Business Leadership Program

Robert L. McKeage, Ph.D., Director

Overview

Leadership, the process of persuasion or example by which the members of a group are persuaded to pursue the group's objectives, is the focus of many new programs in education. The Business Leadership Program in the University's Kania School of Management provides selected students with an opportunity to perfect their talents for business leadership. The program includes special sections of key business courses taught from the leadership perspective, leadership seminars, a mentor/internship program, and an independent leadership project.

The key courses are taught with a special emphasis on business leadership by faculty chosen for their exceptional teaching and their interest in the leadership concept. The leadership seminars will help the students assess and perfect their talents for leadership and will put them into contact with many business leaders. Noteworthy among the opportunities are the internships (where the students are placed with business leaders who serve as mentors) and the projects developed and executed by the students to demonstrate their leadership skills. The program will culminate in the students preparing portfolios on the essence of leadership, as derived from participation in the program, and defending their concepts of leadership before a faculty board.

This highly selective program accepts 15 sophomores each spring to begin the two-year curriculum the following fall. Applicants are selected on the basis of the following criteria:

• Leadership experience and/or potential; drawing from the student's record in high school, college, work history, clubs and activities.

• Student's self-assessment and motivation in applying—how and why this program relates to the student's long-term goals.

• Interests and hobbies.

• Recommendations of teachers, others.

• 3.3 grade-point average (ordinarily); a minimum of a 3.5 grade-point average will be needed for graduation with honors in the program

Business Leadership Program Schedule

Course Descriptions

Although three of the first four courses are required of all business students, sections designated by BLDR are restricted to students in the Business Leadership Program.

BLDR 351 — Principles of Management — 3 credits

This course covers the key aspects of the management process for decision-making. The focus is the organizational setting in which business leadership is exercised.

BLDR 355 — Business Ethics — 3 credits

The individual and social ethics of the major areas of decision-making in business from a leadership perspective.

BLDR 455 — Policy and Planning — 3 credits

This is the capstone course for all business majors. Concepts and skills developed in the functional areas of accounting, finance, management, marketing and production/ operations are integrated and applied to the top-level management of an organization. Topics include analyzing organizational environment, setting missions and objectives, developing strategies and plans. allocating resources, and designing organizational structures, reward, and control systems. Special emphasis will be given to the role of executive leadership and values in the articulation of a corporate vision and culture, and in the choice of growth and competitive strategies. Intended as a case- and project-oriented course.

BLDR 484 — Work as Vocation — 3 credits

This final course in the BLDR sequence provides students with an opportunity to discover their professional “calling.” This course is intended to help the graduating students make the transition from the classroom to the “real world,” and to integrate the values they inculcated at the University into their work experience. They will examine their strengths, weaknesses, and interests to develop career plans and strategies.

BLDR 385 — Self Assessment Business Leadership Seminar #1 — 1 credit

Focus is on identifying the characteristics of leadership, self-assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses, and preparation of plan for self development.

BLDR 386 — Empowerment Business Leadership Seminar #2 — 1 credit

Focus is on identifying the tasks of the leader and “enabling or empowering” people to achieve the organization's goals.

BLDR 485 — Mentorship Business Leadership Seminar #3 — 1 credit

Student is placed in an organizational setting as a leadership intern to study the leadership of the organization.

BLDR 486 — Senior Project Business Leadership Seminar #4 — 1 credit

Student proposes, develops and executes a project evidencing a high degree of leadership skills and activity.