Master of Business Administration (MBAP)

MBAP 409. Sustainable Value Innovation. 3 Units.

This course creates a foundational platform featuring key models and managerial tools for building sustainable value and "turning the social and global issues of our day into business opportunities." Case studies of leading mainstream companies are used to analyze how business value is created for a range of social and environmental initiatives. Students will look at sustainability business strategies that reduce risks, drive down costs, create new revenue streams, serve new markets, and position companies to take advantage of changing societal expectations. Environmental issues such as climate change are covered along with social issues such as global poverty. Students acquire the competencies required to make effective business decisions based on integrating sustainability into the core of a company's value added activities. Prereq: This course is for students in the Part-time Cohort MBA Program.

MBAP 411. Identifying Design Opportunities. 3 Units.

Designing is giving form to an idea for a more desirable product, service, process or organization, and refining the idea into something that can be delivered reliably and efficiently. Good design integrates these evolving ideas with the day-to-day realities of a firms' operations, systems, marketing, economics, finance and human resources. Designing is thus a unique managerial activity that brings together changing technologies, capabilities, relationships, activities and materials to shape an organization's plans and strategies. It combines analysis and synthesis to create opportunities for improvement and means of attaining them. Viewed this way, designing is a core competence of a successful entrepreneur or innovative leader. Design analysis is the systematic review of the four orders of design found in every firm--namely, the firm's communications, products, interactions and environments--and the creation of opportunities to increase firm value by improving each. Students will identify ill-defined, ill-structured problems within organizations. Such problems are ones for which there are no definitive formulations and for which the formulation chosen affects the solutions available. For such problems, there is no explicit way of knowing when you have reached a solution, and solutions cannot necessarily be considered correct or incorrect. But finding innovative solutions to such problems can provide unique opportunities to create exceptional value. A major outcome of the semester's inquiry is a presentation of the design problem and proposed design solution. Prereq: This course is for students in the Part-time Cohort MBA Program.

MBAP 420H. Regulatory Issues in Healthcare Management. 1.5 Unit.

This course provides and overview of key areas health law at level important to managers in healthcare related organizations. The topical areas covered include (1) the history, structure, financing, and operation of the U.S. medical system; (2) legal and ethical rules and regulations governing physicians and other health care professionals; the patient-physician relationship; institutional providers of care such as hospitals, nursing homes, and laboratories; and drug and device manufacturers; (3) regulation of health insurers and managed care organization; (4) medical malpractice law; (5) confidentiality and electronic medical records; (6) fraud and abuse; (7) antitrust law; (8) employer health plans; (9) medical research; and (10) public health.

MBAP 422H. Digital Innovation in Healthcare. 1.5 Unit.

In this course, students will learn the role of digital technology in creating new digitally enabled services in the healthcare market. Industry experts will be engaged throughout the course to provide the latest information on developments and application being used.

MBAP 423H. Engineering in Healthcare Management. 1.5 Unit.

The course focuses on the creation, funding, and management of digital health, biotech, medtech, and other health services enterprises. The course is will focus on special issues surrounding the conceptualization, planning, diligence, and capitalization of these ventures and also includes management and compensation practices. In addition, course offers methods for self-assessment & development of business models and plans, techniques for technology assessment and strategy, develops foundation for capitalization and partnering strategies, and creates a basis for best practices in company launch and plan execution.

MBAP 424H. Economic Issues and Applications in Healthcare. 1.5 Unit.

The purpose of this course is to develop the analytical skills necessary for understanding how the U.S. health care sector operates, how it has evolved, the forces at work behind perceived deficiencies (in quality and cost control), and the impact of alternative policy proposals. Special attention is giving to recent developments in the healthcare marketplace, and the strategic considerations they create for providers and insurers. These issues are addressed through the lens of microeconomic theory. Under this framework, outcomes result from the interaction of decisions made by participants in the healthcare economy (e.g. patients, providers, insurers, government), with those decisions governed by the preferences, incentives and resource constraints facing each decision-maker. Principles of microeconomics will be reviewed as necessary to ensure consistent understanding of basic concepts. The course is designed to appeal to a broad audience, particularly students interested in healthcare management, public health, medical innovation, health law, and public policymaking. Prereq: MBAP 406 or MBAP 406H.

MBAP 425H. Action Learning in Healthcare. 3 Units.

In this residency based course students will have an opportunity to apply their learning to real world projects in collaboration with a major hospital system in the Cleveland area. Students will learn how to conduct an action research project including problem identification, stakeholder engagement, needs assessment, intervention design, data collection, data analysis, and the presentation of recommendations/findings. Prereq: Students enrolled in the online MBA program.

MBAP 426H. Finance Issues and Applications in Healthcare. 1.5 Unit.

Exploration of economic, medical, financial and payment factors in the U.S. healthcare system sets the framework for the study of decisions by providers, insurers, and purchasers in this course. The mix of students from various programs and professions allows wide discussion from multiple viewpoints. Prereq: MBAP 405 or MBAP 405H.

MBAP 427H. Introduction to Population Health. 1.5 Unit.

This course ntroduces graduate students to the multiple determinants of health including the social, economic and physical environment, health services, individual behavior, genetics and their interactions. It aims to provide students with the broad understanding of the research development and design for studying population health, the prevention and intervention strategies for improving population health and the disparities that exist in morbidity, mortality, functional and quality of life. Format is primarily group discussion around current readings in the field.

MBAP 428H. Healthcare Decision Making and Analytics. 3 Units.

This course is designed to introduce the students to a wide range of methods and applications of decision science and analytics in healthcare management and medical decision making. The primary objective of the course is to provide the students with the necessary technical knowledge and skills to understand mathematical and statistical models used in health decision making. Further, the course aims to provide the students with hands-on experience required to leverage such methods for evaluating clinical interventions, choosing the best treatment, and informing public health policy. Course topics include decision trees, Markov decision models, Monte Carlo simulation, cost-effectiveness analysis, sensitivity analysis, utility theory, bootstrapping and subgroup analysis, prediction and classification methods, and using computer software to build and analyze health decision analysis models. Prereq: MBAP 403 or MBAP 403H.

MBAP 429H. Artificial Intelligence Applications in Healthcare Management. 1.5 Unit.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of methods and algorithms that enable computers to mimic human behavior. Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning that builds large neural networks to extract subtle patterns from data and is currently the state-of-the-art method of achieving artificial intelligence. Healthcare is undoubtedly one of the most promising and influential application areas of AI. The unprecedented increase in data availability and computer power over the past decade has enabled neural network models to parse massive clinical datasets, learn incredibly subtle patterns, and in some cases, augment clinicians' performance. This course covers the basic concepts and theoretical foundations of deep learning as they relate to healthcare management. We will discuss several successful applications of AI in healthcare as well as opportunities for AI across a variety of healthcare contexts. Limitations, challenges, key debates, and considerations surrounding AI models and their adoption in healthcare will also be highlighted. Prereq: MBAP 403H or MBAP 403.

MBAP 430H. Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare. 1.5 Unit.

The course will include the following topics: 1) Service Process Blueprints, 2) Managing Capacity in Service Systems, 3) Mapping the Value Stream (current and future state), and 4) Inventory Management in Service Systems. The topics considered are viewed in the context of healthcare management, financial services, insurance firms, call centers, back-office operations, and other applications. Through these topics, the participants will be trained in tools that help them understand customers' expectations and needs and to identify service system characteristics that can meet these needs. We will learn how to identify errors in service and troubleshoot these problems by identifying the root causes of errors. Subsequently, we will discuss how one can modify the product or service design so as to prevent defects from occurring. Finally, we will establish performance metrics that help evaluate the effectiveness of the Lean system in place. These efforts will result to improved quality. This course is not oriented toward specialists in service management. Its goal is to introduce you to the environments and help you appreciate the problems that operations managers are confronted with. Then, we will typically discuss some system specifics and emphasize the principles and issues that play key roles in their management. Prereq: MBAP 408 or MBAP 408H.

MBAP 431H. Empowering Healthcare Innovation: Frameworks for Real-World Impact. 3 Units.

While theory has much to say about what the ingredients of good leadership looks like and has provided leaders with a range of tools to manage change processes, the challenge of putting those ingredients together to drive large-scale change requires its own set of skills and knowledge. This is particularly true in healthcare, where -- due to escalating costs and mediocre outcomes, experts around the country have been pushing for transformational change for nearly two decades with little success. This course addresses the leadership challenge of leading large-scale transformational change by presenting a specific framework -- believing, belonging and building -- that will help students apply principles of resonant and adaptive leadership in real-world settings. It will then seek to help integrate a set of change management tools -- including the Objectives and Key Results Framework -- that are necessary to ensure alignment, shared accountability and ensure that teams are able to implement and measure what matters most. Developing and honing the skills necessary to lead transformation change requires years of practice, but at the end of this course, students should leave with a clear framework for leading that work and a strong sense of how to apply that framework in real world settings. Prereq: Enrolled in the online MBA in Healthcare Management.

MBAP 432H. Health Beyond Hospital Systems: Transforming Care from Social Determinants to Strategy. 1.5 Unit.

This course prepares future healthcare leaders to understand and address the social determinants of health (SDOH) as they shape outcomes for underserved populations across the lifespan. Through practitioner-led panels, guest lectures, and case-based discussions, students will examine critical issues such as the lifelong effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the challenges of elder care, the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS), and the global dimensions of health inequity. With insights from regional and national health leaders, students will also explore the evolving landscape of policy, the economics of SDOH, and the organizational realities of balancing mission with margin. Emphasizing leadership, systems thinking, and cross-sector collaboration, the course equips students to design strategies that advance health equity while ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery. Offered as HSMC 455 and MBAP 432H.

MBAP 450P. Foundations of Product Management. 1.5 Unit.

The growth and continued success of companies depend on their ability to manage the lifecycle of their products effectively and comprehensively -- from ideation, design and launch to scaling, growth, and evolution. Product managers are critical players in this -- they own the product vision (from cradle to grave), craft the product roadmap, strategize and lead product development and growth initiatives, and serve as the connective tissue between the company, its partners, and the market. More broadly, product managers champion and evangelize for their products, with both internal and external stakeholders. This course will serve as the introduction to the Product Management track in the Online MBA degree. As such, the focus will be on providing a broad overview of the product management function as well as the roles and responsibilities of a product manager. We will examine some of the key concepts and frameworks that underlie product visioning and product strategy, product road mapping, product design and development, product marketing, and product growth management, and product ecosystem leadership. We will also consider leadership, communication, negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making skills that product managers need to be effective in their role. Artificial intelligence has become an important tool in product management. We will consider some of the emerging applications of AI in product management and the associated risks and benefits. In discussing the different topics in this course, we will draw on examples and case studies from a wide range of industries and markets -- for example, digital and non-digital products, B2C and B2B products, and regional/national and global markets.

MBAP 451P. Product Strategy & Leadership. 1.5 Unit.

A critical job of any product manager is to provide leadership to the extended product team. This involves crafting a product vision, developing an associated product strategy, and aligning the product team to execute on that strategy. This course will focus on these key elements of a product manager's role. We will also emphasize the need for product managers to bring together diverse functional experts -- engineering, design, marketing, etc. -- and resolve conflicts that may emerge from their differing perspectives and roles in the organization. Increasingly, product managers' leadership also needs to extend to external partners and the broader ecosystem that is critical for the product success.

MBAP 452P. Product Discovery, Analytics, & Customer Insights. 1.5 Unit.

In the product development journey, the first (and the most important) step is product discovery, i.e., acquiring a clear understanding of a product opportunity. This requires product managers to not just identify the potential customer (market) but also derive non-obvious insights on customer needs or the 'job-to-be-done'. Such insights could then be used to build a first-level product concept that matches with the market opportunity. This course will focus on key frameworks and techniques that product managers (and product development teams) can employ to (a) analyze and define the broad market problem, (b) conduct an in-depth customer needs analysis, and (c) formulate and test an initial product concept. The course will emphasize a diverse range of data sources to study customer needs -- from qualitative techniques to quantitative techniques. For example, social media and other digital platforms form an important venue to gather and analyze data on customer desires, behaviors, and needs. Similarly, analysis of user behaviors on existing products (product analytics) forms another important vehicle to acquire insights on future customer needs. Thus, in this course, we will consider how different data analytic techniques (relating to both small data and big data) afford deriving rich insights on customer behaviors and needs and how such insights could be converted into an effective product concept.

MBAP 453P. Business Model Design. 1.5 Unit.

Designing and articulating a unique value proposition (VP) forms a critical task for the product team. In this course, we will use a business model framework to examine the key elements of a product's value proposition and their interrelationships -- and the implications for both value creation and value capture. While Product Discovery provides the product team with a deeper understanding of the customers' problem (or pain points), to address it they have to come up with a unique value proposition as well as the resources, activities, and relationships needed to realize it in the marketplace. Using tools such as business model canvas, we will examine how a product team can answer the 'what' and the 'how' questions related to addressing a market opportunity. We will also examine how the product team can validate the VP and the associated business model. The course will emphasize digital platforms and digital components as key parts of the business model. We will identify and discuss different types of digital business models and the important underlying concepts such as disintermediation, network effects, and data-based learning that shape their success. We will also discuss how the adaptability, malleability and portability of a digital business model allows a firm to be more responsive to market dynamics as well as pursue faster internationalization of the underlying business.

MBAP 454P. Product Management in Startups. 1.5 Unit.

Often, the context for product management is a new venture or startup. As such, product managers need to have a foundational understanding of their role in the venturing context and the product management processes therein. This course will focus on providing such an understanding. Specifically, we will consider the key activities that comprise the entrepreneurial journey -- from how entrepreneurial opportunities are formed/shaped to how a business model is crafted and executed. We will also consider some of the key issues and challenges that product managers working in a startup will face and the skill set they will need to address those challenges. The first residency of the Product Management program will be part of this course. The 3.5-day residency will be the first opportunity for the students to meet with each other and tour the Case campus. In addition to networking events and guest speaker talks, the residency will also include site visit to startups and other entrepreneurial entities (e.g., incubators) in Cleveland.

MBAP 455P. Product Architecture and UX Design. 1.5 Unit.

The success of a product is critically shaped by its ability to attract users by its features that address visible and latent user needs and how smooth and effective the users' interactions are the product. A product needs to address cognitively the tasks it is supposed to support, be easy to use and learn, intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. Product managers also need to understand how product architecture can be designed so as to be responsive to market changes (customer needs) and at the same time offer superior capabilities and features. This course will serve as the introduction to product architecture and interface design and discuss related design principles and techniques. We will draw on ideas and concepts from a wide range of contexts including industrial design, software design, and service design. The focus will be on providing a broad overview of the product design functions and related interfaces as well as the roles and responsibilities of a product manager in this. We will examine key frameworks and principles that underlie product architecture design, product interaction design, cognitive aspects of design, user experience design and approaches that help develop and evaluate user's interactions with the products as part of the design process.

MBAP 456P. Product Development & Delivery. 1.5 Unit.

The success of product development depends on product manager's ability to engage with and learn from diverse types of stakeholders (including customers and end users) during the development process and to integrate that knowledge in converting evolving product ideas into tangible features and capabilities. At the same time, the PM needs to execute the product development process efficiently so that the product is delivered in time, cost, and quality. These two are in many situations in tension and product manager's role is to successfully manage this tension so as to deliver a viable product. This course will serve as the introduction to contemporary product development processes called commonly as agile development. We will discuss the idea and motivation for agile development, key agile development principles, and associated techniques. We will focus on providing a broad overview of the roles and responsibilities of different developer and user categories as part of the agile development to cater for how such features can be developed as part of the product design process. We will also examine principles agile organization and management, project management principles, and approaches that help product managers evaluate development processes and related outcomes.

MBAP 457P. Building AI-based Products. 1.5 Unit.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies become more ubiquitous in products and services across industries -- in both industrial and consumer settings -- product teams will be required to understand the unique aspects of the design and development of AI-based products including the fundamentals of machine/deep learning algorithms and large language models. This course will start with an overview of AI technologies and their varied applications in different industries. The course will then focus on the different stages of the building of AI-based products including the selection of appropriate AI technologies and the technical and operational requirements to build AI models. We will also consider the design of intelligent human-machine interfaces in different organizational settings including customer service. The course will also focus on the varied risks associated with AI products -- at individual, firm and societal levels -- and the strategies that product teams can adopt to mitigate them.

MBAP 458P. Sustainable Product Management. 1.5 Unit.

This course covers the theory and practice of Sustainable Product Management (SPM) -- why it is becoming a priority for businesses in every sector, what leading companies are doing about it, and how they are doing it. Global issues such as climate change, inequality, and DE&I to concerns about privacy and cybersecurity are introducing greater levels of complexity into business strategy and operations, with far-reaching implications for how products are designed, developed, produced, and scaled. Effective handling of these issues can lead to new sources of revenue generation and resource productivity, as well as reputational value, while failure to do so can lead to financial and competitive risk.

MBAP 459P. Digital Marketing & Customer Analytics. 1.5 Unit.

Digital marketing and customer analytics is foundational to marketing insight in the digital era because it is the language used to optimize and connect results across all digital marketing tactics (search, social media, email, display, video, etc.). An effective digital marketing analyst is a vital data translator for a business. The cultivation of both technical and soft skills is important in product management and, these skills are taught through this course. The course material will be taught within a discussion-based, experiential learning environment. Various aspects of digital marketing analytics will be covered with clear examples. Students will develop skills in translating strategic questions of firms into actionable data analysis using different kinds of data.

MBAP 460P. Managing Product Growth. 1.5 Unit.

The product management function does not end with the development and launch of a new product. It is critical for a product manager to ensure that the product (a) scales and grows profitably (in terms of volume and market reach) and (b) evolves to address changing market conditions. This course will focus on the post-launch activities in product lifecycle management -- scaling, growth, evolution, and sunsetting. We will start with product scaling and consider how product scaling strategies may vary for digital and non-digital products. We will also examine platform-based strategies for product scaling. Following that we will focus on diverse types of strategies for driving product growth -- for example, from the niche to the masses, from domestic to international, and from product to platform. We will then consider product evolution strategies -- how to 'read' changing market trends and develop plans to transform existing products to stay relevant for the future. In some instances, such assessments may reveal the need for sunsetting the product. The broader focus of the course will be on imparting a deep understanding of the product manager's role in ensuring product growth and profitability as well as its continued relevance vis-a-vis changing markets.

MBAP 461P. Experiential Project in Product Management I. 1.5 Unit.

Students must gain hands-on experience in various aspects of product management. The objective of these two project-based courses (1.5 credits each) is to offer a venue for students to engage with real-world problems in product management and to develop approaches to address them. Note that the nature of the projects would vary -- for example, while some projects may involve identifying and assessing new product opportunities or designing and developing new products, others may involve developing feasible pathways to enhance the growth of existing products. The projects will be sponsored by a wide range of companies (from across industries and geographies). Instructors will help student teams pick projects that fit with their career goals so as to enhance the long-term value they derive from the project work. It is expected that student teams will require 14 weeks to complete a project (i.e., they will continue their work across the two courses/two semesters). However, at the end of each course, students will get an opportunity to present their work and engage with the sponsors. Also, there will be a residency associated with the second course. Specifically, toward the end of the second course, students will visit the campus for a 3-day residency. They will present their final project recommendations to the sponsors and engage with them on broader range of PM-related topics. Additionally, the residency will also include a networking event involving all sponsor companies, guest speakers, and other senior executives from regional companies. The synchronous online class meetings (across the 14 weeks of the two courses) will be structured with dual purposes. First, it will allow for periodic reporting by student teams on their project work. Second, we will use some of the class meetings to host guest speakers to focus on specific product management -related topics that are not covered in the rest of the curriculum.

MBAP 462P. Experiential Learning in Product Management II. 1.5 Unit.

MBAP 470. Leading Self. 1.5 Unit.

Leading Self is a dynamic and transformative course designed to help you unlock your full potential to become the leader you aspire to be. This course is a journey of self-discovery and growth. We'll delve into decades of research on what makes superior performing managers effective, and learn how to apply theories of how adults learn and change to inspire "sticky" change -- growth and development that truly endures.

MBAP 471. Probability and Statistics for Decision Modeling. 1.5 Unit.

This course will help you unlock the strategic power of analytics that will set you apart in the competitive business landscape. This isn't just a statistics class; it's your launchpad to becoming a truly data-driven leader. Imagine commanding insights as you master the art of summarizing complex data sets, using dynamic graphical techniques (like histograms and pie charts) and precise descriptive statistics (such as mean, median, and standard deviation) to unearth compelling insights that drive smart business changes. You'll master precision forecasting by leveraging industry standard computer software like EXCEL (with its powerful Analysis Toolpak add-in) and JMP to develop robust estimates and confidence intervals for population means and proportions. Beyond the numbers, you'll gain the essential skill of effectively communicating complex statistical analyses, empowering you to articulate your findings with clarity and impact, influencing stakeholders and driving organizational success Prereq: Enrolled in Part-time MBA program, Online MBA program, or Product Management and Leadership Nondegree program.

MBAP 472. Regression and Decision Modeling. 1.5 Unit.

This course will help hone your analytical skills and prepare you for impactful data-driven leadership. This isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about mastering the art of strategic problem-solving and effectively communicating complex quantitative insights in the business world. You'll gain the critical skills to forecast with confidence, diving deep into regression models to analyze relationships between multiple quantities of interest and accurately predict future outcomes. You'll build, test, and apply these models, understanding how they solve real-world organizational challenges and how to interpret their results for any audience. Furthermore, you'll achieve strategic decision optimization, gaining mastery in decision modeling, a powerful approach for constructing and analyzing mathematical models across diverse business problems. Drawing applications from manufacturing, transportation, marketing, and finance, you'll develop quantitative models, utilize computer software to find solutions, and interpret these results within their real-world context. Prereq or Coreq: MBAP 471.

MBAP 473. Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Management. 1.5 Unit.

This course is designed for professionals who want to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in business. It blends foundational understanding with real-world applications, equipping participants to lead AI initiatives and drive innovation across industries. Delivered in a hybrid format, the course combines asynchronous online learning with hands-on, in-person workshops. The asynchronous modules introduce core concepts--such as the history of AI, key technologies, and types of AI systems--while also exploring how AI is used across functions like marketing, finance, operations, R&D, and strategic decision-making. Each module focuses on one area of business application, supported by curated case studies and insights into emerging tools. In-person sessions are built around collaborative, guided discussions. These workshops deepen understanding through real-world case analysis, peer exchange, and scenario-based activities that help learners translate knowledge into actionable insights.

MBAP 474. Leading Others. 1.5 Unit.

Groups and teams are ubiquitous in our daily lives. They help us find solutions, achieve goals, and create opportunities. Often, however, little attention is paid to understanding how teams function and how we can promote team effectiveness. This course integrates theory and practice to improve your conceptual understanding of teams and your ability to intervene in teams as a team member, team leader, and/or team consultant. We will explore questions such as: How do teams develop over time? What makes a team effective? What behaviors promote psychological safety? And other team topics of interest to you.

MBAP 475. Using Financial Statements to Evaluate Performance. 1.5 Unit.

Prepare to unlock the secrets hidden within an organization's financial story! This is a dynamic course designed to transform your understanding of financial statements and empower you to assess organizational health and drive success. This course goes beyond the numbers, teaching you the language of financial performance and equipping you with the skills to diagnose strengths and weaknesses. You'll gain a deep appreciation for how business transactions shape financial statements and learn to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of financial reporting. By the end of this course, you'll recognize that accounting is an imprecise, yet indispensable, communication and measurement tool. You'll master how common business transactions impact financial statements, analyze the three primary financial statements to evaluate organizational performance, and understand how different stakeholders leverage this vital information.

MBAP 476. Cost-Based Decision Making. 1.5 Unit.

In this course, you'll dive deep into the world of managerial accounting, learning to transform raw numbers into actionable insights that drive success. This isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about mastering the language of business and using it to make informed, impactful decisions. You'll gain a working knowledge of essential costing methods, master budgeting and performance analysis, and leverage cost-volume-profit analysis to make critical business choices. You'll be prepared to analyze departmental, divisional, and corporate performance, and effectively communicate your findings to others.

MBAP 477. Corporate Finance. 1.5 Unit.

Whether your path leads to a specialized finance role or not, this course will empower you with critical skills for informed decision-making. In this dynamic course, you'll go beyond the numbers to grasp the true power of finance. We'll explore core concepts like present value and master capital budgeting techniques to equip you for impactful decision-making. Dive deep into financial statement analysis and uncover the strategic implications of financial leverage. You'll hone your spreadsheet skills as we tackle real-world financial challenges. Collaborate in teams on challenging group assignments and keep your finger on the pulse of global financial news through individual article discussions. This course is your opportunity to build a robust financial toolkit, ensuring you're ready to lead with confidence in any business environment. This isn't just theory; it's practical knowledge that directly prepares you for our advanced "Valuing Businesses."

MBAP 478. Valuing Businesses. 1.5 Unit.

In this course, you'll delve deep into the essential tools and strategies used by finance professionals and corporate leaders to assess the true worth of companies and stocks. This dynamic course goes beyond theory, focusing on practical applications of discounted cash flow (DCF) and relative valuation approaches -- the cornerstones of real-world business valuation. You'll also gain a sophisticated understanding of risk and reward, equipping you to confidently navigate equity markets and anticipate expected returns across diverse industries. Prepare to hone your analytical prowess with extensive spreadsheet work, a critical skill for any finance professional. This isn't just about numbers; it's about making informed, impactful financial decisions. Prereq: MBAP 477.

MBAP 479. Leading Organizations. 1.5 Unit.

In today's complex fast-paced environment, it's critical to be able to optimize organizational performance. All healthcare organizations (corporations, non-profits, government) aim to achieve some goal or objective (e.g., increase shareholder value, meet patient needs, create value for stakeholders, make a positive social impact). This course is designed to enhance your ability to make well-reasoned decisions about managing people and organizations. Being able to apply systems thinking is critical to optimizing individual, team, and organizational performance and wellbeing.

MBAP 480. Introduction to Business Strategy. 1.5 Unit.

This Business Strategy Development course delves into the fundamental principles of Strategic Management, exploring how firms establish and maintain superior competitive positions and profitability. You will gain a deep understanding of the critical interplay between a firm's external environment and its internal resources and capabilities, recognizing that successful strategy design requires an integrative perspective across functional areas like operations, marketing, and finance. Drawing upon insights from economics, psychology, political science, and management science, you will develop the analytical skills to assess market dynamics, evaluate organizational strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately formulate and implement effective strategies for sustained success in today's complex business world.

MBAP 481. Marketing Planning and Management. 1.5 Unit.

Marketing Planning and Management isn't just about learning marketing--it's about learning how to think like a marketer. This course gives you the strategic edge by diving deep into the core pillars of marketing success: segmentation, targeting, positioning, and the marketing mix. You'll discover how to craft compelling marketing plans that actually drive business results, sharpen your decision-making with customer and competitive intelligence, and design marketing programs that connect strategy to execution. Whether you're aiming to lead a brand, launch a product, or build a growth-focused team, this course equips you with the mindset, tools, and confidence to make marketing matter.

MBAP 482. Introduction to Supply Chain Management. 1.5 Unit.

Operations managers, ranging from supervisors to vice presidents, are concerned with the production of goods and services. More specifically, they are responsible for designing, running, controlling and improving the systems that accomplish production. This course is a broad-spectrum course with emphasis on techniques and information that are helpful to the practice of management in general and at any level. We will discuss commonly occurring application problems such as inventory control, distribution logistics, production scheduling, push/pull systems, just-in-time concepts, quality management, etc. The field of operations management was originally concerned with manufacturing systems. But many of the same ideas apply, and the same trade-offs are present, in service organizations like health care, insurance, hotel-management, airlines and government related operations. Several manufacturing and non-manufacturing environments will be discussed explicitly, and the emphasis will be on the fundamentals of the operations function in an organization. Also we will explore the interface of operations management with other functional areas such as marketing, finance, accounting, etc. This course is not oriented toward specialists in operations management. Its goal is to introduce you to supply chains and help you appreciate the problems that operations managers are confronted with. Then, we will typically discuss some system specifics and emphasize the principles and issues that play key role in their management. Prereq: MBAP 471 and MBAP 472 and MBAP 484.

MBAP 483. The Strategic Edge - Economics for Leaders. 1.5 Unit.

Economics is the foundation of business analysis. It is the study of choices that economic agents make as they cope with scarcity and the incentives that influence those choices. Economic analysis is built on rigorous theories and methods designed to investigate causal relationships. Broadly, economics is divided into microeconomics, focusing on the actions of individual agents within the economy, and macroeconomics, focusing on the economy as a whole. This course offers an introduction to the theories, principles, and applications of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics topics include supply and demand, market failures, theory of the firm, market structure, pricing strategies, strategic decision-making, and decision-making under uncertainty.

MBAP 484. Introduction to Operations Management. 1.5 Unit.

Operations managers, ranging from supervisors to vice presidents, are concerned with the production of goods and services. More specifically, they are responsible for designing, running, controlling and improving the systems that accomplish production. This course is a broad-spectrum course with emphasis on techniques and information that are helpful to the practice of management in general and at any level. We will discuss commonly occurring application problems such as process analysis, lean systems, capacity planning, etc. The field of operations management was originally concerned with manufacturing systems. But many of the same ideas apply, and the same trade-offs are present, in service organizations like health care, insurance, hotel-management, airlines and government related operations. Several manufacturing and non-manufacturing environments will be discussed explicitly, and the emphasis will be on the fundamentals of the operations function in an organization. Also we will explore the interface of operations management with other functional areas such as marketing, finance, accounting, etc. This course is not oriented toward specialists in operations management. Its goal is to introduce you to the environments and help you appreciate the problems that operations managers are confronted with. Then, we will typically discuss some system specifics and emphasize the principles and issues that play key role in their management. Prereq: MBAP 471 and MBAP 472.

MBAP 485. Business Strategy Applications. 1.5 Unit.

This course provides a practical lens on implementing business strategy by exploring the challenges and decisions organizations face in competitive markets. You will analyze how firms establish advantages in dynamic industries, understanding key success factors and the forces that shape market leadership. The course examines the crucial role of innovation and evolving business models in creating and maintaining a competitive edge. You will also investigate how strategic decisions extend to the corporate level, including choices around vertical integration and diversification. Finally, you will delve into the complexities of strategic planning within large organizations and the considerations for expanding into international markets, evaluating different approaches to global growth. By the end of this course, you will gain a strong understanding of the strategic actions and organizational adjustments needed to effectively implement and adapt business strategies across various competitive landscapes. Prereq: MBAP 480.

MBAP 486. Mastering Prompt Engineering: Unlock the Power of AI for Business Advantage. 1.5 Unit.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to effectively interact with Artificial Intelligence isn't just a technical skill -- it's a strategic imperative. "Mastering Prompt Engineering" is your gateway to becoming a savvy AI navigator, efficiently transforming complex business challenges into actionable insights and innovative solutions. This dynamic, hybrid course goes beyond surface-level AI interaction. You'll dive deep into the art and science of crafting precise prompts, learning to elicit specific, valuable outputs from powerful AI models. From accelerating market analysis and generating breakthrough ideas to quickly refining compelling communications and informing critical strategic decisions, you'll discover how to leverage AI as your ultimate business partner. Prereq: MBAP 473.

MBAP 487. Marketing Execution. 1.5 Unit.

Marketing Execution is where strategy becomes action--and results. In this hands-on, high-impact course, you'll learn how to bring bold marketing plans to life across today's most critical channels and markets. From digital campaigns to B2B ecosystems, global marketing tactics to cutting-edge pricing strategies and MarTech tools--you'll gain the practical know-how to execute with precision and agility. You won't just study what marketers should do--you'll practice what successful marketers actually do. Through dynamic simulations, real-world case studies, and actionable frameworks, you'll bridge the gap between theory and practice. By the end, you'll not only understand marketing--you'll be ready to lead it with confidence, clarity, and measurable results. From strategy to success--master the art of marketing execution.

MBAP 488. Leading Change. 1.5 Unit.

This course empowers future leaders to architect and execute impactful organizational transformations. Through a deep dive into leading change theories, including the structured precision of Kotter's 8-Step Process and the strengths-based innovation of Cooperrider's Appreciative Inquiry, you will master the art and science of change. By course completion, you will be equipped to diagnose complex organizational challenges, design robust change strategies, build high-performing change teams, effectively navigate resistance, and ultimately deliver sustainable competitive advantage by fostering adaptive and resilient organizational cultures. This is your blueprint for becoming a highly sought-after driver of positive, lasting change.

MBAP 495E. Applied ETA: The Search-to-Operator Practicum. 1.5 Unit.

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) represents a proven path to business ownership and leadership. This experiential course guides students through the complete ETA lifecycle--from identifying acquisition criteria to post-acquisition value creation--by connecting each student with an experienced ETA practitioner mentor for strategic touchpoints. Students will develop their own acquisition thesis, conduct market research, build financial models, and learn operational excellence strategies. The course culminates in a four-day immersion experience featuring site visits to acquired businesses, dialogues with successful search fund entrepreneurs, and presentations of individual acquisition plans. Prereq: DESN 419 and DESN 420 and DESN 421.

MBAP 495L. Leading Cultures of Innovation. 1.5 Unit.

Leaders shape organizational culture in ways that either fuel or frustrate innovation. This course explores how culture operates across industries and organizational types -- corporations, startups, nonprofits, healthcare, and civic organizations -- and how leaders intentionally influence culture to enable innovation. Students will engage with key frameworks, analyze cases, and apply lessons through interactive simulations. The course culminates in a four-day immersion experience, including site visits to Cleveland-area organizations and dialogues with senior leaders. Students will integrate their insights into both team and individual deliverables, preparing them to lead in dynamic and innovative environments.

MBAP 495N. The Role of Nonprofits in the Community Ecosystem. 1.5 Unit.

The Role of Nonprofits in the Community Ecosystem is an intensive course designed for future business and nonprofit leaders who are ready to move beyond "Nonprofit 101." This course treats nonprofits not as individual entities, but as critical civic infrastructure--powerful connectors, innovators, and drivers of equity within the broader community ecosystem of government, philanthropy, and business. The curriculum culminates in a unique, 4-day immersion experience that includes site visits to key Cleveland nonprofits and a leadership roundtable, providing unparalleled, on-the-ground synthesis of theory and practice. You will gain the conceptual tools and strategic perspective necessary to lead, collaborate, and drive impact in complex, cross-sector environments.

MBAP 499. Introduction to Learning Skills. 0 Unit.

Whether you are an online student, a student attending classes on campus, or a mix of both this course will equip you with the skills necessary to become a successful graduate student. Throughout this course you will learn more about yourself as a learner, how to apply universal standards for critical thinking to the evaluation of professional literature, and how to effectively balance your competing responsibilities as you begin your journey toward your degree.