Business Administration Department
Undergraduate Course Descriptions
*Note: Some courses have Prerequisites. In order to register for these courses, students must have taken the prerequisite course(s) or receive permission of the department chair/program director.
Accounting
AC 46000 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND PUBLIC REPORTING I (3)
The first in a series of 3 courses introduces students to the concepts and practices of accounting and reporting financial transactions for public companies. A study of the history of accounting profession and the accounting standards setting process, in-depth review of the accounting process and complex problem solving, accounting for current assets: cash, receivables, inventory, and financial statement analysis.
AC 46100 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND PUBLIC REPORTING II (3)
This course will continue to build skills and knowledge necessary to understand and apply Financial Accounting Standards in preparing financial statements. Contents include: accounting for payroll, current liabilities, long-term liabilities, and stockholders equity. Emphasis will be placed on reporting issues and concepts. Topics also covered: controversial
issues in accounting for complex transactions such as stock options, warrants, earnings per share, and financial statement analysis.
AC 46200 ADVANCED COST AND MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING (3)
Study of cost concepts and analysis for strategic planning and decision making. Topics include: cost-volume-profit relationships, value chain analysis, profit variance analysis, cost analysis and control, and strategic financial analysis for long-term major investments.
AC 46300 ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3)
This course is designed to assist current and soon-to-be managers, auditors and accountants to become familiar with what makes an accounting information system function.
AC 46400 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND PUBLIC REPORTING III (3)
This course will continue to build skills and knowledge necessary to understand and apply Financial Accounting Standards in preparing financial statements. The course will specifically address financial accounting standards related to income and expense recognition, investments,
leases, pensions, deferred taxes, full disclosure of significant financial transactions in financial statements, and financial statement analysis.
AC 46500 AUDITING (3)
This course describes the role of the auditor; professional standards and ethics; organization, planning and execution of the audit; audit programs and procedures for specific account balances and general audit procedures; auditor’s report and other attestation and accounting services; and internal, operational, and compliance audit.
AC 47000 SEMINAR IN TAXATION (3)
Seminar in Taxation develops a framework, which provides a method to analyze the effects of tax rules on individual and corporate decision making. The course involves the study of the development of tax laws, their impact on economic policy, and special current topics in taxation. Also, students select topics of interest to research.
AC 49700 SENIOR PROJECT PROPOSAL SEMINAR I (4)
This is the first of the three directed study courses on the senior project. Students develop a plan of action with timeline for completing their senior project, select a topic, and defend it. Extensive reading on the topic is required in this course. The paper must include a description of the senior project, scope, purpose, and a review of the literature. Students may concurrently enroll in 49700 and 49800 in one semester. If concurrently enrolled, the student must complete work required in 49700 before beginning work on 49800. Prerequisites: LL 20100, IS 24200, and IS 44500.
AC 49800 SENIOR PROJECT PROPOSAL SEMINAR II (4)
This is the second directed study course on the senior project. Students must complete 49700 or, if concurrently enrolled in 49700, must complete 49700 before working on 49800. Revise action plan developed in 49700 if necessary, and carry out the project. The written paper must detail method of data collection and analysis. If applicable the proposal must be approved by the Institutional Review Board before data collection. If concurrently enrolled in 49800 and 49900, students must complete work required in 49800 before beginning work on 49900. Prerequisites: LL 20100, IS 24200, IS 44500, and AC/BAM/HS/HSA 49700 or concurrent enrollment.
AC 49900 SENIOR PROJECT (4)
Business Administration
BA 102 Introduction to Business (businesscourse.com) (4)
Introduces skills needed to manage workforce, competition, marketing, technology, and information systems, including fundamentals of business communications: written reports and PowerPoint presentations. The course will cover theories, processes, and legal concepts, of business organizations with an emphasis on modern day trends and changes. Project(s) will include topics in funding, incorporation, and management of finance, personnel, and marketing.
BA 200 Sophomore Seminar: Directed Study, Research Methods and Problem Solving (4)
Problem formulation in business research, conducting literature reviews or finding best practices, research methods, collecting and analysis of information and data, evaluation, and elementary understanding of business research quantitative and qualitative methods. An independent project is completed. (Fulfills the Sophomore Seminar: Directed Study GUR.)
BA 202 Micro Economics (4)
The study of the economic decisions faced by the firm and the individual. This foundation for many higher level business courses covers such areas as pricing, cost, capital budgeting, uncertainty, production economics, and consumer choice. Satisfies Social/Behavioral Science GUR for non-Business Administration majors.
BA 203 Macro Economics (4)
The study of the economics of nations and regions as a whole, and the impacts of governmental policies. Covers the workings of the Federal Reserve Bank, inflation, employment, income distribution, fiscal and monetary policy, with particular attention to the impact of national economic policies on the Alaskan economy. An excellent introduction to higher level economics courses.
BA 211 Personal Finance (4)
Considers personal finance issues such as credit, salaries and benefit packages, insurance, investments, taxes, retirement and real estate. Experts from these areas will provide in-depth information.
BA 220 Wilderness, Wildlife, and Oil (4)
This class explores the environmental, social, and economic impact of oil and gas development in Alaska. Students will journey to islands in Prince William Sound to examine the biological effects of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, visit the Valdez terminal of Trans-Alaska pipeline, travel the length of the pipeline and learn its history, and tour the Prudhoe Bay oil/gas complex. Students will also examine the environmental legacy of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. This course will be cross-listed as SC 220.
BA 223 Organizational Behavior (4)
Blend of theoretical and conceptual models with contemporary organizational practices. Experiential exercises form the base for learning and experiencing organizational models for human relationships and practices.
BA 230 Human Resource Management (4)
Principles and procedures of human resource management including history, motivation, appraisal systems, compensation, job and task analysis, labor issues, Title VII, planning, and other areas.
BA 240 Concepts and Principles of Marketing (4)
Marketing concepts and methods including consumer behavior, research, strategies, distribution, promotion, market planning, and effective methods. Students will participate in the development of marketing plans.
BA 252 Business Technology (4)
This course is an introduction to basic computer programs used in business (word processor, spreadsheets, presentation programs, planning programs, organizational charts). The course will focus on using Microsoft Office Professional for Windows. (Fulfills the computer competency requirement.)
BA 255 Statistics for Business and Economics (4)
Students will develop knowledge and skills to determine and use appropriate statistical tools and methods for gathering, recording and analyzing information and data related to business research; and to competitive business and economic analysis and decision making. Required of BA Majors. Meets University quantitative skills requirement. Prerequisite: MT 101, BA 200
BA 300 Law and Global Business (3)
Principles, laws, and organizations that impact management and international business. Prerequisite: BA 361 or equivalent.
BA 301 Banking, Credit and Markets (4)
A survey of financial intermediaries and the markets that make up the money, credit, and banking systems. The course will focus on the U.S. domestic market and provide an introduction to the major changes that are coming about following new U.S. banking legislation that brings in sweeping measure, lifts Depression-era barriers and allows banks, securities firms and insurance companies to merge and sell each other’s products. What will these financial supermarkets look like in the near future? The student completes an independent project. Prerequisite: BA 201 or equivalent.
BA 305 Leadership and Motivation (4)
This experiential course allows the student to examine several leadership styles, traits and behaviors. The primary emphasis is on contingency models of leadership; however, a number of models will be explored. The course will also examine recent thoughts concerning leadership in the 21st Century. Leadership is linked to motivation in the workplace. Students participate in various exercises, group projects, and other opportunities that involve applying the models to the workplace.
BA 310 Creative Group Problem Solving (4)
An experiential course that allows the student to examine a number of group or team oriented problem-solving and decision-making models. The emphasis of the course is on creative methods for looking for solutions and new ideas. The course will include a number of opportunities for practicing various methods in class and for applying them outside of class.
BA 312 Quality Management Theories and Practices (4)
Practical applications and understanding of the major quality improvement theories and models including integration of several approaches. Students will be involved in team analysis in order to develop quality improvement projects.
BA 315 Administration of Community Organizations (4)
Examines differences in operating community not-for-profit organizations compared to typical for-profit organization, including funding alternatives, volunteer boards, community groups, and management. Students spend time in community agencies, discovering firsthand how these organizations operate.
BA 320 Administration of Health Services Organizations (4)
Concepts and principles of health services administration. Traditional and alternative models for delivering health and social services to the community are examined. Students will spend time in health or social service organizations observing structures and operations.
BA 330 Public Administration (4)
Examines administrative structure and organization of government agencies at all levels.
BA 340 Internet Marketing (4)
Understanding the emerging place of the Internet in marketing strategies for business through understanding the Internet as a medium, interaction between the Internet and other marketing media, and the types of goods and services which can be effectively sold on the Internet. Prerequisite: BA 240
BA 341 Advertising (4)
Concepts and strategies for advertising products and services with an emphasis on effective communication techniques, consumer behavior, budgets, and media selection. Ethical standards in advertising reviewed. Students will be involved in an outside media or advertising project. Prerequisite: BA 240 or equivalent.
BA 342 Public and Community Relations (4)
Nature, role, and function of public and community relations focusing on image building, ethical methods for persuasion, and effective fund raising techniques. Government actions and the role of community relations. Students will be involved in an outside campaign or project.
BA 350 Quantitative Reasoning for Business Decisions (3)
This course provides an introduction to basic quantitative skills necessary for business decisions. The course will focus on quantitative skills needed for management, finance, marketing and accounting. The course will review statistical techniques, algebra and calculus. There is extensive use of management science software and spreadsheets. Prerequisite: MT 115, MT 231, or equivalents.
BA 352 Organizational Culture and Change (4)
The nature of organizational culture and change processes are examined in this course. Organizational development strategies, models, practices, and designs are examined based on the recognition of organizational culture as major elements in the change process. Students will apply the models to organizations.
BA 361 Legal Environment of Business (4)
Balanced perspective on changing regulatory environment in business, from small business to global corporations. Social forces behind creation and evolution of specific principles and substantive rules that govern disputes and transactions are explored, as well as court structures and procedures. Legal research skills are developed.
BA 370 Global Development, Alaska Development (4)
How regions and countries develop. A significant part of the class focuses on the economic development of Alaska and Alaska’s economic history and current status. Alaska’s development is compared and contrasted with the development of other areas of the world. The student completes an independent project. Prerequisite: BA 201 or equivalent.
BA 371 Finance (4)
This course will provide you with commonly accepted tools used in financial planning and analysis. The tools should allow you to have an understanding of business organizations, financial markets and financial instruments. The student completes an independent project. Prerequisite: BA 202, AC 201, or equivalent. MT 115, BA 255 and BA 350 are desirable.
BA 400 Economics and Politics of the Global Economy (3)
This course will use the economic and political history of the world to understand the present international order. Armed with an understanding of the present realities, the course will look at the implications for the future of global economics and politics. Prerequisite: BA 201 or equivalent.
BA 402 Compensation and Performance Issues (4)
Compensation practices and philosophies, performance appraisal and evaluation systems, corrective actions, incentives, and legal issues. Prerequisite: BA 230 or equivalent.
BA 420 Health Policy in the United States (4)
Historical and contemporary policies and issues that influence the delivery of health and social services.
BA 424 International Business (4)
International business scene including export/import procedures and practices, tariffs, organizational channels for distribution, advertising, promotions, market research, and management of international trade.
BA 426 E-Business (4)
Review the influence of e-business, technologies, trends, and developments that are driving rapid changes in the global marketplace. Explore the impact of e-business on globalizations, quality management and technology. Identify what e-business is and what it is not. Analyze e-business models and contrast them with traditional bricks and mortar business models. Learn the fundamentals of developing an e-business.
BA 427 Entrepreneurship I: Venture Management (4)
This course immerses the student in the practical management of the entrepreneurial venture. Students follow the entrepreneur through the various stages of venture growth, from the idea stage, to the problematic start-up phase, the crisis stage of fast-growth and finally to maturity and transition from the entrepreneurial enterprise.
BA 428 Entrepreneurship II: Venture Funding (4)
This course is the answer to these questions: "How do we fund this new venture?" "How do we fund new products?" "How do we fund fast-growth?" Examine the external business planning process of venture funding. Explore the full range of debt and equity funding options available to the business person. Develop funding plans and strategies that complement and fulfill the strategic objectives of an enterprise.
BA 441 Marketing and Survey Research (4)
Research methodology used in marketing beginning with problem formulation, determination of sources of information, design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and preparation of a business research report. Prerequisite: MT 231, BA 240, or equivalents.
BA 442 International Marketing (4)
Techniques and strategies for marketing across national and cultural boundaries including cross-cultural advertising and public relations, investigation of international markets, modes of collaboration with international partners, ethical considerations, pricing, and international marketing channels. Prerequisite: BA 240 or equivalent.
BA 450 Advanced Topics in Quantitative Reasoning (3)
This course builds on basic quantitative skills to supply the student with more sophisticated tools used in business decisions. Topics will be based on the interests of the instructor and the current demands quantitative methods and the advance of new software. The student completes an independent project. Prerequisite: MT 115, BA 255, BA 350 or equivalents.
BA 455 Contracts, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Labor Issues (4)
Dynamics and principles of contract negotiation as applied to public and private sector labor. Evolution of practices in labor relations including alternative dispute resolution, litigation, conflict management, and labor trends. Prerequisite: BA 230 or equivalent.
BA 470 Investment (4)
Basic principles and skills needed to understand personal and institutional investing. The course will look at institutions, instruments and structures involved in investment markets. Learn about how technology and rapid economic growth contribute to the new investment environment. The student completes an independent project. Prerequisite: BA 202, BA 371, or equivalent.
BA 472 Advanced Finance (3)
An advanced view of financial planning and analysis. The course will introduce the student to sophisticated financial instruments and review the latest change in the changes in the financial markets. A major focus will also be on acquiring useful methods to plan and use a business’ financial resource effectively. The student completes an independent project. Prerequisite: BA 202, BA 371, or equivalent. MT 115, BA 255 and BA 350 are desirable.
BA 473 International Finance (3)
Globalization of the world’s economy is changing the way capital is invested and utilized. Students find out how the latest issues of trade and technology are influencing international capital markets. This course provides an international view of financial planning, financial analysis, financial instruments and financial markets. The course will review how businesses access, budget and use financial resources in a global environment. Prerequisite: BA 202, BA 371, or equivalent.
BA 497 Senior Project / Thesis Proposal I (4)
This course, along with BA 498 and BA 499, makes up the senior project and meets the senior project competency. Successful completion of this aspect of the senior project includes identification of the subject area to be developed, development of the research or project objectives, framing of the research question or hypothesis, and substantial completion of the literature review. Students take BA 497 in conjunction with BA 498 and BA 499 in one semester or spread the courses out over two or three semesters. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
BA 498 Senior Project / Thesis Proposal II (4)
This course, along with BA 497 and BA 499, makes up the senior project and meets the senior project competency. Successful completion of this aspect of the senior project includes completion of the literature review, bibliography or reference search, development of the methodology for conducting the study, including any research instruments to be used, questionnaires, and other tools. If appropriate for the study, the final proposal is submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for its review and comment. Students may take this course in conjunction with BA 497 and BA 499 in one semester or spread the course out over two or three semesters. Prerequisite: BA 497 and senior standing.
BA 499 Senior Project (4)
This course along with BA 497 and BA 498 makes up the senior project and meets the senior project competency. The senior project is the capstone of the academic experience at the University. After the proposal is accepted by the committee and the IRB (if required), the student conducts the research, evaluation, analysis, and other work necessary to complete the project and present it during an oral hearing. The project represents the cumulation of the major area of study and reflects the academic work completed, and as such, requires a significant amount of time and effort between BA 497, BA 498 and BA 499. Appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods will be used in the development of the project. The final project must be accepted by the student’s committee. Prerequisite: BA 497, BA 498 and senior standing.
BA 380, 480 Directed Study (1-4)
Individual study in a given business or management field under the guidance of a faculty member.
BA 285, 385, 485 Practicum (1-4)
Practical work experience or other experiential opportunity to apply learning in real world activity or work place. Guidance is provided by the collaborative efforts of student, faculty, and on site supervisor.
BA 190, 290, 390, 490 Seminars (1-4)
Small group discussion and study with a faculty member on a specific topic. Appropriate descriptions published when offered.
BA 192, 292, 392, 492 Special Topics (1-4)
Offered as needed. Appropriate descriptions published when special topic is offered.
