The course is designed to help students gain knowledge about the dynamic world of management and begin to build skills required to be successful managers. Managers are required to constantly examine all the factors that influence business performance and take action to exceed performance expectations. In this course, students will learn how business works, the factors that influence a competitive edge, and the areas of accountability for management. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course explores the fundamentals of merchandising. Students learn and apply processes for receiving, presenting, and maintaining point-of-purchase materials, and learn how to use merchandising techniques to maximize revenue. Students analyze merchandising elements, including planograms, facility location/design, influencing factors (demographics, geographics, psychographics, and environment), advertising, and other fundamentals of merchandising. Students will consider various merchandising techniques and the impact of visual merchandising. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course will teach students to communicate effectively in today's fast-paced business world by developing skills for written, verbal, and digital communication. Topics covered include the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint to enhance their communication skills. They will learn about the use of AI tools, such as MS Editor and Grammarly, to assist them in editing and proofreading. Students will also learn to differentiate between types of business communication and use digital tools effectively in different contexts. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to communicate effectively in today's globalized business environment. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
In this 12-week course, students will complete a real world project by applying their skills in the following areas: management fundamentals; management accountability; environmental analysis; performance expectations and analysis; merchandising fundamentals; merchandising analysis; advertising basics; visual merchandising; and revenue maximization techniques. Students completing the final project will demonstrate their ability to apply skills in the areas of management, merchandising, and advertising. (Spans BMAL200 & 210) Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Walmart Business Management and Leadership accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course explores the vital elements of managing talent and nurturing employee growth. It covers essential topics like onboarding, labor laws, rewards and recognition programs, and employee development. Students will learn to identify the critical components of talent management, including how to ensure compliance with labor laws. Upon completion, students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage talent effectively for organizational success. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
A critical aspect of effective management is an understanding of business financial results and the ability to compare those results to current plans and past results. In this course, students analyze and compare financial reports to assess business performance. Using this data, students determine how to take appropriate action to drive revenue generation for the company. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course focuses on enhancing leadership skills and improving effectiveness in the workplace. Students will explore various topics, including ethical decision-making, emotional intelligence, innovative leadership practices, conflict resolution, and effective leadership tactics. Through interactive exercises and case studies, students will learn to apply these skills in real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, students will have developed a set of tools for optimizing their leadership effectiveness. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of business intelligence using Microsoft Excel. Students will learn how to manipulate data, create charts, and summarize data to communicate information for use in making data-driven decisions. The course covers topics such as basic functions in MS Excel, formatting Excel spreadsheets for enhanced communication of key insights, and using formulas and functions to manipulate data in MS Excel. Students will also learn how to create and format charts, work with logical functions, and use PivotTables to summarize data. Upon completion, students will be able to use basic tools and techniques for analyzing and communicating data. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
Successful organizations understand that service sells. In this course, students will learn how to create a customer experience that exceeds expectations and drives loyalty, along with methods for managing selling and service activities. They will practice using performance metrics when developing plans to improve sales and ensuring customers are receiving great service. They will also apply the principles of customer relationship management (CRM), team building, and effective leadership as elements of leading a sales and service team. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course provides managers with practical knowledge and skills in financial analysis. Students will learn about the economic environment of business, common financial statements, and key components of a business's financial performance. They will also learn basic financial analysis techniques and the importance of accurate and transparent financial reports. The course also covers financial reporting standards, ethical and professional standards, and using MS Excel for financial analysis calculations. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
In this course, students learn the importance of developing human capital management skills. They will apply basic Human Resources (HR) concepts when identifying potential recruits, hiring new employees, retaining existing employees, and conducting activities intended to improve employee performance. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course focuses on ways to optimize business operations by examining the impact of factors like environment, organization, technology, and leadership. Students will learn about technologies and tools used in operations management, risk management, and continuous improvement strategies for operational excellence. Upon completion of the course, students will be equipped to apply the skills they have acquired to enhance their workplace's operations. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
In this 12-week course, students will complete a real world project by applying their skills in the following areas: creating an excellent customer experience; driving customer Ioyalty, managing selling and service activities, using performance metrics; applying the principles of customer relationship management; developing human capital by hiring, retaining, developing talent; and improving employee performance. Students completing the final project will demonstrate their ability to apply skills in the areas of sales, service, and Human Resource management. (Spans BMAL 300 & 310) Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Walmart Business Management and Leadership accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
In this course, students will develop their understanding of common policies, procedures, and tasks that support business operations, as well as the manager’s role in those activities. Students will practice their skills in budgeting, scheduling, employee allocation, facility/energy management and maintenance, safety and security, and inventory/asset management. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course covers key aspects of performance management, including performance appraisals, coaching, reward and recognition systems, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Students will learn the value of performance appraisals, the role of coaching, how to evaluate reward and recognition systems, and the use of KPIs for performance improvement. Upon completion, students will understand performance management principles and the tools needed to support employee development and improve employee performance. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
In this 12-week course, students will complete a real world project by applying their skills in the following areas: using the outputs of financial analysis to compare performance to past results and current plans; assessing business performance; determining appropriate actions to drive revenue generation; using management tools (budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, facility/safety/security management) to support business operations, and inventory management. Students completing the final project will demonstrate their ability to apply skills in the areas of operations management and financial analysis. (Spans BMAL 230 & 321) Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Walmart Business Management and Leadership accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
In this course, students will gain insights into the benefits and challenges of various marketing channels. They will learn the importance of audience segmentation for various target groups. The course highlights the need for consistent brand messaging across all channels and teaches students how to evaluate marketing performance using key performance indicators (KPIs). Students will also learn to recognize effective strategies for establishing a unified customer experience across multiple channels. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
Students will develop their understanding of common business metrics and basic math formulas, and how to apply them to business situations. They will use math skills to evaluate performance results and make business recommendations. Students will use different reporting systems to calculate and analyze business results, in order to understand how various business components affect the bottom line. Students will use math applications to help them make decisions affecting business results. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course introduces the principles of visual merchandising. Students will explore how visual merchandising can influence consumer behavior and learn the basics of visual storytelling to engage customers. Students will learn common visual merchandising techniques, understand the logistics of delivering merchandise, and evaluate performance data to improve merchandising strategies. By the end of the course, students will understand how impactful visual merchandising drives sales and creates lasting brand impressions. Course Objectives: Describe how visual merchandising can influence consumer behavior; Recognize the basics of visual storytelling to engage customers; Identify examples of visual merchandising techniques commonly used in retail settings; Explain how the logistics of delivering merchandise can impact the execution of visual merchandising; Evaluate performance data to pinpoint areas where visual merchandising strategies can be improved. Skills taught: Visual Merchandising; Merchandise Presentation; Retail Design; Customer Experience; Data Analysis; Logistics and Operations; Innovation and Technology. Lightcast/EMSI Skills Alignment: Visual Merchandising; Retail Operations; Marketing; Creative Design; Innovation; Problem-Solving; Communication. O*NET Skills Alignment: Sales and Marketing; Design; Customer and Personal Service; Communication; Persuasion. BOK Alignment: NRF, IAVM, A.R.E. - Visual Merchandising; Merchandise Presentation; Retail Design; Customer Experience; Data Analysis; Logistics and Operations; Innovation and Technology. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Management and Leadership accelerated degree completion program.
In today's competitive business environment, leaders need to adopt a customer-centric approach that prioritizes the satisfaction of both internal and external customers to drive organizational success. This course will focus on customer-centric and servant leadership, which create a positive work environment that fosters employee satisfaction and engagement, leading to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business growth. Students will learn customer-centric and servant leadership principles and practices and how they contribute to organizational success. Students will also explore how building strong teams can forge the service-profit chain, leading to greater profitability for the organization. Course Objectives: Explain how customer-centric leadership contributes to organizational success; Recognize how the links of the service-profit chain connect employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and business profitability; Identify factors that contribute to employee satisfaction and engagement; Define how customer satisfaction leads to customer loyalty; Describe how customer loyalty drives business growth and profitability. Skills taught: Leadership; Service-profit chain; Employee engagement; Team building; Customer relationship management; Communication. Lightcast/EMSI Skills Alignment: Customer Service; Servant Leadership; Communication; Teamwork; Problem-Solving; Innovation; Performance Management; Change Management; Data Analysis O*NET Skills Alignment: Customer Service; Leadership; Communication; Teamwork; Problem-Solving; Innovation; Performance Management; Change Management; Active Listening; Critical Thinking; Social Perceptiveness. BOK Alignment: Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, SHRM, CMI, SIOP, AMA, ILM, ICF, CCL - Customer-centric leadership; Servant leadership; Service-profit chain; Employee engagement and job satisfaction; Team building; Customer relationship management; Effective communication; Active listening; Organizational culture; Empathy; Influence. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Management and Leadership accelerated degree completion program.
This course examines the factors that influence the development of a business strategy, HR and other resources, and business planning. Students will practice their skills in developing a strategic plan for their business. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
This course introduces the principles of visual merchandising. Students will explore how visual merchandising can influence consumer behavior and learn the basics of visual storytelling to engage customers. Students will learn common visual merchandising techniques, understand the logistics of delivering merchandise, and evaluate performance data to improve merchandising strategies. By the end of the course, students will understand how impactful visual merchandising drives sales and creates lasting brand impressions. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
This course provides students with opportunities to develop the skills needed to create marketing plans to support an organization’s mission and values. Emphasis is placed on the principles, strategies, and planning for effective marketing management and performance. Social and other media contribute to the development of these plans and approaches. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
In today's competitive business environment, leaders need to adopt a customer-centric approach that prioritizes the satisfaction of both internal and external customers to drive organizational success. This course will focus on customer-centric and servant leadership, which create a positive work environment that fosters employee satisfaction and engagement, leading to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business growth. Students will learn customer-centric and servant leadership principles and practices and how they contribute to organizational success. Students will also explore how building strong teams can forge the service-profit chain, leading to greater profitability for the organization. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Business Management and Leadership (BML) academic program or enrollment in the Leadership Essentials Certificate of Completion program.
In this 12-week course, students will complete a real world project by applying their skills in the following areas: using business metrics and basic math to address business situations; evaluating results to make recommendations; calculating and analyzing business results; make decisions affecting business results; resource allocation; strategy development; and strategic planning. Students completing the final project will demonstrate their ability to apply skills in the areas of business math, strategy, and planning. (Spans BMAL 340 & 400) Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Walmart Business Management and Leadership accelerated degree completion program.
Students learn how to analyze and respond to business performance data. They will practice skills reviewing performance results, identifying risks and opportunities, and making business decisions. Elements include performance and financial plans, managing and analyzing budgets, reviewing merchandising and advertising plans, and applying techniques for driving financial results and running a profitable business. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
In this 12-week course, students will complete a real world project by applying their skills in the following areas: developing marketing plans to support business mission/values; using strategy and planning to effectively manage marketing performance; use multiple media channels to develop marketing plans and approaches; analyze and respond to business performance data; identify risks and opportunities; manage financial, merchandising, and advertising plans; and use proven techniques to drive financial results and make business decisions that improve profitability. Students completing the final project will demonstrate their ability to apply skills in the areas of marketing management and performance analysis. (Spans BMAL 410 & 420) Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Walmart Business Management and Leadership accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
Communication is a key skill that must be embraced and mastered by managers. Students will learn to effectively use dialogue skills to start and manage effective conversations. Students will explore the elements of different communication models and how to apply those models in various situations. Students will practice effective communication techniques for use with direct reports, internal business partners, vendors, and diverse customer/client populations. Students will also practice presenting ideas and solutions for results, and making effective business presentations. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
The requirements for leading a high-performance team are not limited to executing management responsibilities and building relationships. In this course, students will build skills in these essential areas: self-management, identifying priorities, acquiring and retaining talent, setting expectations, and encouraging superior performance during good and challenging times. Application of these skills will include learning how to develop employees and how to solve critical business problems. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Business Leadership and Management (BLAM) accelerated degree completion program.
Skills learned in this course include:
In this 12-week course, students will complete a real world project by applying their skills in the following areas: use dialogue effectively to start and manage conversations; use communication models effectively in various situations; practice effective communication techniques with direct reports, internal/external partners, management, and other stakeholders; presenting solutions; making effective presentations; identifying priorities; acquiring/retaining/developing talent; setting expectations; coaching/mentoring for improvement; and solving critical business problems. Students completing the final project will demonstrate their ability to apply skills in the areas of communication, negotiation, relationship-building, and high-performance team leadership. (Spans BMAL 430 & 440) Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Walmart Business Management and Leadership accelerated degree completion program
Skills learned in this course include: