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2024-25 Academic Catalog

BUSG Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

BUSG 501 Leading & Developing Organizations

3 credit hours

This course explores both theory and application of competencies that contribute to effectiveness in an organizational setting at the individual, team and organizational level. This is the introductory course to the George Fox University MBA Program. It is intended to demonstrate the unique and distinctive ethos of the university.  The approach features readings, case studies, class discussion and interaction, and written material and oral presentations.

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BUSG 502 Organizational Agility, Change, and Innovation

3 credit hours

This course explores how organizations are formed, managed and led in an environment that is increasingly global, diverse, and unpredictable. We probe the nature of organizations, their behavior, their culture, how they change, and the human impact of those changes. Students will conduct a criteria-based examination of a specific organization, exploring the question, "What is a world-class organization?" We will also investigate proven approaches for managing change and transition in organizations.

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BUSG 504 Accounting & Financial Reporting

2 credit hours

This course examines the fundamental accounting principles underlying the balance sheet, income statement, statement of stockholders' equity and statement of cash flows. An emphasis is placed on financial analysis as a basis for operational and financial decision-making within various companies and industries. Key internal accounting and operating controls are identified as a basis for the processing of critical business and transactional information through the accounting and operating systems of an organization.

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BUSG 507 Economics

3 credit hours

This course focuses on the economic operating environment and examines the underlying assumptions, concepts and methods of microeconomics and macroeconomics, with emphasis placed on the application of economics to managerial decision-making. Competing economic theories and the role of economic institutions will be investigated. This course is also intended to raise economic awareness in business leaders to enhance responsible and ethical engagement with the economy. Prerequisite: This course is for students in MBA Full-time program.

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BUSG 508 Economics

2 credit hours

This course focuses on the economic operating environment and examines the underlying assumptions, concepts and methods of microeconomics and macroeconomics, with emphasis placed on the application of economics to managerial decision-making. Competing economic theories and the role of economic institutions will be investigated. This course is also intended to raise economic awareness in business leaders to enhance responsible and ethical engagement with the economy. Prerequisite: This course is for part-time MBA students.

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BUSG 510 Business Analytics: Forecasting and Data Visualization

1 credit hour

Investigation of the management use of descriptive, predictive and prescriptive data analytics for forecasting and data visualization to enable better decision-making. Concepts for improving forecasting methods using statistical methods will be investigated, including introduction to regression analysis. Data visualization for presenting results will be explored.

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BUSG 511 Business Analytics: Probability Scenarios for Most Favorable Outcomes

1 credit hour

Investigation of the management use of prescriptive data analytics and probability analytics for identifying risk/reward scenarios with multiple decision choices. Exploration of data analytics for developing most favorable outcomes. Introduction to decision-tree analysis.

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BUSG 512 Business Analytics: Optimization Under Conditions of Uncertainty

1 credit hour

Investigation of the management use of business data using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics to optimize business decisions in low and high uncertainty settings. Introduction to Excel modeling tools Solver and simulation.

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BUSG 513 Social Media E-Marketing

1 credit hour

Investigation of using social media platforms and targeting for optimizing marketing campaigns. Topics to be explored may include viral messaging, mobile and omni-platform optimization, social media segmentation, brand sentiment, location-based marketing and augmented reality. Key ethical problems of manipulation and disinformation will be explored.

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BUSG 514 Web Search Marketing & Analytics (SEO)

1 credit hour

Investigation of marketing analytics and web search marketing (SEO). Topics may include organic and paid search, website optimization, evaluation of display ad design, metrics, A/B testing, real-time market research, POEM audit and the role of artificial intelligence in targeting and influencing. Understanding key ethical problems of privacy will be explored.

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BUSG 515 Sales Management & Marketing Automation

1 credit hour

Investigation of the structured sales process, sales management, marketing automation and content management. Various sales and marketing automation tools may be explored.

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BUSG 522 Global Environment

1 credit hour

As world citizens we are increasingly aware of the globalization of markets, economies, strategies and structures in our world. This survey class offers a brief overview of the issues encountered in globalization with a concentration on understanding the nature of international business, and the development of cultural awareness. Students will understand the differences in types of organizations and the role of government and society, and be able to identify key issues to be resolved in internationalizing, recognizing both positive and negative impacts of globalization. Prerequisite: This course is for students in MBA Part-time program.

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BUSG 523 Global Environment: International Residency

1 credit hour

As world citizens we are increasingly aware of the globalization of markets, economies, strategies and structures in our world. This class offers a survey of the issues encountered through preparation and travel to an international destination to witness its business and culture firsthand. Students will understand the differences in types of organizations, the role of government and society, and be able to identify key issues to be resolved in internationalizing, recognizing both positive and negative impacts of globalization. Prerequisite: This course is for students in MBA Part-time program.

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BUSG 524 Strategic Marketing

3 credit hours

In this course, you will examine marketing strategy from idea generation and existing product/service development to positioning the product/service in the consumer or business market and communicating the value offering. Identify marketing research and analysis tools and techniques to inform marketing decision-making. Learn how to successfully guide a digital-first marketing operation and manage decisions that include ethical considerations, privacy, emerging tech, social responsibility and sustainability, segmentation, targeting, pricing, delivery/distribution, and promotional strategies.

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BUSG 525 Global Environment

3 credit hours

As world citizens we are increasingly aware of the globalization of markets, economies, strategies and structures in our world. This class offers an overview of the issues encountered in globalization with a concentration on understanding the nature of international business, and the development of cultural awareness. Students will understand the differences in types of organizations, the role of government and society, and be able to identify key issues to be resolved in internationalizing, recognizing both positive and negative impacts of globalization.

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BUSG 526 Global Environment: International Residency

3 credit hours

As world citizens we are increasingly aware of the globalization of markets, economies, strategies and structures in our world. This class offers an in-depth view of the issues encountered through preparation and travel to an international destination to witness its business and culture firsthand. Students will understand the differences in types of organizations, the role of government and society, and be able to identify key issues to be resolved in internationalizing, recognizing both positive and negative impacts of globalization.

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BUSG 527 Managerial Finance

3 credit hours

This course covers the fundamental concepts, techniques, and practices necessary for financial leadership within a broad variety of organizational settings. It is designed to help students develop the critical thinking and quantitative skills they need to make effective financial management decisions, mitigate risk, and maximize returns in the face of uncertainty and complexity. Topics will include the interpretation of financial statements, ratio analysis, cash flow, and financial forecasting. Students will emerge from the course with the financial leadership skills necessary to make sound investments related to talent, technology, and risk within organizations.

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BUSG 530 Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

3 credit hours

We take the road less traveled, on occasion, to find new opportunities and challenges. The strategic requirements for exploiting these are formed into business plans.

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BUSG 533 Building Ethical Organizations

2 credit hours

This course introduces practical ethical issues that arise in the work environment and the ethical tools to understand and inform day-to-day activities in the workplace. This course focuses on building understanding of ethical issues inherent in dealing with the structure of legal systems, business litigation, contracts, employment issues, intellectual property, competition and sales, and international law. The course will help students develop the ability to anticipate and recognize key legal issues for ethical decision making. Christian values run throughout the course and are covered specifically in several topics. Prerequisite: This course is for students in MBA Part-time program.

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BUSG 534 Ethical and Legal Responsibilities

3 credit hours

This course introduces practical legal issues that arise in the work environment and the ethical tools to understand and inform day-to-day activities in the workplace. This course focuses on building understanding of what businesses must do (law) and what businesses should do (ethics) and surveys the legal rules and ethical issues inherent in dealing with the structure of the legal system, business litigation, contracts, employment issues, intellectual property, competition and sales, and international law. The course will help students develop the ability to anticipate and recognize key legal issues in business and how to apply principles for ethical decision making. Christian values run throughout the course and are covered specifically in several topics.

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BUSG 535 Project Management

3 credit hours

This course focuses on the management of projects, which is one of the major growth areas in the field of management, enabling organizations to implement strategic and tactical initiatives in a broad array of fields within the private, public, and non-profit sectors. This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of project management by introducing the practices recommended by the Project Management Institute for effective initiation, planning, execution, monitoring/control, and closure of projects. In this course, students will be exposed to a range of applications and will have the opportunity to develop a project with the associated artifacts essential to support each project phase.

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BUSG 536 Managing People, Processes, & Projects

3 credit hours

This course will prepare students to take the lead on key initiatives in a broad array of fields within the private, public, and non-profit sectors by developing skills in project management and process improvement. Students will be introduced to the Project Management Institute (PMI) approach to assembling and leading teams for effective initiation, planning, execution, monitoring/control, and closure of projects, including Agile and Lean methods. Students will work in collaborative teams to define and propose solutions to address strategic opportunities and solve critical problems.

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BUSG 540 Business Data Analytics

3 credit hours

In this course, you will learn to identify, evaluate, and capture business analytic opportunities to create value. You will learn basic analytic methods and be able to analyze case studies on organizations. We will explore the challenges that can arise in starting and using analytics in organizations. The course emphasizes that business analytics is not solely a theoretical discipline: these techniques are used to provide real insights and improve the speed, reliability, and quality of decisions. The concepts learned in this class will help students identify opportunities in which business analytics can be used to improve performance and support important decisions.

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BUSG 541 Business Research & Analytics

3 credit hours

This course prepares students to be more effective users of quantitative data and better researchers focused on business decisions. Coursework emphasizes problem identification, the need for information to support decision making, business research techniques, data analysis, and interpretation. Specific attention will be given to separating information from noise, exploratory data analysis, predictive analytics, and optimization to support business decision-making.

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BUSG 544 Organizational Systems and Change

3 credit hours

We study the fundamental changes in the ways organizations are managed and led in an environment that is increasingly global, diverse, and unpredictable. We probe the nature of organizations, their culture, how they change, and the human impact of those changes. We will pursue integrity between our espoused theories and our theories.

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BUSG 546 Market Research

3 credit hours

The study and application of market research methodology to solving a variety of marketing issues faced by both the profit and non-profit sectors. A specific focus of this course will be the opportunity for students to work with a public benefit organization to apply marketing research to help the organization improve its decision making.

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BUSG 553 Business Seminar I

3 credit hours

This course involves in-depth student research, company visits, high-level corporate debriefings and student reports and presentations on a variety of businesses in the greater Portland area. There will be a strong global component to the businesses that are studied and visited. Educational objectives including critical thinking, financial analysis, specific discipline related issues, global awareness, primary research and communication skills will be emphasized. The format will consist of developing a teaching/learning environment that is built around interactions with Portland area business leaders, visits to a variety of organizations, and written and oral pre-briefings and de-briefings involving students and faculty. Additional course fee is required.

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BUSG 554 Business Seminar II

3 credit hours

A continuation of Business Seminar I, the course will focus on continued organization visits and debriefings. There will be a culminating experience that will involve student presentations and interaction with the organization executives who have been involved throughout the two semester sequence. These two courses together will give particular emphasis to the major integrating curricular strands of the Residential MBA program, including critical thinking, verbal and written presentation skills, financial analysis, teamwork, global awareness and Christian world view. Additional course fee is required.

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BUSG 556 Developing World-Class Leaders

3 credit hours

This course will explore the key elements of self, team, and organizational leadership. Students will examine both the beliefs and behaviors required of effective leadership and how to align them for maximum impact. Through the use of presentations, small group discussion, personal assessments, and assignments, students will gain a deeper understanding of their current leadership abilities and what is required of them to become world-class leaders.

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BUSG 557 Transformational Leadership

2 credit hours

This course explores both historical and contemporary leadership theories and models. Particular emphasis is given to evaluating leadership theories from a values perspective and determining the ways in which they can be applied to the most current developments in organizational change strategies. Using this knowledge, students are presented with ways in which leadership can be conceptualized and applied to meet the requirements of today's increasingly complex organizations. Prerequisite: This course is for students in MBA Part-time program.

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BUSG 560 Design Thinking for Strategy Development

3 credit hours

The focus is on the use of design thinking processes and the application of design thinking tools appropriate to situational context necessary for problem-solving and strategy formulation. The course contrasts the traditional, linear approach to problem-solving and strategy formulation with a more holistic, systems thinking approach. The objective, therefore, is to not only increase awareness and understanding of design thinking, but importantly enable learners to apply design thinking tools relative to business strategy to better navigate the challenges of complexity and change faced by leaders in any organization, in any industry today.

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BUSG 571 Corporate Finance

3 credit hours

This course examines the fundamentals of the sources of finance, debt and equity, and the uses of that finance to manage growth. Optimal capital structures will be explored from the standpoint of the operational and financial condition of various businesses and capital budgeting needs. More sophisticated financial topics such as leverage recapitalizations, weighted average cost of capital for debt and equity, and fair market value techniques for business valuation will be covered.

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BUSG 572 Investments

3 credit hours

This course examines the fundamentals of commercial banking in the capital markets from a financial management perspective. Emphasis will be placed on an analysis of investment characteristics, systematic risk, valuation, diversification, and the market price behavior of debt, equity, and derivative securities. Potential sources and uses of firm financing will be examined along with the determination of the appropriate financial structure and related risks. Portfolio theory, the insights and limitations of capital asset pricing model and passive versus active investing will be explored.

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BUSG 573 Entrepreneurial Finance

3 credit hours

This course takes the student through the life cycle of a start-up as seen by the entrepreneur responsible for its finance. The course examines innovation as the foundation for a financially successful venture. With the capitalization table as one important point of reference, the course examines rounds of financing by angel investors, venture capitalists and finally by corporate and institutional investors in an exit round. Milestones of start-up to corporate achievement, and the strategic focus and coherence required for those milestones, are examined in integrative case studies.

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BUSG 575 Special Topics in Financial Management

3 credit hours

This course provides the opportunity to use practical cases to study the financial decisions of a firm. Emphasis of the class will be on global finance issues, business valuations and reorganizations, and risk management.

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BUSG 581 Global Strategy

3 credit hours

This course focuses on the strategic considerations of global business engagement. The necessary organization-wide adaptations required to be an effective, efficient and successful global player will be explored. The implications for choices involving markets, products and sourcing will be examined, as will the importance of understanding global differences in government relationships, market systems and cultures. Topics include globalization and the impact on the global business environment; leveraging international resources and capabilities; understanding global institutions and cultural differences for effective strategic planning and action; entering foreign markets and managing global competitive dynamics; issues concerning global governance and corporate social responsibility.

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BUSG 582 Leading Strategic Change

3 credit hours

This course will focus on the development of corporate strategy with implementation strategies at the functional levels of finance, operations, manufacturing, service delivery, marketing, sales and other relevant functions. Leadership and management philosophies and practices important in strategic planning will be considered as a critical component of implementation and strategic action. Topics include implementing strategic initiatives across multiple divisions of an organization; corporate and functional competitive dynamics; leading strategic change and change management, including stakeholder engagement, during strategic implementation; the critical importance of effective communication during strategic implementation; and measuring the success of strategic implementation.

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BUSG 583 Contemporary Topics in Strategy

3 credit hours

This course will focus on current topics that may influence strategic formulation and implementation. Topics may include triple bottom line strategic approaches; the strategic impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives in environmental and social sustainability; the impact and strategic considerations of changes in financial and regulatory issues; corporate governance; fraud and legal misrepresentation; crisis management; strategic considerations of fundraising choices and/or changing the shareholder base (e.g. from private to public share basis); the role of innovation; and globalization and changes in the global business climate.

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BUSG 585 MBA Special Topics

1 credit hour

Elective courses explore various topics each semester that are complementary to the core curriculum of the MBA program.

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BUSG 591 Foundations of Strategic HR Management

3 credit hours

This course examines the role and function HR Management and its strategic value to organizations. Specifically, learning will focus on HRM philosophies, advanced topics in employment law, labor and employee relations, employee experience, total rewards, managing risk, and HR implications of globalization.

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BUSG 592 Human Capital Management

3 credit hours

This course emphasizes the strategic role of human resource management and the strategic responsibility of the HR practitioner. Key areas of influence explored include, but are not limited to, recruitment and selection, workforce planning, talent management, corporate social responsibility, HR information systems and analytics.

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BUSG 593 Human Resource Development and High Performance Organizations

3 credit hours

HR is a critical component in developing a high performance organization. This course focuses on training and developing, large-scale change (including mergers and acquisitions), performance management and measuring HR outcomes.

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BUSG 595 Special Study

1-3 credit hour

Individual research and plans of study completed under the supervision of a School of Business faculty member. Permission required from the professor and program director.

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BUSG 598 Client/Capstone Project I

1 credit hour

The Client/Capstone project is an opportunity for MBA students to apply what they have learned in their program to a project in a client environment. The course serves as an integrative, hands-on learning experience using analysis, management, and planning tools gained during the MBA, resulting in a major project that is implemented in a client environment. Students (individually or in teams) will work with a faculty mentor and a representative from the client organization to detail the specific requirements for the capstone. Work on the project will begin in BUSG 598 and be completed in BUSG 599.

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BUSG 599 Client/Capstone Project II

1 credit hour

The Client/Capstone project is an opportunity for MBA students to apply what they have learned in their program to a project in a client environment. The course serves as an integrative, hands-on learning experience using analysis, management, and planning tools gained during the MBA, resulting in a major project that is implemented in a client environment. Students will work with a faculty mentor and a representative from the client organization to detail the specific requirements for the capstone. This course will continue the work begun in BUSG 598.

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BUSG 600 Business Analytics: Descriptive Analytics and Forecasting

3 credit hours

This course focuses on descriptive analytics and what that can tell us about our data frame. How we can best understand and forecast future events based on analytics. Particular attention will also be given to data visualization and how to present descriptive statistics and forecasting information.

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BUSG 603 Business Analytics: Applied Analytics and Predictions

3 credit hours

This course centers around methods of data collection, organization and analysis. Topics include predictive analytics, probability and predictions using regression. Special emphasis will be placed on data collection specification, common measurement error, bias and moderating violations of regression assumptions.

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BUSG 606 Business Analytics: Prescriptive Analytics and Modeling

3 credit hours

Under various contexts, this course allows students to focus on prescriptive methods in process optimization and modeling. Special emphasis is given on optimization in supply chain and other modalities. Data complexity and methods of data collection are considered during this course. Using analytics, we will prescribe activities within a business context for optimizing impact, market, efficiency, etc.

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