Recent Topics Courses
These courses are indicated by “Business Research Seminar” or “BRS”
595. BRS- Ethics. (3.0 hours)
Business Ethics is the study of ethical perspectives and values in management decision-making. Through cases, readings and exercises, students explore the nature of ethical dilemmas faced by managers in making decisions and in exercising their responsibilities to society, to stakeholders, and to themselves. Emphasis is placed on the students’ becoming aware of their own values system, taking accountability for their own professional development, and recognize their own personal and professional responsibilities as ethical managers.
595. BRS- Pre-Merger: M&A-Strategy. (1.5 hours)
The course explores corporate strategy that leads to decisions to Merge, Acquire, Divest, Joint Venture, Spin-off. On-going M&A activity, valuation issues and relevant case studies will be discussed. Guest lecturers are executives involved in M&A. Teams will prepare recommendations on an M&A opportunity in lieu of a final exam.
595. BRS- Post –Integration: Making the Merger Work. (1.5 hours)
This course focuses on the integration of merged companies after the "deal" is completed. Four classes of preparation will be followed by 6 to 8 classes of the actual senior executives who have lived the M&A experience and will bring their case studies to class for exploration and analysis. No final exam but a "How To Manual" will be developed by each team of 5 students.
595. BRS- Retailing & Etailing Strategy and Management. (3.0 hours)
The purpose of this course is to build on first year marketing and introduce students to the significant concepts and analysis frameworks of 21st century retailing strategy and management, including retailing over the internet, or "etailing". Course topics will include: building competitive advantage in retailing/etailing; strategic thinking and strategic planning; market structure analysis and segmentation and positioning; situation assessment; financial and productivity analysis; category management and assortment planning; consumer and competitive research and data analysis; transformation strategies.
595. BRS- Supply Chain Management. (3.0 hours)
This newly designed elective offering primarily deals with the design and operation of logistics networks or supply chains, and the flow of materials and information on them. Students in this course will be exposed to both the strategic and operational aspects of managing today’s complex supply chains. Specific topics include Vendor managed inventory; efficient customer response; collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment; planning distribution and supply; managing product variety; transportation; supply chain planning software; eMarketplaces; inter- and meta-mediaries and design & optimization of supply networks.
