Pre-M.B.A. Program

Pre-M.B.A. Module Descriptions

Accounting Module (12-session module, 4 credits)

Introduction to the measurement and reporting concepts underlying the accounting system for communicating information to an organization's internal and external decision makers. The course examines the use of accounting information in both investment and management decision making.

Topics include:

  • preparation of financial statements
  • the role of ethics in accounting decisions
  • valuation and reporting issues
  • cost volume profit analysis
  • planning, product costing, and special reports for managerial use

Law Module (6-session module, 2 credits)

An introduction to the American legal system and the legal environment as it pertains to managers. Topics include:

  • the judicial process
  • constitutional law
  • issues of discrimination and diversity
  • criminal law
  • intentional torts
  • negligence
  • product liability
  • contract law
  • selected current topics in law

Marketing Module (6-session module, 2 credits)

Topics include:

  • environmental analysis
  • customer behavior
  • segmentation
  • targeting, positioning, and the marketing mix

Operations Management Module (6-session module, 2 credits)

Introduction to how products pass through the value chain, from sourcing to delivery to the end user, and basic concepts related to the creation and delivery of products (both goods and services). Topics include:

  • supply chain management
  • goods and service delivery
  • quality, inventory, forecasting and planning
  • information technology applications

Management Module (6-session module, 2 credits)

Introduction to the characteristics and processes of individuals, groups, and organizations that affect behavior within an organization. Attention is also given to the roles, functions, and principles of management and leadership relevant to the needs of managers.

Finance Module (12-session module, 4 credits)

Introduction to the financial theories, principles, and analytical approaches used by managers in corporate financial decision making.

Topics include:

  • the use of financial statements for analysis of liquidity, asset, debt, and profitability management
  • financial forecasting
  • concepts of risk, return, and valuation of stocks and bonds of publicly traded companies
  • appropriate mix of debt and equity in a firm's capital structure
  • capital budgeting criteria and evaluation of investment projects
  • dividend policies
  • international corporate finance
  • mergers and acquisitions issues