Presentation of Independent Study Projects will be scheduled in the last two weeks in May before Summer Session I begins. In this module, students perform case analyses of management problems and evaluate alternative solutions by integrating the different functional areas of business. Ethical, social, regulatory, and competitive environments in domestic and multinational firms are examined. Skills in problem diagnosis, decision making among strategic alternatives, and implementation of these decisions are developed. To accomplish this task, the module focuses on the classic theories of demand, production, and cost management .
Demand theory provides a bridge between cash flow management and the capital investment decision.
As part of demand analysis, a reasonably detailed view of the forecasting problem is provided. This review includes a look at some of the most popular forecasting methods, such as neural network methods. Through the study of production methods, students learn how to prepare the firm to meet forecasted demand within estimated market price-sensitivities. In addition, students will be exposed to cost theory which provides methods of creating an efficient firm size in a globally competitive market. In summary, this module provides a vital summary to the integrative topics which previously focused on accounting, marketing, and human resource administration issues.