Cox School of Business
(2010 Undergraduate Catalog)
Courses of Study
The following business courses have been approved by the faculty of the Edwin L. Cox School of Business. It should be noted that not all courses described in this catalog are necessarily offered in any given academic year. Students should check published course schedules to see which courses are offered at a particular time.
Departments of Instruction
Courses are listed under the following:
Accounting; Business Administration; Business Leadership Institute; The Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship; Finance; Information Technology and Operations Management; Marketing; Management and Organizations; Real Estate, Law and Risk Management; and Strategy and Entrepreneurship.
There have been some course changes and new courses added. Students should use caution in selecting courses to avoid repetition of courses previously taken.
Professor Joseph Magliolo,
Professors: Hemang A. Desai, Wayne H. Shaw. Associate Professors: Nilabhra Bhattacharya, J. Douglas Hanna, Michael van Breda. Assistant Professors: Zining Li, Mina J. Pizzini, Ramgopal Venkataraman, Wendy M. Wilson, Jeff Yu. Senior Lecturers: Barry Bryan, Susan M. Riffe, Gregory Sommers.
See requirements to major in accounting in the Programs of Study section.
B.B.A. degree-seeking students should take ACCT 2301 and 2302 during their sophomore year. Matriculated students must take these courses through enrollment in courses offered by the faculty of the Cox School of Business.
2301. Fundamentals of Accounting I. Theory and practice of measuring and interpreting financial data for business units. Covers basic concepts, principles and procedures. Prerequisites: MATH 1309 or 1337, ECO 1311 and 1312; or for markets and culture majors, ECO 3355 and SOCI 2377.
2302. Fundamentals of Accounting II. Extension of Fundamentals of Accounting I. Uses of accounting information in making business decisions. Prerequisite: ACCT 2301.
2310. Accounting Concepts. This course is a broad introduction to financial, cost, and managerial accounting concepts and practices. The financial section of the course stresses the understanding of financial statements as contrasted to the preparation of these documents. The cost section of the course covers what is meant by product cost, including estimating overhead and the underlying assumptions. The course concludes with an introduction to using managerial accounting techniques for decision-making, including break-even analysis, relevant costing and budgeting. Students who already have credit for ACCT 2301 will not receive credit for this course.
3311. Intermediate Accounting I. Theory and techniques for construction of corporate financial reports for use by stockholders, creditors and other analysts. Prerequisite: ACCT 2302.
3312. Intermediate Accounting II. Continuation of Intermediate Accounting I. Prerequisite: ACCT 3311.
3391 (CFB 3375, MNO 3375). Ethics in Accounting. Develops students’ ability to identify and evaluate ethical issues related to accounting and business management in a corporate environment. The cross listing of CFB 3375 and MNO 3375 is subject to the same rules that restrict credit for all other CF, CFA and CFB courses that are cross-listed with departmental courses (see General Education Rules 9 and 10). In addition, students who take either CFB 3375 or MNO 3375 (formerly OBBP 3375) may not take ACCT 3391, nor may students taking ACCT 3391 take either of the other two courses for credit. Note: Students seeking accounting certification should note that ACCT 3391 is a gateway course for eligibility to take the CPA examination. Corequisite: Accounting majors with senior standing or ACCT 5325.
4300. Special Topics in International Accounting. Offered through SMU Abroad Junior standing required.
4306 (ITOM 4306). Accounting Controls. (spring only) This course teaches students how to document, analyze and design internal controls by focusing on business processes – how work is done in organizations. These processes are the key drivers of value and competitive advantage. Organizations are very interested in streamlining and controlling business processes to ensure that effectiveness and efficiency objectives are being met, that the generation of financial information is accurate and reliable, and that risks are managed. Prerequisites: ACCT 2301, ACCT 2302 and ITOM 2308.
4307 (ITOM 4307). Business Modeling With Spreadsheets. Study of uses and limitations of microcomputers in the financial planning and control processes of the firm. Analyzes cases and problem situations using microcomputer software. Emphasis on financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and capital expenditure analysis. Primarily lecture/discussion with some use of case studies and projects. Prerequisites: ACCT 2302, ITOM 2308 and FINA 3320.
4311. Cost Accounting. (fall only) Study of the measurement, accumulation and control of costs. Topics include product cost accounting, cost behavior analysis, direct costing, standard cost variance analysis and relevant cost analysis. Prerequisite: ACCT 2302.
4315. Federal Income Tax I. (spring only) A conceptual basis and structure for the determination of income taxes. Tax research methods are used in preparing tax returns, solving problems and planning business decisions. Prerequisite: ACCT 2302.
5314. Accounting Systems/Auditing: Concepts, Design and Analysis. (fall only) Deals with the understanding, development and analysis of financial and management accounting systems. Presents fundamental concepts and applies them to contemporary issues. Management internal control functions serve as a central theme for evaluation and analysis. Furthermore, the behavioral characteristics and mechanics of accounting fraud are presented. Prerequisite: ACCT 3311.
5317. Studies in Accounting Theory I. (spring only) Study of selected topics and current issues in the area of accounting theory. Prerequisite: ACCT 3312.
5318, 5319. Independent Studies in Accounting.
5321. Practicum in Financial Statement Analysis. (honors, fall only) An honors course that examines the role of financial statement analysis in the evaluation of the firm and the prediction of its future condition. Topics include fundamental analysis, the use of accounting numbers in the credit market, the use of accounting numbers in the stock market and the use of accounting numbers for corporate restructuring decisions. Prerequisites: ACCT 3311, FINA 3320, ITOM 2305 (or STAT 2301 or STAT 2331), and permission of instructor.
5325, 5326. Accounting Internships. Three hours for each class. Prerequisites: Senior standing, departmental approval.
Top 
3300, 3301. Special Topics in International Business. Offered through SMU Abroad. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
4101. Executive Speaker Series. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (One academic credit hour.)
4111, 4112, 4113. Business Internship. Prerequisite: Instructor approval only. (Pass/fail only.)
4315. European Union (EU) Seminar. Offered through SMU Abroad and available spring only for full-year students. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
5180, 5280, 5380, 5381. Independent Studies in Business Administration.
Top
The mission of the Edwin L. Cox B.B.A. Leadership Institute is to help students achieve professional success by becoming more effective communicators and leaders. Toward that end, the BLI seeks to:
- Improve students’ business writing, interpersonal and presentation skills as well as their ability to plan and manage projects in a team setting.
- Increase students’ understanding of the vital role communications, integrity, ethics and trust play in running a successful business.
- Enhance students’ appreciation for the contemporary issues and topics that impact businesses on a daily basis, including corporate structure, global competition, legislation/regulation and diversity.
- Assist students in creating an effective career plan and portfolio.
The BLI employs a variety of instructional techniques to impart key concepts and skills and expose students to the real world of business and the nonprofit sector. Techniques include lecture, class discussion, self-assessments, small-group projects, role-play simulations, corporate visits, and guest speakers from business and nonprofit organizations.
1110. Special Topics in Business Administration: BBA Scholars Seminar. (one credit hour, pass/fail grading option) Introduces various business topics, including an overview of business disciplines and careers in business. Restricted to BBA Scholars in fall of their first year. (Counts as free elective only.)
3302. Business Communications and Leader Development. This course is designed to help students achieve professional success by becoming more effective communicators and leaders. Specifically, the course seeks to improve students' career management, presentation, business writing and interpersonal skills; enhance their ability to plan and manage projects in a team setting; and increase their understanding of contemporary business issues and their appreciation for the vital role that ethics, integrity and trust play in leading a successful business. The course offers a variety of instructional techniques, including lecture, class discussion, self-assessments, team projects and simulations. Students are evaluated on business presentations, writing, tests/quizzes and other assignments. Student teams are evaluated on a range of exercises, including group presentations and research projects. Students will not get credit for BLI 3302 if they have taken BLI 2304, 3301 or 3303.
Top
Professor William Maxwell, Department Chair
Professors: Andrew H. Chen, Darius P. Miller, Albert W. Niemi, James L. Smith, Rex W. Thompson, Michel R. Vetsuypens. Associate Professors: Chun H. Lam, Kumar Venkataraman. Assistant Professors: Indraneel Chakraborty, Amar Gande, Swaminathan Kalpathy, Qin Lei, Natalia I. Reisel, Johan Sulaeman. Clinical Professor: Jeffrey W. Allen. Senior Lecturers: Brian R. Bruce, Michael L. Davis. Lecturer: Charles B. Ruscher.
See requirements to major in finance in the Programs of Study section.
3300. Special Topics in International Finance. Offered through SMU Abroad. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3310. Finance Concepts. This course provides a solid foundation in key financial concepts and tools for managerial decision-making. Participants develop their ability to analyze, decide and communicate based on financial data and concepts, skills that will prove invaluable throughout their careers. Topics include: 1) risk-return relationship in financial management, 2) basic valuation models of financial securities, and 3) decision rules used to value and choose between corporate projects. Students who have already taken FINA 3320 will not receive credit for FINA 3310.
3311. Markets and Freedom. This course includes discussion of indicators of economic freedom and the benefits of globalization. Explores how markets raise living standards, including the roles that technology, globalization, public policy and economic growth play in a functioning market economy. This course can count as a free elective for B.B.A. majors if they have not taken FINA 4355. Students will not receive credit for both.
3312. Personal Finance. In this course, students will touch on the components of personal financial planning. Topics include setting up financial accounts at banks and brokerages; investments in stocks and mutual funds; personal income taxation; auto, property, life and health insurance; and employee benefit plans. Course content will include hands-on casework. Elective for business minor. B.B.A. majors can take course for free elective credit only.
3320. Financial Management. Survey of concepts, practices and problems surrounding financial markets, securities and decision-making. Includes time value of money, market efficiency, evaluation of securities and capital budgeting. Prerequisites:MATH 1309 or 1337; ECO 1311 and 1312; ACCT 2301; and EMIS 4340 or 5370, or ITOM 2305, or STAT 2301 or 2331. Students may not receive credit for this course and ECO 4368. Economics courses will not fulfill B.B.A. requirements.
3330. Money and Capital Markets. Analyzes the structural interrelationships among the important participants in the U.S. financial markets. Topics include flow of funds, determinants of interest rates, monetary policy and interest rates, money and capital market instruments, and problems in managing financial institutions. Prerequisite: FINA 3320. Students may not receive credit for this course and ECO 3355.
4325. Advanced Financial Management. In-depth analysis of capital budgeting, cost of capital, sources of capital open to the firm, capital structure, dividend policy, mergers and bankruptcy, in a combined lecture-case format. Prerequisite: FINA 3320.
4326. Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management. Evaluation of the interactive effects of economic, industry, company and market considerations on the risk and return of individual assets. Analysis of the interrelationships of risky assets when combined in portfolios, and asset pricing theory and implications. Prerequisite: FINA 3320. Students may not receive credit for this course and ECO 4378.
4327. Speculative Markets. (spring only) Introduction to analysis of speculative securities such as options and futures. Evaluates underlying theories explaining speculative markets in which such securities are traded. Discusses strategies such as hedging and arbitrage. Prerequisite: FINA 3320.
4328. Management of Financial Institutions. (spring only) Management of assets, liabilities and capital accounts of financial institutions in general and commercial banks in particular. Emphasis on an understanding of the interrelationship among profitability, liquidity and capital adequacy. Uses simulations and/or cases to illustrate the concepts. Prerequisite: FINA 3330.
4329. International Finance. Analyzes the effects on financial transactions of dealing in foreign markets. Considers international financial markets and such issues as interest rate differences between countries and spot and forward transactions in foreign currencies. Major emphasis is given to the impact of international operations for the corporate financial manager. Prerequisites: FINA 4325 and 4326.
4355. Doing Business in a Globalized World. This course focuses on how globalization is rapidly changing the operating manual for running a successful business. The course explores which market sectors are experiencing the most global product demand, the business opportunities offered by China and India, which jobs are being outsourced (and how to make outsourcing work for, and not against the organization), which employee skills and talents are rising on the value-added high-paying ladder, as well as changes in capital markets and the optimal market structure of industry. Students will not receive credit for both FINA 3311 and 4355. Prerequisite: FINA 3320.
5132, 5232. Honors Practicum in Portfolio Management. (honors section, one hour/fall and two hours/spring) Offers practical experience in investments through management of the Ann Rife Cox Investment Fund. Economic and industry analysis and the determination of their effect on investment decisions. Topics include money and capital market forecasts, selection of individual securities, and development of a portfolio strategy. Prerequisite: Application process required. FINA 4326 and minimum 3.5 GPA are highly recommended.
5325, 5326. Independent Studies in Finance.
5331. Advanced Concepts in Financial Management. (spring only) Selected advanced topics in corporate finance such as cost of capital, efficient markets, acquisitions, cash management and applications of options concepts. Combined lecture-case format. Prerequisite: FINA 4325 or permission of instructor.
5340. Alternative Assets I. This course examines the theory and management of hedge funds. Topics include optimal portfolio selection, arbitrage pricing theory, controlled-risk strategies (e.g., event-driven, long-short equity, dedicated short bias, convergence arbitrage) and performance measurement of hedge funds. The course also discusses operational issues, such as implementation costs, leverage and the mechanics of security lending. Prerequisites or corequisites: FINA 4326; application process required.
5341. Alternative Assets II. This course examines techniques for alternative asset portfolio management and security selection. The course discusses these topics from the perspective of a professional portfolio manager. Students will learn tools and techniques for valuing individual securities (including fundamental and quantitative methods) and popular approaches to security selection, such as growth versus value. The emphasis will be on contemporary real-world applications. Instructional methods include cases, in-class discussion and out-of-class assignments. Prerequisites: FINA 5340 and an application process are required.
Top
Professor John H. Semple, Department Chair
Professors: Amit Basu, Bezalel Gavish, Marion G. Sobol. Associate Professors: R. Canan Savaskan-Ebert, Ulrike Schultze. Assistant Professors: Aydin Alptekinoglu, Sreekumar R. Bhaskaran, Karthik Ramachandran. Senior Lecturers: Ellen Parker Allen, James C. Collins, Jr., Amy Puelz.
See requirements to major in information systems in the Programs of Study section.
B.B.A. degree-seeking students should take ITOM 2305 (or STAT 2301 or STAT 2331) and ITOM 2308 during their sophomore year.
2305. Managerial Statistics. Introductory course consisting of probability and descriptive statistics, regression analysis, decision-making under uncertainty, and use of data in decision-making. (STAT 2301, STAT 2331, EMIS 4340 and EMIS 5370 are alternates for this course.) Open only to prebusiness and business students.
2308. Information Systems for Management. Covers the business use of information technologies. Databases, networks and software applications are studied as business resources, and the social and ethical influences of IT on individuals, firms and society are examined. Coursework includes problem-solving with IT and case assignments involving information systems. Laptops are required for use in class. Prerequisite: ITOM 2305, or STAT 2301 or 2331, or EMIS 4340 or 5370.
3306. Operations Management. An introduction to quantitative models and concepts used for problem-solving in business. Topics include inventory management, linear programming, decision analysis and forecasting. This course is taught through lectures, readings and cases. Prerequisites: MATH 1309 or 1337; ECO 1311 and 1312; ACCT 2301; STAT 2301 or 2331, or ITOM 2305, or EMIS 4340 or 5370; and ITOM 2308.
3310. Business Decisions and Processes. This course will focus on five business processes that operate in most organizations: sales (order fulfillment), billing and cash receipts, purchasing, accounts payable, and project management. For each of these processes, students will learn which departments (functional areas) and actors are involved, what the steps and key internal controls are, what information needs to be collected and managed (documents, databases), and how information technology typically supports the process. Students will also learn how to use spreadsheet models to address decision problems relevant to such processes. Business minor elective. B.B.A. majors and business administration minors will receive free elective credit for this course.
4306 (ACCT 4306). Business Process Management. This course teaches students how to document, analyze and design internal controls by focusing on business processes – how work is done in organizations. These processes are the key drivers of value and competitive advantage. Organizations are very interested in streamlining and controlling business processes to ensure that effectiveness and efficiency objectives are being met, that the generation of financial information is accurate and reliable, and that risks are managed. Prerequisites: ACCT 2301, ACCT 2302 and ITOM 2308.
4307 (ACCT 4307). Business Modeling With Spreadsheets. This course introduces students to advanced quantitative modeling techniques for business decision-making. A variety of modeling techniques such as simulation analysis, optimization modeling and multifactor decision-making will be covered. Students will learn how these techniques are implemented in spreadsheets to help businesses understand and manage risk and improve decision-making. Applications will cover a broad range of functional areas, including financial analysis and planning, scheduling and staffing, network (routing and transportation), and project selection.
Top
Associate Professor Don VandeWalle, Department Chair
Professors: Robin L. Pinkley, Miguel A. Quiñones. Associate Professors: Mel Fugate, Ellen F. Jackofsky. Assistant Professors: Jay Carson, Maribeth Kuenzi, Robert W. Rasberry.
See requirements to major in management in the Programs of Study section.
3300, 3301. Special Topics in International Management I and II. Offered through SMU Abroad. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3310. Management Concepts. This class provides a broad survey of key issues, theories and practices that underpin how organizations function, evolve and perform. Using a variety of readings, students examine such major topics as motivation, job design, organizational theory, leadership, organizational culture, competitive strategy and competitive advantage. B.B.A. majors and business administration minors who have already taken MNO 3370 will not receive credit for this course.
3370. Management of Organizations. A survey course to facilitate understanding of the key importance of management functions and principles in modern organizations. The course introduces students to the planning, organizing, leading and controlling functions, with a focus on understanding principles that lead to managerial effectiveness at the individual, group and organizational levels. Critical-thinking skills and development of self-awareness are a focus throughout the course. Prerequisites: MATH 1309 or 1337; ECO 1311 and 1312; ACCT 2301; and EMIS 4340 or 5370, or ITOM 2305, or STAT 2301 or 2331.
3371. Human Resources. This course examines how organizations execute their business strategy by effectively managing their people. The focus is on learning procedures and practices for developing human resource strategy and the alignment of job descriptions, recruitment, interviewing, training and development. Emphasis is on the practical application of human resource tools that are needed to be a successful manager of talent in both traditional business and in entrepreneurial roles. Prerequisite: MNO 3370.
3373. Negotiations. This course examines theories and processes of negotiation as practiced in a variety of settings. The focus is on the understanding of negotiation strategies and methods of conflict resolution in the context of competitive situations. The prominent teaching methods are simulations, role-playing and case studies. Prerequisite: MNO 3370.
3375. Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Leadership. This course studies ethical dilemmas managers face. Topics include giving voice to one’s values; organizational responsibilities to employees, customers, shareholders and the community; and conflicts of interest, product liability and whistle blowing. The mode of delivery is case study, class discussion, video analysis, and written and oral presentations.
Note: The cross listing of CFB 3375 and MNO 3375 is subject to the same rules that restrict credit for all other CF, CFA and CFB courses that are cross-listed with departmental courses (see General Education Rules 9 and 10). In addition, students who take either CFB 3375 or MNO 3375 may not take ACCT 3391, nor may students taking ACCT 3391 take either of the other two courses for credit. Students seeking accounting certification should note that ACCT 3391 is a gateway course for eligibility to take the CPA examination. Prerequisite: MNO 3370.
4340. Employee Benefits. The structure of employee benefits is a strategic decision for employers and an important financial planning element for employees. An overview of typical employee benefits is covered along with how these benefits integrate with Social Security. Course content includes a discussion of qualified and nonqualified plans that are of current importance to employers and employees. To gain practical experience, students will examine details of benefit offerings that are part of actual job offers to SMU students. Note: This course will be listed as RMI 4340 on the academic course schedule. Prerequisite: MNO 3370.
4361. Project Management. Projects are a fundamental means of getting things done in business today. Project management is a set of practices and interpersonal skills designed to successfully accomplish business results that are delivered on time and on budget and meet quality standards. Project management is a skill that is in high demand across industries and organizational structures because it is becoming the preferred process to achieve successful results. Topics covered include defining the project goals, developing a plan to achieve the goals, executing the plan and evaluating progress. Interpersonal skills include communication, collaboration and team management. Prerequisite: MNO 3370.
4371. Leadership and Culture. The course is designed to enhance effectiveness and success as an outstanding leader. Important theories of motivation, leadership, interpersonal relationships, teamwork and organizational culture are studied and applied to making leadership decisions. Prerequisite: MNO 3370 (OR, for non-Cox students, approval of the Cox B.B.A. Advising Office, junior standing, and two courses in psychology or sociology may be substituted for the prerequisite).
4378. Independent Studies in Management. Research in this area will consider contemporary issues – theoretical, ethical, methodological, social, etc. – that are currently of interest to management. Prerequisites: MNO 3370 and permission of full-time faculty.
Top
Professor Raj Sethuraman, Department Chair
Professors: Thomas E. Barry, William R. Dillon, Daniel J. Howard, Roger A. Kerin, Zannie G. Voss. Associate Professors: Richard A. Briesch, Edward J. Fox, Tasadduq Shervani, Jacquelyn S. Thomas, Glenn Voss. Assistant Professors: Joonwook Park, T. Andrew Poehlman, Priyali Rajagopal, Morgan K. Ward. Senior Lecturers: Charles A. Besio, Sonja C. Corbin, Judith H. Foxman. Executive-in-Residence: Steven P. Dennis.
See requirements to major in marketing in Programs of Study section.
3300. Special Topics in International Marketing. Offered through SMU Abroad. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3310. Marketing Concepts. Students learn the basic principles of consumer marketing and the role of each element of the marketing mix. Emphasis is placed on creating a familiarity with marketing strategy and planning processes and viewing marketing within a societal context. Learning takes place through lectures, case studies and small-group activities, and discussions during which students develop answers to marketing problems and opportunities. B.B.A. majors and students enrolled in the Minor in Business Administration program who have already completed MKTG 3340 will not receive credit for this course.
3340. Fundamentals of Marketing. Examines three major areas: the nature of marketing decisions; the environment in which these decisions are made; and the relationship of these decisions to the firm, business and society. Prerequisites: MATH 1309 or 1337; ECO 1311 and 1312; ACCT 2301; and ITOM 2305, or STAT 2301 or 2311, or EMIS 4340 or 5370.
3342. Marketing Research. Nature and role of information in the decision-making process, identification and discussion of the elements and relationships that constitute the research process, planning and conducting a research project, and the role and nature of a marketing information system. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
3343. Consumer Behavior. Helps students understand the motivation and behavior of buyers and consumers. Consumer behavior within a marketing framework will be discussed and will be related to the task of marketing management. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
3344. Integrated Communication Advertising Management. Provides an opportunity for students to explore key marketing communication concepts and management issues through the study of message strategy, advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing and media planning. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
3345. Sales and Distribution Management. A multidisciplinary approach to the study of sales and sales force management. The topic areas of major concern focus on the total sales process, e.g., selection, training, motivation and compensation of personnel, sales forecasting, sales territory management, and analyses. The basic objectives are to provide the student with a fundamental understanding of the elements of the sales process, and to provide the student with a management perspective to plan, organize and direct a sales force. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
3346. Retailing. A study of retailing, focusing on the environment of retailing management, retail strategy, merchandise management, sales promotion and customer services, and expense and productivity management. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
3347. Services Marketing. Investigates the institutions that facilitate the transfer of title of a good as it moves from producer to ultimate consumer. Offered through SMU-in-Australia. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
3348. International Marketing. This course examines international marketing at every level: from the evolved, underlying common nature of all humans, to legal issues concerning export and import, to the subtle nuances of strategy in subregions of foreign countries. This class emphasizes novel problem-solving and an expanded world view with a focus on real-world approaches to understanding the global marketing environment. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
3349. Product and Brand Management. Deals with the management of product development programs and the appraisal of the many factors that affect product decision-making. Examines policies concerning branding, product line strategy, and compliance with social and government restrictions. Studies the fundamentals of pricing the product and the formulation of price policies, including their legal aspects. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
4341. Marketing Implementation and Control. Uses the case analysis method to examine strategy, tactics and decision-making regarding the implementation and control of marketing problems. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
4345. Sports Marketing. An exploration of sports marketing from two perspectives: the marketing of sports and marketing through sports. Focuses on key issues such as fan segmentation, branding, licensing and sponsorship. Prerequisite: MKTG 3340.
5150. Marketing Internship. This course requires students to work in a professional capacity in a marketing-oriented position within a company. The company providing the internship, and the job responsibilities of students, are subject to approval. To obtain credit, the internship must involve a minimum of 100 hours of work. Course also involves additional academic requirements as determined by the internship adviser. MKTG 5150 and the related internship must be completed prior to the student's final term. Prerequisites: MKTG 3340 and 3342 or 3343.
5341. Marketing Management. (spring only) The objectives are to: 1) provide the student with a fundamental understanding of the marketing strategy planning process within the firm and 2) develop the abilities to cope with marketing management problems encountered by senior marketing managers, general management executives and marketing consultants. Viewed as the capstone course for marketing majors. Heavy emphasis is placed on case analysis and class projects. Prerequisites: Senior standing and MKTG 3342.
5342, 5343. Independent Studies in Marketing.
5345. Honors Marketing Practicum. (spring only) Gives students an opportunity to apply marketing concepts and theories learned in the classroom to a real-life business situation. Groups will be responsible for researching, designing and presenting a comprehensive integrated marketing promotions plan to a Dallas business. Prerequisite: By application.
Top
Professor William B. Brueggeman, Department Chair
Associate Professor: Robert Puelz. Senior Lecturers: Barbara W. Kincaid, Catherine Weber.
See requirements to major in real estate finance in the Programs of Study section.
Real Estate (RE)
3381. Real Estate Fundamentals. An introduction to all phases of real estate and the foundation for other courses in real estate. Prerequisite: ACCT 2302; corequisite: FINA 3320.
4338. Real Estate Law. (spring only) A survey of real estate law with particular attention given to real estate transactions, financing, syndication and land use regulation. Prerequisites: BL 3335 and RE 3381.
4382. Real Estate Markets and Valuation. (fall only) The principles and techniques of estimating the value of residential and income-producing properties. Also considers the economic base, structure and distribution of land use in urban areas. Prerequisites: RE 3381 and FINA 3320. With permission of RE 4382 instructor, RE 3381 and 4382 may be taken concurrently.
4389. Real Estate Finance. (spring only) Development of technical competence necessary to structure real estate transactions. Computation of periodic payments, amortization schedules and true borrowing costs. Examination of the secondary mortgage market. Application of techniques for structuring real estate transactions (e.g., sale-leaseback, joint ventures, syndications). Prerequisites: RE 3381, RE 4382 and FINA 3320. (Students cannot receive credit for RE 4381 and RE 4389.)
Business Law (BL)
3310. Legal Perspectives and Business Law. This survey law course provides an understanding of basic legal issues essential to working with attorneys in corporate, entrepreneurial or personal environments. Topics addressed through readings, discussion and written assignments include constitutional issues affecting business, litigation management, alternative dispute resolution, civil tort liability, contracts, intellectual property, white-collar crime, real estate acquisitions, land use, business formation and employment law.
3335. Introduction to Legal Environment and Ethics. An environmental course that emphasizes the nature, formation and application of law with a macro view. Public law and regulation of business are emphasized. Prerequisites: MATH 1309 or 1337; ECO 1311 and 1312; ACCT 2301; and ITOM 2305, or STAT 2301 or 2331, or EMIS 4340 or 5370.
4336. Advanced Business Law. Includes the law of real property, commercial paper, creditors’ rights and secured transactions, agency and employment, partnerships, and corporations. Prerequisite: BL 3335.
Risk Management and Insurance Area (RMI)
3360. Principles of Risk Management and Insurance. This course focuses on the principles of risk and the role of insurance in handling risk. Topics range from conventional insurance markets to Lloyds of London. Also includes an overview of commercial risks and insurance choices of business owners. The principles of insurance economics are reinforced with practical applications to automobile insurance, renters insurance, life insurance and health insurance.
4335. Insurance Company Operations. The course explores issues surrounding the operation of an insurance company by looking at underwriting strategy, the choice of distribution system, reinsurance arrangements, investments and claims. Students will participate in an insurance game that simulates a competitive market. Decisions will involve insurance company operations such as price, portfolio mix and underwriting strategy. Prerequisite: RMI 3360.
4340 (MNO 4340). Employee Benefits. The structure of employee benefits is a strategic decision for employers and an important financial planning element for employees. An overview of typical employee benefits is covered along with how these benefits integrate with Social Security. Course content includes a discussion of qualified and nonqualified plans that are of current importance to employers and employees. To gain practical experience, students will examine details of benefit offerings that are part of actual job offers to SMU students. Prerequisite: MNO 3370.
4360. Insurance and Corporate Risk Management. This course explores the evolution of business risk management and offers insight into the risk management process by focusing on expense-inducing problems that exist for most business forms. Practice meets theory during the class through a series of interactions with corporate risk managers representing a variety of industry sectors and perspectives. Other topics include risk management, enterprise risk management, the role of the commercial insurance market and how market changes affect decision-making. Prerequisite or corequisite: RMI 3360.
5325. Internship. A directed studies project that includes student interaction with an organization and a research paper on a risk or insurance topic. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
Top
Professor Gordon Walker, Department Chair
Professor: Maria A. Minniti. Associate Professors: David Carroll Croson, David T. Lei. Assistant Professor: Qi Zhou. Executive-in-Residence: W. Michael Cox. Scholar-in-Residence: Dwight R. Lee. Writer-in-Residence: Richard G. Alm.
5370. Strategic Management in a Global Economy. Analyzes the processes of building competitive advantage and strategy execution in single and multibusiness firms with emphasis on industry evolution, the boundaries of the firm and global competition. Prerequisites: ACCT 2301 and 2302; EMIS 4340 or 5370, or ITOM 2305, or STAT 2301 or 2331; FINA 3320; MKTG 3340; MNO 3370; and ITOM 3306.
5371. Advanced Strategic Management. (spring only) Seeks to extend the theories and practices introduced in STRA 5370 and to broaden the understanding of strategic problems found in modern corporations. Topics may vary. Prerequisite: STRA 5370.
5378, 5379. Independent Studies in Strategy. Projects will focus on contemporary issues in strategy research. Prerequisites: STRA 5370 and permission of full-time faculty.
Top
Jerry White, Director
3379. Developing Entrepreneurial Opportunities. Students learn to recognize and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities in a variety of settings. The emphasis is on entrepreneurship as a manageable process that can be applied in many organizational settings. Identifies the many ways in which entrepreneurship manifests itself and discusses the characteristics and implications of social entrepreneurship, high-tech entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship, public sector entrepreneurship, family businesses and other contexts. This course is restricted to business majors.
3380. Business Decision-Making. This course analyzes theories and practices of decision-making in a variety of business settings with the aim of helping students make better business decisions. Specifically, it focuses on understanding the processes through which individuals and firms make decisions (and mistakes) in uncertain situations. Particular emphasis is put on how to process information effectively, when to use rules of thumb and how to detect biased judgments. The course emphasizes simulations and in-class experiments. Prerequisites: MATH 1309 or 1337; ECO 1311 and 1312; STAT 2301 or 2331, or ITOM 2305, or EMIS 4340 or 5370.
4398. Managing the Entrepreneurial Business. Explores the unique challenges and opportunities involved in the management and ownership of a closely held enterprise. Examines key business, personal and interpersonal issues relevant to the continuity and management of these firms. Topics include strategic management and corporate governance, life cycle and systems analyses, and leadership. Prerequisites: FINA 3320, MKTG 3340 and MNO 3370.
5397. Entrepreneurship (Starting a Business). This course helps students understand how to plan and start a new business or expand an existing owner-managed or family-owned business. Topics covered include the personal characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, identifying the window of opportunity for launching a new venture, determining if a new business will be profitable, profit and cash flow forecasts, sources of information, forecasting sales, the importance of relevant experience, finding financing, and the business plan. Prerequisites: FINA 3320, MKTG 3340, MNO 3370 and ITOM 3306.
Top
Share