Topics in Business – Strategy

In business, luck plays a role, just as it does in many other contexts. Although some companies may attribute their performance to occasional luck or unfortunate circumstances, sustained success typically results from deliberate and effective actions. Organizations that consistently achieve positive outcomes owe their success to leaders who comprehend the global landscape, formulate clear strategies, align their organizational structures accordingly, and motivate their teams to execute plans effectively. Moreover, in today’s fiercely competitive global arena, gaining and maintaining an advantage requires a thorough evaluation and management of global factors. The ability to develop and execute a business strategy to navigate complex global challenges is a vital skill for aspiring business professionals, whether they aim to be entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, or organizational leaders. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises, students will delve into the fundamental principles of developing, executing, and adapting business strategies within a global context. The course adopts an engaged learning approach to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed for effective strategic decision-making in today’s dynamic business environment.

Learning goal
At the completion of this course, you will be able to apply strategic management tools to analyze the business context and formulate a competitive strategy.

Course learning outcomes (CLOs)

• At the completion of this course, you should be able to:
• Evaluate relevant external factors to propose consequent actions that exploit opportunities and address threats
• Analyze the structure and processes of a business to identify key internal strengths that enable and weaknesses that hinder its value proposition
• Develop a business strategy aimed at attaining and maintaining competitive advantage in a global business context

Program learning outcomes (PLOs)

This course contributes to the following Business Administration and Management PLOs:

• Process, interpret, and analyze data within the context of business
• Apply business concepts and tools to propose solutions to business challenges
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrate effective and ethical interpersonal skills in a team setting

Borrero
4 Credits
December 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
Online Course

Data Visualization in R

This course is designed to equip STEM majors with the skills needed to create effective and visually appealing data visualizations using R, focusing on the widely used ggplot2 package. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to data visualization principles, emphasizing their application in scientific research and data analysis. Students will learn how to transform raw data into insightful plots, tailored for scientific communication. Using ggplot2: Elegant Graphics for Data Analysis and GGplot2 Essentials: Great Data Visualization in R as primary textbooks, the course covers a wide range of visualization techniques. Topics include foundational concepts of data aesthetics, advanced plot customizations, and creating publicationquality graphics. The course also explores strategies for visualizing complex datasets, enabling students to effectively convey scientific insights. This course is designed with both synchronous and asynchronous components to accommodate different learning styles. Weekly live sessions will include interactive lectures, hands-on coding exercises, and group discussions. Asynchronous materials such as recorded lectures, coding walkthroughs, and practice assignments will be available for flexible learning. By the end of the course, students will have developed a portfolio of visualizations demonstrating their ability to analyze and communicate data in R.

Beatty
4 Credits
December 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
M,T,W,R,F 8:00am – 11:20pm
Online Course

Pathophysiology

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying human diseases, focusing on the physiological processes that lead to pathological conditions. Designed for undergraduate students pursuing careers in healthcare, biomedical sciences, or related fields, this course builds a strong foundation in understanding how normal physiological processes are disrupted in disease states. Throughout the course, students will study the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of various disorders affecting major organ systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and nervous systems. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and application of knowledge through the analysis of case studies, linking theoretical concepts to real-world clinical scenarios.

Beatty
4 Credits
December 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
M,T,W,R 6:00pm – 10:10pm
Online Course

General Chemistry I

The fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical periodicity, ionic and covalent bonding, molecular structure, stoichiometry, inorganic nomenclature, gases liquid and solids. Lecture only.

Neiles
4 Credits
December 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
Online Course

College Physics 2

Topics include rotational motion, oscillations and waves, electromagnetic waves, and electricity and magnetism. Lecture and laboratory.

This course satisfies the Core Natural Sciences with Laboratory requirement and the degree requirements for the Marine Science major, but it does not satisfy the degree requirements for majors in physics or chemistry, or requirements of LEAD curricula.

There will be an approximately $50 cost for the online homework system (ExpertTA) and items/equipment used by students for at-home lab exercises. Students will purchase the items through the campus bookstore.
This course is remote only. Students will be provided with a zoom link for the class.

Adler
4 Credits
December 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
M,T,W,R, 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Online Course