Management

Do you have the skills to manage a team? We will teach you everything you need to know in an experiential learning environment. Choose our Management career path–with several areas of emphasis–and be ready for a role in leadership once you graduate. 

The management program provides the skill and knowledge for students who will assume leadership roles in business. This program prepares them for various managerial positions. Students choose from one of two areas of emphasis in management: human resource management and international business. Students pursuing the human resource management area of emphasis develop a knowledge base suitable for careers such as compensation analyst, recruiter or training specialist. Students pursuing the international business area of emphasis are encouraged to study a foreign language and are instructed to participate in a study abroad program. They develop a knowledge base suitable in international business strategy and they acquire an appreciation of foreign cultures and business practices. Students pursuing the small business/entrepreneurship area of emphasis pursue positions such as small business manager, entrepreneur, or franchise owner. Students pursuing the supply chain management area of emphasis develop the knowledge and skills to lead supply chain improvement projects, to function in supply chain teams and to perform or lead supply chain operations.

Areas of Emphasis

Human Resource Management

The Human Resource Management Area of Emphasis is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the HR industry, including Human Resource Specialist, Compensation Analyst, Employment Recruiter, and Training Specialist. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2012), employment of human resources specialists is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities in Human Resource Management should be good overall during this time period, especially in the employment services industry. Students with this area of emphasis are encouraged to join SHRM@WVU, the student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Students choosing the Human Resource Management Area of Emphasis will take four of the following classes:

Training and Development (HRMG 440)

This course provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the field of training and development and offers some practical approaches to conducting training programs.

Staffing and Selection (HRMG 450)

This course focuses on the management of employee staffing and selection and includes such topics as government regulations affecting selection processes, reliability and validity of selection measures, and the measurement of actual job performance.

Compensation and Benefits (HRMG 460)

This course covers designing and implementing total compensation systems in both private and public sectors. The emerging elements of total compensation systems are included providing insights into problems and opportunities for personnel.

Conflict Management (HRMG 470)

This course focuses on the management of conflict in an organizational setting. The topics covered include foundations of individual behavior, styles for managing conflict, negotiations, mediation, and arbitration.

Collective Bargaining (HRMG 480)

In this course, students will examine the theory and practice of collective bargaining. Topics include economics and historical environment, labor law, unionization, contract negotiation, contract content patterns, conflict resolution, grievance handling, and an introduction to arbitration.

International Business

Students pursuing the International Business Area of Emphasis are encouraged to study a foreign language and are instructed to participate in a study abroad program. They develop expertise in international business strategy and they acquire an appreciation of foreign cultures and business practices. The International Business Area of Emphasis is designed to prepare students for a variety of business careers, including management analyst, sales, and finance. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2012), employment among management analysts is expected to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for the services of these workers will grow as organizations continue to seek ways to improve efficiency and control costs.

Students choosing the International Business Area of Emphasis will take four (4) classes total, of which two (2) classes below are required:

Global Business Communication (INBS 310)

This course focuses on developing skills to communicate effectively in the cross-cultural context of the current international business environment. The focus is on interpersonal, team-and organizational- level communication in diverse cultural situations.

Global Strategic Issues (INBS 480)

This course is delivered as an integrated, multifunctional approach about how globalization affects strategy, organization and control of a firm. Students are introduced to global strategic management and organization issues in the context of current theory, research and practice.

The remaining two (2) classes can be chosen from this list:

International Economics (ECON 451)

This course covers the development of trade among nations; theories of trade; policies, physical factors, trends, barriers to trade. Determination of exchange rates and open economy macroeconomics are covered in this class.

International Finance (FIN 480)

This course extends standard corporate finance concepts to the global arena, helping to understand the additional opportunities and challenges faced by a global firm.

Global Marketing (MKTG 485)

In this course, students evaluate and analyze marketing strategies in a global environment, and examine the relationship between international buyer behavior and the elements of the marketing mix.