Part-Time MBA Elective Courses

DESC 627 Supply Chain Management Analytics (2)
This course focuses on a data-driven approach to supply chain management decision-making. Specifically, the class introduces and explains how analytics is being used by logistics and supply chain practitioners. A strong emphasis will be placed on the development and use of analytics-based models to illustrate the underlying concepts involved in both intra-and inter-firm logistics operations. Three topical of specific focus are: Demand Forecasting, SCM Data Analysis, and Vendor Selection and Management. A variety of industry-based cases will be utilized to illustrate current SCM practices on a global basis. This course will also make extensive use of simulations to further emphasize the interactive nature of supply chains.

DESC 628 Healthcare Analytics (2)
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of healthcare research methodologies including: research design, data collection, and applied statistics. In addition, the course will introduce students to basic operations research/management (OR/OM) techniques and demonstrate how those tools can also be applied in health service management. A basic knowledge of all such methods is critical for anyone who manages an enterprise, conducts research, or formulates policies, in a healthcare setting. The class offers a case-based, participatory approach to learning. All data management and analyses are performed in Excel or Excel add-ons.

DESC 636 Project Management (2)
This course provides an introduction to, and overview of, the variety of topics and diverse functions of project management. The fundamental theory of each function will be explored and the essential project management skills, practices, and tools with be identified. The focus of the course involves a realtime social project that requires students to use skills learned and coordinate and implement an action plan that leads to a deliverable to the client.

DESC 621 Valuation of Real Options (2)
In this course, students are presented with analytical techniques that apply option pricing methods, which were initially developed for financially-traded instruments, to the valuation of options on real assets. The “real option” approach to asset valuation quantifies the value of managerial flexibility, which is typically not captured in standard discounted cash flow valuation approaches. The course includes a review of the fundamental theory of decision analysis and options as well as an introduction to numerical techniques for solving dynamic programming problems, such as binomial lattices and trees. Hands-on experience with software tools used for the numerical analysis of problems using these ideas is also provided. Prerequisite(s): Full-Time-DESC 603 Quantitative Business Analysis (2) or equivalent. Fully Employed-DESC 656 Quantitative Analysis for Business Operations (4).

ISTM 630 Information Security Data Analytics (2)
Research and statistics reveal that a risk-based approach utilizing data analytics across three dimensions: volume, variety, and velocity is critical for effectively providing Information Security analytics. An essential element of a risk-based approach is the use of user-behavior analytics (UBA) to compare and contrast threats against normal behavior. This type of analytics enables business leaders to understand and learn from user-behavior to assess risk, anticipate, and respond to security breaches. This course will equip business managers to effectively recognize and address the key risks to business information systems and data.

ISTM 660 Business Analytics and Intelligence (2)
Business Analytics and Intelligence (BA & I) empowers organizations to anticipate and shape business outcomes through data integration, analysis, and delivery. Enabled by increasingly potent enterprise infrastructure, companies must analyze massive volumes of constantly changing, multi-structured “big data” to remain competitive in the global marketplace. By employing Business Analytics and Intelligence, companies of all sizes leverage these resources to support evidence based decision making, stimulate business process optimization, sustain competitive advantage, and create integrated, organization-wide solutions to complex business problems. This course introduces techniques to transform data into business intelligence and to use analytics to create business value. Students will acquire the knowledge required to develop solutions to real-world problems through a combination of readings, case studies, applied projects, technology demonstrations, guest lecturers and assignments to analyze and interpret real data. Typical topics may include data mining, data dimension reduction, predictive analytics, data visualization, and coverage of Enterprise Information Strategy, master data management, business intelligence systems, and collective intelligence. Prerequisite(s): Full-Time- DESC 603 Quantitative Business Analysis (2) and ISTM 603 Information Resources and Technology. Fully-Employed-DESC 656 Quantitative Analysis for Business Operations (4) and ISTM 654 Information and Process Systems (4).

ISTM 660 Business Analytics and Intelligence (2)
Business Analytics and Intelligence (BA & I) empowers organizations to anticipate and shape business outcomes through data integration, analysis, and delivery. Enabled by increasingly potent enterprise infrastructure, companies must analyze massive volumes of constantly changing, multi-structured “big data” to remain competitive in the global marketplace. By employing Business Analytics and Intelligence, companies of all sizes leverage these resources to support evidence based decision making, stimulate business process optimization, sustain competitive advantage, and create integrated, organization-wide solutions to complex business problems. This course introduces techniques to transform data into business intelligence and to use analytics to create business value. Students will acquire the knowledge required to develop solutions to real-world problems through a combination of readings, case studies, applied projects, technology demonstrations, guest lecturers and assignments to analyze and interpret real data. Typical topics may include data mining, data dimension reduction, predictive analytics, data visualization, and coverage of Enterprise Information Strategy, master data management, business intelligence systems, and collective intelligence.

ISTM 661 Enterprise Architecture and Infrastructure Management (2)
In a global business environment, managers must understand the alignment of technology and business functions. There is increasing emphasis on managing enterprise architecture and infrastructure from the perspectives of business enablement, business continuity and risk management. Today’s corporate technology environments are exceedingly complex, involving challenging portfolios of inflexible legacy systems and dynamic mobile applications that span on-premise and cloud installations. Together, these are causing IT systems management focus to shift from “develop and operate” to “source and deploy.” Organizations need systematic approaches for integrating diverse functional areas into a holistic, application-and data focused enterprise-wide digital platform for supporting the business. This goal will cover the areas of Enterprise Architecture and Infrastructure Management as essential approaches for the development of coherent, robust, efficient and agile enterprise digital platforms.

ISTM 662 DIIS Project and Program Management (2)
The DIIS Project and Program Management course is intended to develop student understanding of the complexities within and interdependence between DIIS projects and to develop their abilities to successfully manage DIIS projects toward successful realization and intended business benefits. The course will provide students with the techniques, tools and managerial competencies to manage individual DIIS projects and the requisite insights and approaches to manage a portfolio of projects into a coherent program of innovation. Topics covered will include IS and digital innovation project planning, business case development, cost and risk management assessment, global sourcing and vendor management, portfolio management, team leadership, change management, post-implementation review, and program/portfolio management.

ISTM 663 Managing DIIS Security, Privacy, and Ethics (2)
The Internet and electronic commerce have highlighted the need to understand the ethical and social impacts of information systems. Internet and digital technologies that make it easier than ever to assemble, integrate, and distribute information have created concerns about appropriate use of customer information, the protection of personal privacy, and the protection of intellectual property. Managers must make informed decisions that reflect an understanding of the ethical and social issues surrounding the use of information systems. Furthermore, managers are responsible for the control of the quality and performance of information systems. These issues have moved to the forefront of social and political debate in the United States and globally. This course will equip business managers to effectively meet the security and ethical challenges of information systems.

ISTM 664 Business Process Analysis and Innovation (2)
In this course students will be introduced to key concepts and approaches to business process analysis and improvement. The main focus of this course is both understanding and designing business processes that accomplish specific desired outcomes. Students will learn how to identify, document, model, assess, and improve core business processes. Students will be introduced to process design principles. The way in which information technology can be used to manage, transform, and improve business processes is discussed. Students will be exposed to challenges and approaches to organizational change, domestic and offshore outsourcing, and inter-organizational processes.

ISTM 665 Digital Innovation and Strategic Transformation (2)
In this new digital age, firms must increasingly turn their attention to the technological developments that shape their business strategy and competitive position. E-commerce, cloud computing, and mobile technologies are transforming the way businesses operate in many industries. At the same time, managers must be alert to the external forces that shape their IT innovations. The increasing complexity for firms to compete in this dynamic environment offers opportunities, but it also comes with significant risks. In this course, students will develop a deep understanding of these strategic issues surrounding IT innovation, and how they shape IT investment decisions. In addition, it examines ways in which IS managers can employ leading practices to integrate information systems and business strategy.

ISTM 667 Digital Innovational and Information Systems Applied Research Project (2)
This directed research project provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of theory and practice related to digital innovation and information systems management within a particular functional area or industry, thereby enabling students to acquire deep knowledge of a DIIS topic of personal interest. Students will complete an applied research project that seeks to inform contemporary business practice. The practice-oriented research project will be informed by assigned readings and completed by under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Prior to registration, the student must prepare a research proposal for review and approval by at least two ISTM faculty. If the research proposal is approved, a faculty advisor will be assigned who will identify an appropriate set of readings to guide the research study. The student will undertake the proposed research, then prepare and submit a comprehensive research paper.

Advanced Principles of Organizations and Leadership

OTMT 670 (4 units)

This course goes beyond earlier behavior studies and examines the interactions among human resources, technologies, organization design, external forces, and management. We take a macro-organization perspective to integrate these elements for better understanding of system design, work design, and management theory.

Cross-Cultural Management 

OTMT 671 (2 units)

In Cross-Cultural Management, students gain insight to cultural influences on organizations and on the people working within them. You will "learn culture" using the following methods:

• scanning the cultural assumptions of groups
• bringing personally held cultural assumptions to consciousness
• gaining exposure to the cultures of different regions, nations, and groups, and considering their organizational and managerial implications
• facilitating communication and cooperation across cultures

Organizational Dynamics and Managing Change

OTMT 672 (4 units)

Contemporary organizations exist in social, political, and economic environments that can change rapidly and unpredictably. This course deals with how to manage those changes. Methods for designing interventions that increase effectiveness are explored at the individual, group, intergroup, and organizational level.

Creativity and Innovation for Leadership

OTMT 678 (4 units)

Information explosion, intense competition, accelerated social and technological change, fresh expectations from new generations, and ever-higher customer demands...

These are the new realities of business. Today's leaders must respond with greater creativity and innovation, so in Creativity and Innovation for Leadership, we focus on imagination and invention ("creativity") and on the productive results of such processes ("innovation"). To enhance business problem solving and effective leadership, students integrate a dozen linear methods with a dozen nonlinear, imaginative tools.

Leadership: Great Leaders, Great Literature

OTMT 680 (4 units)

Leadership is one of the most studied and least understood human behaviors. Yet, leadership is critical for organizational success. What is leadership? Who has it? Where does leadership come from? Does it differ by culture? How do leaders differ from managers, how might you become a more effective leader?

We explore answers and theories to prepare individuals to better understand and assume leadership roles in increasingly competitive, globalized, multi-values organizations.

International Business Law and Its Environment

LEGL 673 (4 units)

With a focus on international business and the broad scope of worldwide legal systems, this course prepares students to avoid conflict and liability, and to apply legal analytical methods for contracts and other matters pertaining to business end goals. Students gain a better grasp the subtleties of legal terminology within the world of international business, and recognize the influence of United States law within it.

Environmental Law

LEGL 675 (4 units)

This course can be taken only toward a General Business Administration emphasis. It covers a broad range of environmental law competencies so that students

• gain an understanding of legally sensitive environmental issues and trends.
• learn how to remain knowledgeable of ongoing changes.
• take preventative steps to avoid liability exposure.
• utilize corporate or outside counsel to its greatest advantage.
• recognize and understand the diversity of contemporary environmental law issues.
• understand the role of various administrative agencies in application and interpretation of environmental regulation.

Business Negotiation and the Resolution of Conflict

LEGL 684 (4 units) 

This course goes beyond conflict dynamics to include specific avoidance techniques and alternative avenues of resolution. Communication and decision making are studied in depth, with particular attention paid to identifying solutions that are outside traditional litigation. To provide the greatest level of understanding, students negotiate, mediate, arbitrate, and argue issues in a variety of circumstances including a practical litigation environment.

Global Business Intensive

GSBM 693 (1-4 units)

Hosted by partner schools abroad, the Graziadio Global Business Intensive immerses the student in the contemporary global economy. Lectures by distinguished faculty at the partner school and recognized experts from companies and research centers provide invaluable insight. A tour of important historical sites provides a backdrop of culture and history that flavors the nation's experience, and some programs include field visits to internationally recognized companies for hands-on exposure.

Contemporary Issues in Business and Management

GSBM 698 (0-4 units)

This course provides the opportunity to study specific contemporary issues or topics in business and management. Contemporary Issues in Business and Management may be repeated as content changes.

Graduate Directed Studies

GSBM 699 (1-4 units)

Graziadio students have the opportunity to complete missing units to fulfill a course requirement as a result of transferred coursework.* This directed study centers around guided reading and independent research, and is supervised by one member of the faculty.

* Graduate Directed Studies may not be used to fulfill a course requirement in its entirety.

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