M.I.B.A. Course Descriptions

IBA 535 - Globalization and the Manager
Globalization and the Manager will introduce students to the global business environment as part of North Central’s new MIBA program. With a strong focus on the contemporary debates over political, social and economic consequences of the globalization of markets and industries, students will find themselves prepared to discuss issues surrounding globalization from a social and ethical perspective. Beginning with broader themes about globalization and its implications, the course then surveys the macroeconomic, political and socio-cultural terrain of global business. This interdisciplinary approach gives students a wide background, which they can use when considering all manner of globalization problems.

IBA 675 - International Business Strategy
International Business Strategy provides students with an understanding of how to develop an effective and international business strategy. Covering how a strategy fits into the organization and the operation of a company or a multi-company corporation, this class helps students think about problems on an international level, a level necessary for global success. The course introduces students to the ways in which a firm can achieve sustainable competitive advantage and develop the corporation internationally. It enables students to evaluate the factors that need to be considered in analyzing a business’s global external environment as well as its core competencies. Students will learn how to formulate the international strategy for a business—a critical and compulsory step for any business hoping to globalize. (prerequisites BUS 682 and IBA 535)

IBA 690 - International Entrepreneurship
International Entrepreneurship provides students with the intellectual and practical background to equip would-be international entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to set up their own international companies to succeed. Students will find an understanding of the key differences between large companies and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and the advantages of each. Students will learn to appreciate the role of start-up and international entrepreneurial activity from small manufacturers to large corporations. Students will work with an existing or new product in the new international market to gain valuable experience. Also, students will study government financing programs for international development, showcasing the necessity of understanding foreign governments when executing international business plans. It will provide students with an understanding of the financing options available to start-up and developing companies, a recommendable idea when the economy is so rough on lenders. Finally, students will generate a comprehensive international business plan. (prerequisites BUS 688 and IBA 535)

MGT 690 - International Business Study Abroad
International Business Study Abroad does what no class in a classroom can do: provides an experience in another country that has a different business practice and culture. This course explores the role of Greece in Southeast European Union. Students will attempt to identify the political, social, legal and economic dynamics of the region as they relate to Greece. With Greece being the only European Union member in the area, it faces the opportunities and challenges of providing a leading role. The term “Balkanization” was coined in this region to illustrate the complexities and difficulties to proceed with economic, social, political and legal prosperity. The seminar includes topics such as the role of Greece in the global/regional economy, entrepreneurship and development in the region, monetary union, immigration and urbanization, international organizations (NATO, WTO, EU, etc.), Greece and relations with neighbors. Moreover, it addresses fundamental cultural, political, economic and legal issues relating to managing and operating a business in Greece.

IBA 694 - International Business Project
In International Business project students work in teams to provide solutions to a business problem or strategic project. The students may work with a company on a professional project or a series of case problems in order to provide strategic international options. By using classroom knowledge and applying it to situations, students will discover the hang-ups that come in real-life and have the support required to solve these problems. The professional project delivers hands-on experience of the markets, economic policies and business practices of the country in which the company operates or wishes to operate. The business problem or strategic project will require students to apply creativity and analytical tools to complete the project and communicate the results to the respective audience.

Building on a foundation created in International Business Strategy, IBA 675, or International Entrepreneurship, IBA 690, this course expands further on the problems that business plans face. This course should be taken during the last two terms of the MIBA program.

OR
International Business Internship
Students who qualify may pursue an internship to enhance their skills and capabilities. The MIBA coordinator will consult with Career Development to develop these internships. These internships provide valuable international business experience, making students a good investment for future employers who can always see the skills have been put to the test.

ACC 501 Financial Accounting ( 3.00 )
Measurement and reporting of financial information, including revenue recognition, inventory valuation, depreciation theory, liability recognition, and corporate equity measurement.

ACC 502 Managerial Accounting ( 3.00 )
Development, analysis, and interpretation of accounting data for management decision-making. Topics include allocation of manufacturing overhead, budgeting, break-even and variance analysis, and methods of reporting costs that are essential to managerial decisions. Prerequisite: ACC 501 or equivalent.

ECN 500 Principles of Economics ( 3.00 )
Concepts relevant to the analysis of the economic environment of the business firm, including factors of supply and demand, elasticity, competition, unemployment, inflation, national income analysis, and resource allocation decisions by government, businesses, and households.

FIN 550 Financial Management ( 3.00 )
A survey of the tools, concepts, and models used in financial analysis. Specific topics include discounted cash flow analysis, capital budgeting, risk and return, valuation models, financial markets, statement analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and multinational finance. Prerequisites: ACC 501 or ACC 502; ECN 500; BUS 541 recommended.

MKT 570 Marketing Management ( 3.00 )
The analysis, planning, implementation, and coordination of marketing activities for the purpose of achieving organizational objectives. Topics include determination of target market segments, needs and opportunities, developing marketing strategies, and manipulation of elements in the marketing mix.

FIN 685 International Finance ( 3.00 )
Theory and application in the realm of financial decision making in the international sphere. Topics may include the global financial enviroment, foreign exchange risk management, financing international transactions and asset management including short-term and long-term multinational corporate finance decisions. Prerequisite: FIN 550.

MGT 682 International Management ( 3.00 )
This course will expose the student to the environment of international management, planning in the global arena, organizing global operations, international negotiations, strategy formulation, leadership and cross-cultural management, and finally, controlling international operations. Prerequisites: ACC 501, ECN 500; or equivalents.

MKT 688 International Marketing ( 3.00 )
An exploration of the differences between markets and distribution systems among various countries, with an emphasis on the social, economic, and cultural factors causing these differences. Topics include the organization of trade channels in various cultures, typical government policies toward international trade as countries reach different stages of development, international marketing research, advertising and exporting. Prerequisite: MKT 570.

MLD 565 Global Leadership ( 3.00 )
Students in Global Leadership will explore the role of a leader in our expanding, culturally diverse world. Students will consider the effect of globalization on leadership, and define the characteristics necessary to successfully lead internationally. They will explore concepts such as nationalism, study international notions of power and justice, and examine international regions and leaders within a wide range of contexts. The impact of cultural diversity and multi-cultural awareness will also be explored.

MLD 545 Ethical Challenges of Leadership ( 3.00 )
An examination of the ways in which ethics provides the grounding for the practice of leadership. Attention is given to how leadership involves the use of a set of values and an ethical stance to engage followers. Leadership is defined as more than occupying an organizational position or wielding power. Topics covered include ethical systems, the nature of values, the reciprocal relationship between leaders and followers, the exercise of power, and decision-making.

MLD 558 Conflict Resolution ( 3.00 )
Studies the prevailing theories and methods of conflict resolution from a variety of perspectives and in a number of settings - including interpersonal, business, cross-cultural, and international. Special attention is given to developing facilitative communication and negotiation skills.

MLS 506 Ethics in Contexts ( 3.00 )
A critical examination of social and ethical issues and problems facing business and managers. Students are asked to assess the extent and relative influence of government, competitors, labor unions, consumers, society's expectations, and the personal values of managers as factors in business decisions.

MLS 512 Religion, Ritual, and Symbol ( 3.00 )
A cross-cultural examination of how religious beliefs and institutions, concepts of the magical, and myths and rituals shape our view of reality. The course surveys some of the major ways our understanding of these things has evolved, focusing particularly on structural analyses of symbol systems.

MLS 634 The "Third World" ( 3.00 )
A study of literature, culture, politics, and psychology aimed at understanding both the so-called "Third World's" struggle for identity, as well as the ways the West has imposed its political and cultural constructs upon this world.