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Course Descriptions—Business and Management (BMGT)

BMGT 110 Introduction to Business and Management (3)

(For students with little or no business background. Recommended preparation for many other BMGT courses.) A survey of the field of business management. Topics include human relations, technology in business, ethical behavior, the environment, global and economic forces, organization, quality, products and services, functional management, and current issues and developments.

BMGT 304 Managing E-Commerce in Organizations (3)

An introduction to the history and design of Internet-based business models (i.e., e-commerce) in organizations. Topics include e-commerce management principles, management of different types of organizations, integration of human and information technology resources, training and development, and use of information systems. Investigation also covers knowledge management strategies; the management of business units to implement technological marketing (or e-marketing); the creation of new roles and responsibilities for managers in the e-commerce environment of organizations; relationships among the Internet, government, and society; and future prospects of e-commerce. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 304 or BMGT 388M.

BMGT 305 Knowledge Management (3)

An introduction to the ways in which organizations create, identify, capture, process, and distribute knowledge. Topics include knowledge generation and coordination, knowledge markets, knowledge transfer and skills, and knowledge management principles. Discussion also covers new organizations and intellectual capital; the integration of human resources, training and development, information systems and security, and business units to implement knowledge management strategies; and new roles and responsibilities for knowledge workers. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 305 or BMGT 388C.

BMGT 309 Operations Research for Management Decisions (3)

Prerequisite: MATH 220 or STAT 230. A survey of the philosophy and techniques of operations research and how they relate to managerial decision making. Techniques covered include linear programming, transportation and assignment models, Markov processes, and inventory and queuing models. Emphasis is on formulating and solving decision problems in the functional areas of management. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 309 or BMGT 332.

BMGT 312 Women in Business (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 110 or at least two years of business and management experience. An examination of women’s evolving roles in the business world and the forces that have created change and opportunities. Discussion explores how organizational theory, human resource practices, industrialization, and information technology have created new paths for professional growth. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 312, BMGT 398I, or MGMT 398I.

BMGT 313 Women as Entrepreneurs (3)

A study of the qualities that help women excel in business. Topics include the rapid increase in female-owned companies, especially small businesses, and ways women have overcome the barriers they face in starting a business. Discussion also covers the reasons for female exclusion from traditional financing alternatives and current funding options for women. Inspirational real-life examples of women who have achieved success are presented. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 313 or BMGT 388H.

BMGT 314 Women as Leaders (3)

A study of the opportunities and challenges for women in leadership positions. Focus is on increasing awareness of the unique talents and skills of women and identifying ways to help women change historically self-limiting beliefs. Topics include personal perceptions, traditional stereotypes of femininity, and the evaluation of leadership and coaching skills. Success stories of leading women managers illustrate the key principles. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 314 or BMGT 388J.

BMGT 315 Gender Relations in Business (3)

An exploration of how gender differences affect the way that women and men interact at work, receive and perceive workplace information, and make workplace decisions. Discussion is based on the premise that men and women are different and that those differences profoundly influence their productivity in the modern business workplace. Situations that can result in gender-based misunderstanding, miscommunication, conflict, and organizational ineffectiveness are examined. The goal is to use understanding of gender differences to improve harmony and collaboration among staff members.

BMGT 317 Problem Solving for Managers (3)

Presentation of the theoretical and practical aspects of strategies used in solving problems, an activity that takes up much of the manager’s day. Approaches evaluated include holistic thinking, the use of analogy, internal brainstorming and other methods of creative thinking, the development of an ability to shift perspectives, the scientific method, the analysis of language, systems analysis, and graphic representations. Case studies illustrate the definition of the problem, the formulation of hypotheses, the collection and analysis of data, and application to improve quality. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 317 or TMGT 310.

BMGT 324 Introduction to Entrepreneurship: Starting a Small Business (1)

An introduction to entrepreneurship and the concept of starting a small business. Topics include the costs and benefits of operating a small business venture and types of small businesses that can be successfully operated. Special considerations and laws that apply to small business operations are also covered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 324, BMGT 398F, MGMT 324, MGMT 398B, or SBUS 398B.

BMGT 325 The Small-Business Plan (1)

An introduction to the preparation of a business plan for entry into small business. Topics include locating and using primary and secondary research to prepare a business plan, assessing formats for presenting it, finding sources of assistance in preparing it, writing it, and identifying who should prepare it. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 325, BMGT 398G, MGMT 325, MGMT 330, MGMT 398C, SBUS 200, or SBUS 398C.

BMGT 339 Government and Business Contracting (3)

(Designed for entrepreneurs in the public and private sectors involved in evaluating contracting and grant opportunities in domestic and global environments.) An investigation of the opportunities available for new business development and government and business contracting, as well as the problems involved. Topics include various methods governments and businesses use in determining requirements, choosing the procurement method, evaluating contractors and grant proposals, setting terms and conditions for contracts, awarding contracts, and administering contracts. Both theory and practice are examined with respect to procurement; purchasing procedures; types of contracts; cost and price analysis; and methods of writing proposals, obtaining helpful information, and establishing and maintaining internal controls. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 339, MGMT 220, or MGMT 339.

BMGT 361 Health Management (3)

Conceptual and functional analysis and application of management principles and theories for effective leadership in the health care services environment. Focus is on relevant theories of organization and management, leadership, communication, motivation, and decision making; organizational change and strategic planning; human resource administration; and management control systems. Discussion covers the structure of health systems in the United States and in other countries, current policy issues, and advocacy for public health and health care reform. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 361 or HMGT 320.

BMGT 364 Management and Organization Theory (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 110 or at least two years of business and management experience. A study of the development of theories about management and organizations. Processes and functions of management discussed include the communication process, the role of the manager as an organizer and director, the determination of goals, and the allocation of responsibilities. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 364, TEMN 202, TEMN 300, TMGT 301, or TMGT 302.

BMGT 365 Organizational Leadership (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 364. An exploration of the challenges to effective leadership and management that the contemporary manager faces in a rapidly changing environment. Focus is on leadership styles and motivational techniques conducive to high performance in various organizational settings with a very diverse workforce. Topics include issues in the design of organizations, the corporate/organizational culture, the design and enrichment of jobs, and communication within organizations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 365, MGMT 300, MGST 310, or TEMN 310.

BMGT 366 Global Public Management (3)

Conceptual and functional analysis and application of management principles and strategies encompassing not-for-profit, state, and nonstate institutional and organizational actors, such as intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations (IGOs and NGOs), in the domestic and global environments. Focus is on the nature and scope of public management. Topics include theoretical, administrative, ethical, and policy models of decision making and accountability; the dynamics of organizational behavior, bureaucratic structures, and processes; core functionalities, strategies, and issues involving public-sector management, planning, leadership, human resources, collective bargaining, communications, and e-government; marketing; public finance; international development projects; and governance. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 366 or TMGT 305.

BMGT 369 Health Practice Management (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 361. Examination and application of health care practice theories and concepts in the management of medicine, health, and dental group services. Topics include both managed care and fee-for-service payment arrangements and the influence of insurance. Group practices examined include preferred provider organizations, physician hospital organizations, independent practice associations, management service organizations, and dental group practice networks. Analysis covers applied issues such as structuring compensation packages for professionals; negotiating contractual arrangements with insurance companies; and implementing regulatory guidelines for medical equipment, pharmaceutical storage, and dispensing. Discussion also reviews policy issues relevant to managed care, public financing, insurance, the employment of health care professionals, and legislative politics that affect health care management and practice. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 369 or HMGT 498E.

BMGT 372 Supply Chain Management (3)

Prerequisite BMGT 364. An examination of supply chain management systems with a focus on maximizing the value generated by a company. Topics include supply chain management strategy, planning, design, and operations; the role of information technology; and financial factors that influence decisions. Discussion also covers the trade-offs between cost and service and between the purchase and supply of raw materials; the warehousing and control of inventory; transportation; facilities and handling; information; and the distribution of finished goods to customers required to minimize costs, maximize profits, or increase customer service levels.

BMGT 375 Procurement Management (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 364. An overview of the procurement process in industry and its strategic importance in the global marketplace. Topics include the purchasing process, requirements planning, pricing analysis, global competition, distribution, and value analysis. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 375, MGMT 347, MGMT 375, or TEMN 360.

BMGT 378 Legal Environment of Business (3)

(For students with little or no legal background.) An overview of fundamental legal concepts and principles that affect business in the relevant functional and regulatory environments in domestic and global settings. Emphasis is on the definition and application of legal principles and concepts through illustrative examples and cases. Topics include the interplay among business, ethics, and law; legal reasoning and research; the judicial system and conflict resolution; and torts and business crimes. Key concepts relating to transactional aspects of business are defined; these include contracts and business organizations, property, and government regulations in the human resource, marketing, and financial dimensions of business. Assignments include conducting relevant research using computer databases and networks (such as Lexis and the Web) as well as other methods for accessing information. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 378 or BMGT 480.

BMGT 380 Business Law I (3)

(Strongly recommended for students seeking careers as CPAs, lawyers, or managers.) A conceptual and functional analysis and application of legal principles relevant to the conduct and understanding of commercial business transactions in the domestic and global environment. Topics include the legal, ethical, and social environment of business; agencies, partnerships, and other forms of business organizations; and contracts and sales agreements.

BMGT 381 Business Law II (3)

(Strongly recommended for students seeking careers as CPAs, lawyers, or managers.) Prerequisite: BMGT 380. Further conceptual and functional analysis and application of legal principles relevant to the conduct and understanding of commercial business transactions in the domestic and global environment. Topics include personal and real property, government regulations affecting employment and marketing, negotiable instruments, debtor/ creditor relationships, and bankruptcy and reorganization.

BMGT 388G Effective Business Presentations (1)

An overview of the process of creating and delivering effective business presentations. Focus is on the importance of effective communication in business. Topics include audience analysis, presentation planning, outline development, style alternatives, presentation structure (i.e., the beginning, body, ending, and questions and answers), visual aids, and delivery techniques.

BMGT 391 Motivation, Performance, and Productivity (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 364. An examination of the challenges of motivating employees. Topics include effective principles for job design, theories and practices of successful leadership, the setting of goals and objectives, the development of reward systems, and the attributes of effective managerial communication. The causes and impact of performance problems and methods for measuring management practices are explored. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 391, BMGT 398S, or HRMN 394.

BMGT 392 Global Business Management (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 110 or at least two years of business and management experience. Examination and analysis of global business in its historical, theoretical, environmental, and functional dimensions. Focus is on understanding the growing economic interdependence of nations and its impact on managerial and corporate policy decisions that transcend national boundaries. Topics include the nature and scope of international business; the institutional, sociocultural, political, legal, ethical, and economic environments; trade, foreign investment, and development; transnational management (including global operations), strategic planning, human resources, marketing, and finance; and international business diplomacy and conflict resolution. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 392, MGMT 305, or TMGT 390.

BMGT 393 Real Estate Principles I (3)

(Designed to fulfill the requirements for the Maryland licensing examination to sell real estate.) Recommended: ECON 203. A survey of the principles, definitions, and uses of real estate. Topics include real estate as a business, problems of construction and home ownership, city planning, and public control and ownership of real estate.

BMGT 394 Real Estate Principles II (3)

(Designed to fulfill the requirements for the Maryland licensing examination to sell real estate.) Prerequisite: BMGT 393. A continuation of the study of real estate. Topics include principles, definitions, professional issues and problems, construction and ownership problems, and other major aspects of real estate sales. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 394 or BMGT 398H.

BMGT 398 Special Topics in Business and Management (1-3)

Intensive inquiry into special topics in business and management that reflect the changing needs and interests of students and faculty.

BMGT 405 Environmental Management and Business (3)

(Formerly BMGT 498F.) Examination and analysis of salient environmental issues and their impact on business management and institutional policies and strategies in both domestic and global settings. Topics include air- and water-quality controls, toxic substances, hazardous waste, energy and natural resources, deforestation, biological diversity, global warming, and ozone depletion. These issues are examined from the perspectives of ecology, ethics, the law, and public policy. The implications of sociopolitical and economic issues (e.g., population, poverty, trade, business growth, sustainable development, and competitiveness) on the environment are also discussed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 405, BMGT 498F, or MGMT 498F.

BMGT 407 Managing Global Trade (3)

An exploration and analysis of managing global trade within today’s fast-paced, highly interconnected global economy. Discussion covers international trade policy, export-import strategies (including licensing and franchising), direct investment, conflict resolution, safety and security, and current policy issues. Topics also include sales negotiation, price quotations, landed cost, standard international commercial terms, commercial financing, trade documentation, global e-commerce, transportation logistics, and compliance with import and export regulations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 407 or BMGT 498S.

BMGT 411 Business Performance (3)

Presentation of analytical approaches to comprehend and solve business performance problems. Focus is on powerful techniques for solving problems of managing people and for understanding their behavior in organizations. Topics include how to recognize, pinpoint, analyze, develop, and make decisions. Complex real-world situations that confront managers and supervisors in a business environment or organization are considered. Discussion covers techniques for identifying and choosing among goals and strategies, resolving operational and structural difficulties, and making decisions based on knowns and unknowns and pros and cons using a practical approach toward problems. The techniques provided are applicable to knowledge-, manufacturing-, service-, or government-based organizations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 411 or TMGT 411.

BMGT 412 Managing for Organizational Effectiveness (3)

An overview of management techniques and methodologies that are used to develop and adapt business processes for competitive advantage in dynamic and rapidly changing environments. Assessment tools for achieving desired organizational capabilities, such as the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, ISO 9000, and CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration), are examined. Discussion also covers specific approaches—such as customer relationship management, supply chain management, Six Sigma methodology, and other process improvement tools—that contribute to high performance and organizational effectiveness. Successful applications of these strategies and approaches are illustrated. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 412 or TMGT 412.

BMGT 428 Legal Aspects of Technology Management (3)

(Formerly BMGT 498J.) An examination and analysis of legal and policy issues involving the development, acquisition, application, and use of technology and their impact on business and management in the domestic and global environments. Topics include intellectual property issues encompassing patent, copyright, and trademark protections in information and biotechnology; privacy and security concerns; domain names; government regulation and antitrust; software licensing; tort and computer crimes; and consumer protection. The role of global institutions is also explored. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 428 or BMGT 498J.

BMGT 437 International Business Law (3)

(Formerly BMGT 498P.) Prerequisite: BMGT 380. A conceptual and functional analysis and application of transnational legal principles relevant to the conduct and understanding of global business and economic transactions. Topics include the international legal environment and process; transactional dimensions, including business forms and foreign investments; international and regional organizations; international contracts and sales; the regulation of international trade; national and international economic controls; legal aspects of management, marketing, and finance that focus on global issues related to employment, the environment, technology transfer, and trade financing; and dispute resolution. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 437 or BMGT 498P.

BMGT 454 The Global Manager and Public Policy (3)

(Formerly BMGT 498O.) Prerequisite: BMGT 392. Examination and analysis of the institutional dimensions of public policy in the international arena and their strategic impact on the decisions of the global manager. Focus is on the conceptual and functional definition and application of global public policy, including the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the context of leadership and ethical responsibilities across national borders and cultures and the transnational policy implications of global regimes spanning the relevant areas of business and global governance. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 454, BMGT 498O, or MGMT 498O.

BMGT 456 Multinational Management (3)

(Formerly BMGT 498R.) An examination and analysis of multinational management functions and processes (including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) across national cultures and borders and in globally diverse transnational environments and organizations. Topics include cross-cultural strategic planning; organizational design and structures; cross-cultural leadership, decision making, motivation, communication, and business practices; headquarters/subsidiary control relationships; international staffing, employee relations, and human resource management; and cross-national ethics and social responsibility. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 456 or BMGT 498R.

BMGT 464 Organizational Behavior (3)

Prerequisites: BMGT 110 (or at least two years of business and management experience) and 364. An examination of research and theory on the forces underlying the way members of an organization behave. Topics include the behavior of work groups and supervisors, intergroup relations, employees’ goals and attitudes, problems in communication, the circumstances of change in an organization, and the goals and design of an organization.

BMGT 465 Organization Development and Change (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 364. An introduction to a method of making organizations and individuals more adaptive and productive. The objective is to help organizations cope with change. Techniques of intervention (such as team building, process consultation, feedback, and conflict resolution) are introduced and explained. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 465, MGMT 398K, MGMT 465, or TMGT 350.

BMGT 482 Business and Government (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 110 or at least two years of business and management experience. A study of the role of government in the modern economy and the intricate relationships between the public and private sectors in the domestic and global environments. Emphasis is on the regulatory and public policy dimensions of government intervention, the promotion of business, corporate responses to government action, and social responsibility and governance issues in the changing domestic and global marketplaces. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 482 or TMGT 340.

BMGT 484 Managing Teams in Organizations (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 364. An examination of how and why team development can be effective in organizations and when it is appropriate. Topics include group dynamics, stages of group development, team-building techniques, team goals and leadership, and interpersonal and individual skills to foster cohesion and effective performance. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 484, BMGT 498H, or MGMT 498H.

BMGT 486A Internship in Business and Management Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in business and management. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to business and management and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

BMGT 486B Internship in Business and Management Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in business and management. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to business and management and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

BMGT 487 Project Management I (3)

(The first course in the two-course series BMGT 487–488.) Prerequisite: BMGT 364. An introduction to project management principles, concepts, and software applications and an exploration of project management applications in introductory project situations. Project management is examined in terms of practical applications and practices. Appropriate organizational structures, such as collegial and matrix types, are described and assessed. Discussion also covers the practical considerations of designing a project management system. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 487, IFSM 438, or TMGT 430.

BMGT 488 Project Management II (3)

(The second course in the two-course series BMGT 487–488.) Prerequisite: BMGT 487. An exploration of project management applications beyond introductory projects. Emphasis is on the application of project management concepts and software applications. Assignments include designing a project management system from beginning to end. Projects depict real-world situations such as production in research, high-technology manufacturing, and engineering firms; information systems implementations; service business and e-commerce projects; and consulting practices. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 488 or TMGT 430.

BMGT 491 Exploring the Future (3)

Prerequisite: BMGT 364. An examination of how to analyze and develop alternate ways of seeing the future. The interactions of population, technology, political and economic systems, values, and leadership are investigated. Discussion covers techniques futurists use, including scenario construction, trend analysis, the futures wheel, and environmental scanning. Techniques are applied in societal, professional, and personal settings. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 480, BMGT 491, MGMT 398H, TMGT 401, or TMGT 480.

BMGT 495 Strategic Management (3)

(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student’s last 15 credits.) Prerequisites: FINC 330 (or BMGT 340), BMGT 364, and MRKT 310. A study of strategic management that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and builds on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Emerging issues in business management are considered. Focus is on the continuous, systematic process of managerial planning, including environmental scanning and the development of plans and strategies to gain competitive advantage. Tactical and strategic management issues are highlighted by means of case studies, projects, and discussion. Access to spreadsheet software is recommended to analyze case studies and develop strategic planning information, charts, and graphs. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 495, HMGT 430, MGMT 495, or TMGT 380.

BMGT 496 Business Ethics (3)

A study of the relationship of business ethics and social responsibility in both domestic and global settings. Ethical and moral considerations of corporate conduct, social responsibilities, policies, and strategies are explored. Emphasis is on the definition, scope, application, and analysis of ethical values as they relate to issues of public consequence in the context of the functional areas of business at both the domestic and global levels.

BMGT 510 The Manager in Organizations and Society (6)

(For business administration majors only. May also be applied to the MBA program at UMUC as equivalent to AMBA 610, if completed with a grade of B or better; in such a case, prerequisite course for program is waived.) Prerequisites: 24 credits in business administration, including BMGT 495, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major at UMUC. An exploration of the responsibilities and influence that 21st-century managers have within their organizations and the global society. Essential concepts and theories that provide a foundation for the study of business administration and management—including systems thinking, critical thinking, ethical decision making and leadership, legal concepts, corporate social responsibility, and organizational theory and design—are examined.