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Course Descriptions: Business Administration (BA)
The following abbreviations denote a course that
satisfies or partially satisfies a particular general education
requirement: GE (General Education), PS (Presentation Skills),
RM (Research Methods), and WI (Writing Intensive).
BA 210. Introduction to Microeconomics (3)
A study of the factors underlying the economic decisions of households and business units. Analysis of the determinants of demand, supply, utility, and costs of production. Price and output determination under various market structures is also studied, as well as pricing and employment of resources. (Same as ECON 210.) (GE).
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BA 212. Business Computing Applications (2)
An introduction to the fundamental business concepts of problem solving, data analysis, and reporting. The course will target mastery of these concepts via office suite applications. Strong focus on data analysis and problem solving with Microsoft Office Excel and creating robust business reports with Microsoft Office Word. Platform: Windows PC.
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BA 216. Statistical Analysis for Business Decisions (4)
A study of statistical techniques for business decisions, including descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include tabulation and presentation of data, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, estimation, the impact of sample size, linear regression, and correlation. Prerequisite: MATH 215.
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BA 292. Selected Topics (1-4)
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BA 320. Personal Finance (4)
This course acquaints students with various techniques applicable to the efficient handling of personal finances. Topics include the preparation of budgets, methods and costs of borrowing, the impact of credit, and financial investments (including the stock and bond markets). Not open to business majors.
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BA 321. Financial Management (4)
A study of market-driven theories for analyzing business investment opportunities, working capital management, financing decisions, and dividend distribution decisions that lead to maximization of shareholder value. Topics include financial markets and the efficient markets hypothesis, portfolio theory, capital budgeting models, cost of capital and capital structure theory, valuation of debt and equity securities, and dividend policy. Prerequisite: full admittance as a major within the division.
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BA 352. Management Theory and Practice (3)
A study of the basic concepts of management built on an understanding of organizational theory. Equal emphasis is placed on theoretical and operational aspects of the manager’s role in organizations. The course deals with management issues: planning and controlling, structuring and staffing, directing and leading, and business and society with a special emphasis on managerial ethics. (WI).
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BA 354. Human Resources Management (4)
Through selected readings and case analysis, students study employer/employee relationships, personnel policies, operations and training, techniques of personnel administration, recruitment, inductions, communication, and discipline.
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BA 355. Principles of Marketing (3)
An in-depth investigation of marketing principles and practices. Content areas are segment identification, product concept and design, distribution practices, promotion strategies, and pricing decisions. There is an emphasis on understanding consumer behavior through modern research techniques. Students meet individually with marketing executives and create a marketing plan.
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BA 358. Legal and Regulatory Environment of Business (3)
An examination of the political, legal, ethical, and regulatory processes pertaining to profit and nonprofit organizations and management decisions. Emphasis is given to negotiating legally enforceable contracts, managing to avoid legal disputes, resolving legal disputes cost-effectively, understanding the various forms of business organizations, and enabling the student to appreciate the legal and regulatory systems influencing business.
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BA 366. Organizational Behavior (3)
An integrated and interdisciplinary study of behavioral science for management. The course attempts to integrate the psychological and sociological aspects of human behavior as they relate to management. Focus is on individual, group, and organizational behavior. Topics include communication, motivation, group dynamics, leadership, power, reward systems, organizational structure, and managing conflict and change. (WI).
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BA 400. Venture Initiation (4)
This course is primarily designed for those who want to start their own businesses. Focus is on new venture initiation and the preparation of a sound business plan. In-depth coverage is given to characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, organizing a management team, obtaining venture capital, market potential analysis, and identification of business opportunities.
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BA 410. Business Ethics (4)
The primary aim of this course is to help students acquire skills in the analysis of ethical problems in the business world. (Same as PHIL 410).
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BA 440. Real Estate Investment (4)
A general overview of the concepts, theories, principles, and terminology of real estate investment analysis, with special emphasis placed upon the study of real estate markets and the use of market feasibility analysis. Other topics include real estate finance, market valuation techniques, and the legal aspects of real estate transactions. Prerequisite: BA 210.
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BA 442. Financial Markets and Institutions (4)
Finance theory and economic theory are utilized to study the markets for financial assets. The market for loanable funds, including the role of financial intermediaries, is analyzed. The nature of, and interrelationship between, the money market and the markets for equity and debt instruments are also investigated. Prerequisite: BA 321.
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BA 445. Managerial Economics (3)
An exposition of theoretical and quantitative tools of economics that are useful in managerial decision making. Special emphasis will be placed upon the following topics: demand analysis and short-range forecasting, resource formulation, and benefit/cost analysis. Prerequisite: Full admittance as a major within the division.
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BA 446. International Trade and Finance (4)
A study of the basis for international trade as it relates to the principle of comparative advantage, the effects of governmentally imposed trade restrictions upon the terms of trade, the distribution of income, and the welfare of trading partners. Topics include international financial institutions, the international balance of payments, the alternative exchange rate systems, the Bretton Woods agreements, and international financial cooperation. (Same as ECON 529.) Prerequisites: BA 210, ECON 211, and BA 445 or ECON 431.
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BA 447. International Finance (3)
An analysis of international financial transactions. Special emphasis will be given to the unique opportunities and practical problems created by investing and borrowing across borders. Topics include the reasons for increased international financial activity, the differences in financial institutions, exchange rate risk, strategies to reduce exchange rate risk, and the international markets for debt and equity. Prerequisite: BA 321.
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BA 448. Investments (4)
A study of the types of investment media centering attention on stocks for investment and speculation; technical approach to analysis of price patterns, trends, and turning points. Also emphasized are objectives, risks, and valuation typical in investment and the development of a rational investment philosophy. Prerequisites: BA 216 and BA 321.
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BA 449. Applied Portfolio Management (4)
The main objective of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to apply financial theories and models in making real investment decisions and managing a portfolio of financial assets and thus gain valuable hands-on experience in investments, asset allocation, and portfolio management. Course requirements will include designing investment strategies, preparing and presenting security research reports, implementing investment decisions, monitoring portfolio performance and compliance with investment guidelines, making decisions regarding portfolio adjustments, record keeping, and portfolio performance evaluations. Prerequisite: BA 321.
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BA 451. Operations Management (3)
An exploration of long-range and short-range problems in operations management, both for manufacturing and for service operations. The emphasis is on understanding these problems and on the practical applications of quantitative techniques relative to them. Realistic case studies will stress logical analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, and the presentation of results. Prerequisite: Full admittance as a major within the division.
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BA 452. Quantitative Analysis (3)
The application of a variety of quantitative techniques to business decision-making. Deterministic and probabilistic models are covered, with applications to all parts of a business, including marketing, finance, and operations. Topics include decision theory, linear programming, queuing models, simulation, and Markov chains. Prerequisites: BA 216 and full admittance as a major within the division.
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BA 456. Financial Derivatives (3)
This course is an introduction to financial derivatives, namely options, forwards, futures, and swaps. The goal is to provide a complete overview of the main characteristics of these securities and to develop familiarity with a wide array of financial products, an understanding of their risk characteristics, and an understanding of the “arbitrage pricing principle.” This course will also cover implementation of derivatives strategies for risk management purposes. Prerequisite: BA 321.
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BA 457. The Legal Environment of International Business (3)
A study of the laws, organizations, regulations, and principles which influence the transaction of business in the international arena. Acquaints the student with both public and private international law, regulations and directives of the European Community (EC) and other international organizations and treaties, and processes of resolving international disputes. Prerequisite: BA 358 or consent of instructor.
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BA 465. Human Relations and Values (4)
This course develops understanding of one’s self and others as individuals and as members of working groups. Knowledge and skills emphasized include group dynamics and self-awareness, the impact of the self on others, free expression and better listening, and barriers to group participation. Through the exploration of differing values and roles, the student is able to improve communications and decision-making both in and out of the work place. A two-day communication workshop is required as part of this course. The fee, which is based on expected costs, will be listed in the Schedule of Classes and must be paid at registration.
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BA 470. Marketing Research (4)
An examination of the processes by which researchers gather data and develop information that facilitates effective managerial decisions. While emphasizing modern best practices in marketing research, the class emphasizes research planning, strategy, and techniques. Staffing the class typically involves utilization of professional market researchers from firms such as J.D. Powers & Associates. Prerequisites: BA 216, POSC 250, or SOC 250, or consent of instructor, and BA 355.
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BA 471. Marketing Strategy (3)
Strategic application of basic principles. Students work with an actual organization with a need for strategic marketing assistance. Students will contract with the organization to assist management with the formulation of strategic alternatives, the development of a strategic plan, and the effective execution of the plan. Discussion of current issues in marketing and computer simulation supplement experiential learning. Prerequisite: BA 355.
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BA 474. International Marketing (3)
A study of marketing principles applied to the global environment. Emphases on understanding cultural differences, unique product needs, and changes in price, distribution, and promotion across international borders. An internship with an international firm is a required component of the course. Prerequisite: BA 355.
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BA 492. Current Issues in Management (4)
A seminar which addresses contemporary management issues as reflected in current periodicals, papers, and books. The course explores managerial implications. Heavy emphasis is placed upon student-led discussions, presentations, and papers.
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BA 494. International Management (3)
Examines organizational behavior and management issues in an international context. The primary focus is on the role of the manager in cross-cultural environments. The purpose of the course is to heighten student awareness of the differences associated with global management, and with the content and corporate management practices, as necessary, to be effective in different cultures. Cases, experiential exercises, and team projects are part of the learning process. Prerequisite: BA 366 or BA 352 or COM 418.
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BA 497. Business Policy, Strategy, and Ethics (4)
This course integrates the student’s academic experience by focusing on solving problems in business cases. Student must do research and make presentations. Particular attention is given to analyzing the policies, strategies, and ethical dilemmas of various organizations. Prerequisites: BA 321, last semester or permission of the instructor, and full admittance as a major within the division. (RM).
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BA 590. Research in Business (1-4)
Consent of the divisional chairperson is required.
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BA 592. Selected Topics (1-4)
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BA 598. Service Leadership Project (4)
In this course students will form consulting teams to serve a municipal agency, charitable organization, social service agency, or private business in a distressed area (particularly minority-owned businesses) by applying business concepts and skills to a mutually agreed-upon project. At the conclusion of this project, students will deliver a final report and a professional presentation to the officers or board of the client organization. Must be taken during the student’s senior year. (PS).
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BA 599. Directed Studies (1-4)
Directed study based on guided reading and independent study. Written or oral reports in areas not previously covered in student’s program are arranged with the instructor. Consent of the divisional chairperson is required.
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Although the above are excerpted from the 2008-2009 Seaver catalog this is
not an official binding document. To view the actual catalog visit:
http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/catalog/
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