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| Curriculum |
| A minimum of thirty-nine (39) semester
hours or thirteen (13) courses comprise the Master of
Management degree program. Of the thirteen courses, nine
(9) courses are required and four (4) courses are electives.
A required course may be waived if the student's undergraduate
or previous graduate preparation (current within the last
five (5) years) and/or current professional experience
is determined to be the equivalent of that course. If
a required course is waived, the student must select an
additional elective course to replace the waived course.
The four (4) elective courses may be selected according
to student interest to complete the minimum 39 semester
hours of graduate credit. All courses are three (3) semester
credits each, with the exception of MG 699 which has variable
credit hours. |
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| Concentrations |
| Concentrations are available for students
who wish to focus their elective courses in specific areas
of management. Concentrations are offered in Sustainable
Business, Communication, International Management and
Marketing Management Organization Development. Completion
of a concentration is noted on the student's transcript. |
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| Sustainable Business Concentration |
| The Sustainable Business concentration
is designed to provide managers with a foundation in integrative
sustainable business strategies that focus on improving
the natural and social environments while providing increased
financial returns. Known as the triple bottom line, students
will examine best practices that enhance social, environmental
and economic equity. This concentration will help students
become aware of opportunities for positive changes in
organizational practices and communication with stockholders.
Concentration requirements are: |
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| MG 671 Industrial Ecology |
| MG 672 Sustainable Business Management |
| MG 673 Building Social Capital |
| 1 Sustainable Business Electives |
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| Communication Concentration |
| The Communication concentration provides
an excellent opportunity for graduate students to focus
intensively on the theories, principles and skills required
for effective organizational communication. Appropriate
for members of organizations who wish to further develop
their communication effectiveness, this concentration
presents both the communication knowledge and skills required
in interpersonal, small group, organizational and public
presentation contexts. The concentration requirements
together with the strongly recommended course sequence
are: |
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| MG 639 Interpersonal Communication
(1) |
| MG 640 Communication in Organizations
(4) |
| MG 641 Managerial Presentation Skills
(2) |
| MG 646 Group Dynamics (3) |
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| Marketing Management Concentration |
| The Marketing Management concentration
provides graduate students with an opportunity for a focused
study of the theories and practice of marketing. Students
completing the concentration will develop a more comprehensive
knowledge of marketing dynamics, including both the legal
and ethical aspects together with their applications to
organizational planning and strategic management. This
concentration is appropriate for students planning a career
in marketing, for both general managers and entrepreneurs
preparing for marketing responsibilities, and for marketing
practitioners who wish to strengthen their professional
skills. Concentration requirements are: |
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| MG 530 Marketing Management (an earned
grade of B or better) |
| MG 685 Sales and Promotion Management |
| MG 689 Consumer Behavior |
| MG 690 Marketing Strategy |
| One elective selected from the following: |
| MG 686 Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations |
| MG 687 International Marketing |
| MG 691 Customer Service and Logistics |
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| International Management Concentration |
| The International Management concentration
is designed to provide managers with the background necessary
to both understand and operate within the developing international
environment of modern organizations. Success will depend
upon understanding the effects of intense international
competition in domestic markets, opportunities presented
in overseas markets, the effects of currency fluctuations
and international capital movements together with the
problems and opportunities presented by the different
languages and cultures. Concentration requirements are: |
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| MG 624 International Management and
Economic Systems |
| MG 625 International Trade |
| MG 626 International Business: The
Cultural Dimension |
| MG 687 International Marketing |
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| Organization Development Concentration |
The Organization Development (O.D.)
concentration is designed to help managers devise the
programs necessary to make their organizations more effective
and open to planned change. The electives for the concentration
and, in particular, the required courses MG 540 Organizational
Theory and Design and MG 560 Career Management and Human
Development give the student a perspective on O.D. interventions
appropriate for different levels: the individual, the
small groups or teams, and the entire organization. Students
will develop problem-solving skills, communication skills,
planning skills, a change-oriented perspective, and an
understanding of the O.D. process of assessment, diagnosis,
and intervention. This concentration will help students
develop the means to become change
agents within their own organizations. Concentration requirements
are: |
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| MG 646 Group Dynamics |
| MG 648 Leadership |
| MG 649 Organization Development |
| MG 675 Human Resource Management |
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| Courses |
| Required
Courses: |
| MG 641 Managerial Presentation Skills |
| MG 642 Graduate Writing Seminar |
| MG 646 Group Dynamics |
| MG 648 Leadership |
| MG 649 Organization Development |
| MG 650 Managerial Training and Development |
| MG 652 Information Systems for Management |
| MG 662 Fund Development and Grantsmanship |
| MG 670 Production and Operations Management |
| MG 671 Industrial Ecology |
| MG 672 Sustainable Business Management |
| MG 673 Building Social Capital |
| MG 675 Human Resource Management |
| MG 676 Ethnomanagement: Focus on Diversity |
| MG 680 Finance for Non-Financial Managers |
| MG 682 Investing for Managers |
| MG 684 Managing the Not-For-Profit |
| MG 685 Sales and Promotion Management |
| MG 686 Marketing for Non-Profit Organizations |
| MG 687 International Marketing |
| MG 689 Consumer Behavior |
| MG 690 Marketing Strategy |
| MG 691 Customer Service and Logistics |
| MG 693 Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management |
| MG 694 Managing 21st Century Organizations |
| MG 696 Topical Issues in Management |
| MG 697 Internship |
| MG 699 Independent Project/Independent Study |
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| MG 580 Accounting for Management |
| MG 500 The Economic Environment |
| MG 510 Research Methods, Design, and Analysis* |
| MG 520 Organizational Behavior: Focus on the Individual* |
| MG 530 Marketing Management |
| MG 540 Organizational Theory and Design |
| MG 570 Ethics and Social Responsibility of Management |
| Select one from the following four: |
MG 639 Interpersonal Communication
MG 640 Communication in Organizations
MG 641 Managerial Presentation Skills
MG 646 Group Dynamics |
| MG 695 Strategic Management and Policy-Making** |
| *Unless waived, MG 510 should be taken within the first 9 credits, and MG 520 within the first 6 credits. |
| **MG 695 is the capstone course and is to be taken within the last 6 credits of the program. |
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| Elective Courses: |
| MG 610 Legal Issues in Management |
| MG 624 International Management and Economic Systems |
| MG 625 International Trade |
| MG 626 International Business: The Cultural Dimension |
MG 638 Negotiating: Theory and Skills
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MG 639 Interpersonal Communication
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MG 640 Communication in Organizations
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| Course Descriptions: |
| MG 500 The Economic Environment |
| This is a course in Managerial Economics, which focuses primarily on the microeconomic environment in which a manager must operate. Besides understanding how market structures affect firm performance, the course explores the use of economic concepts as managerial tools. |
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| MG 510 Research Methods, Design
and Analysis |
(To be taken within the first nine (9) credit hours)
A conceptual presentation of descriptive and inferential statistics and their use in decision making. The course involves research design, planning and evaluation research, problem selection, proposal writing and presentation, and research report writing and evaluation. |
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| MG 520 Organizational Behavior:
Focus on the Individual |
(To be taken within the first six (6) credit hours)
Individual factors affecting human behavior in organizations are explored in this course. Theoretical concepts which provide the foundation for the study of organizational behavior are examined together with an emphasis on leadership, team development, motivation, and communication. Application of these concepts to the management of organizations is accomplished through class activities. While the focus is almost entirely on the core organizational behavior topics, the development of a management philosophy and the understanding of the link between both managerial activities and organizational effectiveness are used as integrating themes. |
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| MG 530 Marketing Management
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| Policy formation through marketing management is studied with special emphasis on the influence of marketing institutions, market structure, governmental regulations, and fluctuations in population and national income. |
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| MG 540 Organizational Theory
and Design |
| This course treats the organization as an entity for study, looking at such issues as the historical growth of organizations, organizations as reflections of society, organizational structure, mission, goals, culture, and politics. (Macro O.B.). Emphasis is given to the examination of the characteristics of open systems, studying models of organizations for their effectiveness, developing strategies for innovations and change within organizations. |
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| MG 570 Ethics and Social Responsibility
of Management |
| A study of the role and responsibilities that organizations have in their relationship to local, state, national, and international communities. Impact on economic, social, and cultural systems, and the ultimate influences an organization has on personal and social functioning are reviewed. |
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| MG 580 Accounting for Management |
| An examination of techniques used in establishing standards and budgets for control with an overview of product costing and overhead applications. The course also includes the flow of accounting data in the creation of financial statements. Careful study is also given to the problems of making business decisions, budgeting and cost control, and using accounting data in planning operations and policy formulation. |
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| MG 610 Legal Issues in Management
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| This course explores the relationship between the law and business/organization management with an emphasis on the manager’s concern for and prevention of legal exposure. Areas of study include contracts, agency, business torts, discrimination, wrongful discharge, and administrative regulations, including antitrust, warranty, patent, copyright and consumer protection laws. |
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| MG 624 International Management
and Economic Systems |
| This course provides a managerial introduction to the various aspects of the organization’s international environment and the adaptations required of organizations whose activities cross national boundaries. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course touches on economic, cultural, socio-political, and ecological perspectives. Broad managerial and strategic concepts are explored in contest with the adjustments required in such areas as accounting, finance, marketing, logistics, and human resources. |
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| MG 625 International Trade |
| An examination of the theoretical and empirical aspects of international trade and finance, including comparative advantage, exchange rate determination, the issue of protectionism, and determination of terms of trade. Course instruction combines theoretical analysis and the case study method. |
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| MG 626 International Business:
The Cultural Dimension |
| A study in which cultural differences affect international trade and the principles of intercultural communication. The course focuses on the manner in which language and behavior convey different meanings in different cultures. |
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| MG 630 Managerial Planning |
| This course focuses on the process of planning as it occurs at various levels of a business organization, with emphasis on the design of the process, who is/should be involved in the planning, the definition of the problem to be addressed by the process, the development and assessment of alternative “solutions” and the methods for evaluating the outcomes of the plan. |
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| MG 638 Negotiating: Theory
and Skills |
| This course focuses on the development of negotiating skills in typical organizational settings. Through the use of classroom simulation, students acquire skills in all aspects of negotiating. Extensive use of the workshop format is employed. |
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| MG 639 Interpersonal Communication |
| This course is intended as an overview of fundamental interpersonal concepts, principles, theories, and skills as they operate in organizations. The fundamental goal of the course is for the student to gain a fairly sophisticated understanding, based on landmark and more recent research and/or theoretical sources together with observation of and participation in dyadic role-playing events, of some of the critical variables in the process of interpersonal communication. |
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| MG 640 Communication in Organizations |
| An investigation of the critical phases of communication which are common to all modes of human interchange. The course considers the organizational setting in which communication occurs together with the behavioral aspects of communication. Special attention is paid to the roles played by perception and motivation and to the patterns of miscommunication, which arise in both intra and interpersonal communication and organizational subsystems. |
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| MG 641 Managerial Presentation
Skills |
| This experiential course focuses on the individual development of skill building for public speaking. Specifically, emphasis is placed on creating effective speech content, conducting an audience analysis and speech critique, as well as understanding the causes and remedies of communication apprehension related to public presentation. Instruction in vocal and physical delivery is provided in addition to ample feedback. |
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| MG 642 Graduate Writing Seminar |
| Various practical approaches to the improvement of writing style are presented. All are aimed at the development of the clarity of communication, viable self-expression, and future publication. |
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| MG 646 Group Dynamics |
| A study of group process and functions, including theories of group and team dynamics, the major variables influencing group process, and specialized group techniques particularly applicable to organizational functioning. |
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| MG 648 Leadership |
| A study of leadership research including leadership traits, styles, contingency theories, and group leadership approaches. Students apply these results through an analysis of their own personality traits and leadership styles. Prerequisite: MG 520 or MG 540 or equivalent. |
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| MG 649 Organizational Development
(O.D.) |
| The course focuses on a systematic approach to planned organizational change. Students discuss various ways of assessing the organization’s current status (strengths, weaknesses, needs, etc.), prescribing the appropriate changes, strategies and effective interventions, and planning ways to overcome resistance to change. |
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| MG 650 Managerial Training
and Development |
| The course provides grounding in the field of Training, Development, and Organizational Learning and increases the student’s ability to use appropriate knowledge and skills in the design, implementation, and management of individual and organizational learning |
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| MG 652 Information Systems
for Management |
| This course explores the basic characteristics of organizational information systems and also presents a philosophy for the management of the information resource in the organization. Emphasis is placed on the importance of making multiple use of data, the integration of various information systems, the application of database and distributed processing techniques together with the solution of “people problems” in all phases of the planning, development, and utilization of information systems. |
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| MG 662 Fund Development and
Grantsmanship |
| The course covers the evaluation of grant proposals and programs together with instruction on how to locate funding sources and development of budgets. As part pf the curriculum, students will prepare a grant proposal. |
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| MG 670 Production and Operations
Management |
| Acquainting the student with the concepts and applications of productivity analysis, decision making, forecasting and operations management, the course is addressed from two viewpoints: Building operations concerning issues related to quality, product/service design, processes, location, people, work systems and layout, and managing operations concerning issues related to scheduling, purchasing, inventory control and maintenance. |
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| MG 671 Industrial Ecology |
| This course examines natural and anthropogenic production processes and examines the complex series of interactions among society, industry, and the natural environment. Numerous business case studies are discussed that significantly improve resource efficiency. |
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| MG 672 Sustainable Business
Management |
| This course focuses on successful techniques used by industrial designers and business managers to concurrently increase profits, eliminate waste and toxins, and increase human social capital, especially in the local community. The second part of the course includes a number of presentations by West Michigan business leaders who currently implement sustainable business practices in their companies. |
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| MG 675 Human Resources Management |
| The human resource management course covers such topics as staffing, performance, appraisal, training and development, compensation policies, and organizational development together with safety and collective bargaining issues. |
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| MG 676 Ethnomanagement |
| This course offers students an opportunity to increase their intercultural skills and effectiveness, both in domestic and multicultural environments and in international business dealings. At the same time, it provides a managerial perspective on globalization of business and the practical impact of changing social value structures, and general cultural aspects of administration. |
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| MG 680 Finance for Non-Financial
Managers |
| This course develops the tools and techniques both processed and utilized in financial management, Analysis of financial needs, acquisition of financial resources and allocation of funds are covered through cases, problems, and class discussions. Prerequisite: MG 580 or equivalent. |
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| MG 682 Investing for Managers |
| The primary emphasis of this course is to explore the processes and alternatives available in investing. The course will also explore portfolio considerations of managers. Although the course does not provide advice on specific investments, personal portfolio considerations or particular investment advisor choices, it will provide graduate students with the appropriate skills and abilities to make those choices. Prerequisite: MG 580 or equivalent. |
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| MG 682 Investing for Managers |
| The primary emphasis of this course is to explore the processes and alternatives available in investing. The course will also explore portfolio considerations of managers. Although the course does not provide advice on specific investments, personal portfolio considerations or particular investment advisor choices, it will provide graduate students with the appropriate skills and abilities to make those choices. |
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| MG 685 Sales and Promotion
Management |
| This course develops a detailed understanding of the various promotional tools such as advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, and publicity. Means of estimating costs and results are explored together with those perspectives useful in coordinating promotional objectives and efforts within the organization. Applications are developed to include the creation of promotional plans and budgets as well as the design of promotional efforts such as advertising campaigns and sales tactics, with an emphasis on legal and ethical guidelines. Prerequisite: MG 530 or equivalent. |
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| MG 686 Marketing for Non-Profit
Organizations |
| Designed to assist persons currently employed in the non-profit sector, the course not only addresses the theory but also develops practical applications in the marketing field. Students explore strategic planning, marketing research, new program development, promotional techniques, public relations, and organizational positioning strategies; all within the context of non-profit organizations. |
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| MG 687 International Marketing |
| The course investigates marketing strategies and functions as they are adjusted for the international environment of the organization. Pricing and product design are evaluated in the context of currency fluctuations, differing cost patterns, and different economic and cultural determinants of demand. Promotion and physical distribution are investigated in the context of infrastructure capabilities, costs, and culturally determined expectations for performance. Integrative international marketing strategies are developed, utilizing an understanding of financial implications in various reference currencies as well as both classic and state-of-the-art concepts of appropriate international strategy. |
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| MG 689 Consumer Behavior |
| A study of the factors which shape and influence the behavior of consumers in the marketplace. Both macro- and micro- consumer behavior aspects are reviewed, with major emphasis on contributions from the behavioral sciences, including such topics as sensation and perception, learning and motivation, attitude formations, and group influences on consumer behavior. |
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| MG 690 Marketing Strategy |
| This course develops an understanding of the organization’s market niche through the integration of perspectives in psychology, consumer behavior, microeconomics, finance, ethics, law, and strategic management. Strategic options for the enhancement of the organization’s position are explored, utilizing applications which include market research, computer simulations, and case studies. Prerequisite: MG 530. |
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| MG 691 Customer Service and
Logistics |
| This course develops an understanding of the meaning and importance of customer service as well as an understanding of market sensitivity to differing aspects of customer service in various industries. The course also develops an understanding of the logistical policy implications of customer service, including inventory, transportation and channel policy. Conceptual integration is approached through an examination of the revenue implications of customer service and the cost implications of logistical policy. |
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| MG 692 Strategic Competitive Intelligence |
| Strategic competitive intelligence is an integral component of the strategic management process. It includes the gathering, analysis and development of data in the external environment as well as in-depth analysis and examination of the internal environment of the organization. Areas of analysis include human resources, research and development, operations, marketing and sales, IT, leadership, finance and the ethical dimensions of gathering data. |
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| MG 693 Entrepreneurship and
Small Business Management |
| Students will examine the issues faced by entrepreneurs in starting and operating new businesses. Topics include business selection, venture financing, cash flow, marketing strategies, human resources, MIS, and organizational behavior. As an integral part of the course, students will develop a business plan, including financial statements. Prerequisites: MG 520, MG 530, and MG 580. |
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| MG 694 Future of Management |
| To provide managers with an overview of factors currently affecting both management and organizations together with their potential future effect on work and organizations. |
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| MG 695 Strategic Management
and Policy-Making |
| (To be taken within the last six (6) credit hours of the program)
This capstone course in the student’s program is intended to consolidate the information accumulated in earlier course work in order to demonstrate the interaction of all sub-functions of the organization. Students will be placed in real-world situations through the use of cases, simulation, and actual management circumstances, and will be expected to defend any recommended actions. |
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| MG 696 Environmental Economics and Management Decisions |
| Microeconomic theory and models of environmental economics are used to examine issues such as common property resources, externalities, environmental accounting, contingent valuation and maximum sustainable yield. The models and theory are also used to evaluate the economic and social impacts of environmental policy, and management decisions. Prerequisite: MG 500 or consent of instructor. |
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| MG 696 Managing the Not-For-Profit |
| This course is designed for managers and leaders in human services, cultural, educational, community, environmental and other nonprofit organizations. The focus is on the unique concerns and changing environment of nonprofit organizations. Management of volunteers and professionals; resource development; governance and volunteer boards; fundraising and multiple sources of funding; unique legal and regulatory issues; increased emphasis on accountability; and the entrepreneurial character of nonprofit leadership. |
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| MG 697 Internship |
| (Students must have completed at least 21 credit hours)
Up to three (3) elective credit hours may be earned through an internship in a new area of learning and directly related to a Master of Management study area. This internship is negotiated with a full-time faculty member with related experience in conjunction with the Career Services Department. On-site visits to observe the student will be utilized as part of the evaluation process. A field supervisor must also be identified. The student is responsible for finding an organizational setting and for identifying both the field supervisor and the Aquinas faculty member. The Career Services Department will assist in arranging an internship (paid or unpaid). Special registration forms must be completed before a student can be registered. The forms are available in the Career Services Office. Grading will be on a Credit/No Credit (Cr/NC) basis. Approval of the Dean of the School of Management is required. |
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| MG 699 Independent Project
(Variable credit) |
| An individually negotiated project of a defined nature is established by a contract between the instructor and student. Approval of the Dean of the School of Management is required. |
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| MG 699 Independent Study |
| Required or elective courses may be taken by independent study. All independent studies must be contracted with a faculty member and approved by the Dean of the School of Management. Forms are available in the Graduate Studies Office. Students are limited to two (2) independent studies or independent projects or combination, for a total not to exceed six (6) credit hours. |
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