Course Descriptions

Business Management

BBM 100
Customer Service Workshop
1 credit

This workshop focuses on the importance of quality customer service as it represents the brand image, mission, and values of a business. Quality customer service is integral to the customer experience. Excellent customer service is a competitive advantage for a business and in this course, students will learn various ways to meet or exceed the expectations of a customer as a means to drive the competitive advantage of a business. In this course, students will learn effective communication techniques to provide the best experience for the customer and this includes handling the difficult customer.

BBM 102
Introduction to Business
3 credits

The business environment is dynamic and influenced by the rapidly changing physical environment. Businesses must adapt rapidly and competition is strong. Business leaders need to demonstrate the durable skills needed to communicate, emulate business ethics, demonstrate cultural intelligence, sustain customer relationships, and promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Business leaders must understand the impact of government regulation on business, finance, accounting, marketing, and technology. Through this course, students will identify the principles of the American enterprise system and its impact on a global marketplace, understand the nature of management and the dimensions of marketing strategy, and be able to describe the steps necessary when growing any business. The course identifies the basic environment in which businesses operate (economic, operations management, and management principles).

BBM 103
Introduction to Public Administration
3 credits

This course is an introductory evaluation of public administration in multi-disciplinary terms as a policy process, management vehicle, and bureaucratic structure. The scope of the course is necessarily broad, with the clear expectation that students develop rigorous conceptual strength as a foundation for the analysis of both theories and issues.

BBM 105
Introduction to Construction Management
3 credits

This course introduces students to the processes, industry terminology, business practices, and career pathways related to construction management.  This course provides an overview of construction operations project management and project planning.  The course identifies the basic environment in which construction businesses operate (economic, operations management, and management principles).

BBM 110
Fundamentals of Ethical Sales Techniques
1 credit

This course is designed to introduce students to generally recognized and good practices of ethical sales techniques. Ethical sales practices include; ethical ways of approaching customers, sharing truthful information, and providing fair competitive comparisons. This course will address the history of ethics in sales; examine the key concepts in sales ethics; review the economic theories underlying sales ethics, and explore the 6 phases of sales ethics.  The student will understand the government regulations for unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices established by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). 

BBM 150
Entrepreneurial Innovation and Well-Being
1 credit

This one-credit course provides a foundational overview on how to enhance entrepreneurial well-being. This course is relevant for all entrepreneurs at any stage of the process and will explore current best practices to improve organizational performance while supporting the entrepreneur’s own well-being. Topics covered by this course include managing stress, symptoms and prevention of burnout, resilience, coping skills, time management, innovation, social support, and best practices for healthy living as entrepreneur.

An action plan for the organization and self is the expected outcome for this class.

BBM 190
Financial Coordinator Practicum
3 credits

This course is an elective available to any Wilmington University undergraduate student. It is offered in cooperation with the Delaware Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign and the Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation. It is graded Pass/Fail. The course has two components: Instruction (basic financial management) and service to the community (financial advisement). After completing the instructional component, students will offer financial advisement to clients at certified IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.

BBM 201
Principles of Management
3 credits

Effective managers are essential to any organization’s overall success, regardless if it is a global giant or a small start-up enterprise.  Managers must pay attention to what goes on both inside and outside of their organizations and foster an environment committed to the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as an integral part of the work community. Managers must develop specific managerial competencies to perform their job flawlessly. The following specifies the competencies needed for jobs having managerial responsibilities; communication, planning and administration, teamwork, strategic action, global awareness, cultural intelligence, and self-management. Trauma informed management as a special topic is introduced in this course.

BBM 301
Organizational Behavior
3 credits

The dimensions of organizational behavior are examined with particular emphasis on formal organizations, individual and group processes. Tools and methods available to a manager building a business integrating individuals and groups are reviewed.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 302
Business and the Environment
3 credits

The course will focus on how business operates within the environment. It will first concentrate on the history of environmental legislation and the early response of business to environmental responsibility. The course will then provide a basic understanding of environmental science and environmental issues as they relate to industry, sustainability, and strategic decision frameworks that will aid a corporation in meeting its environmental responsibility.

BBM 304
Personal Branding
3 credits

This course will prepare the student for career development through a personalized career marketing plan.  Course topics include networking, resume development, interviewing, resources for job searching, social media tools, and developing a unique selling proposition for career marketing.

BBM 306
Foundations of Innovative Leadership
3 credits

This course will explore innovative leadership concepts and practices that are at the forefront of forward-thinking organizations.  This course will provide individuals with an understanding of the key competencies and best practices for leading one's self, teams, departments and organizations.  Students will learn how to be more engaged and effective leaders.

Prerequisite(s): HRM 201 or BBM 201

BBM 307
Career Success Through Personal Branding
3 credits

This course will prepare the student for career development through a personalized career marketing plan to effectively differentiate yourself from your competition.  Course topics include establishing a self-brand, creating your brand, building a network, utilizing social media tools, demonstrating effective interpersonal skills, and marketing a unique selling proposition for your career path.

BBM 308
Introduction to Sales Force Management
3 credits

The course represents sales force management in a practical way that is fully relevant to today’s business professionals. It illustrates the impact of sales skills on lives and careers in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and the responsibilities and expectations of a sales manager. Sales are central to modern business in generating revenue. Sales force management is a core business activity and is an essential business skill for every organization. Students will learn how theory interacts with practice and how professional selling, whatever one’s role in an organization is essential to organization success. The course also examines best practices, strategies, and careers that are part of professional selling and sales force management.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 310
Materials Management
3 credits

This course examines the concepts, major issues, and challenges of materials management by following the flow of materials from raw materials through finished goods. Material requirements will be computed and evaluated using qualitative and quantitative materials management approaches such as forecasting, inventory management, scheduling, materials requirements and capacity planning. In addition, methods utilized for receiving, storing, inspecting, packaging, shipping, assembly, and finishing products will be explored to effectively manage inventory and meet company’s objectives.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 315
Supervisory Management
3 credits

The supervisor’s relationship to the total management environment is analyzed. The supervisor’s management efforts are discussed, as well as the relationship between supervisor and individual employee. This contemporary course is helpful to any student interested in the principles and practices of effective supervision.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 319
Business Ethics
3 credits

This course examines the important role of business ethics in organizations.  Different philosophical approaches to ethical principles are discussed.  Ethical decision making regarding consumers, employees, suppliers and the organization's relationship to society are analyzed.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201 or HSP 101

BBM 320
Business Communications
3 credits

This course examines and applies various oral and written communication mechanisms needed in organizations. This includes how to write formal and informal reports, proposals, and various types of messages such as favorable, unfavorable, and persuasive. Choosing the best communication channel such as verbal, digital written and social media will be examined. Emphasis is placed on the soft skills needed for improving interpersonal communication, embracing diversity, inclusion, examining communication barriers, and cross-cultural communication including nonverbal differences across cultures. In addition, this course examines effective presentations, business etiquette, teamwork, meetings, technology, and emerging trends in job searching.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 330
Power and Negotiation
3 credits

This course examines how managers and other stakeholders both inside and outside of the organization interact to create means by which to assure the rights and duties of various parties within an organization. Political processes are evaluated to understand how power is leveraged. Negotiation techniques and factors contributing to negotiation success for managers are examined.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 331
Business and Society
3 credits

This course uses the concept of social responsibility to address the role of business in society. Social responsibility is concerned with company values, responsibilities, actions and outcomes that affect employees, investors, business partners, communities, and other stakeholders. Focus is on exploring issues including workplace ethics, the natural environment, government regulation, information technology, diversity, corporate governance, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

BBM 347
Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism in the Workplace
3 credits

This course will teach students about the importance of demonstrating effective interpersonal skills and professionalism, which are fundamental to personal and professional effectiveness, the workplace environment, career development, community, and leadership. Interpersonal skill development begins with understanding yourself and improving self-management skills such as emotional intelligence. This course introduces methods for understanding yourself and your strengths, and how they guide professional choices. Gaining understanding and insight into personality, attitudes, and behaviors; identifying biases that affect understanding and appreciation of others; improving professional relationships; and reinforcing the ability to work effectively with diverse others and in teams are emphasized throughout the course. Other topics include business etiquette, leading and empowering others, building and rebuilding trust, managing conflict, and the sources of conflict.  In addition, understanding and working in teams, networking, mentoring, coaching, providing feedback, managing changing environments, and strategies for effective meetings are examined.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 350
Introduction to E-Commerce
3 credits

E-commerce has made a major impact on the way organizations do business in today’s global economy. Although E-commerce management is based on the universal principles of management, there are differences that need to be taken into consideration. This course examines the variety of ways that the Internet, Web, and mobile platform are used to build new business firms in tandem with standard rules of business. This course explores the very complex phenomenon of E-commerce that involves considerations of markets, firms, consumer behavior, and technology. E-commerce is continually evolving and is a marketplace for products, services, content (social networks, photos, blogs), and entertainment (movies, TV, video, music, games). E-commerce is as much a sociological phenomenon as it is a business and technological phenomenon. In addition to the social aspect of E-commerce, two major themes examined are the full emergence of the mobile platform and the increasing emphasis on local E-commerce.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 351
Small Business Management
3 credits

This course provides the student with a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of small business management. The unique characteristics of small businesses are examined. The course makes the student aware of ideas, concepts, and philosophies important to the success of small businesses.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 355
Quality Management
3 credits

This course examines the concepts, key issues, and problems of quality management and the role of management in quality assurance. Methods to create a total quality work environment will be explored with an emphasis on improving leadership abilities, employee involvement/teamwork, and processes that measure performance variability using statistical concepts related to process control. In addition, initiating performance management techniques that measure progression of different processes within the organization will be introduced.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 370
Global Business Management
3 credits

Global relationships are a large part of an organization doing business today, whether it be employees, suppliers, or customers.  Although global management is based on the universal principles of management, there are differences that need to be taken into consideration such as political, legal, economic, and cultural factors which influence doing business in foreign countries.  Additional factors of human resource management and strategic planning will be addressed.  To operate effectively, businesses must understand the differences between managing solely in a domestic environment compared to an international one.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 371
Employee Relations for Construction Managers
3 credits

This course introduces students to management’s role and responsibilities in retaining talent, upholding employment laws, and supporting a diverse workforce. Students will examine fundamental employment laws, the impact of Labor Relations, and methods to minimize conflict in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on communication, emotional intelligence, and fostering a productive work environment.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 105, Apprenticeship, or Program Chair Approval

BBM 372
Construction Accounting and Financial Management
3 credits

This course covers all of the key accounting and financial management principles needed by construction managers to manage the finances of construction companies profitably and how to adapt these principles to the construction industry. Students will be introduced to construction financial management, detail the framework for a construction accounting system, describe the management of costs, profits, and cash flows, and provides tools for making financial decisions.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 105, Apprenticeship, or Program Chair Approval

BBM 373
Construction Site Safety
3 credits

This course explores compliance with safety and occupational health in the construction industry. Safety on the construction site as procedural and regulatory are examined along with understanding how construction sites could be designed to minimize accidents or illnesses within and surrounding the worksite. Students will become familiar with safety measures, consequences of non-compliance, and costs associated with rework and accidents.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 105, Apprenticeship, or Program Chair Approval

BBM 374
Law and Regulation in Construction Management
3 credits

This course introduces students to the laws that guide the construction industry and the impact these laws have on construction projects. Students will become familiar with laws on real estate, contracts, and ones that might be different based on the state in which the construction project exists. Navigating resources, interpreting legal terms, understanding the implications of laws on the construction industry, and extracting vital elements of contracts are essential to this course.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 105, Apprenticeship, or Program Chair Approval

BBM 375
Construction Project Management
3 credits

This course introduces students to estimating, scheduling and control. Quantity takeoff estimations for material, time, equipment, and overhead are presented. Activity durations, blueprint reading, scheduling, and project updating for control are covered. The student will get a solid foundation of the principles and fundamentals of project management, with a particular emphasis on project planning, demonstrated through an example project.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 371, BBM 372, BBM 373, BBM 374

BBM 381
Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
3 credits

This course provides students with an understanding of the philosophy and practical application of social entrepreneurship as means of generating both profit and public good from business enterprises. Utilizing a business mindset, students will learn the nature of social entrepreneurship, characteristics of practitioners, social enterprise as a model of social change, and the widespread impacts of social enterprise.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 382
Sustainability and Energy Management
3 credits

This course provides students with an understanding of the basic principles of Design for Environment (DFE) and focuses on the challenges that companies face when integrating sustainable thinking into the design and development of new products. Students will learn about the emergence of corporate social responsibility and understand how external forces and business drivers motivate the adoption of DFE practices. Students will also identify the best methods for implementing DFE in a variety of sectors to assure continued economic growth without adverse ecological and social impacts. Lastly, students will examine the global challenges involved with environmental sustainability and how DFE practices can be used to meet these challenges.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 386
Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain Management
3 credits

This course provides students with an understanding how decisions regarding logistics and supply chain management creates value and enables a company to meet its strategic objectives. Furthermore, we will conduct a detailed study of supply chain management elements and how they influence the supply chain strategy. Students will become familiar with performance metrics, tools and techniques utilized by supply chain professionals to analyze, recommend and implement solutions to enhance a company’s supply chain operations.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 387
Global Trade Logistics and Supply Chain Management
3 credits

This course examines how decisions regarding global trade logistics creates value and enables a company to meet its strategic objectives. Efficiency, essential to customer satisfaction and supply chain flow will be examined and recommendations for lowering transportation and warehousing costs will be discussed.  Furthermore, we will conduct a detailed study of logistics fundamentals and how they influence the supply chain strategy. Students will become familiar with trends, tools, and techniques utilized by logistics professionals to plan, evaluate, recommend and implement solutions to improve a company’s supply chain operations.

Prerequisite(s): BBM370

BBM 400
Current Topics in Business Leadership
3 credits

This course includes discussions on current topics in the area of leadership and management, including organizational issues, leadership styles, and ethical considerations. Case studies, class discussion, and guest speakers will enhance the principles learned throughout the Organizational Management curriculum.

BBM 401
International Communication
3 credits

This course looks at the importance of international communication in today's business environment.  All organizations to some degree operate in a global environment.  Topics included in the course are cultural self-awareness and its importance to the business environment, differences in oral and nonverbal communication in various cultures, preparing for business assignments overseas, analysis of communication differences in international meetings, negotiations, and work and social relationships are discussed.  The course identifies the cultural, economic, and political implications that affect international communications.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 121

BBM 402
Strategic Management
3 credits

This course examines the theory and practice of defining and implementing business policy. It presents actual case studies of business organizations, including the determination of top-level company policy in such functional areas as finance, marketing, and production. The national Peregrine Business Exam will be administered during this course. The content of the examination assesses the basic knowledge and understanding gained in the core business curriculum. All prerequisites must be completed prior to registering for this course.

Prerequisite(s): BAC 102 (FIN 300 for Applied Business and OL majors), BBM 201, BBM 320, BLA 303 (SPM 301 for SPM Majors, or HRM 400 for HRM Majors or ORG 444 for OL majors), BMK 305 (or SPM 407 for SPM Majors), ECO 102 (or ECO 105 for HRM, OL Applied Business, and SPM majors), FIN 305 (FIN 300 for OL and Applied Business majors), and MAT 312 (prior to 2016-2017 MAT 308).

BBM 407
Organizational Project
3 credits

This course guides students through a structured process of identifying an organizational problem in the workplace, developing and engaging in a thorough and academically rigorous research process, culminating in the student producing a final research paper/project that addresses the identified problem.

Prerequisite(s): All OM core courses must be completed before students can enroll in BBM407. The courses include BBM 201, BBM 325, BBM 320, BBM 370, BBM 400, BBM 411, BBM 412, FIN 300, BLA 303, BMK 305, FIN 304, HRM 310, HRM 311, and MIS 320.

BBM 411
Operations and Systems Management
3 credits

An integral part of any business is the operations, whether a goods producing or service providing organization, profit or not for profit.  Understanding key operations management knowledge areas, phases and processes are critical factors to any successful operational implementation.  Students will identify supply chain management, forecasting, inventory management, and statistical control.  Topics include the role of customers, suppliers, and the community to operations and systems management.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 122 and BBM 201

BBM 412
Project Management
3 credits

This course provides a systematic and thorough introduction to all aspects of project management which in turn aids in the development of the necessary skills and competencies for planning and controlling projects from initiation to implementation. Students will explore project management with a practical, hands-on approach by executing and managing a simulated project through its life cycle by leveraging project management practices and new processes outlined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). 

This course guides students through the application of basic project management tools and concepts to a simulated project while providing insight on the importance of understanding the relationship between projects and the strategic goals of an organization. Other topics explored include the importance for project managers to possess the ability to gain the support of stakeholders and access to resources not directly under their control and the technical, cultural, interpersonal, and effective leadership skills necessary for project managers to successfully manage projects.

Ethics and Professional Conduct will also be introduced. By the end of the course, students will gain a strong working knowledge of project management basics and be able to immediately apply the appropriate project management methods and models required to plan, implement, and effectively manage projects and teams, including methodologies of estimating time and costs for completion and the measurement of progress and performance. Successful project managers possess the skills necessary to manage their teams, schedules, risks, and resources to produce the desired outcome. Information related to PMI certifications is also provided. This course satisfies the minimum education requirements to sit for the PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® exam.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 415
Effective Sales Presentations and Proposals
1 credit

Fundamentals of Effective Sales Presentations and Proposals is a course designed to introduce students to creating effective sales presentations and proposals that strategically support company goals for selling products or services by delivering targeted messages. Business proposal presentations are the culmination of a long sales process that will only occur if the presentation is structured correctly and delivered professionally. The course examines the difference between a sales presentation and a sales proposal. The framework of the course will guide the student through the Sales Presentation and Proposal Process and how to ensure effectiveness. The course will review the message and story of an effective sales presentation. The student will develop their verbal and presentation skills. The course will also review the Sales Presentation and Proposal Tool Kit ensuring a successful Sales Engagement Experience.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 110, BBM 308, BMK 320

BBM 420
Seminar in Organizational Leadership
3 credits

This course is the capstone for the Organizational Leadership program and is designed to provide a foundation in the application of content learned in previous courses in an organizational setting.  As a project-focused course, students will examine a real-world business issue requiring a crisis management plan, including the trauma informed approach.  Students will explore the current trends in leadership practice and apply the concepts to the real-world business issue.  Students will consider a variety of elements of the organizational issue including both leadership, business, and psychological aspects.

Prerequisite(s): FIN300, BBM201, BBM306, BBM320, ORG444, BMK305, ECO105, and MAT312

BBM 460
Topics in Business Management
3 credits

This course is an intensive study of selected contemporary topics in business management. Emphasis is placed on research in areas pertinent to the current business environment such as customer service, leadership, and working in teams. The focus for each section will vary. Students should refer to the course listing bulletin for current topic.

Prerequisite(s): Senior status or permission of the chair

BBM 461
Topics in Business Management
3 credits

This course is an intensive study of selected contemporary topics in business management. Emphasis is placed on research in areas pertinent to the current business environment such as customer service, leadership, and working in teams. The focus for each section will vary. Students should refer to the course listing bulletin for current topic.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201 and BBM 301

BBM 468
Topics in Supply Chain Management
3 credits

This course provides an analysis of emergent issues, current topics, and systems in supply chain management with an emphasis on innovation and methodological development. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize their coursework and professional experience to research a real-world problem of interest to supply chain management.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 386

BBM 487
Experiential Learning in Business
3 credits

This course provides students with an experiential learning opportunity to engage in project-based learning within the student’s current employment context or through a simulated work experience utilizing scenario-based application assessments that align with the competencies of a business professional as identified by the program chair. The course provides students with an opportunity to define, analyze and apply theories and models to resolve a complex organizational problem(s) and real-world experiences to strategize business related solution and opportunities. This course will also cover phases of career management including preparing for the job market, understanding the job search process, and maximizing effectiveness in career development. Students must be registered in either the Business Management or Organizational Leadership degree program.

Prerequisite(s): 75 or more credits in the Business Management degee program or the Organizational Leadership degree program

BBM 489
Experiential Learning
3 credits

This is the final (capstone) course in the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certificate Program. This 15 week course is required for the completion of this certificate. This course provides students with an experiential learning opportunity through a virtual business simulation. This course uses artificial intelligence to enter a simulated business, strategizing and decision making at every level, and solving complex organizational problems.

Prerequisite(s): Must be enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management certificate program

BBM 490
Internship in Business Management
3 credits

The internship provides work experience, allowing the student to consolidate knowledge, apply skills, and organize a philosophical framework vital for success in the field of management and/or organizational leadership. Students must have a minimum of 60 credits and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Course is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

Prerequisite(s): BBM 201

BBM 491
Internship in Business Management
3 credits

This course provides the student experience in his/her chosen field of study. Through this experience, the student gains a practical understanding of work in the industry, experience on the job, enhancement of skills learned in the classroom, and contacts with professionals in the business world. Students may work on either a full-time or part-time basis for a 14-week semester. Students must have completed a minimum 60 credits, a minimum of 12 credits in the business core, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory.