Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

253.535.7330

www.plu.edu/mba/

ADMISSION

The PLU M.B.A. program is competitive. Selection is based on several criteria including work experience and potential contribution to the classroom experience. The Graduate Admission Committee bases decisions on a holistic assessment of the individual merits of each applicant. For questions regarding admission to the M.B.A. program, contact the M.B.A. director at 253.535.7330.

To apply submit the following:

The PLU graduate application is available online at www.plu.edu/mba/.
A current résumé detailing work experience and community service
All official transcripts from higher education institutions
A 300-word Statement of Professional Goals
Official Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (GMAT/GRE waiver may be available. Contact the program director.
Two letters of recommendation
$40 Application Fee

International applicants must also submit:

TOEFL or IELTS score report
I-20 Evaluation Documents
Declaration of Finances

An interview with the M.B.A. Graduate Admission Committee may be requested.

Applicants are evaluated individually, based on multiple factors indicating equivalence to admission standards, a promise of success in graduate school, qualities of good character, and potential contributions to the educational mission of graduate study.

MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE (M.B.A.)
Business Administration Program
45 semester hours

Prerequisite/First-Year Co-requisite: Statistics

M.B.A. Core
36 semester hours

BUSA 509: Global Business Perspectives (3)
BUSA 510: Business Law and Ethics for Managers (3)
BUSA 511: Accounting for Decision Making (3)
BUSA 513: Marketing Management (3)
BUSA 515: Organizations and Leadership (3)
BUSA 517: Understanding & Managing Financial Resources (3)
BUSA 519: Information Systems Management (3)
BUSA 521: Supply Chain and Operations Management (3)
BUSA 523: Managing Innovation (3)
BUSA 590: Strategic Management in a Global Context (3)
COMA 543: Conflict and Negotiation (3)
BUSA 522: Decision Making and Economic Environment in a Global Economy (3)
or ECON 520: Economic Policy Analysis (3)
Required International Experience

M.B.A. Electives
9 semester hours

Select from the following Business courses:

BUSA 535: Financial Investments (3)
BUSA 542: Leading Change (3)
BUSA 549: Strategic Management of Human Capital (3)
BUSA 550: Leading Family and Closely-Held Enterprises (3)
BUSA 555: Knowledge Management (3)
BUSA 558: New Venture Management (3)
BUSA 560: Managing Health Care Enterprises (3)
BUSA 562: Health Care Regulation, Law and Ethics (3)
BUSA 565: Marketing Strategy (3)
BUSA 570: Technology Management (3)
BUSA 577: Project Management (3)
BUSA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)
BUSA 591: Independent Study (1 to 4)
BUSA 595: Internship (1 to 4)

By taking an appropriate set of identified electives, a student may earn an emphasis in Health Care Management, Entrepreneurship and Closely-Held Business, or Technology and Innovation Management.

Students are not required to have an area of emphasis.

M.B.A. EMPHASIS AREAS

Health Care Management Emphasis
9 semester hours

BUSA 560: Managing Health Care Enterprises (3)

And 6 semester hours from the following:

BUSA 542: Leading Change (3) or BUSA 549: Strategic Management of Human Capital (3)
BUSA 555: Knowledge Management (3)
BUSA 562: Health Care Regulation, Law & Ethics (3)
BUSA 565: Marketing Strategy (3)
BUSA 577: Project Management (3)
Approved BUSA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)
BUSA 595: Internship (1 to 4)

Entrepreneurship and Closely-Held Enterprises Emphasis
9 semester hours

One of the following two courses:

BUSA 550: Leading Family and Closely-Held Enterprises (3) or BUSA 558: New Venture Management (3)

And 6 semester hours from the following:

Remaining option (if not taken above) of BUSA 550 (3) or BUSA 558 (3)
BUSA 535: Financial Investments (3)
BUSA 549: Strategic Management of Human Capital (3)
BUSA 565: Marketing Strategy (3)
BUSA 577: Project Management (3)
Approved BUSA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)
BUSA 595: Internship (1 to 4)

Technology and Innovation Management Emphasis (TIM)
9 semester hours

BUSA 570: Technology Management (3)

And, 6 semester hours from the following:

BUSA 542: Leading Change (3)
BUSA 555: Knowledge Management (3)
BUSA 577: Project Management (3)
Approved BUSA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)
BUSA 595: Internship (1 to 4)

M.B.A. REPEAT POLICY

Master of Business Administration students may repeat an M.B.A. course one time. The cumulative grade point average is computed using the highest of the grades earned. Credit toward graduation is allowed only once. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may appeal to the dean to repeat a course a second time.

POST-MASTER’S CERTIFICATE IN TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT (TIM)
12 semester hours

Individuals holding a master’s degree in a business or technology related field from an accredited institution may pursue a Post-Master’s Certificate in Technology and Innovation Management (TIM). Holders of master’s degrees in other fields with appropriate experience are also considered. There is a reduced application process and the GMAT may not be required.

BUSA 523: Managing Innovation (3)
BUSA 570: Technology Management (3)

and two of the following:

BUSA 509: Global Perspectives (3) – required for non-MBA holders. Note: does not include the study away experience
BUSA 542: Leading Change (3)
BUSA 555: Knowledge Management (3)
BUSA 558: New Venture Management (3)
BUSA 577: Project Management (3)

Master of Business Administration Courses

BUSA 509 : Global Business Perspectives

Evaluate cultural, economic, political, and environmental contexts for global business. Develop value-adding strategies, organizational capabilities and personal competencies for business success across borders and cultures. On-campus course followed by an international experience prior to graduation. (3) BUSA 509 Global Business Perspectives Lab: International experience. Pass/Fail. (0)

BUSA 510 : Business Law and Ethics for Managers

A survey of legal topics essential to effective managerial decision making. Explores the legal, ethical, and social implications of legal strategies and practices. (3)

BUSA 511 : Accounting for Decision Making

An examination of financial and managerial accounting topics, including financial reporting, budgeting, and cost behavior. The focus is on using accounting to support business decision making. (3)

BUSA 513 : Marketing Management

A practical approach to understanding and applying customer-directed marketing strategies for achieving organizational goals. Students will examine theoretical concepts and apply contemporary approaches to the marketing of services, products and ideas in business, public, and nonprofit organizations. (3)

BUSA 515 : Organizations and Leadership

The leader’s role in creating organizational designs, processes and cultures that effectively engage rapidly shifting external realities, promote collaboration and problem solving, and enable organizations to continuously experiment, improve, and increase capabilities. Competencies for developing and managing people to meet performance requirements and organization cultural fit. (3)

BUSA 517 : Understanding and Managing Financial Resources

Corporate finance topics including cash flow forecasting, planning, budgeting, valuation models, cost of capital, leverage, and risk and return. Additional topics include ratio analysis, computer simulation, financial feasibility assessment, balance sheet analysis, determinants of interest rates, and the impact of business cycle fluctuations on shareholder value. (3)

BUSA 519 : Information Systems Management

Examines the strategic role of information technology and systems in enabling decision-making and organizational effectiveness for competitive advantage. Discusses a broad range of information management topics including business processes, IT architecture and infrastructure, IT governance, systems sourcing, database and data warehouse, business intelligence, IT project management, and information ethics. Prerequisites: BUSA 509, 511. (3)

BUSA 521 : Supply Chain and Operations Management

Develops a managerial perspective on the role of manufacturing and service operations within the enterprise and in supply chains. Topics include process control, quality management, capacity planning, lean systems, inventory management, supply chain integration, global logistics and distributions, and resource planning. Prerequisites: BUSA 509, 511. (3)

BUSA 522 : Decision Making and Economic Environment in a Global Economy

Examination of the context within which individual firm decisions must be made. Topics include market demand and consumer behavior, production process and costs, organization of the firm, the nature of industry, the regulatory environment of the firm, international trade, national income accounting, aggregate demand and supply, dynamics of wage, price, and unemployment, determinants of inflation and interest rates, monetary and fiscal policy, and national debt. (3)

BUSA 523 : Managing Innovation

The course applies a multidisciplinary approach to study the theories and practices of managing innovation for value creation and sustainable competitive advantage. The main focus is on fostering a culture of collaborative innovation and entrepreneurship, and building organizational capabilities to systematically explore and exploit innovation opportunities, and to cope with the challenge of disruptive innovation and change. Prerequisites: BUSA 509, 510, 511, 513, 515, 517; and BUSA 522 or ECON 520. (3)

BUSA 535 : Financial Investments

In depth evaluation of fundamental principles governing the valuation of individual investments and portfolios. Topics include valuation models, business cycles, real estate, commodity prices, determinants of interest rates and earnings, behavioral finance, risk and return, investment strategy, global markets, pension funds, and demographic influences on markets. Prerequisites: BUSA 522 or ECON 520, BUSA 517. (3)

BUSA 542 : Leading Change

Leader competencies and practices for analyzing needs for organizational change, creating a shared vision, crafting implementation plans for multiple interventions, developing enabling structures and processes, enlisting political support and involving people, and for evaluating and institutionalizing changes. Prerequisite: BUSA 515. (3)

BUSA 549 : Strategic Management of Human Capital

Issues and practices in the strategic management of human capital. Human resource strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation in terms of return on investment and other impacts on firm performance. Human resource best practices for developing and sustaining a high-involvement workforce to achieve competitive advantage. Prerequisite: BUSA 515. (3)

BUSA 550 : Leading Family and Closely-Held Enterprises

Explores issues unique to managing, working within, or advising closely held businesses. Role of closely held firms in global economy; control, fairness, and equity issues; succession; unique aspects of family firms including family dynamics inside and outside of the business. Prerequisites: BUSA 509, 510. (3)

BUSA 555 : Knowledge Management

Provides a global and holistic perspective for leveraging knowledge through the integration of organizational theory, people, business processes and technology. Provides an integrated approach in managing an enterprise’s intellectual capital. Examines the implementation of knowledge management in business and nonprofit organizations. Prerequisite: BUSA 509 or 515. (3)

BUSA 558 : New Venture Management

Examines the entrepreneurial skills and conditions needed for effective business start-ups whether independent or within larger organizations. Prerequisite: BUSA 509, 511. (3)

BUSA 560 : Managing Health Care Enterprises

Surveys policy and operational issues facing managers in the rapidly changing health care environment. Explores challenges of managing in health care settings, including hospitals, medical practice organizations, long-term care facilities and clinics. Discusses health care related organizations such as health insurance companies, consulting firms, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations that support the health care industry. Prerequisite: BUSA 515. (3)

BUSA 565 : Marketing Strategy

Addresses development and execution of marketing strategies in a customer-driven marketplace. Explores theories, methods, analytical techniques, and current best practices for developing and implementing marketing strategies. Focus is on integrating marketing knowledge into applied strategy for the firm. Applies creative thinking and problem-solving skills to "real world" situations. Course includes classic readings, cases, and experiential learning. Prerequisite: BUSA 513. (3)

BUSA 570 : Technology Management

Examines the critical role that technology plays in achieving organizational effectiveness and competitive advantages. Topics include planning, developing, sourcing, and controls of technology and systems, technology transfer and commercialization, technology road mapping, technology integration, marketing of technology, science and technology policy, and global issues in technology management. Prerequisite: BUSA 519. (3)

BUSA 577 : Project Management

Study of project management principles and techniques including planning, network building, project control, reporting and closing to address the unique conditions and challenges associated with designing and managing major non-repetitive undertakings. Prerequisite: BUSA 515. (3)

BUSA 587 : Special Topics in Business Administration

To provide graduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. Selected advanced topics. (1 to 4)

BUSA 588 : Special Topics in Business Administration

BUSA 589 : Special Topics in Business Administration

BUSA 590 : Strategic Management in a Global Context

Integrate the disciplinary foundations of business through a capstone project plus further development of quantitative and strategic analysis skills. Explore execution of business- and corporate-level strategies such as cost-leadership, diversification, alliances, and M&A to generate competitive advantage. Prerequisites: BUSA 509, 510, 511, 513, 515, 517, 519, 521; and BUSA 522 or ECON 520. (3)

BUSA 591 : Independent Study

Individualized reading and studies. Minimum supervision after initial planning of student’s work. Rarely granted and requires prior approval of MBA director and consent of instructor. (1 to 4)

BUSA 595 : Internship

Application of business knowledge in field setting. Credit granted determined by hours spent in working environment and depth of project associated with course of study. Pass/fail. (1 to 4)

COMA 543 : Conflict and Negotiation

This course examines the sources and development of conflict and develops negotiation as a tool for managing conflict situations. Emphasis is on understanding conflict interactions and reaching agreement through negotiation. (3)

ECON 500 : Applied Statistical Analysis

An intensive introduction to statistical methods. Emphasis on the application of inferential statistics to concrete situations. (3)

ECON 520 : Economic Policy Analysis

An intensive introduction to the concepts of macroeconomics and microeconomics with an emphasis on policy formation within a global framework. (3)