An overview of the concepts and language of financial and managerial accounting that covers how accounting information can be used as an effective tool for communication, monitoring, and resource allocation. Topics include the principles and methodologies underlying financial statements and the inherent limitations of that information. Additional topics include behavior, cost analysis, and tools used to motivate and coordinate business activities.

This course exposes students to how core business concepts are implemented in real-world organizational settings. Key business processes covered include procurement (materials management), fulfillment (sales), and production (manufacturing). The class meets in a computer lab and enables hands-on experience, with instructor guidance, to the ERP solution from SAP, the world's largest business software company. Using the system's core modules and data warehouse, students will gain insight into online transaction processing (OLTP) and online analytical processing (OLAP). A detailed case study with supporting data and structured in-class exercises will prepare students for the SAP graded assignments. Students may download the SAP web-based client to their personal computers.

This course is designed to teach future leaders what they need to know in order to build high-performance operations with world-class processes, continuous improvement and innovation. We cover the most cutting-edge methodologies and tools, together with the most important soft skills required, to create lean and responsive operations that deliver the highest quality services and products.

This course provides an introduction to advanced spreadsheet techniques and programming using macros and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Excel. The focus is on automation of repetitive tasks, including data manipulation as well as data analysis. Experience with Excel is recommended. No prior programming experience expected.

Examines information technology from a business enterprise perspective. Topics include: the components and development of business information technology systems, their use in enhancing and facilitating management practices and decision making and their impact on management decisions.

This course provides an executive viewpoint of marketing concepts, such as branding and segmentation, for strategic and organizational decision-making. There is an emphasis on tools available for analysis and control of marketing activities, including the use of new media. Topics also include industrial life cycles, customer experience, and pricing strategy.

Course will address the needs of students considering starting their own business or purchasing and managing a business or franchise. Areas to be covered during the class are as follows: Idea generation ? differentiate or die; discuss the importance of ?differentiation? and why most new businesses underestimate this critical concept. Choosing the appropriate business structure: Limited Liability Company, Subchapter C Corporation, Subchapter S Corporation. Developing the business plan: gathering and preparing the proper information to attract financing. Funding your business: identifying sources of funding such as Venture Capital, Private Equity, partners, lenders. Human resources: hiring your first employee, evaluating potential sales people, choosing incentive programs. Successful marketing strategies: numerous examples of creative and effective marketing decisions propelling companies forward. Successful sales strategies: numerous examples of tactics designed to get consumers to buy. Exit strategies: selling to private firms, going public, maintaining partial ownership while remaining in management.

This course is designed to help students meet the demand for effective writing and speaking skills in the professional workplace. Topics include rhetorical considerations involving audience and purpose, writing style and tone, organizational strategies, research skills, evidence-based writing, and page design, along with assignments in professional correspondence, report writing, and public speaking and visual aids. This course satisfies the University's junior year writing requirement.

This course is designed to prepare students for success in the following career and professional development competencies such as networking, internship/job search, professional etiquette and industry research. Specific activities will include but are not limited to: resume building, interviewing skills, dressing for success, utilizing social media platforms, developing elevator pitches, building professional connections, increasing knowledge of industry and career areas and navigating career fairs.

In this first-semester seminar, students begin their Isenberg journey by building community, developing strong academic habits, and learning about the many resources available to support their success. Guided by an upper-class TA, they practice practical communication skills - such as crafting an elevator pitch and writing effective emails - while exploring their interests, strengths, and goals. Through conversations, activities, and one-on-one meetings, students learn to navigate college life and establish a sense of belonging at UMass and within the Isenberg community. The course emphasizes connection, curiosity, and confidence as students lay the foundation for a meaningful first year.