MBA Courses



Phase I - Foundation Courses (21 hours)

All Lewis MBA students must satisfy foundation course requirements. These seven required courses provide the background and essential preparation for advanced study. If an MBA student is required to take all seven of the foundation courses, the seventh course may be used to satisfy an elective requirement.

Students with undergraduate degrees in business usually qualify for a waiver of all or most of the foundation course requirements. Students without undergraduate degrees in business may qualify for a waiver of one or more foundation courses based on their undergraduate curriculum. Students who have earned a grade of B- or better in an undergraduate course, or B or better in a graduate course equivalent to a foundation course offered by Lewis University may be eligible for a waiver. Undergraduate course equivalents are described in the foundation course descriptions.

Transfer credit must have been earned prior to matriculation. All prerequisites, including proficiency exams, must be completed prior to beginning a course. Proficiency exams must be taken within the first semester of coursework.

59-501 Financial Accounting (3)
This course provides the background for accounting in-formation and progresses to a basic level of financial statement analysis, interpretation and decision making. Equivalent: Three semester hours of Principles of Accounting I and three semester hours of Principles of Accounting II.

59-502 Business Economics (3)
In this introductory economics course, students will survey the general macro and micro economic environment in which a business operates. Equivalent: Three semester hours of Macroeconomics and three semester hours of Microeconomics.

59-504 Quantitative Methods for Business (3)
This course is a survey of quantitative methods as they apply to the problems of business management, marketing, finance and economics. This course involves study and analysis of numerous methods such as linear programming, forecasting, queuing models, inventory analysis and project planning and control methods. Students are also introduced to probability and statistical concepts, measurements of central tendency and regression and correlation analysis. Equivalent: Three semester hours of Business Statistics and three semester hours of Quantitative Methods for Business or Management Decision Science.

59-506 Current Topics in Information Technology (3)
Current information technology topics are surveyed and analyzed. Hardware, software and communication systems used to process, store and transmit information are studied and analyzed. Students learn how to manage information technology in today’s network enterprises and global networks. Students read current print and electronic media articles in addition to text. Due to the dynamic nature of the computer field, there is no equivalent. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

59-508 Contemporary Management Practice (3)
This course introduces students to basic theories and principles of management. Emphasis is on effective organizational management practices and change strategies. Case problems and individual development tools will be used. Equivalent: Three semester hours of Principles of Management.

59-510 Survey of Marketing (3)
This course considers the “Four P’s” of the marketing mix (product, place, promotion, and price) as well as strategies that guide their use. Students are introduced to the case-study method as a means of applying and reinforcing marketing principles. Equivalent: Three semester hours of Principles of Marketing.

59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise (3)
This course introduces students to fundamental financial analysis techniques used in security valuation and capital budgeting. It also covers capital structure and issues related to dividend policy. Equivalent: Three semester hours of Business Finance. 

 

 

Phase II - Core Courses (24 hours)

Eight managerial courses comprise the core of the MBA curriculum  Up to three courses (9 credit hours, grade "B" or higher) may be transferred in from another college/university if the graduate course is equivalent to a Lewis MBA course.

- The Strategic Management course is a capstone course. It should be a final course in a student's program and must be the last Phase II course.

59-550 Managerial Accounting (3)
This course focuses on identifying and utilizing relevant accounting and financial data for decision making in a variety of areas. Activity-based costing, financial statement analysis and cash flows are among the areas explored. The understanding of financial data and financial statements are a major focus of the course. The course utilizes the case-method approach. Prerequisite: 59-501 Financial Accounting.

59-554 Managerial Economics (3)
Upon completion of this course, students have a thorough understanding of the market system of resource allocation which forms the basis of the business environment. The course emphasizes the manner in which managers and firms make decisions within the system. Prerequisite: 59-502 Business Economics.

59-568 Marketing Management (3)
This capstone Marketing course gives students an opportunity to learn more about creating and implementing strategies. Students create and analyze strategic marketing plans with emphasis on several small cases as well as a semester case project. Prerequisite: 59-510 Survey of Marketing.

59-572 Managerial Finance (3)
Students apply corporate finance theory from a management perspective. Analysis of financial statements, mergers and acquisitions and leasing are emphasized. Prerequisites: 59-501 Financial Accounting, 59-504 Quantitative Methods for Business, and 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise.

59-601 Legal, Social and Ethical Foundations for Business (3)
This course examines some important areas of law governing behavior in the business community. Students develop an understanding of how policy considerations and social and ethical values become articulated in specific legal terminology. Topics covered include contract law, regulatory law, sales law, paper law, corporation law, agency and employment, environment and community planning, consumer protection and ethical considerations. Prerequisite: None.

Note: Students who have completed undergraduate courses in Business Law I and Business Law II with a grade of B or higher in both may substitute this course with another course in the MBA program from Phase III.

59-611 Managerial Communication (3)
This workshop course enables students to integrate communication theory and apply the various forms of written and oral communication skills required in business settings. Extensive practical application of the diverse forms of business communication with the aid of technology include written memos, e-mail messages, meeting management, collaborative reports and the incorporation of graphics. Multicultural aspects of the course include describing the challenges of international and cross-cultural business communication. Enhancing oral presentations with the use of multimedia Power Point slides are also covered. This course should be completed as early as possible in the program. Prerequisite: None.

59-615 International Business and the Global Environment (3)
This course explores the increasing economic interdependence among countries, the spread of innovation around the world, and how this affects business operating in the global marketplace. Through case analysis, the political, cultural, economic, legal, technological and other environmental forces that accompany this diffusion are discussed in light of the cross-border flow of goods, services, capital, and knowledge. Prerequisites: 59-501 Financial Accounting, 59-502 Business Economics, 59-508 Contemporary Management Practice, 59-510 Survey of Marketing, and 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise.

59-620 Strategic Management in the Global Environment (3)
This capstone course in the MBA curriculum enables a student to integrate the expertise gained in all other courses in the development of strategy and supportive policies for a business operating under global competitive conditions. This course must be the last course taken in the core course phase. Prerequisites: 59-550 Managerial Accounting, 59-554 Managerial Economics, 59-568 Marketing Management, 59-572 Managerial Finance, 59-601 Legal and Social Foundations, 59-611 Managerial Communication, and 59-615 International Business and the Global Environment.

 

 


Phase III - Concentration Areas

All Lewis MBA students select a concentration in one of the following twelveFunctional Area, or may choose to customize their concentration by selecting three courses from different concentration. (Note:  The Concentration are is not listed on the MBA diploma, which is worded "Master in Business Administration".

Accountancy

59-640 Accounting Ethics (3)
This required course considers the legal and ethical implications of strategic decisions made by accountants; the role of the accountant as mediator between organizational and regulatory/societal interests. Prerequisite: 59-550 Managerial Accounting

59-642 International Accountancy (3)
International financial accounting concepts, including foreign currency transactions, interpreting foreign financial statements, presentation of domestic/foreign financial statements and the role of the accountant in international monetary transactions. Prerequisite: 59-550 Managerial Accounting.

59-643 Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination(3)
Introductory course in fraud detection and fraud prevention.  Various timely forensic topics and cases will be examined.  Pre-requisite: 59-550 Managerial Accouting.

59-644 Advanced Tax Topics (3)
Federal estate, trust, and gift taxes; tax planning to minimize taxation; selected current tax topics and cases. Prerequisite: 23-430 (Federal Taxes I)

Finance

59-579 Investment Analysis (3)

An overview of risk and return for various financial instruments is presented, consistent with the learning objectives for Level I of the CFA® Exam.  Topics also covered include the mechanics of security trading, market efficiency and fundamental analysis of equities.  Pre-requisites: 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise; 59-572 Mangerial Finance; and proficiency in Excel.

59-584 Derivates I (3)
The use of futures, options, and swaps in hedging and speculation. Pricing theory, applications and operational issues will be introduced. Prerequisite: 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise; 59-572 Managerial Finance.

59-585 Financial Management Strategies (3)
Case studies will be utilized to study the integrative nature of financial decision making. Course will emphasize managerial applications of financial theory relating to working capital policy, capital budgeting and corporate control. Prerequisite: 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise; 59-572 Managerial Finance.

59-586 International Finance (3)
In this course, students will examine the operations of various financial markets. Aspects of investment management, banking and financial services will be studied from a business management and economic perspective. Prerequisite: 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise; 59-572 Managerial Finance.

59-599 Derivatives II (3)

An in-depth mathematical treatment of the futures and options pricing models introduced in Derivates I is provided.  Exotic options and swaps are discussed with a focus on the types traded, their valuation, and their uses for investment and risk management.  Pre-requisites:  59-584 Derivates I, and proficiency in Excel.

59-600 Portfolio Management (3)
Quantitative and qualitative techniques for evaluating investments are presented consistent with the learning objectives for Level I of the CFA® Exam.  Traditional mean-variance analysis and more recent developments in portfolio theory are introduced.  Measures of portfolio performance are covered.  .  Analysis of individual companies and portfolio construction are emphasized as covered on the   Level I program.  Prerequisite: 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise; 59-572 Managerial Finance; 59-579 Investment Analysis, and proficiency in Excel.

59-602 Fixed Income Analysis (3)
Evaluation of fixed income investment and interest rate fundamentals.  Topics will replicate those for the CFA® Level I program and typically include evaluating risk, spot and forward interest rates, and bond interest rate sensitivity as measured by duration and convexity.  Prerequisite:  59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise; 59-572 Managerial Finance.

59-603 Financial Statement Analysis (3)
This course primarily covers the use of financial statement in analyzing a firm and its securities.  Topics will replicate those for the CFA® Level I program and typically include cash flow analysis, earnings computations, and liability classifications including off-balance sheet debt.  Prerequisite:  59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise; 59-572 Managerial Finance.

59-604 Quantitative Techniques for Financial Markets (3)
Probability and statistical techniques as applied to financial markets.  Topics will replicate those for the CFA® Level I program and typically include correlation and regression in the prediction and evaluation of investment performance.  Prerequisite: 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise.

Health Care Management

59-650 Health Care Management Operations and Accounting (3)
Designed to give a background of the hospital and health care environment, this course will discuss the internal operating environment of health care organizations including changes in health care regulations. Discussion will include the organizational relationships between patients, medical staff and administration. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to the accounting function as it relates to the health care field. Prerequisites: 59-508 Contemporary Management Practice, 59-501 Financial Accounting.

59-655 Quality Management for Health Care (3) (in development for Summer 2012)

 

59-660 Health Care Marketing (3)
Designed for an increasingly competitive environment, this course will explore how marketing has become a responsibility of all employed in the health care field. Students are introduced to unique strategies and techniques as well as proven marketing concepts. Terms and theories will be explored using case studies. Prerequisite: 59-510 survey of Marketing.

59-670 Health Care Finance and Economics (3)
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the economic complexities and financial management in hospital and health care fields. Current economic and financial issues for health care providers will also be discussed. Prerequisites: 59-502 Business Economics, 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise, 59-650 Health Care Management Operations and Accounting.

NOTE: MSN/MBA students will have different pre-requisites for the above courses.

Health Care Informatics

59-675 Introduction to Healthcare Informatics (3)

This course introduces the use of current information technology for healthcare and health data systems. It is designed to give the student an understanding of the different types of data captured, analyzed, maintained and processed for medical studies.

59-676 Health Care Data Security, Privacy and Confidentiality (3)

This course examines the current legal environment for confidentiality of healthcare data. It introduces the laws, regulations, policy and procedures for protecting sensitive patient data. The students learn risk assessment and how to address potential threats in a healthcare setting. Security policy and procedure development methods to secure the healthcare data as required by current laws are discussed in detail. Pre-requisite: 59-506 Current Topics in Information Technology.

59-677 Health Care Data Analysis and Design (3)

Designed for the in-depth study of the healthcare systems, this course teaches systems analysis and design specifically for the healthcare data. The students learn how to identify business problem statements for healthcare organizations, how to identify data requirements, how to gather data for detailed systems analysis. Systems development techniques to address business problems by improving existing information systems or developing new information systems are explained. Data manipulation concepts for health information systems are introduced. Prerequisite: 59-506 Current Topics in Information Technology.

59-557 Project Management (3)

This course is designed to provide a broad knowledge of project management. It introduces students to the various types of project management organization and the detailed business and technical management procedures and human skills necessary to successfully manage any size project in the areas of research, product development, information systems, production, services and construction.The course discusses the management of scope, time, cost, risk, quality, change, team and integration. Pre-requisite: 59-504 Quantitative Methods of Business, and 59-508 Contemporary Management Practice.

 

Human Resources Management

59-558 Human Resources Management (3)
The goal of this course is to enable students to master the effective utilization of human resources in organizations including planning, training and development, industrial relations, compensation techniques and strategies and resource selection. Prerequisite: 59-508 Contemporary Management Practice.

 

59-588 Employment Law (3)
This course will emphasize current employment law. Major focus will be on understanding, interpreting and making employment decisions in light of the relevant laws. Contemporary employment issues, such as job discrimination, employment contracts and collective bargaining will be included. Prerequisite: 59-508 Contemporary Management Practice.

59-630 Organizational Behavior and Development (3)
This course is designed to provide students with a study of organizational development applying principles and techniques of behavioral problems through a program of planned change. Students will be expected to master underlying theories of organizations, group learning and leadership effectiveness. Prerequisite: 59-508 Contemporary Management Practice.

Information Security

DHS/NSA Logos59-505 Introduction to Information Security (3)
This course provides a broad overview of the threats to the security of information systems, the responsibilities and basic tools for information security, and the levels of training and expertise needed in organizations to reach and maintain a state of acceptable security. Topics include an introduction to confidentiality, integrity, and availability; authentication models and protection models; security kernels; secure programming; intrusion detection and response; operational security issues; physical security issues; and personnel security.

Additional topics include policy formation and enforcement; access controls and information flow; legal and social issues; identification and authentication in local and distributed systems; classification and trust modeling; and risk assessment.

59-551 Information Security Strategies and Risk Management (3)
This course covers the strategies, procedures and policies to manage and mitigate risk in information systems. It also covers risk analysis techniques that can be used to identify and quantify both accidental and malicious threats to computer systems within an organization. In addition to technical solutions, the course considers strategies and policies that will provide cost effective and highly secure systems. Pre-requisite: 59-505 Introduction to Information Security.

59-552 I.T. Governance and Compliance (3)
This course is a hands-on case study course that will teach graduate students how to implement and IT governance process in a  company using the COBIT (Control Objectives for IT and related technology).  This course will teach students how to aslight IT strategy with the business planning process; monitor and measure the IT internal controls to meet internal and external compliance legislation like Sarbanes-Oxley, and FTC requirements.  Students will be introduced to planning and conducting an IT audit.  Pre-requisite:  59-506 Current Topics in Information Technology.

59-594 Database Management (3)
This course is an introduction to database management systems. Fundamentals of database models will be discussed. Designs and issues concerning storage, access and management of data and information will be explored. Prerequisite: 59-506 (Information Systems)

59-566 Ethical Hacking (3)

This course provides the student with experience associated with ethical hacking in a real-life business setting. Ethical hacking as a practice of using the same skills employed by hackers with malicious intent to improve organizational information security is described in the current legal business environment. From a legal business perspective, this course teaches not only those technical skills, but also the ethical behavior and the legal consequences of hacking activities in a corporate environment. Enhancing the corporate systems protection requires an in-depth systems analysis, requirements identification, gathering information about business organizationand the network in place, and the systems assessment. The successful protection of digital assets of an organization requires solid understanding of such techniques used by hackers to be better prepared against those kinds ofattacks. Ethical hacking also requires performing a risk analysis for the particular organization as well as identifying the data, network and policy vulnerabilities. Prerequisite: 68-505 Introduction to Information Security.

 

International Business

59-545 International Economics (3)
This course is designed to give students a comprehensive analysis of international economic factors that impact trade and labor movements between countries. Topics that will be covered include the nature of tariffs, quotas, voluntary import relations; the balance of trade, currency speculation, and other economic relations. Prerequisite: 59-502 Business Economics.

59-642 International Accountancy (3)
International financial accounting concepts, including foreign currency transactions, interpreting foreign financial statements, presentation of domestic/foreign financial statements and the role of the accountant in international monetary transactions. Prerequisite: 59-550 Managerial Accounting.

59-580 International Marketing (3)
Students will explore international strategies, special goals and decision-making processes across several countries and the selection of entry strategies for foreign markets. Prerequisite: 59-510 Survey of Marketing.

59-586 International Finance (3)
In this course, students will examine the operations of various financial markets. Aspects of investment management, banking and financial services will be studied from a business management and economic perspective. Prerequisite: 59-512 Financing the Business Enterprise.

Information Technology Management

59-594 Database Management (3)
This course is an introduction to database management systems. Fundamentals of database models will be discussed. Designs and issues concerning storage, access and management of data and information will be explored. Prerequisite: 59-506 (Information Systems)

59-596 Networks and Data Communications (3)
An introduction to business telecommunications. Detailed discussion of issues in business telecommunications. Topics discussed will include: coding and digitizing, data terminals and modems, communication circuits and networks, and telecommunications management. Prerequisite: 59-506 Information Systems.

59-552 I.T. Governance and Compliance (3)
This course is a hands-on case study course that will teach graduate students how to implement and IT governance process in a  company using the COBIT (Control Objectives for IT and related technology).  This course will teach students how to aslight IT strategy with the business planning process; monitor and measure the IT internal controls to meet internal and external compliance legislation like Sarbanes-Oxley, and FTC requirements.  Students will be introduced to planning and conducting an IT audit.  Pre-requisite:  59-506 Current Topics in Information Technology.

59-557 Project Management (3)

This course is designed to provide a broad knowledge of project management. It introduces students to the various types of project management organization and the detailed business and technical management procedures and human skills necessary to successfully manage any size project in the areas of research, product development, information systems, production, services and construction. The course discusses the management of scope, time, cost, risk, quality, change, team and integration. Pre-requisite: 59-504 Quantitative Methods of Business, and 59-508 Contemporary Management

Marketing

59-580 International Marketing (3)
Students will explore international strategies, special goals and decision-making processes across several countries and the selection of entry strategies for foreign markets. Prerequisite: 59-510 Survey of Marketing.

59-582 Social Media Marketing (3)

This course discusses the development of a social media strategy for your company. It defines what social media is and lists the different types of social media tools available there such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Delicious, Digg, myspace, YouTube, Yelp, Google, Flickr, Upcoming, Squidoo, and Podcast. Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook will be presented with respect of how can they be applied and used in business.The course discusses the process of developing a marketing plan using social media and also presents measurement techniques for the effectiveness of social media and their ROI using a number of metrics.  Prerequisites: 59-510 Survey of Marketing.

 

59-589 Analysis of Promotion (3)
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the elements of promotion: advertising, publicity and public relations. It will require an analysis of marketing strategy, promotional strategy, budgeting, goal setting, media costs and buying problems. Prerequisite: 59-510 Survey of

59-590 Marketing Research (3)
A study of developing and administering current techniques of data collection, statistical and computer analysis of data and the oral and written presentation. Applications of marketing research information will be analyzed for relevant business situations. Prerequisite: 59-510 Survey of Marketing.

Social Media Marketing

59-605 Social Media Analytics (3)

This course discusses the use of social media analytics tools in order to assess if the current social media plan is successful in achieving its set goals. You will learn how to setup and use some of the leading web analytics tools available such as Google Analytics, Woopra, SocialAnalytics, Webtrends Analytics, Twitter Analytics, Facebook Analytics and/or Visistats. These tools use several techniques including server log files, cookies, web bugs, and page tagging. The course will also cover the key performance indicators for website which are referred to as Website metrics. Prerequisites: 59-510 Survey of Marketing, 59-582 Social Media Marketing

59-606 Social Media Strategies (3)

This course discusses the strategic implementation of online social media tools as they relate to a firm’s integrated marketing communication strategies. Students learn how companies position their marketing mix in the online world to contribute to the firm’s ultimate bottom line.  Students get immersed in the tools and strategies that attract and engage visitors to a firm’s online presence.  Students study and analyze websites, social media sites, and affiliate sites to gain the “big picture” on how successful companies utilize the online world to attract their target audience and achieve their business goals.  Prerequisites: 59-510 Survey of Marketing, 59-582 Social Media Marketing.

59-607 Search Engine Optimization Methods (3)

This course discusses search engine optimization (SEO) techniques. These techniques are used to help increase the amount of traffic to your website. This is done by increasing the web site’s rankings generated by the different search engines. The course also discusses how to improve and modify the website pages and links to be SEO. Additionally the course presents several tools available online that can support SEO implementation such as keyword page rank tools, research and selection tools, website analysis tools, directory search tools. Prerequisites 59-504 Current Topics in Information Technology, 59-582 Social Media Marketing.

Project Management

59-557 Project Management (3)

This course is designed to provide a broad knowledge of project management. It introduces students to the various types of project management organization and the detailed business and technical management procedures and human skills necessary to successfully manage any size project in the areas of research, product development, information systems, production, services and construction.The course discusses the management of scope, time, cost, risk, quality, change, team and integration. Pre-requisite: 59-504 Quantitative Methods of Business, and 59-508 Contemporary Management Practice.

59-559 Advanced Project Management (3)
This is an advanced course in project management that discusses in more detail several aspects of project management.  It considers how to deal with a variety of stakeholders and ways to consider optimizing stakeholder involvement. How, and why, various social roles are needed on projects.  The formation and expectations of differing kinds of teams are covered in order to set up management expectations about results.  change to the organization as a result of a technological innovation is reviewed, and a detail analysis of a case study covered.  Also considered are surfacing assumptions about the change process and correctly identifying them.  Students will use a parametric analysis to construct an overall approach to a project.  the results of a project need to be integrated within existing environments.  Issues dealing with change management, power, and the social roles of innovations are addressed.  Team formation and various kinds of teams are reviewed considering the context within which they must perform.  Pre-requisite:  59-557 Project Management. 

59-560 Principles of Six Sigma (3)
This course introduces students to one of the most highly evolved quality management methodologies: Six Sigma Process Improvement.  Six Sigma is a powerful breakthrough management tool that promotes an increased market share, cost reductions and significant improvements in bottom-line profitability for companies of different size.

59-561 Strategic Outsourcing (3)
This course provides exposure to strategies that help formulate and execute an effective outsourcing strategy. Current trends in business process outsourcing (BPO) will be analyzed to determine an effective outsourcing model in accordance with the organization’s mission, objectives and capabilities. 

Operations Management

59-562 Operations Management (3)
The course focuses on competitiveness, with emphasis placed on the close coordination of business unit operational decision making and strategic planning. Topics covered include product process design, inventory management, quality management, forecasting and statistical quality control. Operations Management is an interesting mix of managing people and applying sophisticated technology. The goal is to efficiently create wealth by supplying quality goods and services. Prerequisites: 59-508 Contemporary Management Practice and 59-504 Quantitative Methods for Business.

59-564 Coordinating and Managing Supply Chains (3)
This course will focus on operational coordination within a firm and gradually transitions to include inter-function, inter-firm, and inter-national coordination. The role of supply chain intermediaries are discussed. Specific modules will focus on retail operations and the role of supply chain intermediaries (e.g. distributors and sourcing agents). The impact of incentives and market imperfections and the changing impact of the Internet and other information technology on supply chain operations are emphasized. Prerequisite: 59-508, Contemporary Management Practice, 59-562 Operations Management.

 

59-560 Principles of Six Sigma  (3)
This course introduces students to one of the most highly evolved quality management methodologies: Six Sigma Process Improvement.  Six Sigma is a powerful breakthrough management tool that promotes an increased market share, cost reductions and significant improvements in bottom-line profitability for companies of different size. (Included as an optional course in the  Project Management concentration, and the Technology & Operations Management concentration).

Customized Concentration

Students who do not wish to select a concentration in a particular subject area may “customize” a unique concentration  to better reflect their professional and educational interests by selecting courses from any of the concentration courses offered in the program. Students should consult with their MBA Advisor.

 

 

Phase IV - Elective

All Lewis MBA students must earn three credit hours of electives by completing:
a. An additional course from Phase III, or
b. Three one-credit-hour seminars.

Graduate Seminars are offered each semester. Normally seminar sessions are conducted on two successive days, Friday evening  6 -9 p.m.and Saturday, 9a.m.- 4 p.m. 

Students who must complete 54 credit hours are exempted from the Elective.