Business Course Learning Outcomes

Statements

ACCT 1010: Financial Accounting - 4 Credits

This course presents the objectives and basic procedures of accounting for a business organized as a corporation. Topics covered include the accounting cycle for service and merchandising firms, accounting for short-term liquid assets, inventories, long-term assets, and current liabilities. Lecture: 4 hours, Lab: 1 hour

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Draw from financial information to construct a debit/credit transaction in good form.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the business accounting cycle for the corporate form of business.
• Identify and describe terms associated with financial accounting.
• Prepare and interpret a multiple-step income statement, retained earnings statement, and classified balance sheet for a merchandising firm organized as a corporation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of accounting for cash, receivables, inventory long-term assets, current liabilities, long-term liabilities and stockholders' equity.

ACCT 1020: Managerial Accounting - 4 Credits

This course covers the use of accounting data by an organization’s management. Topics include the statement of cash flows, financial statement analysis, an introduction to manufacturing accounting concepts, cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, capital expenditure decisions, just-in-time and activity-based costing concepts. (Prerequisite: ACCT 1010) Lecture: 4 hours, Lab: 1 hour

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Identify and describe terms associated with managerial accounting.
• Prepare and interpret statement of cash flows.
• Analyze a firm’s financial activities using financial statement analysis tools.
• Identify and describe the three costs associated with a manufactured product.
• Apply the tools of cost-volume-profit analysis, the budget process, differential analysis, and capital    investment analysis to solve problems of an internal business nature

ACCT 1030: Computerized Accounting - 3 Credits

The course integrates the processing of accounting information with the use of a commercial general ledger software package. An initial presentation of the software is included to develop a specific understanding of menus and navigation techniques. Discussion focuses on setup, maintenance, information entry and report generation. Specific topics of the accounting cycle are presented including journal transactions, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, payroll, financial statements and special projects. Note: May be taken concurrently with ACCT 1020. (Prerequisite: ACCT 1010) Lecture: 1.5 hours, Lab: 1.5 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to use and evaluate software set up procedures in a commercial accounting software package including creating and maintaining chart of accounts, vendors, customers, inventory, payroll, and jobs.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze data and to process transactions relating to purchases, sales, inventory, payroll, and adjusting entries and jobs in a commercial accounting software package.
• Demonstrate the ability to generate and to customize financial statements and supplemental reports using a commercial accounting software package.

ACCT 1500: Personal Income Taxes - 3 Credits

This course highlights the laws, regulations, and other authorities affecting individuals within the federal tax structure. Tax situations covered include income determination, dependency, deductions, property transactions and the pertinent tax forms are discussed. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Identify and describe terms associated with personal income taxes.
• Identify the elements associated with the tax computation formula.
• Prepare an individual tax return to include filing status and dependency determination, calculation of income less deductions and tax credits.

ACCT 2010: Intermediate Accounting I - 4 Credits

This course involves advanced work on concepts and principles of accounting. Topics include financial statements, cash, temporary investments, receivables, and inventories. (Prerequisite: ACCT 1020) Lecture: 4 hours, Lab: 1 hour

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Explain the environmental and theoretical structure of Financial Accounting
• Prepare a classified balance sheet and multistep income statement and understand financial statement disclosures.
• Describe the core revenue recognition principle.
• Discuss the accounting, valuation and reporting for cash, accounts receivable, inventories, and tangible and intangible long term assets.
• Discuss and calculate the time value of money concepts.

ACCT 2020: Intermediate Accounting II - 4 Credits

A continuation of ACCT 2010, this course covers the study of the more advanced phases of analysis of financial statements, investments and fixed assets; depreciation and depletion; intangible assets; current and long-term liabilities and stockholders' equity. (Prerequisite: ACCT 2010) Lecture: 4 hours, Lab: 1 hour

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Discuss the accounting, valuation and reporting for investments, current liabilities and contingencies, bonds and long-term notes payable, leases, income taxes, pensions and other post-retirement benefits, shareholder’s equity, share based compensation and earnings per share.
• Discuss accounting changes and corrections of accounting errors.
• Prepare and interpret a statement of cash flows.

BUSN 1000: Workplace Relationships - 3 Credits

This course exposes students to strategies required to navigate the professional environment, including career preparation and advancement with an emphasis on "soft skills" needed to develop and maintain effective work relationships. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of "soft skills" and their importance in achieving career success.
• Develop strategies for interpersonal job-oriented skills improvement.
• Apply appropriate soft and technical skills as a team member.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
• Prepare and use appropriate career related documents and practices. 

BUSN 1010: Introduction to Business - 3 Credits

This course surveys business organizations as they operate within a free-market economy and diverse global community. The course focuses on the functional parts of a business, including production, accounting, marketing, and technology. Topics such as business ethics, social responsibility, competition, government regulations, demographics, and entrepreneurship will be examined. Environmental scanning will afford students an understanding of the interrelatedness of the internal and external environments of a business. Students will develop the vocabulary of business and will advance their critical analysis of a variety of business issues. (This course serves as a prerequisite for several courses in the Business curriculum. However, this prerequisite may be waived and credit received by examination. Contact the department for details.) Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Describe and discuss the various factors necessary for cultivating a business in a diverse global environment, including the free enterprise system; economics and globalization; and ethics and social responsibility.
• Distinguish among the various forms of business ownership and ways of establishing and operating a business.
• Master the use of business terminology.
• Demonstrate written and oral communication skills appropriate for business situations.

BUSN 1015: Business Computing Applications - 3 Credits

The purpose of this course is to ensure that students have the requisite fundamental skills and knowledge in business computing applications. The course presents and demonstrates the applications, concepts, and skills relevant to information technology in the context of the modern business environment. Topics include word processing, spreadsheets, database software, and presentation software. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Use word-processing software to format documents, texts and paragraphs, pictures, tables, and charts.
• Use word-processing software to create reports and mailings while collaborating with others.
• Use spreadsheet software to format cells, use formulas and functions, and work with pivot tables to extract detailed data in order to draw conclusions.
• Use spreadsheet software to format work sheets, manage the workbook, and add charts.
• Use database software to work with tables, forms, and reports.
• Use database software to work with queries and analyze information.
• Use presentation software to create slides with content and graphics, appropriate backgrounds, and effective use of typefaces and point size.
• Use presentation software to create and deliver a presentation.

BUSN 1040: Personal Finance - 3 Credits

This course helps individuals manage their money and property. Financial planning, budgeting, consumer protection, consumer credit, investing, housing and insurance are discussed. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Identify money management and budgeting skills including the prudent use of credit.
• Analyze and discuss the benefits of life, auto, health, disability and home owner’s insurance.
• Describe and discuss the cost differential relative to buying and leasing automobiles, and buying versus renting a home.
• Describe and discuss the basic concepts of the stock, bond, and mutual funds markets.

BUSN 1050: Small Business Administration - 3 Credits

This course covers the practical considerations involved in starting and operating a small business. Topics include what business to enter, success factors, financing, location, franchising, managing, record-keeping and small business computing. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Prepare a business plan.
• Identify and describe the various ways one can start a small business, buy an existing business, or enter into a franchise agreement.
• Explain the various ways to grow and expand a business.
• Describe and discuss the mechanics of operating a small business, i.e.; pricing, human relations, purchasing and inventory, and financial controls.
• Explain the various opportunities available in small business.

BUSN 1060: Leadership Development - 3 Credits

This course is designed to help emerging and existing leaders assume increasingly responsible leadership roles in their personal, professional, and academic lives. This course focuses on significant theories of leadership and their applicability to leaders of the past and present.  Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of leadership and the qualities/skills necessary for effective leadership.
• Exhibit effective team skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and evaluate the leader’s role in achieving goals.

BUSN 1145: Entrepreneurship 1: Intro to Entrepreneurship

This introductory course is designed to provide students with an overview of the skills and competencies needed to become an effective entrepreneur or intrapreneur, while also allowing them the opportunity to practice being an entrepreneur. Students will be exposed to concepts such as Design Thinking, Innovation, and Value Creation, as well as how to develop one’s own Entrepreneurial Mindset. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Identify and assess one's skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur.
• Demonstrate and/or apply an understanding of the steps for starting and growing a new business.
• Identify, describe and explain the new product development or business concept process.
• Demonstrate research and analytical skills by using both human and technological resources vital to the successful entrepreneur.
• Apply the basic principles of small firm management.

BUSN 1150: Introduction to International Business - 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the importance and role of international business. Predominant themes include culture and business opportunities. Topics include international trade, balance of payments and multinational companies. Factors and entities that influence trade are considered. (Recommended: BUSN 1010) Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Explain why companies engage in international business.
• Describe the impact of technology on globalization.
• Identify various cultural differences and behavioral factors between countries.
• Illustrate how partnerships and alliances can gain entry into new areas.
• Develop a strategy for a company to enter a new country.

BUSN 1165: Entrepreneurship 2: The Design Process

This course will allow students to have a hands-on experience utilizing the Design Thinking process to identify, analyze and create opportunities for businesses and individuals. It examines key strategic issues related to new product development and will teach students to think strategically about innovation, development, and deployment utilizing a test and learn design process. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of Innovation in new product development.
• Identify, describe and explain Design Thinking and the application to product conception, development, production and marketing.
• Identify, describe and explain sources of and threats to competitive advantage.
• Conduct and apply observation research.

BUSN 1175: Operations and Supply Management - 3 Credits

This course introduces students to operations and supply chains that are existing in all businesses. Vigilant management of operations and supply chains are critical to the overall success of an organization. This course integrates key functions of operations management, inventory control, purchasing, forecasting, scheduling, and implementing workflow improvement methodologies including just-in-time and quality management systems. (Recommended: BUSN 1010) Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Develop an understanding of the importance of operations and supply chain strategies in today’s business environment.
• Understand the manufacturing and service processes and the techniques used to assess quality and capacity.
• Identify external supply chain partners and the organizational impact of these relationships.
• Demonstrate an understanding of project management and the product and service development process.

BUSN 1185: Entrepreneurship 3: The Lean Startup

The focus of this course is on developing a new business concept or idea and rapidly assessing its viability. You will be exposed to the concept of “thinking big but starting small” by utilizing the “test and learn” approach to lean startups which includes launching small experiments, prototyping rapidly and inexpensively, tolerating failures and learning from mistakes. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Assess the competitive advantage for a new venture or an existing entity.
• Assess the feasibility/ sustainability of a new business concept.
• Demonstrate an understanding of hypothesis-driven entrepreneurship.
• Identify, describe and explain the importance of innovation in startups and existing firms.
• Apply the test and learn approach to lean startups.

BUSN 1220: QuickBooks Computer Application - 1 Credit

QuickBooks is a widely used computerized accounting package for small businesses. Topics covered include writing checks and paying bills, creating reports, managing accounts receivable and accounts payable, invoicing, managing inventory and preparation of payroll. Concepts are presented through hands-on exercises using a case study approach. Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to use and evaluate QuickBooks set up procedures including maintaining chart of accounts, vendors, customers and inventory.
• Demonstrate the ability to process transactions relating to owner’s investments, purchases, sales and inventory in QuickBooks.
• Demonstrate the ability to generate financial statements and supplemental reports using QuickBooks.

BUSN 1400: Fundamentals of Property and Casualty Insurance

This course will include personal lines coverages, such as homeowners and automobile, commercial lines coverages for businesses, insurance terms and concepts, and insurance laws, rules, and regulations. Included also are the Rhode Island laws, rules, and regulations common to property and casualty insurance. The course curriculum provides the requisite knowledge and an understanding of the topics tested on the Rhode Island Property and Casualty Insurance Producer license exam. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Identify property and casualty insurance basics and common policy provisions including terms, definitions, and policy structure.
• Describe loss exposures and policy provisions in dwelling and homeowners’ policies, auto insurance, commercial package policies, commercial general liability and business owners’ coverages, island marine, and flood insurance.
• Identify Rhode Island laws common to property and casualty insurance including producer licensing requirements, unfair trade practices, and enforcing insurance laws.
• Examine contemporary challenges and ethical issues in property and casualty insurance.
• Obtain the requisite knowledge to sit and pass the Rhode Island Property and Casualty Insurance Producer license exam.

BUSN 2050: Principles of Management - 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the principles, techniques, and concepts needed for managerial analysis and decision-making. It highlights effective management of organizational resources through planning, organizing, influencing, and controlling to achieve organizational goals.  (Prerequisite: BUSN 1010. BUSN 1010 may be waived and credit received by examination.) Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of effective management principles.
• Apply effective management strategies and principles.
• Demonstrate research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.

BUSN 2060: Principles of Marketing - 3 Credits

This course offers an introduction to the basic concepts and operations involved in the marketing process. Among the topics covered are the basic marketing functions, identification and selection of target markets (including international), marketing research and technologies, pricing, products, promotion and channels of distribution. (Prerequisite: BUSN 1010. BUSN 1010 may be waived and credit received by examination.) Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Explain the different strategies that are used for different markets.
• Identify the components of the marketing environment and how they impact marketing.
• Explain each component of the marketing mix.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the entire marketing process.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.

BUSN 2061: Marketing Communications - 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the basic promotional tools available to the person interested in marketing a business or service. Topics to be covered include: source credibility, message development, media selection and understanding audiences. Communication with audiences through advertising, public relations and printed materials are explored. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Describe and discuss the four components of effective communication as they relate to marketing: source, medium, message, audience.
• Analyze marketing communications problems and develop proactive and / or reactive solutions.
• Describe and develop effective Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) strategies and materials.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.

BUSN 2063: Sales - 3 Credits

This course introduces the fundamental skills required for work in a sales position. Topics include: the role and importance of selling, sales processes, personal qualities necessary for salesmanship and basic procedures for seeking a sales position. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Understand the sales environment and decide which customer segments to target.
• Explain servicing the customer to provide the lifetime worth to my customer.
• Examine what a salesperson must accomplish to create customer loyalty.
• Describe how to create value and maintain customers over the long term.
• Recognize how to grow a business using partnering with my customers.

BUSN 2065: Advertising Principles - 3 Credits

This survey course deals with the planning, creation and role of advertising in our society. Topics include: advertising strategy development, media planning and the function of ad agencies. All major media are covered. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Describe and discuss the characteristics, advantages and limitations of the major advertising media in the U.S.
• Describe and discuss methods for measuring advertising reach and effectiveness – including the Neilsen and Arbitron Rating Systems.
• Develop an appropriate, efficient and effective advertising plan for a company or organization.
• Describe the role of advertising in marketing strategy as well as its impact as an industry.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.

BUSN 2070: Management Strategy - 3 Credits

This course is the capstone for the Management Concentration and the Management Certificate programs. Integration of key aspects covered in other management, business and communications courses are utilized. Emphasis is on the formulation, application and justification of managerial strategies through the use of cases and simulation. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1010, BUSN 2050, BUSN 2060. Note: ACCT 1020 strongly recommended.) Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic management process.
• Apply critical thinking skills through competitive and/or corporate strategy analysis.
• Demonstrate research and analytical skills by using both human and technological resources.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.

BUSN 2110: Money & Banking - 3 Credits

This course is an analysis and description of the monetary and banking aspects of our present economic system. Introductory material on money, credit and monetary standards precedes a more intensive study of the nature and functions of commercial banking and the Federal Reserve System. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Describe and discuss the functions, forms, and evolution of money.
• Identify and describe the various financial markets and financial instruments.
• Explain the operations of non-depository and depository financial institutions.
• Describe monetary policy through the operating procedures of the Federal Reserve System.

BUSN 2115: Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Preparatory Course - 3 Credits

The curriculum covered in this course is intended to provide the requisite knowledge and an understanding of the topics tested on the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Examination.  This course will introduce a variety of investment instruments and practices used in the financial securities industry. The focus will include the study of capital markets, products and their risks, trading, customer accounts, prohibited activities, and an overview of the regulatory framework. (Note: This course is not affiliated with FINRA or the SIE Examination, is not sponsored by an exam provider, and will not exempt students from sitting for the SIE Exam.) Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Understand issuing securities on the primary and secondary capital markets.
• Evaluate investment products and their risks.
• Understand trading, customer accounts and prohibited industry practices.
• Identify the regulatory framework of capital markets.
• Obtain the requisite knowledge to sit and pass FINRA’s SIE Exam.

BUSN 2120: Investments - 3 Credits

This course studies the scope and nature of investment from the viewpoint of the individual investor. The course includes discussions of investment objectives, types of securities, mechanics of investing, security market procedures, sources of information, security analysis and forecasting techniques. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Identify and describe terms and concepts associated with investments.
• Describe and discuss the basic concepts of the stock, bond, and mutual fund markets.
• Demonstrate understanding of equity and debt issuance.
• Describe and discuss the real estate market and the advantages and disadvantages of real estate in an investment portfolio.

BUSN 2160: Management and Labor Relations - 3 Credits

This course is the study of the evolution of the labor relations concept in the public and private sectors. Emphasis is placed on techniques that have resulted in sound management-labor relations policies. Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Discuss the major historical events that have taken place in the American labor movement.
• Identify the major legislative and judicial milestones that have impacted collective bargaining and the American labor movement.
• Describe the collective bargaining process from preparation to agreement.
• Identify unfair labor practices and grievance procedures.
• Describe the mediation process and the arbitration process.

BUSN 2350: Human Resources Management - 3 Credits

This course examines the role of the human resource professional as a strategic partner in managing today's organizations. Key functions associated with attracting, developing and maintaining a qualified workforce are examined considering the legal environment and emerging trends. The best practices of "employers of choice" are considered. (Prerequisites: BUSN 1010 and BUSN 2050. BUSN 1010 may be waived and credit received by examination. See course descriptions for BUSN 1010 and BUSN 2050.) Lecture: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the following course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the human resources management process and its importance to organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrate an understanding of processes and tools commonly used to attract, develop and retain a high performance workforce.
• Demonstrate research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.