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School of Business & Entrepreneurship

Business Management

Why pursue a management degree at North Central College?

Managers are responsible for overseeing operations and business analytics across multiple organizational departments. Managers analyze and solve managerial problems regarding people, organizations and markets. They also possess qualities of leadership and personableness that inspire those around them to succeed in the workplace.

At North Central, management students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience beyond our business school in on-campus organizations, off-campus internships, or in-the-lab projects. A management degree offers a lasting career with a diverse skillset and the opportunity to transform organizations.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Leading employees to solve organizational needs
  • Developing innovative solutions for day-to-day and future challenges
  • Becoming an expert in multiple areas of business

then a BUSINESS MANAGEMENT degree might be for you.

Why study business management at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • 11-course comprehensive business core
  • Business Strategy
  • Data Analytics
  • Entrepreneurship Experimentation
  • Environmental Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Management
  • Leading in a Global World
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Management & Organizational Behavior
  • Operations Research
  • Productions & Operations Management

Beyond the Classroom

As a business management major, you can:

  • Compete with award-winning teams by joining the American Marketing Association (AMA), Entrepreneurship and International Business Organization (EIBO) or Enactus.
  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Simulate trading and access thousands of proprietary reports in the Bloomberg Finance Lab, equipped with ten dual-monitor workstations, Bloomberg Terminal software, and Bloomberg’s unique keyboards.
  • Become “Bloomberg certified” by completing a series of advanced financial modules in our Bloomberg Finance Lab.  
  • Travel, study and work internationally through our education abroad and international internship program.

More Department information

Management, B.B.A.

Management develops students' understanding of organizations and their role in society.  Students develop skills in data analysis, organizational structure and supply chain management, while emphasizing the responsibilities of organizations to promote a more sustainable future.  In a rapidly changing world, students gain an appreciation for the responsibilities of corporations to not only be profitable but to also be stewards of the environment and social justice.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Management and Marketing.

Common SBE Core

  • SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society

    SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society

    4.00 credit hours

    An introductory course identifying the role of the business institution in our society, how business behavior is shaped and influenced by its stakeholders-managers, consumers, employees, government and community members. Key topics include: business systems, corporate governance, the business and society relationship, business and public issues, ethical dilemmas in business, corporate social responsibilities in relation to stakeholders, globalization, ecological and sustainability issues and the influence of technology on business and society.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ACCT 201 - Financial Accounting

    ACCT 201 - Financial Accounting

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to accounting principles and procedures as they are employed in the communication of financial information to various users, such as management, stockholders and government agencies. Topics include accounting for assets, liabilities, owner's equity and other reporting issues.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ACCT 202 - Managerial Accounting

    ACCT 202 - Managerial Accounting

    4.00 credit hours

    Analysis of accounting for managerial decision-making, planning and control. Topics include budgeting, variance analysis, traditional and nontraditional product costing methods and cost-volume profit analysis.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • BUSN 205 - Business Law and Ethics

    BUSN 205 - Business Law and Ethics

    4.00 credit hours

    Surveys the major aspects of the law governing business and commerce including the domestic and international legal environment, the range of dispute resolution processes, legal liability including torts and negligence, contracts, employment law including employment discrimination, business entities, commercial transactions and intellectual property—all with particular emphasis on business ethics and ethical decision making.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics

    BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides an overview of basic statistics as it applies to business. The focus is on learning statistical concepts by applying analytical reasoning to business applications. Examples illustrating the relevance of statistics to broad areas of business are used. The course requires students to use spreadsheet programs, statistical programs, the Internet and other computer tools in analyzing statistics. The focus is on application of the material and on solving problems. Only one of BUSN 265 and PSYC 250 may be taken for credit.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • BUSN 485 - Business Strategy

    BUSN 485 - Business Strategy

    4.00 credit hours

    The capstone course requirement for all business majors. As befits a capstone, student skills in business strategy are developed in a highly integrative manner such that students use knowledge and frameworks from all functional areas of business to develop a holistic perspective of firms and competitive advantage. The knowing component of this course is focused on theoretical knowledge and frameworks applied in the critical analysis of business case studies. The doing component of this course centers on an online simulation where students compete to run a successful business.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to the theory of consumer choice, social and individual welfare, the behavior of business firms and market structure, and other applied microeconomic topics.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics

    ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to macroeconomic theory, with emphasis on factors which explain changes in national income, unemployment and inflation. Other topics include money and banking, fiscal and monetary policies, distribution of income and economic crises.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • FINA 350 - Corporate Finance

    FINA 350 - Corporate Finance

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to corporate financial management. Topics include financial statement analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, bond and stock valuation, common stock/debt financing, risk and return, cost of capital, and capital budgeting.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 305 - Management and Organizational Behavior

    MGMT 305 - Management and Organizational Behavior

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides a formal overview of why organizations exist and how they operate within the context of society. Basic management issues such as the structure of organizations are explored. In many cases management topics are covered in a generic manner that can be applied to any organization. Other issues are addressed with specific applications to certain firms. This course examines our role as individuals as it pertains to organizations. It is generally meant to provide a framework to analyze organizations that exist in the U.S. but will also cover some international topics.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MKTG 300 - Principles of Marketing

    MKTG 300 - Principles of Marketing

    4.00 credit hours

    Presents an overview of Marketing as a principle, a discipline, and as a profession. Students examine all elements of Marketing including integrated promotional strategies, consumer behavior, and ethics and social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on the Marketing Mix (Product, Place, Promotion and Price) as students design and implement a comprehensive marketing plan.

    Schedule Of Classes

Management Courses

  • MGMT 335 - Logistics and Supply Chain Management

    MGMT 335 - Logistics and Supply Chain Management

    4.00 credit hours

    However large or small a business' operations might be, they are part of at least one supply chain. Recognizing this system, its counterparts and the level of control each member has on the operations constitute the foundations of effective management. Within this course, the distinction between the terms of logistics management and supply chain management are examined. The synergy created through partnerships in the supply chain, and the alignment of strategies for logistics and supply chain management are highlighted. Implications and impact of decisions made on the supply chain, the society and the environment are in focus.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 405 - Environmental Management

    MGMT 405 - Environmental Management

    4.00 credit hours

    Provide students with an overview of how management of firms intersects with the environment. It examines purchasing decisions by consumers and production choices by firms and how these can be made to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Other topics covered include: how our market system contributes to global climate change, sustainability of our economy and ecology, production Life-Cycle-Analysis (LCA), Internal Rates of Return (IRR), Return on Investment (ROI) and 'green' products.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 435 - Productions/Operations Management

    MGMT 435 - Productions/Operations Management

    4.00 credit hours

    Studies the production process and its relationship to scientific decision-making. The main scope of study is the supply chain with its manufacturing, service provider and intermediary parties. Students are introduced to the complexities of supply chains and supply chain management and within this context, gain hands-on operations planning experience with quantitative methods such as quality management, capacity planning, constraint management, project management, forecasting and inventory management.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 475 - International Management

    MGMT 475 - International Management

    4.00 credit hours

    Explores organizational management and business strategy issues in an increasingly global environment. It explains the origins of global interdependence and its implications for multinational corporations. The course analyzes the process and impact of internationalization and its contributions to the development of a multicultural world and utilizes international management theories to help students acquire basic global business analytical and cross-cultural management and communication skills. Finally, it provides an ability to utilize the tools for the assessment, analysis and decision-making related to organizational internalization.

    Schedule Of Classes

One of the following:

  • BUSN 301 - Leading in a Global World

    BUSN 301 - Leading in a Global World

    4.00 credit hours

    An overview of globalization and its effects on leading successful multinational business and organizations. It explores systematically the theories and models of global leadership and explains social relationships and human behavior across cultural boundaries. It analyzes the relationships among individuals, communities and societies across the world. It provides a context expressing the cultural identities of leaders. It assists learners in developing key professional and personal competencies for effective global leadership and offers an integrated, practical and dynamic framework to think, act and mobilize people to develop global literacy.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • BUSN 370 - Entrepreneurship Experimentation

    BUSN 370 - Entrepreneurship Experimentation

    4.00 credit hours

    Applies the principles of lean startup, customer development and iterative market testing to test whether you have a profitable business idea. This is a project-based course where skills in customer and market discovery, opportunity testing, iterative product development and entrepreneurial strategy are developed. In addition, skills in self-awareness, market responsiveness and creation of competitive advantage for oneself are cultivated.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 315 - Management Information Systems

    MGMT 315 - Management Information Systems

    4.00 credit hours

    Combines information theory and practice to prepare students to recognize computer-based information systems elements and develop effective and ethical decisions regarding managing information systems. The fit between corporate culture, strategies and information systems decisions is analyzed in detail. The concept of big data, its sources, the management of IT and the security concerns regarding big data, and any recent developments that affect information technologies are the main focus. Students also learn how the managerial decisions made at the firm level affect daily lives and how this has ethical implications as well as implications for privacy.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 325 - Data Analytics

    MGMT 325 - Data Analytics

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides in-depth knowledge about quantitative data analysis methods in order to tackle business problems. Students gain hands-on experience through the data analysis process, starting from analyzing problems in order to identify data requirements and analysis needs, applying appropriate data analysis methods and interpreting results within the given context. Data analysis software such as spreadsheet, optimization and simulation programs are used to support the skill building within this course.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 345 - Human Resource Management

    MGMT 345 - Human Resource Management

    4.00 credit hours

    Examines the basic functions of personnel and labor relations. Discussions focus on valuing, employing, developing, motivating and maintaining human resources in organizations. The history of the American labor movement and the collective bargaining process is also examined.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 485 - Operations Research

    MGMT 485 - Operations Research

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to the application of mathematical models in operational decision-making. Provides a foundation in quantitative operations and logistics management. Models taught include linear programming, transportation modeling, network modeling, goal programming, heuristic programming, and simulation modeling. The basics of each method is taught at the theoretical and practical levels. Students build skills in analyzing real life problems, and identifying and applying effective solution methods to these problems, using heuristics and computer programs such as spreadsheet and/or specialized software.

    Schedule Of Classes

Management Minor

Management develops students' understanding of organizations and their role in society.  Students develop skills in data analysis, organizational structure and supply chain management, while emphasizing the responsibilities of organizations to promote a more sustainable future.  In a rapidly changing world students gain an appreciation for the responsible actions of corporations to not only be profitable but to also be stewards of the environment and social justice.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Management and Marketing.

A minimum of 24 credit hours, including:

  • BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics

    BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides an overview of basic statistics as it applies to business. The focus is on learning statistical concepts by applying analytical reasoning to business applications. Examples illustrating the relevance of statistics to broad areas of business are used. The course requires students to use spreadsheet programs, statistical programs, the Internet and other computer tools in analyzing statistics. The focus is on application of the material and on solving problems. Only one of BUSN 265 and PSYC 250 may be taken for credit.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to the theory of consumer choice, social and individual welfare, the behavior of business firms and market structure, and other applied microeconomic topics.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 305 - Management and Organizational Behavior

    MGMT 305 - Management and Organizational Behavior

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides a formal overview of why organizations exist and how they operate within the context of society. Basic management issues such as the structure of organizations are explored. In many cases management topics are covered in a generic manner that can be applied to any organization. Other issues are addressed with specific applications to certain firms. This course examines our role as individuals as it pertains to organizations. It is generally meant to provide a framework to analyze organizations that exist in the U.S. but will also cover some international topics.

    Schedule Of Classes

Elective

Three of the following:

  • BUSN 301 - Leading in a Global World

    BUSN 301 - Leading in a Global World

    4.00 credit hours

    An overview of globalization and its effects on leading successful multinational business and organizations. It explores systematically the theories and models of global leadership and explains social relationships and human behavior across cultural boundaries. It analyzes the relationships among individuals, communities and societies across the world. It provides a context expressing the cultural identities of leaders. It assists learners in developing key professional and personal competencies for effective global leadership and offers an integrated, practical and dynamic framework to think, act and mobilize people to develop global literacy.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • BUSN 370 - Entrepreneurship Experimentation

    BUSN 370 - Entrepreneurship Experimentation

    4.00 credit hours

    Applies the principles of lean startup, customer development and iterative market testing to test whether you have a profitable business idea. This is a project-based course where skills in customer and market discovery, opportunity testing, iterative product development and entrepreneurial strategy are developed. In addition, skills in self-awareness, market responsiveness and creation of competitive advantage for oneself are cultivated.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 315 - Management Information Systems

    MGMT 315 - Management Information Systems

    4.00 credit hours

    Combines information theory and practice to prepare students to recognize computer-based information systems elements and develop effective and ethical decisions regarding managing information systems. The fit between corporate culture, strategies and information systems decisions is analyzed in detail. The concept of big data, its sources, the management of IT and the security concerns regarding big data, and any recent developments that affect information technologies are the main focus. Students also learn how the managerial decisions made at the firm level affect daily lives and how this has ethical implications as well as implications for privacy.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 325 - Data Analytics

    MGMT 325 - Data Analytics

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides in-depth knowledge about quantitative data analysis methods in order to tackle business problems. Students gain hands-on experience through the data analysis process, starting from analyzing problems in order to identify data requirements and analysis needs, applying appropriate data analysis methods and interpreting results within the given context. Data analysis software such as spreadsheet, optimization and simulation programs are used to support the skill building within this course.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 335 - Logistics and Supply Chain Management

    MGMT 335 - Logistics and Supply Chain Management

    4.00 credit hours

    However large or small a business' operations might be, they are part of at least one supply chain. Recognizing this system, its counterparts and the level of control each member has on the operations constitute the foundations of effective management. Within this course, the distinction between the terms of logistics management and supply chain management are examined. The synergy created through partnerships in the supply chain, and the alignment of strategies for logistics and supply chain management are highlighted. Implications and impact of decisions made on the supply chain, the society and the environment are in focus.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 345 - Human Resource Management

    MGMT 345 - Human Resource Management

    4.00 credit hours

    Examines the basic functions of personnel and labor relations. Discussions focus on valuing, employing, developing, motivating and maintaining human resources in organizations. The history of the American labor movement and the collective bargaining process is also examined.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 405 - Environmental Management

    MGMT 405 - Environmental Management

    4.00 credit hours

    Provide students with an overview of how management of firms intersects with the environment. It examines purchasing decisions by consumers and production choices by firms and how these can be made to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Other topics covered include: how our market system contributes to global climate change, sustainability of our economy and ecology, production Life-Cycle-Analysis (LCA), Internal Rates of Return (IRR), Return on Investment (ROI) and 'green' products.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 435 - Productions/Operations Management

    MGMT 435 - Productions/Operations Management

    4.00 credit hours

    Studies the production process and its relationship to scientific decision-making. The main scope of study is the supply chain with its manufacturing, service provider and intermediary parties. Students are introduced to the complexities of supply chains and supply chain management and within this context, gain hands-on operations planning experience with quantitative methods such as quality management, capacity planning, constraint management, project management, forecasting and inventory management.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 475 - International Management

    MGMT 475 - International Management

    4.00 credit hours

    Explores organizational management and business strategy issues in an increasingly global environment. It explains the origins of global interdependence and its implications for multinational corporations. The course analyzes the process and impact of internationalization and its contributions to the development of a multicultural world and utilizes international management theories to help students acquire basic global business analytical and cross-cultural management and communication skills. Finally, it provides an ability to utilize the tools for the assessment, analysis and decision-making related to organizational internalization.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 485 - Operations Research

    MGMT 485 - Operations Research

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to the application of mathematical models in operational decision-making. Provides a foundation in quantitative operations and logistics management. Models taught include linear programming, transportation modeling, network modeling, goal programming, heuristic programming, and simulation modeling. The basics of each method is taught at the theoretical and practical levels. Students build skills in analyzing real life problems, and identifying and applying effective solution methods to these problems, using heuristics and computer programs such as spreadsheet and/or specialized software.

    Schedule Of Classes

Management Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead in a business environment.

Internships

Students in our Business Management degree program interned at various organizations such as:

  • AvePoint
  • Central States Tower
  • Cumulus Media
  • Hub Group
  • Northewestern Mutual
  • Nu-World Foods
  • PAWS Chicago
  • Paychex
  • Pragmatium Consulting Group
  • Schneider Electric
  • Southern Wine and Spirits
  • Tave Risk Management
  • United States Liability Insurance
  • Vulcraft-Chicago

What Careers Can I Have as a Business Management Major?

Our management program offers a multitude of courses from finance and economics to business strategy and supply chain management. Having this course variety allows management students to specialize in an area that most lines up with their desired career path. Our graduates are well prepared to work in any type of business environment including the finance, operations, and marketing sectors. Some common positions include management analysts, directors of operations, and project managers. 

Careers

Recent graduates of the Business Management degree program pursued career opportunities at organizations such as:

  • Accenture
  • Aerotek
  • Aflac
  • AJR Filtration, Inc.
  • ALDI U.S.
  • AvePoint
  • CDW
  • Central States Tower
  • Codilis & Associates
  • Consolidated Electrical Distributor

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