Academic Catalog

Business Administration and Economics

(413) 662-5313
www.mcla.edu/badm
Chairperson: James Moriarty
Email: J.Moriarty@mcla.edu

Business Administration Major 

The Department of Business Administration and Economics offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in business administration that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The major in Business Administration allows students to specialize in any of the following concentrations: Accounting, General Business, Management, Marketing, and Sport Management. All of our concentrations offer a strong foundation of required courses, combined with relevant departmental and non-departmental courses that give students a strong base in communication, technical, and administrative skills. Additionally, the Department offers a minor in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, and Leadership.

Students graduating with a major in business administration will be able to:

  •  Demonstrate working knowledge of the major functional areas of Business and their applications.
  • Communicate effectively in both written and oral form using appropriate presentation strategies.
  • Identify and evaluate business problems and use appropriate tools to arrive at reasoned conclusions.
  • Demonstrate quantitative skills and abilities by solving business problems and make sound business decisions.
  • Identify and evaluate ethical and social responsibility implications that underlie business decisions.

Accounting Courses

ACCT 224 Financial Accounting3 cr

Introduces basic principles of accounting as a language, including terminology, the accounting cycle, analyzing the effect of transactions, and developing financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Students will discuss and evaluate earning manipulation from technical and ethical perspectives. Students research public companies using the SEC EDGAR research tool and apply basic ratio analysis for decision making. Spreadsheet and word processing software are used.

Prerequisite: BADM 110  
ACCT 225 Managerial Accounting3 cr

Introduces basic cost principles and methods used to determine, plan and control costs. The course focuses on developing and using relevant managerial accounting information to make business decisions. Students use current technological resources to analyze and record managerial accounting information.

ACCT 320 Accounting Systems3 cr

Studies how accounting information is recorded, processed and summarized in accounting information systems. Students will be introduced to the design, operations, and management of computerized accounting information systems and will develop an understanding of internal controls, risks, applications, and ethics around accounting information systems.

Prerequisite: ACCT 224  
ACCT 321 Financial Reporting I3 cr

Studies measurement and disclosure methods and issues in the creation and evaluation of financial statements. Students explore accounting theory, recognition of select financial transactions, and conduct research using FASB Codification System. Learners create and analyze financial statements and disclosures using the appropriate technology.

Prerequisite: ACCT 320  
ACCT 322 Financial Reporting II3 cr

Continues the study of measurement and disclosure issues in accounting for liabilities and equity in accordance with GAAP. Further studies the theoretical, practical, and ethical issues involving alternative GAAP, as well as the income statement and the statement of cash flows. Students use computer software in the analysis/presentation of financial reporting issues.

Prerequisite: ACCT 321  
ACCT 330 Cost Accounting3 cr

Focuses on the development of cost information needed by managers to plan and control in manufacturing, merchandising, and service enterprises. Topics build on material introduced in managerial accounting and include; job and process costing, standard costing, cost allocations, inventory management, transfer pricing, and performance measurement. Spreadsheet and general ledger software will be used in the analysis of cost accounting information.

Prerequisite: ACCT 225  
ACCT 335 Federal Taxation - Individuals3 cr

Studies federal income tax laws for individuals, with a broad overview of Massachusetts income tax laws for individuals. Students use commercial tax preparation software to enhance their ability to interpret and apply income tax law as it applies to individuals.

Prerequisite: ACCT 224  
ACCT 395 Accounting for Entrepreneurs3 cr

Explores the advantages and disadvantages of various organizational structures and tax issues as they relate to entrepreneurs. Students will be introduced to basic financial and managerial accounting concepts, taxation, funding sources, and general ledger software.

Prerequisite: ENTR 210  
ACCT 421 Advanced Financial Accounting3 cr

Explores the theoretical and practical issues involved in accounting for business combinations, multinational transactions, partnerships, governmental units and not-for-profit organizations. Students use computer software in the analysis/presentation of cases.

Prerequisite: ACCT 322  
ACCT 423 Auditing3 cr

Examines the professional standards and ethics of auditing. Explores the theoretical foundation of standards. Considers how field work, sampling, computers, and management characteristics impact audit risk assessment. The moral and ethical responsibilities of the profession permeate the course. Students use software in the analysis and solution of cases/audit process.

Prerequisite: ACCT 321  
ACCT 435 Federal Taxation - Entities3 cr

Studies federal income tax for C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, trusts, and estates, and more complex personal income taxes. Students will prepare entity tax returns, perform basic tax planning, and research publicly available federal tax information from the Internet.

Prerequisite: ACCT 335  
ACCT 550 Accounting Internship1-15 cr

Offers eligible students the opportunity for enhanced educational opportunities by providing actual field experience in public or private accounting that relate to their accounting interests. During the assignment, the student will complete an individualized learning contract sponsored and approved by a faculty member from the department. Only 3 internship credits may be applied to the 30 required accounting credits to sit for the CPA exam.

Prerequisite: ACCT 322, junior status, 2.5 GPA  
Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits  

Business Administration Courses

BADM 100 Explorations in Business3 cr

Introduces students to the basic functions and terminology of business. Topics include management of human and financial resources, production and marketing of goods and services, and legal and ethical issues in decision-making. Provides students with basic competencies in business communications, creativity, and illustrates both successful/unsuccessful decision-making.

Prerequisite: Open to all except junior/senior Business Administration majors  
Attributes: Core Self & Society (CSS)  
BADM 101 Adulting 101: Managing Life and Money3 cr

Develops students' understanding and skills around transitioning to college, money management, budgeting, realizing financial goals, credit, and financial vehicles. Students will also use a variety of tools and resources to better manage their time, adjust to being the primary decision-maker in their life, create a budget, manage their profile, evaluate college assistance packages, and comparing financial alternatives.

Attributes: Core Self & Society (CSS)  
BADM 110 Information Technology for Business3 cr

Explores the application of technology to business communications and decision-making. Students will utilize word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical analysis software, Internet tools, graphics and presentation software to find, retrieve, organize and present business information. Emphasizes the importance of technology (including ethics and etiquette) in facilitating efficient business communications.

BADM 201 Business Law I3 cr

Develops an in-depth understanding of the American Law Institute's Second Restatement of Contracts and the Second Restatement of Agency and relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Prerequisite: Sophomore status  
BADM 206 Math Methods in Business and Economics3 cr

Focuses on the application of common mathematical models and elementary functions to problems in the business world. The following topics are presented with emphasis on applications in business, economics, and finance: linear, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, along with differentiation, integration, and optimization. Other applicable topics include computations of simple and compound interest, and loans.

Prerequisite: ECON 142, MATH 232  
BADM 240 Issues in Event and Sport Management3 cr

Provides students with an overview of the basic issues in managing events in business, cultural and tourist venues, and sport and fitness industries. Covers all aspects of event management, including feasibility studies, operational planning and marketing evaluation. Industries examined include professional, collegiate and amateur levels of sport organizations; cultural and tourism venues, as well as all business organizations planning conferences, trade shows, and other events.

BADM 260 Management3 cr

Explores the managerial roles of leading, planning, organizing, and controlling in modern organizations. Blends behavioral theories of management and social responsibility and presents applications in a variety of organizational settings. Examines the role of managers in today's organization and in society and studies the complex multicultural, global organization of today.

Attributes: Leadership Minor (LDRS)  
BADM 270 Marketing3 cr

Examines the role of marketing in today's organizations and in society and studies the complex multicultural, global organization of today. Examines basic theory and terminology with emphasis on the major marketing components: product, price, promotion and distribution. Uses multiple research sources to explore the marketing practices of today's organizations and learn real world applications of marketing theory.

BADM 290 Sophomore Special Topics3 cr

Introduces students to various topics of emerging importance in the fields of marketing, management, finance, accounting, and e-commerce. Examines current issues in one or more of these areas.

Prerequisite: Sophomore status  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
BADM 300 Personal Investing3 cr

Provides an introductory but comprehensive study of the major aspects of personal investing. Topics covered include investment goals and strategies, risk/return assessment, individual stock investing - fundamental and technical analysis, bonds, stock mutual funds (various types/objectives), global investing, money market mutual funds, the New York Stock Exchange/financial markets and institutions, accessing investment information and analysis on the Internet, online investing. No prior business courses are required or necessary.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
BADM 303 Business Law II3 cr

Continues the study of business law focusing on sales transactions and their connection with the Uniform Commercial Code. Legal aspects of secured transactions, commercial paper, bailments and carriers are also studied.

Prerequisite: BADM 201  
BADM 325 International Business3 cr

Studies the manager's perspective in the fields of international trade and investment, balance of payments, international financial markets and monetary systems, national trade policy and laws. The course also addresses cultural variables in business, and examines how each of a number of basic management activities must be dealt with differently in the international environment than in a purely domestic setting.

Prerequisite: BADM 260, ECON 141  
BADM 340 Financial Management3 cr

Studies the acquisition and administration of funds in today's corporation. Topics include shareholder wealth maximization concepts, the globalization of financial markets, working capital, risk/return, alternative forms of short- and long-term funds, financial statements analysis, mergers and acquisitions.

Prerequisite: ACCT 224, ECON 141, junior status  
BADM 342 Legal and Social Environment of Business3 cr

Focuses on legal and social issues in the workplace including, but not limited to: diversity, inclusion interpersonal conflict communication issues, harassment, and job performance. Current events, the Constitution, statutes, adjudicated cases and ethical principles will be used to illustrate the history, philosophy, structure, processes, and controls of state and federal regulatory systems over economic, social and individual activities.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
BADM 345 Sport Finance and Economics3 cr

Examines the theoretical and practical implications of economics and finance in sports. Basic theories in finance and economics are applied to managerial control of sport organizations. Includes financial analysis, feasibility studies, and economic impact studies of sport teams and venues. Examines microeconomic decisions made by sport consumers, players and managers, owners and venue governing bodies.

Prerequisite: BADM 240, ECON 142  
BADM 346 Athletics Administration3 cr

Provides an overview of the operation of athletic programs in business and educational environments. Emphasis is placed on a practical working knowledge of administration as it relates to athletes. Policies and procedures as they pertain to budget, facilities, governance, eligibility, operations and management, human resources, contests, and other pertinent forces dealing with athletic opportunities in interscholastic athletics, as well as private athletic enterprises.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
BADM 361 Organizational Behavior3 cr

Examines organizational theories of structure, culture motivation, communication and group dynamics. Cases and/or group activities are used to illustrate the application of theory to actual organizational scenarios.

Prerequisite: LEAD 200 or BADM 260  
Attributes: Leadership Minor (LDRS)  
BADM 362 Human Resource Management3 cr

Examines and analyzes personnel functions of staffing, developing, compensating and motivating. Specific techniques within each function are explored in detail. Emphasizes the legal environment in which the human resource manager operates.

Prerequisite: BADM 260  
BADM 363 Operations Management3 cr

Examines managerial processes for effective operations in both goods-producing and service oriented organizations. Topics include operations strategy, process selections and design, capacity planning, facilities locations and design, forecasting, supply chain management, production scheduling, inventory control, quality assurance, just-in-time, and project management. The topics are integrated using a systems model of the operations of an organization. Excel is used extensively.

Prerequisite: BADM 110, MATH 232, BADM 260  
BADM 365 Labor and Labor Law3 cr

Provides an understanding of labor laws and their evolution, unions and their operations, and the nature of the union-management relationship. Utilizes case decisions to illustrate the collective bargaining process.

Prerequisite: Completion of Tier II Human Heritage  
BADM 366 Team Facilitation3 cr

Examines the processes and techniques of organizational team building and the interpersonal skills needed to become an effective facilitator. Students will be assigned to teams and operate as both a member/facilitator during the semester. They will learn how to deal with dysfunctional team members while developing interpersonal skills, enabling them to identify problems and work toward solutions.

Prerequisite: LEAD 200 or BADM 260  
Attributes: Leadership Minor (LDRS)  
BADM 367 Small Business Entrepreneurship3 cr

Introduces students to various types of small businesses through discussion, debate, and demonstrations. Provides them with knowledge and skills necessary to prepare a viable business plan. Students will be expected to develop and complete a business plan.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
BADM 380 Strategic Marketing3 cr

Provides an understanding of how to manage the firm's marketing program. Marketing communications, strategy, product policy and overall marketing effectiveness are explored. Appropriate application of the marketing mix is covered through practical business applications.

Prerequisite: BADM 270  
BADM 381 Consumer Behavior3 cr

Provides an overview of the internal and external influences affecting the buying decision. Sociological, psychological, and economic factors are emphasized. Analyzes consumer and business decision-making.

Prerequisite: BADM 270  
BADM 382 Marketing Research3 cr

Examines the uses and limitations of marketing research information in strategic decision-making. Follows the marketing research process from problem definition through statistical analysis of data.

Prerequisite: BADM 270, ECON 316  
BADM 384 Marketing Communications3 cr

Approaches the subject from an integrated marketing communications perspective. Examines advertising, publicity, sales promotions, personal selling and the use of the Internet. Positioning, creativity, media planning and overall marketing effectiveness are determinants of success that will help students visualize, create and communicate a complete project.

Prerequisite: BADM 270  
Attributes: Leadership Minor (LDRS)  
BADM 385 Global Marketing3 cr

Examines the management of global marketing operations, emphasizing decision-making and policy formulation. Analyzes the unique social, legal and political considerations associated with marketing in different cultures.

Prerequisite: BADM 270  
BADM 386 Sport Marketing3 cr

Examines the socio/cultural and economic impact that sport marketing has on society, including race and gender issues. Also examines various promotional activities in sport marketing - media relations, publicity and public relations; image advertising; and sponsorships. Examines principles of organizing and promoting sport events and activities.

Prerequisite: BADM 270  
BADM 387 Service and Event Marketing3 cr

Provides students with an in-depth analysis of the marketing functions in the service industries. Explores marketing of goods and services at the wholesale and retail level, direct sales marketing, marketing of business and personal services, marketing of cultural, tourist, sporting and business events, non-profit marketing, such as the arts and social services, and the role of marketing on the Internet.

Prerequisite: BADM 270  
BADM 390 Managing Workplace Diversity3 cr

Examines the roles of women and minorities from the 1600s to the present day to gain an understanding of why and how those roles have evolved. Integrates the changes in social, political, and economic conditions and value systems as they affect the ability of women and minorities to effectively function in social and work environments.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
Attributes: Cross-Cultural and Social Justice (CCSJ), Leadership Minor (LDRS), Women Gender Sexuality Studies (WMST)  
BADM 405 Contemporary Business and Organizational Issues3 cr

Provides an overview of current issues relating to management and marketing areas in a variety of organizational settings. Emphasizes operating, strategic, and ethical considerations in decision-making within today's dynamic environment.

Prerequisite: BADM 260, BADM 270  
Attributes: Leadership Minor (LDRS)  
BADM 415 Global Supply Chain Management3 cr

Focuses on the theoretical and practical foundations of understanding and managing global supply chain logistics. The course emphasizes the foundations and core principles of logistics and supply chain management from domestic and global perspectives, paying particular attention to organizational, strategic and operational issues. In this interdisciplinary course, students will gain a multi-faceted perspective on the broad critical themes of logistics and supply chain management.

Prerequisite: BADM 260, ECON 316  
BADM 440 Advanced Leadership3 cr

Examines various topics in leadership studies, both current and historical. Emphasis will be placed on exploring and developing the student's personal leadership philosophy, style, and approach. Possible topics could include operational, strategic, and ethical considerations within today's dynamic social, corporate, and non-profit environment.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
BADM 440H Honors: Advanced Leadership3 cr

Examines various topics in leadership studies, both current and historical. Emphasis will be placed on exploring and developing the student's personal leadership philosophy, style, and approach. Possible topics could include operational, strategic, and ethical considerations within today's dynamic social, corporate, and non-profit environment. Additional research component will be required of students taking this course for honors credit.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
Attributes: Honors Program (HONR)  
BADM 441 Managerial Finance3 cr

Examines the relationships among risk, return and value in a financial context as tools for the analysis of capital structure and budgeting decisions, and the evaluation of leasing proposals. Covers the basic theoretical financial models in detail.

Prerequisite: BADM 340  
BADM 475 Seminar in Event and Sport Management3 cr

Examines existing policies and development of suggested policies for the management of events and sport organizations. Uses case studies and current issues in event and sport management to develop critical decision-making capabilities. Serves as a capstone course for the concentration, integrating knowledge from the major, concentration, and other undergraduate experiences and its application to those current issues.

Prerequisite: BADM 240 and either a) BADM 387 & ECON 377 or b) BADM 345 & BADM 386  
BADM 490 Special Topics in Business Administration3 cr

Studies a specific topic in accounting, marketing, management, finance, or policy for the purpose of encouraging advanced work and research in a field of interest. Content will be identified by subtitle.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
BADM 500 Independent Study in Business1-3 cr

Open to juniors and seniors who wish to study a topic in depth. Final reports and frequent conferences with the advisor are required. Enrollment requires individual application and department approval.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
Repeatable: Maximum of 12 credits  
BADM 510 Seminar in Business Policy3 cr

Serves as the culminating experience that integrates knowledge learned in the business curriculum. Examines the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of organizational business strategies. The course takes a broad view of the business environment by drawing together and building on the ideas, concepts, and theories from all functional business disciplines to make strategic decisions. Emphasizes extensive use of case problem analysis.

Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Business Core Requirements and Senior Status  
BADM 540 Internship in Business1-15 cr

Offers eligible students the opportunity for enhanced educational opportunities by providing actual field experience in public or private organizations that relate to their academic and professional interests. Enrollment requires individual application with faculty sponsorship and department approval. Students must have completed 24 BADM/ECON credits and 12 credits at MCLA prior to application. (3 credits may be applied to the 12 upper-level credits required in the general program.)

Prerequisite: Junior status, 2.5 GPA  
Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits  

Economics Courses

ECON 141 Macroeconomics3 cr

Examines the organization of American economic systems, with comparisons to those of other countries. Emphasis is on the problems of unemployment, inflation, budget deficits and the possible fiscal and monetary policies used to correct them. The course studies such aggregate economic variables as consumption, investment, government expenditures, and taxes.

Attributes: Core Self & Society (CSS)  
ECON 142 Microeconomics3 cr

Deals with individual economic units, consumers and firms. Topic areas which are covered extensively are demand, elasticity and cost theories. The theory of wages and its application to labor markets are also discussed. An analytical study of market structure - perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly and monopoly - is emphasized.

ECON 290 Sophomore Special Topics3 cr

Introduces students to various topics of emerging importance in economics. Examines one or more current issues in depth.

Prerequisite: Sophomore status  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
ECON 310 International Economics3 cr

Introduces students to the basics of international trade and finance and the effects of various international economic policies on domestic and world welfare. The course will discuss, among other things, sources of comparative advantage, gains and losses from trade, and the impact of trade on economic growth. In addition, the course will expose students to topics on trade policy interventions such as tariffs, quotas and voluntary export restraints.

Prerequisite: ECON 141, ECON 316  
ECON 315 Environmental Economics3 cr

Introduces students to the economic analysis of the conflict between our lifestyle of unlimited wants and the scarce resources of our biological environment. Examines economic theory and applications to explain the dynamics of conflict. Uses an economic approach to solving environmental problems; students will research, analyze and report on environmental public policy issues.

Prerequisite: ENVI 150 or ENVI 150H or ENVI 152H or ECON 141 or ECON 142 and junior status  
ECON 316 Statistics for Business and Economics3 cr

Continues the statistical methodology developed in Introduction to Statistics (MATH 232). Topics include interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, correlation analysis, simple linear and multiple regression, nonparametric testing, and design of experiments with specific application to problems in business and economics. Students' development of analytical skills enhanced by use of statistical software.

Prerequisite: BADM 110, MATH 232  
ECON 340 Money, Banking and Global Financial Markets3 cr

Investigates the financial systems of the U.S. European Union, and emerging economies. Emphasizes how economic institutions reflect the diversity of world cultures, including major financial institutions, monetary theory, interest rates and the structure and role of the Federal Reserve. Issues include economic, social, political and cultural integration of industrialized vs. Third World countries.

Prerequisite: ECON 141  
ECON 343 Managerial Economics3 cr

Studies the application of economic theory to decision-making problems in the private and public sectors, including both explicit and implicit constraints imposed by the environment on the decision-maker. Systematic development of the theory of the interaction of consumers, firms and industries; a study of market structure, conduct and performance; and capital budgeting.

Prerequisite: ECON 142  
ECON 350 Global Business and Economic Issues3 cr

Examines globalization, economic, political, social, and ecological factors that shape the international market. Specific topics include financial market integration, case studies of individual countries, environmental issues, labor migration, integration across borders of the markets in goods and the factors of production and the consequences of these trends. Emphasis will be placed on the role of government policies in affecting economic outcomes and business conditions.

Prerequisite: ECON 141 and ECON 142  
ECON 377 Economics of Culture and Tourism3 cr

Considers the economic aspects of cultural and other events and activities on local communities and geographic regions, especially as they impact tourism and quality of life. Looks at how cultural goods are valued in both economic and cultural terms. Examines the role of culture and tourism in regional economic development. Analyzes current public policy toward cultural venues at federal, state and local levels in the United States and abroad.

Prerequisite: Junior status, completion of Tier II Self & Society  
ECON 416 Business Analytics3 cr

Covers fundamental concepts of modern business analytics by emphasizing application of managerial statistical tools related to descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, and prescriptive analytics. Topics covered include data visualization, data mining, spreadsheet Modeling, statistical inference, time series analysis, forecasting, risk analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, linear optimization, among others.

Prerequisite: ECON 316  
ECON 490 Special Topics in Economics3 cr

Studies a specific topic in economics for the purpose of encouraging advanced work and research in a field of interest. Content will be identified by subtitle.

Prerequisite: Junior status, completion of Tier II Self & Society  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
ECON 500 Independent Study in Economics1-3 cr

Open to juniors and seniors who wish to study a topic in depth. Final reports and frequent conferences with advisor are required. Enrollment requires individual application and department approval.

Prerequisite: Junior status  
Repeatable: Maximum of 12 credits  

Entrepreneurship Courses

ENTR 210 Principles of Entrepreneurship3 cr

Develops entrepreneurial skills through the integration and application of Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Lean Canvas. Working in small groups, students gain an understanding of social entrepreneurship through the application of these tools to identify, refine, and present viable solutions to contemporary challenges facing communities.

ENTR 510 Entrepreneurial Studies Seminar3 cr

Provides a structured environment in which students identify and pursue social entrepreneurship opportunities from the framework of their choice (Design Thinking, Lean Canvas, and Conventional Project Management). Each class will focus on the student's development of a specific aspect of their business plan. Intended for Entrepreneurial Studies minors.

Prerequisite: ENTR 210  

Leadership Courses

LEAD 200 Introduction to Leadership3 cr

Describes and compares major leadership theories along with current applications and case examples. Also examines issues of ethics, power, teams and women in leadership. Each student will be involved in a service/leadership and reflection experience throughout the semester which will develop their leadership skills, and identify the student's own leadership philosophy and style.

LEAD 395 Leadership Practicum1-3 cr

Engages students in leadership and/or service experiences either on or off campus and meets weekly for instructor-led supervision, which comprises the presentation of selected reading topics (e.g. team building) and reflection activities (e.g. journal discussion) in a small group setting.

Prerequisite: Instructor approval  
Repeatable: Maximum of 3 credits  
LEAD 540 Leadership Internship1-3 cr

Offers students field experience that actively and extensively draws upon the leadership concepts, principles, and skills. The internship must include a strong writing component in which the student interprets their field experience with reference to their leadership.

Prerequisite: Leadership Minor, junior status, Leadership Minor Coordinator approval  
Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits