Business (BU)

With this special topics course, students explore what is new in business. Students find their paths to their future as they explore these topics. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Falls, Winterims, and Springs.

An introduction to statistics based on business applications. Students study statistics through the application of statistics to common business situations. Calculation of business statistics is performed on computers using software commonly found in business enterprises, principally Excel. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, probability, probability distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and regression analysis. Falls and Springs. (QRCO)

Prerequisite(s): regular admission to Plymouth State University.

Websites are a critical element in the promotion of any business/organization. This course will teach students the key components in engaging users and customers at a website, including relevant digital marketing strategy, the fundamentals of consumer-focused web design, and an understanding of how to use two common web-creation software platforms. Pass/No Pass.

Blogging skills are in demand when a blogger has the skills to create an interesting read. This writing course prepares students to professionally blog for themselves or an organization. Students will practice finding their voice, selecting topics, and establishing a sustainable blog. Areas of focus will include digital writing, properly formatting posts, using imagery, links, and blog technology. Pass/No Pass.

Pictures and graphs make it easier to see patterns and explain the meaning of data. This is storytelling with numbers, and it helps the process of analytical thinking. Students will be introduced to data visualization tools and systems that apply principles from graphic design, visual art, perceptual psychology, and cognitive science. With hands-on practice, students will create their own visualizations of data. Pass/No Pass.

Analyzes the role of social responsibility and ethical standards in the corporate decision-making process. Students develop the ability to identify ethical issues and apply a decision-making orientation that balances concern for corporate performance and social responsibility. Emphasis on government regulation, pollution, consumerism, globalization, and human resource management issues. Includes a community service learning component providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate social responsibility. Falls and Springs.

Business has caused many serious environmental problems. Alternatively, one could suggest that without business support for environmental improvement, we would be faced with continuing adversarial situations with the possibility of future backlash. The course is meant to be cross-disciplinary including the perspectives of business, the social sciences and science. Falls.

Businesses increasingly invest in innovation. Challenges students to explore the growing body of knowledge that supports business innovation; design thinking, effective teamwork, and change models. Using case studies, students consider and analyze successful and failed innovation initiatives. A capstone project requires teams to conceptualize a new product or service and propose how to bring the concept to life. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): BU 2450.

A study of employment and labor law and its impact on the human resource management practices of companies. Specific labor law areas to be covered include the development of unions and labor law in the United States, the unionization process, unfair labor practices, collective bargaining, the enforcement and administration of the labor contract, the rights of union members and public sector labor relations. Employment law areas to be covered include equal employment opportunity and current discrimination laws, occupational safety and health, retirement income security, fair labor standards, employee welfare programs and common law employment issues. Falls and Springs.

Owners and managers must develop cost effective marketing programs to create awareness of and generate revenues for the small business. Similarly owners and managers must have an intimate understanding of and involvement in small business operations. Students develop an integrated marketing communications plan for a business in the selected industry. Students learn the critical aspects of operating a business in the selected industry. Students prepare a physical layout of the business; an operational analysis is required and includes critical parameters of the selected business and a comprehensive breakeven analysis. A small business simulation is used to allow students to apply course concepts to a simulated small business. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): BU 2450.

Provides the small business manager or owner with a basic knowledge of the law and legal issues relating to small businesses and the best practices in human resources. Focuses on numerous practical issues including: choosing and organizing a form of business; entering into contracts; protecting intellectual property; obtaining insurance and reducing liability; hiring, managing, and terminating workers; complying with the various federal and state statutes and regulations, with an emphasis on those relating to human resources. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): BU 2480.

An exploration of the process by which the uses of real property are changed and the manner in which the Constitution, legal controls and economic environment impact upon the potential for exploitation. An in-depth examination of the citizenry in their various roles and constituencies interacting with the diverse group of professionals involved in the planning and development process. The decision criteria and process used in the developer's production systems are compared and contrasted with the aesthetic, ecological, social, ethical and utility concerns of the community, region and state. When possible New Hampshire Statutes and case studies are used. A written feasibility analysis is required. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Junior status.

An examination of the nature of work in contemporary society from the standpoint of the individual's experience in balancing life and career pursuits. Includes an overview of occupational opportunities in the context of personal as well as organizational needs and expectations; self assessment and development of a personal career plan; an examination of the latest approaches to the job search, including the Internet, for success in today's competitive, information-based economy. Falls and Springs; also Winterims and/or Summers. (INCO) (INCP) (WECO)

Prerequisite(s): Junior status.

Applies the basic knowledge obtained in Business Law to compare the common law to the Uniform Commercial Code. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code are covered using case studies and moot court exercises. It also involves an analytical study of the concepts embraced in the law of partnerships, corporations and other business organizations. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): BU 2480.

To allow students to cover special topics not normally covered in depth in other business courses. Students may repeat this course when offered under a different topic title.

A cognitively and experientially based course designed to develop crucial managerial skills required for success in the diverse and dynamic globally integrated contemporary workplace. Includes a review of conceptual material designed to facilitate the understanding of effective interpersonal behavior under conditions of uncertainty as well as competing and/or changing goal orientations in modern organizations; self assessment, solicitation and evaluation of feedback regarding the effectiveness of student's current managerial behavioral skills; development of a comprehensive assessment of personal strengths as well as goals for improvement in the areas of professional and managerial communication and influence. Topics include such areas as communication, listening and feedback, team building and employee development, problem solving and decision making, conflict management, motivation and performance management, interpersonal influence and negotiation. Varied pedagogical techniques include assigned readings, videos, cases, individual and team exercises, role plays, self assessment and feedback instruments and integrative writing assignments. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): BU 3420.

Provides students with a thorough understanding of the unique and “scaled down” requirements of the financial management aspects of operating a small business. Focuses on origination of financing, management of cash flows, and the ongoing financial management of a small business. Includes the creation of basic financial statements via manual and automated approaches using Quick Books Pro (or other financial software) and other financial issues specific to the small business environments. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): (BU 1150 or BU 1152), (BU 2260 or BU 2262), and BU 3210.

Students select a potential small business to acquire or launch, prepare a funding plan, a marketing plan, and a business plan suitable for obtaining financing from a bank or other funding source. Students learn about (and if appropriate, obtain) the required registration documents for company organization and name. Students learn all the required licensing and insurance requirements appropriate for their chosen small business. Students leave the course with all the knowledge and a plan to start or acquire a business of their choosing. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): BU 3460, BU 3470, BU 4530.

An Independent Study allows a student to create a customized course. Working one-on-one with a knowledgeable faculty member, the student may explore a business subject of personal interest in support of his or her academic and professional goals. Together, the student and professor develop a reading list, projects, and writing assignments to support the desired learning outcomes. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study and the Director of Instruction.