BUSINESS (BUS)

 

BUS 700         Cr. 1-3

Business Forum

Emphasis on the exploration of new developments in business theory and practice. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: admission to the MBA program. Repeatable for credit -- maximum 9.

 

BUS 730         Cr. 3

Decision Framing and Decision Making in Complex Environments

This course challenges students to integrate all of the discipline-specific skills developed in the MBA foundation courses within a dynamic decision-making context. The focus of the course will be on the process of problem framing/identification, analysis, and decision making in complex and uncertain environments. Students develop critical judgments about the efficient and effective application of core knowledge which requires applying the tools of analysis appropriately and exacting useful insights and drawing managerially relevant recommendations from the analysis. Prerequisite: successful completion of the MBA Foundation requirements. Offered Sem. I.

 

BUS 731         Cr. 3

Decision Making in Complex Environments

This course further integrates the discipline-specific skills developed in the MBA foundation courses and Decision Framing (BUS 730). The course will focus on the process of problem analysis and decision making in complex and uncertain environments utilizing an interdisciplinary approach by integrating critical knowledge and practices from finance, marketing, operations and organizational behavior. The course emphasizes the development of critical judgments, implementation of analytical tools, extracting useful insights and drawing managerially relevant recommendations from the analysis. Prerequisite: successful completion of the MBA Foundation requirements and BUS 730. Offered Sem. II.

 

BUS 735         Cr. 4

Business Decision Making and Research Methodology

This course introduces a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods that support business decision-making and research. These methods range from quantitative approaches like multivariate analysis, simulation and linear programming to qualitative approaches that use unstructured forms of data collection, both by interviewing and observation. Students will achieve conceptual understanding of the research methods covered in the course and acquire hands-on experience in applying these methods to practical business situations and business research while using computer-based tools. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Foundation requirements. Offered Sem. I.

 

BUS 750         Cr. 3

Managing in an Environmental and Socially Conscious World

This course analyzes business decisions in the context of environmental, human rights, and social responsibility issues. The course provides an open, balanced, and interdisciplinary approach that examines the complex social, environmental, and human rights issues central to the conscientious management of business organizations. The course will examine these issues in business decision situations, explore solutions from alternative paradigms of corporate governance and incorporate them when formulating organizational tactics and strategy. Prerequisite: BUS 730. Offered Sem. II.

 

BUS 755         Cr. 3

Managing in a Changing Technological Environment

This course examines changes in the technological environment in the modern business world. It surveys contemporary information technologies such as the Internet and their impacts on business practices in all essential business function areas. The course introduces effective models and techniques for managing technological change. Prerequisite: BUS 730. Offered Sem. II.

 

BUS 760         Cr. 4

Managing in a Global Environment

This course develops the critical skills and integrated knowledge necessary to function effectively in today's global environment. The course describes how global agreements, changing technologies, global institutions and evolving political patterns affect the conduct of global business. It also develops the ability to frame problems from multiple managerial perspectives -- including operational, economic, environmental, ethical, financial, cultural, and technological frames of reference -- and to apply sophisticated decision making and coalition building processes to arrive at integrated solutions in a diverse and changing world. This course will typically employ a problem-based approach to the subject area and will seek to integrate, in this approach, such traditional functional disciplines as operations, logistics, marketing, finance, accounting, information systems, and management. Prerequisite: BUS 730. Offered Sem. II and Summer Session.

 

BUS 780         Cr. 1-6

Internship in Business Administration

This course is a practical learning experience designed to apply the skills and competencies acquired within the MBA program to challenging business problems in both the profit and non-profit sectors. Prerequisites: successful completion of the MBA core curriculum, and written approval of the MBA program director. Repeatable for credit -- maximum 6.

 

BUS 790         Cr. 1

MBA Program Assessment

This course consists of a capstone activity which gives students an opportunity to reflect on their MBA experience as a whole-and thus, to have one, final, critical learning experience. Participation in the concluding assessment exercise provides useful feedback regarding the effectiveness of the MBA program. This assessment will be multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional in its design and execution. Where possible, it will involve participants from the broader UW-L academic and business communities. Prerequisite: completion, or in the final stages, of all other MBA program requirements. Last course before graduation. Pass/Fail grading.

 

BUS 799         Cr. 1-6

Research: Master's Thesis

This course consists of a directed independent research study to be selected and executed under the direction of a graduate faculty member. Prerequisite: successful completion of the MBA core curriculum and written approval of the MBA program director. Completion of a Master's thesis is optional within the MBA program. Repeatable for credit -- maximum 6.