|
Table of Contents Academic Life Academic Regulations The Academic Programs International and Off-Campus Studies Special Programs Admissions and Financial Aid Life Outside the Classroom People Facts and Figures College Calendar |
Management Studies Acting Director, 2000-01: Richard M. Goedde, Economics, finance, investments, managerial accounting Faculty, 2000-01: William L. Carlson, Economics, management information systems, statistics, econometrics; Kathy Gardner Chadwick, Economics, management, marketing, management strategy; Mary Ann Emery, Economics, financial accounting, intermediate accounting, tax Management Studies is a multi-disciplinary program offering contract concentrations in Management and Financial Management that can be earned in conjunction with any academic major. Individual contracting encourages students to consider personal goals as they design a program of courses in management studies, economics, and other disciplines. Both concentrations include a five-course program of study; an Experiential Learning Component; and an Integrative Folder. The Management Concentration prepares students for careers in domestic and international business, not-for-profit, and governmental organizations. Cases, projects, and papers allow students to direct their efforts toward a special area of interest. The Financial Management Concentration is designed to help students with quantitative backgrounds develop the knowledge base needed for careers in finance and accounting. In order to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world, graduates must be ready to move in new directions, take advantage of opportunities, and create their own success. A St.šOlaf liberal arts education encourages students to view the world from multiple perspectives, wrestle with questions of ethics, build fundamental communication and problem-solving skills, and develop a global perspective. Management Studies concentrations connect theory and practice and help students make the transition from college to career.REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONCENTRATIONS Management studies concentrations are arranged by individual contract. Both concentrations include (1) a five-course program of study; (2) an Experiential Learning Component; and (3) an Integrative Folder. A student may receive recognition for only one concentration. Course Requirements: Students meet with a member of the Management Studies faculty to develop a five-course program of study which includes three core and two elective courses. Core courses for the Management Concentration include Economics 121 or 122, Management Studies 225 and 251. Core courses for the Financial Management Concentration include Economics 121 or 122, Management Studies 225 and 281. Electives include an additional management studies course and an approved course from another department on campus or a study abroad program. Students must earn a grade of C or better in the five courses. Experiential Learning: This component is met by completing at least one approved experience in which the student applies management or financial principles to real world problems. This component may be fulfilled by activities that receive academic credit (for-credit internship or practicum) or by non-credit activities (such as not-for-credit internships, Finstad Center projects, or leadership roles in campus or community organizations). The Internship Office, Career Development Center, Finstad Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, and other organizations help students complete this requirement. The Integrative Folder: The integrative folder includes a description of the student's post-graduation goals, a statement explaining the manner in which the student's course work and activities relate to these goals, a resume, and a series of papers, projects and other evidence of progress toward meeting the stated goals. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Finstad Center for Entrepreneurial Studies The Paul and Anne Finstad Center for Entrepreneurial Studies promotes growth and dissemination of knowledge about entrepreneurship in society. It conveys knowledge about the challenges, risks, rewards, opportunities, and ethical responsibilities of entrepreneurship and facilitates the exchange of ideas between students, faculty, and entrepreneurs. The center awards grants and summer stipends to students who have formulated entrepreneurial initiatives and its director helps students initiate their own business ventures. The Estenson Internship Program provides paid summer internships in entrepreneurial companies operated by St. Olaf alumni. COURSES Management Studies courses are all cross-listed with the Economics Department. This course focuses on four basic financial statements: the income statement, statement of retained earnings, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. Students learn how business events are recorded and represented on the financial statements and how to use the information to make sound economic judgments. Cases and current articles supplement traditional textbook readings and problems. This is a core course in Management and Financial Management Concentrations, offered each semester. This course provides an overview of the key issues which face arts administrators. Topics addressed include planning, budgeting, fund raising, marketing, and human resource management as each relates to the unique setting of the arts. Offered during Interim. GE: HBS. This course focuses on using Microsoft Excel to analyze common management problems and develop solutions. Microsoft PowerPoint, a presentation graphics software program, is also introduced. Offered during Interim. GE: ORC. This practical course provides information needed for informed decision making in major areas of personal finance, including budgeting, basic tax planning, insurance, investments, major purchases, and retirement planning. Offered during Interim. 232 Technology and the Entrepreneurial Spirit The American technological revolution, guided by an entrepreneurial culture, is sweeping new technologies into our work and daily life. Students study the components of entrepreneurship, and the characteristics of entrepreneurs and witness entrepreneurs in action at Twin Cities technology firms. Time is divided between the classroom, on-site projects with firms and coaching in oral communication skills. Emphasis on small group activities and oral presentations. Offered during Interim. GE: ORC. 236 Management Information Systems This course examines management information systems (MIS) in business and government, including concepts of information, the use of information in decision-making, human information processors, decision-making concepts, as well as the organization, structure, and management of information systems. Students consider the role of computers, electronic information and communication, and the design, development, and management of information systems and their role as business resources. Prerequisite: one of Economics 110-125, or consent of instructor. Offered alternate years. 237 Managerial and Cost Accounting This course emphasizes the use of information to make management decisions. Topics include cost and break-even analysis, budgeting and control, capital expenditures analysis, and variance analysis. Computer spreadsheets and case studies are used extensively. This course is required for students who plan to sit for the C.P.A. or C.M.A. examinations. Prerequisite: Management Studies 225. Offered each semester. This course introduces the key elements of marketing strategy: product development and management, pricing, promotion, and distribution decisions. Case analysis and simulation exercises provide opportunities for applying concepts addressed in class. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to write a marketing plan if they are assigned this responsibility in their future careers. The course is offered each semester. Prerequisite: one of Economics 110-122 or consent of instructor. GE: HBS. Offered each semester. This course familiarizes the student with the major management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The study of management theory is linked with application exercises. Students begin to develop the management skills necessary in any organization, whether it be a for-profit or not-for-profit venture, a small business or a large corporation. This course is required for all students pursuing a Management Concentration. Prerequisite: one of Economics 110-122 or consent of instructor. Offered each semester. GE: HBS. This course examines the importance of entrepreneurship, covering both the theory and practical aspects of the subject. Discussions focus on the paradigms of creativity and innovation, the relationship of liberal arts disciplines to the entrepreneur, the role of the entrepreneur in society and history, the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, and the elements of the entrepreneurial behavior in a variety of settings. Study concentrates on the entrepreneurial process from idea creation to ultimate business or other organizational activity. A leadership theme permeates these discussions. A variety of instructional techniques are used including group projects, guest presenters and practicing entrepreneurs attending the class. Offered spring semester. This survey course focuses on the broad structure of U.S. income tax law and the underlying tax concepts that tend to be stable over time. Study of current rules and regulations leads to investigation of the tax consequences of various transactions, formulation of broad tax planning strategies, and discussion of tax policy issues. The course is offered in alternate Spring Semesters. Prerequisite: Management Studies 225. 259 Intermediate Accounting Theory This course investigates accounting principles used to value assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Case studies illustrate the effect of alternative accounting methods on financial statements and highlight the need for financial reporting standards. This course is required for students who plan to sit for the C.P.A. or C.M.A. examinations. Prerequisite: Management Studies 225. Offered Fall Semester. This course is an introduction to financial decision-making in a business environment. Topics include asset acquisition, issuance of stock vs. debt, dividend policy, planning and analysis, and working capital policy. Case discussions, combined with lectures and readings, enable students to apply finance principles in actual business situations. Computer spreadsheets are used. This is a core course in the Financial Management Concentration. Prerequisite: Management Studies 225. Offered Spring Semester. This introduction to making personal investment decisions provides a foundation for students seeking a career in the investment field. Although stocks and mutual funds are the primary focus, bonds, options, and futures are also introduced. Topics include risk and return, security analysis, valuation theory, and portfolio management. Students analyze historical data using a computer database and spreadsheet. Prerequisites: Management Studies 225 and a statistics course. Offered Fall Semester. 383 Management Policy and Strategy This is a capstone course for students with a Management Concentration. Students have the opportunity to further develop their planning and decision making skills through focused study of the management literature and case analysis exercises. Emphasis is given to identifying, analyzing, and solving organizational problems which are strategic in nature and cut across all functional areas of the organization. Prerequisite: Management Studies 250 or 251, junior or senior status. Offered annually. 394 Internship 398 Independent Study |