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  General Information

Economics and Business Administration

Chair: Robert Wallace

Professors:                         Christine Doyle-Burke, *Maureen Dunne, Donald MacRitchie,

                                             Martha Meaney, Mary T. Rogers, Robert Wallace, Charles White Associate

Professor:                           Abdul Momen Assistant Professors: Thomas Anderson, Mohammed Anwar,

                                             Louis Farina, Andrew Hall, Karen Perman, Sandra Rahman, Fahlino Sjuib,

                                             Beverly Soriano

Instructor:                          Mary Connaughton

 

*Sabbatical: Fall 2006 and Spring 2007

 

The General Education Requirement

All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of twelve (12) courses (see page 60).

 

Course Prerequisites

Courses may have specified conditions for enrollment, such as prior completion of less advanced courses, permission of the instructor, or appropriate placement test scores. Students should refer to course descriptions in the department listings for prerequisite requirements.

 

Department Requirements for Major:

The Department of Economics and Business Administration offers a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Business Administration.

 

ECONOMICS MAJOR (EOG)

 

Both Economics majors and Business Administration majors must take the same common core of courses. No course in the Economics and Business Administration Department may be used to satisfy more than one departmental requirement.

 

Common core courses:

12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics

12.102 Principles of Microeconomics

12.120 Introduction to Financial Accounting

12.201 Quantitative Economics and Business I

12.202 Quantitative Economics and Business II

12.301 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory

12.302 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory

12.330 Managerial Finance I

43.123 College Algebra*

63.120 Introduction to Information Technology

 

Economics majors must also take:

12.480 Senior Economics Seminar

 

*Students with a score on the mathematics placement exam which allows them to take 43.200 Precalculus may substitute 43.117 Introduction to Statistics, 43.200 Precalculus or 43.215 Finite Mathematics; students with a score which qualifies them for calculus may substitute 43.219 Calculus I.

 

All Economics majors must select two (2) courses from the following list:

12.230 Urban Economics

12.260 Labor Economics

12.312 Comparative Economic Systems

12.320 Money and Banking

12.341 Public Choice and Expenditure

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.410 International Trade

12.450 History of Economic Thought

 

Economics majors must select an additional two (2) courses from the following list or complete the requirements of one of the concentrations listed below:

12.230 Urban Economics

12.260 Labor Economics

12.312 Comparative Economic Systems

12.320 Money and Banking

12.341 Public Choice and Expenditure

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.410 International Trade

12.411 International Finance

12.435 Managerial Economics

12.450 History of Economic Thought

12.470 Applied Econometrics for Economics and Business

 

CONCENTRATIONS

 

APPLIED MICROECONOMICS (EOM)

 

A. Required courses:

12.435 Managerial Economics

 

B. Students choose five (5):

12.230 Urban Economics

12.260 Labor Economics

12.341 Public Choice and Expenditure

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.410 International Trade

12.411 International Finance

12.470 Applied Econometrics for Economics and Business

43.307 Intermediate Statistics

 

QUANTITATIVE ECONOMICS (EOQ)

 

A. Required courses:

43.219 Calculus I

43.226 Linear Algebra and Applications

 

B. Plus two (2) electives from:

43.220 Calculus II

43.221 Calculus III

43.307 Intermediate Statistics

 

C. Plus two (2) electives from:

12.230 Urban Economics

12.260 Labor Economics

12.320 Money and Banking

12.341 Public Choice and Expenditure

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.410 International Trade

12.411 International Finance

12.435 Managerial Economics

12.470 Applied Econometrics for Economics and Business

 

FINANCE (EOF)

 

A. Required courses:

12.121 Introduction to Managerial Accounting

12.320 Money and Banking

12.431 Managerial Finance II

 

B. Plus two (2) electives from:

12.305 Quantitative Methods in Business

12.411 International Finance

12.445 Investments

 

BUSINESS (EOB)

 

A. Required courses:

12.121 Introduction to Managerial Accounting

12.271 Marketing Principles

12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management

 

B. Plus two (2) electives from:

12.260 Labor Economics

12.215 Legal Environment of Business

12.305 Quantitative Methods in Business

12.320 Money and Banking

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.411 International Finance

12.412 International Business

12.428 Taxation

12.431 Managerial Finance II

12.435 Managerial Economics

12.445 Investments

12.470 Applied Econometrics for Economics and Business

12.485 Business Policy and Strategy


 

12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics

12.102 Principles of Microeconomics

12.120 Introduction to Financial Accounting

12.201 Quantitative Economics and Business I

12.202 Quantitative Economics and Business II

12.301 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory

12.302 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory

12.330 Managerial Finance I

43.123 College Algebra*

63.120 Introduction to Information Technology

 

*Students with a score on the mathematics placement exam which allows them to take 43.200 Precalculus may substitute 43.117 Introduction to Statistics, 43.200 Precalculus or 43.215 Finite Mathematics; students with a score which qualifies them for calculus may substitute 43.219 Calculus I.

 

Business Administration majors must also take:

12.485 Business Policy and Strategy

 

Core business courses:

12.121 Introduction to Managerial Accounting

12.208 Microcomputer Applications in Business

12.215 Legal Environment of Business

12.271 Marketing Principles

12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management

 

All students majoring in Business Administration must then either select two (2) electives from the following list or elect a concentration:

12.305 Quantitative Methods in Business

12.310 Marketing Research

12.313 Promotional Strategy

12.318 International Marketing

12.320 Money and Banking

12.326 Cost Accounting

12.371 Marketing Management

12.372 Operations Management

12.375 Sales Management

12.381 Human Resource Management

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.411 International Finance

12.412 International Business

12.428 Taxation

12.431 Managerial Finance II

12.435 Managerial Economics

12.445 Investments

12.470 Applied Econometrics for Economics and Business

 

CONCENTRATIONS

 

ACCOUNTING (BAA)

 

Required courses:

12.321 Intermediate Accounting I

12.322 Intermediate Accounting II

12.326 Cost Accounting

12.428 Taxation

 

FINANCE (BAF)

 

Required courses:

12.320 Money and Banking

12.431 Managerial Finance II

12.445 Investments

 

Plus one (1) elective from:

12.305 Quantitative Methods in Business

12.411 International Finance

12.474 Topics in Finance

 

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (BAI)

 

Required courses:

12.410 International Trade

12.411 International Finance

12.412 International Business

 

Plus one (1) elective from:

12.312 Comparative Economic Systems

12.318 International Marketing

12.320 Money and Banking

12.326 Cost Accounting

12.372 Operations Management

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.435 Managerial Economics

 

 

MANAGEMENT (BAT)

 

Required courses:

12.372 Operations Management

12.381 Human Resource Management

 

Plus two (2) electives from:

12.326 Cost Accounting

12.371 Marketing Management

12.375 Sales Management

12.412 International Business

12.431 Managerial Finance II

 

MARKETING (BAK)

 

Required courses:

12.310 Marketing Research

12.371 Marketing Management

 

Plus two (2) electives from:

12.313 Promotional Strategy

12.318 International Marketing

12.375 Sales Management

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.410 International Trade

12.412 International Business

12.435 Managerial Economics

12.470 Applied Econometrics for Economics and Business

42.207 Psychology of Communication

71.220 Principles of Mass Communication

 

Related Minors

Students majoring in Economics or Business Administration are encouraged but not required to select a minor in another discipline. A number of minors offered by other departments complement the Economics and Business Administration majors and enhance the students’ preparation for their individual employment or graduate school goals. Students should discuss these possibilities with their academic advisors.

 

BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MAJOR (ITB)

 

This major is a collaboration with the Business Administration and Computer Science departments and provides students with knowledge in both the business and information technology fields. The intent of this program is to prepare the Business and Information Technology program can “bridge the gap” between technology and business.  As entry level workers, they are likely to qualify for jobs as systems analysts, Project Management Office administrators, technical trainers, quality assurance analysts and similar roles.  As experienced workers, they are likely to move into Project Management, Delivery Assurance and IT Management roles.

 

Required Business core courses (13):

12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics

12.102 Principles of Microeconomics

12.120 Introduction to Financial Accounting

12.121 Introduction to Managerial Accounting

12.201 Quantitative Economics and Business I

12.202 Quantitative Economics and Business II

12.215 Legal Environment of Business

12.271 Marketing Principles

12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management

12.330 Managerial Finance I

12.372 Operations Management

12.385 Business Systems Analysis and Design

12.477 Management Issues in Information Techonology

 

Required Computer Science core courses (6):

63.108 HTML, JavaScript Programming, and Web Site Development

63.120 Introduction to Information Technology

63.152 Computer Science I Using Java

63.258 Introduction to Operating Systems Using UNIX

63.360 Database Management

63.376 Networking Technologies

 

12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics

12.102 Principles of Microeconomics

 

Plus three (3) electives with at least two at the 200-level or above from:

12.100 Contemporary Economic Problems and Issues

12.105 An Introduction to the United States Economy

12.201 Quantitative Economics and Business I

12.202 Quantitative Economics and Business II

12.230 Urban Economics

12.260 Labor Economics

12.301 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory

12.302 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory

12.312 Comparative Economic Systems

12.320 Money and Banking

12.341 Public Choice and Expenditure

12.402 Industrial Organization

12.410 International Trade

12.411 International Finance

12.435 Managerial Economics

12.450 History of Economic Thought

12.470 Applied Econometrics for Economics and Business

34.210 Consumer Economics

12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics

12.102 Principles of Microeconomics

 

Accounting

12.120 Introduction to Financial Accounting

12.121 Introduction of Managerial Accounting

 

Marketing:

12.271 Marketing Principles

 

Management:

12.272 Management Principles

12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management

12.381 Human Resource Management

 

Finance:

12.320 Money and Banking

12.330 Managerial Finance I

 

Law:

12.215 Legal Environment of Business

 

MINOR IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (see page 53)

 

ECONOMICS COURSES APPROPRIATE FOR GENERAL

 

EDUCATION (GEN. ED.)

Course

 

Goal

12.101

Principles of Macroeconomics

10

12.102

Principles of Microeconomics

9

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

12.100 Contemporary Economic Problems and Issues

 

A discussion of current local, national, and international issues using economic analysis as a method to understand the causes and implications of social phenomena. A relatively brief introduction to the basic tools of economic theory is given. Students then learn to apply these tools to such issues as the distribution of income and the prevalence of poverty in society, the role discrimination plays in the economy, the U.S. position in the world economy, the economic consequences of changing demographics, the market for illegal drugs, the growing national debt, and other issues pertinent to the semester in which the course is taught. This course does not satisfy either the Economics or Business Administration major.

 

12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics (Gen. Ed. Goal 10)

The study of the U.S. free enterprise system and its place in the global economy. After a consideration of basic economy concepts, the student is introduced to the forces that determine national income, employment, recession, inflation, and economic growth. Monetary and fiscal policy options are analyzed with emphasis on the economic, social, and political consequences.

 

12.102 Principles of Microeconomics (Gen. Ed. Goal 9)

An introduction to the behavior of individual decision makers, particularly consumers and firms, who must make choices under conditions of economic scarcity. The course focuses on how markets work to allocate resources, how households maximize their satisfaction from consumer opportunities subject to an income constraint, and how firms organize production and measure costs in order to maximize profits. Related topics include comparative advantage and trade, competition and monopoly, government regulation, and labor markets.

 

12.105 An Introduction to the United States Economy

An overview of the structure of the U.S. economy that provides an understanding of how it functions. Students are first introduced to the discipline of economics and to some of the basic theoretical tools which economists use to analyze economic activity, to understand how markets function, and how a market system allocates economic resources. These tools are then used to analyze the various parts of the U.S. economy: product, labor, and financial markets; the influence of international forces; the economic role of the government. During this process data are presented to give students an appreciation for the size of the economy and its sectors. Current economic issues are analyzed and discussed placing special emphasis on how social, political, geographic, and other forces impact those issues. This course does not satisfy any of the requirements for either the Business Administration or the Economics major.

 

12.120 Introduction to Financial Accounting

A study of financial accounting and accounting systems starting with the accounting cycle and going through the preparation and interpretation of financial statements for all types of business entities. Topics covered include generally accepted accounting principles, the theory of accounts, and the theory of present value as it relates to financial accounting problems. Note: Credit will not be given for both this course and 12.220 Introduction to Financial Accounting.

 

12.121 Introduction to Managerial Accounting

A study of the essentials of managerial accounting focusing on the use of accounting information in the decision-making process. Topics covered include planning, budgeting, control, and valuation. Note: Credit will not be given for both this course and 12.221 Introduction to Managerial Accounting.

 

12.201 Quantitative Economics and Business I

A survey of the mathematical skills needed for upper division courses in economics and business. Emphasis is placed on the use of mathematical models to describe relationships in business and economics. Topics covered include mathematical functions, cost functions, the consumption function, systems of equations, market models, the Keynesian income determination model, matrix algebra, input-output analysis, differential and integral calculus, marginal analysis, and profit and utility maximization. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics, 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics, 43.123 College Algebra, or permission of the instructor.

 

12.202 Quantitative Economics and Business II

An introduction to the basic techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics as applied to the decision-making process in business and economics. Emphasis is placed on estimation and forecasting techniques. Topics covered include measures of central tendency and dispersion, index numbers, probability, regression analysis and economic forecasting. Prerequisite: 12.201 Quantitative Economics and Business I.

 

12.208 Microcomputer Applications in Business

An introductory study of information systems from a business problem-solving perspective. Topics covered include an overview of business information systems, and the foundations of information technology. Students use the personal computer to analyze problems and design solutions in the major areas of business. The course emphasizes the use of spreadsheets and other information processing software. Prerequisite: 63.120 Introduction to Information Technology or permission of the instructor.

 

12.215 Legal Environment of Business

A study of the interrelationships among business, government, and society as reflected in the legal system in which firms operate. In addition to examining specific laws and legal issues, such as business transactions, employer-employee relations, government regulation and consumer law, students become familiar with the way in which laws develop and change. Special emphasis is on the social and ethical issues which arise in business law.

 

12.230 Urban Economics

An application of basic economic theory to the task of understanding the process of urbanization, the growth and decline of cities, and the spatial location of economic activity within metropolitan areas. Also examined are the specific urban problems of poverty, housing, local finance, and transportation. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics.

 

12.260 Labor Economics

An analysis of the nature of the job market. Some topics considered include: unemployment, wages, occupational choice, changing role of women, hiring standards, and relevancy in education programs. Discussion focuses on how society educates and trains its human resources for their entry and re-entry into productive employment. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics.

 

12.271 Marketing Principles

An examination of marketing functions, the activities of producers, wholesalers, retailers and other middlemen, the channels of distribution, integration of the marketing functions, price policies and government regulation. Special emphasis is given to the aspect of marketing management. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics.

 

12.272 Management Principles

An introduction to the contemporary management of organizations with an emphasis on the fundamentals of organizational behavior. Topics include organizational structure, leadership, communication, motivation, group dynamics, decision -making, planning and controlling. Business ethics and the roles and functions of managers are integrated throughout all these topics. Note: Credit will not be given for both this course and 12.373 Management Principles. This course does not satisfy any of the requirements for either the Business Administration or the Economics major.

 

12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management

An in-depth study of the application of management theory to the behavior of individuals and groups in organizations. Topics in the course include: organizational structure and design, motivation, job design, leadership, communication and power in organizations. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

 

12.290/390 Topics in Economics and Business

Selected topics in an area of economics or business offered on occasion at the discretion of the department. Determination of where the course fits in the academic program will be made on a case-bycase basis. Prerequisite: Case-by-case or permission of instructor.

 

12.301 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory

An in-depth analysis of the static and dynamic theories of aggregate economic behavior; determinants of consumption, investment, the demand for money, and economic growth. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics.

 

12.302 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory An in-depth analysis of the theory of consumer behavior, the firm and the industry, and the pricing of the factors of production; general equilibrium analysis, and an introduction to welfare economics. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics.

 

12.305 Quantitative Methods in Business

The application of quantitative techniques to solve organizational problems. Topics covered include decision theory and models, analysis of risk, network analysis, linear programming, and the application of these topics through the use of problems and case analysis. Prerequisite: 12.202 Quantitative Economics and Business II, 12.271 Marketing Principles, and 12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management.

 

12.310 Marketing Research

A coverage of the fundamentals of the market research process and how marketing research is used to solve marketing problems. Topics include research design, data collection and analysis techniques, and interpretation and implementation of research findings. Prerequisite: 12.271 Marketing Principles and

12.202 Quantitative Economics and Business II, or permission of the instructor.

 

12.312 Comparative Economic Systems

A study of the different systems societies use to organize economic activity. The course covers the historical development of theories of capitalism, socialism, market socialism and communism, and compares these theoretical models. Considerable time is then spent analyzing how these systems work in practice by examining real-world examples of each. The relationship between the economic system and the social, cultural, historical and/or political forces in these nations is emphasized. Comparisons are made not only between nations that employ different systems, but also between nations that use variations of the same type of system. The course also examines the economics of transition from one type of system to another. Prerequisites: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics.

 

12.313 Promotional Strategy

A focus on the development of effective marketing communication strategies. Various aspects of marketing communication are discussed, including advertising, sales promotion, personal selling, and public relations. Prerequisite: 12.271 Marketing Principles

 

12.318 International Marketing

An examination of the opportunities and challenges facing business organizations in international markets. Topics include the international marketing process, the importance of effective international marketing communication, and the formation and execution of international marketing strategies. Special emphasis is placed on cultural, social, legal, political, and organizational forces that influence international marketing operations. Prerequisite: 12.271 Marketing Principles

 

12.320 Money and Banking

A survey of the development of money and credit, monetary theories, monetary systems and an examination of the relationship between monetary policy and economic welfare. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics.
 

12.321 Intermediate Accounting I

An intensive study of generally accepted accounting principles dealing with balance sheet evaluations and their effect on income determination. Topics include applications of present value techniques to accounting, valuation and reporting of cash, receivables, short-term investments, inventories, fixed assets and intangible assets. Prerequisite: 12.121 Introduction to Managerial Accounting.

 

12.322 Intermediate Accounting II

Additional topics in financial accounting, including an in-depth analysis of current and long-term liabilities, capital stock, options and warrants, earnings-per-share calculations, convertible securities, retained earnings and dividends, and statement of changes in financial position. Also studied are income-tax allocations, pension accounting, and accounting for lease transactions. Prerequisite: 12.321 Intermediate Accounting I.

 

12.326 Cost Accounting

A treatment of presentation and analysis of data to facilitate decision-making in the organization. Topics covered include cost evaluation, forecasting, variance analysis, cost structures, cost behavior patterns, break-even analysis, and capital budgeting. Prerequisite: 12.121 Introduction to Managerial Accounting.

 

12.330 Managerial Finance I

The study of the relationship between the investment and financing decisions made by firms. Main topics include working capital and fixed asset management contained within a broad overview of the type of assets a company acquires, the reasons for acquiring them, and the sources and costs of financing the assets. Concepts are discussed primarily in accounting terms, and mathematical relationships are used as a focal point for discussion. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics,

12.102 Principles of Microeconomics, and 12.120 Introduction to Financial Accounting.

 

12.341 Public Choice and Expenditure

An introduction to the process of social choice and the translation of choice into public expenditure programs. Emphasis is placed upon the application of economic analysis in the appraisal of income redistribution, health, education, defense, social insurance, and environmental programs. Note: Credit will not be given for both this course and 12.340 Public Finance. Prerequisite: 12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and 12.102 Principles of Microeconomics.

 

12.371 Marketing Management

An introduction to market research and analysis. The course focuses on the design and implementation of marketing new products, product diversification, and the development of new markets. Prerequisite: 12.271 Marketing Principles and 12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management.

 

12.372 Operations Management

An analysis of operations and production problems encountered by profit and non-profit organizations. Topics to be studied include production system design, production planning and control, quality control, prices and costs, and the technology of materials and equipment. Prerequisite: 12.202 Quantitative Economics and Business II and 12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management.

 

2.375 Sales Management

An examination of the importance of personal selling and distribution. The course focuses on recruiting, organizing, and motivating the sales force; forecasting; budgeting; selling; control; and cooperation with distribution channel members. Prerequisite 12.271 Marketing Principles.

 

12.381 Human Resource Management

A study of the personnel function within profit and non-profit organizations. The course covers the procurement, development, compensation, integration and maintenance of personnel. Prerequisite: 12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management.

 

12.385 Business Systems Analysis and Design

An introduction to the fundamental concepts used in the implementation of information systems in a business organization. Topics include systems concepts and thinking, business process analysis, and common business models for systems development life cycle, as well as additional topics, such as project management methodology and team approaches, and technology integration concerns.

Prerequisites: 63.376 Networking Technologies (or concurrent registration), 12.121 Introduction to Managerial Accounting, 12.280 Applied Organizational Theory and junior standing.