Courses
MBA Courses
Check back on December 15th for Summer 2010 courses.
Graduate School of Management
Candidates for the MBA at Boston University are given first consideration for enrollment in the courses offered by the Graduate School of Management.
Students currently matriculated as candidates for other graduate degrees offered by Boston University (except Metropolitan College), visiting MBA students from other AACSB accredited institutions, and MBA alumni from GSM or another AACSB accredited institution may be granted permission to enroll on a space available basis, provided that they meet criteria established by the School of Management for registration as "cross enrolled students" and the student fills out the appropriate "cross enrollment application." All students must meet the prerequisites established for enrollment in advanced courses.
All registration for Summer Term courses must be done at the School of Management Graduate Programs Office, 595 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 104, before May 18 for classes taking place in the first half of the session, and before July 7 for classes taking place in the second half of the session.
GSM Summer 1 classes begin Monday, May 18 and end Monday, July 6. Summer 2 classes begin Tuesday, July 7 and end Monday, August 24. There will be no class sessions on Memorial Day (observed Monday, May 25), or Independence Day (observed Friday, July 3).
REQUIRED COURSES
Cohorted Professional Evening MBA (PEMBA) students take required courses with their cohort groups. Self-paced PEMBA students should take required courses in the following order:
GSM OB 712 Managing Organizations and People*
GSM AC 711 Financial Reporting and Control*
GSM MK 724 Marketing Management*
GSM FE 722 Financial Management
GSM FE 730 Economics and Management Decisions
GSM IS 711 IT Strategies for a Networked Economy*
GSM OM 726 Creating Value through Operations and Technology
GSM QM 717 Data Analysis for Managerial Decision-Making
GSM SP 751 Competition, Innovation, and Strategy
*Not offered in Summer 2009
Financial Statement Analysis & Investor Decisions
GSM AC 814
Prereq: GSM OB 712/713, AC 710/711, QM 716/717, MK 723/724, FE 721/722. This course is designed to develop skills in interpreting and analyzing the financial reports prepared by firms for investors and creditors. The following topics are covered: 1) analyzing profitability and risk, (2) understanding the major accounting choices affecting financial statements and managerial incentives that influence these choices, (3) assessing the quality of earnings, (4) using cash-flow based and earnings-based valuation models. The course also includes a brief review of some important accounting principles, emphasizing areas that were not covered in AC710. [Lectures, exercises, exams, and project.] 3 or 4 cr.
Advanced Accounting
GSM AC 841
Prereq: GSM AC 710/711, AC 847 and AC 848 (or concurrently). Examines accounting principles and practices related to business combinations and foreign operations (accounting for mergers and acquisitions, constructing consolidated financial statements, recording foreign currency transactions and hedging exchange risk, translating foreign subsidiaries' local currency financial statements), business segments, reporting for local governments, and the impact of the SEC and international standards on financial reporting. Meets with SMG AC 541. This class follows the University's Summer Term Schedule. 3 or 4 cr.
Auditing Issues & Problems
GSM AC 865
Prereq: GSM AC 710/711 and AC 847. Introduces the basic concepts underlying auditing and assurance services (including materiality, audit risk, and evidence) and demonstrates how to apply those concepts to audit and assurance services through financial statement audits. Meets with SMG AC 565. This class follows the University's Summer Term Schedule. 3 or 4 cr.
Executive Presentation
GSM ES 700
A presenter's delivery skills impact the audience's image of the presenter and the clarity of the message being communicated. A combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on practice and simulation, this course is designed to help you exercise leadership through verbal communication. 1 cr.
Executive Written Communication
GSM ES 701
This course is a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on practice. It is designed to help you exercise leadership through writing and understand how strategies of written communication are an essential aspect of effective management, working relationships in the network era, and overall business strategy. 1 cr.
Managing Career Growth
GSM ES 707
The MBA is simply a step along the path of a career. It provides the skills and tools necessary to take many steps forward, but you must manage where those steps lead and how. Managing Career Growth will provide you the understanding of how to manage your own career going forward. The class will cover: Career self-assessment (interests, values and skills) - Networking and developmental relationships - Career management/advancement strategies - Developing your career marketing plan and professional portfolio. All with the purpose of providing a foundation to not only manage your next steps but continuously assess, network, market and manage yourself. You are indeed a business of one and you are the one responsible for managing that business. Students who took ES711, ES713, ES715, or ES717 may not take this course. 1 cr.
Financial Management
GSM FE 722
Prereq: GSM AC 710/711 (or concurrently), OB 712/713. Financial Management examines three sets of problems: 1) saving and investment decisions by households, 2) investment and financing decisions by corporations, and 3) the role of securities markets and financial intermediaries in the economy. Decisions today affect the timing of and uncertainty about future flows of income; both timing and risk determine the current value of those future flows. This course develops the tools required to analyze these decisions and their interaction within the financial system. 4 cr.
Economics and Management Decisions
GSM FE 730
Prereq: GSM OB 712/713 (QM 717 recommended). The aim of this course is to present many of the decision
problems managers face and to present the economic analysis they need to guide these decisions. In the
first half of the course, microeconomic tools are used to structure complicated decision problems about
production, pricing, investment, and other strategic issues, address uncertainty through probabilistic
forecasts and sequential decisions. An additional goal is to distinguish different market structures
and apply competitive strategies using game theory. In the second half, the focus shifts to the study
of the national and global economic environments within which companies operate. We identify the
drivers of fluctuations in GDP, inflation, interest and exchange rates, and other key features of
the economies. Since governments play key roles in determining the fate of economies and companies,
the final theme is the rationale for and efficacy of government policy tools. 4 cr.
Corporate Financial Management
GSM FE 820
Prereq: GSM FE 721/722. This course provides an in-depth analysis of financial considerations relating to corporate growth. It addresses the setting of financial or corporate goals in terms of maximizing shareholders' equity and relationships among dividend policy, debt levels, capital costs, return on investments, and growth. 3 or 4 cr.
Fixed Income Markets
GSM FE 822
Prereq: GSM FE 721/722. This is a course primarily on fixed-income debt securities and markets. Emphasis is placed on the factors that determine bond yields, factors such as the coupon and maturity structure, liquidity, credit risk, and tax status of the security, and on measures of return and risk, statistics such as the yield to maturity, horizon yield, duration, and convexity. We will cover government debt (Treasuries and municipals), corporate bonds (investment-grade and high-yield), agency (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) and mortgage-backed debt created via securitization (i.e., collateralized mortgage obligations). We will emphasize how interest rate and credit derivatives are used to manage portfolios of fixed-income securities. 3 or 4 cr.
Investments
GSM FE 823
Prereq: GSM FE 721/722. This course looks at speculative markets, including organized security markets and exchanges; definitions of securities; relevant tax law and sources of investment information; principles of stock and bond valuation; and security price behavior. Also discussed are problems and models associated with portfolio analysis and management. 3 or 4 cr.
Asian Field Seminar
GSM IM 845
How do we prepare for the emerging opportunities and challenges that China’s economic development and Asia’s growing presence continue to create? This two-week seminar through six cities in China and Korea provides future global business leaders with an opportunity to contemplate answers to the above question. We visit companies (both multinational and local) competing in this dynamic market, meet governmental officials to hear about policies and implications, learn from local MBA professors about what they see our strengths and weaknesses are, participate in real market activities, and develop a global network of knowledge with local MBA students and BU alumni in the region. Through this process, students will deepen their understanding of the unique nature of opportunities and challenges in the region, become more comfortable with the myriad of cultural and communicational details, and explore professional opportunities located in the region. Permission required. Application available in the SMG Graduate Programs Office, Room 104. 3 or 4 cr.
European Field Seminar
GSM IM 851
Prereq: GSM OB 712/713, AC 710/711, FE 721/722, MK 723/724, QM 716/717, FE 727/730. The European Field Seminar gives students an appreciation of "competing in Europe." The European competitive landscape is changing rapidly. Three Boston-based class sessions introduce students to topics such as the history of the European Union, European Community Law, Member States, European Monetary Union and Competition Policy. During a two-week period, the class visits a variety of organizations in Europe to learn about relevant competition issues; students experience first-hand how firms are dealing with them (or should be dealing with them). The wide variety of sectors covered appeals to broad segments of the MBA population. Permission required. Application available in the SMG Graduate Programs Office, Room 104. 3 or 4 cr.
Global Social Enterprise Field Seminar — Brazil
GSM IM 852
Prereq: GSM OB 712, AC 710, QM 716, and FE 727. This intensive ten-day seminar provides students with a broad understanding of the ways in which business strategies can create value at the base of the economic pyramid. Students gain first hand experience of how businesses, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and government are using models of social enterprise to address social and economic issues in the fields of health, education, and the environment in the context of an emerging market, in this case, Brazil. This study program includes extensive site visits throughout the country to social enterprises, multi-national firms, NGO ventures, and government organizations. Students also hear from a wide variety of Latin American specialists in topic areas. A broad range of topics is covered including: renewable energy, sustainable development, eco-tourism, new models for providing health and education services to underserved populations, social enterprise, micro-enterprise, corporate social responsibility, and public/private partnerships. The course consists of three pre-departure sessions focused on social enterprise, corporate social responsibility, and emerging markets. Students are also expected to select an individual research track of interest for the duration of the seminar. Permission required. Application available in the SMG Graduate Programs Office, Room 104. 3 or 4 cr.
Marketing Research
GSM MK 852
Prereq: GSM MK 723/724, QM 716/717. This course examines a variety of exploratory and survey research approaches and their associated data analysis procedures. It provides participants with state-of-the-art tools for identifying and assessing customer needs and requirements to improve the performance of profit-oriented and public-sector organizations. The course emphasizes a managerial, user-oriented point-of-view. 3 or 4 cr.
Product and Brand Management
GSM MK 854
Prereq: GSM MK 723/724. This is a course about branding, and the ways that brands acquire and sustain value in the marketplace. The course is embedded in sociological, anthropological, and psychological theories of consumer behavior and culture, and relies on these disciplines for insight into effective strategic management of the brand. The cases, readings, in-class discussions, and assignments are designed to provide you with: an understanding of brands as co-creations of consumers, marketers, and cultures, and brand management as a collaborative process of meaning management; a sound foundation in consumer-brand behavior; and a capacity to think creatively and with increased precision about the strategies and tactics involved in building, leveraging, defending, and sustaining strong brands. Select topics we will cover include brand (re)positioning, brand design, brand community, product placements and grassroots marketing, internal branding, brand relationships, brand architecture, brand leverage and extensions, brand metrics, and brand stewardship. A group brand planning project weaves content throughout the course; individual write-ups allow you to explore select branding topics in more detail. Several guest speakers from the branding services, consulting, and practice sides will provide their insights throughout the course. 3 or 4 cr.
Pricing Strategy and Tactics
GSM MK 864
Prereq: GSM MK 723/724. This course focuses on the practical needs of the marketing manager making pricing decisions. Students learn the techniques of strategic analysis necessary to price more profitably by evaluating the price sensitivity of buyers, determining relevant costs, anticipating and influencing competitors' pricing, and formulating an appropriate pricing strategy. 3 or 4 cr.
Negotiations
GSM OB 853
Prereq: GSM OB 712/713. This course uses the theory and research on effective negotiating strategies to build students’ understanding of, and skills for, managing differences and negotiation situations. The course considers, among other topics, the issues of negotiating across functions, between levels, across national and cultural differences, over race and gender differences, and between organizations. Students examine: 1) problems of influence and self-defense in highly competitive "hardball" negotiations; and 2) the art of using differences for creative problem-solving and "mutual gain" outcomes. The emphasis is on developing practical skills for effective negotiations that can be applied to concrete situations. Students should be prepared to learn from their own experiences and practice in this course. 3 or 4 cr.
Managerial Decision-Making
GSM OB 860
Prereq: GSM OB 712/713. This course examines theoretical and practical aspects of decision-making. Using a combination of cases, exercises, and psychological and behavioral instruments, students learn to understand and manage decision making from various perspectives. An emphasis is placed on strategic decisions and crisis decisions in a wide variety of circumstances, including business decisions, personal decisions, and managerial decisions made during several different types of events. There is a detailed analysis of managerial decisions made during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Decisions are analyzed using several models, including rational choice, game theory, organizational and communications structure, context analysis, cognitive mapping, and several psychologically based theories. 3 or 4 cr.
Creating Value Through Operations and Technology
GSM OM 726
Prereq: GSM OB 712/713, AC 710/711, QM 716/717 (MK 723/724 and FE 721/722 recommended). This MBA core course is case-oriented and focuses on topics of use to managers in any environment: process analysis, process improvement, supply chain management, and strategic operations decision-making. The course emphasizes the importance of effectiveness and efficiency and evaluates the potential trade-offs between them. 4 cr.
Project Management
GSM OM 855
MSMBA students must take GSM OM 855 or IS 885 to fulfill their requirement. Projects are increasingly the way that work gets done in companies of all types and sizes. In this course you will learn the strategic dimensions of project management, including critical aspects of project selection, definition, planning, execution, and monitoring. Concepts and approaches for dealing with complexity, uncertainty, vague mandates, temporary staff, partners, stakeholders, dynamic risk, and time-critical deadlines are emphasized. Cases and readings cover a wide range of industry and organizational contexts. This course requires that students apply these topics and considerations to a real project of their choice either by analysis of publicly available information or direct field study. 3 or 4 cr.
Data Analysis for Managerial Decision-Making
GSM QM 717
Prereq: GSM OB 712/713. Managers deal with a large amount of information in quantitative form. Effective managers must understand the conditions under which quantitative techniques may be appropriately applied for decision-making. In this course, students develop skills in using the computer to examine and report data. The focus is on deriving meaning from particular data sets, and the use of statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, and regression/correlation analysis in decision-making. 4 cr.
Current Topics in Law and Ethics
GSM SP 700
Survey of contemporary issues in selected areas of law and ethics. We introduce pivotal areas of law, so that students begin to anticipate legal problems, analyze how to avoid them, and realize how legal principles can be employed to add value in their chosen fields. The subjects are torts, contracts, employment law, securities regulation and corporate governance. We expect that this overview of a few disciplines will encourage students to explore other legal topics relevant to their business interests. We also offer an analytic structure that enables students to identify ethical issues in business, analyze options, and make choices consistent with their own values. 2 cr.
Competition, Innovation, and Strategy
GSM SP 751
Prereq: GSM AC 710/711, MK 723/724, OB 712/713, OM 725/726. An integrative course designed to capitalize on your understanding of finance, operations management, marketing, and other functional issues. The course draws on a number of academic disciplines, especially economics, organization theory, and sociology, to build a fundamental understanding of how and why some firms achieve and sustain superior performance. We also study why some firms persistently generate returns that are lower than average. The course is analytically focused and requires that you evaluate both the external environment and the internal capabilities of organizations. Corporate diversification and global management are important topics that are also featured. GSM students only. 4 cr.
Inventing a Sustainable Future
GSM SP 847
At no other time in human history has one generation faced greater challenges or greater opportunities to shape the future of the planet and its 6.7 Billion inhabitants. “Inventing a Sustainable Future” provides an overview of global sustainability challenges while exposing participants to leading edge science and innovative technological developments and entrepreneurial opportunities in food, water, waste management, energy, transportation, health care, education, and urban development. Students will be asked to develop an integrative and pragmatic proposal for specific solutions to a particular problem, balancing both technological capabilities and economic impacts of solutions against customer needs and social/gov’t policy/regulatory issues and stakeholder issues. 3 or 4 cr.
Emerging Issues in Business Law
GSM SP 861
Introduces graduate business students to fundamentals of legal analysis by focusing on timely legal problems of particular interest to business. Students develop familiarity with substantive legal principles and leave the course with the ability to recognize legal issues, discuss them intelligently, and understand why the lawyers seem incapable of giving a simple answer. The course uses lectures to provide a common foundation of knowledge. It is primarily discussion based, using a question and answer format to engage students in the process of legal analysis. 3 or 4 cr.
Strategy Consulting
GSM SP 865
Prereq: GSM CD 710 or OB 710/711 or OB 712 or OB 713, AC 710/711, FE 727/730, QM 716/717. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of strategy consulting. We will explore dimensions of defining and understanding the strategy consulting assignment, client relationship-management, work methodology, value creation, and presentation and follow up. 3 or 4 cr.
