion of services. This course may not be taken for credit if BusAd124 has been taken. This course meets the BusAd 124 requirement.126 Advanced MarketingA detailed treatment of marketing research, strategic marketing planningand the development of fully integrated marketing programs. Topicsinclude market analysis, marketing mix strategies, product positioning,market segmentation, and related social and ethical issues. This courseincludes direct application of the material in a marketing consultingproject for a business firm or nonprofit organization. Prerequisites:BusAd 124 or 125. BusAd 126 is not offered in the spring term.127 Business CommunicationThis course emphasizes the kinds of communication students can expectin complex organizations with multiple audiences. Grounded in competition,course material includes in-depth categorical editing, organizationalstrategies for informative and persuasive writing and speaking, constructionand presentation of arguments, and use of executive summaries.131 Organization TheoryA study of the structure, functioning, and performance of organizations,and the impact of psychological and sociological variables on the behaviorof groups and individuals within them. Discussions include theoriesof motivation, leadership, decision-making, power and influence, groupdynamics, corporate cultures, ethics, technology, global structures, anddiversity management.132 Operations ManagementThis course studies the design, implementation and evaluation ofprocesses in the business firm. Processes are a collection of activities thatconvert inputs into outputs of goods and services that create value forcustomers. Value is represented by factors such as lower costs togetherwith improved quality and is intended to give the firm a competitiveadvantage. Strategies are presented to solve the operational problemsassociated with creating value. Emphasis is given to factors having asignificant impact on processes, such as globalization, supply chains,technology, information and data flows, and cultural, geopolitical orenvironmental challenges.140 Strategic ManagementA capstone course which must be taken in the spring term of the senioryear, it integrates the major functional operating areas of business firmsviewed within the broader context of strategic management, i.e., theprocess of managerial decision-making and actions that determine thelong-run performance of business organizations. Prerequisites: BusAd 120,123, 124, 131, 132 and 181 (or 182). This course may not be taken forcredit if BusAd 100 is taken. BusAd 140 is not offered in the fall term.142 Strategic Marketing ManagementA capstone course, principally for the marketing concentration, that mustbe taken in the spring term of the senior year. The course integratesall aspects of the process of strategic marketing planning, inclusive ofutilizing data collected from marketing information systems and marketingresearch to inform an organization’s strategic marketing plan. Thecourse examines each component of a strategic marketing plan, includingtargeting, positioning, pricing and promotional strategies. Topics alsoinclude the integration of the firm’s strategic marketing plan with theorganization’s overall mission and strategic plan. Prerequisites: Completionof the concentration’s two interdisciplinary electives as well as: BusAd181 (or 182), 123, 124 (or 125), 126, 132, and 180. This course maynot be taken for credit if BusAd 100 or BusAd 140 is taken. BusAd 142will not be offered in the fall term.175 Management Information SystemsAn overview of business applications of information technology. Hownetworked computers, data, technical specialists, and managers combineto form an information system. The role of information systems inmarketing, finance, production, and other areas. Ways to create and useinformation systems.180 International BusinessThe special opportunities and risks firms face as a result of the rapidglobalization of business. The economic, cultural, and institutional factorsthat must be considered; the marketing, financial, managerial, andstrategic considerations that lead to success.181 Ethical, Social, and Political Issues in BusinessThis course examines the social, political, and ethical contexts of businessstructures and practices. Students gain greater awareness of social andpublic policy issues affecting the firm and learn to use moral reasoning tomake business decisions that are both economically and ethically sound.182 Business, Economics, and Catholic Social EthicsAn alternative version of BusAd 181. Covers the same subject matter,but adds Catholic social thought to the framework studied.195 InternshipWork-study program conducted in an appropriate internship positionunder the supervision of a faculty member. Normally open to junior andsenior students only. Permission of instructor and departmentchair required.197 Special StudyAn independent study or research course for students whose needsare not met by the regular courses in the curriculum. Permission of theinstructor and department chair required.199 Special Study — HonorsAn independent study or research course for upper-division majors witha B average in business administration. Permission of the instructor anddepartment chair required.71