2019-2020 University Catalog archived
Business Administration (BUS)
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Honors: An Honors Program in business administration is offered for qualified students; see department head for details.
Department Head: Sandra L. Reiter
Faculty
First date is the year in which the faculty member began service as regular faculty at the University. Second date is the year of appointment to the present rank.
Robert M. Ballenger, Ph.D.—(2001)-2012
Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., Lehigh University
Aliaa I. Bassiouny, Ph.D.—(2018)-2019
Lawrence Term Associate Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., ESADE Business School
Amanda B. Bower, Ph.D.—(2002)-2012
Charles C. Holbrook Jr. ‘72 Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Gavin L. Fox, Ph.D.—(2014)-2014
Associate Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., Florida State University
Dennis M. Garvis, J.D., Ph.D.—(1998)-2011
Professor of Business Administration
J.D., University of Iowa
Ph.D., Georgia State
Elisabeth K. Gilbert-Olson, Ph.D.—(2019)-2019
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D. University of Florida
Andrew M. Hess, Ph.D.—(2013)-2014
Associate Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology
Scott A. Hoover, Ph.D.—(2000)-2015
A. Stevens Miles Professor of Banking and Finance
Ph.D., Indiana University
Marc Junkunc, Ph.D..—(2017)-2017
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
George W. Kester, D.B.A.—(2000)-2000
Mamie Fox Twyman Martel Professor of Business Administration
D.B.A., University of Virginia
Keri Larson, Ph.D..—(2017)-2017
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., University of Georgia
Stephen J. Lind, Ph.D.—(2013)-2015
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., Clemson University
Sandra L. Reiter, Ph.D.—(2006)-2012
Darrold and Kay Cannan Term Associate Professor of Business Administration, 2017-2020
Ph.D., University of Washington
Jeff Schatten, Ph.D.—(2016)-2016
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., Georgia State University
Jeffrey P. Shay, Ph.D.—(2009)-2009
Rupert A. Johnson Jr. Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Ph.D., Cornell University
Robert D. Straughan, Ph.D.—(2000)-2010
Professor of Business Administration and Crawford Family Dean of the Williams School
Ph.D., University of Houston
Julia F Youngman, M.A., J.D.—(2013)-2017
Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Adjunct Professor of Law
M.A., Duke University
J.D., Duke University
Business Administration majors may not minor in Data Science- Business Analytics but may minor in Data Science.
Information Technology Literacy Proficiency: Each Business Administration major must demonstrate proficiency in four distinct Microsoft Office products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Proficiency is demonstrated by passing a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification exam in each of the following: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. In addition, each major must pass a Microsoft Office Expert Certification exam in Word and one in Excel. These certifications are prerequisites for certain BUS 200- and 300- level courses, so students should begin the certification process by the beginning of sophomore year. If your course expenses exceed the standard financial-aid allowance for books/supplies/fees, check with Financial Aid about other options.
Major
Minor
BUS 125 - The Business of Contemporary Art
(ARTH 125) FDR: HA
Credits: 4
This course combines finance, tax policy, marketing, economics, and art history to provide a ‘nuts-and-bolts’ view of how the contemporary art world operates. Appropriate for business students with an interest in contemporary art as well as museum studies and art history majors who wish to gain an understanding of business concepts in the art world, the course serves as preparation for students who may anticipate acquiring art for personal or business investment/use, serving on a museum board, pursuing employment in the art world, or advising high wealth clients on business matters related to art. Each topic begins with an overview of general principles before reviewing applications to the art world. For example, discussion of charitable giving covers the general tax rules of charitable deductions before discussing the specific rules related to art and museums. Additional course fee; see details link at http://go.wlu.edu/CourseOfferings. Staff, King.
BUS 135 - Amateurism and the NCAA: A For-Profit Enterprise in a Not-For-Profit Environment
Credits: 4
A discussion of the primary regulatory body of college sports, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and its effectiveness as a governance mechanism. Over the course of the term, we examine the following: 1) history and structure of the NCAA; 2) interactions between Division I men’s basketball and football, specifically, as revenue-generating sports and the non-profit institutions within which they operate; 3) present and past legal challenges that threaten to alter–or have altered–the relationship between the NCAA and member colleges; 4) externalities that manifest as a result of the influence of athletic departments on certain university campuses; and, 5) educational, physical/mental health, and financial prospects for athletes, regardless of their transition to the professional ranks. Cowins.
BUS 160 - Foundations of Entrepreneurship and Business
Credits: 3
Not open to BSADM or ACCT majors. Not open to students who have previously taken BUS 195A: Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship. An interdisciplinary introduction for students who are interested in entrepreneurship and in perhaps someday starting, owning or running their own businesses, or pursuing an entrepreneurial career inside of others’ organizations. Although entrepreneurship is a creative process, it also requires specific skills, knowledge, and tools to enhance the probability of success. This course helps students explore all aspects of developing ideas for new business ventures, including nonprofits or social entrepreneurship, including starting on the actual process of pursuing ideas and working with others in small teams. Through this lens of entrepreneurship, students receive an introduction to all of the primary aspects of business. Junkunc.
BUS 180 - FS: First-Year Seminar
Credits: 3-4
First-year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-year class standing only. Topics vary by subject and term.
Fall 2019, BUS 180-01: FS: Business Presentation Fundamentals (3). First-Year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-year class standing only. An introductory seminar offering fundamental perspectives, structures, strategies, and skills needed to communicate effectively within a business context. Class readings and discussions cover a variety of professional communication scenarios. Students focus on developing core competencies in live business presentations and transferrable insights and skills. Subjects include, for example, audience analysis, strategic organization, delivery, and external aids like slide decks. Using a variety of written, video, and studio methods, students engage in significant peer feedback and receive individualized feedback on their live presentations from the faculty. Lind.
Winter 2020, BUS 180-01: FS: Business Presentation Fundamentals (3). First-Year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-year class standing only. An introductory seminar offering fundamental perspectives, structures, strategies, and skills needed to communicate effectively within a business context. Class readings and discussions cover a variety of professional communication scenarios. Students focus on developing core competencies in live business presentations and transferrable insights and skills. Subjects include, for example, audience analysis, strategic organization, delivery, and external aids like slide decks. Using a variety of written, video, and studio methods, students engage in significant peer feedback and receive individualized feedback on their live presentations from the faculty. Lind.
BUS 191 - International Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Experiential Learning (EXP): YES
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: First-year class standing only and instructor consent. Do corporations have an obligation to manage their social impact in addition to maximizing sales, profits and stock price? What happens when these objectives are in conflict with each other? This course explores the relative roles of businesses, not-for-profits, government, and individual citizens in managing social and environmental impact. Student spend significant time exploring case studies and interacting with senior management of various companies. Recent examples include Carlsberg, Dr. Pepper-Snapple Group, Dunkin’ Brands, Norden, Novo Nordisk, Pandora, Proctor & Gamble, Starbucks, and Unilever. The course culminates with two weeks in Copenhagen visiting numerous Danish companies and developing a group research project on a topic chosen by the students. The time abroad also includes cultural excursions to places such as Frederiksborg Castle and Tivoli, dinners with Danish families, a harbor/canal tour, and a closing dinner featuring New Nordic cuisine. (Adapted for virtual instruction in Spring 2020 due to COVID-19 global health pandemic.) Oliver and Straughan.
BUS 195 - Selected Topics in Business Administration
Credits: 3 credits in Fall or Winter; 4 credits in Spring
Prerequisite: Varies with topic. Topical coverage of areas in management, based on the interests of the instructor and students. Topics vary from year to year and are announced prior to registration. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
BUS 196 - Williams Investment Society
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Permission of the department head. Students must participate in a competitive application process in order to participate. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. This cocurricular educational student organization manages a portion of Washington and Lee’s endowment. Students meet in formal and informal sessions conducted by faculty advisers and attend presentations made by outside speakers hosted by the Williams School. The experiential learning that occurs in this setting is grounded in fields such as accounting, economics, and finance, as well as the practice of investments and banking. Straughan.
BUS 197 - Washington and Lee Student Consulting
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Students must participate in a competitive application process in order to participate. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. This cocurricular student organization provides pro bono consulting services to businesses and not-for-profits. Experiential learning draws from business fields, such as marketing, finance, accounting, e-commerce, database management, business strategy, and human resources. In addition to working on various projects, students gain experience managing the organization. Straughan, Oliver.
BUS 198 - Entrepreneurship Field Consulting Experience
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Students must participate in a competitive application process to become a member of the W&L Venture Club in order to participate. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. This co-curricular student organization provides pro bono consulting services to entrepreneurial businesses and entrepreneurial not-for-profits. Experiential learning draws from business fields, such as marketing, finance, accounting, e-commerce, database management, business strategy and human resources. Students gain real world experience through writing business plans, marketing plans, and strategic plans for real-world ventures. Shay.
BUS 199 - Real Estate Society
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Students must participate in a competitive application process to become a member of the Real Estate Society in order to participate. Graded Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory. This co-curricular student organization seeks to develop an enhanced understanding of real estate development and investment. The group hosts guest speakers, conducts and publishes market research, and acts as pro bono consultants to external constituents. Hoover.
BUS 211 - Marketing Management
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: ECON 100 or both ECON 101 and 102; ACCT 100 or 201; INTR 201 or all three of the MS Word Specialist, MS Word Expert, and MS PowerPoint specialist certifications; and at least junior standing (sophomores allowed in winter term). Preference to BSADM, ACCT, JMCB or JMCS majors during first round of registration. An exploration of strategic marketing. The focus of the course is on the analysis of a firm’s current marketing strengths and weaknesses and the development of a strategic plan to capitalize on key opportunities. Topics include environmental analysis, market segmentation, targeting and positioning, and management of the marketing mix. Throughout the course, significant attention is devoted to international issues, the interrelationships between marketing and other disciplines, and the role of ethically and socially responsible marketing. Bower, Fox, Straughan.
BUS 217 - Management and Organizational Behavior
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: INTR 201 or all three of the MS Word Specialist, MS Word Expert, and MS PowerPoint specialist certifications. Preference to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors during first round of registration. A study of management in modern organizations. This course examines the factors which influence individual, group, and firm behavior in the context of the workplace. Topics covered include individual differences, motivation, leadership, business ethics, group behavior, decision making, and organizational design and change. Dean, Schatten.
BUS 221 - Managerial Finance
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: ECON 100 or both ECON 101 and 102; ACCT 100 or both ACCT 201 and 202; INTR 201 or both of the MS Excel Specialist and MS Excel Expert certifications; one course from INTR 202, ECON 202, DCI 202, CBSC 250, or SOAN 218; and, at least junior standing (sophomores allowed in winter term). Preference to BSADM, ACCT, MATH, or JMCB majors during the first round of registration. A study of finance from a managerial perspective emphasizing the primary goal of the firm as stockholder wealth maximization. Emphasis is on decisions relating to the acquisition of assets and funds and internal management-financial analysis, planning and control, working capital management, capital budgeting, sources and forms of long-term financing, financial structure and the cost of capital, and valuation. Hoover, Kester.
BUS 301 - Seminar in Organizational Behavior
Credits: 3 credits in fall and winter, 4 in spring
Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. May vary with topic. Offered from time to time when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Winter 2020, BUS 301A-01: Cross-Cultural Leadership (3). Prerequisite: At least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during the first round of registration. Satisfies the international requirement for the business administration major. An exploration of the way in which leaders navigate cross-cultural challenges in an interdependent global market. Topics include: comparing cultures, leading across cultures, communication and negotiation, decision making, enacting change in multi-cultural teams, and leadership development. The seminar draws heavily on cases, memoirs, and hands on activities, so that in addition to leaving the class with a theoretical understanding of cross-cultural leadership, students also develop a set of specific narratives that can easily come to mind as you embark on your own international journeys and as you engage with the “melting pot” back home. Schatten.
Spring 2020, BUS 301-01: Leading Teams (4). Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. This course is taught at the Augusta Correctional Center in Craigsville, VA. Ten W&L students and ten inmates take the course together. Students learn from the professor and from one another as they explore the interpersonal processes and psychological factors that affect the way in which individuals interact and engage with one another. Students learn to understand conflict and how to effectively manage conflict in group settings. This course is mostly comprised of team activities and cases, which is intended to give students the tools, insight, and experience to better understand and manage teams. (EXP) Schatten.
BUS 302 - Seminar in Finance
Credits: 3 credits in fall or winter, 4 in spring
Prerequisite: BUS 221 and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors during the first round of registration. Offered from time to time when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
BUS 303 - Seminar in Marketing
Credits: 3 credits in fall or winter, 4 in spring
Prerequisite: BUS 211, at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors during the first round of registration. Offered from time to time when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
BUS 304 - Seminar in Management
Credits: 3 in Fall, Winter; 4 in Spring
Prerequisite: Varies with topic. At least sophomore standing. Preference to BSADM majors during the first round of registration. Topics vary by term. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
BUS 305 - Seminar in International Business
Credits: 3 credits in fall and winter, 4 in spring
Prerequisite: Preference to BSADM or JMCB majors during the first round of registration. Offered from time to time when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
BUS 306 - Seminar in Management Information Systems
Credits: 3 in fall, winter; 4 in spring
Prerequisite: May vary with topics. Preference to BSADM or JMCB majors during the first round of registration. Topics vary by term and instructor. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
BUS 307 - Special Topics in Real Estate Development
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: ACCT 201 and other courses depending on topic. This course exposes students to issues related to commercial real estate development. Class lectures/discussions are supplemented with real-world case studies and site visits in an effort to provide students with practical knowledge in addition to theory and evidence. The focus of the course may change from term to term, so students should examine the syllabus for a given term carefully to better understand the course material. Potential topics include sustainability, international development, rebuilding cities through rehabilitation, or others.
BUS 310 - Management Information Systems
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: INTR 201 or all MS Excel Specialist, MS Excel Expert, MS PowerPoint Specialist, and MS Outlook Specialist certification; and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. See go.wlu.edu/MOS-testing and contact the department head for Microsoft testing details. The objective is to build an understanding of the value and uses of information systems for business operations, management decision making, and strategic advantage. Topics include basic systems concepts and major roles of information systems; computer, telecommunications, and database management concepts; and management issues in the implementation of information systems, including international, security, and ethical considerations. Larson.
BUS 315 - Database Management for Business
Credits: 3
Not open to students who have received credit for CSCI 317. Prerequisite: INTR 201 or all MS Excel Specialist, MS Excel Expert, and MS Outlook Specialist certification; and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. See go.wlu.edu/MOS-testing and contact the department head for Microsoft testing details.. An introduction to the theories, concepts, features, and capabilities of database management systems in a business environment. This course provides a greater understanding of how to design, develop and access database-driven business applications and emphasizes the use of database-management systems in real-world business settings and how this technology can be applied effectively to solve business problems. In this project-oriented course, students acquire the skills to document, design, create, test, and access a fully functional Oracle business database application. No prior programming or application development experience is assumed. Larson.
BUS 316 - Business Analytics
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: INTR 202, ECON 202, DCI 202, CBSC 250 or SOAN 218; and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during the first round of registration. Not open to students with credit for BUS 306: Data Management and Analysis for Business from Fall 2017 or Fall 2018. An examination of how business analytics help management make sound business decisions. Analysis of data is becoming a vital component of business decision-making. The course consists of three modules: 1) how to communicate and present data in business reports and presentations; 2) how to extract data from relational databases using MySQL and Structured Query Language (SQL) and to prepare data for analysis; and 3) data analytics – the process of data wrangling, data visualization, discovery, interpretation, and communication of meaningful insights and patterns in data. Students learn to use industry-standard, data analysis software, though no previous programming experience is required. Ballenger.
BUS 317 - Data Mining for Sales, Marketing and Customer Relationship Management
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: INTR 201; INTR 202, ECON 202, DCI 202, CBSC 250, or SOAN 218, and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM or JMCB majors during initial registration. This course provides an introduction and overview to data mining as a means to understanding customers (existing and potential) in a broad sense, rather than focusing on underlying theory. Many organizations have a wealth of data residing in their databases. Business data mining is the process of collecting and turning this resource into business value. Basic data-mining methods have broad applications: market-basket analysis of scanner data, customer relationship management, churn analysis, direct marketing, fraud detection, click-stream web mining, personalization and recommendation systems, risk management, and credit scoring. The course provides hands-on experience in applying these techniques to practical real-world business problems using commercial data-mining software. Ballenger
BUS 321 - Multimedia Design and Development
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: INTR 201 or MS Outlook Specialist certification; and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. See go.wlu.edu/MOS-testing and contact the department head for Microsoft testing details. This course is an introduction to the study and creation of multimedia content primarily used in business. Students explore the steps used to plan and create multimedia content that effectively targets and delivers business information. This is a hands-on, project-oriented course with emphasis on the design and creation of media elements such as interactive web, graphic, audio, and video content. The course focuses on using WordPress development using Headway Themes with emphasis on Cascading Style Sheets, Adobe Photoshop, Reaper, and Final Cut Pro X as the foundation for creating online multimedia content. Ballenger.
BUS 322 - Data Science for Business
Credits: 3
No prior programming experience required. Meets the Information Systems requirement in the business administration major. Data Science is a hot new field, but data scientists are only as good as their ability to ask the right questions about the data they are investigating. This course covers the nuts and bolts of data science without programming, focusing on how organizations can make smarter decisions to address their business problems and create new business opportunities. Students use industry-standard tools to achieve a range of competencies from machine learning and statistics to data wrangling, data visualization, and data access. We emphasize best practices in coding, data handling, and adherence to the principles of reproducible research. Larson.
BUS 325 - E-Commerce Development
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: INTR 201 and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM or JMCB majors during first round of registration. An introduction to the benefits, capabilities and related information technologies, which comprise the current state and emerging technologies of e-commerce. This course provides an understanding of how to design, develop and implement e-commerce order processing websites using industry leading e-commerce shopping cart software. In this project-oriented course, students acquire the skills to design, create, and administer a fully functional Web-based e-commerce solution. Students learn how to leverage features of the e-commerce software to attract consumers, increase conversion rates, and maximize the return on their ecommerce investment. No prior e-commerce or Web development experience is assumed. Laboratory fee. Staff.
BUS 330 - Global Human-Resource Management
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: BUS 217 and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. Human-resource management (HRM) is concerned with how to best attract, select, develop, and retain employees in organizations. This course examines HRM in the global context. Topics include employee selection, training, performance management, compensation, health, safety, and security, and termination. We focus on designing HRM practices in the context of the global social, legal, and technological environments. Dean.
BUS 337 - Economic Globalization and Multinational Corporations
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: INTR 201 or all MS Word Specialist, MS Word Expert, and MS PowerPoint Specialist certification; and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM or JMCB majors during first round of registration. See go.wlu.edu/MOS-testing and contact the department head for Microsoft testing details. This course focuses on the historical and present effects and issues of economic globalization, and the role of multinational corporations in a global economy. Topics covered may include: production, supply chain, technology, trade, finance, natural environment, labor, development, poverty and inequality, privatization of utilities, immigration, and state sovereignty. Emphasis is on understanding the costs and benefits of economic globalization and the role business plays in contributing to these outcomes. Reiter.
BUS 343 - Markets and Morals
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: At least junior standing. Preference given by instructor consent to business administration majors or journalism majors with an emphasis in business journalism. Are there some things that should not be exchanged in the market? Is the intrinsic value of certain goods corrupted by its monetary exchange? This course examines these questions from a philosophical perspective. We first examine how markets work, the morality associated with markets, and how the value of a good is defined in the marketplace. We then analyze the role of markets in a democratic, egalitarian society. These examinations help us critically analyze the morality of markets in general and define criteria by which we may evaluate the morality of market exchanges for particular goods, such as blood, body organs, and female reproductive labor. Reiter.
BUS 345 - Business Ethics
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: INTR 201 or both MS Word Specialist and MS Word Expert certification; and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM, ACCT, or JMBC majors during first round of registration. See go.wlu.edu/MOS-testing and contact the department head for Microsoft testing details. An examination of the moral and ethical issues associated with management policy and executive decisions. The course examines the basic approaches to moral reasoning, macro-moral issues concerning the justice of economic systems, and micro-moral issues, such as the following: conflict of interest, whistle blowing, discrimination in employment, product safety, environment, and advertising. Reiter.
BUS 346 - Foundations of Business Law: Accounting Focus
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: At least junior standing. Preference to ACCT, BSADM, or JMCB during the first round of registration. Students may not take both this course and BUS 348. An introduction to the law governing the relations between individuals and businesses in commerce, with a focus on legal concepts tested by the CPA exam and recommended for students who plan to take that exam or pursue a career in accounting. Topics include the law governing torts, contracts, sales of goods under the Uniform Commercial Code, agency, the formation and operation of business associations, government regulation of business, and legal ethics. Assignments apply legal theories and legal ethics to actual business disputes and hypothetical situations. Youngman.
BUS 347 - Ethics of Globalization
(PHIL 347)
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: At least junior standing. This seminar examines a number of ethical issues raised by the phenomenon of globalization. Though globalization is not new, recent business, technological, and policy developments have made the world more integrated and interdependent than ever before. Increasing economic, cultural, and political interconnections have created a host of new questions about how to conceive of the moral rights and responsibilities of individuals, multi-national corporations, nation-states, and global institutions within this new global framework. This course identifies and clarifies some of these questions, and considers how they have been addressed from a variety of different disciplinary perspectives. Questions concerning the ethics of globalization are approached through an analysis of a few specific topics, such as immigration, humanitarian intervention, and global poverty and inequality. Because the issues raised by the phenomenon of globalization cross disciplinary boundaries, readings are drawn from a wide variety of fields, including philosophy, business, economics, political science, and anthropology. Reiter and Smith.
BUS 348 - Foundations in Business Law
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: At least junior standing. Preference to ACCB, PACC, BSADM, or JMCB during the first round of registration. Students may not take both this course and BUS 346. An introduction to the law governing the relations between individuals and businesses in commerce, with a focus on exploring issues faced by both established businesses as well as innovation-driven startups. Topics are selected from the law governing business torts, contracts, products liability, intellectual property, employment law, and government regulation of business. Additional selected topics may be chosen in accordance with the interest of course participants. Assignments apply legal theories and legal ethics to actual business disputes and hypothetical situations. Youngman.
BUS 349 - Negotiation and Dispute Resolution in a Business Environment
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Preference to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors, or LJS minors, during first round of registration. This course is designed to give students the abilities to negotiate successfully in a commercial environment and to create business solutions when a problem or dispute arises. Lectures, written materials, group projects, video, and role-play are utilized to explore the various theories of negotiation and types of dispute resolution, and to equip students with practical skills for forming and preserving business relationships and resolving business disputes as they occur. Youngman.
BUS 350 - Building Financial Models
Credits: 3
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Prerequisites: BUS 221. Limited to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors. Students may not receive credit for both this course and BUS 356 or BUS 359. This course offers exposure to a variety of topics in financial modeling. Class time is devoted to introduction of finance principles. An intensive lab component enables students to apply finance theory in a spreadsheet framework. Lecture topics include: time value of money, capital budgeting, optimization techniques, intrinsic valuation, and contingent claim valuation. Staff.
BUS 353 - Real Estate Development
Credits: 3
Prerequisite or corequisite: BUS 221, at least junior standing, and instructor consent required. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. Students who took this course as BUS 302, should not take BUS 353. Studying the development of commercial real estate, the course covers a range of topics from the idea stage until the property is eventually sold after completion. Although much of the course is qualitative in nature, students also learn how to create simple financial models to analyze properties. In addition, students study in some depth the real estate crisis that began in late 2007. Through exploration of case studies and interaction with practitioners (guest speakers), emphasis is placed on application rather than theory. Assignments include readings, case studies, and one examination. Guest speakers will typically speak in the evening and except in rare circumstances students will be required to attend those sessions. Hoover.
BUS 355 - Cases in Corporate Finance
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: BUS 221 and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. Through use of the case method of learning, this course focuses on applied corporate finance strategy, including financial forecasting, financing sales growth, short-term versus long-term financing, commercial bank borrowing, leasing, and capital structure policy. Classroom participation is emphasized. Kester.
BUS 356 - Financial Risk Management
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BUS 221 and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. This course provides an introduction to financial derivatives and risk management and is intended to help upper-division students planning a career in finance or actuarial science. The course considers options and futures from a practical and theoretical perspective. Topics explored include: derivative markets, the Black-Scholes option pricing model, binomial option pricing, Monte-Carlo simulation, future pricing, parity relationships, and hedging with derivatives. Text, projects, participation, and problem-solving. Staff.
BUS 357 - Multinational Business Finance
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: BUS 221 and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors during first round of registration. A study of the critical aspects of managerial finance in a multinational setting, covering both theoretical and practical issues. Emphasis is placed on identifying the unique risk-return opportunities faced by corporations that maintain business units across national borders. Topics included are foreign exchange and exchange rate determination, international capital markets, the environment of multinational corporate finance, risk management, and cross-border investment decisions. Text, readings, and projects. Staff.
BUS 358 - Corporate Mergers, Leveraged Buyouts, and Divestitures
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: BUS 221 and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors during first round of registration. This course focuses upon company valuation, mergers, leveraged buyouts, and divestitures. The interactive course makes extensive use of the case method in developing an understanding of business valuation methodologies and corporate financing decisions. Advanced-level finance concepts, models, and techniques are applied by students in the development of situational problem formulation, analysis, evaluation, and decision-making skills necessary to solve the unstructured problems faced in the practice of financial and business management. Classroom participation and group presentations are emphasized. Kester.
BUS 359 - Investments
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BUS 221 and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. A study of investments and investment management from a practical and theoretical point of view, including the institutional and economic environment relevant to common stocks, preferred stocks, bonds, puts, calls, and commodity future contracts. These assets are studied in terms of the markets in which they are traded, governing regulations, taxes, valuation, risk, characteristic line, and construction of a portfolio. Capital market theory and the Markowitz portfolio model are explored. Text, readings, and projects. Staff.
BUS 360 - Framing a Franchise: The Business of Entertainment
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 3
No prerequisite. Appropriate for First-Years. Entertainment franchises are big business that pervade our consumer culture. This course challenges students to evaluate the various practices used to “frame” such creative entertainment franchise properties. Students study a variety of global franchises, such as Peanuts, Star Wars, or Disney lines, analyzing key issues involved in creative product development. These issues include framing, fidelity, and audience management, as well practical processes like the role of development gatekeepers and product licensing structures. The course includes virtual field trips and meetings with with entertainment industry executives. Lind.
BUS 365 - Modern Professional Presentations: Design and Delivery
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Preference to BSADM majors during first round of registration. This course offers students the theories, skills, strategies, and tactics to become an effective oral communicator in a modern professional setting. The course focuses on the critical development and engaged delivery of information and ideas in various professional communication situations including live presentations and interviews. Proper design and deployment of slide-deck presentations and print materials is a vital part of developing competencies in these oral-communication situations. The course also emphasizes the importance of competencies in digital oratory through development and delivery of effective video communication. A hallmark of this course is significant individualized feedback from the professor and classroom peers. Lind.
BUS 370 - Integrated Marketing Communications
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: At least junior standing and instructor consent. Nature and contributions of the elements of marketing communications (e.g., advertising, sales promotions, the Web) in creating brand equity and stimulating demand. A project-oriented course with an emphasis on the strategic application of concepts resulting in an integrated communication plan for products and/or services. Course has a complementary lab component to teach technical skills and reinforce concepts via practicum. Bower.
BUS 371 - Creative Strategic Planning
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Preference to BSADM or JMCB majors during first round of registration. Strategic planning (also called account or brand planning) is a philosophy of consumer research that fully incorporates the consumer in strategic developments. The course includes the types of qualitative techniques traditionally associated with social sciences (e.g., anthropology, sociology and psychology) in order to arrive at a brand (or other) strategy. The students must think creatively, independently, and interdependently as they apply the variety of research techniques, develop the strategic recommendations and present and defend both the research and recommendations. In addition to research techniques, students receive an orientation in relevant software (video editing, photo manipulation) and learn effective and persuasive presentation skills. The course is project-based, and the course culminates in the opportunity to present their work to the client (usually an advertising/marketing professional) for whom they’ve been working the course of the term. May be taken twice for degree credit. Bower.
BUS 376 - Design Thinking
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. Open to both majors and non-majors. This course focuses on how to use design thinking to analyze problems and opportunities. The course is rooted in human-centered and ethical design considerations. The content draws heavily from creative writing, studio art, psychology, theater, and branding to help students engage in empathetic design solutions. The course follows the design thinking process developed by IDEO and follows through empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Fox.
BUS 381 - Social Entrepreneurship
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Social entrepreneurship is an approach to creating system-level change though the application of entrepreneurial thinking and problem solving to social ventures, non-profit organizations, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations to create economic, environmental, and social value for multiple stakeholders. The purpose of this class is to (a) introduce students to the strategic thinking that forms the foundation of successful entrepreneurial ventures, (b) engage students in the application of these strategic tools and frameworks through case analyses and discussion, and (c) to encourage students to change the world in a meaningful way by thinking about a social venture of their own. A. Hess.
BUS 383 - Technology and Entrepreneurship
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of process through which technological inventions are transformed into innovations. Key works from scholars in the field will guide class discussions on understanding why managing innovation is complex, cross-functional, and a historically-dependent endeavor. By the end of the class, students will have an appreciation for the entrepreneurial mindset, key actors in the start-up process, and the means through which technology is commercialized. In addition to these discussions, students will travel to Silicon Valley to not only meet individuals who are a part of the recent start-up/technology scene, but also visit key locations that capture the history and context of innovation in the San Francisco/Bay Area. Junkunc.
BUS 390 - Supervised Study Abroad
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Instructor consent, other prerequisites as specified by the instructor, and approval of the International Education Committee. These upper-level courses cover topics of current interest in business administration for which international travel provides a unique opportunity for enhancing understanding. Emphasis changes from year to year and is announced well in advance of registration.
Spring 2020, BUS 390-01: Supervised Study Abroad: Social Innovation in Scandinavia (4). Experiential Learning. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. (Adapted for virtual instruction due to COVID-19 global health pandemic.) An introduction to the business, history, and culture behind the sustainability initiative in Scandinavia. It takes a theoretical and practical look at why and how social innovation has flourished in Scandinavia. The class lectures and case studies on design thinking, local history and culture, and social entrepreneurship are complemented with visits with area start-ups and entrepreneurs. While the DIS facility in Stockholm is the central location for the class, students also spend time traveling throughout Sweden and Denmark in order to meet with representatives from socially minded businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as from government agencies that are focused on the broad notion of sustainability. The course examines various approaches to tackling such pressing problems as climate change, immigration, and economic and gender equality. A. Hess.
BUS 391 - Corporate Social Responsibility Practicum
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: At least sophomore standing and instructor consent. The course provides students an opportunity to explore corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability challenges from within an organization. The course is taught in Denmark, regarded as one of the most progressive economies in terms of CSR implementation. Initial reading, discussion, and research in the winter term prepare students to be matched with a Danish organization grappling with a CSR issue. Students work in small groups (four students) in a consultative capacity with a sponsoring Danish organization’s decision makers. Students also participate in larger group discussions of issues confronted during the practicum and reflect on their experiences in both a personal journal and group blog. Sponsoring organizations include both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and the nature of the issues varies from sponsor to sponsor. May be taken twice for degree credit if the topics are significantly different. Straughan, Oliver.
BUS 392 - Layered Berlin: German Culture and the Social Market Economy
(GERM 392)
Experiential Learning (EXP): YES
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: GERM 262 and instructor consent. A four-week course taught abroad that offers students a true immersion in German language, culture, and business environment. In order to give students a complete understanding of contemporary Germany, we integrate a literary-historical analysis of the country’s rich history from 1848 to the present day with an introduction to German social and economic system that focuses on stakeholder-centric business and sustainability principles. Through an exciting mix of literary fiction, historical readings and cases, film screenings, along with corporate and cultural site visits, students gain an understanding of the interdependence between “big C” Culture and business culture. A. Hess and P. Youngman.
BUS 397 - Entrepreneurship Minor Capstone
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Senior standing and completion of 6 credits of Entrepreneurship electives and 6 credit of Business electives designated for the minor. This capstone course, specifically for Entrepreneurship Minors, is designed to expose students to a strategic perspective on business challenges in the context of entrepreneurial firms. Integrating concepts and analytical tools from functional disciplines (e.g., finance, marketing, accounting) in the diagnosis, analysis, and resolution of complex business situations, students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to excel in new ventures or in today’s increasingly entrepreneurial corporate environments. Among other activities, students learn from case studies, class discussions, and working together to develop and present a business plan. Students also have the opportunity to explore their own business startup ideas through writing a comprehensive business plan. Students participating in this course must participate in W&L’s Business Plan Competition. Shay.
BUS 398 - Strategic Management
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: BUS 211, BUS 221, and senior standing. Limited to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors. A capstone course designed to expose students to a strategic perspective on global issues that impact the firm. Integrative in that it draws on concepts from functional disciplines (e.g., finance, marketing, accounting) in the diagnosis, analysis, and resolution of complex business situations. Practical problem-solving skills are emphasized. Case analysis and/or computer simulation are used extensively in oral presentations and written cases. A. Hess.
BUS 399 - Entrepreneurship
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BUS-211 BUS-221 and senior standing. Limited to BSADM, ACCT, or JMCB majors. A capstone course designed to expose students to a strategic perspective on business challenges in the context of entrepreneurial firms. Integrating concepts and analytical tools from functional disciplines (e.g., finance, marketing, accounting) in the diagnosis, analysis, and resolution of complex business situations, this seminar helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to excel in either new ventures or in today’s increasingly entrepreneurial corporate environments. Among other activities, students learn from case studies, class discussions, and working together to develop and present a business plan. Shay.
BUS 401 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: May vary with topic. The objective is to permit students to follow a course of directed study in some field of management not presented in other courses or to emphasize a particular field of interest. Credits may not be used toward the major requirements in business administration.
Winter 2020, BUS 401-01: Negotiation and Conflict (1). Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Schatten.
Winter 2020, BUS 401-02: Case Studies in CSR (1). Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Graded Pass/Fail only. Preparatory course for the spring term abroad offering of BUS 191: Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability in Copenhagen. Oliver, E, Straughan
Winter 2020, BUS 401-03: Introduction to CSR Practicum (1). Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Graded Pass/Fail only. Preparatory course for the spring term abroad offering of BUS 391: Corporate Social Responsibility Practicum in Copenhagen. Oliver, E, Straughan.
Winter 2020, BUS 401-04: Directed Study: Introduction to Cape Town Internship Program (1). Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent. Graded Pass/Fail only. This course is a prerequisite for INTR 453: International Internship in Cape Town. Students selected for the upcoming June-to-August internship program explore South Africa history, culture, organizations, and language, focusing on areas and topics that students will encounter abroad. Garvis and LeBlanc.
Winter 2020, BUS 401-05: Directed Individual Study (1). Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Bower.
BUS 402 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of the instructor. The objective is to permit students to follow a course of directed study in some field of management not presented in other courses or to emphasize a particular field of interest. Credits may not be used toward the major requirements in business administration. Staff.
BUS 403 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of the instructor. The objective is to permit students to follow a course of directed study in some field of management not presented in other courses or to emphasize a particular field of interest.
Winter 2020, BUS 403-01: Directed Individual Study: Ad Class Advisors (3). Bowers.
Winter 2020, BUS 403-02: Directed Individual Study: Best Practices in International Management and International Education (3). Prerequisite: Instructor consent. This independent study includes readings, regular discussions, and an extensive project. Assigned readings focus on both international management in general and international internships in particular. Research regarding international education internships at comparable universities and with various host programs will be used to evaluate potential improvements in WLU programs. Graded work will included discussions, a draft handbook, and a final report about recommended best practices. Garvis.
BUS 406 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 6
Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of the instructor. The objective is to permit students to follow a course of directed study in some field of management not presented in other courses or to emphasize a particular field of interest. Staff.
BUS 453 - Business Internship
Experiential Learning (EXP): YES
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Grade-point average of at least a 3.000 in business administration and instructor consent. This course provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their experience working in a business setting. Students must get approval from a faculty member in the department who agrees to supervise the internship prior to the beginning of the internship. In addition to the work experience, each student identifies and researches a topic related to the work performed during the term, writes a paper, and gives a presentation to the Business Administration Department faculty members. Staff.
BUS 493 - Honors Thesis
Credits: 3-3
Prerequisites: Honors candidacy and minimum cumulative grade-point average in the major of 3.500. Honors Thesis.
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