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Course Descriptions — M.B.A.
M.B.A. Prerequisite Courses
BUS2010 Legal Environment of Business (3 semester hours)
This course introduces students to the nature of the legal system in which society functions, including criminal law, litigation, basic business agreements, business entities and government regulation.
No prerequisites.
BUS3200 Foundations of Management (3 semester hours)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and techniques involved in managing today's dynamic organization. A solid grounding in management is essential to successfully guiding organizations. Students will become familiar with such basic managerial practices as planning, organizing, leading and controlling in a variety of organizational settings.
No prerequisites.
BUS3300 Foundations of Marketing (3 semester hours)
In this course, students will be introduced to all aspects of marketing foundations and principles with a focus on an application of meeting target customers needs and wants. A marketing strategic approach based on product, pricing, promotional, and place objectives helps to manage brand building, value delivery, methodology, evaluation of market opportunities based on changes in environmental business forces. Analyzing marketing problems and providing solutions based on critical examination of marketing information will also be included.
No prerequisites.
MTH1120 Finite Mathematics (3 semester hours)
Students will be introduced to the tools of finite mathematics: review of basic functions, linear equations, matrices, financial mathematics, linear programming. It enables the business or social science student to read mathematics and use it as a tool.
Prerequisite: MAT1100 or placement in MAT1120 based on demonstrated student outcomes on AU mathematics competency examination.
MBA5120 Foundations of Accounting (3 semester hours)
This course introduces basic financial and managerial accounting concepts from the viewpoint of the user. Emphasis is on developing critical decision-making skills through the study of problems and cases. It will also cover financial statement analysis.
No prerequisites.
MBA5140 Foundations of Economics (3 semester hours)
Students will be introduced to the domestic and global economies, business cycles, unemployment, and inflation. They will also be exposed to the economic decision process of firms and individuals as they attempt to maximize their relative well being.
No prerequisites.
M.B.A. Core Courses
MBA6020 Marketing Management (3 semester hours)
The primary purpose of this course is to determine how to develop marketing strategy. Students will develop a client focus and learn how to target market. They will also study product, distribution, promotion, and pricing strategies. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to conduct market-planning analysis, solve common marketing problems, develop marketing strategies, and implement introductory marketing campaigns.
Prerequisite: BUS3300.
MBA6030 Leadership and Organizational Behavior (3 semester hours)
This course introduces students to an advanced treatment of the behavioral role of the leader interacting with others within the organization. It offers a critical review of leadership and human behavior, and addresses those behavioral concepts that influence such factors as group dynamics, interpersonal relations, and ultimately, organizational effectiveness.
Prerequisite: BUS3200.
MBA6050 Financial Management (3 semester hours)
This course examines financial theory and activities connected with the organization and operations of a business. It explores: the relationship between management decisions and financial results, interpretation of financial reports, the development of financial projections, the evaluation of investment decisions, the relationship between risk and return, capital budgeting under risk and uncertainty, the cost of capital, and estimation of the value of a business or a security.
Prerequisite: MBA6140.
MBA6080 Managing Information Technology (3 semester hours)
This course explores information as a critical resource of any organization, what information systems are, how they affect organizations, and how they can make an enterprise more efficient/competitive. Business system concepts, ethical aspects, global information and the Internet, and current technological issues are studied.
Prerequisite: BUS3200.
MBA6100 Strategic Management (3 semester hours)
In this course, all functional disciplines are integrated together in an attempt to look at and comprehend some of the important issues in strategic management. It will concentrate on modern analytical approaches and on enduring successful strategic practices. It is consciously designed with a technological and global outlook since this orientation in many ways highlights the significant emerging trends in strategic management. The course is intended to provide students with a pragmatic approach that will guide the environmental analysis, formulation, implementation evaluation and control, and the feedback systems needed to have a successful strategy. This course will cover strategic and tactical planning, budgeting, analysis of decision under uncertainty and change. Issues related to making ethical judgment and leadership are also covered. Teams of students complete strategic analyses, plans and recommendations for individual companies.
Prerequisites: MBA6010, MBA6020, MBA6030, MBA6050, MBA6080 and MBA6140.
MBA6140 Managerial Accounting (3 semester hours)
This course will explore and have students utilize the various accounting tools, techniques, and knowledge base used by managers to make more effective decisions. This course will look at a number of aspects within the accounting decision-making framework. These aspects will include: overview of accounting and financial reporting, how accountants measure and report, managing financial reporting, cost concepts and analysis, product costing and an introduction to cost management, analysis for capital investment decisions, and measurements for management. Business decision-making will be the focus of this course and the business cases approach will be used extensively.
Prerequisites: ACC2010 and ACC2020 or MBA5120.
MBA6500 Global Business Immersion (3 semester hours)
This seminar focuses on the differences between domestic and international businesses and the impact of the global economy on all functions of business.
Prerequisite: MBA6020.
MBA6880 Travel Study: Global Business Experience (3 semester hours)
Offered either on campus or on location at a non-U.S. site, this seminar focuses on the differences between domestic and international business and the impact of the global economy on all the functions of business.
Prerequisites: MBA6020.
M.B.A. Concentration Courses
M.B.A. in Accounting
ACC5510 Accounting Information Systems (3 semester hours)
This course is a study of accounting systems design, implementation, and application within the functional areas of the firm. Both hardware and software applications will be studied. Focus will be on the relationship of hardware and software to accounting and internal system controls.
Prerequisites: ACC2010 and ACC2020 or MBA5120.
ACC5520 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting (3 semester hours)
This course focuses on accounting and budgeting concepts applied to the management of public, not-for-profit, and non-profit organizations: program budgeting, fund accounting, and systematic analysis as they apply to public sector and not-for or non-profits.
Prerequisites: ACC2010 and ACC2020 or MBA5120.
ACC6530 Special Topics in Accounting (3 semester hours)
This course is a study of the theoretical and conceptual aspects of accounting and the economic environment in which it operates. One focus will be on the historical development of accounting theory and its use as a basis for analyzing contemporary issues. This is done in a framework of cases and problems.
Prerequisites: ACC2010 and ACC2020 and Intermediate Accounting Series.
ACC6600 Research and Analysis in Accounting (3 semester hours)
This course will develop the students' ability to structure and conduct a search of issues surrounding the appropriate use and application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for financial statements. Students will research and discuss complex financial reporting issues and the ethical implications of applying GAAP to financial statements taken as a whole, from the perspectives of management, government, stakeholders and society. By utilizing comprehensive business cases, students will gain an understanding of the current research tools and methods available in resolving issues about the application of accounting standards in the preparation of financial statements.
Prerequisite: ACC3120.
M.B.A. in Human Resource Management
MBA6200 Human Resource Management (3 semester hours)
This course explores the basic concepts of individual and social behavior as they apply to the modern organizational environment and day-to-day issues of human resource management. Specific topics include: communication, motivation, training and development, compensation, and labor relations issues. Labor relation issues include: minority rights, sexual harassment and environmental concerns. Emphasis is on organizational development and team building.
Prerequisite: A course in management.
MBA6210 The SHRM® Learning System Course (3 semester hours)
This program is offered in cooperation with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®) as study material for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification examinations administered by HRCI. Modules include: Strategic Management, Workforce Planning and Employment, Human Resource Development, Compensation and Benefits, Employee and Labor Relations, and Occupational Health, Safety and Security.
Prerequisite: Two years exempt-level HR experience.
MBA6220 Human Resource Information Systems (3 semester hours)
This course focuses on developing the skills necessary to select appropriate technology to transform a human resource function into a strategic business partner. Students will participate in hands-on activities including database design, exploring commercial HR software and design of a system to address a specific HR issue as they learn to build value-added HR organizations.
Prerequisites: MBA6200 and a course in information systems.
MBA6230 Strategic Human Resource Management (3 semester hours)
This course will expose students to the "big picture" at the intersection of Human Resource Management (HRM), business policy, and competitive strategy. Students will be introduced to the "core competencies" necessary to become successful managers of human capital. A broad overview of strategic management processes with a special emphasis on the HR function will be the basis for critical dialogue on corporate-level and business unit-level strategy formulation and implementation.
Prerequisites: MBA6200 and a course in financial accounting.
M.B.A. in Leadership
MBA6610 Leading Organizational Development (3 semester hours)
This leadership concentration course discusses this field in terms of how it has evolved during challenging times. Students will explore the literature on leadership as it applies to the complexities of the current business environment. In addition, the course will focus on what companies can do to develop tomorrow's leaders and how to overcome the inevitable conflict and resistance to change. The three subsections are (1) developing tomorrow's leaders (2) evolution of leadership and (3) leading in a complex environment.
Prerequisite: M.B.A. graduate student.
MBA6620 Leading Strategically (3 semester hours)
This leadership concentration course addresses how leaders can effectively utilize creative strategies. Students will explore innovative strategies for overcoming barriers to the ethical resolution of conflict and crisis. Students will also discuss moral ethical and legal issues that affect the ability to lead an organization. The subsections are (1) conflict resolution (2) crisis strategies and (3) moral, ethical and legal leadership (4) leading strategic changes.
Prerequisite: M.B.A. graduate student.
MBA6630 Leading Teams (3 semester hours)
In today's global marketplace the organizations that thrive are the ones that anticipate change and create new adaptations to their business model. Creativity is the key to finding new opportunities and establishing a competitive advantage through collaborative teams and the use of organizational alliances and strategic partnerships. The three subsections are (1) creating competitive advantage through teamwork (2) global alliances & partners and (3) emerging topics.
Prerequisite: M.B.A. graduate student.
STMBA6810 Leading Nonprofits (3 semester hours)
In this special topics leadership course, students will learn how to use coalitions and networks; how to diagnose, define and execute leadership plans. In addition students will develop management, performance, and productivity initiatives in not-for-profit organizations including education, government, health-care, human services, and recreation and social service organizations.
M.B.A. in Technology and Operations Management
MBA6400 Coordinating and Managing Supply Chains (3 semester hours)
This course builds on a number of core topics in the M.B.A. curriculum. Topics explored include inventory management, distribution economics, retailing operations, and supply chain information technology. The course focuses on managing material and information flows across organizational boundaries from the "manager's perspective" and emphasizes the challenges of managing across functional and firm boundaries. Cases are used to put challenges in context.
Prerequisites: MBA6010 and MTH1800 or ECN3300.
MBA6410 Operations Strategy (3 semester hours)
This course will prepare students to identify and frame complex strategic issues in operations, design operating strategies that address those issues, and take effective action to achieve the full potential of the decisions. The course introduces students to concepts, tools, and techniques such as the design and evolution of multi-site operating networks, the selection and development of process technologies, and the creation of operating systems that effectively connect operations with suppliers, distribution channels, and customers. Emphasis is given to tools that students will need to participate effectively in decision-making early in their careers.
Prerequisites: MBA6010 and MTH1800 or ECN3300.
MBA6420 Innovation and Venture Initiation (3 semester hours)
This course is divided into two parts: Intrapreneurship and Entrepreneurship. Intrapreneurship examines the range of internal and external forces that impact technological innovation and growth. Emphasis is placed on managerial initiatives that can influence the nature and rate of technology innovation and change, technology forecasting and assessment, R&D management, technical planning, and the use of organizational models. Entrepreneurship focuses on the strategic issues that entrepreneurs must address to exploit opportunities when industries are either created or transformed by emerging new technologies. Issues of starting, financing, growing, and managing a technology company are addressed with topics covering cutting edge business models, technology development and intellectual property issues, financing options, culture and human resource development, and alliances.
Prerequisites: MBA6010, MBA6020, MBA6030, MBA6140 and MBA6050.
Selected Topics Courses
MBA6810 Selected Topics: Project Leadership 3 semester hours
MBA6810 Selected Topic: Strategic Account Management 3 semester hours
Certificate Programs
Aurora University recognizes that some individuals seek short, more specialized programs of study to support professional growth and offers certificate programs in several business-related fields. Each certificate program is designed for professionals with time-demanding careers who want to become leaders in the complex business environment of tomorrow.
Certificates are open to students with any undergraduate major and credits completed within the certification program are fully applicable to Aurora University's M.B.A. program, provided the candidate meets the M.B.A. admission requirement.
Certificates are offered to students who:
- prefer a certification program as a shorter, more concentrated alternative to an M.B.A. degree
- have already completed a graduate program, but would like to either update their skills or focus on another professional skill different from their graduate concentration
- see the program as a short-term goal that may help them to earn a graduate degree at a later time.
Graduate Certificate in Accounting
This certificate is designed for professionals who are interested in obtaining additional accounting skills in the area of managerial accounting and financial decision making, accounting information design and implementation and advanced accounting topics such as: consolidations of financial statements, segmental and interim reporting, foreign currency transactions and translations as well as partnership accounting.
The Graduate Accounting Certificate is comprised of three of the following four courses (9 semester hours):
- MBA6140 Managerial Accounting
- ACC6550 Accounting Information Systems, Design, Application and Evaluation
- ACC6530 Special Topics in Accounting
- ACC6600 Accounting Research
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
The Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate is designed for the HR Professional who seeks to acquire the critical competencies to meet the ever-changing demands and challenges faced in the human resource field.
This concentration is available to students who want to specialize in the Human Resource Management profession.
The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is comprised of three of the following four courses (9 semester hours):
- MBA6200 Human Resource Management
- MBA6210 The SHRM® Learning System Course (prerequisite: two years exempt-level HR experience)
- MBA6220 Human Resource Information Systems
- MBA6230 Strategic Human Resource Management
Graduate Certificate in Leadership
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership is designed for individuals who already hold a master's degree or those individuals not ready to pursue the M.B.A. degree who desire specialized study in leadership to support their professional growth. Certificate programs, in general, are designed to advance skills and provide an excellent way to begin the path toward earning an M.B.A. degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership requires:
MBA6030 Organizational Behavior and Leadership (from the M.B.A. core)
Choice of two of the three leadership courses offered:
- MBA6610 Leading Change
- MBA6620 Leading Strategically
- MBA6630 Leading Teams
Graduate Certificate in Technology and Operations Management
The Technology and Operations Management Graduate Certificate focuses on applied business innovation and how to create value in firms, not only through new products and services but also through new technologies, business concepts, transaction mechanisms, and distribution channels. The Technology and Operations Management concentration encourages students to master concepts and research skills directly relevant to business problems.
The Graduate Certificate in Technology and Operations is comprised of the following three courses (9 semester hours):
- MBA6400 Coordinating and Managing Supply Chains
- MBA6410 Operations Strategy
- MBA6420 Innovation and Venture Initiation
Academic information on departmental Web sites reflects the university's most current curriculum. The print version of the catalog, which is also posted online, may differ from this information.
