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2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Management Science and Information Systems |
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MSIS 680 Advanced Data Mining
As organizations have become more and more readily able to collect massive quantities of data, they are increasingly recognizing data as one of their most valuable assets. Many organizations consider their ability to acquire data, utilize data mining, and build predictive models as key core competencies, and many are realizing benefits from fact-based decision-making. For those ends, data mining is used to find patterns and relationships that lie within data, and to build predictive models for fact-based decision-making. This course covers data mining algorithms in depth, including techniques for classification, association, and clustering. It also covers techniques for mining text data, such as Latent Semantic Analysis and Latent Dirichlet Allocation. This course focuses real world applications to develop the understanding of appropriate approaches for gathering data and use data mining algorithms to build effective predictive models.
Prerequisite(s): MSIS 680
3 Credit(s)
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MSIS 682 Linear Programming
This course teaches linear optimization techniques that are powerful and important tools in analytics area. Linear optimization can be used for mining and analytics of complex systems in business world, which can greatly impact the decision making process in this area. This course primarily focuses on linear programming techniques and emphasis on their applications in solving real-world practical problems. It focuses on effective formulation techniques, basic mathematical and algorithmic concepts, and software solution of large-scale problems arising in business analytics applications.
Prerequisite(s): MSIS 682
3 Credit(s)
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MSIS 683 Business Analytics Project
Students will demonstrate skills and integration of knowledge where they will work on a semester-long project, particular to their specialization. Particularly, students will synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice. It will be used as one means by which faculty judge whether the student has mastered the body of business analytics and can demonstrate proficiency in the required competencies.
Prerequisite(s): MSIS 683
3 Credit(s)
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MSIS 685 Introduction to Big Data Analytics
Course covers a new and increasingly popular method of managing data using large scale data analysis. The advent of the internet, Social Media and subsequently machine generated data has enabled social scientists to have access to massive datasets about the behavior of millions (or billions) of people or objects. However, collecting, storing, and analyzing this data isn’t straightforward and requires specific skills. The goal of this course is to help students gain the skills required for this type of research while exposing them to tools and big data research streams. The course will help students understand both the challenges and the opportunities and assist them to appreciate Big Data applications.
Prerequisite(s): MSIS 685
3 Credit(s)
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MSIS 696 Independent Study
Study of a particular area of this subject under the supervision of a faculty member.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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Mathematics |
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MATH 545 Probability & Statistics I for Secondary Teachers
This course presents the mathematical laws of random phenomena, including discrete and continuous random variables, expectation and variance, and common probability distributions such as the binomial, Poisson, and normal distributions. Topics also include basic ideas and techniques of statistical analysis.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 570 History of Mathematics for Secondary Teachers
This course traces the development of mathematics from ancient times up to and including 17th century developments in the calculus. Emphasis is on the development of mathematical ideas and methods of problems solving. Attention will also be paid to the relevance of history to mathematics teaching as well as investigation into the origins of non-Euclidean geometry even though this comes well after Newton and Leibniz, because of its relatively elementary character and fascinating nature.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 597 Special Topics
An advanced course offering intensive study of selected topics in mathematics.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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MATH 620 Combinatorial Analysis
This course is an introduction to combinatorics: a branch of mathematics that studies the existence, enumeration, analysis, and optimization of discrete structures that satisfy certain properties. Topics include counting distributions and colorings, sieve methods, generating functions, permutation spaces, partially ordered sets, Ramsey theory, and matching theory, with applications to computational problems.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 625 Numerical Analysis I
This course introduces the essential ideas and computational techniques that modern scientists or engineers will need in order to carry out their work. In most scientific modeling projects, investigators have to deal with very large systems of linear equations, understanding of which requires powerful computers, and a firm understanding of the vast number of existing pertinent algorithms. The main goal of the course is to provide an introduction to algorithmic and mathematical foundations of high-performance matrix computations. Topics include linear algebraic systems, matrix decompositions, least squares problems, eigenvalue problems, sparse linear systems and linear dynamical systems. The course will emphasize mathematical and software engineering methods that will allow students to fully participate at all levels of algorithm design and implementation.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 626 Numerical Analysis II
This course introduces the essential ideas and computational techniques that modern scientists or engineers will need in order to carry out their work. In most scientific modeling projects, investigators have to deal with very large systems of linear equations, understanding of which requires powerful computers, and a firm understanding of the vast number of existing pertinent algorithms. The main goal of this course is to provide an introduction to numerical techniques for approximating solutions of nonlinear problems. Topics include Polynomial Interpolation and Approximation, Numerical Methods for Root finding, Numerical Integration, Numerical Differentiation, and Numerical Solutions of Differential Equations. The course will emphasize mathematical and software engineering methods that will allow students to fully participate at all levels of algorithm design and implementation.
Prerequisite(s): Math 626
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 640 Computational Algebraic Topology
This course covers foundational aspects of combinatorial algebraic topology with a view towards applications to computational data analysis. It will cover basic geometric-combinatorial constructions, and it will concentrate on the study of invariants associated to topological spaces, such as homology, Euler characteristic, Betti numbers, etc. The mathematical formalism will be as basic as possible and the course will focus on examples. The concept of cubical homology will be discussed and its applications to images. Some other invariants to understand the underlying topology of data sets will be discussed, such as persistent homology as well as other homology theories associated to data sets “approximating” a space. We will give an introduction to computational environments such as JavaPlex and CHomP, to obtain Betti numbers and bar-codes. Some examples to be discussed can include the invariants associated to conformation spaces of proteins, the space of natural images and other higher dimensional examples.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 642 Probabilistic Simulation
Simulation is a powerful tool in dealing with systems that are too complex to solve analytically. Probabilistic simulations using Monte Carlo techniques provide a way to emulate the behavior of the system and generate random samples for each output variable of interest that can then be analyzed by statistical methods. This course provides a practical introduction to Monte Carlo simulations and statistical methods for analyzing random samples generated by such simulations. The following topics will be discussed: random number generators, generating continuous and discrete random variables, generating multivariate random variables, statistical analysis of the output data and methods for fitting probability distributions to the data. The course will emphasize the practical implementations of these techniques using the R statistical program language.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 647 Probability Models
This is an introductory course on probability models with a strong emphasis on stochastic processes. The aim is to enable students to approach real-world phenomena probabilistically and build effective models. The course emphasizes models and their applications over the rigorous theoretical framework behind them, yet critical theory that is important for understanding the material is also covered. Topics include: discrete Markov chains, continuous-time Markov chains, Poisson processes, renewal theory, Brownian motion, and martingales. Optional topics: queuing theory, reliability theory, and random sampling techniques. Applications to biology, physics, computer science, economics, and engineering will be presented.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 648 Statistical Learning
This course will provide an introduction to methods in statistical learning that are commonly used to extract important patterns and information from data. Topics include: linear methods for regression and classification, regularization, kernel smoothing methods, statistical model assessment and selection, and support vector machines. Unsupervised learning techniques such as principal component analysis and generalized principal component analysis will also be discussed. The topics and their applications will be illustrated using the statistical programing language R.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 673 Structure and Dynamics of Complex Networks I: Structural Properties
This course on complex networks is intended for graduate students in mathematics, physics, biology, computer science and engineering who wish to learn about the major ideas and techniques developed in–and the results recently discovered in–one of the most important interdisciplinary research fields. The main concepts and results are structured so as to be accessible to those with only a good knowledge of basic calculus and probability. The ideas and methods of network theory covered form a foundation for the study of the structure of complex networks. The course is devoted to the introduction of essential network concepts, the development of new network models, and the characterization of the structural properties of real world networks. It will contain topics from graph theory, social networks analysis, statistical physics, systems biology, ecology, and computer science. The course will combine lectures, readings, and discussions of the recent literature. Throughout the course theoretical ideas and methods will be presented in concert with numerous applications. During the course computational methods will be emphasized and appropriate software for network analysis will be used.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 674 Structure and Dynamics of Complex Networks II: Dynamical Processes
This course on complex networks is intended for graduate students in mathematics, physics, biology, computer science and engineering who wish to learn about the major ideas and techniques developed in - and the results recently discovered in - one of the most important interdisciplinary research fields. The students will find the main concepts an results presented in a way that is accessible to those with only a good knowledge of basic calculus and probability. They will learn the ideas and methods of network theory that will allow them to study the structure of complex networks. The course is devoted to the introduction of essential network concepts, the development of new network models, and the characterization of the structural properties of real world networks. It will contain topics from graph theory, social networks analysis, statistical physics, systems biology, ecology, and computer science. The course will combine lectures, readings, and discussions of the recent research literature. Throughout the course theoretical ideas and methods will be presented in concert with numerous applications. During the course computational methods will be emphasized and appropriate software for network analysis will be used.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 674
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 677 Symbolic Computation
The course will cover computational arithmetic and algorithms in a number of contexts: floating point, multiple precision, large integer, rational, polynomial and power series, with an emphasis on exact symbolic calculations. Additional topics, including sparse matrix and polynomial operations will be included. The course will be evaluated via programming course projects in a high level language such as C++. The class will not only give theoretical understanding, but will also provide “hands-on” experience in writing mathematical software. By the end of the course, students will be expected to have all necessary practical skills to write and test a mathematical library in a high level language.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 680 Introduction to Computational Algebraic Geometry
This course provides a strong foundation for the study of computational algebraic geometry and its applications, both within and outside mathematics. It has two foci. The first is the algebra-geometry dictionary, going back to the ideas of Descartes, by which one can translate geometric ideas into algebraic ones, and vice versa. The second is Buchberger’s algorithm, which extends the familiar Gauss-Jordan elimination procedure to systems of polynomial equation. By means of this algorithm one can compute almost everything worth knowing about affine algebraic varieties. Computer algebra systems will be used for computation and visualization of this algorithm and its ramifications. Applied areas of exploration may include robotics, computer aided design, automatic theorem proving, invariant theory, projective geometry, and computer vision. In addition, highly motivated students will be prepared to participate meaningfully in current research in invariant theory and the geometry of nilpotent orbits.
3 Credit(s)
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MATH 696 Independent Study
Study of a particular area of this subject under the supervision of a faculty member.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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Mathematics for Teachers |
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MTT 570 Foundations of Arithmetic for K-8 Teachers
The foundations of Arithmetic for K-8 teachers course for elementary and middle school teachers examines several domains. The main categories of the of the Common core and MA Frameworks will be addressed, including Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations for both Base 10 and Fractions, Measurement, Geometry, and Probability. In addition, basic Number Theory topics will be examines, such as factors and multiples, and well as divisibility tests, at both practical and abstract levels. The course also examines concepts of proportional reasoning, place value, and elements of arithmetic that teachers need to be aware of when supporting students’ conceptual understanding of algebra. This course will provide teachers with a deep, yet flexible understanding of the mathematical structures that form the foundation of K-8 mathematics.
3 Credit(s)
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MTT 580 Mathematics for the K-12 Curriculum
This course reviews and provides in-depth experiences with the mathematics commonly taught in schools, including emphasis on the interdependence and unity of algebra and geometry concepts that are currently part of the K-12 curriculum. More advanced than 300-level MTT courses, it is aimed at In-service teachers.
3 Credit(s)
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MTT 597 Special Topics
An advanced course offering intensive study of selected topics in this subject area.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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MBA Accounting/Finance |
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MBA AF 601 Economics for Managers
Introduces the student to economic principles of particular interest to the firm manager. The course is divided roughly into two parts that deal with macroeconomic and microeconomic issues. In the macro section such key aggregates as gross domestic product, unemployment rate, inflation rate, and balance of payments, which are of importance to the firm manager, are discussed. Discussions focus on a critical examination of how these aggregates are measured and determined in various competing theoretical models. The theory discussed here then serves as an analytical tool in understanding and evaluating economic policies related to such current economic issues as unemployment, inflation, and trade imbalances. In the micro section, emphasis is given to a) the theory of markets, how prices and quantities are determined in markets and factors that affect these prices and quantities; and b) how firms compete in different market environments. Besides concentrating on the theory, special attention is given to how the concepts covered are applied to real-world microeconomic problems.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMS 600 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 603 Massachusetts In the Global Economy
This course has four goals. It seeks to provide students with 1) an understanding of the evolving business structure of Massachusetts and its place in US and world goods and service industries; 2) an introduction to country and regional analysis, especially macro-economic analysis and social and organizational analysis, as they pertain to understanding customer-markets, competitors, and comparative investment locations; 3) an introduction to major global economic, technological, and political trends, including changing demographics and regulation, technological “creative destruction,” emerging markets, and transitions to capitalism; and 4) an introduction and overview of industry analysis, focusing on key Massachusetts industries, including financial services and banking, health care products and services, and computer hardware and software. The course involves intensive student research projects and team presentations.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate degree students in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 610 Accounting for Managers
Instructs students in the fundamentals of financial and managerial accounting. The financial accounting component presents techniques used to measure business transactions, preparation of financial statements, recording and valuation of assets, owners’ equity, revenue, cost, and expenses. The managerial accounting component deals with techniques for management decision-making, planning, and control.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 601 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 611 Intermediate Accounting
This course acquaints students with financial accounting theory. Particular emphasis is given to the relationship between theory and such practical problems as the limitations of traditional financial statements and asset and current liability items. Students acquire an understanding of issues unique to corporations and complete the study of the balance sheet by examining long-term debt and equity items.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 612 Cost Accounting
Examines the use of cost accounting as a means of providing quantitative information for managerial decision-making and control. Emphasizes analysis of cost behavior, cost-volume-profit relationships, budgeting, and performance measurement.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 613 Federal Tax Planning
Introduces the concepts of gross income recognition, deductions, tax credits, and the income tax effects of property transactions, with emphasis on managerial decision-making and planning. These concepts are incorporated into discussion of alternative forms of business organization and the tax implications of each.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 614 Financial and Managerial Auditing
The objective of this course is to make students aware of, and develop working skills in, the techniques of financial and managerial auditing, and to help then develop judgment in using audit information. Topics include stewardship and the need for auditing; audit evidence and analytical techniques for sampling and drawing inferences; organizational issues in auditing, techniques and methods of managerial and strategic audits and audit reporting.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 615 International Accounting
This course examines the international dimensions of financial accounting and analysis; the environmental influence of specific countries on international accounting standards and their related impact on financial reporting; and disclosure and analysis worldwide. Specific attention is given to inflation accounting, foreign currency transactions, the translation of foreign financial statements, and the status of international accounting standards.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 616 Financial Statement Analysis/Advanced Accounting
This course provides a framework for financial statements analysis. The course teaches students to understand how financial statements are generated by focusing on FASB principles. The course also encourages students to research current changes within the accounting framework and to understand how to use the framework to interpret company financial statements. Issues of ethics will be incorporated into the course.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 617 Management of Accounting and Control
This course is designed to introduce students to the important role management accounting can play in helping managers make informed decisions. In particular, the course emphasizes modern theories of product cost, performance measurement, and management control systems. It uses cases to describe real-world problems and to illustrate such concepts as activity-based cost systems, productivity measurement, and total quality.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 618 Accounting Information Systems
This course examines information systems used for managerial decision making and external reporting, with specific emphasis on assuring systematic control over accounting information and on the reliability of that information. Computer and telecommunication systems are changing the way companies and non-for-profit organizations do business. As information becomes a competitive tool, line managers are encouraged to get more involved in decision making. Further, as communication between companies and investors continues to shift from lagged formal reports (i.e., financial statements) to tailored, online reports, the importance of computer-based accounting systems will increase.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 620 Financial Management
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Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 621 Adv Corporate Financ
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Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 620 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 622 Global Portfolio Investment Management
The aim of this course is to explore portfolio investment management, i.e., the management of wealth in the form of readily marketable securities, in a global context. The focus is on extensions of investment theory and practice to a multi-country field of portfolio choice. Of special concern are variables and constraints that modify concepts and practices useful in the domestic US market. These include the problems of investing in a world of many currencies, differential economic growth, divergent institutional and legal environments, differing tuitional and legal environments, differing national accounting systems, and national valuation norms and practices. The course is of special interest to students preparing for possible careers in brokerage houses; in pension and mutual fund management; and as financial planners.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 620 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 623 Financial Modeling
This course introduces the principles and techniques for building financial models, especially in an uncertainty framework. Topics covered include decision support systems, risk analysis, portfolio theory, and capital budgeting under uncertainty. The course integrates financial, accounting, and statistical concepts and techniques to construct financial models and to perform analyses using popular software applications, as well as emphasizing the application of financial modeling techniques in identifying and implementing business solutions. The course is of special interest to students seeking more hands-on experience in constructing financial models and more in-depth knowledge in financial software.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 620 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 624 Managing Mutual Funds
This course discusses issues related to the financial management of mutual funds. It covers such unique aspects of mutual funds as their role in the financial markets; the impact on mutual funds of technology and regulatory systems; different types of mutual funds; security valuation; portfolio models; international diversification related to funds; and asset valuation and custodial services. The course is conducted through a combination of lectures and case analyses.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 620 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 625 Derivative Securities
Derivative securities are securities such as futures contracts and call options whose value is determined by the value of some other underlying variable. Derivative securities have become an essential tool used in both corporate risk management and portfolio management. This course explores the institutional details of the various markets in which derivatives trade. It introduces the theories which govern the pricing of futures, options, and swap contracts. Practical methods of implementing derivatives-related strategies for hedging risks and gaining specified portfolio exposures are covered, as well as methods used to evaluate the outcomes of these strategies.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 626 International Financial Management
Describes the body of knowledge, attitudes, and skills required of financial decision-makers operation in a global setting. The phenomenal rise in importance of multinational business finance and concomitant issues is explored in light of recent theoretical and empirical research. Specific topics include foreign exchange, risk management, financing decisions in the long and short run, currency translation, accounting, and taxation.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 620 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 627 Health System Financial Management
This course addresses the financial management theory, techniques, and issues applicable to public and private health organizations. Specific topics include budgeting, capital formation, cost finding, reimbursement alternatives, financial analysis, and performance evaluation. The course also evaluates contemporary policy issues affecting the health care administrator.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 620 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 628 Portfolio Analysis and Investment Management
This course provides the student with an understanding of capital market securities, operations, valuation, and investment techniques. Specifically, the course covers definitions of various investment vehicles, operation of the NYSE and NASDAQ markets, portfolio theory (CAPM and APT), capital allocation decisions–including discussions of mutual fund selection.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 620 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 629 Managing Financial Institutions
This course focuses on the financial management of financial institutions and covers the management of liquidity, loan portfolio, and capital, as well as overall asset-liability management in depository-type institutions. The course also discusses the strategic implications for such institutions of changing financial and regulatory environment. The course is oriented toward managerial decision-making in the changing environment facing these institutions. The course is conducted through the analysis of cases and through discussions of the kinds of issues that affect decisions.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 620 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 630 International Economy & Business
The objectives of the course are to enhance our understanding of the economies of the world and their interdependence, and to analyze the impact of changing global financial and trade systems on businesses. The course includes topics related to integration such as EU, NAFTA and WTO and international financial systems, such as currency union, fixed and floating exchange rate systems, global credit and currency crisis, IMF and international financing institutions. It also covers financing opportunities for businesses. The thrust of the course is to provide an understanding of dynamic overall global environment particularly in financial and trade areas, and analyze impact and opportunity for business. The course relies heavily on case analysis and active class discussion.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 631 Environmental Accounting and Finance
Environmental concerns and climate change are emerging as important business drivers and gaining the attention of accountants, financial managers, and investors. As investors and society require companies to become more socially and environmentally sustainable, the measurement, management, and external reporting of information about environmental risks and performance is of growing importance. Topics covered in the course include corporate environmental disclosure and reporting, environmental management accounting, carbon markets, green project analysis, corporate environmental risk assessment and valuation, socially responsible investing, and green banking.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 631
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 632 Asset Management Practicum
The course is designed to give the students a hands-on experience at performing investment research, investing money and managing a portfolio prior to entering the work force. Students are expected to generate investment ideas, research investment opportunities and make buy/sell/hold recommendations based on their analysis. The course will also provide an opportunity for students to work closely with money managers from Boston’s financial services industry via the Student Manage Fund’s advisory board.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 632
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 633 Advanced Federal Taxation
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of tax law and its implication in tax planning opportunities; detailed demonstrations of integrating the tax law with the fundamentals of corporate finance and microeconomics to form viable tax strategies; and training in the application of using the so-called “economic balance sheets” approach in the financial accounting of a transaction. By the end of this course, students will be able to identify the tax implications of a proposed transaction for all parties and articulate possible tax arbitrage opportunities; understand the effect of both explicit and implicit taxes on after-tax cash flows due to changes in opportunities; understand the effect of both explicit and explicit taxes on after-tax cash flows due to changes in corporate transaction structure; and recognize the interaction between tax savings and non-tax costs.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 634 Risk Management
The goal of this course is to provide students the fundamentals of corporate financial risk management. The first part of this course develops statistical tools and techniques required to identify and measure different aspects of corporate financial risk. Next these measures are used to build, evaluate and understand financial risk management solutions. One key focus of this course is the role of financial engineering in developing business strategy. Specifically how do companies financially engineer to mange risk caused by variables over which it has little control such as commodity prices, inflation, interest and exchange rates? Case methods will be used to highlight the value of identifying, monitoring and managing of such operational, financial risk.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 635 Mergers & Acquisitions
This course provides a foundation on the challenging and dynamic world of mergers and acquisitions. The goal of the course is to give students a solid understanding of the concepts and issues that are central to the process of mergers and acquisitions; with the intent of discovering the source(s) of value creation within mergers and acquisitions.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 636 Quantitative Analysis of Business Data
The objective of the course is to familiarize students with the analytical foundations of quantitative analysis of business data and data management techniques using statistical/data analysis software. Particular emphasis will be placed on hands-on experience with data analysis and the economic interpretation of empirical findings. The course will focus on learning a number of quantitative techniques employed in finance, economics and management. These techniques include linear regression analysis, panel data models, instrumental variables, time series analysis and limited dependent variable models. The course will use data and applications that are drawn from the finance and economics literature as well as consulting practice. This course will also provide students with analytical tools for the development of a Master¿s thesis.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 637 Financial Reporting Fraud Examination
Financial reporting fraud and earnings manipulation by managements of publicly traded companies are a continuing source of anxiety and concern to investors, creditors, regulators, and others who depend upon financial statements. In recent years the foundations of the capital markets have been ¿shaken and stirred¿ by disclosures of management schemes to ¿cook the books.¿ As preparation for the emerging field of fraud examination, it is important for students to have a thorough understanding of the nature, prevention, and detection of financial reporting fraud. This course examines various aspects of financial reporting fraud and its impact on financial statements using various techniques.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 611 or MBA AF 616
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 690 Master’s Thesis Option Research Colloquium
This is the first part of the Master’s Thesis Option (MTO). It covers research and research methods, and is intended to position students to successfully complete a year-long research project of publishable quality. Lectures and discussion will focus on the skills required to develop a research question, how to formulate an appropriate research strategy, and ways to identify necessary analytical tools and locate data sources.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 691 Financial Accounting Theory & Analysis
This course examines the role of accounting information in the capital markets. Financial statements are widely used by bankers, analysts, and investors to evaluate a firm’s past performance and judge future prospects. Preparation of effective financial statements requires understanding of a firm’s business characteristics and strategy, as well as the accounting policies and practices and procedures that can best reflect true economic reality. This course explores a variety of financial reporting contexts, industries and business strategies to provide students with an understanding of accounting information across various corporate environments.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 696 Independent Study
Independent study credit is granted only for academic work not normally offered in advanced courses. A student must find a faculty sponsor for his or her independent study project and then file a proposal for the project in the MBA Office. The proposal should be signed by both the student and the faculty sponsor.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 697 Special Topics
This course addresses a specific topic in a particular discipline. Courses under this title are offered as one-time supplements to a given department’s curriculum.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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MBA AF 699 Master’s Thesis
Upon invitation by the faculty, MBA candidates may complete a Master¿s thesis. The thesis will be a substantial paper, which demonstrates extensive original research/scholarship in the field. The thesis will be prepared under the direction of an individual faculty advisor and defended before a committee of three faculty members. A thesis proposal must be approved in the semester prior to registration for the course by the proposed faculty advisor and by the Graduate Program Director. During the research and writing process, progress in research and drafts of the thesis will be critiqued in regular conferences with the faculty advisor.
3 Credit(s)
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MBA Management |
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MBAMGT 641L Organizations, Institutions and Social Change
Organizations are at the heart of societal governance; profit-seeking corporations mobilize and allocate economic resources, governmental agencies deliver services and regulate other organizations, while numerous non-governmental organizations, from unions to churches to advocacy groups, constitute the realm of civil society. In structuring our society in particular ways, organizations represent a form of structural power; some groups systematically benefit relative to others as a result of how organizations function. Organizations are frequently the target of public policy, as they are sites that generate and reproduce inequality, discrimination, pollution, and other social and economic problems. Organizations can also serve as agents of resistance and change; they are thus the vehicles of public policy. Policy regimes emerge through the interaction of many organizations of different types, with conflicting interests and differential access to power and resources. An understanding of organizations, their sources of power, their role in governance, and their structures and processes, is therefore highly relevant for policy analysts, for activists, and for public and private-sector managers. MBAMGT 641L and PPOL-G 641L are the same course.
Prerequisite(s): MGT 650 Co-req = MGT 660
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 650 Organizational Analysis and Skills
This course focuses on the organization of the future, identifying its characteristics and exploring the strategic design and political and cultural implications for working in and managing such an organization. It examines the impact of the new organization on the roles and careers of individual managers, the functioning of groups, the processes that exist within organizations, the relationships of organizations with their environments, and the learning and change practices needed to enhance global performance. First-semester MBA students are introduced to a variety of skills that they will be called upon to use throughout their MBA experience (case analysis, analytical writing, self-awareness, team-building, oral communication).
Prerequisite(s): Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 651 Prsnl Mgt&Hum Res Pl
This course familiarizes students with concepts of human resources management and the principles of planning and forecasting for human resources needs. Issues to be addressed include career planning and internal labor market analysis, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action practices. Students examine job design and pay systems, methods of personnel selection and training, issues of productivity and hours of work, the effect of government regulations on working conditions, and personnel administration.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 650 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 652 Labor-Management Relations and the Collective Bargaining Process
This course familiarizes students with the practice of labor-management relations in the United States. The nature of labor-management conflict, the development of the US labor movement, and a comparison to other Western labor movements provide the theoretical and historical framework needed to assess the effectiveness of current practice and trends in the development of new practices and institutions. The major areas of study are the tactics and strategies of management and union representatives and the legal and economic constraints on their behavior in the organization of unions, contract negotiation, and contract administration and interpretation.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 650 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 653 Organizational Diagnosis and Change
This course focuses on the theory, research, and techniques of organizational diagnosis and change. Students learn how to engage in systematic structural and behavioral analyses and to design effective strategies for intervention and change.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 650 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 654 Compensation and Benefits Management
The objective of the course is to understand and apply theories and practices of Compensation and Benefits management in a business enterprise. Topics and issues to be reviewed in this course include; strategic compensation, compensation practice, traditional bases for pay, building compensation systems, employee benefits, executive compensation.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 655 Healthcare Innovation
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3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 660 Business and Its Environment
This course looks at the relationship of business to the external environment and considers business in relation to legal, social, political, and economic systems, focusing in particular on the impact of governmental regulation on business. The course also addresses the functioning of the US business enterprise in the context of the international business environment. Finally, through an examination of the role of ethics in management decision-making, the course explores how business organizations can operate effectively and responsibly in the context of the external environment.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 664 The Legal Environment of Business
This course seeks to help students broaden their understanding of our legal and regulatory system and how it affects them as business managers. Businesses have become increasingly subject to laws and regulations. Legal and regulatory provisions pervade such aspects of business as the sale of securities; marketing practices; product liability; and business relationships with employees, customers, and other interested parties. This course assists students in developing their ability to meet the legal and regulatory demands and responsibilities of contemporary business.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 650 an 660 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 665 Cross-cultural and comparative management
This course provides students with frameworks to understand, analyze critically, and practice cross cultural/international management under globalization. In an economically interconnected world, the historical context of geopolitical and sociocultural relations among nations and people are important to not only conceptualizing management but also to understanding why different nations/people may have fundamentally different notions and practices of management. To this effect, this course allows students to gain an in-depth understanding of an critically analyze the ways in which cross cultural differences in values have consequences for management behaviors in terms of cooperation, ethics and decision making, leadership, negotiation, team work, and human resources. This approach will allow students to gain an understanding of how the broader context of difference and dependence among nations and people materializes into individual and group differences in conceptualizing and practicing cross cultural/international management.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMKT 670 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 666 Diversity in the Global Workplace
This course will delve into a number of issues related to diversity in the global workforce: how to understand and appreciate the dimensions of diversity in the global workforce (including gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, class); how to learn across differences in order to work more effectively together; how to contribute to and manage teams with diverse composition; how to be a leader and change agent on issues regarding diversity and inclusion; how corporations can be on the leading edge of policies to enhance economic opportunity for a diverse workforce; how diversity is understood and approached globally.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 667 Entrepreneurship
This course sensitizes students to the entrepreneurial process from the conception of an idea to the creation of a new venture. The course provides conceptual frameworks, tools, and techniques to understand different aspects of entrepreneurial process and helps students evaluate the entrepreneurial career for themselves. Students learn about assessing business opportunities, developing a business plan, understanding various ways of mobilizing resources, creating different forms of new ventures, and building a top management team for the growth of the venture.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 660 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 669 Entrepreneurship Internship/Practicum
The Entrepreneurship Practicum course is a live experience for students who want to participate in the entrepreneurial start-up business process. The course is designed for those enrolled in the Entrepreneurship Specialization, and it will also accept selected student on a case by case basis with the requisite experience in and commitment to entrepreneurial and high-tech ventures. In addition to lectures, presentations and in-depth interactions between students and the Entrepreneur in residence each student will participate in an internship or be an employee with a start-up company connected to the Venture Development Center or through he University’s venture capital backed start-up network, or through the students own efforts. Companies must be notified by the student that they are taking this course based on their internship or employment before enrollment in this program.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 671L Introduction to Environmental Management
This course gives students an understanding of current environmental issues as they relate to managerial decision-making. The issues are examined from the worldwide perspectives of business and society. The course focuses on issues of waste and recycling, air quality (including ozone depletion, global warming, and acid rain), water quality, resource management, biodiversity, and sustainable economic growth. MBAMGT 671L and UPCD 671L are the same course.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 660 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 673 Clean-Energy Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
Entrepreneurship is about inventing and implementing: creating a vision and organizing an imitative or venture to make it happen. Some of the most successful entrepreneurial ventures today revolve around technologies that advance a renewable energy economy, including innovations in energy capture and in solar, bio-fuels, smart-grid, wind, energy efficiency, LEED building techniques, electric transportation, and more. These are part of a growing Clean Energy economy in the Boston region, which reflects the broad movement for environmental and Social Sustainability - those companies and corporate endeavors to pursue ‘net zero’ impacts on our consumerism and material usage. That perspective reveals the huge entrepreneurial opportunities, in all sectors of that growing trend. We define the cluster as including these key sectors: renewable energy; Smart Power, Green Grid, Energy Storage; Energy Efficiency; Air, Water and Waste; Green Building; and Transportation. Overall the cluster - and the course - includes the Sustainability and CSR segment, and a New Economy component that incorporates Slow Food, Long-term Investments, local commerce. In the course, we will take an entrepreneurial look at those companies, through understanding their Business Model, and gaining an understanding of the core technologies that give rise to each of these fields. In the accompanying semester-long project, each students makes on small but tangible contribution to any of the fields they choose.
Prerequisite(s): MGT 673
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 674L Climate and Energy: Law, Policy and Management
This course examines legal, public policy and management issues related to Climate Change as well as those related to the siting, development and distribution of renewable energy. It begins with an on international overview of the socio-economic forces shown to influence climate change, the legal and economic mechanisms that have emerged to address such change and the evolving global energy portfolio (particularly efforts to develop renewable energy). EEOS 674L and MBAMGT 674L and UPCD 674L are the same course.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 675 Managing in the Global Economy
This course provides students with the opportunity to acquire an in-depth conceptual and operational understanding of a group of countries, with the purpose of acquiring the technical skills necessary to enter, network, structure, manage, and eventually exit effectively from a foreign environment.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMKT 670 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 677 Multinational Corporations and Globalization
Multinational corporations are critical players in the global political economy. The larger MNC’s have revenues greater than the GOP of many states, and their significance as economic actors leads them to play a dominant role in international trade, investment and development. Their investment, employment and location decisions have major impacts on their home and host countries, on the natural environment, on national cultures, and on labor markets. MNC’s are also important social and political actors, engaging in the governance of global issues such as climate change and labor standards. The course draws from a range of perspectives to examine issues such as offshore sourcing, the rise of China and India as economic and political powers, and the shifting relationship among states, businesses and civil society.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 650 and 660 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 678 Environmental Management: Implementation Issues
During the past two decades, there has been growing pressure on businesses and other organizations to pay more attention to the environmental and resource consequences o f the products and services they offer and the processes they deploy. This course will explore the real life opportunities and pitfalls of designing and implementing sustainable operations in today¿s corporations and non-profit organizations. Topics addressed will include recycling, waste management, toxics reduction, green chemistry, green-product design, lean/green operations, closed loop production, the triple bottom line (profit, people and the planet), energy efficiency, water conservation, product stewardship, climate change strategies, life cycle analysis, and the footprinting of carbon, fuels, and water consumption. Case studies and guest speakers will delve into the successes and failures faced by today¿s sustainability managers.
Prerequisite(s): Grad stu MGT
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 680 Mgt Health Orgnizatn
This course explores the roles of the health systems manager as planner, organizer, leader, and integrator of health programs. Particular attention is given to how these roles differ from industry’s roles, as well as to the special demands made of the manager in a health systems organization.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 650 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 681 The Health System and Public Policy
Examines the interface of government, health, and the private sector. This course explores the various roles government plays as promoter, regulator, and buyer of health services.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 660 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 683 Leadership Management in 21st Century
This course will explore leadership as it is practiced in corporate and public-sector environments. The course will emphasize the role of leaders in guiding organizations through turbulent business climates, in motivating subordinates and teams, and in crafting strategic visions for their organizations. Change management, globalization, and human resource management factor strongly into discussions and readings.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 684L Social Enterprise & Poverty Alleviation
Social enterprise thus represents an organization crossbreed, blending defining elements of the business and nonprofit models. Like a business, social enterprise tries to pay its own way with income derived from buying and selling, and like a nonprofit, it aims to fill a particular social deficiency or correct a certain market failure associated with poverty. As opposed to maximizing shareholder value the way a prototypical business does, a social enterprise may retain its surplus to further its social mission, distribute it to its membership, or even repay its creditors and investors at a modest return. MBAMGT 684L and UPCD 684L are the same course.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 685 Global Industry and Competitive Analysis
Examines techniques of industry and competitive analysis and ways of applying these techniques to gain a better understanding of industry trends and company strategies in sectors of significant importance to the regional economy.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMGT 650 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 687L Nonprofit Management
Nonprofit organizations aim to improve society while facing similar management challenges to any organization as they provide valued goods and services. This large and growing sector includes colleges and universities, hospitals and social service entities, human rights. MBAMGT 687L and UPCD 687L are the same course.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 688L Global Warming and International Business Management
Global warming may be the most important challenge that the human race has faced to date; a broader public is finally coming to grips with the ramifications of the potentially disastrous changes wrought by such contributing factors as fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, rapid population growth, and pollution. The economic consequences of these changes, however, have not been well explored. Twenty-first century managers in nearly all fields will need to develop a profound understanding of the results of environmental policies, energy use, and lifestyle choices on this universal issue; those who work in environment-related fields will need in particular to come to grips with these concerns and our local, national, and international responses to them. CONRES 688L and MBAMGT 688L are the same course.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 689 Strategic Management
Considers the diverse situations typically confronted by upper-level management and strategies for managing these situations, using knowledge acquired through study of the MBA Core. These strategies are based on an analysis of the internal conditions of the firm and the constraints and opportunities afforded by the external environment. Students learn to develop strategy implementation plans that provide detailed descriptions of appropriate executive action.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 690 Master’s Thesis Option Research Colloquium
This is the first part of the Master’s Thesis Option (MTO). It covers research and research methods, and is intended to position students to successfully complete a year-long research project of publishable quality. Lectures and discussion will focus on the skills required to develop a research question, how to formulate an appropriate research strategy, and ways to identify necessary analytical tools and locate data sources.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 691 Emerging Markets in the Global Economy
The significance of the emerging economies in the global arena is on the rise. For students, it is imperative to understand what roles these economies play and how it shapes the nature of international business. The first part of the course will cover concepts that serve as a foundation to understand the dynamics of emerging markets. The second part will focus on practical issues related to entering and competing in emerging markets. Specifically, this course will help students study the institutions and the macro environment of emerging markets, examine the opportunities and the challenges of operating therein, evaluate local and global competition, and analyze the different strategies of firms.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 696 Independent Study
Independent study credit is granted only for academic work not normally offered in advanced courses. A student must find a faculty sponsor for his or her independent study project and then file a proposal for the project in the MBA Office. The proposal should be signed by both the student and the faculty sponsor.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 697 Special Topics
This course addresses a specific topic in a particular discipline. Courses under this title are offered as one-time supplements to a given department’s curriculum.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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MBAMGT 698 Practicum
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3 Credit(s)
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MBA Management Science |
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MBAMS 600 Mathematical Analysis for Managers
This course provides the mathematical skills and applications necessary to pursue graduate study in the College of Management. Topics include a review of basic algebra; graphing; linear, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions; functions of several variables; systems of linear equations; probability; differentiation and integration.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMS 630 Statistical Analysis for Managers
Acquaints students with statistical techniques used in management decision-making and develops their ability to characterize management problems that can be solved by such techniques. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regression and correlation, chi square testing, analysis of variance, and decision theory. Students make use of computers and appropriate software to apply what they are learning.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMS 635 Operations Mgt
This course familiarizes students with the analysis, planning, and control of operations and operating resources in both production and service organizations. Topics covered include product design and process selection, capacity planning, location and layout decisions, and inventory control. Analytical techniques used in system design and operations planning and control problems are also discussed. Students make use of computers and appropriate software to apply what they are learning.
Prerequisite(s): MBAMS 630 or MSIS 630 or MS 630 BUSADM students only
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMS 640 Computer & Info Syst
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3 Credit(s)
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MBAMS 652 Lean and Six Sigma Management
A revolution in management methods is moving through the global economy at breakneck speed, High performance, Six Sigma, Lean and IS management methods among them. The new methods aim to create competitive advantage which every enterprise needs in order to create sustained growth of its net income. In this course students study how to use the new leading edge methods for creating the required competitive advantages. The course focuses on how a company can create and deliver high value and quality to end-users, how it can design products and services so these will start their lives as growth products when launched, how the companies can manage its value chains so they become capable of operating with a productivity advantage at competitively low costs, how the two - the value and the productivity advantages - drive sustained growth of the “bottom line” - a company’s net income. The student will study how, in this very competitive world, these new high performance methods will achieve stellar “bottom line” business results in an accelerated time frame under dynamically changing circumstances
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMS 690 Master’s Thesis Option Research Colloquium
This is the first part of the Master’s Thesis Option (MTO). It covers research and research methods, and is intended to position students to successfully complete a year-long research project of publishable quality. Lectures and discussion will focus on the skills required to develop a research question, how to formulate an appropriate research strategy, and ways to identify necessary analytical tools and locate data sources.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMS 696 Independent Study
Independent study credit is granted only for academic work not normally offered in advanced courses. A student must find a faculty sponsor for his or her independent study project and then file a proposal for the project in the MBA Office. The proposal should be signed by both the student and the faculty sponsor.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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MBA Marketing |
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MBAMKT 668 Entrepreneurship Sales & Marketing
Entrepreneurship Sales & Marketing is a course that will prepare you for an entry level sales and marketing position in a startup initiative as well as prepare you to launch your own sales and marketing initiative in your own startup. Live role play scenarios with experienced sales and marketing entrepreneurs will prepare you for the multiple areas of responsibilities and interactions within a startup organization as well as outward facing prospect and customer responsibilities and interactions that are required in a startup. And you will be exposed to the overall process and tools that drive a sales/marketing organization in a startup. Students will also be provided preparation assistance and given priority consideration to the internships offered through UMass Boston’s Student Entrepreneurship Program (StEP)
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMKT 669 Social and Nonprofit Marketing: Promoting Health, the Environment, and Social Change
In 1951, when sociologist G.D. Weibe asked, “Why can’t you sell brotherhood and rational thinking like you can sell soap?”, the fields of social and nonprofit marketing were born. Social marketing seeks to benefit either society as a whole or a segment of the population (e.g., a particular vulnerable population) via influencing behavior. Nonprofit Marketing primarily involves promoting socially beneficial services and goods (e.g., health care services, educational opportunities, arts performances, museum shows). Additionally, nonprofits can and do employ social marketing to raise funds and engage volunteers. this course will enable students to gain valuable practical skills that are relevant in a broad range of fields including environmental, healthcare, nonprofit management, marketing, and public health. Students will examine the functions of social and nonprofit marketing, as well as, the ways that they both dovetail with and differ from for-profit marketing. And working in teams, students will develop social marketing programs.
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMKT 670 Marketing Management
This course focuses on the strategic decisions necessary to match organizational resources with market opportunities. Students learn to analyze market opportunities, to develop marketing plans and marketing mix strategies, and to manage implementation and control of the marketing plan.
Prerequisite(s): MBA AF 610 and Graduate degree student in Management
3 Credit(s)
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MBAMKT 671 Marketing Research
This course is intended to improve your ability to actually use research as a formalized means of obtaining information to be used in making decisions in the context of increasingly globalized, diverse, and information-oriented marketplace, business world, and nonprofit organizations. During the information collection, analysis, and report process, you will learn a set of fundamental marketing research skills of problems formulation, research design, measurement scale development, questionnaire design, data collection, basic and multivariate data analysis, report writing, and presentation.
3 Credit(s)
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