University of Sioux Falls

The primary goals of the course are to develop competence in observing, describing and critiquing managerial communication practices; further, it is designed to develop an understanding of the history of communication and its policies, institutions and culture, and to develop knowledge of communication theory and philosophy and its application. (3 s.h.)

This course is an examination of the effective use of human resources to achieve organization goals given operational constraints. The process of meeting outside requirements, recruitment, selection, development, utilization and compensation of human resources are also presented. (3 s.h.)

This course is an overview of the U.S. health care system and focuses on a variety of health care delivery system topics. Key topics include the historical aspect of health care systems in the U.S., system organization, an overview of economics and financing of health care, role of quality, and future directions of health care. Students will also be assigned a research paper project which investigates and compares the health care system of another developed nation to that of the United States. On occasion health care leaders and executives will be guest speakers in the class addressing relevant health system issues, challenges, and future developments that they foresee. (3 s.h.)

This course examines the development of organizational theory along with the application of behavioral science concepts to understanding individual and group behavior in organizations. Students will develop analytical skills necessary to interpret research findings in the area of study. The purpose of the course is to provide a general understanding of possible managerial approaches to particular organizational problems from the strategic design, political and cultural perspectives. (3 s.h.)

This course provides a managerial approach to the study of marketing, develops managerial perspective and analytical ability in solving marketing problems, and deals with the management challenge of designing and implementing the best combination of marketing variables to carry out a firm’s strategy in its target markets. Special consideration is given to ethical concerns in the design and implementation of a marketing strategy. (3 s.h.)

This course encompasses the process of investigation and problem analysis through research and integration of marketing statistics, management, and communications.  This course culminates in the execution, interpretation, and presentation of marketing research.  (3 s.h.)

An innovation is a new concept. A successful entrepreneur develops that new concept into a product, service or organization. This skill set requires an understanding of innovation development and making innovations operational. Innovation and entrepreneurship are processes occurring in the context of social and cultural organizations. The history of entrepreneurship and the nature of innovation and how it is expressed socially, politically, and economically will be explored. Networking, communication, and relationship-building skills will also be addressed. (3 s.h.)

This course features and applied approach for empowering individuals within an organization.  Through the use of case studies and assessments, students will be exposed to various tools and concepts that are available to a leader that aid in developing individuals to achieve high levels of performance. Students will explore the practical application of concepts and theories that relate to communication, motivation, and decision-making. (3 s.h.)

This course explores the major theories and research on leadership effectiveness in formal organizations and the unique ethical challenges faced by leaders. Ethical leadership is considered from a Christian worldview and students are encouraged to integrate their faith beliefs into the practice of leadership.  Readings, case studies, applied activities and self- reflection provide students with the opportunity to gain practical leadership knowledge, develop leadership skills, build ethical capacity and formulate a personal leadership philosophy and purpose. (3 s.h.)

This course provides an overview of the legal and regulatory issues in the health care industry. With this familiarity students can learn the skills needed to define relevant legal issues, to understand how these issues would be resolved, and to seek out, communicate with, and evaluate legal counsel. (3 s.h.)

The goal of the Sales Management course is to examine the elements of an effective sales force as a key component of the organization’s total marketing effort. The course will extend student’s understanding of marketing’s reach and potential impact in achieving its overarching goals. Course objectives include understanding the sales process, the relationship between sales and marketing, sales force structure, customer relationship management (CRM), use of technology to improve sales force effectiveness, and issues in recruiting, selecting, training, motivating, compensating and retaining salespeople. Students learn to apply the discussion topics through an interactive project worked on throughout the course. (3 s.h.)

Cost management provides an enhanced understanding of the costing concepts, tools and techniques relevant for successfully managing an organization. A principle focus is on the use of the cost information to design and implement planning and controlling systems in line with the strategic plan. The course will also examine performance measurements for management and the organization. Prerequisite: Undergraduate Financial Accounting or Principles of Accounting I (3 s.h.)

This course is taught through an applied approach by examining the leader as a guide through the lens of servant leadership (i.e., conceptualizing, emotional healing, putting followers first, helping followers grow and succeed, behaving ethically, showing empowerment, and creating value for the community).  Students will examine case studies, experience leadership assessments, along with analyzing the writings of Robert Greenleaf and others to aid in affirming, developing, and expressing our innate desire to serve others by taking on the role of a servant leader.  (3 s.h.)

This course investigates the increasing use of projects to accomplish important organizational goals and the unique style of administration required to manage such projects.  Topics addressed include the selection and role of the project manager; organization and planning, budgeting and cost estimation; scheduling and resource allocation among multiple projects; and monitoring, controlling, auditing and terminating projects.  Emphasis will be placed on the role that project management can play in accomplishing strategic objectives of the organization.  Project management software will be used as a tool to track and report on assigned projects and case studies. (3 s.h.)

This course is an examination of the impact of change on an organization and its stakeholders.  Various leadership theories will be explored to assist in organizational change efforts along with how to conduct an organizational diagnosis and implement a successful intervention.  The course reviews the literature for the best practices relating to organizational change and organizational learning.  Students will experience an applied approach regarding change the use of case studies, experiential activities, and assessments. (3 s.h.)

Concepts are applied to the analysis of the firm using the Structure-Conduct-Performance Paradigm. The course examines how areas of market structure, market conduct, and market performance affect the firm in the competitive marketplace. The focus is on applying economic thinking to private firms, yet many of the analytical methods are applicable to the not-for-profit and public sector. Prerequisite:  Undergraduate microeconomics (3 s.h.).

Students need a solid education based on a Christ-centered perspective to be influential leaders in the world where they manage people and analyze economic problems.  The course is designed to help students develop and refine their ability to make sound financial decisions and to be prepared for leadership equipped with a Christian work ethic.

This course focuses on the essentials of measurement and control of costs from the perspective of a healthcare organization. The concepts and cost management applications will encompass hospitals, nursing homes, physician practices, managed care organizations, clinics, and a range of other health care organizations. Additionally, focus is on the use of the cost information to design and implement planning and controlling systems in line with the strategic plan. The course will also examine performance measurements for management and the organization. Prerequisite: Undergraduate Financial Accounting or Principles of Accounting I (3 s.h.)

Designed to provide an understanding of the environments within which small businesses develop and function.  The areas covered include starting a business, marketing products, operating a business, establishing financial and administrative controls and future concerns.  In addition, each colleague will create an actual business plan and have the opportunity of experiencing the many phases of business development as the business plan is implemented. (3 s.h.)

This course provides an understanding of financial principles and the application of financial techniques in decision making. The topics covered include methods and tools of financial analysis, planning and control, working capital management, valuation, capital budgeting, cost of capital and methods of short- and long-term financing. The goal is to help managers develop the analytical thinking and financial judgment necessary for making sound, ethical business decisions. Prerequisite:  Undergraduate Business or Managerial Finance. (3 s.h.)

This course will provide the platform for the in-depth pursuit of topics or concepts addressed in previous classes and/or topics or concepts absent directly or indirectly from the core curriculum.  In order to fully appreciate and understand the complexities of health care issues, a scholar must be able to analyze issues through multiple lenses—multiple perspectives.  Thus, each issue selected will be analyzed and discussed by using a multiple-perspective approach to include, but not limited to, perspectives from the following domains: political, economic, technological, societal, and spiritual. (3 s.h.)

This course deals with the determination of strategic goals and objectives for an organization, along with the methods used in solving various managerial problems. Strategic management focuses on developing a mission statement, analyzing the organization and its environment, and establishing goals and objectives that will help perpetuate the organization into the future. Managerial problem solving develops a foundation for critical thinking and then applies it to the organization through case analysis of various managerial problems and dilemmas. (3 s.h.)

After reviewing foundational concepts related to business relations, including contracts; agency employment; negotiable instruments; and personal property; this course treats in greater detail Articles 2, 3, 4, and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code and laws governing antitrust, labor, real property, and the environment. (3 s.h.)

Bargaining is an essential skill in the day-to-day competition for scarce resources.  After introducing the art and science of negotiation and reviewing the conduct and outcomes of some actual negotiations, this course engages students in simulated negotiations ranging from simple, single-interest discussions to complicated, multiple-party dispute resolutions. (3 s.h.).

An internship is a culminating activity designed to provide practical and applied work within a business.  The internship will provide an experiential learning activity for MBA students by providing realistic insight into the challenges and issues faced by businesses, and allow students to understand work requirements, risks, complex problems, planning and management issues.  The internship experience would qualify as a CPT experience for international students. (1-4 s.h.)

University of Sioux Falls
Vucurevich School of Business

Master of Business Administration
Student Handbook and Information Manual