General Course Information:
GEB5870 - MBA FOUND: E-BUS SYS
MBA DIRECTOR
Dr. Tim O'Keefe
Associate Dean, MBA Director, & Professor of Accounting
Telephone Number: 850 474-2135
Email: tokeefe@uwf.edu
MBA Co-ordinator
Ms. Melissa Brode
MBA Coordinator
Telephone Number: 850 474-3124
Email: mbrode@uwf.edu
Course Professor
Richard Platt
Associate Professor of MIS
Telephone Number: 850-474-2317
Email: rplatt@uwf.edu
MBA Graduate Assistant
Telephone Number: 850 857-6383
Fax Number: 850 857-6043
PLEASE NOTE
All communication for the MBA GEB modules flows through your UWF email account. If you
prefer using another email account, you can forward your UWF email to that account. Visit
ArgoNet in order to set up a forwarding address for your UWF email account. Otherwise, plan to
check your UWF email account regularly for course communications.
Please contact Dr. Tim O'Keefe or Ms. Melissa Brode for all questions related to the MBA GEB
course modules including meeting times and places, scheduling conflicts, and requests for
alternate exam times and places. Module faculty should be contacted only with respect to specific
questions about the academic content of a module.
SPRING 2009 SCHEDULE
Required Textbook
Introduction to Information Systems, 14th Ed by O'Brien.
Class schedule is posted under the link for "Expectations and Schedule". Please pay particular
attention to the instructions for the proctored final exam. Pre-Class Preparation: We are starting
immediately
Pre-Class Exam: None given
Class Location: online
Class Meets: online.
Post Class Study:
Optional Review Session: online materials
Final Examination: February 24 - There will be a proctored testing session available on the UWF
Pensacola campus and another testing session the same night at the UWF Emerald Coast Campus
Center in Fort Walton. These two proctored examination sessions are solely for the convenience of
students in the area. However, if you wish to take the exam at another location other than one of
the two pre-arranged sessions, please follow the instructions for proctored exams. The final exam,
wherever taken, is 100% online. If you have questions, please email rplatt@uwf.edu .
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Business Processes Foundations, also referred to as the Accelerated MBA Foundations modules,
presents an accelerated, integrated, graduate level introduction to the processes that define
successful business venturing. The modular approach includes discussions of the key functional
areas of accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Applied managerial economics serves
as an important theoretical support for the functional business processes. In addition, the course
integrates analysis tools directly related to successful managerial performance.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Business Processes Foundations is an accelerated introduction to the component processes
necessary to run a successful business operation. It allows the experienced professional returning
for the MBA degree a rapid route through the foundation proficiencies needed to begin the MBA
Program. Upon completion of this course students will have the foundational knowledge in the
functional areas of business, an exposure to the theory of the firm, an appreciation for the analysis
tools needed in business processes, and an overview of process integration.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Indentify the changes in organizational opportunities and expectations created through the use
of e-Business processes enabled by integrating information systems, telecommunications and
internet-based technologies.
2. Define what an e-Business system is, what the components are, and assess how e-Business
systems interact with and support all aspects of organizational activities.
3. Describe the functions of the various types of hardware, software and telecommunications and
their uses to enable and support integrated, e-Business processes in any organization.
4. Define and summarize the basic methods and procedures involved in planning and controlling
the development and modification of an e-Business system in an organization.
5. Analyze how computers interface with the organization, how an organization can gain a
sustainable competitive advantage through the applications of technology to (e-)business
processes, and assess perils of not gaining such an advantage.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?
Business Processes Foundations (Accelerated MBA Foundations modules) provides an accelerated
introduction to the foundational business proficiencies. The course is most appropriate for
experienced working professionals with strong undergraduate records. If you fall into one of the
categories below, you should consult an MBA advisor:
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Candidates for the Finish in 5 MBA Program at UWF who have an undergraduate
degree in a non-business field and little or no formal academic study in business.
Candidates for the Finish in 5 MBA Program at UWF who have an undergraduate
degree in business but need a quick refresher prior to entering the MBA Program.
Examples might include:
o A business degree from a non-AACSB accredited university
o A degree completed more than four years ago
o Less than 3.0 GPA in undergraduate business foundation courses
Candidates with a low GMAT score who wish to demonstrate their graduate
aptitude in preparatory course work.
Potential MBA candidates interested in graduate business study but not ready to
make a commitment to the MBA Program.
Participants in other degree programs or certificate programs that wish to add
business foundations to their degree.
Participants in certificate programs that require a foundation in business concepts
and skills.
The MBA Office can best evaluate the appropriateness of these modules for you. We can best
advise you when you have transcripts of your previous university study. Please make an
appointment to see Dr. Tim O Keefe, MBA Director by calling 678-3727 or 850 474-3124.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Business Processes Foundations is a variable credit hour course consisting of up to 10 weekend
modules focused on business functions and processes. Each module carries the equivalent of 1.5
semester hours of graduate credit. A participant wishing to complete eight modules would register
for a total of twelve semester-hours of MBA GEB modules. Participants wishing to take two
modules would register for a total of three semester-hours of MBA GEB modules.
GEB 5870 is offered in an online format with the UWF eLearning platform replacing mandatory
face-to-face classroom lectures. This includes an online, proctored final exam.
You will receive a grade for each module for which you are registered.
COURSE GRADE
The MBA GEB - Business Processes Course is a series of content modules. In each module for
which you are registered, you will receive a score or grade on your Pre-Class Assessment (if one is
provided) and your Post-Class Assessment. In most cases, both of these assessments will take the
form of examinations. The weighted average of the two assessments will determine whether or
not you "pass" the module. Your average must be greater than or equal to 75%.
MBA students scoring below 75% but at least 65% may register for and complete the module
again in their next semester of study. Students (1) with scores below 65% for a given module, or
(2) with two unsuccessful attempts for a given module, must satisfy the MBA proficiency
requirement associated with that module by taking the full 3-semester-hour undergraduate course
or its equivalent.