Complete Your B.A. in Business Management

The degree completion program in business management studies the concepts and theories of solving organizational problems. We look at how to do this from the many different angles pertinent in today's business world: international, ethical, legal, and technological. This includes integrating the functional areas with the human resources of the organization as it encounters constant changes in its environment and in society.

Throughout the management curriculum, you explore the theory and practice of management, so that you are prepared for planning, organizing, controlling, and leading in a variety of fields and corporate settings. Within an active classroom context, you gain insight into the value and challenges of cultural diversity and social responsibility along with analytical tools that can applied to your future career.

Job opportunities for management majors exist in a wide range of business, government, and not-for-profit organizations. With this degree, you will enjoy new opportunities in human resources, retail management, sales, health care, and other fast-growing industries.

All business management and required core courses are scheduled Saturday mornings 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoons 1 to 5 p.m.

This program is based on you having earned at least 60 credits from your associate's degree program.

The bachelor's degree program requires 120 credits. You can transfer in a maximum of 78 credits from Holyoke Community College and other regionally accredited colleges. A minimum of 42 credits must be earned through Elms College.

All Elms College core and program requirements must be met.

Course Descriptions

Art

ART 215 Art History II (3)
This survey course focuses on the art of Western Europe from the early Renaissance through the rise of modernism, and includes contemporary trends in Europe and the United States. A special emphasis is placed on painting and sculpture and the relationship of art to social and political currents. Students will compare these works with examples of arts from non-Western cultures.

ART 313 Modern Art (3)
Beginning with Realism and Impressionism in France and ending with an exploration of the contemporary art scene, this course studies modernist trends in Western art. The development of non-representational art as a major stream of modernism will be studied, as well as the influence of non-Western and folk art forms on the work of the modern artist.

Business Management

BUS 248 Global Business Environment (3)
This is a study of the economic, political, and operational impact of conducting business in an international environment. Emphasis is placed on the historical development of trade theory, the cultural and social impact of globalization, and an evaluation of the role that cultural differences have on doing business internationally. The course evaluates the global economic environment. In addition, linkages in communication, education, financial systems, and standards of living are examined in terms of how they limit and/or encourage trade. The impact of trade on business operations is also evaluated.

BUS 311 Principles of Financial Management (3)
The principles underlying the nature, operation, and control of the corporation are studied through an analysis of its financial structure, practices, and policies. Emphasis is placed on financial markets, interest rates, the time value of money, financial analysis, and the analysis of short-term and long-term corporate financial decisions, including working capital management, capital budgeting, cost of capital, leverage, and debt and equity financing. This course is taught in the computer lab with extensive use of Excel. Prerequisites: MAT 109, ACC 202.

BUS 317 Business and Society (3)
Within the context of the rapidly changing business environment, students explore the many non-market forces that affect the management and operations of the organization. They gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of social responsibility and the complex issues that managers confront in the 21st century. Students learn to identify, manage, and prioritize stakeholder relationships or issues, as well as develop strategic responses within the context of an ethical framework. Prerequisite: BUS 242 for business majors.

BUS 333 Advertising (3)
This course provides an in-depth examination of advertising strategy. The course looks at advertising in our society, the advertising within organizations, advertising's role in marketing, and the planning of copy, media, and research. Special kinds of advertising including online, transit, and billboard advertising are analyzed. Management of the social and legal aspects of advertising is also discussed. Prerequisite: BUS 252.

BUS 340 Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3)
Are you wondering how to turn an idea for a product or service into reality? Have you ever thought you would like to take on the challenges of building your own company? Did you know that small business contributes significantly to the health of the U.S. economy? This course introduces essential ingredients of entrepreneurship through a series of hands-on projects supported by practical readings and case studies. Topics include: defining ideas that will meet the needs of future customers, planning for the business, marketing and selling, determining necessary financial resources, and leading the team. The course culminates in a business concept project that gives students experience in planning for a new product, service, or company. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.

BUS 341 Gender and Diversity in Management (3)
Students develop an understanding of and appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that diversity brings to the work environment. Sociological barriers, cultural values, and stereotypical attitudes are examined as students acquire the skills, attitudes, and patterns of critical thinking needed for effective leadership. Prerequisite: BUS 242.

BUS 342 Managerial Communications (3)
Students develop the skills in effective business communication, beginning with organizing the message to fit the audience, the purpose, and the situation. They learn how to express themselves clearly and articulately, both orally and in writing, to listen actively, and to use effective leadership skills. Prerequisites: BUS 242, 221.

BUS 345 Human Resource Management (3)
Students gain knowledge of key aspects of an effective human resource management system that recognizes employees as the most important asset. Topics covered include employee selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, motivation, discipline, grievance handling, labor unions, and the partnership between line managers and the human resource function. Prerequisite: BUS 242.

BUS 375 Organizational Behavior (3)
How to understand, motivate, and supervise people in work settings is the main emphasis in this course. Group dynamics and human reactions are studied via the case method and role-playing. The organization as a social system will be covered in depth. Prerequisite: BUS 242.

BUS 377 International Marketing (3)
An examination of the theory and practice of a national or multinational company trading in world markets, focusing on developing a strategic marketing plan for this environment from a cultural, political, and economic point of view. Prerequisites: BUS 252, BUS 248.

BUS 480 Business Strategy (3)
This business course is the culminating capstone course for the all students majoring in accounting or business, and is designed to reinforce and test what they have learned throughout their coursework. Students work in competitive teams to bring together key concepts and skills from accounting, economics, finance, management, law, and marketing. A business ethics component focuses on helping students develop a framework for making ethical decisions. The organizing element of the course is an online international business simulation. This is a sophisticated model of a competitive business environment that requires teams to analyze data, consider options, test decisions, and then put their business judgment on the line against other teams. The course will be taught in the computer lab, and students will make several formal business presentations to faculty and community business leaders. Prerequisite: All 200 and 300 level business management required courses must be completed, and student must have senior standing.

English

ENG 223(C) Writing in the Professions (3)
Focuses on developing the specific, clear and lucid prose required in a professional writing environment. Students will attend to various types of writing that reflect the communication demanded of business, science, and other professional careers. Students will employ computer and multimedia technologies to prepare many of the assignments in the course. The semester will culminate in a major report that studies a particular problem that student groups or individuals have researched within their own disciplines. Prerequisite: ENG 102.

History

HIS 111(C) History of the United States I (3)
A survey of the political, economic, social, and cultural developments of the United States from pre-Colonial times to the end of the Civil War, including early settlement, the Revolution, the implementation of the Constitution, the War of 1812, the Jacksonian era, and the causes and course of the Civil War.

HIS 112(C) History of the United States II (3)
A survey of the political, economic, social, and cultural developments of the United States from the end of the Civil War until the present, including such topics as Reconstruction, industrialization, immigration, the Great Depression, the New Deal, the world wars, and the Cold War.

Philosophy

PHI 110(C) Comparative Religions (3)
A comparative study of the major world religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Taoism, emphasizing their spirituality, beliefs, traditions, and rituals, as well as their historical development. Also critically examines selections of their scriptures.

PHI 242 Ethics (3)
This is an introduction to ethics. It includes discussion of moral issues and questions, such as autonomy and moral growth, self-respect and integrity, respect for others, sexual morality, and caring relationships.

Psychology

PSY 110(B) Introduction to Psychology (3)
Introduction to the study and principles of behavior. Topics include general principles of scientific investigation; physiological bases of behavior including sensation, perception, learning, emotion, and motivation; development; individual differences; attitudes; and group dynamics.

Sociology

SOC 110(B) Introduction to Sociology (3)
A scientific examination of human social phenomena. Major topics include interaction, statuses and roles, groups, social institutions, culture, socialization, social control, conforming and deviant behavior, collective behavior, social inequality, demography, social change, urbanism, industrialism and globalization.