Management
Head: Devi R. Gnyawali
Digges Professor of Entrepreneurship: S. E. Markham
Pamplin Professors of Management: D. R. Gnyawali, A. Seth, and R. E. Wokutch
Associate Professors: J. B. Arthur, D. J. Beal, W. J. Becker, A. T. Cobb, D. E. Hatfield, L. F. Tegarden, and R. D. Zimmerman
Assistant Professors: R. A. Hunt, P. Thakur Wernz, D. M. Townsend, and A. K. Ward Bartlett
Professor of Practice: S. J. Skripak
Associate Professor of Practice: R. B. Kennedy
Assistant Professor of Practice: K. A. Carlson
Instructors: A. H. Cortes and M. Deck
Affiliated Faculty: M. Singal, D. Stone, and E. Stone-Romero
Emeritus Faculty: L. D. Alexander, T. W. Bonham, J. L. French, J. R. Lang, R. M. Madigan, K. F. Murrmann, J. F. Robinson, J. M. Shepard, W. J. Smith, and C. U. Stephens
Career Advisor: D. E. Bluey
Business Leadership Center Director: K. A. Carlson
Overview
Students choosing the Management Major are guided by world-class faculty to prepare for careers in the worlds' most successful organizations. Our courses build strong foundations in the fundamental management processes of planning, organizing, leading and controlling. To this we add advanced skill building in critical thinking, innovative problem solving, data analytics, ethical reasoning, persuasive communication, and interpersonal and team effectiveness. These skills position Management graduates for future success in a wide variety of high paying careers or as entrepreneurs.
Management majors add considerable value to the organizations that employ them. Great managers in any business act as force multipliers, increasing the output generated by the people they work with and the resources available to them. Management majors, their teams and their organizations do this by finding ways to help organizations work smarter. Our core curriculum helps students develop the awareness needed to identify new entrepreneurial opportunities, improve organizational processes, use analytics to support evidence-based decisions, and effectively manage projects in support of organizational change, but more importantly improvement.
Management majors take courses in one of three career centered options: Management Consulting and Analytics (MCA), Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management (EIT) or Human Resources Management (HRM). In addition, many Management majors choose to minor in Entrepreneurship, Leadership or International Business. They also participate in paid and for-credit internships, career-focused clubs and student-led extracurricular activities. An emphasis on developing employable skills is further supported by course-based and one-on-one strategic career planning.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Management Options
Each Management major is required to select and complete at least one 9 credit hour management option. These options are designed to provide students critical skills targeted toward potential future career paths.
Option I: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology Management
This option prepares students to take an entrepreneurial approach to managing in any organizational context, ranging from large organizations to new startups. This option is suitable for students who intend to run their own businesses or who want to play a role in making existing businesses more entrepreneurial. Three additional courses are required for those students selecting this option.
Option II: Human Resource Management
This option prepares general managers or individuals interested in a career in the human resources field with the knowledge and skills necessary to systematically manage people in order to achieve group and organizational objectives and to sustain organizational effectiveness. Three additional courses are required for those students selecting this option.
Option III: Management Consulting and Analysis
The purpose of this option is to provide students the foundational skills necessary to succeed in careers in management consulting. Three additional courses are required for those students selecting this option.
Minors Offered Through the Department of Management
Students from majors across the university (including Management majors) may also earn any of two minors offered through the Department of Management. These minors are the Business Leadership minor and the Entrepreneurship-New Venture Growth minor.
Business Leadership Minor
The Leadership minor provides a multi-disciplinary, experiential background in the history, values, skills and theory of leadership. It provides the student with the opportunity to tailor his/her leadership education and experience to personal and career needs.
The curriculum consists of eighteen (18) credit hours of study, including six (6) hours of electives and three (3) hours of experiential activity.
Entrepreneurship - New Venture Growth Minor
The Entrepreneurship-New Venture Growth minor is intended to focus on the knowledge and skills to create new ventures and lead their early growth. The objective is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to convert ideas into business successes, particularly in the context of engineering and science-based technology commercialization.
The curriculum consists of eighteen (18) credit hours of study, including six(6) hours of business restricted electives, and six (6) hours of restricted electives.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (MGT)
1004: INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS
Introduction to the role of the free enterprise system in
society and economy. Study of the various business
functions such as economic trends, accounting, finance,
management, marketing, and production and operations.
Analysis of these functions for programs of study and for
career opportunities. Restricted to freshmen and
sophomores. Partially duplicates MGT 1104, Foundations of
Business.
(2H,2C)
1064: ENTREPRENEURS RESIDENCE EXPERIENCE
Introduces studetns in the Innovate Living Learning
Community to the various aspects of the entrepreneurial
ecosytem at Virginia Tech and familiarizes them with
common business terminology in the field. Discover the
difference between ideas and entrepreneurial opportunities
and relate current business events to topics in the course,
including specific entrepreneurial opportunities. Provides
weekly opportunities to interact with and learn from
visiting entrepreneurs through various methods (i.e fireside
chats, dinners, and speaking events) to enhance learning
outside of the classroom and build confidence in engaging
with seasoned professionals. Discusses entrepreneurial
ideas and current opportunities and applies learning to
create and delivery an effective, individual startup concept
pitch.
(3H,3C)
1104: FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS
Introduces students to the free enterprise system and the
various business functions, such as management, human
resources, marketing, operations, accounting and finance,
technology as well as to the different types of business
such as manufacturing and service. Analyzes the various
business functions to help improve understanding of career
interests and opportunities, as well as to provide a basic
understanding of how a company operates. Applies learning
through a group project in which a micro-business is created
and managed.
(3H,3C)
1935-1936: FUNDAMENTALS OF CADET PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
1935: Foundational course of the Virginia Tech Corps of
Cadets Citizen-Leader Program. Explores basic business
etiquette and introduces the cadet to concepts of online
professional identity, basic career preparation, resume
writing, basic interviewing techniques and ways to create
a healthy nutrition and physical fitness program. Includes a
comprehensive physical fitness laboratory. Membership
in the Corps of Cadets is required. 1936: Introduces
methodologies for efficient and effective leadership,
explores options for multiple career paths, basic business
etiquette, opportunity to attend leadership conferences
and field trips to local businesses. Prepares cadets for
leadership positions in their sophomore year. Membership
in the Coprs of Cadets is required.
(1H,2L,2C)
1945-1946: FUNDAMENTALS OF CADET LEADERSHIP
Foundational course of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadet
Leader Development Program. Explores self-understanding,
personality types, active and passive followership,
leadership and ethical theories. A laboratory introduces
freshmen cadets to academic success strategies. Membership
in the Corps of Cadets is required.
(1H,2L,2C)
1984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2314: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Fundamental concepts of international business.
International business environment and how it affects
decisions, the creation of competitive advantage in the
multinational firm, and complexities of managing it. Why
international businesses exist, drivers of international
expansion, differences among countries in terms of
political, legal, economic, technological and cultural
dimensions, and the complexity of international business
decisions. Causes and consequences of globalization,
international trade, and analyzing the challenges of
managing international business, with a focus on a number
of industries, including hospitality and tourism.
Operational, strategic, and ethical issues which are unique
to multinational corporations.
(3H,3C)
2354: LEADERSHIP FOR MANAGERS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Explores a broad range of concepts and theories important
for a basic understanding of leadership skills for managers
and entrepreneurs, including team leadership, motivation,
conflict management, and community leadership. Practical
assignments and case analyses used to examine the ethical
challenges leaders face in a global context. Pre: Sophomore
Standing.
(3H,3C)
2935-2936: CAREER PLANNING FOR CADETS
2935: Cadets in this class learn the basic of business
networking, developing presentations, professional
mentorship, personal finance, and investments, advanced
nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. A physical fitness
laboratory complements the lecture. Membership in the
Corps of Cadets is required.
(1H,2L,2C)
2944: MILITARY LEADERSHIP PRACTICUM
Progressive leadership education, training and
development through readings, lectures, exercises and
leadership positions within the Corps of Cadets.
Emphasis of this course is on the day-to-day implementation
of leadership strategies and tactics in a military
environment. Topics include leadership theory and
practice, honor and ethics education, and professional
integrity. Exercises include small group discussion,
leadership scenarios, and role-playing. Each cadet will
perform at least one leadership position to include team
leader, cadre, squad leader, platoon leader, company
commander, or primary/special staff positions. May be taken
up to 8 times.
Pass/Fail only.
(1H,1C)
2945-2946: SMALL UNIT LEADERSHIP FOR CADETS
Prepares cadets for responsibilities as small unit leaders.
Builds on the previous yearâs knowledge to focus on skills
and knowledge necessary to lead small units. Introduces
cadets to the importance of communication, includes basic
counseling techniques, disciplinary actions, conflict
resolution, cadet regulations and leadership case studies.
Membership in the Corps of Cadets is required.
(1H,1C)
2954: BUSINESS STUDY ABROAD
This course provides students with an international business
experience. It is only offered as part of a program outside
of the United States. Students will learn from the
structured educational experience developed by the
faculty leader. This course is intended for students who
want to take management-related free electives.
Pre: Instructorâs consent and the completion of 24
semester hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or
departmental consent.
Variable credit course.
2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3014: CAREER PLANNING STRATEGY FOR MANAGEMENT MAJORS
Career success/satisfaction focus for Management Majors in
the Pamplin College of Business. Behavior-based
interviewing and assessment to identify behaviors that are
critical to specific career roles. Mastery of these
behaviors to improve search strategies and employment
outcomes. Strategies for developing professional networks
of individuals and organizations. Emphasizes progressive
development of features profiles that help students
differentiate themselves from competitors and position
themselves for desired career options. Ethical pursuit of
employment and negotiation of job offers. Pre: Junior
standing.
(3H,3C)
3064: CORNERSTONES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION
Provides a cornerstone foundation for the understanding of
entrepreneurship and the business innovation process
exposing students to fundamental business concepts applied
and integrated in these arenas. An examination of value
creation through entrepreneurship and the rudiments of new
ventures are provided helping students develop an
entrepreneurial frame of mind and perspective. Pre:
Completion of 45 credit hours and two CLE Area 5 courses.
(3H,3C)
3074: SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Provides a foundation for how social entrepreneurs use and
combine resources to pursue opportunities that lead to
social change and/or address social needs. An examination of
the nature of social entrepreneurship and its various
practices is provided, helping students develop an
entrepreneurial frame of mind and prepare them to act as
effective leaders of social change.
Pre: 3064.
(3H,3C)
3164: CURRENT TOPICS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Topics in the field of entrepreneurship such as: developing
a venture-backed company through initital public offering
(IPO); building a startup venture from scratch to founder
exit; attracting, securing, and deploying capital for
entrepreneurial growth; corporate entrepreneurship; or other
topics of expertise realted to entrepreneurship. Aspects
centered around core themes of examining the ethics of
entrepreneurial solutions, relating the topic to current
events, and expanding communication skills through oral and
written delivery of a report.
Pre: 1064 or 1104 or 3064 or ACIS 2115.
(3H,3C)
3304: MANAGEMENT THEORY AND LEADERSHIP PRACTICE
This survey course introduces the student to a broad range
of concepts, theories and practices important for a basic
understanding of management. Topics also focus on the
environment in which todayâs managers must effectively
operate. Pre: Sophomore standing.
(3H,3C)
3314: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
The course provides a framework to show how a firmâs
international business operations can be analyzed,
understood, and managed, including discussion of
cultural, social, political, and economic aspects of doing
business abroad. The main learning experience in the course
is oriented toward effective decision-making in the face of
unique challenges faced by managers in the international
business environment, with the goal of improving critical,
analytical and creative thinking skills in international
business operations. Junior Standing Required.
(3H,3C)
3324: ORGANIZATION BEHAVIOR
This course examines the determinants and consequences of
human behavior in formal organizations. Specific focus is
on the individual, interpersonal, and group processes which
underlie all the human dynamics.
Co: 3304.
(3H,3C)
3334: MANAGING HUMAN RESOURCES
Examines the strategies, policies, and practices associated
with effectively managing human resources. Designed to
provide future managers with tools and techniques to
acquire, develop, reward, and retain employees within the
legal and social context of todayâs organizations.
Emphasizes how managing human resources can contribute
to organizational effectiveness in a variety of industrial
and organizational settings.
Pre: 3304.
(3H,3C)
3344: EMPLOYEE & LABOR RELATIONS
Examines employee and labor relations policies and practices
from a legal, behavioral, social, and economic viewpoint.
Covers the content and application of labor and employment
laws. A focus on skills and knowledge associated with
responding to employee organizing, negotiating employment
contracts, and resolving employment disputes in private and
public organizations. Union and non-union work settings in
the United States and selected other countries.
Pre: 3304.
(3H,3C)
3424: HUMAN RESOURCE STAFFING AND DEVELOPMENT
Concentrates on the acquisition, deployment, and development
of human resources within organizations. This course
emphasizes the design and implementation of staffing,
training, and development processes to achieve
organizational objectives within social and economic
constraints.
Pre: 3304.
(3H,3C)
3444: MULTICULTURAL DIVERSITY IN ORGANIZATIONS
Examines the impact of multicultural diversity on the
employeeâs work experience and on organizational processes/
performance. Shows how the ability to relate to people on
every level is critical to business success. Discusses how
gender, race, religion, age, social class, sexual
orientation, culture, tradition, education, economic
structure, and organizational philosophy interact to create
a set of rules for acceptable behaviors in complex
organizations. Pre: Junior standing.
(3H,3C)
3464: DIVERSITY-RELATED INTERNSHIPS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Guided experience in a diverse work environment. Through
a paid or unpaid internship, students will have the
opportunity to experience diversity within an organization
first hand while working on organizationally meaningful
assignments in the classroom. Pass/fail only.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: 3444.
(1H,6L,3C)
3604: MANAGERIAL ANALYTICS
Digital tools to analyze managerial data ranging from
productivity data to large scale, organizational databases.
Three themes: (1) analyzing and improving productivity using
digital tools; (2) applying exploratory data tools; (3)
improving organizational collaboration, analysis, and
knowledge sharing using relational databases.
Pre: ACIS 2504.
Co: 3304.
(3H,3C)
3614: STRATEGY AND COMPETITION ANALYTICS
Develops concepts and techniques for analyzing and
formulating strategy in a variety of business environments.
Focuses on research, data, and analysis related to the key
players in the environment from both a competitive and
cooperative perspective. Basic frameworks for analysis
include mapping the objectives and constraints of the
players, and modeling the pattern of interaction among the
players. Provides an in-depth exposure to the theory and
tools of strategy analysis and practice in their management
consulting application.
Pre: ECON 2005, ACIS 2115, ACIS 2116, FIN 3104.
Co: 3604.
(3H,3C)
3754: MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIPS & CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Guided experience in work environments and job search.
Through unpaid internships, students have the opportunity to
view the inner workings of businesses first hand while
working on organizationally meaningful assignments. Class
activities prepare students for conducting effective job
searches.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: 3304.
(1H,6L,3C)
3935-3936: ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR CADETS
3935: Cadets in this learn about the mentor-protege
relationship; resolving team conflicts; diversity in the
workplace; standards of business conduct, dining
etiquette; and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A physical
fitness laboratory compliments the lecture.
Membership in the Corps of Cadets is required.
(1H,2L,2C)
3945-3946: CADET ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Prepares junior class cadets for responsibilities as senior
sergeants. Builds on the previous yearâs knowledge of small
unit leadership. Introduces cadets to decision making,
writing decision papers/executive summaries, project
management, public speaking, and refinement of their
personal leadership philosophy.
Membership in the Corps of Cadets is required.
(1H,1C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
3964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
4064: DEVELOPING ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES
Takes a cross-functional perspective on identifying and
evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities, developing new
ventures, and pursuing new venture strategies to compete in
the marketplace. Explores business potentials of new venture
ideas, examines new ventureâs feasibility, and develops
business planning tools for the venture. Pre: Senior
Standing.
Pre: 3064, (BIT 3414, FIN 3104) or (BIT 3414, MGT 3304) or (BIT 3414, MKTG 3104) or (
FIN 3104, MGT 3304) or (FIN 3104, MKTG 3104) or (MGT 3304, MKTG 3104).
(3H,3C)
4074 (MKTG 4074): APPLIED SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTING
Application of accounting, finance, marketing,
management, information technology, and
management science concepts to small
business cases. On-site consultation with existing firms.
Through the experiential studies, students will explore the
role of âpro bonoâ work in the management field. Pre:
Pamplin College of Business senior or graduate standing.
Permission of instructor is required for students outside
the Pamplin College of Business.
Pre: 3304.
(3H,3C)
4084: MANAGEMENT CONSULTING
Hands-on application of accounting, finance, marketing,
management, information technology, and project management
to actual business clients through on-site consultation with
start-up and existing businesses and non-profits. Through
classroom instruction, instructor coaching, and experiential
studies, students will use the skills they have learned over
several semesters to explore the field of management
consulting. For the Management major with senior standing
in the Management Consulting Option.
Pre: 3304.
(3H,3C)
4094 (ENGE 4094) (IDS 4094): STARTUP: COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATION
Work in interdisciplinary teams in an experiential
environment replicating modern innovation environments.
Engage in real world innovation commercialization
opportunities. Individual experiences and projects
involving actual inventions, innovations, technologies,
intellectual property (e.g. patents) and market
opportunities. Integrate design thinking, scientists,
entrepreneurs, advisors and other potential collaborators.
Create a representation of a plan for a minimum viable
product for an innovative product or service based on
customer and market feedback.
(3H,3C)
4314: INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
The course is designed to provide the student with
familiarity concerning the unique problems, characteristics,
and demands that face multinational managers and the
international business community. Junior standing required.
(3H,3C)
4324 (PHIL 4324): BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
An inquiry into the fundamental norms of conduct in business
and other professions and their justification in relation to
the most important ethical theories. Special attention will
be given to moral problems such as the ethics of hiring and
firing, bribery, and professional responsibility to society.
(3H,3C)
4334: ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The leadership role of managers in promoting ethics and
corporate social responsibility in business today.
Consideration of business-society issues such as
environmental pollution, employee rights and
responsibilities, discrimination/affirmative action, and the
activities of multinational corporations. These issues will
be examined through the conceptual frameworks of business
ethics and corporate social responsibility.
Pre: 3304.
(3H,3C)
4344: PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY LEADERSHIP
This course provides an introduction to leadership in the
context of productivity and quality improvement. It focuses
on understanding the concepts and skills associated with
contemporary management strategies and systems. This course
requires active student involvement and emphasizes
participative leadership skills, data collection,
qualitative problem solving, and communication processes.
For Management majors only. Senior standing required.
Pre: 3304, 3324, 3604, BIT 3414.
(3H,3C)
4354: LEADERSHIP: ADVANCES IN SKILLS AND CONCEPTS
This cornerstone course provides cutting-edge experiences,
skills, and knowledge in leadership for students in the
leadership minor. Within an historical context that
balances military, political, and business perspectives,
four types of leadership will be examined: self-leadership,
dyadic leadership, team leadership, and enterprise
leadership. Special emphasis will be placed on the specific
skills, such as computer literacy and project management,
required for leaders to succeed in modern, technologically
oriented organizations. Pre: senior standing.
Pre: 3304.
(3H,3C)
4394: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
Senior-level capstone course to formulate and
implement strategies to create and sustain
competitive advantage. Emphasis on developing
pragmatic and action-oriented general management
skills that integrate across functional areas of the
organization. Utilize various tools, concepts, and
analytical framework to define and analyze strategic
problems. Revisits business principles and practices
covered in basic business courses.
Pre: Senior standing.
Pre: 3304, (MKTG 3104 or MKTG 3104H), FIN 3104, BIT 3414.
Co: FIN 3054.
(3H,3C)
4414: COMPENSATION AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
This course provides the knowledge and skills required by
managers to design and implement comprehensive
compensation and performance management systems in
public and private organizations. Topics include development
of compensation strategy, internal pay structure,
determination of pay level through wage surveys, evaluating
job performance, rewarding individuals and groups, and
administering employee benefits.
Pre: 3304.
(3H,3C)
4864: WI UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
4874: WI INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4935-4936: CADET CITIZEN LEADER PRACTICUM
4935:Students in the class learn practical strategies for
leading teams to plan execute a project; project writing;
applied dining etiquette; being a mentor to others,
leadership through service learning and living a healthy
lifestyle. A physical fitness laboratory compliments the
lecture. Membership in the Corps of Cadets is required.
(1H,2L,2C)
4944: LEADING IN YOUR PROFESSION
Examines the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a
responsible role of leadership when beginning oneâs career.
It is a capstone course that draws on the leadership
training and experience cadets have accumulated during
their first three years in the Corps of Cadets. Senior
standing in the Corps of Cadets required. Course may be
taken twice for credit. The pre-requisite requirement is
such that a student must take the pre-requisite twice before
enrolling in this course.
Pre: 2944.
(1H,1C)
4945-4946: EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FOR CADETS
Examines executive level leadership. It explores executive
decision making, constraint theory and problem solving in
both the military and civilian career fields. Senior
standing in the Corps of Cadets is required.
(1H,1C)
4954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Honors section
Variable credit course.