Business Administration (B.S.)

This undergraduate program is offered by the School of Professional Studies.

Faculty

Ms. Rehva Jones, MBA, Director of Business Programs (program chair)

Description

The Business Administration program offers students in the School of Professional Studies an undergraduate major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Business Administration.

The business administration curriculum immerses students in an intellectually challenging field of study that develops the conceptual, analytical, functional, interpersonal, and communication skills that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and global business environment. Students develop the ability to assess and analyze complex situations, determine the relative importance of internal and external variables affecting organizational objectives, make effective and ethical decisions, and confidently implement ensuing strategies. A variety of teaching methods are employed – including case studies, lectures, class discussions, group projects, and experiential exercises – to assist students in developing a comprehensive, holistic understanding of the issues and challenges involved in organizations and their management.

The following tracks of study are available:

• General Business
• Entrepreneurship

Course work in the Business Administration major is divided into seven categories: core curriculum requirements, co-requisite, professional skills, functional core, concentration tracks, electives and senior seminar courses.[catalog-courses]

Major Requirements

To fulfill the requirements of the B.S. in Business Administration, students must successfully complete required coursework in the following areas:

Core Curriculum Courses (26 credits)

Area I:              Skills for Life & Work                                                    16 credits
Area II:             Understanding Self & Society                                       10 credits
Area III:            Ethics & Moral Reasoning                                            see Co-Requisite

Co-Requisite Courses (12 credits)

ALL of the following courses:
COM 290 Public SpeakingExamines theory and practice of public speaking. Students will prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches. Audience analysis, research, speech organization, delivery and effective persuasive strategies will be covered.
3 credits
FLC Area I
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
ECON 101 Microeconomics ITeaches how to think like an economist and make more informed decisions. Builds models of economic activity that provide a framework for understanding the real world. Explores the supply-demand model of competitive markets, followed by other models that show how markets operate when they aren't purely competitive. Assesses the proper role of government in the marketplace and how government can improve welfare when markets fail to be efficient. ECON 101 is a prerequisite for all higher-level economics courses and fulfills the Social Science General Education requirement.
3 credits
ECON 102 Macroeconomics IPresents key variables that summarize an economy. Uses economic analysis to explain why economies grow over time but also exhibit repeated cycles of boom and bust. Explores government-level policies that affect an economy as a whole, and models for analyzing their effects. Fulfills the Civic Knowledge General Education requirement and is required for upper level economics courses.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 is preferred, but students may take ECON 102 first.
PHIL 245 Ethics IIntroduces the student to social ethics and the concepts of person and community by examining the moral traditions that inform our understanding of the individual. The course traces the focus of ethics from a concern about what kind of person to be to the more modern and narrow concern in how to act in both the public and private domains, acknowledging the ways in which our cultural and historical practices help shape our vision. Formerly PHI 212 The Moral Dimension: Persons and Community.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs Area
Core Area III: Ethics and Moral Reasoning

Co-requisite courses are taken as part of the School of Professional Studies Core Curriculum. The required economics courses fulfill 6 of the 9-credit Social Sciences requirement. If courses other than these are used to meet Core Curriculum requirements, students must take these three courses as part of their Electives; they may not be taken as Business Electives.

Professional Skills Courses (12 credits)

One of the unique features of Trinity’s Business Administration program is the inclusion of a professional skills component. This series of courses develops personal and professional skills that help contribute to success in the workplace.

ALL of the following courses:
ENGL 209 Business WritingFamiliarizes students with basic types of standard business writing, including memos, letters, resumes, reports, and manuals, and with techniques appropriate to such writing. Formerly ENG 384 Business Writing.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ENGL 107
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
JAMS 201 Fundamentals of JournalismIntroduces the fundamentals of news gathering and journalistic writing, including basic newswriting, reporting, and editing techniques. Develops skills of fact-gathering, observation, writing in journalistic style, understanding freedom of information, and ethics. Focuses on rules and styles unique to journalism utilizing the Associated Press Stylebook for news concepts, feature stories, and more.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
BADM 225 Personal Financial ManagementPresents knowledge and skills for understanding and managing real-world personal finances. Explores fundamentals of financial success including career choice, earning potential, and wise spending, saving, and credit decision-making to support effective income planning and reaching personal financial goals. Covers basics of money management, budgeting, taxes, credit, insurance, housing, investments, and retirement planning. Uses Microsoft Excel to build critical thinking and technical competency with spreadsheets and financial analyses; Excel experience is recommended. Formerly BUA 330 Personal Financial Management
3 credits
Pre-requisite: MATH 111
BADM 345 Intermediate Computer Applications for BusinessThe student will engage in intermediate use and application of the Microsoft software applications: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Access and teh interconnectivity between the applications. This course furthers the student's knowledge of the MS Office 2007 Suite by providing hands-on experience with advanced projects and assignments. Student will develop web pages from the documentation created in the course. Successful students will be able to develop procedure for the effective use of the software applications, increase efficiency and productivity through MS Office 2007 Suite integration.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BADM 241 or ISYS 201

Functional Core Courses (30 credits)

These courses cover the functional areas of business administration, providing the student with exposure to the knowledge, concepts, and practices that are central to most business operations.

ALL of the following courses:
BADM 101 Introduction to BusinessThis course provides students with an overview of the core functions and operations of business organizations. Topics discussed include forms of business ownership, research and development, marketing, finance, accounting, production, materials management, and human resource management. Formerly BUA 105 Introduction to Business.
3 credits
BADM 205 Legal Aspects of BusinessOffers a comprehensive overview of the principal legal aspects of business management. Topics include: the legal environment of business; contracts; domestic and international sales; negotiable instruments; creditors rights and bankruptcy; agency; business organization; labor and employment relations; government regulations; property; and, special topics (insurance, wills and trusts, liability of professionals, international and comparative law, and law for entrepreneurs). The overall objective of the course is to become familiar with the subject matter by covering the above topics in readings and class discussion sessions. Formerly BUA 302 Legal Aspects of Business.
3 credits
BADM 213 Quantitative Methods of BusinessProvides students with a sound conceptual understanding of the role quantitative methods play in the decision-making process. Quantitative and mathematical tools used in business for improving the problem-solving process by making it more rational and analytical are explained and examined. The course emphasizes the application of quantitative methods by using problem situations to introduce each of the methods, concepts, and techniques. Topics covered include probability concepts, decision analysis, utility and decision-making, forecasting, linear programming, and project scheduling (PERT/CPM). Formerly BUA 290 Quantitative Methods of Business.
3 credits
BADM 221 Financial AccountingIntroduces the concepts and techniques of financial accounting as prescribed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASBE). Students study and understand balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and journals and ledgers, and how to prepare them. Accounting concepts such as revenue recognition, asset measurement, alternative inventory valuation methods, intangible assets, present value, stockholders equity, and liabilities and interest are also studied. Students come away from the course with an understanding of the importance of accounting in business decision-making. Formerly ACC 235.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110
BADM 223 Managerial AccountingProvides a comprehensive introduction to managerial accounting for business managers, focusing on the principles and practice utilizing realistic business cases. Course emphasizes not the preparer's mode but rather the managerial interpretation and implementation of the work of professional accountants in order to facilitate wise and logical business decision-making. Course stresses basic concepts and the intuitive organizing principles evident in the three primary business management activities: financing, investing, and operating. Topics include process costing, manufacturing costs, cost terms (fixed v. variable, direct v. indirect, and product v. period costs), cost-volume-profit analysis, capital budgeting, and standard costs and variance analysis. Formerly ACC 236 Managerial Accounting and ACC 246 Principles of Accounting II.
Prerequisite BADM 221 Financial Accounting
3 credits
BADM 229 Performance Management and ProductivityStudents in Performance Management and Productivity will examine the relationship between performance management programs with clear and measurable objectives and sustainable productivity. Students will develop performance measurement metrics, which they will apply in programs to improve or sustain good and measurable performance objectives, students will analyze and interpret the results of performance measurement programs.
3 Credits
BADM 101 prior is recommended but not required.
BADM 231 Theory and Practice of MarketingAddresses the principles and processes in the marketing of consumer goods and services and the organizational and environmental variables that have to be managed in order to be successful. Course materials focus on the essential components of the marketing mix, including product development, distribution, pricing policies, and promotional strategies. Formerly MKT 221 Theory and Practice of Marketing.
3 credits
Prerequisite: BADM 226 or BADM 236
BADM 243 Information Systems in OrganizationsProvides an introduction to systems and development concepts, information technology, and application software. The course explains how information is used in organizations and how information technology enables improvement in quality, timeliness, and competitive advantage.
Formerly BUA 223 Theory of Management Information Systems.
Cross-listed with ISYS 211
3 credits
BADM 245 Decision Support SystemsProvides an understanding of organizational systems, planning, and the decision process, and how information is used for decision support in organizations. The course covers quality and decision theory, information theory, and practice essential for providing viable information to the organization. It outlines the concepts of IS for competitive advantage, data as a resource, IS and IT planning and implementation, change and project management. Formerly BUA 230 Decision Support Systems.
Cross-listed with ISYS 213
3 credits
BADM 325 Business Financial ManagementIntroduces the theory and practice of business financial management. Discusses the techniques of financial management such as discounted cash flow, financial statement analysis, cost of capital, capital budgeting and leverage. Capital market theory and functions of capital markets are also examined. Formerly BUA 324 Business Financial Management.
3 credits
Prerequisite: BADM 223; MATH 210 recommended

Concentration Track Courses (21 credits)

Students complete 15 credits in one of the following tracks, each of which is geared toward a particular career objective. A General Business track is offered for those wanting to add additional breadth to their program of study. An Entrepreneurial Track prepares students to meet the challenges of launching and growing a new venture community-  whether as founders, investors, policymakers, managers or executives.

General Business Track
ALL of the following courses:
BADM 227 Team Dynamics and DevelopmentStudents of Team Dynamics and Development explore the psychological dynamics inherent in small groups working as teams and the processes they might use to be more effective in developing cooperation and communication, while achieving their mission. Students assess a team's ability to inclusively engage in conflict, share power, express creativity to solve problems and make decisions.
3 Credits
BADM 101 prior is recommended but not required.
BADM 236 Theories of LeadershipThis course will survey significant leadership theories, discuss current leadership issues (ethics, motivation, conflict) and relate theory to practice through case discussion.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 110, or EXSC 321 (exercise science students only) or by Permission of Instructor
BADM 335 Consumer BehaviorRefers to the behavior that consumers display in searching for, using, evaluating and disposing of products and services to satisfy their needs. The study of consumer behavior is the study of how individuals make decisions to spend their available resources (time, money, effort) on consumption-related items. Relying heavily on case studies, the course requires students to understand and predict consumer behavior. Formerly MKT 322 Consumer Behavior.
3 credits
Prerequisite: BADM 231
BADM 355 Business Plan DevelopmentFocuses on methods for entrepreneurs and small businesses to find and develop new business opportunities, including initial capitalization through partners and other investors. Includes a detailed study of the management of business personnel and associates, the analysis of competition in the marketplace, and the forecasting of business growth. Students learn how to define objectives, strategies, and action plans, forecast sales and expenses, prepare profit and loss statements, predict and manage cash flow, and determine sales and marketing strategies, among other key topics. Students are required to identify and define new business opportunities and to prepare related business plans.
3 credits
BADM 363 Human Resources Law and Employee SafetyStudents in this course will survey employment law, and HR's role in compliance, including the National Labor Relations Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, COBRA, HIPAA, Title VII each of which have dramatically changed the relationship between employer and employee. Additionally, students will analyze the impact of employment law in issues, such as: Harassment, discrimination, and the role of the human resources administrator in implementing and enforcing policies and practices.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 371 is required and BADM 101 is recommended.
BADM 375 Introduction to Organizational DevelopmentApplies behavioral science theories and techniques to assess the current health of an organization and its ability to adapt to environmental changes, improve internal relationships, and increase its problem-solving capabilities thereby increasing effectiveness. The course studies the essential steps for achieving change at the individual, group, and organizational level necessary to adapt to the dynamic external environment. The course also examines processes and outcomes of planned change efforts in organizations. Fomerly MGT 357 Introduction to Organizational Development.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 251 or BADM 373
BADM 451 Project ManagementPresents an introduction to the principles and concepts of project management, an essential tool for the business professional in both the federal and commercial sectors. The course addresses all aspects of the project cycle. Topics include project initiation, project planning, team selection, project monitoring and control, risk management, and project closeout. Emphasis is placed on how to identify and meet schedule, cost, and technical constraints while focusing on customer needs. Formerly BUA 401 Project Management.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 251

 Entrepreneurship Track
ALL of the following courses:
BADM 252 EntrepreneurshipDevelops entrepreneurial skills through analysis and examination of the strategies employed by today's most successful entrepreneurs. The case study approach is utilized. Students learn about the entrepreneurial process, and about the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs starting new business ventures. Identifying promising new opportunities, developing business concepts and marketing plans, and managing a new venture are integral components of this course.
Prerequisite: BADM 101
3 credits
BADM 335 Consumer BehaviorRefers to the behavior that consumers display in searching for, using, evaluating and disposing of products and services to satisfy their needs. The study of consumer behavior is the study of how individuals make decisions to spend their available resources (time, money, effort) on consumption-related items. Relying heavily on case studies, the course requires students to understand and predict consumer behavior. Formerly MKT 322 Consumer Behavior.
3 credits
Prerequisite: BADM 231
BADM 337 Advertising and PromotionStudies promotional activity and marketing communication as they relate to the theory of exchange and the existence of an informational gap between procedures or products (goods, services and ideas) and the potential consumer. The tools of promotion include advertising, personal selling, reseller support, publicity and sales promotion. Decisions about the promotional mix, message, media and their selection and execution are discussed. Formerly MKT 343 Advertising and Promotion.
3 credits
Prerequisite: BADM 231
BADM 351 Entrepreneurial Finance and Resource DevelopmentFocuses on principles of corporate and financial management, financial statement analysis and interpretation, effective planning, budgeting and financial control, financial risk assessments, and fundamentals of basic financial planning for new and small businesses. Includes in-depth discussion and analysis of entrepreneurial resource development and human resource management and development. Incorporates the study of ethical business decisions in the small business environment.
3 credits
BADM 355 Business Plan DevelopmentFocuses on methods for entrepreneurs and small businesses to find and develop new business opportunities, including initial capitalization through partners and other investors. Includes a detailed study of the management of business personnel and associates, the analysis of competition in the marketplace, and the forecasting of business growth. Students learn how to define objectives, strategies, and action plans, forecast sales and expenses, prepare profit and loss statements, predict and manage cash flow, and determine sales and marketing strategies, among other key topics. Students are required to identify and define new business opportunities and to prepare related business plans.
3 credits
BADM 375 Introduction to Organizational DevelopmentApplies behavioral science theories and techniques to assess the current health of an organization and its ability to adapt to environmental changes, improve internal relationships, and increase its problem-solving capabilities thereby increasing effectiveness. The course studies the essential steps for achieving change at the individual, group, and organizational level necessary to adapt to the dynamic external environment. The course also examines processes and outcomes of planned change efforts in organizations. Fomerly MGT 357 Introduction to Organizational Development.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 251 or BADM 373
BADM 451 Project ManagementPresents an introduction to the principles and concepts of project management, an essential tool for the business professional in both the federal and commercial sectors. The course addresses all aspects of the project cycle. Topics include project initiation, project planning, team selection, project monitoring and control, risk management, and project closeout. Emphasis is placed on how to identify and meet schedule, cost, and technical constraints while focusing on customer needs. Formerly BUA 401 Project Management.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 251

 Electives (16 credits)

Five 3-credit courses and one 1-credit course

Senior Seminar (3 credits)

This course provides students with the opportunity to synthesize the information, concepts, and skills acquired throughout the Business Administration Program. It is taken at the end of one’s course of study.

BADM 499 Senior SeminarIntegrates the functional areas of business, international business, and professional ethics, with a strong emphasis on the synthesis of knowledge and skills gained throughout the business administration curriculum and on understanding the impact of strategic decisions upon the performance of organizations. The course relies heavily on case study analyses and assists in preparing students for entry into the business world or graduate studies. Formerly BUA 480 Senior Seminar.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 328 and BADM 426; PHIL 353; MATH 210 Senior Seminar

Program Policies

Advanced Placement: Credit earned through AP exams may not be applied toward the major.

CLEP Policy:Credits earned through CLEP examinations may fulfill requirements of the Business Administration program. Students interested in pursuing CLEP examinations should consult with their program chair.

Cross-tallied Courses:Cross-tallied courses are identical courses offered with a different program prefix. Students may not enroll in or receive credit for more than one iteration of a cross-tallied course even in different semesters.

Grades in Major Courses:Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major.

Pass/No Pass:The pass/no pass grading option only applies to BADM 491: Internship.

Senior Assessment:All majors are required to take BADM 499 Senior Seminar at Trinity.

Study Abroad: Students are encouraged to plan their studies to allow for the possibility of study abroad to obtain a greater understanding of how global economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural issues influence domestic and multinational organizations. Prior discussions with an academic advisor are necessary to ensure that the courses taken abroad may be applied toward major credit.

TELL Policy: Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the Program Chair.

Transfer Credits: Credits in courses equivalent to those required for the major from a similar institution may be accepted toward a major. Students majoring in Business Administration must take a minimum of four courses (12 credits) in business administration major courses at Trinity, one of the four courses taken must be BADM 499 Senior Seminar.

Course Descriptions