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Courses of Instruction
Graduate School of Business Administration (GSBA)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.Registration for most courses designated GSBA is restricted to students admitted to M.B.A., M.Acc. and M.B.T. programs only. For a listing of courses in which non-business students may enroll, consult the Schedule of Classes.
GSBA 502 Management Communication for Leaders (1.5, Fa) Integration of leadership theory and practice with communication skills to improve individual, team, and organizational performance. Emphasis in interpersonal, presentation, and writing skills; teamwork; and value-based leadership. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 523, GSBA 542 and the former GSBA 502ab.)
GSBA 504ab Operations Management (1.5, 1.5, Fa) Formulation, modeling, analysis, and optimization of business decision problems; survey of concepts and techniques necessary to manage the operations function of a firm. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 534 and former GSBA 504.)
GSBA 506ab Applied Managerial Statistics (1.5-1.5, FaSp) Principles of probability theory and classical statistics applied to business decision problems; survey analysis, estimation and prediction methods, evaluation, and control techniques. Graded IP/letter. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 524.)
GSBA 509ab Marketing Management (1.5, 1.5, Fa) Development of analytical, strategic, and planning skills. Application within an integrated strategic framework to the development of a comprehensive marketing plan for a product, service, and/or organization. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 528 and the former GSBA 509.)
GSBA 510 Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting (2, 3, Fa) Information systems for public reporting and for management decision-making; theory of asset and income measurement; interpretation and uses of accounting data and financial statements; analysis of cases.
GSBA 511 Microeconomics for Management (2, 3, Fa) Microeconomic theory with business applications; consumer demand, production theory, cost theory, and market theory; decision-making within the firm under different market and regulatory environments.
GSBA 514 Foundations of Business I and II (6, Sm) Introduction of business fundamentals to graduate students with non-business undergraduate degrees. Economics, finance, marketing, operations management and general management concepts are introduced with a global perspectives. Prerequisite: GSBA 510 or ACCT 525x.
GSBA 518 Accounting Control Systems (3, Sm) Accumulation and interpretation of accounting data by management; profit planning; analysis of operations; systems for control of production and distribution costs; cost and profit centers for decentralized control. (Duplicates credit in former GSBA 517ab and GSBA 536.) Recommended preparation: GSBA 510.
GSBA 519ab Strategic Formulation for Competitive Advantage (1.5-1.5, FaSm) Analyses of environments and competition, the basis of competitive strategy, strategy models, and the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 529 and GSBA 540.)
GSBA 520 Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals (3, FaSp) An overview of concepts, tools and principles of business management to develop a general management point of view. Open only to non-business graduate students.
GSBA 521ab Corporate Finance (1.5, 1.5, Fa) Basic principles of corporate finance; theory and application; management of short-term and long-term assets; financial instruments and markets; financial policy applications. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 548 and the former GSBA 521.) Recommended preparation: GSBA 510.
GSBA 522ab Managerial Perspectives (1.5-1.5, FaSp) Managerial careers, development of critical executive and managerial abilities, and the dynamics of organizational environment and systems as they impact managerial progression and work. Graded IP/letter. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 532 and GSBA 543.)
GSBA 523 Communication for Management (2-3, FaSp) Internal and external communication, research methods; reports for decision-making; oral presentations and briefings; strategies to assure communication; field studies. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 502, GSBA 542, and the former GSBA 502ab.)
GSBA 523T Communication for Accounting and Tax Professionals (3) Communication strategies to ensure effective communication to internal and external business audiences at all levels; business writing and presentations; electronic communication; communicating ethics in business. Open only to accounting, business taxation, law/business, and taxation majors. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 502, the former GSBA 502b, GSBA 523 and GSBA 542).
GSBA 524 Managerial Statistics (2, 3, Fa) Principles of probability theory and classical statistics applied to business decision problems; survey analysis, estimation and prediction methods, evaluation, and control techniques. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 506ab.)
GSBA 525 Politics for Global Managers (3, Irregular) The dynamic forces shaping the political environment of business. Impact of politics, cultures and world events on multinational enterprise. Case studies of political risk assessment.
GSBA 528 Marketing Management (3, Sp) Marketing is treated as a managerial decision-making process. Emphasis is given to understanding the concepts, tools, and techniques that comprise a comprehensive marketing strategy. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 509ab.)
GSBA 529 Strategic Formulation for Competitive Advantage (3, FaSpSm) Analyses of environments and competition, the bases of competitive strategy, strategy models, and the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 519ab and GSBA 540.) Recommended preparation: completion of first year courses.
GSBA 532 Behavior and Organizations (3, Sp) Individual behavior (motives, cognitive process, learning), interpersonal processes (perception, communication), small group dynamics (power, productivity, and morale), and organization theory and development (culture, design). (Duplicates credit in GSBA 522ab and GSBA 543.)
GSBA 533 Organizational Behavior and Leadership (1.5, Fa) Maximize organizational effectiveness through managing team and individual processes. Topics may include ethics, decision making, motivation, power and influence, organizational culture and change, negotiation. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 522ab, GSBA 532, GSBA 543.)
GSBA 534 Operations Management (2-3, Sm) Formulation, modeling, analysis, and optimization of business decision problems; survey of concepts and techniques necessary to manage the operations function of the firm. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 504ab.) Recommended preparation: GSBA 506b or GSBA 524.
GSBA 536 Management Accounting (1.5, Sp) The use of accounting information to formulate strategic managerial decisions in a global business environment. (Duplicates credit in former GSBA 517ab and GSBA 518.)
GSBA 540 Contemporary Issues in Competitive Strategy (1.5, FaSp) Introduces the role industry and competitive analysis serves in an organization. Topics covered include global competition, innovation, the use of standards, competence, and building organizational capabilities to sustain competitive advantage. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 519ab and GSBA 529.)
GSBA 542 Communication for Management (1.5, Fa) Internal and external communication, research methods, reports for decision-making, oral presentations and briefings, strategies to assure communication; field studies. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 502, GSBA 523, GSBA 523T and the former GSBA 502ab.)
GSBA 543 Managerial Perspectives (3) Managerial careers, development of critical executive and managerial abilities, and the dynamics of organizational environment and systems as they impact managerial progression and growth. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 522ab, GSBA 532, GSBA 533, and GSBA 543.)
GSBA 544 The Firm in the National Economy (1.5, Sp) The economic environment of business and the forces influencing the firm. (Duplicates credit in former GSBA 526 and GSBA 549.)
GSBA 548 Corporate Finance (3, Sp) Modern theory of corporate investment and financing decisions. Open only to Master’s and Doctoral students. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 521.) Recommended preparation: introductory finance course.
GSBA 549 The Firm in the National and International Economy (3, Sp) The economic environment of business and international forces influencing the firm. (Duplicates credit in former GSBA 526 and GSBA 544.)
GSBA 554 Digital Strategies for Sustainability in Global Markets (3, Sp) Designing and executing business strategies for sustainability (environmental, economic, social/cultural) enabled by digital technologies. Emerging market contexts; team consulting project; international travel. Open only to graduate business and accounting students.
GSBA 555 Management and Organization of the Creative Industries (3, Sp) How creative industries (motion pictures, television, publishing, radio, music, arts, games) operate and are organized. Critical discussion of pressing issues that these industries face. Open only to graduate business and accounting students.
GSBA 556 Business Models for Interactive Digital Media and Services (3) Business models and business development for products/services delivered through interactive digital platforms; assessing growing niches in the evolving media/entertainment/telecom market space. Open only to M.B.A., M.Acc., and M.B.T. students, including dual degrees; and Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals Certificate students.
GSBA 560 The Perspective of Top Management (2, Fa) Using cases, students are introduced to top management issues of executive leadership, environmental and strategic analysis, use of financial statements, organizational assessment and design, technology management and decision support systems. Graded CR/NC.
GSBA 561 Evaluating Market Performance (9, Fa) Evaluation of the firm by the market forces that affect its success; financial accounting and reporting; competitive market analysis; external communication; microeconomics; labor, customer and financial markets, statistical and decision analysis, financial and organization measures of effectiveness.
GSBA 562 Management of Operations (11, Sp) Analysis of operations management and business functions; managerial accounting; finance; marketing; production; data processing and information systems; human resources management.
GSBA 563 Technology and Information Systems Management (6, Sm) Impact of technology on organizations; new product development; investment decisions and capital budgeting; decision support systems, expert systems; information technology; organizational design; management of information systems.
GSBA 564 Functional Strategies and Implementation (2, Sm) Developing functional strategies and interdependence to achieve organizational goals; negotiations, conflict resolution; communication strategies; organizational effectiveness; implementation and change strategies; self-assessment and individual presentations.
GSBA 568 The Economics and Marketing of a Professional Services Firm (3, Sp) Development of marketing skills required for a professional services firm. Examination of professional’s role and responsibility to social and civic concerns, as well as role of a new consultant. Review of operational and administrative aspects within the organization.
GSBA 570 The Role of the Senior Executive (2, Fa) Introduction to strategic management; executive leadership; environmental analysis; international context; financial growth strategies; social, legal and macroeconomic issues; role of CEO with boards, media and other publics; business ethics, strategic planning project. Graded CR/NC.
GSBA 571 Environmental Analysis: Establishing Competitive Advantage (9, Fa) Development of strategic planning processes; analysis of economic, social, political environment; forecasting; futures research; macroeconomics; international economics; technological developments; multinational management simulation; field projects.
GSBA 572 Strategic Planning for Growth (11, Sp) Formulation and implementation of strategies in different organizational and environmental contexts; financial growth strategies; comparative management; impact of taxation; technology strategies; product development and new market strategies.
GSBA 573 Managing Strategic Change and Implementation (6, Sm) Management of the strategic change process for the total organization including implementing growth strategies, use of consultants, corporate governance, implementation in a multinational environment, leadership and power, use of technology, innovation, corporate cultures, executive succession, corporate relations.
GSBA 574 The Executive of the Future (2, Sm) Forecasting future environments; the role of the executive in the future, changing organizations; executive development; personal development goal setting.
GSBA 580 The Global Context of Business (4.5, Sp) Political, economic, and cultural forces in a global context. Effects on markets, policies, and strategies. Application to one or more specific countries. Requires international travel. (Duplicates credit in GSBA 582 and the former GSBA 515 and GSBA 526.) Recommended preparation: M.B.A. core courses.
GSBA 581 Information Management (1.5, FaSp) The intersection of information technology and organization, strategy, marketing and other functional areas of business. The impact of information technology on various aspects of a firm.
GSBA 582 Business Environment and Management Practices in the Pacific Rim (3, SpSm) Explores the social, cultural, and political environment of business and management practices in the Pacific Rim. Recommended preparation: M.B.A. core courses.
GSBA 584ab International Business Consulting Project (3-2, SpSm) a: IBEAR team consulting projects addressing international business problems. Projects culminate in written and oral presentations to corporate clients. Graded IP. b: continuation of a.
GSBA 586 Current Trends in Business (1.5, Sp) Study current issues in business, applying cross-discipline foundations and techniques — changing issues such as development of new business opportunities, technological change, and internationalization of commerce. Recommended preparation: M.B.A. core courses.
GSBA 589 Industry-Based Business Theory and Practice (1.5, max 15, FaSp) Introductory seminar in the business theories, philosophies, structures and practices of various industries. Open only to graduate business and accounting students.
GSBA 590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
GSBA 592 Field Research in Business (.5-4, max 12, FaSpSm) Individual or team projects studying the business practices of an industry, company, government agency, country, geographic region, etc. Proposal, data collection, analyses, and written report. Open only to master’s and doctoral students. Graded CR/NC. Recommended preparation: completion of required M.B.A., M.Acc., or M.B.T. course work.
GSBA 593 Independent Research in Business (.5-4, max 12, FaSpSm) Independent research beyond normal course offerings. Proposal, research and written report/paper required. Open only to master’s students. Graded CR/NC.
GSBA 595 Internship in Business (.5-2, max 9, FaSpSm) Supervised on-the-job business experience in the student’s area of interest. Master’s level business students only. Graded CR/NC. Recommended preparation: Completion of required M.B.A., M.Acc., or M.B.T. course work.
GSBA 596 Research Practicum in Business (.5-2, max 8, FaSpSm) Hands-on practical experience working with a Marshall faculty member on an ongoing research project. Open only to master’s and doctoral students. Graded CR/NC. Recommended preparation: completion of courses required for the M.B.A., M.Acc., M.B.T., or Ph.D.
GSBA 597 Consulting Project in Business (.5-5, max 12, FaSpSm) Individual or team project solving real business problems for an existing business entity, domestic and/or international. Proposal, field research, analyses and oral and written presentations. Open only to master’s and doctoral students. Graded CR/NC.
GSBA 599 Special Topics (1, 1.5, 2, or 3, max 9, FaSpSm) Selected topics reflecting current trends and recent developments in business administration. Emphasis on cross-disciplinary inquiry.
GSBA 602 Selected Issues in Economic Theory I (3, Fa) Methodology and research perspectives of economics; contribution of the economics paradigm to accounting, management, finance, marketing, and decision sciences. Recommended preparation: admission to doctoral program in business administration or department approval.
GSBA 603 Foundations of Statistical Inference (3, Fa) Theory and applications of statistical methods; review of probability theory and common distributions; exponential families; convergence concepts; law of large numbers; parameter estimation; hypothesis testing.
GSBA 604 Regression and Generalized Linear Models for Business Applications (3, Sp) Theory and application of linear regression models; role of substantive theory in statistical model building; model specification, estimation, diagnostic checking; the general linear hypothesis.
GSBA 610 Seminar in Business Research (3, max 9, Irregular) Critical analysis of research studies in the functional areas of business; practice in formulating and conducting research; presentation of original research of publishable quality (may be repeated for credit up to 9 units).
GSBA 611 Seminar in Research Methodology (3, FaSpSm) Conceptual foundations of research methodology; survey and research design; measurement theory; advanced techniques of statistical investigation; data analysis using computer packages; preparation of research reports.
GSBA 612 Selected Issues in Economic Theory II (3, Sp) Further investigation of selected topics in methodology and research perspectives of economics. Topics vary in response to new developments and current trends in the field. Open to doctoral program in business administration students only. Prerequisite: GSBA 602.
GSBA 625 Designing and Running Experiments (3, Fa) Introduction to design and implementation of experiments. Single and multiple factors, fully crossed and fractional factorial designs, repeated measures, measurement, manipulations, subject choice, demand effects. Open only to Ph.D. students.
GSBA 790 Research (1-12) Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
GSBA 794abcdz Doctoral Dissertation (2-2-2-2-0) Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NP.