 | ODETTE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Courses below are listed according to the internal administrative units of the Odette School of Business.
All courses listed will not necessarily be offered in a particular term or year.
Special permission to enter courses without the stated prerequisites must be arranged with the Dean and the instructor involved.
FIRST-YEAR M.B.A. COURSES
76-501. Interpersonal Dynamics
Provides students with the behavioural skills to be effective in organizations. Active listening, conflict resolution, running effective meetings, etc., will be taught with a great deal of emphasis on the practice of these skills. The framework for this module will be the team environment, which many successful companies are moving toward. This module will help students prepare for the teamwork which will be required by all the concurrent modules.
76-502. Core Concepts of Accounting I
An introduction to the role and importance of accounting information in the decision-making process and how to use and interpret various types of accounting information found in financial statements and annual reports. Core concepts of financial accounting will be examined, including the determination of income and the recognition, measurement and reporting of assets, liabilities, and owners' equity. The impact of ethical, regulatory and environmental aspects on the interpretation and application of accounting information will be considered.
76-503. Introduction to Financial Management
Concerned with the concepts and principles of financial management of the business enterprise within the global financial environment. After an introduction to domestic and international financial markets and instruments, the module covers the concepts of value, risk, and efficient markets followed by an introduction to capital budgeting, financial analysis and planning, and short-term financial management.
76-504. Quantitative Techniques in Management
Provides students with a basic but solid background in the quantitative techniques used by successful business organizations. This module will focus on the important aspects of probability and statistics as they relate to the effective presentation of data and to decision-making under uncertainty; and on the use of mathematical modelling as it relates to problem-solving within an organization.
76-505. Marketing Management
Introduces appropriate marketing management concepts and techniques that can be applied to private sector business as well as to not-for-profit organizations' marketing and communication activities. Emphasis will be on the marketing mix elements of product, price, place, and promotion.
76-506. Managing Employees
Familiarizes students with the knowledge, roles, responsibilities and skills required of today's managers. Three approaches will be examined: systems, process, and behavioural. The contingency view of management as the process of organizing resources to set and accomplish organizational goals will be emphasized.
76-510. Core Concepts of Accounting II
Further examines the use and interpretation of accounting information within the context of business and business decision-making. It will explore some of the ways in which accounting information may be utilized for business planning and to solve common business management problems. Core concepts of financial and managerial accounting such as financial statement analysis, tax considerations, cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, cost allocation, job order and process costing will be covered. As with 76-502, the impact of ethical, regulatory, and environmental aspects on the interpretation and application of accounting information will be considered. (Prerequisite: 76-502.)
76-511. Research Methodology
Provides students with a broad understanding of methodological issues in research with a specific focus on marketing. Students will develop an understanding of research issues and processes from a marketing perspective through classroom lectures as well as a hands-on, practical marketing research project. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of research will be discussed. (Prerequisites: 76-504 and 76-505.)
76-512. Financial Management
Focus is on the firm's long-term financial decisions. The sources and the mechanics of obtaining long-term financing are covered, together with the discussion of strategic decisions involving capital structure and dividends. The module includes a broader study of financial markets and instruments, including options, with applications in financial management. (Prerequisite: 76-503.)
76-513. Human Resources Management
Concerned with the role of human resources activities in facilitating the achievement of organizational effectiveness. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of human resources management and develop some skills they can apply in solving actual people problems at work. Particular attention is given to the roles of labour relations and trade unionism as they pertain to human resources activities. Students will be provided with exposure to both a management and labour perspectives to H.R. issues.
76-514. Management Information Systems
Learn how to envision, design and evaluate computer-based solutions to typical business problems. Emphasis will be on the contemporary and emerging hardware /software tools, the managing of information, and information technology.
CANDIDATE YEAR COURSES
The prerequisite for all candidate year (600-level) courses is candidate-level standing in the M.B.A. program or equivalent preparation.
ACCOUNTING
70-650. Managerial Accounting and Analysis
Examines approaches to generating, analyzing and using accounting information in performing managerial functions such as planning, controlling, performance evaluation and decision making.
70-651. Reporting, Analyzing, and Using Accounting Information
Examines alternative approaches to generating, analyzing and using accounting information. It will emphasize the understanding and the application phases of accounting information by users. Topics include: Accounting entity-concepts of control and significant influence; accounting policy choice; internal control; elements in the consolidated financial statements, such as owners' equity, minority (non-controlling) interest and goodwill; profitability, liquidity and solvency analyses; working capital management; and business valuation.
70-659. Topics in Accounting
A reading and research seminar which deals with major concepts and important current problems in Accounting. The precise topic to be covered in a particular term will vary according to current interest and faculty availability, and will be announced in the previous term.
MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR STUDIES
71-613. Leadership and Organizational Change
Provides an analytical framework to understand organizational transformation through (a) leadership and vision building, (b) strategic human resources planning (c) restructuring and redesigning and (d) organization environment interactions. Students will focus on the practical aspects of diagnosing the need for change and supporting, facilitating, or leading the change process.
71-643. International Management
Focuses on the problems and issues that confront managers in the area of international business. Background materials, cases, and exercises will involve the students in the challenges facing the international manager. A major objective is to develop a sensitivity that will enhance the student's ability to operate in the complex environment of multicultural businesses.
71-646. Business Negotiation and Problem Solving
Highlights the role of effective negotiation for resolving conflict and sharing resources and power in complex organizations. Students will be exposed to various styles of negotiating, problem solving and bargaining strategies as well as communication approaches aimed at enhancing organizational performance.
71-647. Managing Diversity in Work-place
Addresses the dynamics of increasing diversity of the work force and the major challenges faced by organizations and their managers such as maintaining fairness and justice, making effective decisions for performance improvement, allowing flexibility and managing diversity in the global environment. The course also analyzes the legal frameworks in place which value and protect employee and employer rights related to gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and other dimensions of diversity.
71-648. Topics in Management and Labour Studies
A reading and research seminar which deals with major concepts and important current problems in the areas covered by Management and Labour Studies. The precise topic to be covered in a particular term will vary according to current interest and faculty availability, and will be announced in the previous term.
FINANCE
72-670. Investment Analysis and Management
Economic background to security analysis; types of corporate securities for investment; theory and mechanics of investment; general analysis and valuation procedures; valuation of fixed income securities and common stocks; procedures in analysis of government, industrial, financial and public utility securities; and portfolio management.
72-671. Portfolio Management
Objectives of individual and institutional portfolios. Security selection, diversification, marketability, risk and return in portfolio construction. Timing and formula plans, bond portfolio problems, performance measurement, trading problems, tax planning, supervision, quantitative techniques for portfolio management, and regulations.
72-672. Cases in Financial Management
An advanced case course in financial management. Financial concepts and principles of managing a business enterprise are illustrated. Planning for the acquisition and use of funds so as to maximize the value of the business is examined through the use of case analysis.
72-673. Topics in Finance
An in-depth study of topical issues in finance. A reading and research seminar dealing with major concepts and problems in the area of financial management. Precise topics to be covered during a term will vary according to current trends in the literature.
72-674. International Financial Management
A study of the problems facing the international financial manager. Topics include: international markets, spot and forward currency fluctuations, positioning corporate funds, investment decisions, hedging and exposure management.
MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
73-602. Topics in Management Science
A reading and research seminar which deals with major concepts and important current problems in the areas of management science, operations management, or management information systems. The precise topic to be covered in a particular term will vary according to current interest and faculty availability, and will be announced in the previous term.
73-603. Management Science Models
Study of spreadsheet-based practical quantitative decision-making models relevant to major functional areas of business. Topics include linear and non-linear programming models, network models, and simulation models for problems involving uncertainty.
73-604. Operations Management
Study of relevant topics recognized as important factors for successful management of business operations. Topics include: processes and their measurement in manufacturing and services, forecasting, aggregate planning, inventory management, quality control, and supply chain management.
73-606. Strategic Implementation for Technologies Management
Strategic management of technology and innovation in established firms. The overall course objectives are to help students gain competence in (1) understanding the basic framework for the relationships among a business strategy, an information systems strategy and an organizational strategy; (2) developing an awareness of the range, scope and complexity of the issues and problems related to the strategic management of technology and innovation; (3) developing a conceptual framework for assessing and auditing the innovative capabilities of a business organization and (4) developing insight concerning the skills necessary to be effective in managing the innovation process. The course will use SAP, an enterprise resource planning software, as a simulation tool to explore the strategic use of information systems in a large organization.
MARKETING
74-631. Consumer Behaviour
A study of analytical concepts and research techniques derived from the behavioural sciences or developed from consumer behaviour research. A significant objective of the course is the application of such concepts and techniques to the solution of marketing problems.
74-632. Marketing Research
An advanced course assuming familiarity with the conceptual research process, characteristics of basic data collection modes and measurement, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. Utilizing a discussion format, the course offers a review of current marketing research literature concerning: 1) examination of properties of familiar data collection and analysis techniques; 2) examples of their application; and 3) introduction to more advanced data collection and analysis methods.
74635. International Marketing Stra-tegy
A study of the problems faced by Canadian businesses when exploring and distributing to foreign markets. A significant objective of the course is to explore, through research findings, strategies that would improve Canada's international marketing efforts.
74-638. Topics in Marketing
This course is of varying content dealing with topical issues in marketing. The course might focus on a specific functional area in marketing or a particular environment for the application of marketing concepts. Administration of the course varies as appropriate with its content and might take on a literature survey, research project, experiential, or other format.
74639. Marketing Strategy and Plan-ning
An analysis of the formation of marketing strategies and plans. Topics covered will include business definitions, developing marketing objectives, selecting market targets, developing all aspects of the marketing mix, and evaluating marketing performance. Marketing decision models, portfolio techniques, generic strategies, PIMS, and related topics will also be covered.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
75-680. Managing the International Enterprise
This survey course gives students a basic understanding of the international business environment and of the decisions that managers make in international firms. The course begins by considering the historical development of international business and the current global focus of international firms. It then examines the international global environment, including theories of trade and foreign direct investment, balance of payments and international institutions and models for evaluating the environment in order to select the best international strategy or mode of entry for a particular location. Finally, the course briefly examines the functional decisions made in international firms-financial, marketing, operational, human resources-and issues associated with international structure and control.
75-682. Manufacturing Strategy
Examines the use of manufacturing and operations as weapons in the firm's competitive arsenal. It addresses strategic questions related to the choice of proper process technology, the determination of plant size and location, the extent of vertical integration and the continuous pursuit of quality and productivity.
75-690. Entrepreneurship: New Venture Formation and Management
Aiming at opening up the entrepreneurial option for students, this course examines entrepreneurship as an economic and a business phenomenon with special emphasis on the process of new venture creation. Through a mix of seminars, case studies, and field research, students explore the topics of finding new venture ideas, developing business ideas and business concepts, conducting feasibility studies, developing business plans, preparing deal structures and financing strategies, launching new ventures, and initial entrepreneurial management beyond the start-up phase. Students are expected to undertake a new venture creation project culminating with a detailed business plan.
75-692. Topics in Strategic Management
This is an investigation and discussion of contemporary issues in strategic management and entrepreneurship. The topics to be covered will vary from term to term according to current developments in the business world.
75-698. Strategic Management
This is the capstone course of the M.B.A. program. It integrates the knowledge gained in prior courses and focuses it on the functions of top management of an organization. Discussion of concepts and current practice are combined with case studies of strategic leadership and strategy formulation and implementation in a domestic and international environment. (Prerequisites: candidate-year standing and all other required courses.)
GENERAL M.B.A COURSES
76-660. Management Skills Development
This course is designed to provide students with the management skills required for providing feedback, dealing with problem employees, coaching, and problem-solving. It is a practical course with ample opportunity for students to practice the skills in different settings and receive feedback on their performance. (Required for, and open only to, Fast Track students)
76-661. Directed Study
Under faculty supervision, students undertake an in-depth, individualized program of study to pursue a topic of relevance to business and to develop, apply, and integrate the knowledge acquired in the program.
76-701. M.B.A. Co-op Work Term I
76-702. M.B.A. Co-op Work Term II
76-711. Fast-Track M.B.A Co-op Work Term
76-796. Major Paper (weight: 2 courses)
76-797. Thesis (weight: 4 courses)
COURSES IN THE M.B.A FOR MANAGERS AND PROFESSIONALS
77-521. Core Concepts of Accounting I
An introduction to the role and importance of accounting information in the decision-making process and how to use and interpret various types of accounting information found in financial statements and annual reports. Core concepts of financial accounting will be examined, including the determination of income and the recognition, measurement and reporting of assets, liabilities, and owners' equity. The impact of ethical, regulatory and environmental aspects on the interpretation and application of accounting information will be considered.
77-522. Introduction to Financial Management
Concerned with the concepts and principles of financial management of the business enterprise within the global financial environment. After an introduction to domestic and international financial markets and instruments, the module covers the concepts of value, risk, and efficient markets followed by an introduction to capital budgeting, financial analysis and planning, and short-term financial management.
77-523. Quantitative Techniques in Management
Provides students with a basic but solid background in the quantitative techniques used by successful business organizations. This module will focus on the important aspects of probability and statistics as they relate to the effective presentation of data and to decision making under uncertainty; and on the use of mathematical modelling as it relates to problem solving within an organization.
76-524. Managing People in Organizations
Familiarizes students with the knowledge, roles, responsibilities and skills required of today's managers. Three approaches will be examined: systems, process, and behavioural. The contingency view of management as the process of organizing resources to set and accomplish organizational goals will be emphasized.
77-525. Business Research Methods
Provides students with a broad understanding of methodological issues in research. Students will develop an understanding of research issues and processes through classroom lectures as well as a hands-on practical research project. Statistical analysis and both quantitative and qualitative methods of research will be discussed.
77-531. Core Concepts of Accounting II
Further examine the use and interpretation of accounting information within the context of business and business decision-making. It will explore some of the ways in which accounting information may be utilized for business planning and to solve common business management problems. Core concepts of financial and managerial accounting such as financial statement analysis, tax considerations, cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, cost allocation, job order and process costing will be covered. The impact of ethical, regulatory, and environmental aspects on the interpretation and application of accounting information will be considered.
77-532. Financial Management
Focus is on the firm's long-term financial decisions. The sources and the mechanics of obtaining long-term financing are covered, together with the discussion of strategic decisions involving capital structure and dividends. The module includes a broader study of financial markets and instruments, including options, with applications in financial management.
77-533. Management Information Systems
Learn how to envision, design and evaluate computer-based solutions to typical business problems. Emphasis will be on the contemporary and emerging hardware/software tools, the managing of information, and information technology.
77-534. Managing Human Resources
Concerned with the role of human resources activities in facilitating the achievement of organizational effectiveness. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of human resources management and develop some skills they can apply in solving actual people problems at work. Particular attention is given to the roles of labour relations and trade unionism as they pertain to human resources activities. Students will be provided with exposure to both management and labour perspectives to H.R. issues.
77-536. Marketing Management
Introduces appropriate marketing management concepts and techniques that can be applied to private sector business as well as to not-for-profit organizations' marketing and communication activities. Emphasis will be on the marketing mix elements of product, price, place, and promotion.
77-620. Reporting, Analyzing, and Using Accounting Information
Examines alternative approaches to generating, analyzing and using accounting information. It will emphasize the understanding and the application phases of accounting information by users. Topics include: Accounting entity oncepts of control and significant influence; accounting policy choice; internal control; elements in the consolidated financial statements, such as owners' equity, minority (non-controlling) interest and goodwill; profitability, liquidity and solvency analyses; working capital management; and business valuation.
77-621. Leadership and Organizational Change
Provides an analytical framework to understand organizational transformation through (a) leadership and vision building, (b) strategic human resources planning (c) restructuring and redesigning and (d) organization environment interactions. Students will focus on the practical aspects of diagnosing the need for change and supporting, facilitating, or leading the change process.
77-622. Maximizing the Value of the Organization
An advanced case course in financial management. Financial concepts and principles of managing a business enterprise are illustrated. Planning for the acquisition and use of funds so as to maximize the value of the firm is examined through the use of case analysis.
77-623. Marketing Strategy and Planning
An analysis of the formation of marketing strategies and plans. Topics covered will include business definitions, developing marketing objectives, selecting market targets, developing all aspects of the marketing mix, and evaluating marketing performance. Marketing decision models, portfolio techniques, generic strategies, PIMS, and related topics will also be covered.
77-624. Managing in the International Arena
Focuses on the problems and issues that confront managers in the area of international business. The course examines the international global environment, including theories of trade and foreign direct investment, balance of payments and international institutions and models for evaluating the environment in order to select the best international strategy or mode of entry for a particular location. A major objective is to develop a sensitivity that will enhance the student's ability to operate in the complex environment of international business.
77-625. Strategic Management
This is the capstone course of the M.B.A. program. It integrates the knowledge gained in prior courses and focuses it on the functions of top management of an organization. Discussion of concepts and current practice are combined with case studies of strategic leadership and strategy formulation and implementation in a domestic and international environment.
77-626. Strategic Implementation for Technologies Management
Strategic management of technology and innovation in established firms. The overall course objectives are to help students gain competence in (1) understanding the basic framework for the relationships among a business strategy, an information systems strategy and an organizational strategy; (2) developing an awareness of the range, scope and complexity of the issues and problems related to the strategic management of technology and innovation; (3) developing a conceptual framework for assessing and auditing the innovative capabilities of a business organization and (4) developing insight concerning the skills necessary to be effective in managing the innovation process.
77-627. Business Negotiation and Problem Solving
Highlights the role of effective negotiation for resolving conflict and sharing resources and power in complex organizations. Students will be exposed to various styles of negotiating, problem solving and bargaining strategies as well as communication approaches aimed at enhancing organizational performance
77-628. Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship
Aiming at developing entrepreneurial thinking in students, this course examines entre- and intrapreneurship as an economic and a business phenomenon with special emphasis on the process of new venture creation. Students explore the topics of finding new venture ideas, developing business ideas and business concepts, conducting feasibility studies, developing business plans, preparing deal structures and financing strategies, launching new ventures, initial entrepreneurial management beyond the start-up phase and the successful development of such initiatives within a corporate environment.
77-629. Current issues in Business
This is an investigation and discussion of contemporary issues and current challenges to businesses. The topics to be covered will vary for each offering according to current developments in the business world and will be announced in the previous term. |