Online Business Courses

Course Description

This course emphasizes the key aspects of engaging in entrepreneurial activities and the associated skill of creating a compelling business plan. The intent is to provide the business major as well as other disciplines methodologies for exploring business ideas, developing those ideas into viable enterprises, and securing financing to grow the business. Whenever possible real-world case studies including student developed ideas and plans to-date will be applied to analyze and learn these concepts in a business setting. Christian and ethical principles will be identified as appropriate as part of case discussions.

The overarching objective of this course is to make you a better thinker, leader, and businessperson. While the focus of this course is new ventures, the concepts addressed draw from a wide variety of subjects, both business and non-business, that are necessary to help convert a concept into a reality, which is an important capability whether you are an entrepreneur, an intrapreneur, or a team player. The student who successfully completes this course will:

• Understand entrepreneurial characteristic.
• Apply small business processes, methodologies, and analysis techniques.
• Conduct market evaluation and planning.
• Create financial forecasting.
• Develop appropriate ownership and organizational structures.
• Generate a comprehensive business plan.
• Explore their unique, God-given gifts and talents and how to employ them in an organization to enhance His kingdom.

• Entrepreneurship: A real-world approach

This course consists of 10 modules with readings, suggested cases to examine/analyze, and financial worksheets to complete. There are two large projects which are graded: a paper and accompanying Powerpoint presentation, and a business plan with accompanying Powerpoint presentation.

The paper is worth 100 points, the business plan is worth 200 points, and each Powerpoint presentation is worth 50 points, for a total of 400 points possible.

Dr. Julie Little

• PhD, Purdue University (2012)
• MSM, Indiana Wesleyan University (1999)
• BS, Indiana University (1997)

Course Description

This course explores the key entrepreneurial characteristics and attributes necessary to successfully innovate regardless of discipline or service activity. Students learn processes and stratagems within the context of a Biblical worldview that will assist in the creation of innovative workgroups and cultures of excellence in a variety of organizational environments. Students are exposed to stewardship principles critical to generating organizational excellence as well as maximizing stakeholder benefit through effective leadership, exercise of the innovation processes and how to leverage the entrepreneurial mindset through practical application. Each student will appreciate their entrepreneurial profile through self-assessments that will generate an understanding of essential entrepreneurial characteristics as well as their own entrepreneurial quotient. These truths, skills, and associations can be leveraged throughout the student’s life regardless of vocation or calling.

The student who successfully completes this course will:

• Learn the typical attributes of an entrepreneur and the potential positive impact on organizations;
• Explain why innovation is a necessary activity of a healthy organization;
• Determine the leadership building blocks of creating an organizational culture of excellence;
• Identify the traits of a leader that make a good steward as well as servant leader;
• Integrate biblical and ethical principles into decision making;
• Define organizational stewardship and servant leadership from a Biblical perspective—inherent in this are the components of people, resources, and corporate social responsibility;
• Apply entrepreneurial workplace and ministry stewardship principles, servant leadership theory, and ethical decision making to real world scenarios.

• The Journey to Competitive Advantage Through Servant Leadership: Building the Company Every Person Dreams of Working for and Every President Has a Vision of Leading
• Practicing Servant-Leadership: Succeeding Through Trust, Bravery, and Forgiveness
• Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge

This course includes chapter readings, 6 journal entries/thoughts, a defining paper and revisit, and a final project paper.

The journal entries are worth 180 points, the defining paper and revisit are worth 100 points, and the final project paper is worth 120 points, for a total of 400 points possible.

Dr. Julie Little

• PhD, Purdue University (2012)
• MSM, Indiana Wesleyan University (1999)
• BS, Indiana University (1997)

Course Description

This course develops students’ knowledge of the codes of professional ethics for accountants (AICPA Professional Standards, CMA, CIA, etc.) covering various services (e.g., audit, attestation, review, compilation, tax). In addition, it will explore different theories of ethical behavior and development and Christian ethics.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have learned:

• Ethical Decision Analysis—being able to express reasoning for which alternatives are more or less ethical and for which arguments will be persuasive to other professional accountants, other business colleagues and to society as well. We will learn about corporate ethical decision making by reading, by thinking, by writing and through oral argument using logic and evidence rather than authority, intuition, or stubbornness.
• Expectation Awareness—being able to recognize the names and meanings of the society’s and the profession’s expectations for those authorized to practice the profession of accounting.  We will rely heavily on independent reading to become familiar with what ought to be done and especially what might be difficult to do.
• Rehearsal—being able to recognize, avoid, and react to ethical decision situations is improved most effectively by experience.  Since we cannot actually place ourselves in possible ethical trouble during the semester we will rely on case situations where students attempt to identify with characters and react to the situation as if it were theirs.

• Ethical Obligations and Decision Making in Accounting: Text and Cases, 5th edition
• Ethics 101: What every leader needs to know

This course includes discussion boards, case problems, extra readings and projects, a midterm and final exam, quizzes and class participation.

Grading is determined as follows:
Discussion Questions/Boards: 10%
Case Problems: 18%
Extra Readings and Projects: 4%
Midterm exam: 22%
Final exam: 22%
Quizzes: 22%
Class participation/Info Tracking: 2%

Dave Poucher, CPA

• MBA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1999)
• MA, Fuller Theological Seminary (1986)
• BS, Taylor University (1981)

Course Description

An introduction to microeconomics, emphasizing decision making by individual producers and consumers. Consequences of such decisions for efficiency of resource use and income distribution in a capitalistic economy are studied.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the main characteristics of the market system.
• Define and apply the concepts of supply and demand to current economic issues.
• Define and apply methods of price determination.
• Define and apply consumer choice theory.
• Improve written communication skills.
• Develop an understanding of and be able to articulate differences in market forces and market variations.
• Identify and define the main characteristics of the four basic market models.
• Identify the differences between an invention, an innovation and technological diffusion.
• Be able to articulate a view of economics from a Christian worldview.

This course uses an eText (Economics Today: The Micro View 19e) as part of Pearson’s My Econ Lab. You will purchase access to both My Econ Lab and the eText once you've been enrolled. Details are posted in Blackboard. For those that prefer a hard copy, there is also an option within the course to purchase the printed materials at a discount.

This course consists of 14 module tests and a Christian Economics Worldview paper.

The module tests are worth 80% of the grade and the paper makes up the other 20 percent of the final grade.

Dr. Evan Wood

• PhD, Indiana State University (2010)
• MBA, Indiana University (2004)
• BA, Cedarville University (1997)

Course Description

An introduction to macroeconomics emphasizing how the U.S. economy works. Topics of study include measuring domestic output, macroeconomic growth, business cycles, modeling, fiscal policy, money and banking, and international economics and trade issues.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the main characteristics of the macroeconomic system.
• Describe how GDP and national income are defined and measured.
• Describe how economic growth is measured and why it is important.
• Define a business cycle and how it relates to full employment and inflation.
• Describe the differences between several macroeconomic models.
• Define macroeconomic fiscal policy and the role of deficits in the economy.
• Describe the makeup of the Federal Reserve, the U.S. banking system, and explain the concept of money creation.
• Describe the role of interest rates and monetary policy in the nation's economy.
• Understand the role of international trade, balance of payments, and trade deficits.
• Describe how and why the government sometimes interferes with free international trade.
• Improve written communication skills.
• Be able to articulate a clear Christian ethic and how it applies to the understanding of contemporary macroeconomic issues.

This course uses an eText (Macroeconomics 2nd ed., 2018) as part of Pearson's MyEconLab. Students will purchase access to both MyEconLab and the eText once they've been enrolled. Details are posted in Blackboard.

This class consists of 7 modules of MyEconLab assignments and chapter tests, in addition to a poverty project, a current macroeconomic event research paper, and three journal entries covering macroeconomic-related topics.

MyEconLab assignments and tests are worth 675 points, the poverty project is worth 100 points, the current events research paper is worth 150 points, and the journal entries are worth 75 points, for a total of 1,000 points in the course.

Patrick Buesching

• MBA, Taylor University
• BS, Indiana University

Course Description

A general course dealing with the problems of the consumer in the American economic system; a practical study of personal consumption, buying habits, health and medical care, and housing; an introduction to investment; an introduction to insurance. No prerequisite.  Additionally, this course is part of our AFC® Educational program.  Students completing the required courses in our Accredited Financial Counselor ™ educational program will be eligible to sit for the national AFC® designation exam.

Upon completion of this course, each student will:

1. Develop an understanding of the scriptural basis of Biblical financial stewardship and be able to articulate what Biblical Stewardship looks like.
2. Formulate a Biblical basis for personal investing, insurance, taxes, debt, and budgeting.
3. Complete a simulation experience that replicates 1 year of managing a budget by using a provided “Life Profile.”

• Biblical Financial Planning: A Biblical Worldview of Personal Finance
• Financial Discipleship: Building a Biblical Worldview of Money

Also have your Bible ready to dive into throughout this course.

This course consists of 5 journals, 18 quizzes, simulation experience responses, a final narrative and a final budget.

Each journal is worth 26 points, each quiz is worth 20 points, the final narrative is 180 points and the final budget is 100 points.  The simulation experience responses total 230 points.  There are 1,000 points total in the course.

Dr. Justin Henegar

• MS, Finance, Texas A&M University (2016)
• PhD, Personal Financial Planning, Kansas State University (2014)
• MBA, Leadership and Organizational Development, Oklahoma Christian University (2005)
• BLS, Liberal Studies, University of Oklahoma (2004)

Course Description

Students learn the foundational concepts of establishing and operating successful ventures in the highly competitive global economy. The business major as well as other disciplines are exposed to key business leadership principles, strategies, technologies and disciplines used in the 21st Century enterprise, through a combination of case analysis, projects and simulation exercises.

Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate ability to:

• Identify and differentiate the major business disciplines of accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and management-leadership in the context of a global business environment.
• Exercise the disciplines through launching a simulated new venture.
• Identify the interrelationships among and the necessity for an integrated approach to developing effective organizations capable of generating shareholder or constituent value.
• Employ business research techniques.
• Identify biblical and ethical principles in decision making.
• Understand how personality preferences, values and teamwork interact through self-assessment and evaluate how they fit into the demands and fulfillment of a career

• BUSN11 Introduction to Business
• Biblical Perspectives on Business Ethics: How the Christian Worldview has Shaped Our Economic Foundations
• Marketplace Live Simulations: The Business Fundamentals Simulation
• My Father's Business

In addition to the listed textbooks, students will need to purchase:

Marketplace Simulations web-based business fundamentals simulation. http://www.marketplace-simulation.com/business-fundamentals. Estimated Price $30. More information can be found within the syllabus.

The course consists of chapter quizzes and assignments, 12 discussion board / short essay responses, several activities related to the Marketplace Simulation, and a final.

Assignments range from 10 to 100 points each, with the final worth 100, for a total of 820 points possible. 

Deborah Hatland

• MS, Indiana Wesleyan University (2006)
• BEd, University of Windsor (1983)
• BA, York University (1979)

Course Description

A course designed to acquaint students thoroughly with the theories, principles, and practical applications of management (planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling). Management principles are learned in the context of a work team developing and administering a business project. Emphasizes business presentations and written reports involving current, real-life situations.

Upon successful completion of Management Analysis & Practice students will be able to:

• Develop and demonstrate an understanding of the four major functions of management—planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
• Demonstrate servant leadership, teamwork, engagement, and ethical understanding.
• Develop and demonstrate project management competencies.
• Develop and demonstrate communication competencies.

• MGMT6

This course includes 11 quizzes, 3 tests, 3 current event papers, a management project, and a paper about the management project.

The quizzes and homework make up 10% of the course grade, the current events papers make up 15%of the course grade, the project is 30%, the paper on the project is 20%, and the tests are 25% of the course grade.

Dr. Julie Little

• PhD, Purdue University (2012)
• MSM, Indiana Wesleyan University (1999)
• BS, Indiana University (1997)

Course Description

This course presents the specific concepts, techniques and tools for managing projects effectively. The role of the project manager as team leader is examined, together with important techniques for planning, scheduling and monitoring successful projects through the project life cycle. Case studies and projects are combined to develop skills needed by project managers in today’s environment. In addition, special emphasis is placed on managing technology related projects, leading to the potential for obtaining industry certification in project management.

The student who successfully completes Project Management should gain an increased understanding of both the need for project management in business and how to successfully manage projects. Specifically, students will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the project environment, life cycle, and project selection & approval process.
• Demonstrate the role of the Project Manager in the successful initiation and completion of a project.
• Demonstrate an understanding of, and make appropriate decisions concerning organizational structure and roles of project participants.
• Demonstrate skills in forming and developing a project team.
• Develop and integrate core management plans needed for a project (scope, quality, schedule, budget & cost, and communication).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the phases of the project life cycle and the tools, techniques and issues involved for monitoring and control.
• Effectively use project management software to support project management functions.
• Demonstrate an integration of biblical and ethical principles into project management decision making.

• Contemporary Project Management

This course consists of 9 assignments, 15 chapter quizzes, and a final exam.

The assignments range in worth from 10 to 300 points (though the majority are 50 points), quizzes are 20 points each, and the final exam is 150 points, for a total of 1,200 points possible.

Doug Read

• MBA, Taylor University (2008)
• BS, Taylor University

Course Description

Organizational behavior is the study and application of knowledge about how and why people, as individuals and as groups, act within organizations. Organizational development is the systematic application of behavioral science knowledge at various levels—group, intergroup, and total organization—to bring about planned change. The goal is to describe, understand, predict, develop, and (to some degree) control human activity at work. This course will prompt the student to develop a cognitive framework for understanding organizational behavior combined with an integration of the Christian faith. Students develop a capacity to analyze organizational behavior situations critically and to give thoughtful answers to situations and case studies.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Utilize a working knowledge of the way individuals behave in the work place to complete critical analysis of organizational behavior; whether through one on one or group interactions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of personal and professional effectiveness, leadership styles, group processes, and the relationship of individuals and groups to organizations to determine personal behavior styles and preferences and how those preferences affect relationships with co-workers.
• Analyze and apply group and individual decision-making techniques and group member roles and their
  importance to the organization.
• Through case study analysis, apply the Christian viewpoint of organizational behavior in an effort to establish faith-based personal interactions in the workplace.

• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
• Working with Emotional Intelligence

This course consists of 13 assignments plus a final paper.

Each assignment is worth 50 points and the final paper is 100 points for a total of 750 points possible.

Amanda Burge

• MBA, Indiana University (2008)
• BS, Huntington University (2003)

Course Description

This course emphasizes the foundational concepts of marketing, including the importance of strategic marketing with a Christian worldview, four P’s, consumer buying behavior, market research, target markets, and global marketing. The intent is to provide the business major as well as other disciplines a well-rounded, yet firm, launching point to work or further study in the marketing arena. The primary text is a tool and information source establishing the basis for discussion, case studies, and projects. 

To successfully complete this course, students will demonstrate:

• An understanding of fundamental marketing management concepts including the definition and application of marketing strategy.
• Through case analysis, effective use of principles of marketing in a variety of organizational settings.
• An understanding of the strategic planning process through the development of a marketing plan.
• Professional writing skills.
• An integration of biblical and ethical principles into marketing management decision making.

• MKTG13 (Access to MindTap is required)

Assessment of learning is based upon a mixture of assignments, exams, and a final project that includes creating and presenting a marketing plan.

All assignments are required for successful completion of the course, and the total number of possible points is 1,000.

Katy Hobbs

• MBA, Taylor University (2009)
• BS, Taylor University (2007)

Course Description

A study of the factors involved in marketing products and services in other countries. Major geopolitical regions are analyzed and evaluated through practical assignments. Topics include market segmentation analysis, culture, language, values, finance, transportation and distribution networks, international pricing strategies, political structures, exporting organization, promotion and selling practices. Selected research projects and strategic plans provide students with practical applications of key marketing skills.

The purpose of this course is for learners to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of globalization on marketing plans and strategies.
• Exhibit the ability to develop a marketing plan for goods and services internationally.
• Portray a deeper perception and global awareness of diverse cultures, environments, markets, economies, and political acumens.
• Demonstrate a strong conviction of the ethical, legal, and business perspectives in emerging global markets.

• International Marketing (18e)

This course consists of 31 assignments including a marketing plan and no exams.

Assignments range in worth from 10 to 200 points (though the majority—20—of the assignments are worth 10 points each) for a total of 1,000 points possible.

Dr. Mike Bassous

• DM, University of Phoenix (2010)
• Diploma in Theological Studies, Near East School of Theology (2002)
• MBA, American University of Beirut (1993)
• BS, Long Island University (1987)

Course Description

This course is designed to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of the role and methods of marketing research as a means to enhance the marketing strategies and decision-making of any modern organization. Topics include problem identification, proposal and research design, question and survey development, sampling methodology, data analysis, and report presentation, covered in both theory and application.

The purpose of this course is for learners to:

• Exhibit an understanding of the purpose and use of marketing research in marketing concepts and strategies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the various marketing research tools and designs, and their appropriateness.
• Understand the comprehensive marketing research process, consecutive steps, and required tools for each step.
• Portray strong knowledge of key marketing research concepts, skills, and applications.
• Integrate ethical principles in all marketing research decision-making processes and results.

• Basic Marketing Research: Customer Insights and Managerial Action (9th ed.)

This course includes course reading quizzes, case study analyses, two comprehensive exams, a marketing research project, and class discussion.

The quizzes are worth 400 points, each case study is worth 200 points, the exams are worth 300 points each, the research project is worth 500 points, and the class discussion is worth 100 points, for a total of 2,000 points for the course.

Dr. Mike Bassous

• DM, University of Phoenix (2010)
• Diploma in Theological Studies, Near East School of Theology (2002)
• MBA, American University of Beirut (1993)
• BS, Long Island University (1987)

Course Description

The dynamic business environment requires marketing professionals to continually reassess their position relative to changes in the industry. This course is intended for senior marketing majors preparing to embark on a career in marketing. It will acquaint learners with the best thinking and practice currently being pursued by leading organizations. The course modules are designed to instigate critical thinking on case studies, solve problems, and address discussion questions from the reading materials.

The purpose of this course is for learners to:

• Exhibit an understanding of the “best practices” in marketing.
• Demonstrate a deeper perception of the values and practices of ethical marketing.
• Differentiate between marketing management mistakes and marketing successes through implementing effective marketing principles.
• Portray strong knowledge of Internet marketing plans and strategies for goods and services.

• Ethical Marketing: Basic Ethics in Action
• Internet Marketing: Integrating Online and Offline Strategies (3rd ed.)
• Marketing Mistakes and Successes (11th ed.)

Assignments include course reading journal responses, an ethical marketing audit analysis, course reading discussion questions, 12 case studies analyses, and an Internet marketing plan.

The assignments are worth between 5 and 50 points each, with the marketing audit analysis worth 80 points and the Internet marketing plan worth 100 points, for a total of 1000 points for the course.

Dr. Mike Bassous

• DM, University of Phoenix (2010)
• Diploma in Theological Studies, Near East School of Theology (2002)
• MBA, American University of Beirut (1993)
• BS, Long Island University (1987)