This course examines the most important components of corporate finance. The course starts with an examination of the financial statements and the related financial ratios. The financial statements include the balance sheet and the income statement while the financial ratios make use of financial statement metrics to assess such issues as profitability, short term solvency, management of current accounts and debt structure choices. The course then studies some fundamental concepts on using present value and future value to solve business and personal financial problems. The differences between debt and equity securities are examined including the important role of interest rates in valuing debt securities, i.e. government and corporate bond values. This course will examine the benefits and costs of employing debt verse equity with the objective to maximize the value of the firm.

In this course you will investigate leadership roles, styles, philosophy, and behaviors in globally diverse organizations. The course explores leadership through the challenge and implementation of change in global organizations. It focuses on realistic managerial situations and the techniques involved in managing change and responses to opportunities and threats.

This is the initial course in the entrepreneurship specialization and serves as the prerequisite for all future courses within the specialization. Prior to the start of this course, it is recommended that students enter the course with a well thought out product or service venture. Students will explore many facets of the potential venture to include new venture feasibility, an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT), and identification of potential investors to determine if the new venture is needed within the marketplace.