Design & Innovation (DESN)

DESN 210. Introduction to Programming for Business Applications. 3 Units.

This course will introduce students to the basics of programming logic utilizing the Python programming language and environment. The course will help students understand how to apply programming solutions and related algorithmic thinking to solve common business and decision problems. This class is a great introduction into programming logic, it just happens to use Python. This course will teach the fundamentals of programming logic, which could be applied to any programming language available today or into the future. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course students should have a foundational knowledge of how to use variables, operators, manipulate strings, loops, functions, and basic array manipulation all through Python programming language. The course will culminate with a final project where students will be divided into groups with each group solving a different small business problem. The final submission will require a joint white paper submission that demonstrates the following learned objectives: problem research, scope, architect, and design a potential solution using python environment. A sample of the implemented Python code that was used to solve this problem will be required for final submission. Each student must have access to a computer that can be brought to class. No programming experience is required. Downloading and installing Python is covered at the start of the course. Basic computer skills: surfing websites, running programs, saving and opening documents, etc. Counts as a Quantitative Reasoning course.

DESN 302. Creativity in Design & Business: Sources of Perception, Imagination, & Creative Thinking. 3 Units.

The goal of this course is to develop skills and techniques for creative problem solving. The course is for anyone interested in design, the development of new products and services, and strategies for change in organizations and society. It is useful wherever we face challenging situations that require imagination, new ideas, and innovative approaches in a rapidly changing world. At its core, creativity is an issue of perception. Learning to change one's perception from what is known, comfortable, and familiar to what is unknown and potentially valuable and rewarding is the challenge of this course. We will explore a wide variety of methods, techniques, and tools for encouraging new perceptions. There will be useful readings, but also exercises and projects for individuals and teams to develop new strategies of creative thinking. Offered as DESN 302 and ENTP 302.

DESN 310. Systems Analysis and Design (SAD). 3 Units.

This course begins with business analysis and ends with information systems design. Students are introduced to tools and techniques enabling effective analysis, design and documentation of an information system application. The student learns methodologies that form the basis of systems design and engineering practices. Models that focus on the articulation of business functions, integrating process, data and behavioral abstraction form the core of formal methods in systems development using the Unified Modeling Language (UML). The course teaches students principles and skills that are essential to their function as system developers, participants and leaders of system development projects. Prereq: MIDS 301 and (ENGR 131 or CSDS 132 or DESN 210).

DESN 318. Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition II. 1.5 Unit.

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) is the path to becoming an entrepreneur by buying and growing an established small business. Most ETA strategies incorporate the support of investors and advisors who provide capital and experience to help and mentor an ETA entrepreneur on their journey to find, acquire, and lead a small business. As part of the ETA curriculum, this course focuses on 1) defining the different types of ETA with a particular emphasis on search funds, 2) exploring the most common industries targeted by ETA entrepreneurs, including healthcare and software, and 3) the post-acquisition experience of leading a small business. The course draws on the direct experience of class guests and relatable case studies. In particular, the course will also utilize in-class role plays of real-world small business leadership scenarios. Offered as DESN 318 and DESN 420.

DESN 319. Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition III. 1.5 Unit.

This is one of three Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) courses. ETA is the path to becoming an entrepreneur by buying and growing an established small business. ETA III exposes students to the journey ETA entrepreneurs follow when going from employee to business owner, with emphasis on the "sponsored search" strategy. Course emphasis is on experiential learning components with class guests who are primarily ETA entrepreneurs and people who work closely with ETA entrepreneurs (e.g., investors, bankers, and other advisors) and case studies of over 40 Weatherhead Alumni and others who have become business owners using ETA strategies. Many ETA strategies incorporate support from investors and advisors who provide capital and experience to complement the ETA entrepreneur's efforts to find, acquire, and run a business. Becoming a business owner using ETA is challenging. However, when proven strategies are used, it can be much less risky than doing a "startup" around a less proven product or service. This course is designed to be relatable and practical, giving students direct exposure to what it takes to pursue this path and evaluate if it's right for them. Offered as DESN 319, DESN 419, and MGTE 419.

DESN 320. Database Management. 3 Units.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to data management in organizations. It establishes the data management foundation in the business major and can be taken as a course for students in data analytics. Topics include conceptual and logical data modeling, entity relationship and relational data modeling, and database design and implementation using the SQL programming language. Students will also be introduced with non relational data bases and big data applications. Students will complete exercises in database modeling, design and databased programming using SQL on a given data base environment to be determined later (Oracle, Open SQL etc). Prereq: ACCT 100 and (ENGR 131 or CSDS 132 or DESN 210).

DESN 321. Introduction to Information Security for Business. 3 Units.

This course provides a foundational understanding of information security principles and their application in business environments. Students will explore critical concepts, strategies, and technologies used to protect organizational data and systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding cybersecurity risks, implementing best practices, and navigating regulatory requirements. The course prepares students to identify, assess, and manage information security challenges in real-world business contexts. Prereq: MIDS 301.

DESN 322. Designing the User Experience (UX). 3 Units.

Ever deleted an app out of frustration? Or loved a product because it just works? That's User Experience (UX) Design in action--the difference between frustration and delight. In this course, we'll dive into how design, psychology, and technology shape user experiences. You'll learn to research, prototype, and create intuitive, engaging designs that people love. We'll also explore the complex relationship between technology and society through ethical lenses, including accessible, inclusive, trauma-informed, and diversity-focused design. UX is best learned through thoughtful critique and hands-on practice. Expect to engage in personal reflections, group critiques, and real-world application of UX techniques. Sketching will be a key tool for communication, with dedicated in-class time each week. By the end, you won't just understand great UX--you'll have a portfolio-ready project to showcase your skills. Prereq: MIDS 301.

DESN 323. Data Strategy and Enterprise Architecture. 3 Units.

This course introduces students to the architectural principles required to design emerging, modern enterprise data ecosystems, which support advanced analytics and complex layers of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Students will learn how organizations move from fragmented legacy environments toward interoperable digital architectures through the use of enterprise architecture frameworks, data meshes, data fabrics, and enterprise data foundries. The course places particular emphasis on architectural design of scalable solutions rather than software engineering, focusing on how organizations structure systems to enable scalable analytics, regulatory transparency (e.g., FDTA, SBR), and data interoperability across emergent AI designs (e.g., Gen, RAG, Agentic). Prereq: MIDS 301.

DESN 360. Family Business Fundamentals. 1.5 Unit.

As family businesses make up a significant portion of the US economy, understanding what they are and their unique characteristics is vital to understanding the broader business arena. This course will examine what makes family businesses different from other businesses including their unique characteristics, stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and how they can differ by philosophy, ownership structure and generation. Offered as DESN 360 and DESN 460.

DESN 361. Building, Managing and Preserving Multi-Generational Wealth in the Family Business. 1.5 Unit.

This course provides family business owners, future leaders, and advisors with a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring the successful transition, stewardship, and unity of family enterprises across generations. Participants will explore the essentials of shareholder transition planning, estate and trust structures, and the impact of taxes on family wealth. The curriculum goes beyond technical knowledge, delving into the critical "family glue" factors--traditions, shared experiences, and communication--that sustain family harmony and commitment to the enterprise. Offered as DESN 361 and DESN 461.

DESN 419. Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition III. 1.5 Unit.

This is one of three Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) courses. ETA is the path to becoming an entrepreneur by buying and growing an established small business. ETA III exposes students to the journey ETA entrepreneurs follow when going from employee to business owner, with emphasis on the "sponsored search" strategy. Course emphasis is on experiential learning components with class guests who are primarily ETA entrepreneurs and people who work closely with ETA entrepreneurs (e.g., investors, bankers, and other advisors) and case studies of over 40 Weatherhead Alumni and others who have become business owners using ETA strategies. Many ETA strategies incorporate support from investors and advisors who provide capital and experience to complement the ETA entrepreneur's efforts to find, acquire, and run a business. Becoming a business owner using ETA is challenging. However, when proven strategies are used, it can be much less risky than doing a "startup" around a less proven product or service. This course is designed to be relatable and practical, giving students direct exposure to what it takes to pursue this path and evaluate if it's right for them. Offered as DESN 319, DESN 419, and MGTE 419.

DESN 420. Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition II. 1.5 Unit.

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) is the path to becoming an entrepreneur by buying and growing an established small business. Most ETA strategies incorporate the support of investors and advisors who provide capital and experience to help and mentor an ETA entrepreneur on their journey to find, acquire, and lead a small business. As part of the ETA curriculum, this course focuses on 1) defining the different types of ETA with a particular emphasis on search funds, 2) exploring the most common industries targeted by ETA entrepreneurs, including healthcare and software, and 3) the post-acquisition experience of leading a small business. The course draws on the direct experience of class guests and relatable case studies. In particular, the course will also utilize in-class role plays of real-world small business leadership scenarios. Offered as DESN 318 and DESN 420.

DESN 421. ETA Fundamentals: The Acquisition Entrepreneurship Lifecycle. 1.5 Unit.

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition ("ETA") will give students frameworks and real-world solutions to use if they decide to pursue the acquisition and leadership of a company. The class will walk through the life cycle of a typical path to finding and running a business, including information on raising capital, searching for a company, buying a business, leading that business and then ultimately selling it. Approximately half of the course will go through critical points leading up to buying a business, while the other half will address some of the key issues executives face while running a company (identifying metrics, communicating with a team, interviewing, handling HR issues, etc.). Although the main focus will be on buying and running a business, the class is designed to be applicable to many other career paths including private equity, venture capital, entrepreneurship and general management. The class will utilize cases, assignments and / or readings in each lecture along with speakers who will give real life techniques that they use to excel in the particular area that the class is structured around. The class will be a mix of Zoom and recorded instruction.

DESN 425. Chief Executive Officer. 3 Units.

This course will take the perspective of the CEO in deciding the actions that lead to sustainable competitive advantage. We will study decisions that span from starting a small business to expanding beyond the core using mergers and acquisitions. We will also study how CEOs decide to exit a market. The successful CEO not only has to design the strategy for success but has to also design an execution plan. As the organization grows the importance of delegation to the right subordinates becomes increasingly critical. The course material includes case studies, decision briefs and presentations (virtual and in person) by senior executives. Decision briefs are short notes that have the same information that the CEOs had when starting the business. You will develop the strategy based on these decision briefs and will compare your suggestions to what was actually done by both successful and unsuccessful CEOs. Offered as DESN 425 and MGTE 424.

DESN 460. Family Business Fundamentals. 1.5 Unit.

As family businesses make up a significant portion of the US economy, understanding what they are and their unique characteristics is vital to understanding the broader business arena. This course will examine what makes family businesses different from other businesses including their unique characteristics, stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and how they can differ by philosophy, ownership structure and generation. Offered as DESN 360 and DESN 460.

DESN 461. Building, Managing and Preserving Multi-Generational Wealth in the Family Business. 1.5 Unit.

This course provides family business owners, future leaders, and advisors with a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring the successful transition, stewardship, and unity of family enterprises across generations. Participants will explore the essentials of shareholder transition planning, estate and trust structures, and the impact of taxes on family wealth. The curriculum goes beyond technical knowledge, delving into the critical "family glue" factors--traditions, shared experiences, and communication--that sustain family harmony and commitment to the enterprise. Offered as DESN 361 and DESN 461.

DESN 490. Business Model Innovation. 3 Units.

We will take the perspective of the business unit or an entrepreneur starting a business. The course will be built around defining the following as problems. Where to play, how to win and what to do. We will deconstruct many innovative business models. However, the learning objective for you is to understand a process by which you can design (reconstruct) similar innovative business models. The process of identifying a creative outcome is essentially a search task, equivalent to find valuable treasures in an unexplored space. One can find treasure by walking around randomly or following a well thought out search algorithm. The latter, however, is much more efficient, guarantees much higher payoff in the long term, and can be learned and replicated by any willing explorers. Example in Fossil Hunting.

DESN 491. Expansion and Diversification Strategy. 3 Units.

This course will help you to internalize a few core principles required to compete successfully, as well as to successfully expand a business. These core principles can be applied in any business -- past and present. What will change is the MEANS of applying these principles as technologies change. So the smartphone is gradually eliminating the need for a dispatcher to connect a passenger to a taxi. However, the business that can match supply and demand better than competition will win irrespective of the means.

DESN 494. Managerial Consultancy. 3 Units.

Students will learn to match consulting methodologies with client needs and employ a step by step strategy development process applied to actual companies which are semester-long clients of the class. Accelerated career strategies in the consultancy business are featured as well as tactics for getting hired in the first place. The course views consultancy as a role rather than career and conceptualizes consultancy as a process of optimizing an organization's value creation potential and competitive advantage. Students should be able to apply the concepts regardless of career choice. Exposure to senior practicing consultants is featured.

DESN 501. Special Problems and Topics. 1 - 18 Units.

This course is offered, with permission, to students undertaking reading in a field of special interest.

DESN 527. Seminar in DESN. 3 Units.

This seminar addresses topics of current interest with a strong emphasis on research. It is intended primarily for the faculty and doctoral students of the DESN Department.

DESN 601. Special Topics in MIS. 1 - 18 Units.

This course is offered, with permission, to Ph.D. candidates undertaking reading in a field of special interest.

DESN 701. Dissertation Ph.D.. 1 - 9 Units.

(Credit as arranged.) Prereq: Predoctoral research consent or advanced to Ph.D. candidacy milestone.