Business Administration

This course introduces the theory and practice of investment management. It covers the basic logic of investment optimization, function and structure of financial markets, evaluation of individual bonds and securities, and derivatives markets. Topics include asset categories, asset allocation methods, asset portfolio optimization, stock and bond valuation, and the use and valuation of derivative assets.

This course introduces the basics of management communication theories and strategies. Topics include audience analysis, communicator credibility, message construction and delivery, channel choice, and organizational context. The primary focus involves interpersonal skills, the skill of active listening, reflective responses, organizational communication and network, stakeholder and system theory, and communication skills, crisis communication and management, negotiation, presentation skills, cross-cultural communication, writing strategies, public relations, etc. The course includes the study and discussion of communication theory and business cases in order to analyze and understand the strategic thinking and skills in communicating with others both within and outside the organization.

Business today is by all measures - global. No business or industry of any size is immune from the global environment. Understanding the global economy, therefore, is important for all people engaged in business regardless of the size or type of business. This course consists of the basic areas of global market management. The course explores the interrelation of government and business across borders and the economic dynamics between countries and regions, including a general overview of global business environment, foreign direct investment, and entry strategies. The class also discusses the management of global market and reviews several case studies that epitomize the issues involved in today's global world. This is an introductory course about global market management and, therefore, a significant portion of the class will be taught through lectures, but also includes guest speakers, video clips, class discussion and readings on current issues.

The course provides an overview of China's financial market. It examines the history and development, as well as the current status and future prospects of China's capital market. It covers the behavioral characteristics of Chinese market participants, the regulatory system, and taxation and accounting systems. Other topics include securities, tax policy changes, transaction cost and property rights, family business inheritance, the impact of China's accounting policy changes, and behavioral finance.

Creating a true brand is one of the most powerful things any company can do to enhance its market power. When a product-commodity becomes a brand, its use value is imbued with symbolic value that consumers deploy in constructing and maintaining their identities. This course draws on a diverse set of theories to understand current issues in brand management rather than merely relying on the cognitive, information-processing approach to branding.

This course introduces students to the purpose, operations, and implications of management by exploring the contexts within which management takes place. Students reflect on management in relation to the social, economic, technological and legal conditions within which it operates, and analyze political and environmental consequences. We often think of management as trying to manage flows of energy, finance and labor, but it increasingly is required to confront changing social and political structures on a world scale, and challenging environmental conditions as well.