Courses Strategy and Innovation

Learners in this course explore business theories, research, and practice. In particular, learners study the challenges of conducting scholarly research and the practice of leading and managing a business enterprise. Learners explore the depth and breadth of business research, the research methodologies used to conduct it, and potential business research topic areas. Learners are also immersed in a culture of inquiry to focus on strengthening critical thinking and scholarly writing skills. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course apply theories of organization to critically analyze the organization as an arrangement of systems to develop a holistic understanding of its interrelated, interdependent functions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8019, BMGT8028. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply writing, research, and critical thinking skills by identifying a problem, developing project questions, and finalizing a project topic that is appropriate for the program. Learners use evidence to support the selection of theories, problems, and questions to guide further refinement of their topic. Learners establish an appropriate topic area, preliminary project design, and begin development of a literature review. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a project topic framework. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8034 or BMGT8040; BMGT-V8925. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8040 or BMGT8043 or RSCH7868; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.  

In this course, learners examine ethics theory and practice, ethical decision making, and the leader’s role in creating an ethical environment in global business. Learners also explore the ways cultural intelligence fosters multicultural and ethical thinking.  

This course presents marketing principles and best practices. Learners analyze the factors influencing marketing strategy and explore ways to use marketing theory to identify market opportunities and segments. Learners then formulate appropriate marketing strategies to pursue those opportunities and markets from cultural, virtual, and global perspectives.

Learners in this course examine theories associated with effective strategy development, integration, and implementation across all functional areas of business operations. Learners study the skills required of strategic thinkers and leaders in today’s complex global business environment and practice applying them to solve contemporary business issues.

This course provides a guided review of the literature in the learner's specialization for the purpose of identifying a study topic. Learners research and evaluate associated major threads of research and theory in the literature. The course prepares learners for the development of an appropriate topic during Residency Track 1. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8028. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course examine the structure and process of the scholarly literature in peer reviewed journals and explore the role of the scholar as social and behavioral scientist. Learners critically evaluate scholarly literature, including seminal work, relevant theory, and data-based research studies from both the qualitative and quantitative traditions. Learners also explore the meaning of content and process gaps, problems, and research opportunities uncovered during the literature review. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course guides learners in the development of a comprehensive literature review. Learners build on their approved Dissertation Research Plan from residency tracks 2 or 3 as the foundation for drafting Chapter 2 of their dissertation. Learners document and synthesize key seminal theoretical works, conceptual studies, and methodologies underpinning the gap in the scholarly knowledge that their proposed study addresses. While developing Chapter 2 of their dissertation, learners review and apply PhD dissertation guidelines. Prerequisite(s): BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course is an introduction to tests and measurement instruments commonly used in business studies. Learners in this course examine instrument development, factor analysis, validity testing and review the ethical, professional, and legal aspects of the use of these instruments. Learners also develop key sections of the dissertation methodology and design, incorporating appropriate instruments and corresponding validity data. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8034 or RSCH7864; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners define a quantitative research question by demonstrating the understanding of the relationship between hypothesis and theory. Learners develop a research design using research questions and the appropriate sample, control variables, and statistical technique, and identify the logical connection between the hypothesis and theory. Other course topics include sample design, exploratory data analysis, multiple regression, logistic regression, factorial ANOVA, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). This course requires the use of analytical software. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8035. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course extends the topics covered in BMGT8040 and is designed to prepare learners to develop and conduct their own qualitative study for a dissertation. Learners further analyze the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and inquiry, emphasizing effective execution of school-approved dissertation research methodologies. These methodologies include case study, phenomenology, Delphi, and generic qualitative research. Learners assess the design, sampling, and data collection strategies associated with each of the four methodologies. Learners also examine the data analysis processes associated with each methodology, as well as the role of the researcher in documenting personal reflections in the collection and analysis of data. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8040 or RSCH7868; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course is an in-depth review of qualitative data collection strategies, data collection guides, and data collection techniques commonly used in business research. Learners use their approved dissertation research plans to develop a data collection guide and conduct an expert review and mock data collection. Learners also assess the ethical issues involved in qualitative data collection associated with their study method and design and propose mitigation strategies for participant and data protection and to ensure credibility, dependability, transferability, and trustworthiness. Finally, learners develop key sections of the dissertation methodology and design, incorporating the data collection strategy, and field-tested data collection guide.Prerequisite(s): BMGT8044. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7868 or RSCH7868. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course study the ways organizations proactively anticipate and plan for future growth opportunities. Learners examine the scanning tools and technologies organizations use to develop meaningful information about the future environment; models for understanding and analyzing global trends; and new lenses for scanning, synthesizing, and analyzing strategic and competitive data. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners examine the methods and collaborative processes organizations use to identify opportunities for innovation, including scenario planning and future visualization techniques. Learners also explore ways to identify risk, develop contingency plans in light of disruptive change, and communicate and disseminate those risks and plans. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course presents the disruptive innovation strategies organizations use to lead the competition. Learners examine ways to reinvent industry competition and move beyond the concept of competitive strategy to developing breakthrough strategies and value innovation. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners examine the ways organizations build innovation strategies to enhance organizational sustainability and adaptation. Learners analyze the organizational elements that support a culture of innovation and change and the development of idea-generation systems, flexible processes, governance structures, and evaluation metrics. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course includes an overview of the comprehensive examination process, the university’s expectations of academic honesty and integrity, the three core themes of the examination, and the evaluation criteria. The courseroom mentor provides three questions addressing the core themes. Learners write answers to the comprehensive examination questions. Answers are evaluated by faculty readers using point-scale scoring rubrics. Upon passing the comprehensive examination, learners are eligible to register for the first dissertation course. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Completion of practicum courses, if applicable. Fulfillment of all residency requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Prerequisite(s): BMGT9919 or OM9919 or GBUS9919. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.