Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Plan
Business Administration and Law
College of Business
Assessment Plan for 2006-2011
Primary Contact name/Info:
Professor Debra Burke, Department Head
Forsyth 107
828-227-3720
burke@wcu.edu
Department Mission Statement:
The mission of the Business Administration and Law program is to offer
undergraduate students a quality education in the area of business
administration and law, business policy, and strategy. This is accomplished
through synergistic teaching, research, and service. Faculty development in
these areas is strongly encouraged.
The Department supports the roles and missions of the College of
Business and Western Carolina University. Thus, a community of scholarship is
encouraged, wherein a forum for examining principles, needs and issues relative
to the business world is provided. The Program provides an educational
experience that meets or exceeds AACSB standards.
Computer applications, internationalization of the curriculum, and ethical
business standards are encouraged. Further, theory is blended with practical
experience through a variety of innovative teaching techniques to ensure that
students are exposed to material that is on the “cutting edge” of the business
world. Students are encouraged and supported to engage in professionally
related clubs/associations, co-ops and internship programs, as well as research
with faculty.
Also, a dedicated faculty assists students individually and
collectively through strong advising and placement efforts. These combined
endeavors help develop analytical thinking and effective communication among
students.
Statement on Alignment of Program Mission w/ University and College
Mission:
The Department of Business Administration and Law supports the University’s
mission to create a community of scholarship and to encourage personal and
intellectual development through teaching and learning. The Department
supports the University’s commitment to research and service through by
encouraging and supporting active faculty research, service, and engagement,
incorporating research and service into appropriate courses and by encouraging
students to participate in extra-curricular research and service projects. Through
its focus on theoretical and applied legal principles, the Department supports the
University’s mission to facilitate students’ development of critical thinking skills,
problem identification and resolution, and the responsible use of information and
technology. The Department’s focus on ethical issues that arise in business
Business Administration and Law
Assessment Plan
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2006-2011
supports the University’s mission to prepare students to be responsible citizens
of a global community and demonstrate honesty and integrity.
The Department of Business Administration and Law supports the College of
Business’ mission to prepare students for success in the global business
environment through the development of knowledge and skills relevant to their
chosen discipline, as well as of the ability to use information and technology
responsibly. The Department supports the College’s mission to encourage
research and service to the community by encouraging and supporting active
faculty research, service, and engagement and by providing opportunities for and
encouraging research and service in the curriculum where appropriate and also
in extra-curricular activities.
Program Goals/Objectives:
1.
The Business Administration and Law Department seeks to equip
undergraduate students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and
ethical responsibility necessary for success in graduate school or in
their chosen careers.
2.
The Business Administration and Law Department seeks to provide
undergraduate students with opportunities to develop and enhance
effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to
appropriately utilize information technology.
3.
The Business Administration and Law Department seeks to provide
undergraduate students with fundamental knowledge of business
practices in the legal and regulatory environment and the impact of
legal and regulatory issues on diverse constituencies.
4.
The Business Administration and Law Department seeks to prepare
undergraduate students to effectively interact in a multicultural or
global business environment.
Business Administration and Law
Assessment Plan
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2006-2011
Intended Learning
Outcome
Curricular and/or CoCurricular Experiences
Method(s) of Assessment
What will students know or be able to
do upon completion of the program?
Where will students acquire the skills and/or
knowledge identified in the outcome?
How will you determine that the students
know or can do what you expect?
Students will demonstrate The majority of courses in the
competency in written and Department contain oral and
spoken communication
written requirements in the form
of case analyses, case studies,
research projects, and class
presentations.
Annual review of syllabi by
Department head and faculty;
course-embedded
assignments
and
exams
evaluated
by
faculty;
performance in the capstone
course, LAW 475, evaluated by
faculty; senior survey results
collected and compiled by
assessment coordinator
Annual review of syllabi by
Department head and faculty;
course-embedded
assignments
and
exams
evaluated
by
faculty;
performance in the capstone
course, LAW 475, evaluated by
faculty; senior survey results
collected and compiled by
assessment coordinator
Annual review of syllabi by
Department head and faculty;
course-embedded
assignments
and
exams
evaluated
by
faculty;
performance in the capstone
course, LAW 475, evaluated by
faculty; senior survey results
collected and compiled by
assessment coordinator
Students will demonstrate
an understanding of how
the legal and regulatory
systems affect business
decision-making
The majority of courses in the
Department utilize the case
study approach in which the
legal implications of business
issues are addressed; students
apply
legal
principles
in
business case studies, research
projects, and internships.
Students
will
practice
critical thinking skills in
case
analyses,
legal
research exercises, and
other written and oral
communication exercises.
The majority of courses in the
Department require students to
identify competing concerns in a
variety of business applications,
articulate possible resolutions to
the competing concerns, and
select the optimal resolutions;
students
incorporate
legal
research
into
problem
identification and resolution
exercises, and convey results
through written assignments
and class presentations.
The majority of courses in the
Department address not only
essential legal principles and
regulations but also address
both traditional and evolving
ethical issues encountered in
business, the societal impact of
business decisions, and the
need to accommodate diverse
and non-traditional approaches
to business consistent with
established legal principles.
Students will demonstrate
familiarity
with
social
responsibility
issues
including business ethics,
cultural diversity, global,
and
environmental
concerns.
Business Administration and Law
Assessment Plan
Page 3 of 4
Annual review of syllabi by
Department head and faculty;
course-embedded
assignments
and
exams
evaluated
by
faculty;
performance in the capstone
course, LAW 475, evaluated by
faculty; senior survey results
collected and compiled by
assessment coordinator
2006-2011
Students
will
locate,
critically
evaluate,
and
effectively and ethically use
needed information
Business Administration and Law
Assessment Plan
The majority of courses in the
Department require students to
identify
legal
conflicts
or
questions, develop a research
strategy, and conduct research
to
formulate
appropriate
resolutions to the legal conflicts
or
questions
identified.
Research assignments require
students to utilize information in
a legal and ethically responsible
manner, evaluate the reliability,
continuing
viability,
and
applicability of information; and
properly attribute and cite
information resources.
Page 4 of 4
Annual review of syllabi by
Department head and faculty;
course-embedded
assignments
and
exams
evaluated
by
faculty;
performance in the capstone
course, LAW 475, evaluated by
faculty; senior survey results
collected and compiled by
assessment coordinator
2006-2011