Course Catalog

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HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (BA3030)

Offers a systematic analysis of human resource concepts and practices designed
to enhance organizational objectives and employee goals. Studies various aspects
of the employment relationship: job design, staffing, employee training and
development, diversity management, performance evaluation, compensation and
salary administration, employee and labor relations, and collective bargaining.
Examines contemporary and emerging human resource systems and models found in
the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

MARKET RESEARCH (BA3040)

Market Research is essential to any student of Marketing. This course offers a comprehensive, applied approach to understanding and designing market research. The course methodology balances the fundamental quantitative methodologies and theoretical structures with practical applications of qualitative techniques to help students become more familiar with the discipline and be able to understand research methods and design, and to be able implement their own research projects.

CONSUMER BEHAVIOR (BA3044)

Consumer behavior lies at the crossroads of marketing, psychology, economics and anthropology. We employ theories developed in these fields to help predict how consumers will respond to various marketing stimuli. We examine the impact of purchase involvement on consumer decision making; the various kinds of decision models used by consumers; and the influence of attitude, culture, demographics, emotions, learning, memory, motivation, personality and perception on our behavior as consumers. Consumer behavior attempts to understand the consumption activities of individuals as opposed to markets.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS (BA3050)

Following an introduction to the International Monetary System and Foreign Exchange Markets, students explore spot and spot-forward arbitrage. They also engage in a FX trading competition using a demo platform. Once students absorb the essentials of financial derivatives (options, futures and swaps), we move to the practical application of these tools. Hedging theories and a basic tool-kit assist students in completing more complex FX and interest rate hedging exercises and case studies. Each semester we explore selected topics, such as Private Equity or the Regulation of the Futures Market, in collaboration with guest speakers.

DISASTERS MANAGEMENT (BA3055)

The major purpose of this course is to identify common threads through different major disasters throughout the world and from this examination draw lessons learnt that ought to be applied to limit their recurrence and mitigate the human and financial pain they spawn. The key question posed and framework for study: How are the myriad technical, emotional, economic, legal, public policy, financial, communications, ethics and international relations issues that necessarily arise in disasters best handled? Once posed we will develop an analytical framework for the implementation of the practical action in disaster prevention, mitigation and remediation.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (BA3070)

This course is designed to introduce students to the strategic importance of various operations decisions (process and plant layout, capacity planning, job design, forecasting, quality control, inventory and supply chain management). We take both a theoretical and practical approach, beginning with a brief review of the fundamental purpose of management. We explore the strategic role of operations, study some of the problems and challenges that managers face and examine the theories and strategic tools available to tackle these issues. We take this a little further by analyzing how managerial philosophy, attitudes toward work, technology and culture can affect successful implementation of an operations strategy.

LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS (BA3075)

Students will examine the legal process and the legal environment within which business must operate, as well as the interrelationship of government and business. Students develop an understanding of the methods by which legal decisions are formulated as they affect both individual rights and business transactions.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW (BA3084)

Briefly examines the great legal families in the world: Common Law, Civil Law, Socialist Law, and Islamic Law. Within the Civil Law family, emphasizes French Contract Law and then explores the law of the European Union. Studies the legal aspects of international business transactions and uses major international and European projects to examine the principles discussed.

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT (BA3087)

Sustainability Management addresses global warming and consequences such as extreme weather and biodiversity degradation. Following stable climate conditions, we are now confronted with the uncharted territory of the Anthropocene. Management must engage with these wicked issues marked by complexity. Students will gain an understanding of the consequences of climate change for strategies and organizational dynamics. Pre-requisites: BA 2020 and junior standing.

TOPICS IN MANAGEMENT (BA3091)

Addresses a variety of issues pertinent to organizations and individuals operating in an international context. A detailed course description can be found in the respective semester course offerings, located here: https://catalog-2025-2026.aup.edu/course/ba3091