Exploring Core Business Principles

Wondering which MBA courses you'll need to master the business world? From strategies in finance and innovations in marketing to understanding good business ethics practices, an MBA gives you the skill set you'll need to land top leadership roles in business. We'll share everything you need to know about MBA courses and how they can help set you on your dream career path in business.

Key Points About Pepperdine University's MBA Courses

• Pepperdine University's MBA program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on core business disciplines such as financial management, marketing strategy, and organizational leadership, paired with customization through concentrations like Business Analytics, Digital Innovation and Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Leadership and Managing Organizational Change, and Marketing.
• Operational efficiency, supply chain mastery, and project management proficiency are key areas within Pepperdine's MBA, designed to teach students critical skills needed to handle resource optimization, adapt to supply chain disruptions, and manage projects using various methodologies.
• The MBA experience at Pepperdine extends beyond academics into hands-on internships, co-curricular activities, global business engagement, and extracurricular participation.
  
  

What Does an MBA Program Cover?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program covers core business subjects such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and management. It also includes elective courses for specialization in areas like entrepreneurship, international business, and healthcare management.

Practical experience through capstone projects or internships, soft skills development, and a global perspective are key components in preparing graduates for leadership roles across various industries.

Financial Management

MBA courses teach Financial Management Fundamentals by focusing on key principles and practices that are essential for making informed financial decisions within an organization.

These courses typically cover:

• Financial Analysis and Reporting: Understanding and interpreting financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to assess a company's financial health and incorporate it into a business strategy.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Learning how to create and manage budgets, forecast future financial performance, and plan for financial needs.
• Investment Decision-Making: Evaluating investment opportunities through techniques like net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period, to determine the best projects to fund.
• Capital Structure and Funding: Analyzing different sources of funding, such as debt and equity, and understanding how to structure a company's capital to optimize financial performance and minimize risk.
• Risk Management: Identifying and managing financial risks through various strategies, including diversification, hedging, and insurance.
• Corporate Finance: Covering broader financial strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, dividend policy, and corporate governance.
  
  

Marketing Strategies

In an MBA program, students learn about various marketing management strategies to effectively reach and engage target audiences.

Key strategies covered include:

• Market Research and Analysis: Understanding consumer behavior and market trends; conducting surveys, focus groups, and data analysis to gather insights.
• Branding: Developing and managing a brand identity; creating brand equity and positioning in the market.
• Digital Marketing: Utilizing online platforms, social media, and email marketing; search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing strategies.
• Product Development and Management: Strategies for launching new products and managing product life cycles; innovating and improving products based on customer feedback.
• Pricing Strategies: Setting competitive and profitable prices; understanding price elasticity and psychological pricing tactics.
• Integrated Marketing Communications: Coordinating advertising, public relations, sales promotions, and direct marketing; creating cohesive and consistent messaging across all channels.
• Sales and Distribution: Developing effective sales strategies and managing sales teams; distribution channel management and logistics.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Building and maintaining strong customer relationships; leveraging CRM systems to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  
  

Organizational Behavior and Leadership

MBA students studying Organizational Behavior and Leadership learn about:

• Team Dynamics and Collaboration: Understanding how teams form, develop, and operate.
• Motivation and Performance Theories: Exploring various theories of motivation such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Herzberg's two-factor theory and techniques to boost employee motivation, engagement, and overall performance.
• Leadership Styles and Theories: Studying different leadership styles, including transformational, transactional, and situational leadership and how to apply these theories to effectively lead and inspire teams in various organizational contexts.
• Organizational Culture and Change: Analyzing the impact of organizational culture on employee behavior and performance.
• Conflict Resolution Techniques: Identifying common sources of conflict within teams and organizations.
• Effective Communication Strategies: Developing skills for clear and effective communication and learning how to convey ideas, provide feedback, and engage in active listening.
• Decision-Making Processes: Understanding different decision-making models and processes.
• Influence and Power in Organizations: Studying the dynamics of power and influence within organizations and how to ethically leverage influence to achieve organizational goals.
• Managing Diversity and Inclusion: Exploring the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and strategies for creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
• Ethical Leadership and Corporate Responsibility: Understanding the principles of ethical leadership and how to promote corporate social responsibility and ethical behavior within organizations.
  
  

Supply Chain Management

MBA courses on supply chain management cover:

• Logistics and Operations Management: Understanding the planning and coordination of the movement of goods from suppliers to customers.
• Procurement: Learning strategies for sourcing and purchasing raw materials and services.
  Inventory Management: Studying techniques to optimize inventory levels and reduce holding costs.
• Demand Forecasting: Using data analysis to predict future demand and give businesses a competitive advantage.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers for better collaboration and performance.
• Distribution Strategies: Exploring methods for efficient distribution of products to various markets.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks within the supply chain.
• Sustainability: Learning about sustainable practices and their importance in the supply chain.
• Technology in Supply Chain: Understanding the role of technologies like ERP systems, RFID, and blockchain in enhancing supply chain efficiency.
• Global Supply Chain Management: Managing supply chain operations across different countries and regions.
  
  

Project Management Proficiency

Project Management Proficiency refers to the ability to effectively plan, execute, and oversee projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. MBA students will learn about:

• Project Planning: Developing project plans that outline objectives, scope, timelines, and resources.
• Task Scheduling: Creating detailed schedules to manage project tasks and milestones.
• Resource Allocation: Efficiently assigning resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential project risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Budgeting: Managing project budgets and controlling costs to stay within financial limits.
• Quality Management: Ensuring project deliverables meet the required quality standards through quality assurance and control processes.
• Team Leadership: Leading and motivating project teams to achieve project goals.
• Communication: Facilitating effective communication among stakeholders and team members.
• Performance Tracking: Monitoring project progress and using performance metrics to track and report on project status.
• Project Closure: Completing and closing projects, including post-project evaluations and lessons learned.
  
  

Using Data for Business Decisions

MBA students learn that big data refers to the vast volumes of structured and unstructured data generated by businesses and consumers daily. When it comes to using data for business decisions, MBA courses will typically cover:

• Data Collection and Management: Techniques for gathering and storing large datasets from various sources, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Data Analysis: Methods for analyzing data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights using statistical and computational tools.
• Data Visualization: Creating visual representations of data to communicate findings clearly and effectively.
  Predictive Analytics: Using historical data to predict future trends and behaviors, aiding in proactive decision-making.
• Decision-Making Models: Applying quantitative and qualitative models to support strategic business decisions.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Learning to use BI software and platforms for data analysis and reporting.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Developing business strategies based on data insights to drive growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
• Ethical Considerations: Understanding the ethical implications and privacy concerns related to big data usage.
• Machine Learning: Basics of machine learning algorithms that enable data-driven automation and enhanced decision-making.
• Real-World Applications: Case studies and practical applications of data-driven decision-making in various business contexts.

Analytics Courses

MBA programs cover a range of topics in analytics courses, including:

• Descriptive Analytics: Techniques for summarizing and interpreting historical data to understand what has happened in a business context.
• Predictive Analytics: Methods for using statistical models and machine learning to forecast future outcomes and trends.
• Prescriptive Analytics: Strategies for recommending actions based on data analysis to optimize decision-making and business performance.
• Data Mining: Exploring large datasets to identify patterns, correlations, and anomalies that can inform business strategies.
• Statistical Analysis: Applying statistical methods to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Data Visualization: Creating visual representations of data, such as charts and graphs, to effectively communicate insights.
• Business Intelligence Tools: Using software and platforms like Tableau, Power BI, and SAS for data analysis and reporting.
• Big Data Technologies: Understanding technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and cloud-based data storage solutions.
• Optimization Techniques: Learning methods to improve business processes and outcomes using data-driven decision-making.
• Ethics and Data Privacy: Examining the ethical considerations and regulations surrounding data use and privacy.
  
  

Pepperdine University's Unique MBA Experience

Pepperdine University offers a unique MBA experience, taking business education a notch higher. The full-time MBA program consists of 54 units of coursework, a business internship, and 60 hours of co-curricular activities, promoting a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.

Business Internship Insights

The Bryant Stibel internship experience at Pepperdine University is a core part of the MBA curriculum. It offers students the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world business scenarios and explore new professional fields, potentially leading to a career pivot.

This hands-on experience can significantly boost job marketability for students, making them more competitive candidates in the job market. To ensure successful internship experiences, Pepperdine provides comprehensive support, including an internship handbook and access to career and professional development coaches.

MBA Concentrations

Pepperdine's Graziadio Business School offers an MBA program with six customizable concentrations. These concentrations allow students to take elective courses that align their education with their professional interests and desired skill development.

The MBA concentrations at Pepperdine include:

• Business Analytics
• Digital Innovation and Information Systems
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Leadership and Managing Organizational Change
• Marketing

Explore the Core MBA Courses at Pepperdine University

Explore the opportunities awaiting you in Pepperdine University's full-time MBA program. As an MBA student, you'll engage with a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential business disciplines, complemented by elective courses that allow you to tailor your education to your career goals. Gain a competitive advantage and enhance your professional development with a master's degree from Pepperdine, where you'll develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape. Discover how Pepperdine can help you achieve your ambitions by exploring their MBA program today.