Global Business Management, B.S.

Department Contact:

Chair: Dr. Angela Seidel, aseidel@francis.edu, 814-472-3076

Program Description:

A Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management examines business management strategies and tactics used in in other cultures. Students must understand the political, economic, and cultural characteristics of today’s multicultural business environment, along with the dynamics of international business. Supported by a strong business core, that covers accounting, economics, management, marketing, information systems, finance, and quantitative business analysis, the Global Business Management program prepares students to work in international business. Courses include global business management, global marketing, international trade and finance, international business law, and global supply chain and logistics.

The Global Business Management program also draws from the strong liberal arts tradition of Saint Francis University by providing coursework in history, political science women’s studies, and/or modern languages beyond the general education core as well as including advantageous study abroad and/or international business internships opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to effectively address globalization issues with various business strategies and tactics.

Students also have the chance to gain a business understanding of various cultures, markets, and global business practices, along with economic and financial differences across nations. The Global Business Management program will enable students to obtain the key industry knowledge to successfully conduct business on a global scale in an international corporate environment.

Two unique aspects of the Global Business Management program are designed to differentiate it from similar international business programs, including:

1. A Multi-Disciplinary Approach grounded in the Liberal Arts: In addition to the General Education Core, students enrolled in Global Business Management will complete six additional credits in any of the following areas: Modern Languages, History, Political Science, or Women’s Studies. The selected courses must have an international focus.
2. Required Study Abroad or International Business Internship: Global Business Management majors are expected to study abroad during their sophomore or junior years to broaden their international knowledge and experience base. Students may select one semester-long study abroad program, two short-term study abroad programs, or a comprehensive international business management internship. Note: Since the purpose of the study abroad/global internship requirement is to ensure that GBM students are exposed to a culture outside of their own for a reasonable period of time or work in an international business setting, students who can verify meeting the provision with compelling evidence can seek a “chair” waiver on it, including the internship (e.g., an international student).

In sum, the Global Business Management program is designed to study and comprehend the dynamic and complex global business environment within which organizations and individuals operate. In this era of increased globalization, students must have a clear understanding of the theory and practice of core business functions as well a capacity to interact with geographically, economically, culturally, legally and politically diverse environments within which global companies undertake international trade and investment. 

Accreditation Statement:

Saint Francis University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road, Lenexa, Kansas, 66215; (913) 631-3009; http://iacbe.org/accredited-programs.asp. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

The Shields School of Business will graduate students who have the knowledge, skills, love of learning, confidence, drive, and ethical and moral values needed to be spiritually fulfilled in life and successful in professional careers. Upon completion of this program, students are able to:

• Demonstrate, in the Spirit of Saint Francis in the Marketplace, knowledge of the ethical value choices and responsibilities of businesses and business leaders;
• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles in business in the functional areas of accounting, information systems, finance, management, and marketing;
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legal, social, economic environments of business;
• Demonstrate knowledge of the global dimension of business;
• Integrate the functional areas of business in the process of decision making;
• Demonstrate the ability to professionally communicate.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Capstone Requirement:

All students complete the three-credit course, MGMT 401 Strategic Management , which serves as the capstone for all undergraduate business programs. Among other learning experiences, this course includes a simulation that requires students to synthesize and apply learning from across the business domains of accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management, and information systems.

Total Credits Required:

128 credits minimum