A one-semester, three-credit course in human resource development provides the prospective manager practical information on methods to enhance the productivity, quality, and effectiveness of an organization through the creation of an environment where individual and collective performance and development has primacy. The course requires students to assimilate course material related to the following: to organizational strategy, systems thinking and legal compliance; workforce development, career development of employees; individual development and training; measuring outcomes; human resource processes and effective communications. Students integrate theoretical classroom concepts with practical knowledge and work experiences. As part of the course: students continually practice effective communication skills; students may work in teams; and are expected to engage in critical and innovative thinking. Students' understanding of human resource development is intended to help them enhance organizational effectiveness through implementing processes designed to develop and train employees.

This is the first of a two-course sequence, 4 credit year long experience, comprising the freshman-integrated experience. In Business 1, students will be introduced to the key functional areas of business, discuss current factors, events, and trends that impact business, build professional, personal leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, and evaluate business decisions, and the business plan process. By understanding the key functions of business and analyzing business decisions in Business 1, students will be able to then develop their own business ideas in Business 2.

This course, the second in the First-year Business 4 Credit Experience, applies business and technology tools to create a modified business plan. Supported by guest speakers on a variety of professional development topics, along with student and professional mentors, students in this project-centered course use the Business Model Canvas innovation tool and learn to identify and communicate the nine key elements of a business model. Students will complete a team project that outlines the business case for a new product or service to address a selected challenge or opportunity. Student teams present a business case in both a one-page document and a 10-minute presentation pitch.

As an introductory course in managing and leading organizations, this course provides an overview of human behavior in organizations at the individual, group, and organizational level with an emphasis on enhancing organizational effectiveness. Topics include: individual differences, work teams, motivation, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, organizational culture, and organizational change.