Doctor of Business Administration

Foundations of Organization and Management

This course examines classical and contemporary organizational theories as a foundation for academic thought within the program. Students will explore the historical development of organizational theory and develop frameworks of academic reasoning and strategic approaches within organizations and management. Students will apply organizational and management theory to current business practices. Topic areas may include organizational structure, culture, decision-making, power, and change. (4 units)

Ethics in Organizations and Management

In this course, students will learn to identify, analyze, and apply biblical principles to solve ethical issues experienced by organizations and management. Topics covered may include the legal and ethical environment of business, leadership, marketing ethics, labor practices, consumer protection, and use of information technology. Prerequisite: BUS710. (4 units)

Financial Analysis for Decision Making

This course provides both a framework for and the tools necessary to analyze, evaluate, and interpret financial information. Content explored will impart an increased knowledge and understanding of the role of an ethical financial decision maker by examining the dichotomy between the objectives and incentives of the preparers and users of financial statements. Students will analyze financial information to assess the firm's financial and business strategy and determine how those choices reflect the underlying economics of the firm. Prerequisite: BUS775. (4 units)

Applying Economic Theory to Business

This course offers theoretical and applied approaches to economic problems in business. Students will develop the decision making skills and knowledge required to make efficient managerial decisions given different environments and situations, while applying micro and macroeconomic theory. Prerequisite: BUS730. (4 units)

International Business in Global Markets

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge required to analyze theories of business and develop decision making strategies within the global environment. A special emphasis is given to the phenomena of globalization of markets and its implication for firms within a Christian worldview. The course also examines the cultural, social, legal, political, financial, and geographic dimensions of the global marketplace. Prerequisite: BUS740. (4 units)

Strategic Marketing

This course examines key topics influencing the development of marketing strategy within the corporate arena. Students will analyze current literature in the field relating to contemporary marketing theories and may include segmentation, influential marketing trends, and the integration of social media influencing the design and deployment of effective strategies. Prerequisite: BUS750. (4 units)

Topics in Human Resource Management

This course examines topics such as pertinent laws, labor management, employee relations, conflict management, and the role of human resources in organizational performance from a Christian world-view. Strategic methodologies and responsibilities will be applied based on physical location, industry-type, organizational structure, and employee responsibilities. Prerequisite: BUS720. (4 units)

Comprehensive Experience

The Comprehensive Experience will test the studentâ??s knowledge of the methodological and theoretical foundations in business. Students will identify and answer research questions by integrating and synthesizing knowledge from a broad range of content areas covered in the first two years of study. The emphasis of this course is to demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the field of study ensuring that all students advancing to candidacy have internalized the central knowledge, critical thinking, and ethical skills necessary to be effective practitioners, leaders, executives, scholars, and professors. Pre- or Co- Requisite: RCH 720. (4 units)

Dissertation Experience

Students will be guided through the research process after completing the dissertation proposal. This will include the development and completion of the dissertation. Students will work with their dissertation advisors both individually and in small groups. During the final iteration students will defend their dissertation in a public oral examination open to all members of the University community. Although the defense is concerned primarily with the dissertation research and its interpretation, the examining committee may explore the student's knowledge of areas relevant to the core of the dissertation problem. Students will finalize their dissertation manuscript for publication. Prerequisite: BUS780 (4 units)

Dissertation Experience

Students will be guided through the research process after completing the dissertation proposal. This will include the development and completion of the dissertation. Students will work with their dissertation advisors both individually and in small groups. During the final iteration students will defend their dissertation in a public oral examination open to all members of the University community. Although the defense is concerned primarily with the dissertation research and its interpretation, the examining committee may explore the student's knowledge of areas relevant to the core of the dissertation problem. Students will finalize their dissertation manuscript for publication. Prerequisite: BUS780 (4 units)

Dissertation Completion

Students who have successfully completed the final oral defense of their dissertation but were unable to complete required modifications to the dissertation manuscript within BUS797 are required to enroll in this course until a professional editor and the committee chair confirm their dissertation manuscript is complete and submitted for publication. Prerequisite: BUS797 and Permission of Dissertation Chair. Pass/Fail. (1 unit)

Research Design

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the practice of research and research design. The course develops an understanding of the principles, processes and techniques used in social science research. Topics will include reading and evaluating dissertations, identification of quality research design criteria, and development of quality hypothesis statements and research questions. Students will use this information to evaluate their own thinking about research questions and develop potential research design descriptions. Prerequisite: BUS765 or DPA765 or ORG750. (4 units)

Data Analysis and Interpretation

The purpose of this course is to introduce the principles and methods for descriptive and inferential statistics. The course will focus on understanding how descriptive and inferential statistics can be applied to effectively interpret data. Students will be required to utilize statistical software to select basic statistical tests and interpret results. Prerequisite: RCH705. (4 units)

Quantitative Research

The purpose of this course is to present an examination of quantitative methods and designs that are utilized in social science research. Areas of focus include measurement, sampling, and design issues in generating and testing research questions. Students will be required to utilize statistical software to select complex statistical tests and interpret results. Prerequisite: RCH710. (4 units)

Qualitative Research

This course examines the theoretical foundations of qualitative research methods and techniques applied in social science research. Students will be exposed to a wide array of research methods, design, measurement, analysis, and interpretation techniques that are crucial in descriptive research. Students will learn how to analyze human behavior, perceptions, and reactions as well as the meanings people give to their experiences. Prerequisite: RCH715. (4 units)