BUS 304 - Seminar in Management

Credits: 3 in Fall, Winter; 4 in Spring
Planned Offering: Fall

Spring 2014 topic:

BUS 304: Money, Power, and Lies (4). Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Can we design and lead organizations that foster ethical behavior? This course integrates the disciplines of business ethics and organizational behavior to address this question. It examines the impact of psychological and social forces on the ability of individuals to act ethically in large organizations. The 2008 financial melt- down will be addressed as the major case study, although other cases will be studied. We will analyze examples of unethical organizational behavior, suggest causes, and recommend changes to the organizational environment that would decrease the chance of similar failures. We will also seek to understand and be prepared to deal with the pressures for unethical behavior workers may face in an organization. Herbert.

Fall 2013 topics:

BUS 304A-01: Seminar in Management: Social Entrepreneurship (3). Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Social entrepreneurship is distinguished within the broad discipline of entrepreneurship by its focus upon complex societal challenges (e.g., hunger, education, healthcare) and explicit expectations for what is known as “social impact.” The goals of this seminar are: (a) to introduce students to the structure, methods, and mindsets of the social venture community (e.g., key ventures, foundations, venture philanthropy, social return); (b) to engage students in the application of these methods and mindsets through case analyses and discussions, and the proposal of a new social venture; and (c) to encourage students to change the world in significant and positive ways. Hess. Fall 2013

BUS 304B-02 & -03: Seminar in Management: Modern Professional Communications (3). Prerequisite: INTR 201 and at least junior standing. This course offers students the theories, skills and strategies that help them to become effective communicators in professional settings. By the end of the course, students should be able to 1) think critically about how to create effective communications, 2) write effectively and persuasively, 3) design appropriate documents (either for written or oral communications), 4) develop and deliver effective presentations, 5) communicate effectively in digital formats e.g., social media, email), and 5) give and respond appropriately to constructive feedback. Lind.