| Accounting | Finance
| International Business | Management |
| Management Information
Systems |
Marketing | Taxation and
Law |
| Commerce Interdisciplinary Courses |
Independent Study |
COMM 202 - (3) (S, SS)
Introduction to Management Accounting
Prerequisite: COMM 201
Continuation of COMM 201. Examines accounting's directing and
problem-solving contributions to management. Evaluation of performance,
planning, cost behavior, ethics, and special decisions are emphasized.
COMM 310 - (3) (Y)
Accounting Information Systems
Prerequisites: COMM 201, CS 120 or higher
For fourth-year accounting concentrators, this course provides
a broad overview of manual and computerized accounting information
systems. Discusses strategies and risks that a business faces and how an organization builds accounting systems and controls to help achieve those strategies and properly manage those risks. Major topics include business transactions on the Internet, electronic commerce, electronic data interchange, transaction processing, internal controls, application controls, fraud and data security.
COMM 311 - (3) (Y,SS)
Intermediate Accounting I
Prerequisite: COMM 202 or written permission of instructor
An intensive study of the generally accepted accounting principles
for asset valuation, income measurement, and financial statement
presentation for business organizations, and of the processes
through which these principles evolve.
COMM 312 - (3) (Y,SS)
Intermediate Accounting II
Prerequisite: COMM 311
Continuation of COMM 311, with emphasis on accounting for the
equities of a firm's investors and creditors. Important areas
in financial accounting including accounting for leases, pensions,
and income taxes.
COMM 314 - (3) (S)
Cost Management and Cost Accounting
Prerequisite: COMM 202
The course emphasizes the roles of accounting information in assisting
managers to select and reach their objectives. Although
attention is given to data accumulation and reporting, the focus
of the course is on cost analysis. Topics include responsibility
accounting and reporting, ethics, standard costs,
strategic cost analysis, activity-based management, and the role of accounting in improving quality.
COMM 521 - (3) (Y)
Introductory Auditing
Prerequisites: COMM 310, 311, and 312
Auditing includes the planning, processes (gathering evidence),
and judgments required to render an opinion on an entity's financial
statements. The course deals with evidence theory, risk identification,
and professional judgment. Audit methodology is examined through
study of auditing standards and the concepts and procedures developed
to implement the standards. Other topics include professional
ethics, auditors' liability, internal control assessment, audit
program development, working papers, types of audit tests, and
audit reports.
COMM 531 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Financial Accounting
Prerequisites: COMM 311, 312
Covers accounting and financial reporting for business combinations
(including consolidated financial statements), international accounting
issues, foreign currency translation, reorganizations and liquidations,
accounting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
and accounting for partnerships. Emphasis is balanced between
conceptual understanding of major issues and technical accounting
requirements.
Finance
COMM 273 - (3) (S)
Personal Investment Analysis
Prerequisite: Non-commerce students
A survey of contemporary investment alternatives, tax, and timing
considerations required in the general design and revision of
an investment portfolio throughout the individual's income life-cycle.
Includes guidelines for investment selections, revisions, and
management in the areas of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds as
well as more speculative alternatives such as options and commodities.
COMM 371 - (3) (Y)
Managerial Finance I
Prerequisites: COMM 201 and COMM 202
The development of managerial theory and decision methodology
is emphasized in evaluating the financial function of the firm.
Working capital management as well as the concepts and techniques
employed in the procurement of resources from financial markets
and their allocation to productive investments are analyzed.
COMM 372 - (3) (Y)
Managerial Finance II
Prerequisite: COMM 371
The case method of instruction is utilized to examine financial
concepts and problems in contemporary situations. Develops analytical
skills and judgmental abilities in finding solutions to financial
and managerial problems of business firms, in both domestic and
international settings. Lectures and discussions are used to introduce additional financial techniques and topics.
COMM 379 - (3) (IR)
Venture Capital and the Emerging Firm
Prerequisite: COMM 371
The course examines the financial concerns of small firms (under
$50 million) through empirical field research. Under the supervision
of the instructor the students, working in teams, collect and
analyze case descriptions of actual business problems and decisions.
In addition, the general investment and financial problems of
the small firm in its legal and economic environment are studied
and analyzed through both discussion and case studies.
COMM 470 - (3) (IR)
Topics in Finance
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 371 and 372
and permission of instructor
A seminar on issues drawing current attention in the finance literature
and affecting non-financial business firms, financial institutions
or investment management.
COMM 472 - (3) (Y)
International Financial Analysis
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 371,
372,
384,
or permission of instructor
A case-predominant examination of the financial tools, techniques,
and strategies required for understanding the financial management
of the firm in the global business environment. Topics include:
the multi-national enterprise, forecasting exchange rates, accounting
and economic exposure, short and long-term international financial
markets, investment analysis, multi-national capital budgeting,
and political risk.
COMM 473 - (3) (Y)
Investments: Equity Securities and Markets
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 371 and
372
and permission of instructor
Provides students with an understanding of contemporary cash and
derivative equity securities and markets. Both investment theory
and its practical applications are considered. The primary perspective
for most discussions is that of an institutional investor, although
applications to personal finance are included. Both U.S. and international
equity markets are discussed. Topics include: asset allocation,
portfolio theory, market efficiency, models of asset pricing,
program trading, and equity options and equity-index futures.
COMM 474 - (3) (SS)
International Finance and Banking
Prerequisite:
COMM 371,
384
Offered in London, England, during the summer session. Explores
the international financial environment in which economic and
financial policies and business decisions are made. International
monetary relations are covered emphasizing the balance of payment
measure, forward exchange markets, international capital markets
and correspondent networks.
COMM 475 - (3) (Y)
Fixed-Income Securities and Markets
Prerequisites: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 372 and permission
of instructor
Provides an in-depth understanding of fixed-income securities
and markets in order to assist in making informed investment
and risk management decisions. Both U.S. and international fixed-income
securities markets are examined. Topics include: duration, convexity,
realized compound yield, mortgage-backed securities, interest
rate swaps, bond immunization, and interest rate futures and options.
COMM 476 - (3) (IR)
Financial Analysis
Prerequisites: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 273 or
473
and permission of instructor
Fundamental security analysis and investment theory is stressed.
Alternative strategies related to portfolio objectives and constraints
are covered. Contemporary theory and capital market concepts as
they impact on portfolio management are studied.
COMM 477 - (3) (IR)
Financial Management of Financial Service Firms
Prerequisites: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 372 and permission
of instructor
The course introduces the student to the financial theory and
management of the financial service industries. A contemporary
orientation, supplemented by frequent practitioner speakers, combined
with recent theoretical constructs provide insight into the place
of financial service institutions in the international economy.
The pedagogy includes lectures, cases and a computer simulation.
COMM 478 - (3) (Y)
Financial Forecasting and Strategy
Prerequisites: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 372 and permission
of instructor
The course aims at integrating the problems and opportunities
found in the general economy with the financial strategies and
policies of actual individual firms for the coming two years.
An applied macro-economic approach encompassing a forecast of
the gross domestic product together with a similar forecast of
individual industries is brought to bear on the financial planning
of the firm. The students working in groups apply quantitative
and financial techniques acquired in prerequisite courses to analyze
and forecast the problems and economic growth in the American
economy. Individual research, team work practices and applied
quantitative methods are stressed.
COMM 479 - (3) (IR)
Real Estate Investment and Finance
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 371 and permission
of instructor
The basic objective of this course lies in the development of
an analytical framework by which individuals and institutions
can make real estate investment and financing decisions. The primary
emphases are theory, concept building, financial modeling, and
practical real estate applications. The case method is used throughout
to illustrate implementation of the analytical framework.
COMM 570 - (3) (IR)
Financial Trading
Prerequisites: Fourth-year Commerce student or graduate student
or permission of instructor
Examines the nature and influence of trading in financial markets.
Particular attention is directed to: the role of noise in financial
markets; the psychology of participants in financial markets;
the identification of potential profitable trading opportunities;
back office processing of trades, the management of the trading
function; and artificial neural networks and AI expert trading
systems. Mock pit trading sessions are held to give firsthand
experience in simulated pit trading environments and to illustrate
some of the skills necessary for successful trading.
International Business
COMM 384 - (3) (Y)
Foundations of International Business
Prerequisites: Second semester, third-year Commerce student or permission of instructor
An introduction to the field of international business through
an examination of the practice and theory of international business
focusing on managerial, operational, strategic, ethical, and environmental
factors. The student develops an understanding of global trade
theory and the various forms of global and regional economic integration;
examines the major functions of the management of an international
business; becomes familiar with the instruments, procedures, and
processes of international business; develops an understanding
of the modes of international market entry and of foreign direct
investment; develops an appreciation of the importance of culture
on international business; and evaluates ethical issues in international
business.
See the other academic areas for course descriptions of the other international courses available for a concentration in international business. These courses include:
| COMM 451 | International Marketing |
| COMM 469 | International Management |
| COMM 472 | International Financial Analysis |
| or; COMM 474 | International Finance & Banking |
Management
COMM 361 - (3) (Y)
Organizational Behavior
Prerequisite: Third-year Commerce student or permission of instructor
Focuses on the interpersonal skills that promote individual, group,
and organizational effectiveness. Introduces basic concepts, theories,
and practices helpful in understanding contemporary organizational
behavior. The class activities are varied and interactive, including
experiential exercises, discussions, case analyses, and collaborative
learning.
COMM 460 - (3) (IR)
Selected Topics in Management
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or permission of instructor
Seminar on current issues in the field of management.
COMM 462 - (3) (S)
Topics in Organizational Behavior
Prerequisite: COMM 361, fourth-year status
A series of courses that focuses on a specific topic in organizational
behavior. Course titles include: Negotiation and Dispute Resolution,
Executive Leadership, and Power and Politics.
COMM 463 - (3) (Y)
Human Resource Management
Prerequisites: COMM 361 and fourth-year Commerce student or permission
of instructor
Examines the fundamentals of human resource management. Topics
covered include job analysis, recruitment and selection, training
and development, performance management, compensation, and employee
and labor relations. Explores the implications of increasing legal
pressures (e.g., equal employment opportunity laws, sexual harassment
liability) and the complexities of managing a global workforce.
COMM 467 - (3) (Y)
Organizational Change and Development
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or permission of instructor
Develops an in-depth understanding of key concepts and theories
in organizational behavior and organizational development. The
focus is on the student's development of the diagnostic skills
necessary for the effective management of organizational change.
COMM 468 - (3) (Y)
Entrepreneurship
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or permission of instructor
Deals with the formation of a new enterprise and certain special
aspects of managing a small enterprise. Considers the characteristics
of the successful entrepreneur, methods of identifying new opportunity
areas, starting a new enterprise, tax and legal aspects of new
business, and financing for initial capital and growth.
COMM 469 - (3) (Y)
International Management
Prerequisite: COMM 361, 384 or permission of instructor
Explores the strong influence of culture on business practices,
and develops skills for developing and implementing strategies
in multicultural environments. Topics include culture and its
implications, interpersonal effectiveness, organizational systems,
political and economic environments, and corporate social responsibility.
COMM 485 - (3) (S)
Strategic Management
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student
Builds upon and integrates the total work of the program and introduces
new developments in strategic planning. Case studies or management
simulations are used to develop the student's decision-making
abilities in the role of the General Manager.
Management Information Systems
COMM 320 - (3) (S)
Business Software Development
Prerequisites: CS 120 or equivalent
Develops software engineering knowledge and skills necessary for the
development of business applications. Emphasizes principles of computer
programming, including structured methods of transaction processing,
learned through the use of the COBOL programming language.
COMM 325 - (3) (Y)
Quantitative Analysis
Prerequisites:
MATH 112 and CS 120 or equivalent
Develops concepts, techniques, and tools used by business analysts
and managers with applications across all functional areas of
business (accounting, marketing, finance, operations, personnel,
and information systems). Data analysis, statistical models, and the
use of information technology in support of decision making are
emphasized.
COMM 326 - (3) (Y)
Business Information Systems
Prerequisite: COMM 325
Focuses on (a) the role of information, information technology and information systems in all areas of business and (b) a process-oriented view of the organization, with special emphasis on the development of process of modeling skills. Provides an introduction to fundamental operations management concepts via an overview of information processing systems and cycles for the most commonly performed business activities.
COMM 327 - (3) (S)
Database Management Systems
Prerequisite: COMM 320 or permission of instructor
Focuses on managing the information resources of an organization.
Teaches students how to analyze the database environment of business
enterprises, develop data modeling techniques, design databases
to rigorous standards of independence and integrity, explore relational
and network data models, and build databases and application programs
using contemporary database management software at the micro,
mini, and mainframe computer levels.
COMM 427 - (3) (Y)
Systems Analysis and Design
Prerequisites: COMM 320 or permission of instructor
Provides a comprehensive treatment of the concepts, methodologies,
procedures, and tools necessary for building computer-based information
systems. The primary objective is to develop skills in project
management, information gathering, communication, structured analysis,
design, and implementation. To this end, computer-aided software
engineering technology is used extensively to automate many facets
of the systems development life cycle.
COMM 428 - (3) (Y)
Data Communications
Prerequisites: COMM 327
Focuses on the strategic use of data communications for competitive advantage in an international business environment. Introduces comtemporary technologies and methodologies used in the development and administration of computer-based networks.
COMM 429 - (3) (IR)
Selected Topics in Management
Information Systems
Prerequisites: COMM 320 or permission of instructor
Presents the opportunity to examine new and emerging MIS concepts
and techniques or to study a particular MIS area in greater depth
than is covered in other courses.
COMM 430 - (3) (IR)
Selected Topics in Operations Management
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or permission of instructor
Examines the problems encountered in managing both manufacturing
and service operations. One or more plant visits are scheduled.
Topics covered include production forecasting, aggregate scheduling,
materials planning and control, and facility selection.
Marketing
COMM 350 - (3) (IR)
Marketing Elective
Prerequisites: ECON 201, 202
COMM 351 - (3) (Y, SS)
Fundamentals of Marketing
Prerequisite: ECON 201, 202
The study of the business and behavioral activities involved in
marketing goods and services in both profit and not-for-profit
enterprises. Examination and analysis of marketing activities
from the planning level to the consumption level. Emphasis on
concepts that facilitate understanding of client behavior, marketing
practices, and environmental factors.
COMM 352 - (3) (IR)
Marketing Management
Prerequisite: COMM 351
Identifying issues and defining problems, with emphasis on planning
and decision making processes in marketing. Business applications
are utilized to demonstrate organizational decision making by
marketing management.
COMM 353 - (3) (Y)
Marketing Techniques
Prerequisite: COMM 351
Marketing techniques is the first of a three-course series that
leads to a concentration in Marketing. Focuses on the use of information
for marketing decision making by the application and development
of primary and secondary sources of data. The importance of database
marketing and the use of information technology are an integral
part of the course. The use of information leads to the development
of strategy. Discussion, cases, and the use of data bases are
used to emphasize the concepts.
COMM 450 - (3) (IR)
Product Strategy and Management
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or COMM 351 and permission
of instructor
An examination of the key concepts and issues pertaining to the
product strategy element of the marketing mix. New product development,
product management, and product portfolio assessment are among
topics to be examined.
COMM 451 - (3) (Y)
International Marketing
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 351, 384 and
permission of instructor
Examination of marketing managerial processes in an international
context. Analysis of the impact of international economics, culture
and nationalistic governmental policies on trade patterns and
marketing decision-making in global firms.
COMM 452 - (3) (IR)
Services Marketing
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 351 and permission
of instructor
An examination of the distinctive approaches to marketing strategy,
both in development and execution, employed by service industries.
Concepts will be illustrated using cases and analyses of specific
industries.
COMM 453 - (3) (IR)
Marketing Research
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce students
Examination of the methods and techniques used in conducting research
as well as the uses of such information in managerial decision
making. Students use real world examples and applications to develop
a research proposal.
COMM 454 - (3) (Y)
Marketing Analysis
Prerequisite: COMM 353
Marketing Analysis is a modular course, and the second of the
three course sequence leading to a marketing concentration. It
offers students opportunity to "track" their curriculum
into areas such as sales management, consumer behavior, services
marketing, marketing strategy, promotion, and product management.
COMM 455 - (3) (Y)
Marketing Strategies and Tactics
Prerequisite: COMM 454
Marketing strategies and tactics is a capstone course in the marketing
curriculum which applies strategies and tactical implementation
to a project which involves communication and interaction with
a project-based, real-world client.
COMM 456 - (3) (IR)
Topics in Marketing
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or COMM 351 and permission
of instructor
A seminar on issues of current interest in the marketing
literature and the business community which affect marketing management.
COMM 457 - (3) (IR)
Promotional Aspects of Marketing
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or COMM 351 and permission
of instructor
The planning, organizing, implementing and controlling of persuasive
communication, including analysis of such topics as the communication
process, advertising, publicity and public relations. Examination
of the agency relationship and the use of research in advertising
decisions.
COMM 458 - (3) (IR)
Marketing and Consumer Behavior
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 351 and permission
of instructor
An examination of the acts of individuals or groups directly involved
in obtaining and using goods and services. Consumer decision processes
are emphasized including those that precede, influence, accompany
and follow the purchase and/or use of a product. External and
internal influences on consumer decision making are examined.
COMM 459 - (3) (IR)
Sales Management
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or
COMM 351 and permission
of instructor
An examination of the concept describing the functions of the
position of the sales manager in contemporary inter-organizational
systems. Sales organization, deployment, action, training, legal
and ethical considerations, compensation, and evaluating and motivating
a sales force will be studied.
Taxation and Law
COMM 341 - (3) (S, SS)
Commercial Law I
A basic introduction to the American legal system with emphasis
on contracts, torts, agency, corporations and partnerships. May
be taken prior to enrollment in the McIntire School of Commerce.
COMM 342 - (3) (S, SS)
Commercial Law II
Prerequisite: COMM 341
A further introduction to the American legal system with emphasis
on debtor-creditor law, bankruptcy, product liability, sale of
goods, property and commercial paper.
COMM 444 - (3) (IR)
Tax Factors in Business Decisions
Prerequisite: Non-accounting concentrator
A course for non-accounting concentrators who want to learn enough
about the federal tax system to recognize the tax problems and
planning opportunities inherent in common business and financial
transactions.
COMM 445 - (3) (Y)
Federal Taxation I
Prerequisite: COMM 202 or permission of instructor
An analysis of the federal income tax law and its application
to individuals. A study is made of problems covering personal
and business tax situations. A comprehensive case is assigned
for which the student prepares illustrative tax returns.
COMM 546 - (3) (Y)
Federal Taxation II
Prerequisite: COMM 445 or permission of instructor
An analysis of the federal income tax law and its application
to corporations, shareholders, partnerships, partners, and estate
and gift transactions. From this, basic concepts and tax attributes
relating to the alternative forms of operating a business are
considered. The course is also designed to provide the student
with the basic skills required to do tax research.
Commerce Interdisciplinary Courses
A 380/480 series of courses that cut across area boundaries.
COMM 380 - (3) (IR)
Business, Government, and Society
Prerequisites: ECON 201, 202
A review of some of the ways in which business and government,
particularly at the federal level, are related to each other and
to the larger society of which they are a part.
COMM 381 - (3) (IR)
Business Ethics
An examination of major moral issues in contemporary business
through the understanding and application of foundational concepts
from philosophical ethics. Emphasis is on directed discussion
of case studies and readings from business and non-business literature.
COMM 382 - (3) (IR)
History of International Business
An examination of international business history focusing on the
individual business firm.
COMM 383 - (0) (IR)
Career Management
Prerequisite: Third-year Commerce student
Provides a systematic approach to making career-related decisions,
setting goals and developing action plans to achieve goals.
COMM 485 - (3) (S)
Strategic Management
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student
See course description under Management area.
COMM 530 - (3) (IR)
Selected Topics in Commerce
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student or graduate student
and permission of instructor
Seminar on current issues in commerce.
Independent Study
COMM 499 - (1-3) (S)
Independent Study in Commerce
Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce student
Students conduct independent study under the supervision of a
Commerce professor willing to offer such supervision. A project
directly related to business must be submitted to and approved
by the supervising professor prior to the Commerce add date. Students
may take COMM 499 only once.