PH.D. IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

                                    COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

Foundation Courses

 

Areas of Specialization

Accounting
Finance
Information Systems
Management
Marketing
 

Minor Field

 

Dissertation


FOUNDATION COURSES

 

1.         BUAD 700

Quantitative Methods

3 credit hours

 

This course provides intensive coverage of mathematics principles, techniques, and applications relevant to the study of management, economics, and finance.

 

2.         BUAD 701

Applied Statistics

3 credit hours

 

This course provides an overview of mathematical statistics with particular emphasis on regression analysis and statistical modeling.  The basic focus is to introduce students to the use of regression analysis and other techniques as tools for conducting empirical research.

 

3.         BUAD 702

Foundations of Scientific Research

3 credit hours

 

This course introduces a range of traditions from the social sciences to highlight different positions from a philosophy of science and epistemology perspective.  It focuses on critical issues that guide contemporary research, including dominant conceptual paradigms in various disciplines, research design, hypothesis development, and the application of quantitative and qualitative techniques.

 

4.         BUAD 703

Measurement Theory and Method

3 credit hours

 

This seminar provides a broad understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues in social science research.  It includes an in-depth review of the basic principles of measurement (i.e., Classical Test Theory, reliability, and validity).  It also emphasizes scale development and assessment procedures, with the aim of bringing together substantive and methodological issues in measurement.

 

5.         BUAD 704

Qualitative Research Methods

3 credit hours

 

This course covers three broad areas:

·         Nature and underpinnings of qualitative research, including the politics and ethics of qualitative inquiry;

·         Major strategies used to perform qualitative research;

·         Methods and problems of gathering, analyzing and interpreting qualitative data.

 

6.         FIN 820

Microeconomic Theory

3 credit hours

 

This course provides a comprehensive coverage of economics theories explaining the behavior of firms, individuals, and markets.

 

7.         FIN 821

Macroeconomic Analysis

3 credit hours

 

This course focuses on theories explaining the functioning of national economies and the international economic environment.  Emphasis is placed on both classical and current theories.

 

8.         MGMT 860

Seminar in Organizational Behavior

3 credit hours

 

Scientific theories of individual and group behavior are examined and applied to topics such as leadership, managerial risk-taking, organization culture and change processes.  Processes of perception, judgment, attribution and decision making are studied.  Finally, since organizational behavior occurs mostly in social settings, the course introduces the social psychological effects of social settings on behavior with respect to motivation, performance, job satisfaction, group processes and organization justice.

 

9.         MGMT 861

Seminar in Organization Theory

3 credit hours

 

In this seminar, doctoral students are introduced to the principal theoretical perspectives in organization theory, such as resource dependence theory, institutional theory, structural-contingency theory, population ecology and transaction-cost analysis.  These perspectives are used to guide understanding of organization change, innovation and effectiveness in corporate settings.  In addition, empirical research is examined to illustrate how different theoretical perspectives require different empirical research methodologies.

 

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AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

 

ACCOUNTING

 

1.         ACCT 800

Financial Accounting Seminar

3 credit hours

 

This course focuses on current accounting theory and financial accounting research with emphasis on pronouncements by professional organizations and governmental agencies.

 

2.         ACCT 801

Managerial Accounting Seminar    

3 credit hours

 

This course provides an in-depth exposure to current research issues relating to managerial accounting and decision-making in the areas of cost accumulation and Product Costing, Planning and Control.

 

3.         ACCT 802

Taxation Seminar

3 credit hours

 

Examines federal income taxation of sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, fiduciaries, and individuals with an emphasis on tax consequences of business and investment decisions.   Enhances ability to identify, analyze, and provide potential approaches via review of exiting relevant literature while examining accepted and innovative modes of research methodology.

 

4.         ACCT 803                   

Auditing Seminar                               

3 credit hours

 

This course focuses on providing an in depth analysis of current auditing issues. Auditing is approached as a decision-making risk based discipline. An in depth analysis of the different decision and judgment models are examined in an auditing context.

 

5.         ACCT 804

Accounting Information Systems Seminar

3 credit hours

 

Examines contemporary issues in accounting information systems, including alternative processing methods, system evaluation and selection, and computer-based audit and security.  Enhances ability to identify, analyze, and provide potential solutions to persistent and current accounting information systems issues.  Focus includes theoretical and practical approaches via review of exiting relevant literature while examining accepted and innovative modes of research methodology.

 

6.         ACCT 805

Accounting Research Seminar

3 credit hours

 

This is a foundation level accounting seminar that provides an overview of methodology used in accounting research. Topics include the research process, principles of research design, implementation and evaluation of accounting research. Literature in areas such as accounting experiments, financial market research and agency problem research is reviewed and discussed with a focus on the methodology used.

 

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FINANCE

 

1.         FIN 822

Theory of Corporate Finance

3 credit hours

 

This seminar provides an in-depth review of classical and current literature in corporate financial management. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical aspects of the literature.

 

2.         FIN 823

Seminar in Investment Analysis

3 credit hours

 

This seminar is an integrated study of the major theoretical paradigms underlying modern investment research. Particular attention is paid to current advances in investment theory and applications.

 

3.         FIN 824

Financial Economics

3 credit hours

 

This course provides an examination of the economics theories underlying finance. Topics include basic valuation theory, one-period models and multi-period investments models, capital market equilibrium models; general equilibrium and rational expectation models; asset pricing, money, credit, and liquidity constraints; investment decisions under certainty and uncertainty, and current advances in financial economics.

 

4.         FIN 825

Applied Econometric Methods

3 credit hours

 

This course examines a variety of quantitative methods that are crucial to understanding analytical methods used in financial research.  Emphasis is placed on understanding the theoretical and foundations and the applications of such quantitative methods.

 

5.         FIN 826

Empirical Research in Finance

3 credit hours

 

The course focuses on empirical techniques with specific emphasis on current research in the field of finance. Some of the topics discussed will include application of multivariate and nonlinear methods, events-studies, asset prices mean-variance estimation techniques using ARCH, GARCH, etc. and other current estimation methods in finance.

 

6.         FIN 830

Derivatives Markets

3 credit hours

 

The course examines the theories underlying the analysis and management of derivative securities.  Quantitative applications in the field are also examined.

 

7.         FIN 831

International Finance Seminar

3 credit hours

 

This seminar covers areas of active research in international finance including dynamics of purchasing power parity, foreign exchange market efficiency, exchange rate risks management techniques, theories of trading firms and multinational corporations.

 

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INFORMATION SYSTEMS

 

1.         INSS 840

Foundation in Information Systems

3 credit hours

 

Explores and discusses the interdisciplinary nature of information technology.  Examines the assumptions, concepts, theories, and methodologies that inform research about the behavioral aspects of information technology.  Pedagogical issues and techniques are also studied.

 

2.         INSS 841

Information Systems Strategy

3 credit hours

 

Examines the information technology industry and outlines tools for formulating and evaluating information technology strategy, including an introduction to the economics of technical change, models of technological evolution, and models of organizational dynamics and innovation.

 

3.         INSS 842

Information Systems Seminar I

3 credit hours

 

Current issues and practices in the strategic management of information technology are analyzed and discussed by leaders from industry and government.  Examines different approaches to managing the information technology function within a broad organizational context.

 

4.         INSS 843

Information Systems Seminar II

3 credit hours

 

Opportunity for group study on current topics related to information technology.  Current topics include, but not limited to, Electronic Commerce, Data Mining, and Data Warehousing.

 

5.         INSS 850

Dynamics of Information Systems in Organizations

3 credit hours

 

This course explores concepts, framework, tools techniques, and processes that assist management in its interaction with and directions of computer-based information systems today.  Emphasis on redesign of information flows to meet the needs of functional areas of business.

 

6.         INSS 851

Knowledge–Based Information Systems

3 credit hours

 

Focuses on discussion of knowledge-based tools, techniques, and applications utilizing a significant amount of knowledge about functional business areas.  Case studies from a number of business domains are selected for analysis.

 

7.         INSS 852

Enterprise–Wide Infrastructure

3 credit hours

 

Explores critical issues of communications and connectivity among information systems from strategic, organizational, and technical perspective.  Strategic, physical, logical, and organizational connectivity is examined.

 

8.         INSS 853

Management of Databases

3 credit hours

 

Examines the interlocking technological and managerial issues that arise in the operation of distributed systems with emphasis on integrating database technologies and project management tools.  Focuses on analysis and solutions for business problems in a distributed environment.  

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MANAGEMENT

 

1.         MGMT 870

Seminar in Human Resource Management

3 credit hours

 

An examination of selected theoretical and empirical literature describing the management of various activities designed to enhance the effectiveness of an organization's work force.

 

2.         MGMT 871

Seminar in Business & Society

3 credit hours

 

A reading seminar treating classic and current readings dealing with interactions between business and its environment, particularly those involving non-economic stakeholders.  Includes stakeholder analysis and other approaches to the non-economic tasks of the Chief Executive Officer and other General Managers.  Understanding of ethical issues involved is emphasized, including understanding differing ethical systems of analysis and cultural differences.  Included are issues in validating research, corporate public affairs management, and other current topics in the field.

 

3.         MGMT 872

Seminar in Strategic Management

3 credit hours

 

The seminar covers the major writings in the field of strategic management.  Treats quantitative and qualitative approaches to the economic tasks of the Chief Executive Officer and other General Managers, including the integration of all functional portions of organizations.  Included are International Strategy, Corporate & Business Unit strategies, and current topics.

 


4.         MGMT 873

Comparative Management Systems

3 credit hours

 

This seminar examines management practices and behavior in different countries and geographic areas.  Assessment is made of the influence of socio-cultural factors, contextual variables such as size, technology, and market conditions in determining key characteristics of management systems.  Emphasis is also placed on analyzing important issues in cross-national and cross-cultural management research.

 

5.         MGMT 874

International Business Seminar

3 credit hours

 

This is an intensive survey of the theoretical, conceptual, and empirical literature covering the strategic management of multinational companies.  As a survey course it covers the various functional aspects of global business operations at the strategic level.  Particular attention is placed on examining the multi-disciplinary nature of the literature in this field of study.

 

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MARKETING

 

1.         MKTG 880

Foundations of Marketing

3 credit hours

 

This course is designed to review and evaluate the classical and contemporary foundation literature of the marketing discipline.  It will focus on the definition, domain, and scope of marketing, history of marketing thought, institutional foundations, marketing systems and social processes, and contemporary perspectives.

 

2.         MKTG 881

Consumer and Organizational Buying Behavior

3 credit hours

 

This seminar examines the literature to provide a solid foundation for consumer behavior analysis from a cross-disciplinary perspective.  Coverage is given to research in psychology, organizational behavior, decision sciences and marketing that relate to various aspects of buyer behavior.  Emphasis is placed on critical evaluation of the research, as well as on identifying topics that warrant further exploration.

 

3.         MKTG 882

Seminar in Strategy and Global Marketing

3 credit hours

 

This course examines current literature and cutting edge issues in a variety of marketing areas.  The approach is based on student exposure to an intensive series of modules as indicated below by the following examples:

 

Marketing Strategy: This module presents an overview of issues relating to planning, innovation, competitive strategy, and marketing program development.

 

Global Marketing: This module focuses on the strategic issues associated with marketing in diverse international environments.

 

4.         MKTG 883

Multivariate Techniques

3 credit hours

 

This course provides a broad understanding of the assumptions, principles and applications of a wide range of multivariate data analytic techniques regularly used in contemporary marketing research.  It features techniques such as Principal Components/Factor Analysis, Canonical Correlation Analysis, Multiple Discriminate Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Regression and Path Analysis, and Latent Variable Structural Equations Modeling.  This course involves extensive use of statistical packages (e.g., SPSS, SAS, LISREL, and/or EQS.)

 

5.         MKTG 884

Research Implementation

3 credit hours

 

This course aims at getting students to develop a publishable article.  Emphasis is placed on students identifying an issue of importance and carrying out to a full-fledge research process.

 

6.         MKTG 890

Social Issues and Public Policy in Marketing

3 credit hours

 

The course focuses on exploring current issues of interest relating to societal marketing e.g. operations in urban areas, entrepreneurship, retail location decisions, marketing of social programs, consumer behavior of minorities, and ethical aspects of marketing to inner-city populations.

 

7.         MKTG 891

Special Topics in Marketing

3 credit hours

 

This course focuses on areas of current interest in marketing, especially as it relates to the marketing mix.  Emphasis is placed on examining cutting edge issues and research in the field.  It is aimed at helping students gain in-depth knowledge of a particular issue.

 

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MINOR FIELD

 

1.         BUAD 710

Learning Theory

3 credit hours

 

A basic objective in this course is to help students develop skills in using psychological principles and techniques to motivate and improve the learning behavior of their students. The course focuses on developing an ability to recognize and respond to learning style differences among college-level students.  A variety of approaches to the identification and measurement of student learning styles are examined.  Emphasis is also placed on understanding the role of culture, gender, and age in determining these differences.

 


2.         BUAD 711

Instructional Methods

3 credit hours

 

Instructional techniques, procedures, and methods, appropriate for college-level business subjects, and theories underlying them are discussed.  Students are encouraged to focus on methods that are particularly useful in their various areas of specialization.  Consideration is also given to such issues as goal setting, selecting instructional methods, measuring learning outcomes, teaching evaluation, and the role of instructional technology.

 

3.         BUAD 712

Case Research and Teaching

3 credit hours

 

This course focuses on the development and use of cases as a tool in business education.  Students are expected to develop a preliminary case study as part of the course requirements.  Particular attention is paid to techniques used to involve and motivate students for case study learning, and increase their participation in class discussions.

 

4.         BUAD 713

Teaching Practicum

3 credit hours

 

This is a capstone supervised teaching experience where doctoral candidates are assigned full responsibility for a course under the guidance of a senior faculty member.  The course goes beyond the traditional teaching assist role in that there is close supervision with frequent assessment, evaluation, and feedback over the entire semester.

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DISSERTATION

 

1.         BUAD 900-901

Dissertation Seminar I

6 credit hours

 

Seminar focuses on guiding students to prepare a dissertation proposal under the guidance of a dissertation committee. 

 

2.         BUAD 902-903

Dissertation Seminar II

6 credit hours

 

Seminar prepares students for completing and defending a dissertation under the guidance of a dissertation committee.

 

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