2020-2021 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: Amanda B. Bower
Associate Department Head: Andrew M. Hess
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
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
Marc Junkunc, Ph.D..—(2017)-2017
Associate Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Keri Larson, Ph.D..—(2017)-2017
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., University of Georgia
Stephen J. Lind, Ph.D.—(2013)-2020
Associate 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
Jill Sundie, Ph.D.—(2020)-2020
Associate Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., Arizona State University
Pooja Thakur-Wernz, Ph.D.—(2020)-2020
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Ph.D., Rutgers University
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) 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. FDR: HA 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.
Spring 2021, BUS 180-01: FS: Business and Social Responsibility (3). First-Year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-year class standing only. An examination of the debate regarding the role of business as both an economic driver and a catalyst for social change. The course will examine competing perspectives on the mandate for business using readings, cases, and conversations with business practitioners. The course will take a global perspective, considering the impact of political, historical, and cultural variations in the role of business and society. Straughan.
Fall 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. Special attention will be paid to the essentials needed for business collaborations that happen in virtual environments. Through readings, discussion, and personalized feedback, students focus on developing core competencies in live business presentations. These transferable insights and skills include, for example, audience analysis, strategic organization, virtual delivery, essential technologies, and slide deck design. Lind.
BUS 191 - International Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): YES 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.
Winter 2021, BUS 195A-01: Selected Topics in Business Administration: Business and the Behavioral Sciences (3). Prerequisite: Not open to BSADM or ACCT majors. How can we leverage behavioral science, scientific theories and the scientific research process to gain insight into what motivates the behavior of people in business settings? This course will explore the intersections of psychology, biology, cognitive science, economics and decision-making with a focus on gaining insight into why and how consumers, workers, managers and leaders engage more or less effectively with one another, in ways that influence individual thriving and business success. This course is designed for students curious to explore and examine the motives behind human behavior in applied business settings, approached through a scientific lens. Sundie.
BUS 196 - Williams Investment Society Credits: 1 Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: Permission of the department head. Students must participate in a competitive application process in order to participate. 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Straughan.
BUS 197 - Washington and Lee Student Consulting Credits: 1 Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Students must participate in a competitive application process in order to participate. This co-curricular 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Oliver, Straughan, Tanlu.
BUS 198 - Entrepreneurship Field Consulting Experience Credits: 1 Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. 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. 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Shay.
BUS 199 - Real Estate Society Credits: 1 Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Students must participate in a competitive application process to become a member of the Real Estate Society in order to participate. 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes 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 (certifications WAIVED for W’21 registration); 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 (certifications WAIVED for W’21 registration). 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 Prerequisite: ECON 100 or both ECON 101 and 102; ACCT 100 or both ACCT 201 and 202; and at least sophomore standing. Prerequisite or Corequisite: One course from INTR 202, ECON 202, DCI 202, CBSC 250, or SOAN 218. Only juniors and seniors majoring in BSADM or ACCT will be able to register during the first round of registration. All sophomores, declared or undeclared, will also be able to register during the first round. 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: Varies by term and topic. Offered from time to time when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit. Prerequisites may vary by topic. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Spring 2021, BUS 301A-01: Seminar in Organizational Behavior: Cryptocurrency (3). Prerequisite: Instructor consent required, and at least sophomore standing. “Bitcoin is rat poison squared” warned Warren Buffett. Well, is it? In this interdisciplinary class, we will delve into the emerging world of cryptocurrencies. Topics will include: what is money, role of government in the financial system, regulation, Bitcoin, Ethereum, defi, fintech, and how crypto might change our world. This is a non-technical, broad-based class. No prior coding or crypto experience necessary. Schatten.
Spring 2021, BUS 301B-01: Seminar in Organizational Behavior: Social Innovation in Scandinavia (3). Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. This course introduces students to the business, history, and culture behind the sustainability initiative in Scandinavia. We will take 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 online visits with experts and entrepreneurs. The class examines various approaches to tackling such pressing problems as climate change, immigration, economic and gender equality. Satisfies the international requirement for the BSADM major. A. Hess.
Spring 2021, BUS 301C-01: Seminar in Organizational Behavior: Sustainability and Human Rights in Business (3). Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Expectations on companies for taking responsibility for their impacts on society and the environment have never been more prominent. Increasingly, investors, customers and employees are looking to companies to take a stand and manage climate impacts, impacts on people and on society at large. Therefore, business leaders need competences in how to manage sustainability and human rights in a corporate setting. This course takes a strategic approach to sustainability and human rights and explores the question of why we are seeing such a rapid shift in expectations, how companies can work with sustainability and human rights strategically and what it means in practice. The course consist of three parts: firstly, an exploration based on theory, case examples and trends; secondly, a number of company guest lectures to get real business insights; and thirdly, an independent research project allowing you to deep-dive into a topic of your choice. The class is taught by visiting professor Anne Mette Christiansen, who has been working as a strategy consultant for 20 years with a focus on strategic sustainability. The class will be taught in person for the first two weeks of the term and virtually for the remaining two weeks. Christiansen.
Winter 2021, BUS 301A-01: Seminar in Organizational Behavior: Managing Uncertainty (3). Uncertainty today is increasingly uncertain, especially given the broad changes unleashed by the coronavirus epidemic. In this interdisciplinary class we will delve deep into the global crisis and learn how to more effectively plan for and make sense of a fast-changing business, economic, environmental, technological and political landscape. Satisfies the international requirement for the BSADM major. 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 and ACCT 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.
Winter 2021, BUS 302A-01: Seminar in Finance: Behavioral Finance (3). Prerequisite: BUS 221. Standard (or traditional) finance builds its theories on the assumption that assets are valued in modern financial markets through the buy-and-sell decisions of rational, profit-maximizing investors. An accumulating body of research challenges this fundamental premise, suggesting instead that financial and investment decisions are motivated by a complex array of biases, heuristics, emotions, group behavior, and stock market inefficiency. The course examines the applications of various behavioral finance topics within wealth management, managerial finance, personal finance, and the history of the stock market. Behavioral coaching and other strategies are covered to provide future financial professionals and investors with techniques to improve their intuitive and analytical decision-making skills. Ricciardi.
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.
Winter 2021, BUS 304A-01: Business Communications Technology (3). Professional work environments across the spectrum of industries use a variety of tools to explore, develop, manage, and promote business initiatives. The need for expertise in these tools has only been amplified by the restrictions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This course will explore cultural, theoretical, and practical issues related to such business communication tools. This will include an emphasis in developing proficiencies in major categories of business communication technologies as well as exploring the breadth of options in traditional and emergent technologies, researching the COVID and post-COVID professional realities, and developing theoretical perspectives used for making professional communication choices. Lind.
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 308 - Special Topics in Entrepreneurship Credits: 3 Prerequisite: BUS 160 or BUS 195A; OR both ECON 100 and ACCT 100; or instructor consent. This course is a special topics course related to entrepreneurship. The topics vary by term and instructor. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Spring 2021, BUS 308A-01: Special Topics in Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial Finance (3). This course addresses financing issues facing entrepreneurs including the financing of startups and high growth ventures, as well as other settings. The essential challenge of funding startups and entrepreneurial enterprises, “the funding gap,” is examined closely along with its implications and solutions. The entire spectrum of financing entrepreneurship is covered in the course. Junkunc.
Winter 2021, BUS 308A-01: Special Topics in Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial Finance (3). This course addresses financing issues facing entrepreneurs including the financing of startups and high growth ventures, as well as other settings. The essential challenge of funding startups and entrepreneurial enterprises, “the funding gap,” is examined closely along with its implications and solutions. The entire spectrum of financing entrepreneurship is covered in the course. Junkunc.
Winter 2021, BUS 308A-02: Special Topics in Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial Finance (3). This course addresses financing issues facing entrepreneurs including the financing of startups and high growth ventures, as well as other settings. The essential challenge of funding startups and entrepreneurial enterprises, “the funding gap,” is examined closely along with its implications and solutions. The entire spectrum of financing entrepreneurship is covered in the course. Junkunc. Staff.
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 314 - Introduction to Data Science for Business Credits: 3 Not open to students with credit for BUS 316 or 322. Students looking for a more advanced business course in data analytics should register for BUS 316. No prerequisite or prior coursework assumed in statistics or programming. This course covers organizational concerns related to data science such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive algorithms, Big Data, cloud computing, security and privacy, and the digitization of products and processes. Through readings, students develop a strong conceptual understanding of concepts prior to developing technical proficiency in some of them. Students learn SQL and the Exploratory UI (user interface) for R to quickly access capabilities including data wrangling and machine learning without programming. Assignments focus on how organizations can improve decision making and create new business opportunities using Data Science. 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 Business Analytics Credits: 3 Prerequisites: MS Proficiency Tests (waived for 21/UW registration); BUS 316, BIOL 185, CBSC 240, or instructor consent; and at least junior standing. Preference to BSADM majors or DS, DSBA, ENTR minors during initial registration. A prerequisite for this course is the successful completion of an R tidyverse centric data analytics course. Data mining is the science of discovering structure and making predictions in large, complex data sets. In the era of e-commerce and information economy, enormous amounts of data are generated daily from business transactions, networked sensors, social networking activities, website traffic, GPS systems, etc. Data-driven decision-making has become essential across a wide variety of functional areas in businesses such as targeted advertising, market segmentation, personalized recommendation, supplier/customer relationship management, product design, credit scoring, fraud detection and workforce management. This course serves as an introduction to Data Mining for students interested in Business Analytics. Students will learn about many commonly-used methods for predictive and descriptive analytics tasks. They will also learn to assess the methods’ predictive and practical utility. 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 332 - Cross-Cultural Leadership Credits: 3 Prerequisite: BUS 217 and at least sophomore standing. The increased interdependence of global markets brings disparate cultures together in ways that were unimaginable to previous generations. The differences that are inherent to diverging cultures produce tension for business leaders and global citizens. But these same differences provide leaders the chance to draw on collective creative forces to enact changes that open up new and exciting opportunities. This course explores how leaders deal with these challenges and opportunities by drawing on research from a wide range of academic disciplines including management, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and political science. Students wrestle with a broad set of perspectives addressing cultural values and how these values impact the way in which leaders operate. In turn, embedded in this course is a leadership development component, in which you will emerge with a better understanding of your own capacities and opportunities as an emerging leader. Schatten, Gilbert.
BUS 333 - Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Future of Work Credits: 3 From automation to machine learning and AI to people analytics, new technologies are rapidly transforming when, where, and how people work. In this course, we’ll explore what these changes mean—not just for individuals attempting to navigate their careers, but for society. The class draws on the latest real-world perspectives from fields like business, psychology, sociology, economics, philosophy, and computer science, as well as fictional sources that shed light on the possible implications of today’s technologies for the future of work. Gilbert-Olson.
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 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 348 - Foundations in Business Law Credits: 3 Prerequisite: At least junior standing. Preference to 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 and at least junior standing. 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 and ACCT 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 and ACCT 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 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Lind.
BUS 365 - Modern Professional Presentations: Design and Delivery Credits: 3 Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Preference to BSADM majors and ENTR minors 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Lind.
BUS 370 - Integrated Marketing Communications 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Bower.
BUS 371 - Creative Strategic Planning 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes 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.
BUS 391 - Corporate Social Responsibility Practicum 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Straughan, Oliver.
BUS 392 - Layered Berlin: German Culture and the Social Market Economy (GERM 392) 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): YES 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes 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.
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.
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 421 - Directed Research in Business Administration Credits: 1 Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. This course allows students to independently examine a current research issue in the broad field of business administration. Students will work directly with a faculty member on a current research project and will assume responsibility in one or more major components of the research program, such as: data collection and analysis; literature review and theory development; writing and dissemination of research findings as appropriate. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Experiential Learning (EXP): Y
BUS 422 - Directed Research in Business Administration Credits: 2 Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. This course allows students to independently examine a current research issue in the broad field of business administration. Students will work directly with a faculty member on a current research project and will assume responsibility in one or more major components of the research program, such as: data collection and analysis; literature review and theory development; writing and dissemination of research findings as appropriate. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Experiential Learning (EXP): Y
BUS 423 - Directed Research in Business Administration Credits: 3 Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. This course allows students to independently examine a current research issue in the broad field of business administration. Students will work directly with a faculty member on a current research project and will assume responsibility in one or more major components of the research program, such as: data collection and analysis; literature review and theory development; writing and dissemination of research findings as appropriate. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Experiential Learning (EXP): Y
BUS 453 - Business Internship 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. Experiential Learning (EXP): YES 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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