Business Management (BUSM)

BUSM 1300 Introduction to Business 3 Credits

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamic U.S. and global business environment by exploring contemporary business functions such as management, marketing, finance, production, and human resources. It emphasizes ethical decision-making, corporate social responsibility, and the impact of technological innovation in today’s competitive marketplace. Students will gain foundational knowledge and practical insights necessary for further study in business disciplines and for understanding the evolving challenges faced by businesses globally.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 1330 Business Ethics 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the relevance and importance of ethics in business. It examines ethical considerations and dilemmas facing organizations, managers, and employees, and develops ethical decision-making skills with a stakeholder focus. Students will become familiar with business ethics views and theories, corporate social responsibility policies and practices, and the application of sustainability to business decisions.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 1400 Professional Personal Selling 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300 or permission of instructor.

This course develops the knowledge and skills needed for success in professional selling. Students learn how to build trust-based customer relationships, adapt to buyer needs, and communicate solutions effectively. Emphasis is placed on consultative selling, effective communication strategies, sales process stages, and self-management. Role-playing and experiential activities allow students to practice and refine sales techniques applicable to both product and service industries.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 1500 International Business in a Global Environment 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300 or permission of instructor.

This course introduces how businesses operate across borders in a globalized economy. It examines how political, economic, legal, and cultural environments shape international business decisions, and explores the reasons countries trade and how trade policies influence global markets. Key topics include corporate social responsibility and sustainability, foreign market entry strategies, currency exchange, global supply chain management, international marketing adaptation, and managing a global workforce. The course emphasizes practical understanding of both the opportunities and challenges of conducting business in diverse global contexts.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 1620 Introduction to Entrepreneurship (CTAG) 3 Credits

This course explores entrepreneurial opportunities and investigates the various considerations and skills necessary in establishing a small business. Students will learn about the process for conceiving, launching, and developing a business in a competitive market. Topics pertaining to the small business include competitive strategies, small business resources, ethics, legal issues, financing options, regulatory requirements, marketing, and the role of the business plan.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 1700 Principles of E-Business 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300.

This course offers a comprehensive study of electronic commerce as a key component of modern business strategy and operations. Students will explore the technologies, business models, and social dimensions that shape how goods, services, and information are exchanged in the digital economy. Emphasizing both theory and real-world practice, the course provides students with the knowledge and analytical tools needed to understand, evaluate, and implement e-commerce solutions in diverse business environments.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2000 Principles of Management (TAG) 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300 or permission of department chair.

This advanced course is an in-depth study of the classic management functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling. It supplies techniques for carrying out each of these functions. Students will participate in extended discussion and practice decision-making and problem-solving techniques.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2100 Business Law I (CTAG, TAG) 3 Credits

This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of important business law concepts. Content areas include the legal environment and judicial system, the nature and sources of law, administrative law, legal procedures, business torts, property in the business environment, criminal law, employment relationship and equal employment, business ethics and social responsibility in the global environment, contract law, agency, partnerships and corporations, sole proprietorships and franchises, and securities regulation. The course emphasizes practical application of the law where appropriate.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2150 Business Law II 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 2100 or permission of instructor.

This course provides students with substantive areas of law not presented in BUSM 2100 Business Law I. Primary content areas focus on Articles 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, including sales and lease contracts, negotiable instruments, debtor-creditor relationships and bankruptcy. In addition it includes government regulation such as antitrust, consumer and employment law as well as personal and real property, insurance, wills, and trusts. Topical presentations include analysis and discussion of current issues, ethics, and statutory and case law. The course emphasizes practical application of the law where appropriate.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2250 Leadership Development 3 Credits

The central focus of this specialized course is the development of leaders and leadership skills. It provides a basic understanding of leadership, theories of group dynamics, and the moral and ethical responsibilities of leadership. It also assists students in developing their own style of leadership.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2300 Human Resource Management 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300.

This course offers an introduction to human resources (HR) functions, including talent acquisition, training and development, compensation and benefits, and employee relations. The course explores how to implement these functions to cultivate a strong and representative workforce. It emphasizes HR as a collaborative partnership between HR professionals and operating managers, working together to achieve organizational goals. Current trends and relevant legislation are integrated throughout, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the role of HR management in the organization. Students will explore various HR career paths, from generalist roles to specialized positions, allowing them to identify potential areas of career interest.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2330 Employment Practices 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 2300 or permission of instructor.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary employment practices and methods, incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives with the goal of developing an understanding of how to build a fair and inclusive workplace throughout the entire employment process. Technical skills, including conducting a job analysis, defining job requirements, crafting compelling job descriptions, and utilizing effective recruitment and selection strategies—both domestically and internationally—will be explored.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2350 Labor-Management Relations 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 2300 or permission of instructor.

This course examines the complex and dynamic relationship between labor and management in today’s workplace equipping students with an understanding of current issues and best practices in labor-management relations. It includes an examination of the historical development of labor relations, key legal frameworks, the role of unions, the collective bargaining process, and strategies for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2370 Compensation and Benefits 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 2300 or permission of instructor.

This course examines the design, implementation, and management of compensation and benefits programs within organizations. It covers the principles, practices, and regulatory framework of compensation and benefits programs, integrating strategic and operational aspects. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic role of compensation and benefits in attracting, retaining, and motivating employees. Students will learn to design and manage effective compensation and benefits programs that align with organizational goals and comply with legal requirements.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2380 Training Skills and Techniques 3 Credits

This specialized course for employees and supervisors offers practical introduction of all aspects of training. It includes vocabulary, adult learning principles, organizational needs analyses, learning objectives, various group and individual training approaches, assessment techniques, lesson design skills, and structure and implementation of training. The course covers an overview of the training field, use of multi-media and training facilities design. Students will develop and present formal training sessions.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2400 Business Communication (TAG) 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ENGL 1110 or ENGL 1111.

This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of important oral and written skills in the business environment. This course includes practical application of oral and written communication skills in a simulated business setting. Students will develop and enhance their skills in researching, planning, writing, editing, and presenting a diversity of business communication. Additionally, emphasis on the process of writing, tone and style, and business correspondence utilizing a diversity of formats will be a major part of this course. Development and improvement of oral and employment communication, including resumes, job interview techniques, and business presentation style, is a component of this course.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2500 Principles of Marketing (TAG) 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300, ECON 2600 (can be taken concurrently).

This course covers activities, analysis, strategies, and decision making in the context of the environment of marketing and other business functions. Topics include: integration of product, price, promotion, and distribution activities; research and analysis of markets, environments, competition, and customers; market segmentation and selection of target markets; and emphasis on behavior and perspectives of consumer and organizational customers. The course also covers planning and decision making for products and services in profit and nonprofit, domestic and global settings.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2520 Marketing of Services 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 2500 or permission of instructor.

This specialized course focuses on the fundamental complexity present in marketing for service-based firms in both profit and not for profit businesses. Topics include strategic planning for competitive advantage, creation of exemplary service enterprises, managing service quality perception, the service process, leadership essentials in services, internal marketing, marketing communications, service marketing planning, and audits.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2530 Advertising (TAG) 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 2500.

This specialized course focuses on advertising as a strategic element in the marketing of goods, services and ideas. Using research-based criteria, students will develop the ability to recognize outstanding advertising and to prepare an advertising campaign plan. Course content includes integrated marketing communications, media selection, creating advertisements, effectiveness, copy writing, headline writing, direct marketing, local advertising, publicity, sales promotion, and organizational structure.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2550 Direct and Digital Marketing 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 2500 or permission of instructor.

This course explores direct and digital marketing strategies and techniques, while emphasizing practical skills for today’s fast-paced marketing environment. Students will learn how to create, implement, and measure targeted campaigns using broadcast and print media and across various digital platforms, including social media, email, and mobile apps. The course covers essential topics, such as customer relationship management (CRM), customer segmentation, data-driven marketing, content strategy, and the role of analytics in decision-making.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2570 Principles of Supply Chain Management 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300.

This course provides students with an overview of the key concepts, processes, and methodologies of supply chain management. The course will explore the impact the supply chain has on business and the economy. Students will gain knowledge of the planning and management of all activities surrounding sourcing, procurement, and conversion of resources as well as logistics management activities. Students will explore the coordination and collaboration with channel partners who include suppliers, intermediaries, third party service providers, and customers, while keeping focused on the supply chain’s role in the firm’s ability to add customer value.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2640 Managing Entrepreneurial Ventures 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1620 or permission of instructor.

This course explores the entrepreneur’s role in the management and planning of a small business. Topics include marketing and promotion, product and supply chain management, human resources management, operations management, assets management, and business planning. Students will also address and analyze risk assessment, global opportunities, and current small business topics.

(3 contact hours)

BUSM 2800 Business Co-op Experience 1-4 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300, completion of at least 12 other credits, concurrent enrollment in at least one other course, minimum 2.5 GPA, approval of experiential education coordinator.

In this specialized cooperative course, students gain real life work experience and earn wages under the guidance of a faculty member and company supervisor. Currently employed students may qualify at their existing job; others may apply for employment from a list of local organizations offering cooperative work positions. College level co-op work experience requires developing new program-related skills, not simply performing tasks for which the student is already qualified. Under state guidelines, students may register for 1 credit for each unit of 180 hours of employment during the semester. Students may repeat this course until they accumulate 9 credits. NOTE: Students may apply a maximum of 9 credits in cooperative work experience, or in any combination of cooperative work experience, field experience, and/or practicum to an associate degree program.

BUSM 2900 Special Topics in Business 1-3 Credits

Prerequisite: BUSM 1300.

These specialized courses provide in-depth examination of business-related topics not covered in detail elsewhere in the curriculum.

(1-3 contact hours)

BUSM 3110 Lean Six Sigma 3 Credits

Prerequisite: Placement into college level Math and English.

This course prepares students to understand and apply Lean Six Sigma Green Belt principles in industrial, laboratory, and technical environments. Students will learn process mapping, root cause analysis, variation reduction, data visualization, and continuous improvement strategies. Emphasis is placed on technician-level application and passing the Green Belt certification exam. This course is cross listed with ENGR 2110.

(3 contact hours)