Course Descriptions

Business Administration Course Descriptions

Enter a course number to retrieve its description:   
(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

ACCT-110 - ACCOUNTING 1  4 credits
An introductory course designed to present to the student the concepts and principles of financial accounting. The fundamental techniques of the basic accounting system and the accounting cycle for service and merchandise concerns are examined. Additionally, topics such as specialized journals, cash controls, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, accounts and notes receivable, inventory, current liabilities, property, plant, equipment and payroll are discussed. Five lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: Student must place into DRDG-092 and ALGB-081/ALGB-087 or higher level.
ACCT-210 - ACCOUNTING 2  4 credits
This course is designed to complete the study of financial accounting, and to present some of the basic concepts and principles of managerial accounting. The course will cover a limited discussion of partnerships, and a thorough coverage of corporations including formation, issuance of stock, dividend, and related topics. Corporate bond issues, investments, the statement of cash flow, and statement analysis are other topics discussed in the course. Additionally, managerial topics such as manufacturing cost accounting and budgeting will be examined. Five lecture hours. PREREQUISITES: ACCT-110 and DWRT-099.
ACCT-310 - INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING 1  3 credits
This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive study of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and a thorough knowledge of the conceptual framework used in preparing general purpose financial statements. The nature, importance, recording procedures, and presentation of the following balance sheet items are systematically examined: cash, receivables, inventories, plant property and equipment, and intangible assets. Ethics and the need for critical thinking will be interjected throughout the course. Due to the complexity of the subject matter, four class hours are required to present and review the material. PREREQUISITE: ACCT-210.
ACCT-311 - COST ACCOUNTING  3 credits
This course provides the student with a study of the concepts, principles, and objectives of cost accounting and cost accounting systems. Discussions will emphasize the job order and process cost accumulation methods, utilizing both actual and standard cost systems within a manufacturing environment. Flexible budgets, operating budgets, price and efficiency variances, and cost/volume/profit analysis will be examined in detail. Other topics to be covered include: job costing for services, activity-based accounting, life cycle costing, Just-In-Time purchasing, and pricing for short and long run. Four lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: ACCT-210.
ACCT-312 - MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING  3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the internal uses of accounting for management planning and control. The point of view will be on the use rather than the construction of accounting data. Areas of study include cost concepts and techniques, cost volume-profit analysis, master budgeting, relevant cost analysis, and capital budgeting. In addition, one hour a week will be spent in a microcomputer laboratory completing managerial problems using MS EXCEL. Four lecture and one lab hour(s).PREREQUISITE: ACCT-210.
ACCT-313 - INTRO. TO FEDERAL INCOME TAXES  3 credits
This course presents a comprehensive explanation of the Federal tax code and the accepted practice used in applying tax principles in specific areas as they relate to the preparation of returns involving individuals; Massachusetts income taxes as they affect individuals are also reviewed. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: ACCT-210.
ACCT-316 - COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING  3 credits
This course is designed to enhance the student's knowledge and capability in the accounting field by providing the student with the opportunity to complete all the steps in the accounting cycle using actual accounting software packages. Electronic spreadsheets will be used for analysis and record keeping. System design, theory and controls will also be examined. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: ACCT-110 and CMPA-160 or CMPA-103
ACCT-410 - INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING 2  3 credits
This course continues the study of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the conceptual framework used in presenting balance sheet items initiated in Intermediate Accounting 1. The nature, importance, recording procedures and presentation of the following balance sheet accounts are examined: current liabilities, long-term liabilities, investments, contributed capital and retained earning, pension, leases, and income taxes. Additionally, earnings per share and the preparation of the statement of cash flows will be examined. The need for critical thinking and ethics in accounting work will be interjected throughout the course. Due to the complexities of this course, four classroom hours are required to present and review the material. PREREQUISITE: ACCT-310.
BLAW-310 - BUSINESS LAW 1  3 credits
The primary purpose of a course in business law is to develop an understanding of the legal framework of business, the basic principles of law that apply to business transactions. Since the students of the course are not seeking training as lawyers, preventive law becomes an important objective. Emphasis is placed on contracts, agency, and employment. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: ENGL-100.
BLAW-312 - LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS  3 credits
This course introduces the student to the legal environment as it affects new and small businesses. The course will cover areas of the law such as business forms and formation, contracts, and the uniform commercial code, intellectual and other property rights, the employment relationship, insurance, and other topics intended to aid students in understanding their rights and obligations under the law. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: ENGL-100.
BLAW-314 - BUSINESS LAW ESSENTIALS  3 credits
The primary purpose of this course is to help the student develop an understanding of the legal environment as it affects businesses and business transactions and to help provide the student with the critical thinking skills needed to make sound business decisions. The course will deal such areas as our legal system, contracts and sales, business forms and formation, torts, property rights and the employment relationship. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: ENGL-100
BLAW-410 - BUSINESS LAW 2  3 credits
The purpose outlined in Business Law 1 is continued with emphasis upon personal property and bailments; the law of sales; commercial paper including promissory notes, drafts and checks; real property arrangements; and international transactions. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: BLAW-310. Courses will be offered subject to sufficient enrollment.
BSTS-143 - BUSINESS STATISTICS  3 credits
Descriptive methods of collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting numerical data are examined. Elementary probability concepts and distributions, sample distributions, and statistical inference are emphasized. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-093, ALGB-097, or math placement of MATH-101.
BUSN-101 - OFFICE ACCOUNTING 1  3 credits
An introductory course covering the basic structure, concepts and principles of accounting. Emphasis is placed upon the daily record keeping, classification and summarization of the financial information which flows within a service and merchandising sole proprietorship. The accounting cycle including statement presentation is examined along with such areas as cash, receivables, payables, payroll and taxes. Both manual and computerized systems will be explored. (This course is restricted to Office Information Technologies students.) Transfer students should be taking ACCT-110. Three lecture hours.
FINC-110 - INTRODUCTION TO FINANCE  3 credits
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the manner in which the financial system functions and with the techniques used to reach financial decisions. Major topics to be studied include the nature of money and financial institutions, central banking, securities markets, managing and financing of organizational assets. Special emphasis is given to financial decision-making. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: Completion of DRDG-092, ALGB-081 or placement at a higher level. COREQUISITE: ACCT-110
FINC-310 - MONEY AND BANKING  3 credits
The changing nature and functions of money are studied in considerable detail. The role of the banking system as a creator of money and credit is analyzed. The course includes an extensive study of non-bank financial intermediaries. A macroeconomic model is developed within which the relative efficiency of monetary and fiscal policy is examined. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISlTE: FINC-110.
FINC-410 - INVESTMENTS  3 credits
This is a beginning course in investment management with special emphasis on the principles governing individual and institutional investment programs. Topics covered include the mechanics of investment, investment media, securities analysis and portfolio management. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: FINC-110.
FINC-411 - MANAGERIAL FINANCE  3 credits
The principal focus of Managerial Finance is on decisions and actions that are undertaken in light of the firm's objectives. Certain key concepts and commonly used tools of financial analysis are developed. Included are such topics as ratio analysis, sources and the use of funds analysis and financial control techniques. This material provides a useful overview of finance, and the ideas and terminology developed here facilitate an understanding of all the other parts of the course. Topics to be covered include decisions involving working capital, long-term assets, sources and forms of long-term financing, financial structure and leverage and cost of capital calculations. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITES: FINC-110, ACCT-210. Courses will be offered subject to sufficient enrollment.
MANG-110 - PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT  3 credits
This course provides the student with an introduction to the art and sciences of management. A detailed analysis is made of the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions. Particular emphasis is placed upon the decision-making process. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: Student must place into DRDG-092 or higher and ALGB-081/ALGB-087 or placement at a higher level.
MANG-112 - MANAGERIAL SUPERVISION  3 credits
This course examines the unique role of the first level manager and the skills essential to effective performance. Because supervisors deal primarily with immediate subordinates, emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills and relationships, particularly motivation, performance reviews, and conflict management. This course is restricted to non business majors. Three lecture hours. Offered Periodically
MANG-310 - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT  3 credits
The primary aim of a course in human resource (HR) management is to provide an understanding of the role of the HR department in the development and administration of various policies, programs and processes. Areas of study include the basic functions relating to HR planning, job analysis and evaluation, recruiting, selection, training, development, motivation, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and employee relations. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MANG-110.
MANG-312 - WOMEN, MANAGEMENT, AND LEADERSHIP  3 credits
This course is designed to prepare women to be effective participants and leaders in organizational settings. Students will examine societal, organizational, and personal expectations of women's leadership in organizations. Objectives of the course are: 1) to develop an appreciation of cultural differences in women's abilities to be effective leaders; 2) to increase understanding of leadership styles through assessment of attitudes, values, and behaviors in the organization; 3) to develop confidence in the leadership styles of women, and to develop strategies for the effective application of these styles in organizational settings: and 4) to increase knowledge of leadership theory as well as its relevance to women’s experiences in organizations. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MANG-110 or SMBE-112. Offered Periodically
MANG-320 - BUSINESS ETHICS  3 credits
This course introduces students to the relationship between business and society. Topics include corporate citizenship, identification and analysis of stakeholder issues, business ethics fundamentals, business influence on government and the public sector, ethical issues in the global arena, workplace issues, and employment discrimination and affirmative action. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical principles and guidelines to business decision making. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MANG-110
MANG-335 - LEADERSHIP  3 credits
This course examines the actions leaders take to help individuals, teams, and organizations grow/develop and reach their goals. Major leadership theories and concepts covered include: creating a mission/vision/values, leadership styles, management styles, communication and influencing skills, power, managing conflict, introducing and managing change, and leading teams. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITES: MANG-110.
MANG-410 - LABOR RELATIONS  3 credits
This course is designed to expose the student to the philosophy, activities and objectives of the American labor movement. Areas of analysis include the history of unionism, labor legislation and the search for institutional security. Particular emphasis is given to the nature, content, negotiation, and administration of a collective bargaining agreement. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MANG-110.
MANG-427 - ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR  3 credits
This course examines the key factors that influence and impact human behavior in organizations. The principles of behavioral science are used to interpret, analyze, and predict individual, group, and organizational behavior. In addition, an emphasis is placed on the actions managers can take to improve individual and organizational performance. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITES: MANG-110, and SOCL-100 or PSYC-100. Course will be offered subject to sufficient enrollment.
MATR-431 - MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS PLANNING/CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS PLANNING  3 credits
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the principles and functions of materials requirements planning/capacity requirements planning, and with the techniques used to reach operational decisions. Major topics to be studied include MRP/CRP concepts and principles, interfaces, systems logic, uses of MRP/CRP, MRP's impact on CRP, and implementation considerations.
MRKT-110 - PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING  3 credits
This course emphasizes a well-rounded basic approach that provides maximum exposure to the role of marketing in today's economy which is a marketing economy-not just for marketers of conventional products and services, but also for government, social institutions and social causes and the professions. To achieve this exposure, an overview is presented of the marketing process including marketing research, consumer behavior, market segmentation, target consumers, product strategy, packaging, branding, pricing and the promotional mix. The course will service two types of students-those who want a knowledge of marketing fundamentals, principles and activities to meet specific personal or professional needs, and those who plan a career in marketing. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: Student must place into DRDG-092 and ALGB-081/ALGB-087 a higher level.
MRKT-310 - RETAILING AND RETAIL MANAGEMENT  3 credits
The major goals of the course are to enable the student to become a good retail planner and decision-maker and to help focus on change and adaptation to change. The student will be introduced to the technical knowledge necessary for retail management. An overview of retailing is presented, including such vital areas as organizational structure, physical security, consumer behavior, personnel management, marketing research, merchandising, planning promotional activities, store planning and inventory control. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MRKT-110.
MRKT-311 - ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION  3 credits
This course is designed to teach students advertising's fundamental principles and to familiarize them with its strategic, managerial, creative, and financial elements. The student will be exposed to developing advertising strategy, media strategy and selection, creative strategy and execution, budgeting, and control, utilizing the case study method where feasible. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MRKT-110.
MRKT-312 - ADVERTISING PRINCIPLES  3 credits    Course Offered Thru SCE Only
An introductory textbook will be used to cover the field of advertising as completely as possible. The course will not specifically take a business point of view or a marketing point of view, but instead, an advertising point of view. The course will include a variety of disciplines and specialties. Such things as research, media buying, print and broadcast production, sales promotion, product publicity, budgeting, scheduling, and even business presentations will be covered. The main purpose of the course is to introduce the non-business student to the richness and variety of the real world of advertising. Three lecture hours. (This course is restricted to the non-business student.) Offered Continuing Education
MRKT-333 - MARKETING FOR THE INTERNET  3 credits
Basic marketing concepts will be applied to e-commerce. These concepts include market research, consumer behavior, market segmentation, target consumers, product strategy, branding, pricing, and promotional mix. An introduction to strategic, tactical, and operational planning aspects of the marketing process will also be covered. The unique reasons e-commerce consumers make purchases will be compared and contrasted to the reasons consumers in general make purchases. Attention will also be given to promoting a website. Sample sites will be analyzed, and possible strategies for enhancing exposure developed. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MRKT-110 and CMPA-160 or CMPA-103
MRKT-410 - CONSUMER BEHAVIOR  3 credits
The aim of this course is to understand why people buy as the foundation for developing concepts for meeting consumer needs through selling, advertising, distribution and related activities. Behavioral considerations affecting consumer purchase decisions are analyzed. These include the personality, motivational, cognitive and attitudinal aspects, along with the social influences which affect consumer interaction with business firms. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MRKT-110.
MRKT-411 - SALES AND SALES MANAGEMENT  3 credits
This course will introduce the student to the fields of sales and sales management. A comprehensive coverage of the tasks of the sales manager as organizer, administrator, and decision maker will be provided in a systematic manner. The most contemporary concepts in sales management as well as the more traditional practices will be explored by integrating both theory and practice. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MRKT-110.
SEMT-105 - BASIC PRINCIPLES OF COACHING  3 credits
Students will learn how to plan, organize, and implement coaching actions to improve individual and team performance. Major topics covered include the following: coaching philosophy and style, establishing individual and team goals, communicating, giving feedback, discipline, motivation, and building an effective team. Three lecture hours.
SEMT-201 - COACHING SOCCER  1 credit
This course will give students hands on knowledge on how to teach and coach soccer. Much of this course will be devoted to developing lesson plans for practice sessions and teaching specific skills. One lecture hour. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-202 - COACHING BASKETBALL  1 credit
This course will give students hands on knowledge on how to teach and coach basketball. Much of this course will be devoted to developing lesson plans for practice sessions and teaching specific skills. One lecture hour.
SEMT-203 - COACHING WRESTLING  1 credit
This course will give students hands on knowledge on how to teach and coach wrestling. Much of this course will be devoted to developing lesson plans for practice sessions and teaching specific skills. One lecture hour. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-204 - COACHING TENNIS  1 credit
This course will give students hands on knowledge on how to teach and coach tennis. Much of this course will be devoted to developing lesson plans for practice sessions and teaching specific skills. One lecture hour. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-205 - COACHING HOCKEY  1 credit
This course will give students hands on knowledge on how to teach and coach hockey. Much of this course will be devoted to developing lesson plans for practice sessions and teaching specific skills. One lecture hour. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-206 - COACHING LACROSSE  1 credit
This course will give students hands on knowledge on how to teach and coach lacrosse. Much of this course will be devoted to developing lesson plans for practice sessions and teaching specific skills. One lecture hour. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-207 - COACHING BASEBALL  1 credit
This course will give students hands on knowledge on how to teach and coach baseball. Much of this course will be devoted to developing lesson plans for practice sessions and teaching specific skills. One lecture hour. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-208 - COACHING SOFTBALL  1 credit
This course will give students hands on knowledge on how to teach and coach softball. Much of this course will be devoted to developing lesson plans for practice sessions and teaching specific skills. One lecture hour. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-210 - INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS MANAGEMENT  3 credits
This course is a survey of the structure and operation of leisure, professional and collegiate sports organizations. The following principles of management are applied to the administration of sports enterprises: planning, controlling, organizing, motivating, staffing and leading. Examples of the types of sports organizations that are discussed include: professional sports organizations, collegiate sports, golf courses, tennis clubs, fitness centers, tournament management, etc. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MANG-110
SEMT-250 - INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS MARKETING  3 credits
This course focuses on the marketing principles as they specifically relate to the sports and athletic industries. The following principles of marketing are applied to professional and amateur sports, and athletic organizations: products, pricing, promotion, advertising, public relations and consumer behavior. The topic of sponsorships will also be discussed. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: MRKT-110
SEMT-305 - ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF COACHING  3 credits
Students will learn about recruiting players, assessing talent, values and team culture, ethical behavior, legal liabilities, factors influencing peak performance, group dynamics, team conflict, team development, leading change, and the psychological factors that have an impact on the coach, athlete, and team. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-310 - EVENT MANAGEMENT  3 credits
All aspects of managing a sports or entertainment event are analyzed and discussed. During the course, which is offered during the fall semester, students will plan, organize, solicit sponsorships, and prepare a marketing plan for an event that will be conducted during the spring semester for the benefit of a charitable organizations or scholarship fund. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-210 and SEMT-250
SEMT-320 - CONDITIONING AND PREVENTING INJURIES  3 credits
Students will learn about the basic types of sports injuries and the actions coaches can take to prevent injuries from occurring. In addition, students will discuss the process of evaluating injuries and referring the injured athlete to the appropriate person. Other topics covered include: nutrition, legal liabilities, and handling emergencies. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-105
SEMT-490 - FIELD STUDIES A  6 credits
Interns will be assigned to a specific supervisor/mentor at relevant organizations with the goal of obtaining on the job training. Students will be evaluated by the mentor organization and the professor based on predetermined goals and objectives as assigned on a case by case basis. PREREQUISITE: SEMT-310
SEMT-491 - FIELD STUDIES B  3 credits
Interns will be assigned to a specific supervisor/mentor at relevant organizations with the goal of obtaining on the job training. Students will be evaluated by the mentor organization and the professor based on predetermined goals and objectives as assigned on a case by case basis.
SMBE-112 - SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING  3 credits
The various aspects of the marketing function will be tailored to the small business organization. This course is designed to teach students sales techniques, sales forecasting, and territorial structuring. In addition, the marketing mix of product or service, various types of advertising and sales promotion, place and distribution including site and strategies will be evaluated. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: None
SMBE-125 - INTRODUCTION TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP  3 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the entrepreneurial process from conception to birth of a new venture. Students will examine elements in the entrepreneurial process-personal, sociological, and environmental-that give birth to a new enterprise. Critical factors for starting a new enterprise such as alternative career prospects, family, friends, role models, the state of the economy and the availability of resources will be explored. Students will be introduced to practical tools they can use to further their careers in business, both in entrepreneurship and in more traditional company environments. This course simulates the experiences that entrepreneurs undergo in conceiving, launching, and operating new businesses. The course enables students to evaluate an entrepreneurial career for themselves. In doing so, it provides want-to-be entrepreneurs with a framework for selecting, funding, and starting their own new ventures. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: None
SMBE-343 - SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR  3 credits
This course is designed to expose the student to the challenges of starting, operating, and evaluating the effectiveness of the small business. Major topics studied include entrepreneurial opportunities, the preparation of a business plan, small business marketing, and the management of small business operations. Financial and administrative controls will be emphasized. The course will be outlined and taught on a case study basis to apply the principles and techniques to the corresponding cases in the text. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITES: ACCT-110, SMBE-112, SMBE-116, SMBE-125, FINC-110 and MANG-335
SMBE-440 - ENTREPRENEURIAL FIELD STUDIES  3 credits
In this course students will apply their small business knowledge to a real situation. Students will work individually or in a group of no more than three on a significant entrepreneurial project. The curriculum focuses the student on specific concepts, expertise and skills that are the key to successful business start-ups. A typical project involves problem definition, development of the teamwork plan, completion of research and analysis, derivation of conclusions and recommendations, possibly some implementation, and generation of a final report. This course is based on the concept of balanced mentorship, which benefits both student and the entrepreneur mentor. Students will be assigned to a start-up firm or a firm developing at a business incubator (STCC's Springfield Enterprise Center.) Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: SMBE-125, SMBE-112, ACCT-110, MANG-110, MANG-335. Restricted to Entrepreneurship majors. Courses will be offered subject to sufficient enrollment.