Business Department

Faculty:

Michael Walker, M.B.A., D.B.A. in progress, Chair

Rebecca Deel, D.A.

Russell Campbell, M.Ed.

Joey McGlashan, M.B.A.

Bruce Balcom, J.D. (adjunct)

Dean Jones, M.T.A. (adjunct)

Don Kotval, M.A., M.S. (adjunct)


The College offers programs to prepare Christian men and women for careers in business. On the one hand, there is need for people thus prepared to serve in Christian organizations: churches, schools, and various agencies. On the other hand, many Christians who feel that their calling is to the secular business world need to be equipped not only for that vocation but also for effective witness and ministry, both in the workplace and as lay leaders in their churches. The programs offered here will provide that kind of education, combining a Biblical orientation for life and service, a solid base of general education and a thorough business curriculum.

The department offers both a four-year baccalaureate degree in business administration and a two-year associate’s degree; it also offers a basic computer course included in the general education component of all degree programs.


Bachelor of Science Degree,

Major in Business Administration

(M.B.A. Preparation, Economics, Leadership, and General Business Emphasis)

This program provides broad preparation in three areas: professional business courses, general education, and Biblical studies. The program includes a broad range of courses in business administration.

The student who completes this program should be well prepared for a career in business, for either a secular firm or a Christian organization, or for graduate school in the field. This curriculum also serves as an excellent pre-law program (see page 100). Emphasis on the spiritual growth and development of each student, and on the importance of Christian witness and service in the world of work, is a unique feature of this program in its Bible College setting.

Specific objectives include those stated elsewhere in the catalog for the major in Biblical Studies (page 47) and for the General Education core (page 85). In addition, the student who successfully completes the program should be able to:

(1) demonstrate a broad knowledge of general business principles, skills, and techniques;

(2) understand the legal environment within which businesses operate;

(3) analyze and apply economic theories and principles to present-day situations;

(4) apply basic financial and accounting principles to the needs of business;

(5) understand the principles and problems involved in the management and operation of businesses, including the planning, organization, and controlling of work as well as supervision of employees;

(6) understand and apply the principles and techniques of retail business activities: including advertising, marketing, and selling;

(7) apply oral and written communication skills in a business environment;

(8) integrate computer skills and techniques into business decision making.

(9) evaluate ethical dilemmas with Biblical foundations for ethical decisions.


Requirements: 124 hours with a C average (2.00 g.p.a.) overall and in each major.

(1) Biblical Studies major, 30 hours (page 48)

(2) CM 100 Personal Evangelism, 2 hours

(3) General Education core, 44 hours:

BU 102 Microcomputer Applications, 2

EN 101-2 Basic English Grammar and Usage; and Basic English Composition, 6

EN 211-2 Masterpieces of World Literature, 6

HI 201-2 U.S. History, 6 (or history electives as approved by department)

PR 200 Introduction to Philosophy, 3 or HU 200 Appreciation of the Arts, 3

MA 110 College Algebra, 3

MA 301 Statistics I, 3

PE 210 Lifetime Fitness and activity elective, 3

Science Elective, 4

SP 100 Fundamentals of Speech, 3

PS 200 or PS 230 General Psychology/Group and Interpersonal Relationships, 3

SS 102 Freshman Orientation, 2

(4) Business Administration core, 27 hours:

BU 200 Business Communications, 3

BU 221 Principles of Accounting I, 3

BU 241 Principles of Macroeconomics, 3

BU 311 Legal & Social Environment of Business, 3

BU 320 Marketplace Management, 3

BU 330 Principles of Management, 3

BU 340 Business Finance, 3

BU 350 Production & Operations Systems, 3

BU 420 Strategic Planning, 3

BU 496 Project Thesis I, 1-4 hours (can be substitute for BU 490, 491)

(5) Business Electives Emphasis, 21 hours to be approved by Business Faculty (see the following):

(a) M.B.A. Preparation, 21 hours:

BU 222 Principles of Accounting II, 3

BU 240 Management of Information Systems, 3

BU 242 Principles of Microeconomics, 3

MA 302 Statistics II, 3

Business Electives, 9

(b) Economics Emphasis, 21 hours (including electives):

BU 242 Principles of Microeconomics, 3

BU 372 Environmental Economics, 3

BU 471 History of Economic Thought, 3

BU 371 History of the American Economy, 3

BU 373 History of the World Economy, 3

Business/Economics Electives, 6

(c) Leadership Emphasis, 21 hours (including electives):

LE 310 Leadership Theory and Practice, 3

LE 350 Christian Perspectives on Leadership, 3

LE 450 Leadership and World Views, 3*

BU 380 Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management, 3

BU 400 Human Resources Management, 3

Business/Leadership Electives, 6

*For LE course descriptions, see page 106.

(d) General Business Emphasis, 21 hours (including electives)

As approved by the Business faculty and Academic Dean.


Associate of Science in Business Degree

This two-year program will enable the student to develop the character and skills necessary for efficiency as an accounting clerk, office manager, or other office worker. The increasing demand by our denominational offices, churches, and Christian schools for bookkeepers and business managers calls for the integrated preparation that a Bible centered business curriculum offers. This kind of education is equally valuable to those who serve as Christian witnesses in the business world.

The program is structured to allow for different emphases in the Business concentration, according to one’s interests, abilities, and goals. Within the 15 hours of BU electives indicated below, the student may focus, for example, on management, accounting, or office administration.

All graduates of this program should be able to:

(1) demonstrate Christian principles, values, and responsible stewardship in life and work;

(2) demonstrate, in large measure, the same Biblical proficiency described in the objectives of the Bible major (page 47);

(3) communicate and work effectively with others;

(4) use fundamental computer skills;

(5) apply basic accounting principles to the needs of the office;

(6) demonstrate fundamental skills appropriate for the area of emphasis chosen.


Requirements: 62 hours with a C average (2.00 g.p.a.) overall.

(1) Biblical Studies, 23 hours:

BI 120 Biblical Discipleship, 3

BI 101-2, 203-4 Bible Survey, 12

TH 201-2 Bible Doctrines, 6

CM 100 Personal Evangelism, 2

(2) General Education, 19 hours:

BU 102 Microcomputer Applications, 2

EN 101-2 Basic English Grammar and Usage; and Basic English Composition, 6

MA 110 College Algebra, 3

PS 200 General Psychology or PS 230 Group and Interpersonal Relations, 3

SP 100 Fundamentals of Speech, 3

SS 102 Freshman Orientation, 2

(3) Business, 21 hours:

BU 221, 222 Principles of Accounting I, II, 6

BU 241 Principles of Macroeconomics, 3

BU 242 Principles of Microeconomics, 3

BU emphasis, as approved by department faculty, 9

BU emphasis as approved by departmental faculty, 9

 

Course Descriptions


BU 102. MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS

A student may be exempted from BU 102 by scoring 80 or higher on a proficiency test. The test will cover basic PC hardware information, basic DOS information, and a Microsoft Office software package (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). The test will be two-fold. One portion will be objective multiple choice. The second portion will test the student’s proficiency in creating basic documents with the MS Office software package.

A general introduction to computers and computer usage, accomplished through a study of the various components of the computer, different types of computers, evolution of the computer, how data is processed, operating systems, internet, software packages, what programming languages are, how computers are affecting our society, the types of computer careers available, and the inclusion of computer technology as a problem solving and learning tool.

Two hours, offered each semester annually.


BU 200. BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Understanding and applying the principles of business communication, oral and written. Analysis of typical written communications (business letters, memos, reports) dealing with human relations and management situations including drafting, evaluation, editing, and preparation of letters and memos.

Three hours, offered fall semester annually.


BU 221, 222. PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING

Fundamental procedure and accounting theory, developed by use of study guides and problems: includes a study of the form, construction and analysis of accounting statements; journalizing; posting; and work sheets for sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation forms of business. Prerequisite: BU 221 (for BU 222).

Three hours each semester, offered annually.


BU 240. MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Design and analysis of managerial problems for computer applications, fundamental data organization, input/output design and layout, computer hardware and systems support, documentation, and testing procedures.

Three hours, offered spring semester odd years.


BU 241. MACROECONOMICS

Provides a basic understanding of the operation of the U.S. economic system; demonstrates the role of money and its effects on the economy; explores why there are business fluctuations; shows the current method of economic analysis and the development of economic policies that are used to stabilize the level of economic activity; and introduces concepts of international economics.

Three hours, offered fall semester annually.


BU 242. MICROECONOMICS

The theory of demand, production and cost, and resource allocation in a market economy; the varieties of competitive conditions such as pure and perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly; the theory of factor pricing and income distribution in a free society.

Three hours, offered spring semester annually.


BU 250. BUSINESS ETHICS

Examines the ethical problems faced in business practice. The study focuses on real-life examples with a strong emphasis on the Biblical basis for the proper ethical decision. This course will expose students to critical issues–the strong sense of Biblical values that are essential to principled and successful leadership in the business world.

Three hours, offered fall semester annually.


BU 311. LEGAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS

How law responds to the changing social, ethical, political, regulatory, and international environments through a study of the legal system, business crimes, law of torts and product liability, constitutional basis for business regulation, business organizations, and the regulatory process.

Three hours, offered fall semester annually.


BU 320. MARKETPLACE MANAGEMENT

A survey of fundamental marketing concepts in the American economy. Topics include strategic marketing, marketing environment, segmentation, forecasting, consumer behavior, product life cycle, product mix, pricing, advertising, distribution, and promotion.

Three hours, offered spring semester, even years.


BU 330. PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT

Introduction to basic principles involved in effectively managing a business. Topics include communication, planning and administration, strategic action, self-management, global awareness, and teamwork.

Three hours, offered fall semester annually.


BU 340. BUSINESS FINANCE

Introduction to the basic principles/concepts of financial supervision, including time value of money concepts, working capital administration, ratio analysis, forecasting, financial planning, security valuation, capital budgeting, and alternative financing sources.

Three hours, offered fall semester annually.


BU 350. PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS SYSTEMS

Emphasis on supervision of manufacturing and service related concerns. Topics include strategic planning, quality control, job design, work measurement, decision support systems, and simulations.

Three hours, offered spring semester annually.


BU/TE 365. INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Students will learn to use a variety of technology including the use of the computer, the internet, projectors and data storage equipment. Various programs for instruction, assessment, and record-keeping will be explored. Prerequisite: BU 102 or its equivalent.

Two-three hours, offered spring semester annually.


BU 371. HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN ECONOMY

Economic development of the United States from the Colonial period to the present. Interrelated changes in economic performance, technology, institutions, and government policy.

Three hours, offered fall semester, even years.


BU 372. ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS

Students will study the origins of environmental problems, their economic consequences, and policies that address them. The course will also include discussions on Christian Stewardship of resources, integrity and honesty in the marketplace, and the Christian’s role in society and business. Prerequisite: BU 241 or BU 242.

Three hours, offered spring semester, annually.


BU 373. HISTORY OF THE WORLD ECONOMY

An introduction to world economic history employing an international approach that spans feudalism and the development of modern capitalism in different developing economies.

Three hours, offered fall semester, odd years.


BU 375. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS

Differences between domestic trade and international trade, foundations of international trade, economic effects of free trade and restricted trade; mechanisms of international payments and structure of balance of payments; history and contemporary issues of trade policies and world monetary systems. Prerequisite: BU 241 or BU 242.

Three hours, offered spring semester, even years.


BU 380. ENTREPRENEURSHIP/SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Designed to teach students the mechanics and operational skill needed for organizing and operating an enterprise. Students will learn about startup and buy out opportunities, franchising, how to develop a new venture business plan, and small business marketing and management.

Three hours, offered fall semester, even years.


PE/BU. SPORTS MANAGEMENT

A study of the principles and processes for managing sporting and recreational training activities. Topics include program design, processes, staffing, training, compensation, supervision, athletic evaluation, and safety.

Three hours, offered fall semester annually.


BU 390. CONVENTION MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP

Convention Management Internship (CMI) is an intensive, eight-day, hands-on intern experience that allows selected students to work behind the scenes at the Free Will Baptist National Convention. The preliminary course work provides an overview of basic convention and meeting management issues, concepts and vocabulary. Course delivery will include prior assignments and a follow up project. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to articulate the relationship between purposeful convention planning and operations with the specific purpose of the event. The on-site experience allows for a detailed experience in one of eight specific areas.

Three hours, offered summer each year.


BU 400. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

An examination of the functions performed by the Human Resources Department of a modern business organization. Topics include job design and description, staffing, training, discipline, and compensation. Includes attention to employee benefits programs and human resource concerns resulting from global business operations.

Three hours, offered fall semester, odd years.


BU 410. International Business

A study of international organizational structures and managerial processes, including cultural, political, economic, and legal environments of global marketing, world market patterns, and international trace theory. Prerequisites: BU 241, BU 330.

Three hours, offered spring semester odd years.


BU 420. STRATEGIC PLANNING

A course to be taken at the conclusion of the business curriculum, designed to pull together the various business disciplines the student will have studied. Students will analyze a company from various viewpoints and prepare short and long term strategic plans for the company.

Three hours, offered spring semester annually.


BU 471. HISTORY OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT

Evolution of economic ideas from the ancient Greeks to the contemporary world with attention to the thoughts of Adam Smith, David Ricardo, J. S. Mill, Alfred Marshall, and J. M. Keynes.

Three hours, offered spring semester annually.


BU 490. BUSINESS SEMINAR

A series of seminars emphasizing Business/Career Development topics. Topics include career planning, resume development, interviewing, current issues and discussion of education to actual business experience.

One hour, offered fall semester annually.


BU 491. BUSINESS INTERNSHIP

This course uses a minimum of 10 hours per week supervised and evaluated work experience to supplement academic training with on-the-job training relevant to the student’s career goals. Prerequisite: BU 490

Two hours, offered each semester annually.


BU 494. SPECIAL TOPICS IN BUSINESS

An examination of a worthwhile topic related to business applications or a specific subject in business. Course requires the approval of the business department faculty. This may be in the form of a research project requiring a signed and formal paper and/or a project which shall be presented to the faculty member-of-record or a seminar which meets regularly and for as least the time required for all other courses. Students may be expected to present papers and/or projects to a juried panel of faculty or other professionals. In some cases this may be used to meet requirements of other majors in combination degree programs. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and departmental approval. In the event of multiple departmental application, this would require approval of both departments involved.

One-Three hours, offered as approved upon demand.


BU. 496. BUSINESS PROJECT THESIS

This course will be an independent study format in cooperation with an assigned thesis coordinator. The requirements for the project will be determined by the coordinator, with specific requirements depending on the number of credit hours requested. One hour credit will require research and a written presentation of the findings. Two hours credit will require a written presentation of more depth than the one hour requirement. Three hours credit will require an oral presentation of the project in addition to the two hours requirements. For four hours credit, the project must fulfill the three hour requirement with an addition of a Biblical application/research component. Course may be repeated with change of subject matter with a maximum of nine credits. Prerequisite: Must have junior or senior status to take course. May be a substitute for BU 490/491.

One to four hours credit, offered on demand.