Marketing & Communications Graduate and Undergraduate Courses

Introduction to basic formats, including news releases, editorials, features, profiles, scripts, and basic copy qualities such as readability, clarity, crispness, color, and organization. Emphasis on developing the ability to write copy for varied audiences. Regular writing assignments; considerable rewriting. Includes lead writing, editing, and interviewing.  [ 4 cr. ]

Overview of the nature, function, practice, and social, economic, and behavioral aspects of advertising. Student teams develop advertising plans, create campaigns, and explore problems of account management, creativity, production, and ethics.  [ 4 cr. ]

Special Topic: In today's diverse workplace, it is critical for organizations to incorporate diversity and inclusion (D&I) into their communication strategies - to both internal and external stakeholders. Organizations having a D&I program is not enough to foster inclusive workplaces, customers, or reputations. Students will learn how to effectively communicate D&I in the modern workplace, along with and creating impactful external (integrated) communication strategies. Key concepts will include: * Communicating the value of diversity * Inclusive messaging * Leading conversations with stakeholders * Talk, but also listen * Accountability.  [ 4 cr. ]

Grad Prereq: MET CM 708 Explores how to arrive at consumer insights that lead to better advertising and promotion. The course focuses on the set of skills necessary to create breakthrough advertising, including qualitative research, observation, interviewing skills, mapping, and presentation tools. Students learn to write effective creative briefs.   [ 4 cr. ]

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCM716 OR METCM717 OR METCM744) - The role of video has become even more significant in terms of the digital environment for branded content, webisodes, viral video, corporate micro-documentaries, and instructional/educational website content. How this is integrated with, and disseminated by, social media is key. In addition, budgetary constraints in relation to work for the web often require a different creative approach than traditional broadcast media. This course explores the creative development of video concepts and introduces students to basic production techniques as they relate to the development of video geared for the web. This is mainly a writing and concept development course. Some rudimentary editing techniques are discussed throughout the semester.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course is designed to introduce students to using new media tools for creating media communication. Students build an integrated campaign and web site using software, which includes Photoshop, InDesign, iMovie, Dreamweaver and Flash. Students develop an understanding of the process of design consisting of: ideation, strategy and execution. Permission required for non-MET students. Contact Metropolitan College, 1010 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 124 (617-358-5643) for more information.  [ 4 cr. ]

Examines the creative process in advertising, including concept development, copywriting, layout, and campaign strategies. Emphasis is on print advertising, but radio and television commercials are also included. Assignments include consumer and trade advertisements for both new and mature products.  [ 4 cr. ]

An overview of the theories, practices, and techniques in the emerging field of interactive marketing communications (IAMC). Students gain an understanding of the strategy and tactics of IAMC and its place in the more comprehensive field of marketing communications. In addition, students review IAMC's relationship to and its effects on society, culture, and the economic system. The course will explore almost all the ways interactive marketing can be practiced via the Internet: historical introduction, dotcom era, basic principles, database marketing, etail, email, search (SEO & SEM/PPC), display advertising, social networking, gaming, mobile, et al.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prereq: MET CM 708 Administration of a complete advertising program. Case study method used to explore the marketing mix, budgeting, media strategy, planning, coordinating advertising with promotion, working with client or agency, and the social responsibility of advertisers.  [ 4 cr. ]

Explores the impact of current advertising/marketing issues from business, economic, political, social, legal, and ethical perspectives. Modified case method, with lectures from experts on selected issues.   [ 4 cr. ]

Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET CM708 - Examines media planning, buying and sales as performed by advertising agencies, clients, and the media. Research sources providing data on media audiences and product usage are evaluated. Examines contemporary trends in communications media and their effects on advertisers.   [ 4 cr. ]

The purpose of MET CM737, Social Networks in Strategic Communication Planning, is to help students understand the rapid evolution in marketing and communications brought on by the shift in technology that has forever changed traditional media and launched powerful new communications platforms via social media. This course will focus on communications strategy - where it's been, where it's going with a focus on executing strategies through social media platforms that align with overall business (brand) goals and objectives. To help gain this perspective, students will learn from various experts (guests to class) and hands-on exercises designed to give all students a solid baseline for the dominant and tertiary social media platforms. I fully believe that the best way to learn and understand social media is to jump in and engage with the different platforms. This class will encourage and insist that you engage with at least two social media platforms so you can bring this first-hand knowledge to class.  [ 4 cr. ]

In this course students will become familiar with the basics of Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Advertising and how these new rapidly growing areas fit into the marketing communications planning process. The course will cover topics such as how search engines work, how users search, how to optimize a website for search engines, how to develop a Search Engine Advertising campaign and how to measure success. At the end of the semester students will present a strategically executed Search Engine Marketing plan. Prerequisite for the course is MET CM 719, Interactive Marketing Communication or permission of the instructor.  [ 4 cr. ]

Provides knowledge and practice for effective graphic design for all media. Develops a foundation in design principles and software skills including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students create projects demonstrating how graphic design is used to engage an audience and enhance comprehension of all forms of mass communication from traditional print to new media.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course provides students with basic knowledge of how the health care system in the U.S. is structured, and the policies, stakeholders and complexities impacting access to care, costs, quality and equity among various populations. Drawing on multiple views and opinions, students build on their perspectives as they critically analyze pros and cons of health system fundamentals. Students then apply their knowledge to a series of practical written assignments that help build a strategic plan for improving the health outcomes of an underserved population in their home state. An emphasis is placed on written and oral delivery of final project campaigns. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

This foundational course examines and bridges the theory and practice of interpersonal, organizational, mass communication, and digital media relevant to the professional communicator and health practitioner alike. It reviews strategies of persuasion, the relationship between attitudes and health behavior through the lifespan, and the changing nature of health, illness and health delivery in local and global arenas. Students consider how the Social Determinants of Health (where we live, learn, work and play) impact health behaviors and outcomes for diverse populations. Starting with the history of health communication, students gain insight into the evolution of this emerging discipline, from public health education to its broader place in the marketing mix through recent decades. Guided by case studies, research and analysis, students explore the health communication cycle and strategic planning process using frames, channels and tools best suited for reaching behavioral, social, and organizational objectives. The course shifts from theoretical to practical, giving students hands-on experience developing a strategic health communication campaign that considers culture, age, gender and health literacy, to effectively - and measurably - influence health outcomes for its intended audience. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

There is a growing demand for professionals with the skills to collect, analyze and interpret data. This course prepares students with essential knowledge of primary research methods, and how to apply them - accurately and ethically - to the practice of health communication. Beginning with the basics of research design and evaluation, the course progresses through qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, survey design, descriptive statistics, focus groups and other approaches, with the goal of helping health communication professionals create meaningful, data-driven strategies, stories and content. Students will practice analyzing, interpreting and writing about various health studies presented throughout the course. Also emphasized is the application of research to advertising messaging and public relations strategies. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

Effectively communicating knowledge, methods, language and terminology from the complex fields of health, science and medicine - and writing about them plainly - requires an advanced command of language, and proficient use of health literacy principles. If writing does not come naturally to you, this course will introduce you to those health literacy principles, as well as formats and processes for developing materials with confidence. If you're a more experienced writer, get ready to hone your skills using best practices for creating various kinds of health content. Throughout the course you'll analyze different audience needs and refine writing strategies, style, voice, and vocabulary to accommodate each audience. You'll also practice essential writing qualities, including clarity and brevity, alongside advanced grammar, sentence structure and writing mechanics. Assignments include writing, revising, and editing clear, accurate, audience-appropriate content for a journalistic news report; a patient education print brochure; narrative feature storytelling; a health-related blog; scriptwriting for a visual public service announcement, and social media writing to promote your content. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course is recommended for students who are not Epidemiology concentrators. The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and demonstrate their applicability in the field of public health. A further objective is to provide an introduction to the basic skills needed to critically interpret the epidemiologic literature relevant to public health professionals. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course, designed for students who have little or no background in the biological sciences, provides a foundation in the biological mechanisms and principles underlying major health problems. Selected health problems are explored from a biological perspective in order to provide fundamental information about infectious and non-infectious agents of disease, disease transmission, biological defense mechanisms, co-evolution of man and microbes, the effects of nutritional deficiency and excess, effects of respiratory exposures, the biology of cancer, aging, and other topics. Each student completing this course should be able to knowledgeably participate in a discussion of related health problems with a basic understanding of the terminology, and the underlying biological mechanisms. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the essential concepts of marketing and their application to health care. Students gain a working knowledge of marketing tools (such as pricing, promotion, channels, consumer behavior, brand equity, and segmentation) and how to use them. Students build practical applied skills in analyzing marketing problems and developing marketing programs and strategies, with particular attention to health care and its organizational structures, financing, technologies, market demands, laws, and regulations. Students also expand their understanding of the differences and similarities between marketing in for-profit and not-for-profit health care organizations, and they increase their appreciation of the role of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and management in marketing decisions. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

Provides an overview of the professional principles and practices in public relations for corporate, governmental, agency and nonprofit organizations. Includes history, organization, and scope of the field; its roots in social science; types of campaigns and programs; and professional ethics. Theories, strategies, and tactics in current practice emphasized and applied to health communication. Explores opportunities and requirements for work in the field. Students will learn to apply the basic public relations campaign planning model and examine public relations specialty practice areas including media relations, community relations, government relations, crisis communication, investor relations and employee communication. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

An overview of the theories, practices, and techniques in the dynamic field of interactive marketing communications (IAMC). Students gain an understanding of the strategy and tactics of IAMC and its place in the more comprehensive field of marketing communications. In addition, students review IAMC's relationship to and its effects on society, culture, and the economic system. The course will explore almost all the ways interactive marketing can be practiced via the Internet: historical introduction, dotcom era, basic principles, database marketing, etail, email, search (SEO & SEM/PPC), display advertising, social networking, gaming, mobile, et al. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

Students learn publicity techniques used in mass media communication, including working with daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film and online media. The course will examine the principles and practices of working with mass media "gatekeepers" to accomplish campaign objectives as well as strategies and tactics for communicating directly with audiences through new media. Students will develop knowledge and skills related to the production and use of media relations tools with a focus on health communication. Case studies will be employed to understand the challenges and opportunities inherent in working with mass media as well as the special demands and practices associated with crisis communication. The course will also explore the roles of interactive and social media. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

Over the past two decades, the power of visuals in learning and retention has been increasingly recognized - attributing as much as 80% of retention to information that is visually communicated. In a recent study, 85% of working professionals agreed that creative thinking is critical for problem solving in their career, and 71% say creative thinking should be taught as a course, like math and science. The efficacy of the use of visual symbols has also been recognized for bridging language barriers in health care settings. This course provides health communication professionals the fundamental principles of design and how these relate to effective communication, particularly in health education and delivery applications. Course lectures and resources will guide students from visual design theory, straight through content creation and measuring effectiveness of visual messaging. Students will explore various media and tools used to create digital images and get hands-on practice in the image editing process. Topics include conceptual design, critical thinking in the creation of practical design, how design relates to industry, human perception and the visual process, and the use of symbols for immediacy and to bridge cultural and literacy divides. In addition to exploring popular digital vehicles for visual storytelling, such as infographics, data visualization, video and mobile, the course will also present real-world challenges, such as ethics and regulations in digital communications, as well as business processes. Course requires access to a smartphone with camera and video capability or a digital camera/video. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

The course examines how healthcare organizations are tapping the power of social media to listen, learn, engage and act. This course helps students understand the power and importance of this fundamental shift in communication, and how savvy health care organizations are turning this shift into a strategic advantage. Together, we will examine the impact of the communication technology revolution on the field of health marketing and communication. Through extensive readings, case studies, project assignments, hands-on use of social media and weekly discussions, students will explore the extraordinary health communication challenges and opportunities driven by social media - as well as the new and daunting problems and threats social media present to healthcare organizations. Students will learn how social media is used in health care and why using it effectively and efficiently has become a necessary skill for many health care professionals. As part of this course, students have the opportunity to earn the Mayo-Hootsuite Social Media Basics Certification, and participate in the Mayo Clinic Social Media Network community. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course.  [ 4 cr. ]

Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET MG 305 - Examines the tools and techniques of communications used in marketing products, ideas, or services. Focus on analyzing, designing, selecting, and evaluating marketing communication strategies.   [ 4 cr. ]

Organization of the marketing function in international business. How government policies and practices affect marketing. Comparative marketing strategies for doing business abroad. Examination of case studies.  [ 4 cr. ]

Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET MG 305 - The structure and operating procedures of advertising agencies and corporate advertising departments in relation to marketing. Active student participation in learning how advertising strategies and concepts are developed and executed. Includes readings, development of advertising strategies, screenings, and analysis of contemporary advertising.   [ 4 cr. ]

Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET MG305 & MET MA213 - A broad view of consumer attitudes, behavior, and decision-making processes. Uses computer and case studies to supplement text readings.   [ 4 cr. ]

Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET MG305 & MET MA213 - Discusses marketing management situations as a basis for examining various marketing research techniques. Uses methods of social and behavioral science in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting facts necessary for making decisions. Applications in professional practice.   [ 4 cr. ]

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the challenges and strategies essential for navigating the complex global business environment. It provides students the tools to manage cultural, economic, and political intricacies, develop strategic market entries, and adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Through a blend of lectures, case studies, a global trade simulation, and interactive sessions, students will learn to implement effective change management, understand geopolitical influences, and foster sustainable business practices. This course bridges theory with practical application, preparing students for successful international business operations.  [ 4 cr. ]

Addresses the specifics of new product and service development and fostering innovation and technology to increase performance. Topics include generating and screening initial ideas; assessing user needs and interests; forecasting results; launching, and improving products and programs; and overall bringing innovation from ideation to commercialization.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisite: MET AD 500 or consent of instructor. - The course provides a detailed examination of the history of e-commerce, along with important concepts related to the ways that businesses can successfully use Internet and Web technology. Students are introduced to the concepts and problems associated with electronic commerce. Topics include comparison of e-commerce procedures, payment mechanisms, applications in different industry sectors, security, the challenges of starting and maintaining an electronic business site, as well as a comparison with traditional business practices. The development of a WordPress-themed website is a minor feature of the course.  [ 4 cr. ]

Explore the dynamics of building and managing digital brands in today's technology-driven digital marketplace and delve into the nuances of digital customer needs, brand creation, and communication strategies. Students will engage with concepts such as brand equity, digital design principles, neuroscience influences on branding, and compelling social media storytelling. Additional insights into personal and diverse forms of branding and future trends and challenges in the digital branding landscape are also covered. This course equips students with critical skills for developing strong brand identities and managing brand reputation across business models, preparing them for success in various digital branding roles.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course is designed to help you understand how marketing has (and has not) changed due to the rise of social media and changes in various underlying contextual factors, such as dramatically increased speed of information dissemination across consumers and brands. The overarching goal is to obtain a clear perspective on digital/social/mobile marketing so that you can appreciate its true value to consumers, to managers, and to other corporate stakeholders. It will equip you with the relevant knowledge, perspectives, and practical skills required to develop marketing strategies that leverage the opportunities inherent in social media and consumer-to-consumer social interactions for achieving business and marketing goals.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course offers an in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) applications within modern marketing strategies applied to a dynamic and data-driven marketing environment. It enables students to master AI tools and techniques such as Google Cloud, Tensorflow, IBM Watson, and HubSpot, essential for enhancing customer segmentation, content customization, and overall marketing efficiencies. Students will learn to develop AI-driven chatbots, optimize user experiences, and automate complex marketing processes, preparing them to meet contemporary digital marketing challenges and opportunities effectively.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course focuses on identifying and assessing platform business practices and understanding their target consumers' attitudes and behaviors through theoretical models, case studies, and quantitative data analysis. Students will understand the effects of network and platform technology on business success and learn how to analyze platform consumer data through Python basics, text analysis, sentiment analysis, and network analysis methods.  [ 4 cr. ]

Neuromarketing is transforming the global marketing industry as a relatively new discipline, quickly transforming how marketers influence consumers and their buying decisions. The rapid increase in the uptake of neuromarketing across multiple business domains and applications across industries is making it imperative that global marketers take heed and start applying them to their marketing strategies as well. This course leverages three core disciplines: marketing, market research, and brain science. In this course, students will learn how neuromarketing is gaining moment in the industry because it leverages how the consumer's brain reacts and responds to specific marketing incentives and stimuli. It ensures that the marketing efforts and their effectiveness are well- measured and accurate through applied neuromarketing analytics in a lab environment. This course also leverages neuromarketing research during lab sessions, using various cutting-edge and innovative techniques through biometric and brain signals to examine consumer behavior and develop relevant marketing strategies.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course equips students with the skills and knowledge to drive social change through innovative entrepreneurial ventures. It explores the fundamental frameworks and theories of social innovation while teaching students how to identify and tackle social needs effectively. Participants will learn to create sustainable business models that are both economically viable and scalable, ensuring a long-term impact. The curriculum includes strategies for scaling social ventures, measuring their impact, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to promote collaborative change. Students will examine various funding options available to social entrepreneurs, such as impact investing and crowdfunding, and discover how to influence policy and advocate for supportive environments.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course addresses the complex and evolving challenges that leaders face in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. With rapid technological advancements and shifting dynamics in the global market, the course equips aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders with the skills necessary to navigate ethical dilemmas while fostering a culture of integrity and innovation. Students will explore the intersection of leadership, ethics, and entrepreneurship, learning how to achieve sustainable business growth while maintaining ethical standards and social responsibility. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical leadership exercises, participants will develop a nuanced understanding of how ethical considerations influence decision-making and organizational success in entrepreneurial ventures.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course will empower entrepreneurs to confidently determine their market segments and create compelling communication with each target segment. Students will learn how to differentiate their product or service in the marketplace and communicate their competitive advantage. Entrepreneurs will identify their brand tenants and establish their tone of voice for all marketing communications. By the end of this course, participants will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively market their products or services, engage with customers, and drive sales growth, laying a strong foundation for entrepreneurial success.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prereq: METAD 571. Become familiar with the foundations of modern marketing analytics and develop your ability to select, apply, and interpret readily available data on customer purchase behavior, new customer acquisition, current customer retention, and marketing mix optimization. This course explores approaches and techniques to support the managerial decision-making process and skills in using state-of-the-art statistical and analytics tools. Students will have an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of how transaction and descriptive data are used to construct customer segmentation schemas, build and calibrate predictive models, and quantify the incremental impact of specific marketing actions. Python, R, SQL, and Power BI software are used in this course.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course covers the quantitative analysis tools to support operations management for a supply chain that is geographically dispersed and culturally diverse. The tools necessary to assure that the products/services are delivered/provided in the quality and timely manner include demand forecasting, inventory and capacity buffer optimization, delayed differentiation, statistical risk pooling, and stochastic inventory optimization. These tools are applied to decisions such as offshoring, multi-country outsourcing, push-pull, reverse supply chains, and risk mitigation. Particular attention is given to sustainability, information technology and digitalization, and creating resiliency.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course will provide you with the theoretical understanding of the Internet marketplace necessary to adapt to its many changes, while also equipping you with the skills you'll need to perform vital daily functions. The course includes discussions of both B2B and B2C and looks at marketing and communications from an integrated, business-wide perspective. The goal is to appreciate principles and practice of online marketing. Topics include integrated innovative marketing strategy, search engine marketing, email marketing, and social media. 4cr.  [ 4 cr. ]

Students are introduced to the latest requirements, techniques, procedures, and practices for successfully 'Doing Business in North America'. Emphasis is placed on managing in the most competitive business environment in the world; preparing, implementing, and maintaining sustainable international business transactions and operations. We begin with a description of driving forces and starting conditions for being a competitive and sustainable business enterprise including the role of the market integration in the NAFTA region. Included is consideration of corporate market entry strategies such as import and export agreements and transactions, contractual agreements, strategic alliances, and direct foreign investments. Factors of risk management, business continuity management, and performance management (on project and corporate levels) are considered. Regional policies, international trade development, opportunities in international trade development, and forward- looking challenges are examined. All participants attend live online lectures, partake in discussion boards and complete a group term project involving business simulation. The project is developed in stages (decision rounds) throughout the term and teams compete during each stage.   [ 4 cr. ]

This course provides extensive insight into international trade practices and corporate decision-making criteria attendant to global import/export and other market entry strategies, and management of international logistics operations including global sourcing, global transportation, facility network design, intermediaries, and trade documentation. Topics include operations, government agencies, import/export channel networks, and the evaluation of international opportunities with the help of a business simulation package specifically prepared for this course. It is designed to provide students with the skills and tools necessary for international trade and international logistics management.   [ 4 cr. ]

Graduate Prerequisites: (METAD 731) - Prereqs: AD 630, AD 731. Applies the concepts of corporate finance and risk mitigation to the problems of multinational financial management. Major topics include foreign exchange risk, and construction of hedging strategies using derivative instruments such as forwards, futures, and swaps to reduce multinational corporate risk. Addresses international financial flows and their impact on foreign exchange rates, capital flows, speculation, analysis of alternative foreign investments, analysis of sources and uses of corporate funds abroad, multinational tax and profit.  [ 4 cr. ]

Undergraduate Prerequisites: METAD 642 - Prereq AD 642. This course will introduce students to Project Value - a unique perspective on classical Project Management that is focused on assuring that a project delivers value that is aligned with the mission, vision, and values of an organization. This increasingly popular framework with which to view projects and project management is derived from current research, standards, and thought leadership from PMI and other international bodies. Students will learn how to create value in projects even in today's disruptive, turbulent environment. They will learn how to apply the conceptual framework of benefits realization management (BRM) and to use tools to manage a portfolio of programs and projects strategically with an aim of sustainable project value. Value in Agile projects will be discussed. The element of the Triple Bottom Line and a focus on sustainability is part of the subject matter. Case studies and real life experiences, illustrated with guest lectures, will be intertwined with current research in project management.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course will provide a comprehensive discussion of market and economic research and analysis, their key concepts, process description, qualitative and quantitative techniques for market research and data analysis, and application scenarios. Students will gain an appreciation for some of the breadth and depth of this subject and its significance for the business enterprise -- both from start-up entrepreneurship as well as an established business organization. The structure of the course is based on the six steps of the market research process: problem definition, development of an approach to the problem; research design formulation; fieldwork and data collection; data preparation and qualitative and quantitative analysis; report preparation, and presentation.   [ 4 cr. ]