Program Description

The MBA program consists of 39 credit-hours. Students will complete 18 credit-hours within the Core in Management courses, 12 within the Core in Business Administration courses, and 9 credit-hours within an Emphasis Area (Accounting, Computer Information Systems (CIS), Healthcare Management, General Management, International Enterprises Management, or Project Management).

Program Philosophy and Objectives  

Organizations today demand multitalented knowledgeable professionals who can contribute and succeed in a team/project management environment. The MBA Program has been carefully crafted to train professionals through the study of management theory and practical problem solving. It focuses on developing versatility through critical thinking, intellectual flexibility, analytical and applied research skills, creativity, and high standards for professional integrity and ethics. Globalization issues of management are instilled into many of the Program courses. Teamwork is an essential component of organizational dynamics, and it is stressed through team projects that encourage face-to-face meetings as well as synchronous and asynchronous online meetings.

To implement our Philosophy and vision, the MBA Program has established the following goals: 

• To help students transform themselves into knowledgeable managers that understand business dynamics at all levels.
• To present the interrelatedness of the functional areas of business and be able to integrate them in the performance of business decisions and in solving complex business issues.
• To dispense relevant curriculum that combines academic theory with practical problem-solving skills.
• To provide the fundamental concepts and principles that underlie the operation of business enterprises as well as offer a comprehensive set of more specialized courses to allow students to tailor their education to their specific needs and career goals.
• To develop students with the ability and insight to apply cross-functional approaches.

General Admission Requirements and Procedures

All students who have graduated from an undergraduate program at a higher education institution applying for admission to Polytechnic University – Orlando Campus must:

• Complete an application for admission.
• Submit an official academic transcript from the college or university that conferred the bachelor’s degree.  Transcript(s) should be sent directly from the institution(s) to Polytechnic University.
• Pay fifty dollars ($60.00) non-refundable application fee.  The application fee will not be applicable towards the students’ registration charges.  Fee is valid for two consecutive quarters.

Admission Requirements

The MBA program is subject to the general admission requirements of the Polytechnic University – Orlando Campus. The admission requirements specific to the MBA program are as follows:

• Have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Have obtained a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.50/4.00.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA required can request, in writing, reconsideration by the Admissions Committee. Final determination is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

Student must provide a copy of a current driver’s license or photo identification for placement in the files for officials records upon acceptance to a degree program at the university.

Minimum Graduation Requirements  

The MBA degree requires a minimum of 39 credit hours of graduate coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 system. No thesis or comprehensive exams are required.

General Prerequisites

The MBA curriculum is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds. In a broad philosophical sense, the MBA program is not geared exclusively for undergraduate business students; rather, students with a wide range of undergraduate experiences such as engineering, science, liberal arts as well as business administration are encouraged to apply. The student will work with a wide breadth of business disciplines with the objective of maximizing the organization’s effectiveness and financial performance as required by its major stakeholders. MBA students pursuing the Computer Information Systems emphasis area must have both a database management and a programming language course.

Students must provide a copy of a current driver’s license or photo identification for placement in the files for official records upon acceptance to a degree program at a university.

Career Opportunities

Because of their ability to analyze problems, address unstructured business challenges, and generate alternatives for a given situation, MBA graduates are among the most sought by companies throughout the world. There are many opportunities in the private sector as well as in the public or not-for-profit sectors, which offer extensive employment opportunities. Success will depend ultimately on self-awareness, research, and preparation. The Master of Business Administration degree has been so popularized over the last decades that many employers now consider it a prerequisite for entry into several career fields, and a must for growth consideration. It is a requisite in many companies for certain positions, just as the bachelor’s degree was a few decades ago.

Student Organizations

Students have the opportunity to get involved in academic, professional, and cultural activities such as conferences, seminars, and visits to plants and factories. They can also participate in other students’ associations and fraternities organized and/or recognized by Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Emphasis Areas

Accounting – Minimum Graduation Requirements

18      Credit-Hours in Management Core Courses 

12      Credit-Hours in MBA Core Courses

  9      MBA Emphasis Area

39      Total Credit-Hours

Computer Information Systems – Minimum Graduation Requirements

18      Credit-Hours in Management Core Courses 

12      Credit-Hours in MBA Core Courses

  9      MBA Emphasis Area

39      Total Credit-Hours

General Management – Minimum Graduation Requirement 

18      Credit-Hours in Management Core Courses 

12      Credit-Hours in MBA Core Courses

  9      MBA Emphasis Area

39      Total Credit-Hours

Healthcare Management – Minimum Graduation Requirements  

18      Credit-Hours in Management Core Courses 

12      Credit-Hours in MBA Core Courses

  9      MBA Emphasis Area

39      Total Credit-Hours

International Enterprises Management – Minimum Graduation Requirements

18      Credit-Hours in Management Core Courses 

12      Credit-Hours in MBA Core Courses

  9      MBA Emphasis Area

39      Total Credit-Hours

Project Management – Minimum Graduation Requirements

18      Credit-Hours in Management Core Courses 

12      Credit-Hours in MBA Core Courses

  9      MBA Emphasis Area

39      Total Credit-Hours

Master of Business Administration Curriculum

Management Core Courses
(18 Credit-Hours)

MBA Core Courses
(12 Credit-Hours)

Master of Business Administration
Emphasis Areas

Accounting
(9 Credit-Hours)

Computer Information Systems
(9 Credit-Hours)

General Management
(9 Credit-Hours)
Any three courses from any MBA emphasis areas

Healthcare Management
(9 Credit-Hours)

International Enterprises Management
(9 Credit-Hours)

Project Management
(9 Credit-Hours)

Course Descriptions

Management Core Courses 

MGM 5500 – Managerial Accounting                           

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This is a graduate course where the accounting principles and techniques for making decisions are taught. The role of decision criteria based on General Accepted Accounting Principles and others is explained in detail. Therefore, this course provides the essential information that the manager or businessman needs to have control of the firm in order to obtain his objectives effectively and efficiently.

MGM 5700  ̶  Probability and Statistical Methods   

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This is a graduate course in relevant business statistics emphasizing applications specific to engineering disciplines. In this course various probability and statistical methods to sample, measure of dispersion and skewness, probability distributions are studied. Also testing hypothesis and making decisions, analysis of variance, chi-square analysis and linear regression and correlation are examined. Advanced topics such as nonlinear regression, multivariable analysis, time series analysis and exploratory data analysis are introduced. Case studies of quality control and engineering decisions are assigned and discussed.

MGM 6070  ̶  Human Resources Management            

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

Psychology concepts and corresponding methodology to manage human resources in scientific and technical enterprises. Techniques for hiring, benefits, incentives, promotion, retention, development, replacement of personnel, and creativity, among others are discussed emphasizing the human dimension. Techniques to solve complaints, insubordination, and violations of regulations are introduced.

MGM 6560  ̶  Management of Information Systems

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

Information systems that provide support for management in areas such as finance, manufacturing, cost estimation, and marketing. Introduction to analysis of data flow diagrams, databases, and data communication are introduced.

MGM 6620  ̶  Managerial FINANCES

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: MGM 5500

Financial concepts encountered in engineering. Situations are introduced based on the fact that they are an integral part of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling activities. The financial cycle budgeting, accounting, controlling, and auditing is discussed.

MGM 6690  ̶  Decision Making Techniques                    

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.  Prerequisite: MGM 5700

This is a graduate course where the scientific management methods for making decisions and solving administrative problems are taught. The role of decision criteria and subjective factors, Bayesian analysis, advanced decision-making methods, linear programming, and analysis of alternatives are discussed. Also, the value of reliable and representative information, utilization of statistical information, strategic analysis and projections, forecasting, PERT, CPM and other management techniques to solve problems are introduced.

Accounting Courses

ACC 6500  ̶  Accounting Information Systems

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.  Prerequisites: ACCO 3330, ACCO 3340, MGM 6560 

An introduction to accounting information systems (AIS) and the relationship of AIS to Management Information Systems. Includes analysis of hardware and software, system design and the systems development life cycle (SDLC) approach, database management systems (DBMS), internal control, flowcharting, data flow diagrams and their application to the accounting cycles (revenue, expenditure, conversion). Microsoft Access will be used to develop a basic system.

ACC 6600  ̶  Advanced Auditing

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisites: ACCO 3330/3340, ACCO 4320

A study of modern auditing techniques. Includes tools and techniques of risk assessment, the audit risk model and the audit plan. The implications and auditing of information systems and technology, GAAS and PCAOB standards, ethics and the Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.

ACC 6800  ̶  Advanced Financial Accounting

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisites: ACCO 3330/3340

A study of theory and techniques preparing consolidated financial statements, partnerships, foreign subsidiary accounting and non-profit accounting.

Computer Information Systems Courses

CIS 6605 – DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None     

This course presents methodologies and principles of database design. The focus is on database architectures, logical modeling, the relational model, and database design process and techniques. Topics covered include the entity relationship model, the relational model, relational operators, integrity constraints, the SQL language, and data normalization. Also included are topics in distributed databases, object-oriented databases, and security issues.

CIS 6615 – SOFTWARE ENGINEERING FOR BUSINESS

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

Basic concepts of software requirements generation and analysis, software design, structured design methodologies, data flow design, and programming of an engineering system and testing.

CIS 6705 – DATA COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTER NETWORKS

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

Recent advances and new applications in the expanding field of computer networks and distributed systems are examined. The technical fundamentals, architecture, and design of computer networks and distributed systems are described. Strategies, tools, and techniques for network planning, implementation, management, maintenance, and security are delineated. Topics include ISDN, and ATM, the OSI model, transmission media, network operating systems, topologies, configuration protocols, and performance characteristics. Trends in standardization, internetworking, downsizing, and the development of local-networks (LANs), wide-area networks (WANs), metropolitan-area networks (MANs), and enterprise-wide networks are explored.

General Management Courses

Students select any three courses from MBA emphasis areas.

Healthcare Management Courses

HCM 6500  ̶  HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT I

Three credit-hours.  Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course provides an overview of the history, structure, and current perspectives of the US healthcare system. The course examines topics such as: cost, financing, access to healthcare, information management systems, public health, and systems for delivery of healthcare are covered.

HCM 6600 – HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT II

Three credit-hours.  Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course offers a global perspective on how the United States and other countries address issues of health and health care. The course reviews organizational principles, practices, and the management of health service organizations.

HCM 6800 – HEALTHCARE ETHICS

Three credit-hours.  Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course discusses ethical issues in the healthcare field. Cases and a variety of topics related to the healthcare field are discussed.

International Enterprises Management Courses

MIE 7010  ̶  INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS              

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course examines the basics of international business operations. The course begins discussing the global environment and reasons for an organization to become global, including the two main ways about how international business takes place. Then, the characteristics of multinational companies will be explained, followed by global competitiveness and affairs. Among the material that will be covered are Michael Porter’s diamond theory of international competitiveness, the latest work in the theory of multinational enterprises, global markets, and new research on organizational learning within corporations.

MIE 7020  ̶  INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEGIES

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course examines international business strategies using an integrative approach, specially set around the questions of “how functional strategies are integrated?” It begins discussing functional international strategies and explaining actual actions by global companies in different global settings. Then, an integrative approach for global strategy will be taken. Among the materials that will be covered are foreign exchange rate management (currency swapping), “absolute” and “comparative” advantages in developing multinational strategies, and strategies for doing business in the “triad” markets.

MIE 7110  ̶  INTERNATIONAL FINANCES       

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

Financial concepts encountered in engineering situations are presented based on the fact that they are an integral part of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling, and auditing is discussed. The general goal is to provide the necessary knowledge to the student about different financial concepts that a manager of scientific and technological activities uses in order to prepare budgets, secure funding, analyze financial alternatives and control expenses.

MBA Core Courses

MBA 5600  ̶  Managerial Economics                              

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

Most relevant points regarding supply and demand, analysis of consumer behavior, analysis of production cost, main structures of the marketplace, linear programming, the economic systems, and development of economic concepts and macro- economics.

MBA 5700  ̶  Managerial Marketing                              

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None                                                           

The study of the strategic process of creating time and place utilities. It deals with how to identify customer’s needs, change those needs to wants, and sustain the desire of the particular product (service or good). How this process can be applied to profit and non-profit organizations.

MBA 5800 – LEADERSHIP

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course is organized around the concept that leadership involves influencing others in a non- coercive manner where capital reigns, competitive advantage occurs when an organization utilizes the knowledge and experience of all its members. “Command and control” leadership styles are limited to specific emergency circumstances. Instead, leaders should direct their efforts toward shared goals, collaborative methods and leverage the leadership potential of all members of the entire organization. The course integrates current research on leadership and real-world business events. The design offers an experiential, practical, and theoretical approach to understanding the qualities, characteristics, styles, and behaviors of successful leaders. The course also provides participants to focus on their own leadership abilities and to explore strategies for building teamwork, motivation, creativity, effective communication, conflict resolution, strategic leadership, and innovative leadership practices that enhance innovation and organizational performance.

MBA 6830  ̶  Operations Management                           

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None.                                                         

This is a graduate course in manufacturing techniques. In this course the student will acquire deep knowledge of the tools, techniques and types of manufacturing processes and management of the production planning, schedule, and operation. Topics such as Production and Inventory Control, just-in-time, total quality control, statistical process control, waste analysis, work measurement and world class Manufacturing will be discussed. Also cover manufacturing systems such as factory layout, machine center, robotics, sensing, manufacturing cells and automated factories will be included.

MBA 6900  ̶  Strategic Management                              

Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisites: 27 credits approved.

The corporate world is becoming a very different place. Mergers and acquisitions have transformed the landscape. International boundaries are fading in importance as businesses take on a more global perspective, and the technology of the “Information Age” is narrowing the time it takes to communicate and make decisions. Business Policy or Strategic Management takes a panoramic view of this changing corporate terrain.  This course unifies the various departments, majors, and sub discipline found in a business school. The material of this course will be explained in the context of cases which have been class tested and revised based on the feedback from those classes. The firms range in size and maturity from large, established multinational to small, entrepreneurial ventures, and cover a broad range of issues and address questions raised. The students are expected to have a general knowledge of the basic business functions; finance, marketing, operations management, accounting, quantitative methods, and human resources.

Project Management Courses

PJM 6500 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT: INITIATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND TERMINATION

Three credit-hours.  Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course introduces project management fundamentals and principles from the perspective of a manager, who must organize, plan, implement and control non-routine activities to achieve schedule, budget, and performance objectives. Topics include project selection, organization and charters, planning, conflict and negotiation, budgeting, cost estimation, scheduling, monitoring, controlling, auditing, and termination.

PJM 6600 – PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT

Three credit-hours.  Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course addresses the important elements of risk management. The coursework also explores the risk management processes outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide. Topics include risk management planning, risk identification, risk analysis, development of appropriate responses, and risk monitoring and control.

PJM 6800 – PROJECT PROCUREMENT AND SOLICITATION

Three credit-hours.  Two two-hour lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: None

This course presents the major processes through which goods and services are acquired in the project management environment. Topics include planning, solicitation, source selection, contract administration, and contract closeout.