David Sheffet Class List
CLASSES TAKEN AT CAPITAL UNIVERISTY
Ohio
MBA Foundations
The course is an overview of accounting, economics, finance, marketing, operations, statistics, strategy, and leadership, while building the students' self-awareness and skills in quantitative methods, use of information technology, written and verbal communications, group and leadership styles, and problem solving.
Ethics & Social Responsibility
Today’s organizations are held accountable for developing responsible business policies and practices and making them an integral part of their strategies and operations. Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Decision Making provides students with a laboratory for examination of these significant issues. The principal outcomes of this course are to understand important ethical constructs, to provide opportunities to apply ethical and responsible decision making in a variety of business situations and to facilitate a deeper understanding of the strategic complexities in managing these priorities across often competing needs. The class is structured around a rich set of challenging projects and case studies.
CLASSES TAKEN AT BENTLEY UNIVERISTY
Massachusetts
Environmental Economics
Uses a modular approach to investigate the economics of environmental issues and policy solutions. Economic modeling is used to illustrate how environmental damage can be viewed as a market failure. Using this approach, analytical tools are developed to evaluate environmental policy solutions such as direct regulation, pollution taxes, abatement subsidies and the trading of emissions rights. In addition to analyzing environmental policy, the course examines the importance of environmental issues to the corporate sector and the ways in which businesses are responding both to new regulations and consumer awareness of environmental risks.
Research in Business Econ
This capstone course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of economic research. The primary objective of the course is for students to prepare an independent, comprehensive research project. Through this project, students will be exposed to the entire economics research process: identifying an interesting, focused research question that can feasibly be answered; finding, reviewing, and understanding prior economic literature that is related to this question; reviewing economic theory that is closely related to the question and identifying testable implications of the theory, finding data needed to answer the question, and employing the proper econometric techniques needed to confront any challenges the nature of the data may present. In particular, students will learn several econometric techniques that can be used to show causal effects, rather than just correlations. Finally, students will learn how to clearly present the results of their analysis orally.
Global Strategy
Global strategy focuses on the role of the general manager or top management team in formulating and implementing short- and long-term business and corporate-level strategies. In business, strategy is formulated in a multifaceted, international environment of social, political, economic and legal entities. Students will be analyzing the internal and external environments of the organization, formulating recommendations with respect to actions firms can take to enhance firm-level performance and sustainable competitive advantage, and suggesting ways in which those actions can be implemented which recognizing the critical short- and long-term implications of their recommendations for the total enterprise.
Environ Sci and Sustainability
This course is an introduction to environmental sciences, highlighting issues in environmental and ecological sustainability. This lab-based course places a strong emphasis on understanding how humans are linked to the environment, how humans can modify their interactions with the environment, how humans can learn from past and current environmental issues to address environmental issues of the future, and how environmentally sustainable business practices can help enact positive environmental change. Topics addressed in this course cover a wide-range of major environmental issues, current affairs, and environmental solutions including human population growth and global climate change, marine plastics, biodiversity loss, ecosystem valuation, and understanding the environmental benefit of the triple bottom line. The course is structured through a series of in-class lectures and immersive class activities, laboratory exercises, and is heavily geared towards conducting outdoor research.
Science of Sustainability
This course examines the scientific basis for human development that provides people with a better life without sacrificing and/or depleting Earth's resources or causing environmental impacts that will undercut future generations. Examples of the Earth's resources to be studied include air, water, soil, forests, energy, minerals, fish, wildlife and agriculture. A service-learning project concerning conservation, recycling and reuse of everyday materials and products in the local area is a major component of the course.
Introduction to Econometrics
Introduces students to the building and estimation of statistical models used to test economic theory. Familiarizes students with the sources of economic data and with the difficulties encountered in empirical testing of these models. The methods employed and problems encountered in testing economic theory are also applied to other areas such as finance and marketing. EC282 is required for Business Economics majors and Quantitative Economics majors.
Tech, Innov & Econ Perf
This course explores the economic aspects of innovation and technology, focusing on their implications for economic performance and competitiveness of firms, industries, regions and countries. Microeconomic aspects of innovation are covered, including topics such as types of innovation, the role of R&D, patents, and characteristics of firms most likely to innovate. Business applications are demonstrated through case studies of industries. At the macroeconomic level, interrelationships among technology, innovation and economic growth are analyzed. Factors underlying the ability of regions (such as Silicon Valley and along Route 128) and of countries (such as Ireland, India and China) to succeed or fail in generating technology-based firms and in high-tech economic growth and development are explored.
Strategic Marketing Management
This course serves as a capstone course for marketing majors. It is a case driven course that integrates materials covered in the marketing curriculum and relates them to the design and implementation of marketing strategy. Selected cases will emphasize the integration of technology into the marketing process. Students are expected to demonstrate competency in analytical and presentation skills. Additionally, students will be required to utilize contemporary hi-tech tools.
Sales Strategy and Technology
This course focuses on the intersection of sales, operations and technology in driving the growth of organizations of all sizes. The use of technology to speed collaboration between sales, marketing and operations functions is examined. Students will develop insight and knowledge about the strategic role of systems and technology for sales force automation, customer relationship management and customer acquisition. Student will learn strategic sales methods and revenue generation for a variety of business models, along with the variety of software and technology that supports sales strategy, including Customer Relationship Management, Sales Force Automation, Gamification, Compensation Planning and Tracking, Inbound Lead Management, and more.
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Analyzes the environment in which business operates, including the influence of the government and Central Bank policies, recessions and expansions, inflation and growth in a business. Provides the tools to analyze the effects of various economic events on production, employment and prices. The course also introduces important debates in economics, such as supply side economics, the impact of a balanced budget amendment, and the role of the Federal Reserve in keeping inflation and unemployment low. Periodic writing or data assignments help students use the tools learned to analyze current events and policy discussions. This course is required for all Economics and Economics-Finance majors.
Urban and Regional Economics
Analyzes the economic forces determining where cities develop and grow. Studies the location decision of firms and how land and housing prices are determined in a regional economy. Examines the role and effects of city government on the metropolitan economy. Discusses urban problems such as poverty, discrimination, housing, pollution and crime. Problem-solving, economic analysis, and analytical writing are emphasized in the course.
Expository Writing II
Expository Writing II reinforces and advances the lessons of Expository Writing I, leading students toward understanding and mastery of the processes involved in sustained inquiry. Undertaking an ambitious intellectual project that culminates in a final paper, students work to develop substantial research questions, improve information literacy skills, and conduct research where they explore a topic and create a complex argument. While working to develop their reading, writing, and critical thinking abilities for their other Bentley classes and their lives beyond college, students consider multiple genres and audiences for their writing. Students are expected to complete Expository Writing II by the end of their sophomore year.
Integrated Business Project
In this course, students work on a project team to solve real-world problems for real organizations. The project enables students to develop a better understanding of how the traditional business functions are integrated in the workplace. Students review key principles in accounting, business processes, finance, management, marketing and operations within the context of project management. They will analyze the problem facing the client company, develop and evaluate a set of alternative solutions, and present a program of recommendations to the sponsoring organization at the end of the semester. The project enables teams to analyze real firms' potential to introduce new goods and/or services, introduce existing goods and/or services to new markets, and/or develop other growth opportunities, as well as to present a business proposal.
Marketing Analytics
This course explores concepts, tools, and methods to comprehend heterogeneity and dynamism in customer needs, to build and enhance relationships with “empowered” customers, and to guide wise business decisions and monitor performance by multifaceted marketing metrics. Topics covered include customer profiling, STP (segmentation, targeting, and positioning) strategy, modeling marketing responsiveness and decision making, and understanding the essence and linkages of modern marketing metrics. A primary emphasis throughout the course will be placed on hands-on experience with data-driven analytics, critical thinking regarding results interpretation, and visualization.
Programming Fundamentals
Students will develop basic programming and problem-solving skills through a variety of assignments that explore the use of fundamental control and data structures using the Java programming language. Students learn about the concepts of classes and objects without being exposed to the advanced principles of object orientation. Testing and debugging techniques, the development of sound programming logic, and the writing of well-structured code are also emphasized.
Contemporary Economic Issues
Applies the principles of economics to critically analyze current economic problems and issues. Treats such problems as poverty, population, pollution, health, economic welfare, American business in an evolving global environment, ecology, income redistribution programs, agricultural policy, economic discrimination, foreign trade, and balance of payment problems.
Human Behavior and Organizations
Human Behavior and Organizations examines the behavior of people in organizations and the relationship between this behavior and organizational effectiveness. Particular attention is given to the issues and dynamics that result from the increasing diversity of the workforce and the global contexts in which people work. The course introduces students to analytical frameworks for understanding and influencing individual, group, intergroup and total organization dynamics. It increases students' awareness of and competence in dealing with people different from themselves. Through case studies, self-reflection instruments, experiential exercises, lectures and readings, students develop knowledge and skills for working effectively with a diverse set of people in complex environments, diagnosing managerial problems and developing effective plans for action, taking into account the impact of external stakeholders on internal organizational dynamics.
The Soviet Union and After
This course introduces the main currents of Soviet history, from the Bolshevik Revolution to the present. Treats social and cultural factors and their interrelation with politics, Stalinism, World War II, growth and expansion of the Soviet bloc, and the post-Stalin era. It also discusses the breakup of the Soviet Union and the development of the successor states.
Business-to-Business Marketing
This course examines the processes and activities that enable the profitable development and delivery of goods and services in business-to-business (B2B) markets. It focuses on the strategic importance of information technology (IT) in managing relationships when both buyers and sellers are organizations. Areas of study include customer value assessment, organizational buying behavior, value-based segmentation, and the creation and evaluation of integrated business marketing programs. An interactive B2B marketing simulation and in-depth case analyses require the application of the concepts and tools discussed in the course.
The World Wide Web
This course explores the World Wide Web as an educational resource. Emphasis is on the use of HTML and JavaScript as programming tools to develop web pages that include text, graphics, animation, internal and external linkages, frames, forms and, with JavaScript, alert boxes, remote windows, events and cookies. In addition, such concepts as the architecture of the web, the use of browsers, effective search strategies, multimedia, and web security are addressed to familiarize students with the web as a business tool and resource. Teaches a contemporary IT technology by using a computer-based software package. Students are expected to perform operational exercises to gain experience and facility with the particular technology designated for this course section.
Intermediate Price Theory
Examines price determination in the marketplace and the interactions among consumers, firms and government in the market process. The study of markets and the forces of supply and demand provides a sound basis for understanding pricing, production decisions, cost conditions, industry regulations and profitability. Consumer behavior and firm decision-making form the fundamental structure for the course of study. Among the topics covered are consumer choice, welfare effects of government policy, production technology, profitability, competitive market analysis, and market power and price discrimination. Analytical tools and economic modeling techniques are developed through the course.
Business Processes and Systems
This course introduces students to the concept of a business as an integrated set of business processes and associated systems designed to deliver value to customers. Hands-on experience with SAP, a market leading enterprise system, will demonstrate how information systems can be used to support and improve business processes. Hands-on experience with a process modeling application will demonstrate how information technology can be used to model, analyze and simulate typical business processes. Learning about emerging technologies and basic infrastructure concepts will enable students to envision creative IT solutions to business problems. Throughout the course, students will be learning how people, processes and systems can be integrated most effectively to achieve organizational objectives.
Securities Regulation
This course offers an introduction to the federal securities laws, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as the rules and regulations enacted thereunder. The topics covered will include the definition of a “security,” securities law disclosure requirements, the registration of securities for public sale, the exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, reporting by public companies, the anti-fraud provisions of the 1933 and 1934 Acts, broker-dealer and investment adviser regulation, and the enforcement of the securities laws. Throughout the course, we will examine how securities regulation is shaped by caselaw and the emergence of statutory corporate governance. We will also discuss how these laws can disproportionately impact minority-owned businesses.
Advertising
This course considers the role of advertising and sales promotion within an institution and within society. It examines the advertising function in its social and ethical, economic, historical, legal and technological contexts. The course explores a firm's advertising and sales promotion decisions, and focuses on the design, content and delivery of advertising messages from a communication standpoint. It investigates media, budget and measurement issues in advertising, and explores the increasing use of technological tools used by today's advertising professionals to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of a firm's communication effort.
Business Systems Analysis and Modeling
This course begins with business functional analysis and ends with object-oriented information systems design. Students are introduced to tools and techniques enabling effective analysis, design and documentation of an information system. Students learn formal methodologies that form the basis of object-oriented systems engineering practices. Models that focus on the articulation of business functions, integrating process, data and behavioral abstractions form the core of formal methods in systems development using the Unified Modeling Language (UML).
Principles of Macroeconomics
Analyzes the determinants of aggregate economic activity and the effects of government policies intended to achieve full employment, price stability and economic growth. Topics include inflation, unemployment, interest rates, fiscal policy and the public debt, monetary policy, the balance of payments, and exchange rates. Introduces the economic analysis of international trade, comparative advantage and selected current economic problems.
Marketing Research
This course introduces tools and techniques of marketing research as an aid to marketing decision-making. It covers definitions of research problems, research methodologies, design of research projects, analysis and interpretation of research results. the course emphasizes practical aspects of conducting and evaluating marketing research studies.
Effective Speaking
Success in every aspect of life, from interviewing to meetings to giving reports and presentations, depends on the ability to speak confidently and effectively project oneself and one's message. Developing these skills strengthens presentations in other classes as well. These skills consist of techniques and tools for developing, organizing and delivering a variety of strong presentations. Covers effective use of visual aids, and methods for overcoming anxiety about presenting and public speaking.
Principles of Microeconomics
Provides students with an understanding of fundamental economic principles and tools. Presents economic analysis with respect to demand, supply, market equilibrium, costs of production and resource pricing. Examines the market structures of pure competition, oligopoly, monopolistic competition and monopoly. Analyzes the markets for labor and capital.
Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
Provides an overview of the legal and ethical issues that confront business managers and executives in both starting a business and operating an existing business. Provides an analytical framework to identify legal and ethical issues. Discusses the relationship between business professionals and legal counsel. Discusses topics in contracts, sales, torts, crimes, securities law and Sarbanes-Oxley, business organizations, employment and discrimination and e-commerce. Interweaves international and ethical issues into the topics covered. Includes team assignments where appropriate.
Business Statistics
Modern businesses rely on well-educated professionals who can effectively use data to enhance and support decision-making processes. The primary objective of this course is to use data to illustrate key concepts for making decisions throughout each of the primary business disciplines; accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management and marketing. Focuses on learning skill sets necessary to access and manipulate large amounts of data and the techniques that enhance the individuals' decision-making process. Introduces some elementary Microsoft Access methods for transferring a sample of data from a database into Microsoft Excel. Illustrates how to make effective decisions using simple and multiple regression models. Provides balanced presentations illustrating the manual use of statistical techniques for understanding purposes and how to implement those techniques using the computer.
Marketing-Operations Fundamentals
Strategic competitive advantage is derived from the value a company creates for its customers through five primary value-adding activities: designing products and services, logistics, operations, marketing and sales strategies, and bringing products and services to the market to meet customer needs and requirements. Most of these activities fall within the boundaries of operations and marketing, the two primary value adding functions within organizations. This course, therefore, covers topics that span the marketing and operational disciplines, and focuses on the fundamental concepts and processes of marketing and operations management and how effective coordination and the interface between these two primary functional areas create value for the customer, the company, and society at large.
Introduction to Data and Information Management
The course introduces information management and relational databases; data collection, storage and retrieval; query/report design and generation; logical database structures; basic transaction architecture; and systems analysis for database design.
Practice and Applications in Accounting and Finance
The primary objective of this course is to extend the foundational understanding of accounting and finance concepts and tools introduced in GB 112. This course takes students from an elementary understanding of the prepared financial statements and introduces how to use them in financial decision-making. It covers the analysis of these statements and the budgeting process, using these statements as a starting point for future forecasts. Students will study the funding decisions facing the firm. They will extend their understanding of basic valuation techniques by learning more advanced techniques for valuing both the securities used to raise these funds and the projects to be funded.Students are exposed to ethical decision making in business.
Calculus III
It presents a thorough treatment of integral calculus. Topics include three-dimensional space, vectors, parametric equations, polar coordinates, derivatives and integrals of vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, vector fields, and line integrals; and applications to probability, business, economics, and the social and natural sciences.
Issues and Investigations in Sociology
This course introduces the student to the discipline of sociology as both a body of knowledge and as a perspective from which to view the world. This course examines the basic concepts, theories and methods of sociology inquiry in the context of a substantive area. The goal is to develop in students an appreciation of the social forces that shape, organize and constitute human behavior.
Tools and Concepts in Accounting and Finance
The primary objective of this course is to provide a foundational understanding of accounting and finance concepts and tools and how they are used in financial decision-making. This course takes students from double-entry accounting through an understanding of how to construct financial statements. It covers the analysis of these statements using ratio analysis. Students are exposed to ethical decision making in business.
US State and Local Government and Politics
Subnational governments (localities, states, regions) are involved in tackling many of the most challenging problems facing nations and are on the front lines responding to social and economic change. This course will help students understand how subnational institutions and decision-makers operate, what kinds of public policies they produce, how they interact with the national government, and how the balance of power between subnational and national government shifts over time.
Information Technology and Computer System Concepts
This course provides a comprehensive and current introduction to information technology in general and computer system concepts and personal computers in particular. It focuses on the role and the underlying concepts of computer technology in the information age. Personal, organizational and social implications of information technology are explored. Problem-solving skills using Microsoft Office software and the World Wide Web are also developed. The World Wide Web will be extensively used as the platform for conceptual understanding.
Calculus II
A comprehensive calculus course that covers advanced applications and techniques of integration, differential equations, and sequences and series. Topics include integrating single-variable functions, including indefinite, definite and improper integrals by substitution, parts and partial fraction expansion; an introduction to ordinary differential equations; and applications to business, economics, and the social and natural sciences.