BUS 4061 Social Impact Project II (1 Credit)

The vision of the Executive MBA Social Impact Project is to provide an impactful culminating experience in the MBA curriculum in which students offer their time and business acumen to a local non-profit organization. Through this course students will develop themselves as purpose-driven professionals by choosing a non-profit challenge that is aligned with their values and reflecting on the impact of the work they complete with the organization. Students will work in teams on a critical business issue facing a non-profit organization, develop milestones and an execution timeline for applying their business expertise, and set metrics for evaluating their impact on the organization during the six-month long project. The Social Impact Project kicks off during a non-profit showcase in the second or third quarter where non-profit organizations share their purpose and the project in which students can best assist them over the course of the next six months on a part-time basis. Students will work with their organization outside of the classroom to apply their business acumen to the problem or opportunity identified. The progress of student teams will be evaluated based on the milestones, execution timeline, and metrics agreed upon with the non-profit organization. The Social Impact Project will conclude in quarter five with student presentations highlighting their impact on their organization accompanied by a personal reflection on the learning objectives below.

BUS 4350 Overview of Outdoor Recreation Industry (4 Credits)

This course is a survey of the outdoor recreation industry, providing an overview of the size, growth, sectors and economic impacts of the industry. This course will lay the foundation for the LORI Program, as the remaining courses will dive deeper into the topics. This course will also begin to examine external drivers for the industry, including the connection between policy and outcomes, the inherent tension between access and conservation, as well as economic trends driving the industry. This course will provide an overview of all facets of the outdoor recreation industry, including an examination of the economic impacts by industry sector. In order to better understand the intersection of the recreation economy and quality of life, this course will focus on the five common principals of the outdoor industry as codified in the Confluence of States accords: 1) Conservation & Stewardship; 2) Education & Workforce Training; 3) Economic Development; 4) Health & Wellness; and 5) Opportunity & Experience. As the program develops, students will also have an experiential learning component early in the quarter at the University of Denver Kennedy Mountain Campus focused on developing leadership skills.

BUS 4353 Business Models in the Outdoor Industry (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to the concept of a business model canvas, what goes into the revenue and cost streams, and the necessary factors that need to be controlled to sustain a business. Students will be introduced to emerging models in the outdoor, retail and hospitality sectors, and will learn how to differentiate between business models in the product based vs. services-based industries. They will also get an appreciation of the capital structure needed to sustain a business in the outdoor recreation industry, and the implications of capital intensity for business models. This course also addresses key considerations for operating a business in the outdoor industry - including budgeting and forecasting the business, as well as the legal and business methods by which operators in the outdoor industry manage their enterprise risk. Topics to be addressed in the risk management portion of the course include releases, signage, preventative measures (e.g., avalanche reduction and patrolling), insurance, compliance, and workers’ compensation. Students enrolled in this course will learn these concepts through a case study that will run the length of the course, selecting an actual business in the industry and then apply those concepts to a newly created business model.

BUS 4355 Sustainability and Markets in the Outdoor Recreation Industry (4 Credits)

This course provides an overview of environmental and social sustainability issues through a business lens, and shares insights on sustainability risks, strategy, and markets for enterprises in the outdoor industry. These issues are important for leaders in the outdoor recreation industry because a high percentage of their current and future customers care about sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship. We will review sustainability issues, emerging trends, regulatory changes, and innovative practices in the outdoor industry to integrate sustainability into enterprise risk management, operations, and strategy. Students will gain an overview of the main issues and challenges in sustainability, explore priorities and strategies being used in the outdoor industry, and learn frameworks and tools to help lead organizational change. We will review sustainability trends, material ESG risks, approaches to carbon and natural resource management, and how good data and information can improve sustainability management, collaboration, and communication. Organizations are increasingly focused on creating sustainable and inclusive growth that builds competitive advantage by providing value to customers, adapting to climate-related risks, and addressing community and social challenges in a sustainable way.

BUS 4380 Legal Framework of Outdoor Recreation Industry (4 Credits)

This course explores the complex legal and regulatory landscape that governs the outdoor recreation industry. Students will examine various laws, regulations, and legal principles that affect outdoor recreation activities, including land use, public policy, environmental impacts and various regulatory regimes. Planning, developing and operating outdoor recreation facilities requires an understanding of how to obtain multiple private, federal state and local authorizations. Students will become familiar with these regulatory regimes beginning with land use authorizations from inception through operations and expansions. The course will also analyze public policy at the federal, state and local levels of government and how individuals or organizations can impact the outcomes through advocacy.

BUS 4389 Enterprise Risk in the Outdoor Industry (1 Credit)

As in any business, risks unfortunately exist and must be identified, managed, and mitigated to the extent possible. Businesses in the Outdoor Industry are not immune to these risks – and have additional industry-specific risks that are unique to them. A sound risk management program is paramount to success in the Outdoor Industry. This course introduces students to the concepts of risk identification, risk management and risk mitigation measures. It will cover what goes into the enterprise risk management process, and the key legal and business factors that need to be identified, managed and controlled in order to sustain a business. Specific topics to be covered include liability waivers/releases, signage, preventative measures (avalanche mitigation and patrolling, e.g.), insurance, compliance, workers compensation and internal auditing. Students should leave this course with a greater appreciation for the outdoor industry and the many methods involved in the management of risk to ultimately help drive the success of a business.

BUS 4399 Outdoor Recreation Industry Capstone (4 Credits)

This culmination/capstone course integrates knowledge and skills acquired throughout the academic progression for Leadership in the Outdoor Recreation Industry. For the concentration, students will complete work on their business case created in BUS 4353 Business Modeling and Operations in the Outdoor Recreation Industry, a significant project that addresses real-world challenges in the outdoor recreation industry. The course will emphasize critical thinking, business strategy, marketing, sustainability, and community engagement. For the graduate concentration, this culmination/capstone course will provide graduate students with an opportunity to synthesize and apply their knowledge and skills they’ve learned through coursework and professional experience and apply that to the context of the outdoor recreation industry. Students will engage in a comprehensive strategic management project that addresses complex industry challenges. The capstone/culmination course emphasizes critical analysis, strategic planning, leadership, and legal and regulatory framework preparing students for leadership roles in the industry. Pre-requisite: BUS 4350 and BUS 4353.

BUS 4400 MBA@Denver Capstone (4 Credits)

The MBA@Denver Capstone Course enables the practical application of key management and leadership competencies, skills and knowledge and is designed to integrate core course learning outcomes. You will integrate what you have learned in the MBA@Denver program to analyze a client problem and provide appropriate recommendations and conclusions prepared for and presented to the client. You are strongly encouraged to work with a small business or not-for-profit organization, completing a social capital project with that enterprise. You will gain an in-depth exposure, perspective and understanding of strategic business processes, opportunities and challenges within an organization. You will work in teams and will select an organization of your choice to work with as the client. The project will end with an oral presentation and written proposal that is delivered to the client organization and the instructor on an assigned date. Project assignments will emphasize the integration of knowledge from multiple academic disciplines and functional business activities. You are required to identify linkages between an organization's external and internal organization environments in the context of its organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Projects may include new product or technology development, restructuring, relocation, expansion, downsizing, acquisitions, mergers and acquisitions or joint ventures, and/or other relevant operational performance issues. The goal is to increase the organization's ability to sustain and thrive. The final plan/proposal should include an implementation timeline for the proposed solutions as appropriate. Enforced Prerequisites and Restrictions: MBA@Denver student must be within one quarter of graduation or have the Director's permission to take the class. This course is open only to MBA@Denver students (MBA-DEN).

BUS 4444 Global Bus, Governance & CSR (4 Credits)

In an increasingly globalized world, civil society, states and businesses are trying to discern how to govern business conduct across the borders of nation-states. Many of the issues our society faces today—global financial crises, environmental degradation, and corruption, to name a few—are impossible to tackle within a given country. Instead, these issues require collaboration and coordination across a variety of actors spread around the globe. Within this framework, businesses are aware of increased pressure to behave responsibly and adopt a corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach to their conduct. Yet, businesses are unsure how to integrate these goals into their business strategy and engage meaningfully with stakeholders. Likewise, governments recognize the importance of having business at the table, but do not have a clear understanding of how to best engage with the private sector. The response to this conundrum is a focus on global governance, which refers broadly to the way in which global affairs are managed. After a brief overview of economic trends and trajectories around the globe, the course will focus on global governance as a mechanism for change. The class will first explore the opportunities and shortcomings of global governance efforts. The class will build on this scholarship by discussing the role business plays in global governance mechanisms. As society has become aware of, and is acutely concerned with, business conduct, the role of the manager and business strategy in these realms has also changed. Students will analyze these trends and study their implications for government, business, or civil society strategy and practice. The final portion of the course will focus on specific issue areas, including: human rights, labor standards, the natural environment, corruption, and microfinance.

BUS 4445 International Business: Strategy and Practice (4 Credits)

This course focuses on applied issues in international business. Students will learn to think strategically about international business issues, and will in turn be able to apply that thinking to best practices. The following subject areas will be covered: country selection, entry mode theory, exporting, born-global businesses, organizational structures internationally, negotiation, consumption, culture and demand. Other potential topics include global supply chain management/sourcing, country of origin effects, etc. This course focuses on applied issues in international business. Students will learn to think strategically about international business issues, and will in turn be able to apply that thinking to best practices. The following subject areas will be covered: country selection, entry mode theory, exporting, born-global businesses, organizational structures internationally, negotiation, consumption, culture and demand. Other potential topics include global supply chain management/sourcing, country of origin effects, etc.

BUS 4450 Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset (4 Credits)

Have you ever heard the quote, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life?” This course is designed to help you align your purpose in life with your organization’s purpose (your own organization or an organization for which you work). There are multiple parts to bringing this alignment about, which will comprise the foundation for this course: (1) (re)evaluating your purpose in life, building on what you have learned about your leadership style, ethical orientation, values and beliefs, and so forth from your earlier courses; (2) developing an entrepreneurial mindset, useful for starting your own organization or a new venture within the organization in which you already work; (3) exploring the Triple Bottom Line perspective of business in society; and (4) applying the core concepts of systems thinking to identify potential business ideas that align with your purpose. The course will culminate with the creation of a business idea and business model canvas that aligns your purpose in life with a compelling business purpose. The business idea may involve creating your own business/organization or proposing the idea within your current organization.

BUS 4540 Data Management in the Outdoor Recreation Industry (1 Credit)

Data management has been a critical and common practice employed across industries for many years. At its core, data management encompasses all disciplines related to managing data as a strategic and valuable resource, including collecting, processing, governing, sharing, and analyzing data — and doing it all in a cost-efficient, effective, and reliable manner. Given the changing work environment, with more remote workers and new channels, we are seeing greater importance placed on data management. This course introduces students to the disciples related to managing data as a strategic and valuable resource as it relates to the Outdoor Industry.

BUS 4600 Professional MBA Capstone Project (4 Credits)

The Capstone Project enables the practical application of key management and leadership competencies, skills and knowledge designed to integrate core course learning outcomes. You will integrate what you have learned in the PMBA program to analyze a client problem and provide appropriate recommendations and conclusions prepared for and presented to the client. The course integrates Daniels' multi-disciplined learning outcomes and experiences to achieve this goal. The course is a combination of site-based practicum, field project and classroom experiential learning. Through these activities, you will gain an in-depth exposure, perspective and understanding of strategic business processes, opportunities and challenges within a non-profit organization. You will work in teams (4-5 individuals) and will select a non-profit organization of your choice to work with as your client. The project will end with an oral presentation and written proposal delivered to the client and to the instructor on an assigned date. Project assignments will emphasize the integration of knowledge from multiple academic disciplines and functional business activities. Students are required to identify linkages between an organization's external and internal organization environments in the context of its organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Projects may include now product or technology development, restructuring, relocation, expansion, downsizing, acquisitions, mergers and acquisitions or joint ventures, and/or other relevant operational performance issues. The goal is to increase the organization's ability to sustain and thrive. The final plan/proposal should include an implementation timeline for the proposed solutions as appropriate.

BUS 4610 Business Ethics for the Public Good (2 Credits)

A fundamental purpose is to engage students in ongoing reflection and dialogue about their responsibilities as managers and leaders. Of particular emphasis are the ethical, professional, social and legal responsibilities of managers and leaders, especially as it relates to numerous stakeholders and communities. This course focuses on the idea of "community" and the ethical and social relationships of business leaders and business organizations in their communities. A particular focus will be the role of the business manager and executive as a professional with unique and special responsibilities. These roles will be examined by analyzing a variety of issues and situations that students will likely face during their careers. The goal is to provide students with perspectives, intellectual frameworks, and skills that will be useful in their business careers. The Daniels PMBA “core” not only strengthens foundational business and management skills, but also provides a broader orientation, purpose and direction for exercising and executing foundational skills to achieve enterprise and personal success. Personal and organizational success is a function of technical “know-how,” leadership intelligence, and competence in execution. The assumption of this course is that all of these competencies must be grounded in a solid ethical and social commitment to community values and principles. This course will explore these values and principles in various business contexts, using the shared personal experiences of business professionals who will present their own stories for us to examine.

BUS 4611 Leading Self & People (2 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide insight into why and how sustainable desired change occurs at the level of individual/social interaction. This course will orient the student towards gaining the most out of their education by focusing on learning as the cornerstone of development. It will provide students the critical skills to “lead the self” towards personal/professional goals as the context for studying intentional change. The premise of the course is that leading others first requires a keen sense of self leadership. Students will revisit assumptions about themselves as they develop intentional approaches to identify learning and career opportunities in their selected fields and lead themselves towards the accomplishment of professional objectives. As part of this process, students will learn necessary skills for leading others and working effectively in teams. Lecture / Off-site will include a required intensive three-day exercise in self-awareness, outdoor leadership, team-building, problem solving, and critical thinking. This outdoor experiential includes an intellectually rigorous component, which is designed to enhance the classwork in which you engage, and is intended to enhance the experience students have in their life outside of the academic environment. The outdoor experiential will be leverage in the on-campus course which provides insight into why and how sustainable desired change occurs at the level of individual human/social interaction. This course will focus on providing students the critical skills to “lead the self” towards personal/professional goals as the context for studying intentional change. The premise of the course is that leading others first requires a keen sense of self leadership. Students will revisit assumptions about themselves as they develop intentional approaches to identify learning and career opportunities in their selected fields and lead themselves towards the accomplishment of professional objectives. Online/Distance and Combined/Hybrid Methodologies will include an optional outdoor immersion that involves an intensive three-day exercise in self-awareness, outdoor leadership, team-building, problem solving, and critical thinking as outlined above.

BUS 4612 Business Domestic Immersion (0 Credits)

MBA@Denver students are required to take two immersion experiences. BUS 4620-X includes domestic experiences, held in a U.S. city, generally including visits with business leaders on various topics, experiential experiences, and/or specific topic discussions led by qualified faculty. Students may not take the immersion course at the same destination more than once.

BUS 4614 Business International Immersion (0 Credits)

MBA@Denver online students are required to take two immersion experiences. BUS 4614-X includes international experiences, held in a non-U.S. city, generally including visits with business leaders on various topics, experiential experiences, and/or specific topic discussions led by qualified faculty. Students may not take the same section number (X) more than once, though they may take the course more than once.

BUS 4700 Special Topics in Business (0-8 Credits)

BUS 4701 Special Topics in Business (1-6 Credits)

BUS 4704 Topics in Business (1-6 Credits)

BUS 4705 Topics in Business (1-6 Credits)

BUS 4720 Health Industry Systems & Communication (4 Credits)

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the U.S. healthcare system, covering the roles of providers, insurance companies, government agencies, and professional associations in shaping healthcare policy, access, quality, and cost. Students will examine traditional and alternative payment models, regulatory frameworks, and the work of key federal agencies like the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alongside global health organizations. The course also addresses patient, family, and community welfare through effective medical team communication and leadership, acquiring knowledge and terminology to optimize health equity and patient-centered outcomes. The course also addresses leadership skills and communication for healthcare personnel, preparing students to understand and navigate workforce challenges in a rapidly changing environment.

BUS 4721 Management, Leadership & Ethics in Healthcare (4 Credits)

Healthcare systems are complex, dynamic, and multilayered. They require constant situational awareness to maintain safety, efficiency, compliance, relevance, and fiscal responsibility while supporting an increasingly diverse workforce. Managers and administrators must be able to create and lead effective teams to address constant change. In this course, students explore the functions required to lead and support healthcare systems, organizations, and practices. Students will simulate the role of healthcare managers and leaders by gaining an understanding of leadership, ethical and social approaches, analyzing the performance of a business unit and identifying opportunities for improvement, building teams, identifying and tracking key metrics, and creating solutions that contribute to an effective, efficient, and equitable work environment.

BUS 4722 Comparative Healthcare Systems (4 Credits)

This course describes variations in healthcare delivery systems locally, nationally, and globally as they relate to policy, structure, and finance. Comparisons of systems are made relative to expenditure of resources and outcomes. Students learn about healthcare coverage, access to care, healthcare rationing, provider manpower distribution, and seeking healthcare in foreign countries (medical tourism). The discrepancy between the desirable and the practical is explored, and students are asked to outline and defend a system that they believe is both desirable and practical.

BUS 4723 Healthcare Public Policy & Legislative Process (4 Credits)

This course provides students with experience in transforming a healthcare policy idea into policy reform. Students will learn how a bill becomes a law, the role of political parties, lobbying strategies, how agencies implement legislative mandates, and how differing stakeholders can influence policy design. Students will also evaluate the impact of potential policy changes on diverse populations and organizations. Through applied work, students translate policy proposals into legislative language to advance healthcare transformation.

BUS 4724 Health Equity & Justice (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to the foundations of health equity and the pursuit of justice within healthcare systems. Students will explore inequities caused by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and ability, and will examine the structural, political, and social forces that have shaped access to care. Emphasis is placed on understanding implicit bias, disparities, and the role of a diverse healthcare workforce. Students will evaluate real-world inequities and design interventions that promote equitable access to high-quality healthcare.

BUS 4730 Principles of Project Management (4 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students with leadership and practical skills in project contracts and procurement. The course covers current trends in the procurement marketplace, including digital transformation, supplier relationship management, sustainability, cybersecurity, and agile processes. Students will gain knowledge of the various elements of the contract and procurement process, including procurement plans, requests for proposal (RFP), statements of work (SOW), and various types of contracts. Students will learn project management and negotiating skills, and gain hands-on experience developing a procurement plan, supplier selection criteria, an RFP or other appropriate RFx, and contract terms.

BUS 4731 Project Contracts & Procurement (4 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students with leadership and practical skills in project contracts and procurement. The course covers current trends in the procurement marketplace, including digital transformation, supplier relationship management, sustainability, cybersecurity, and agile processes. Students will gain knowledge of the various elements of the contract and procurement process, including procurement plans, requests for proposal (RFP), statements of work (SOW), and various types of contracts. Students will learn project management and negotiating skills, and gain hands-on experience developing a procurement plan, supplier selection criteria, an RFP or other appropriate RFx, and contract terms.

BUS 4732 Project Risk and Quality Management (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to project risk and quality management and develops advanced skills in applying the project management tools and techniques learned in ICT 4100. A focused examination of scheduling, cost, quality, and risk management processes using advanced tools and techniques is included. Emphasis is placed on the project planning, execution, and monitoring and controlling processes. This course is on the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) certification track.

BUS 4733 Agile Techniques & Practices in Project Management (4 Credits)

Agile principles and practices are used across many project domains, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. As the term implies, Agile techniques for the successful use of Agile project management processes are not static; they are dynamic and continuously evolving. The Agile debate is now turning from the tactical to the strategic. Realizing the full benefits of Agile (e.g., faster time to market, improved responsiveness to customers, higher quality, and greater efficiency) means more than improving project execution. It requires understanding the right place for Agile versus traditional methods within a modern enterprise comprised of multiple teams or groups of teams. This course examines both the Agile processes and practices for delivering projects, how to choose when Agile is appropriate versus predictive methods, and the cultural challenges encountered when transforming into strategic Agile teams.

BUS 4740 Organizational Development Models & Applications (4 Credits)

This course explores the history of organizational development (OD), definitions, models, approaches, and how OD is and can be used in organizations today. An organizational development professional requires a multitude of skills to be effective. Students will assess their own skills and develop a plan to develop or increase required skills.

BUS 4741 Organizational Culture & Leadership (4 Credits)

Organizational culture is the shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that shape the behavior and interactions of individuals within an organization. This course explores various elements of organizational culture and the relationship between culture and leadership. It also delves into how organizational culture influences and is influenced by organizational development, emphasizing the role of culture in fostering a resilient, adaptive, and successful organization. Students will examine methods for assessing and evolving organizational culture and apply the knowledge gained to real-world contexts.

BUS 4742 Leading Change for Transformation (4 Credits)

In the 21st Century, change is a constant in organizations that want to remain competitive. At the heart of organizational change are the people of the organization who must continuously adapt their ways of thinking and doing to help the organization adapt and transform. This course prepares students to become leaders of change in their organizations through an exploration of change theory as well as the tools, models, and techniques for facilitating organizational change. Students will also learn how to enable and inspire other individuals in organizations to create change.

BUS 4743 Leading Strategic Planning in Organizations (4 Credits)

How does an organization translate its mission into specific activities? In this course, students will explore a variety of established frameworks and tools related to organizational strategy that drive long-term success. This course will provide students with the general skills necessary to understand and perform a strategic analysis of an organization. Students will learn techniques related to organizational development, project management, and strategy and will conclude this course by using those tools and techniques to conduct a strategic evaluation of an organization.

BUS 4810 The Head and Heart of Leadership: Neuroscience and Emotion Regulation (4 Credits)

Neuroscience may be the next great frontier of leadership learning. Admired and respected leaders understand both the “heart” of leadership, the harnessing and leveraging of emotions to inspire others, as well as the “head” of leadership, how the workings of our brains impact our ability to lead. This course incorporates content from the latest research in the fast-moving fields of neuroscience, emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Students will develop highly-relevant leadership skills, strategies and tactics that will make an immediate impact on your ability to successfully lead others.

BUS 4820 Leading and Developing Others for Success (4 Credits)

Successful leadership does not occur without successful followers. This exciting course explores the elements of how great leaders enable the success of others. We begin by exploring several well-known theories of leadership, including servant, authentic, and values-based leadership, as a means for students to formulate their own personalize framework of what great leadership look like to you. We will learn how to hire, understand, inspire, coach, mentor and sponsor a diverse and inclusive team. We will also explore storytelling, one of the hottest topics in leadership. Students will create a personal development plan that ensure the ability to incorporate the elements of this course into successful leadership.

BUS 4830 Leading Change and Building an Agile Culture (4 Credits)

The capacity to lead highly change-capable, agile organization is critical in today’s VUCA world – volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Foundational to leadership success at every level within an organization is the capacity to build a change-ready, agile culture and successfully execute sustainable change. By exploring and evaluating the latest thinking on leadership and change, this course arms leaders with the strategies and tactics necessary to; 1) create teams and organization with high levels of change-capability and agility; 2) motivate followers and overcome resistance to change; and 3) successfully achieve both incremental and transformative change.

BUS 4840 The CEO Toolbox (4 Credits)

Strategy is integral to a successful organization. But without strong execution, even a well-defined strategy can fall apart. Executive teams/leaders that combine actionable strategy with operational depth are the ones most likely to stay the course and deliver long-standing results. They understand the need to align strategy and operations to deliver on their objectives. After taking courses on Strategic Management, Leadership, Leading Change, Culture, etc., you too understand the need for aligning strategy and operations, yet, in practice it’s often more difficult to do. Through this course, students will hone their skills by developing and using practical tools to deal with shifts and changes along their strategic journeys. This course will allow you to put theory into action.

BUS 4980 Internship (0-10 Credits)

Faculty supervised Internship.

BUS 4991 Independent Study (1-10 Credits)

BUS 4995 Independent Research (6 Credits)

BUS 6000 Research Methods in Business (4 Credits)

Business Research Methods introduces students to the nature, scope, and significance of research and research methodologies. Additionally, the course studies primary and secondary research methods with applications to specific problems, using qualitative and quantitative designs for individual investigation on current problems within a student's area of interest. Topics covered include research design, sampling strategy, data types and collections, measurement approach, testing procedures, ethics in data collection and interpreting findngs, and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process.

BUS 6001 Qualitative Research Methods (4 Credits)

Qualitative methods are important for exploring complex social phenomena and developing theories for understanding dynamic relationships and change. This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the methods and process for conducting qualitative research in general, and case study research in particular. Students will learn to use qualitative methods to develop theories and managerial solutions for current and future business problems.

BUS 6002 Quantitative Methods I- Making Discoveries with Data (4 Credits)

As a PhD student you will do original research … making discoveries that nobody else has made before. Data analysis is a key tool that facilitates that. Data analysis tools help you unlock the hidden treasures within your data set. These treasures are knowledge and information that is waiting to be discovered and utilized for your benefit. Specifically, you will become familiar with several of the internationally utilized statistical software packages and with the array of statistical analysis techniques. You will understand which statistical analysis technique to use in which situation, and how to interpret the output from your statistical software packages. These skills support managers for better decision making. Managers in business and industry have the resources to accumulate data, and this course develops the techniques to discover the information that your data provides. You will also gain skills in understanding how data collection and analysis will benefit your research.

BUS 6003 Quantitative Methods II - Making Discoveries with Data (4 Credits)

As a PhD student you will do original research … making discoveries that nobody else has made before. Data analysis is a key tool that facilitates that. Data analysis tools help you unlock the hidden treasures within your data set. These treasures are knowledge and information that is waiting to be discovered and utilized for your benefit. These skills support managers for better decision making. Managers in business and industry have the resources to accumulate data, and this course develops the techniques to discover the information that your data provides. In this course you will learn how these data analysis tools are used for research, and you will plan how you will use your data analysis skills to perform your own research for your doctoral degree.

BUS 6005 Behavioral Research Design and Execution (4 Credits)

The first purpose of this course is to prepare doctoral students with the ability to design, implement, and test the results from an experiment or survey. This includes operationalizing independent and dependent variables, rooted in definitions of terms and theory, in a manner that allows for quality statistical testing. Students will also learn manipulation of independent variables, including manipulation checks, and the basics of survey design. Lastly, analysis of existing data sets will round out the learning. This course builds on the previous research and statistics coursework in the program with a focus on practice and application. Multiple actual studies will be replicated as part of the course with the final project being a replication of a study of the student’s choosing.

BUS 6300 Seminar in Cross Disciplinary Decision Making Research (4 Credits)

Leaders are often faced with difficult decisions and the result of these decisions determines their future success. It is important for leaders to understand the cognitive processes which underlie the decision-making process. For example, what factors cause a leader to choose the wrong investment, hire the wrong employee, or select the unethical alternative? This course will provide students with a foundation of seminal theories rooted in Economics, Psychology and Sociology and a comprehensive perspective of organizational decision-making.

BUS 6301 Research Seminar in Innovation and Creativity (4 Credits)

This course is intended to be a multi-disciplinary doctoral seminar investigating the broad questions of innovation and creativity and its application to entrepreneurship. The course will start with an industry-level view of innovation and how technologies evolve and then move from the micro-individual level of creativity to the organizational level while considering the individual, dyadic and group levels.

BUS 6303 Launch your Doctoral Journey: Be Impactful (4 Credits)

The seminar aims at providing Executive PhD students in Business a capstone experience, to build on the research knowledge and experience they have gained over the first two years of coursework, and to formulate and sharpen their vision for their chosen careers in academia, business or consulting. Specifically, the course attempts to provide an integrative framework to help them to emerge as an impactful scholar. Students systematically walk through different research designs, theoretical, qualitative, and quantitative frameworks. They learn to critically evaluate the designs, and apply the learning to their own research. The seminar culminates with a presentation of their vision statement for their scholarly journey ahead. Prerequisite: MGMT 6301.

BUS 6400 Academic Skills for Doctoral Students in Business (2 Credits)

The first purpose of this course is to prepare doctoral students with skills and knowledge that are not commonly part of the course requirements but are imperative for a successful navigation of the job market and a successful publication career. This includes managing the peer review process, navigating a conference to extract the most value, and managing co-author relationships. The second purpose of the course is to provide students with just-in-time data-analysis skills based on their identified path of research interest. Archival research in business requires a significantly different skill-set than behavioral research. Students will complete one of two tracks, archival or behavioral, in the form of an intensive two-day workshop where they utilize actual data to replicate a published research study.

BUS 6500 Applied Research Practicum Series: I (4 Credits)

ARP I will introduce students to their ARP Instructor’s research area. As such students will work closely with their ARP instructor to begin to understand his/her research area and focus. This serves as the introduction for the three-part sequence of ARPs resulting in a completed research project. By the end of ARP I, students will complete a systematic review paper of a research area and a set of research questions of interest.

BUS 6501 Applied Research Practicum Series: II (4 Credits)

Students will work closely with their instructor to create a theoretically supported and actionable research proposal that uniquely contributes to our understanding of the larger business field. Proposals can be focused on qualitative and quantitative (or mixed) methods. This part of the ARP series will help students develop research questions into carefully crafted predictions grounded in theory while considering execution of the study.

BUS 6502 Applied Research Practicum Series: III (4 Credits)

Students will design an appropriate scientific method (e.g., survey, experiment or interview) including a data collection and analysis plan per the final proposal submitted in ARP II. Once appropriately designed, under the direction of their ARP professor, students will collect data appropriate to test the study’s hypotheses. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval must be received prior to data collection which should be of publishable quality (broadly defined).

BUS 6503 Applied Research Practicum IV (4 Credits)

Students, along with oversight and assistance from their respective ARP professor, will analyze data consistent with his/her research proposal (ARP II) and analysis strategy (ARP III). The students will then complete an entire research paper that is ready for presentation and/or publication at appropriate outlets.

BUS 6900 Dissertation Research in Business (1-8 Credits)

Dissertation Proposal Defense Following successful completion of the comprehensive exam, each student will prepare a dissertation proposal and defend the proposal to the dissertation committee. A successful dissertation defense qualifies the student to Ph.D. candidacy. The dissertation proposal should be prepared in close consultation with the student’s advisor and should be available to all committee members at least two weeks prior to the exam. It should reflect an extensive critical literature survey, and contain an accurate assessment of the state-of-the-art in the area of research, a precise statement of the research question, motivation for pursuing the research, and the research method design that will be used to answer the research question. The dissertation proposal must be successfully defended within four quarters of passing the comprehensive exam. Successful defense of the dissertation results in agreement between the student and the committee as to what will constitutes successful completion of the dissertation research. The composition of the dissertation proposal committee must comply with the standards specified by the University of Denver Doctoral Degree Requirements and Standards. The dissertation proposal defense is an oral closed exam. If a student successfully defends the dissertation proposal but subsequently switches advisor and hence topic, the dissertation defense must be repeated within one year to ensure capability of the student and feasibility of the project. Dissertation Defense After the dissertation has been completed, the student must defend it in a final oral exam, as specified by the University of Denver Doctoral Degree Requirements and Standards.