College of Business: The “Business Ready” Pre-Core and

Core Curriculum

Ronald Johnson,dean, College of Business

October 27, 2008

The College of Business focuses its mission on being a leading educator of high-performance, innovative, leadership talent that meets tomorrow’s business and the region’s evolving growth and development needs.

Our efforts are directed at students seeking an education in business and is centered on developing the judgment skills, tools and experiences required for them to “make a difference in their world”.

MAKING AN IMPACT

BUSINESS EDUCATION AT WCU: CRITICAL CHALLENGES

• Relevance– Critical thinking – Citizenship, culture and

national values– Diversity– Ethics and morality– Judgment, reasoning and

knowledge– Leadership– Readiness for work and

managing uncertainty

• Impact– QEP/ Assurance of

Learning goals– Boyer Model of Scholarship– Teaching effectiveness– Engagement in support of

regional economic transformation and community development

• Standards and Quality Improvement– AACSB International

accreditation– University Administration

and faculty senate requirements

– The Market• Employers• Non-generic post

undergraduate programs

• Parents, students and guidance counselors

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MEETING THE CHALLENGES: THE COB “BUSINESS READY” SOLUTION

The men and women of the College of Business at Western Carolina University have committed themselves to providing a learning experience characterized by faculty working together with students in an inspiring collaboration focused on helping students synthesize their curricular and co-curricular (outside of courses) college experiences and, thus, helping students to become intentional participants in their own educational journey. We call this approach our “Business Ready” solution. “Business Ready” is about much more than College of Business graduates having expertise in a specific business discipline (e.g. accounting, management, marketing, etc.). It is a matter of our graduates being equipped with the ability and support to make decisions that allow them to “make a difference in their world” in an effective, sustainable and balanced way. It is also a matter of providing non-business majors with the best of both worlds – developing their subject matter expertise in their chosen non-business discipline while having the opportunity to follow a course of study focusing on the development of management and/ or entrepreneurial know how.

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Leadership

Execution

Communication

“Business Ready” Graduate

HIGH IMPACT, INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP

Articulating

Delivering

Organizing

FindingOpportunities

Taking Risks

Action

Options

Knowledge

WHAT IS A “BUSINESS READY” GRADUATE?

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THE “BUSINESS READY” SOLUTION: KEY TENETS

The cornerstone of the College of Business’s educational programs is a commitment to a “Business Ready” learning environment that combines:

– Career-focused academic studies and co-curricular activities

– Learning by doing skills obtained from developing solutions to real-world problems confronting local and global businesses and institutions

– A broadening of intellectual knowledge and a strong foundation for ethical and moral decision making

– A network of successful and active alumni and engaged business, government and nonprofit organizations

“BUSINESS READY” DRIVES CAREER SUCCESS

Although disciplinary tools, learning and experience play a central role in an individual’s career success. It is critical to note, that the pillars of being “Business Ready” ─ portable skills (e.g., strategic skills, operating skills, courage, energy and drive, organizational positioning skills personal and interpersonal skills) which are essential to all fields and conscientious thinking (purpose driven, community service oriented and commitment to being a well-rounded active citizen) ─ are also essential to career longevity and success .

Managing Projects

Managing People

Managing Policy

Leading the

Business (C-Suite)

Liberal Studies >>

Liberal studies is an integral part of the University’s student holistic learning and development perspective. The College of Business Pre-Core and Core also play an essential role in broadening our students’ perspective and deepening their understanding of themselves and the learning journey that they have embarked on.

Pre-Core* >>

Students seeking admission to the College of Business Core and upper division majors are required to complete the Proposed College of Business Pre-Core requirements. The Proposed College of Business Pre-Core Requirements are: Math 130; Microeconomics; Strategy First; Small Group Communication & Sales Skills; Financial Accounting; and Analytical Tools for Managers.

Core** >>

The Proposed College of Business Core requirements are: Business Decision Models; Business Forecasting; Corporate Finance; Foundation of Leadership and Teamwork; Global Strategic Management (Capstone); IT Enterprise Solutions; Legal & Ethical Environment of Business; Management of People at Work; Managerial Accounting (Simulation); Marketing Program Design & Strategy; and Project Management.

Majors >>

The College of Business BSBA programs are: Accounting; Business Administration and Law; Computer Information Systems; Entrepreneurship; Finance (Banking); Finance (Financial Planning); Management; and Marketing. The College of Business Pre-Core and Core will also apply to the BS degree program in International Business.

* Limited substitutions will be allowed for Pre-Core courses that also meet Liberal Studies requirements, except for Microeconomics.

** Capstones in the major that are aligned with the Global Strategic Management course can substitute for the Program Capstone requirement. Selected upper division courses in the major may be substituted for Project Management.

PROPOSED “BUSINESS READY” BSBA CURRICULUM

THE “BUSINESS READY” PRE-CORE: CORE BUSINESS COMPETENCIES

Core Business Competencies

1. Managing Decision-Making Processes

2. Managing Human Capital

3. Managing Strategy & Innovation

4. Managing the Task Environment

5. Managing Administration & Control

6. Managing Logistics & Technology

Relevant Pre-Core Courses

• Strategy First, Math, Business Decision I

• Small Group Communications and Sales Skills

• Strategy First

• Strategy First, Small Group Communications and Sales Skills

• Financial Accounting, Microeconomics

THE “BUSINESS READY” PRE-CORE: AOL GOALS

Assurance of Learning (AOL) GOALS

1. Capable of making business decisions and solving business problems using critical thinking skills.

2. Effective business communicators

3. Knowledgeable about current business theory, concepts, methodology, terminology and practices

4. Prepared to be high impact, innovative leaders

5. Proficient in the use and schooled in the management of business information systems and technology

6. Capable of making sound ethical judgments and decisions

7. Capable of managing diversity on a global stage

Relevant Pre-Core Courses

• Math, Business Decision I

• Business Decision I, Strategy First

• Strategy First, Small Group Communications and Sales Skills, Microeconomics, Financial Accounting, Business Decision I

• Strategy First, Small Group Communications and Sales Skills

• Strategy First, Small Group Communications and Sales Skills, Microeconomics, Financial Accounting, Business Decision I

• Financial Accounting, Business Decision I, Strategy First

• Small Group Communications and Sales Skills

THE “BUSINESS READY” PRE-CORE: CORE BUSINESS COMPETENCIES

Core Business Competencies

1. Managing Decision-Making Processes

2. Managing Human Capital

3. Managing Strategy & Innovation

4. Managing the Task Environment

5. Managing Administration & Control

6. Managing Logistics & Technology

Relevant Core Courses

• Business Decisions II, Macroeconomics and Market Forecasting

• Management with OB Topics (HR), Leadership

• Leadership, Marketing Planning and Strategy Tools, Enterprise IT Solutions, Global Strategic Management (Capstone)

• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Marketing Planning and Strategy Tools

• Macroeconomics and Market Forecasting, Financial Management, Legal and Ethical Environment of Business

• Enterprise IT Solutions, Project Management

THE “BUSINESS READY” CORE: COB AOL GOALS

Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals

1. Capable of making business decisions and solving business problems using critical thinking skills.

2. Effective business communicators

3. Knowledgeable about current business theory, concepts, methodology, terminology and practices

4. Prepared to be high impact, innovative leaders

5. Proficient in the use and schooled in the management of business information systems and technology

6. Capable of making sound ethical judgments and decisions

7. Capable of managing diversity on a global stage

Relevant Core Courses

• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Marketing Planning and Strategy Tools, Business Decisions II, Global Strategic Management (Capstone)

• Management with OB Topics (HR), Leadership, Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Marketing Planning and Strategy Tools, Enterprise IT Solutions, Project Management, Global Strategic Management (Capstone)

• Management with OB Topics (HR), Leadership, Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Marketing Planning and Macroeconomics and Market Forecasting, Financial Management, Strategy Tools, Enterprise IT Solutions, Project Management, Global Strategic Management (Capstone)

• Management with OB Topics (HR), Leadership, Project Management, Global Strategic Management (Capstone)

• Enterprise IT Solutions, Project Management, Business Decision II, Global Strategic Management (Capstone)

• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Global Strategic Management (Capstone)

• Enterprise IT Solutions, Project Management, Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Management with OB Topics (HR), Leadership, Global Strategic Management (Capstone)

PROPOSED “BUSINESS READY”PRE-CORE AND CORE

Pre-Core and Core CoursesAssessment of Learning

Outcomes Catchment Courses

Educational Briefcase Catchment Courses

Leadership, Teamwork and Communications• Small Group Communication & Sales Skills (MKT 134) X

• Management of People at Work (MGT 300)

• Legal & Ethical Environment of Business (LAW 230)

• Foundation of Leadership and Teamwork (MGT 366) X X

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Math (130)

• Microeconomics (ECON 231)

• Business Decisions I (QA 235)

• Macroeconomics and Markets Forecasting (ECON 300) X

• Business Decisions II (QA 305) X X

Global Business Fundamentals

• Strategy First (BA 133) X

• Financial Accounting (ACCT 251)

• Financial Management (FIN 305)

• Marketing Program Design & Strategy (MKT 301)

• Managerial Accounting ~ Simulation (ACCT 252) (Program Cornerstone) X

• IT Enterprise Solutions (CIS 251)

• Project Management. (MGT 367)

• Global Strategic Management (MGT 404) ( Program Capstone) X

THE “BUSINESS READY” BSBA DEGREE CREDIT HOUR REQUIREMENTS

BSBA Degree RequirementsCredit Hours

Proposed CurrentLiberal Studies 42 42• Strategy First (BA 133) 3

• Math (130) 3

• Microeconomics (ECON 231) 3

• Other 33 36

Non-Liberal Studies Pre-Core 9• Small Group Communication & Sales Skills

(MKT 134) 3

• Financial Accounting (ACCT 251) 3

• Business Decisions I (QA 235) 3

Core 33

Major program of study in business 21 30

General electives 15 18

Minimum Requirement for the BSBA Degree 120 120

* Consists of ECON 231 and Math 135** Foundation of Knowledge for Business***The BS degree program in international business requires 125 hours because of multiple college instructional agreements.

} 9 } 6*

} 42**

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COB Undergraduate Program

in Leadership

BSBA Core & Pre-Core

The BSBA Practicum

Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Service Learning Projects, CO-Ops, Internships, & Student Organizations

Majors & Concentrations

Study Abroad &Undergraduate Research

Institute for the Economy and the Future

Sales Center

THE “BUSINESS READY” BSBA ~ A PORTFOLIO OF VALUABLE LEARNING, RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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COB Bachelors of

Science Degree

Programs

Entrepreneurship

CO-OPs and Internships

Applied Business &International Issues

Service Learning Projects, CO-Ops, Internships, & Student Organizations

Hospitality and Tourism

Study Abroad &Undergraduate Research

Institute for the Economy and the Future

Sport Management

THE “BUSINESS READY” BS PROGRAMS ~ APPLYING BUSINESS CONCEPTS IN SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES AND NON-BUSINESS DISCIPLINES

“BUSINESS READY” UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS

• BSBA– Accounting– Business Computer

Information Systems– Business Administration

and Law– Entrepreneurship– Finance (Banking)– Finance (Financial

Services)– Management– Marketing

• BS Programs– Applied Management

(proposed)– Entrepreneurship– Hospitality and Tourism– International Business

(proposed to be discontinued)

– Sport Management