This course introduces students to the world of information systems from a manager’s perspective. The modern business relies on hardware, software, networks, and databases. This class will delve into those technologies and learn how they support a firm’s operations. We will pay particular attention to analytics and how data informs business decisions and predict future trends. Modern case studies and issues relating to technology in business, like ethics and cyberthreats, will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: ITM 123

Leading Strategic Initiatives provides seniors the opportunity to apply their mastery of the business core knowledge, learned during four years of study at Nichols College. Students are expected to look at their roles in business as applied to local, corporate and international level strategies. Students will demonstrate business and leadership knowledge through an intensive case study pedagogy designed to assess and reinforce key intellectual disciplines and leadership skills.
Prerequisite: LEAD 101, MGMT 365, and 72 completed credit hours

A working knowledge of business law is important to every member of society, as the law applies to us all — from individuals to organizations. This course is a broad introduction to U.S. law, concentrating on basic knowledge of the legal system and its impacts on commerce. Business Law begins with an overview of the judicial system and alternative dispute resolution. After a brief look at criminal law and civil liability, we focus on contracts, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), business formation, agency relationships and intellectual property. This course will also introduce students to ethical constructs and ethics-based decision making.
Prerequisite: A minimum of 27 completed credits

Governments and nonprofits play critical functions in modern societies, as do the businesses that create much of the wealth and societal well-being. As firms create that wealth, their actions impact a variety of societal stakeholders who, in turn, shape the rules and expectations that businesses are expected to fulfill. This dynamic interaction between corporations and society can be examined and understood through the lens of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Through the course students will engage in a critical evaluation and discussion of different views on the meaning of CSR, the triple bottom line philosophy, sustainable business, and related concepts.  Students will also consider different perspectives on the “proper” role of CSR in business and society. Recognizing entrepreneurs and managers differ in the values-based and other motives for pursuing a CSR agenda, a case will be made for the merits of adopting a strategic lens to manage CSR so as to best serve any and all underlying interests and motives.  In so doing, CSR practices are transformed from “the right thing to do,” when firm can afford it, into a potential source of sustained competitive advantage that provides greater benefit to stakeholders. Moreover, to enhance student development per the College mission, the curriculum integrates contemporary approaches to leadership and CSR’s implementation through the use of leadership and strategic management frameworks.

A comprehensive introduction to the various facets of marketing in contemporary organizations. Topics include marketing strategy, product development, pricing, distribution channels, and promotion; as well as the environments in which marketers work in the United States and around the world.

Investigates the interaction of ethics with the operation of business, political, academic and religious institutions. Examines ethics and the law, and attempts to establish guidelines for personal and institutional conduct.

This course is designed to enhance students professional and communication skills in order to develop and maintain a professional career path. As a seminar course it is highly interactive and will cover the following topics: interpersonal communication, professional writing, networking, the job search process, career resources, and mock interviewing. It is recommended to take this course as close to the student’s anticipated graduation date as possible. At the end of this course, students will have an updated resume and cover letter to prepare them for their professional lives.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) portfolio development. It provides a series of structured activities and systematic approaches for the student to prepare for petitioning for credit for learning outside the traditional classroom. SEM 445 satisfies the requirement for SEM 444.