Business
BUS 100 Introduction to Business Administration (3) A
This course provides an overview of business management and the business environment. It offers introduction to key functional areas in a business such as economic trends and business cycles, organization of business, human resources management, finance, and marketing. Emphasis is placed on how various functional areas are integrated to ensure a successful business operation.
BUS 201 Business Communication (3) A
This course focuses on communications in a business setting. Students will develop and strengthen their written and oral communication skills in preparation for their ongoing studies and careers. Students will also gain an understanding of the importance of communication skills in a business career. This is an experiential course where students will develop solid skills in writing, listening, problem-solving and presenting individually and within groups, both through digital and traditional media.
BUS 211 Business Ethics and Sustainability (3) A
A course applying concepts, theories, and moral decision procedures found in moral philosophy to a broad range of issues currently encountered in the business context, including: “whistle-blowing,” advertising, employee treatment, insider trading and accounting practices, product liability, corporate social responsibility and issues in international business. Strategies to develop ethical frameworks within businesses and good corporate governance practices are examined.
Prerequisite: one of BUS 100, BUS 305, DVST 305, PS 121 and completion of 18 credits
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 211. Students can only earn credit for one of the following: BUS 211 or BUS 210.
BUS 220 Finance (3-1T) A
This course examines the fundamental financial concepts including time value of money, cost of capital and capital structure, capital investment decisions, budgeting and financial planning, sources and forms of financing and business valuation.
Prerequisite: One of the following: MA 110, MA 111, MA 149 and ACC 200
BUS 250 Organizational Behaviour (3) A
This course introduces students to the theory of organizational behaviour (the study of people at work in organizations). It examines the behaviours of individuals working alone or in teams, and how organizations’ characteristics, management practices and other factors influence this behaviour, and ultimately organizational effectiveness. It also examines the process of organizational change.
Prerequisite: One of the following: BUS 100, BUS 305, DVST 305, PS 121
BUS 261 Global Business Practices (3) O
This course provides a survey of business practices in various regions around the world, comparing and contrasting social and cultural differences that impact business interactions and cross-cultural communication.
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits or permission of the department
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 261
BUS 272 Introduction to Business Analytics (3-1.5) A
An introduction to data and business analysis. Students will explore analytical approaches for making business decisions, including basic steps in problem solving and simple modeling. In addition, they will build quantitative skills using application software that will result in more informed and effective business decision making. Communicating and presenting quantitative data and analysis graphically will also be emphasized. Instruction will consist of lecture and tutorials.
Prerequisite: BUS 100, MA 110, STA 210
BUS 280 Marketing (3) A
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of marketing including topics such as analysis of customer behaviour, market segmentation and trend analysis. The 4 Ps (Product, Price, Promotion and Place) in the marketing mix will be introduced and various marketing strategies catering to different industries will also be examined by means of case studies.
Prerequisite: One of the following: BUS 100, BUS 305, DVST 305
Note: A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
BUS 290 Innovative and Entrepreneurial Thinking (3) A
An exploration of creativity and innovation processes from ideation to problem solution and implementation. The course develops an entrepreneurial mindset through design thinking, creativity exercises, creative problem-solving strategies, and other approaches. Highly practical in nature, this course develops habits of thought that promote initiative, responsibility, and empowering passion.
Prerequisite: Completion of 18 credits or permission of the department
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: BUS 290, DVST 290, IND 290, BUS 390, or DVST 390
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 290 and IND 290
BUS 299 Special Topics in Business Administration (3) O
Special studies in Business Administration, as announced.
Prerequisite: BUS 100 and permission of the department
BUS 304 Business Travel Study (3) A
This educational travel study offers practical, experience- based learning opportunities for students and business leaders to see first-hand how business impacts individuals and communities in various regions around the world. The focus of the course varies each year, ranging from economic development in Latin America to global business in Europe and Asia. Contact the Business program for more information about specific destinations and dates for this travel course each year.
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits and permission of the department
BUS 305 Management of Non-Profit Organizations (3) B
This course is designed to provide current and future nonprofit managers and leaders with an overview of a range of nonprofit management concerns and practices. Course projects and discussions expand students’ management skills, analytical tools, and knowledge. Students take the perspectives of nonprofit managers, volunteers, board members, policy makers, donors, and clients. This course is built on the assumption that students learn more if they are actively engaged with the material. Exercises and discussions allow students to test knowledge, formulate ideas and strategies, respond to management dilemmas, and get immediate feedback from classmates and the instructor.
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits and permission of the department
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 305
BUS 307 Sustainable Development Goals in Context (3) O
An exploration of the global Sustainable Development Goals and their historical development, their national application, and their integration into Albertan business, government, and civil society. The course will move from a broad theoretical understanding of a United Nations framework to an applied survey of how such goals and indicators can be applied to improve society through collaboration and innovation. Instruction will consist of lectures, experienced guest speakers and co-lecturers, reflective discussion, and case studies.
Prerequisite: BUS 100, DVST 210 or permission of the department
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 307
BUS 321 Personal Financial Management (3) B
This course examines global capital markets and relates such markets to the practical application of building a personal financial plan all through the lens of being a Christ-follower. Wealth management is much more complex than simple stewardship rules. Money and our attitude towards finances are a litmus test of our spiritual character.
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits
BUS 323 Responsible and Impact Investing (3) O
This course develops an understanding of the rationale for, principles of, and financial instruments available for responsible and impact investment. Substantial parts of the course consider the regulatory enablers and barriers to impact investing and responsible investing, the challenges involved in their expansion, analysis of alternative instruments, and the measurement of social return on investment.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: BUS 220
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 323
BUS 330 Human Resource Management (3) B
Human Resource Management (HRM) has become a strategic function for both private and public organizations.
This course provides an introduction to the conceptual and practical aspects of HRM. It focuses on the personnel processes involved in the procurement, development and maintenance of human resources, including job classification and description, staffing, training and compensation. The course also includes an examination of current personnel issues and trends.
Prerequisite: One of the following: BUS 100, BUS 305, DVST 305, PS 121
BUS 331 Organization Development and Change (3) B
For organizations desiring to operate effectively and remain competitive in a rapidly changing global market- place, they must adapt to these dynamic and challenging conditions. In this course, students will explore the concepts of organization theory and design, including the major organization forms, the idea of culture as a structure, the impact of environment on structure and the leadership, and the management of dynamic process, all in the context of how organizations best work in today’s complex world.
Prerequisite: BUS 250
BUS 342 Leadership in the Global Context (3) A
A seminar examining leadership theories and approaches to leadership practice in various global contexts. Students will explore the ways multi-cultural influences shape non-profit and for-profit organizations. Various self-assessments will heighten students' awareness of their personality characteristics, current leadership strengths, and areas for growth. Students will develop a personal philosophy of leadership and prepare a personal leadership development plan.
Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credits or permission of department
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: BUS 342, DVST 342 or BUS 341
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 342
BUS 350 Business Law (3) B
An exploration of Canadian legal fundamentals and legal thinking essential for businesses, but also relevant to other organizations and individuals. Topics include the rule of law, organization of the Canadian legal system, torts, contracts, employment, business and non-profit organization and directors’ liability, real and personal property and environmental issues, intellectual property, privacy, consumer protection, bankruptcy, e-commerce, international law, and business and human rights.
Prerequisite: BUS 100 or BUS 305 or completion of 30 credits
BUS 360 International Business (3) O
This course examines how global economic, political and cultural factors affect the strategies of firms involved in international business and trade. Topics include: globalization and international business strategy, free trade and regional economic integration, foreign direct investment, currencies and exchange rates, social and cultural differences in national markets, international management and organizational structure.
Prerequisite: BUS 261
BUS 362 International Microfinance (3) O
This course will investigate the emerging field of microfinance – the provision of small loans and financial services to the poor – and its impact on addressing poverty in developing countries. Students will develop an understanding of a range of topics in the field, including the role of credit in microenterprises, lending models, sustainability and best practice for microfinance institutions (MFIs), cultural factors and regional issues. The course offers a unique mix of theory and practice as students will have the opportunity to work on projects relating to current issues and microfinance programs in various regions of the world.
Prerequisite: One of the following: BUS 100, BUS 305, DVST 305
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 362
BUS 370 Management Information Systems (3) B
This course provides an introduction and understanding of the value and uses of information systems for business operation and management decision-making. It concentrates on providing an understanding of the tools and basic terminology needed to understand information systems and their role in the business environment. Topics include information systems concepts, a review of information technology concepts, the fundamentals of e-business, planning and development of information systems, and the implementation and management of these systems.
Prerequisite: BUS 100 or BUS 305
BUS 371 Operations Management (3) B
An introduction to the nature and problems of operations and production management. Topics include the allocation and scheduling of resources, inventory management, quality control, operations layout and design, project planning and control, and improvement/innovation of business processes. The intent is to provide a broad overview of the subject material and an understanding of how operations management affects business strategy and interacts with the other functional disciplines.
Prerequisite: One of the following: MA 110, MA 111, MA 149 and one of the following: BUS 100, BUS 305/ DVST 305
BUS 372 Data Analysis for Business (3-1.5T) B
An exploration of business analytics through the use of data analysis techniques and tools to make data-driven business decisions. Students will learn how to build predictive models using business intelligence software. Additional emphasis will be placed on the analysis of complex business problems and application of more advanced modelling techniques including simulation, optimization, decision-tree analysis, queuing theory, and forecasting. Instruction will consist of lecture and tutorials.
Prerequisite: BUS 272
BUS 376 Meaning and Purpose of Work in Christian Perspective (3) O
This course will explore the intersection of Christian faith and the world of work. In particular, focus will be given to several key theological themes which highlight the integral role our work plays within the Christian life and God’s activity in the world. In addition to understanding the meaning and purpose of work, attention will be given to how a theological understanding of our work can impact how one engages the workplace and makes career decisions.
Prerequisite: BUS 100
BUS 380 Marketing Research (3-1) B
This course exposes students to the research process as related to marketing and consumer behaviour. Topics include defining the marketing problem, research design, focus group selection, market segmentation and target marketing, sample selection, instrument preparation, data collection and reduction, analysis, presentation and follow-up.
Prerequisite: BUS 280 and STA 210
BUS 382 Consumer Behaviour (3) B
This course familiarizes students with the role of individual lifestyle and personality, and cultural and social influences, in consumer decision-making. These topics are examined with the goal of enabling marketers to better understand customers and meet their needs. The course also provides a uniquely Canadian perspective on how products, services, and consumption activities shape people’s social experiences.
Prerequisite: BUS 280
BUS 384 Brand Management (3) O
Building and effectively maintaining brand equity is among the top priorities of high performing companies and is a fundamental element of competitive strategy. Provides students with insights into how effective brand strategies can be created and the implications for brand management professionals. The class blends marketing theory and practice to provide perspective on corporate marketing and the brand management function.
Prerequisite: BUS 280
BUS 385 Special Topics in Marketing (3) O
Special studies in Marketing, as announced.
Prerequisite: BUS 280 and 3 credits in Marketing at the 300-level
BUS 386 Marketing Communications and Societal Marketing (3) B
An exploration of theories, concepts, and applications of integrated marketing communications. Examining ways organizations can communicate strategically with their customers and other stakeholders, the course covers advertising, sales promotion, public relations, personal selling, direct marketing, societal marketing, and digital (interactive) marketing. The course also examines the ways social media and internet-based platforms help to shape consumer behaviour, and teaches effective and professional use of those platforms.
Prerequisite: BUS 280, BUS 305, or DVST 305
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: BUS 386, DVST 386, or either or both BUS/DVST 381 and BUS 383.
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 386
BUS 392 Business Planning for Social Entrepreneurs (3) O
This is a hands-on, new venture development course. Students learn entrepreneurial planning by developing an actual business plan for a new venture using Business PlanPro Premier software. Students learn and execute tasks such as developing an initial business model using the business model canvas design template; performing thorough customer and market analysis; producing finance and operation plans and projections; creating strategies for sustainability and triple bottom line results; and effectively presenting their business plans in written and oral presentation formats. Business plans will be entered into various business plan competitions and/or presented for financing to BDC, Futurepreneur Canada, or similar organizations.
Prerequisite: BUS 390
BUS 399 Special Topics in Business Administration (3) O
Special studies in Business Administration, as announced.
Prerequisite: BUS 100 and permission of the department
BUS 404 Business Educational Travel Study (3) O
This educational travel study offers practical, experience- based learning opportunities for students and business leaders to see first-hand how business impacts individuals and communities in various regions around the world. The focus of the course varies each year, ranging from economic development in Latin America to global business in Europe and Asia. Contact the Business program for more information about specific destinations and dates for this travel course each year.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department
BUS 405 Special Topics in Business (3) O
Special studies in Business, as announced.
BUS 406 Special Topics in Business and Society (3) O
Special studies in Business and Society, as announced.
BUS 410 Advanced Strategy (3) A
This course is a challenging advanced management course for the undergraduate business student. Students will be exposed to theories, concepts, tools and skills that are used in strategy formulation and implementation. Students will develop analytical thinking through defining core activities that a business focuses on, identifying clients/customers that a business serves, and creating value in what a business offers. Students will be challenged to integrate knowledge they have gained from other business core courses and apply their accumulated knowledge to business case studies. A holistic approach to identifying organizational problems and opportunities will be developed along with the ability to focus specifically on the functional and business levels in implementing the strategies.
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Restricted to students in BA Business or Bachelor of Business Administration in their final year of study.
Note: A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
BUS 420 Business Internship (3) O
A course in which students apply their academic knowledge while acquiring and expanding transferable skills through work experience. Throughout the course, students make connections between the work experience, their program of study, and their career plans.
Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credits and permission of the department.
BUS 431 Learning and Performance Management (3) B
This course focuses on how organizations create and operate performance management systems, as well as meet their organizational learning and development needs. It presents an overview of current issues in the field, such as performance assessment for individuals and teams, needs analysis, rewards and motivation, training program design, talent management, and organizational learning.
Prerequisite: BUS 250 or BUS 330
Note: A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
BUS 432 Recruitment and Selection (3) B
A key step in the human resource management (HRM) process within private, public and nonprofit sectors involves the recruitment and selection of human resources. The course provides the methods, processes, and skills to design and implement strategic recruitment and selection initiatives. Topics covered include: job analysis, legal considerations, identifying sources of applicants, screening, assessment, interviewing, and decision making.
Prerequisite: BUS 330
BUS 433 Employee and Labour Relations (3) B
An exploration of effective employee and labour relations in Canada. Specific emphasis will be given to exploring the practices of effective management: employee relations, the roles and impacts of unions in organizations, and managing conflict and diversity in organizations.
Prerequisite: BUS 250 or BUS 330
BUS 435 Special Topics in Human Resources (3) O
Advanced studies in Human Resources, as announced.
Note: this course is normally taken by students who have completed at least 18 credits in BUS or ACC.
BUS 440 Strategic Human Resource Management (3) B
An exploration of human resource management strategies with two central themes: systematic, strategic thought about managing an organization’s human assets, and practical implementation of human-resources policies to achieve competitive advantage. Adopting the strategic perspective of a general manager, the course addresses topics including reward systems, performance management, high-performance human resource systems, training and development, recruitment, retention, equal employment opportunity laws, work-force diversity, and union-management relationships.
Prerequisite: BUS 330 and completion of an additional 6 credits in Human Resources
BUS 441 Advanced Leadership (3) O
Building upon the foundation of BUS 342, this course examines in greater detail leadership theories (trans- formational, authentic, and spiritual leadership), as well as advanced leadership topics (e.g., team leadership, culture and leadership, leadership ethics, and leadership and social justice). It also explores organizational opportunities and challenges that have leader-follower interaction as a cause (such as implicit leadership, toxic leadership, among others).
Prerequisite: BUS 342
BUS 445 Special Topics in Leadership (3) O
Advanced studies in leadership, as announced.
BUS 449 Senior Leadership Research (3) O
Students survey the applicable literature, conduct original research, and develop an individual research project involving investigation of a leadership issue approved by the instructor. Each student writes a report suitable for publication, presentation at the Ambrose research conference or to a potential employer, or submission with an application to a graduate school. The course will also involve the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis that leaders and consultants use in organizations. Students will conduct limited amount of quantitative research and use spreadsheet tools rather than statistical software packages for analysis.
Prerequisite: BUS 341 and completion of 60 credits
BUS 470 Project Management (3) B
This course aims to provide a comprehensive, multi- industry overview of project management, familiarizing the student with the concepts and basic functions of project management. Topics addressed will include scope, risk, resource allocation, team management and leadership, time and scheduling, cost and budgeting, and evaluation and control. Leveraging the latest project management software, the course provides a balance of hands-on practice, contemporary real-world examples and cases, and the latest theory.
Prerequisite: 18 credits in BUS or ACC
BUS 471 Business in the European Union (3) O
This course explores the business environment in Europe and the impact of European integration in a regional and global context. Topics include: history and development of the European Union, political institutions, economic integration and the single European market, monetary union, and the Euro currency, trade and foreign policy, enlargement and expansion into Eastern Europe.
Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credits in any Business degree
BUS 472 Business Analytics (3-1.5) B
An in-depth examination of business analytics and data analysis techniques. Students will think critically about how to frame and solve business problems, and then learn how to build predictive models using object-oriented program language to address these problems. To evaluate selected cases in the fields such as, finance, marketing, and human resources, this course will teach students to apply the three dimensions of business analytics: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. In addition, they will examine the emerging ethical guidelines that govern the use of big data. Instruction will consist of lecture and tutorials.
Prerequisite: BUS 272
BUS 475 Special Topics in Management (3) O
Special studies in Management, as announced.
Note: this course is normally taken by students who have completed at least 18 credits in BUS or ACC.
BUS 480 Strategic Marketing (3) B
An integration of all the conceptual areas in the marketing discipline. The course will explore the analytical, planning, and communication skills required of successful marketing managers amidst demanding customers, fast-changing technologies, increasing global competition, and social changes in global markets. It will emphasize practical marketing planning, along with the development and implementation of marketing strategies.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in Marketing at the 300-level
BUS 485 Special Topics in Marketing (3) O
Special studies in Marketing, as announced.
Prerequisite: BUS 280
BUS 490 Independent Study (3) O
Consists of an individual research project that investigates a problem or topic area not treated extensively in a regular course.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
BUS 492 a/b Entrepreneurship Incubator (1.5-1.5) O
This is a two-semester entrepreneurship practicum for teams of students starting sustainable, triple bottom line-oriented companies based on business plans previously developed in BUS 392. The practicum is focused on skill development and mentoring in startup formation, resource acquisition, business and revenue model validation, project management, debt and equity financing, and written and oral presentation of startup activities.
Prerequisite: BUS 392
BUS 495 Special Topics in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (3) O
Special studies in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as announced.
Note: this course is normally taken by students who have completed at least 18 credits in BUS or ACC.
BUS 499 Capstone Seminar in Business (3) A
Run as an integrative capstone seminar, this course serves as an occasion for graduating students to integrate and consolidate the various dimensions of their business program. The course will explore the pragmatic application of their fields of knowledge, the ways this can lead to vocation and service in the world community, while also providing a forum to help students transition to the next season of their professional lives.
Prerequisite: Restricted to students in BBA or BA Business Administration programs in their final year of study.
Permission of the department is required.