Outdoor Industry MBA

An integration of the principles of financial and managerial accounting to prepare the manager to use accounting to assess and manage the health of the organization. Students also explore environmental, social and ethical accounting issues, which challenge students to apply existing accounting systems to new settings and critically analyze existing and proposed accounting systems.

An introduction to the fundamentals of managerial economics, focusing on microeconomics, macroeconomics, with a backdrop of ecological economics. Provides an understanding of the standard or neoclassical microeconomic model and how this model is useful for business decision-making and provides a critique of this model and present a more heterodox view of economics.

An introduction to financial decision-making theory and practice, which deals with major issues in managing the inflows and outflows from the Chief Financial Officer’s (CFO) perspective. This course includes financial analysis, forecasting financial needs, sources and use of funds, efficient allocation of funds within the firm, risk/return decisions, capital budgeting, and the firm’s relationships with investors, financial markets and financial institutions.

An investigation of how and why complexities increase as individuals form groups or teams, and as various groups form organizational systems. Students learn how to bridge leadership-management roles, how to distinguish between required systems and emergent systems, and how to assess ego-motivation, eco-motivation, and employee ownership in designing effective teams and workplaces.

Legal matters encountered in the outdoor industry. Included is an introduction to real property, environmental regulation, water law and contracting. Agreements involving customers, vendors, insurance, procurement, risk management and liability are also addressed.

An examination of the distinctive challenges and insights of the athletic and outdoor industry. Students examine the unique business practices of both manufacturers and retailers in this industry. Students look at issues such as brand management, customer service, innovation and sustainability in the athletic and outdoor industry.

An introduction to the framework for marketing management. A survey of trends and an overview of concepts and techniques as they relate to the customer experience, marketing opportunities, marketing strategies and communicating effective marketing programs within the context of sustainable management. Effective sales and go-to-market strategies for athletic and outdoor companies of all sizes.

Students develop their ability to analyze the organizational and external factors essential for creating and executing a firm’s strategy for sustained success. The course draws heavily from the key concepts, frameworks and tools of strategic management. Other topics include competitive advantage through commitment, competitor analysis, organizational responses to environmental changes, modularity and increasing returns.

Examination the operations and management of resorts, including hotel operations. Guest relations, amenities and facilities design and management, event management, customer service, leadership, communications and problem solving are also covered. Students are also exposed to techniques used for data analysis and service measurement, to assess operational performance and efficiencies and staff turnover.

Students work through the product planning process, all the way from concept to consumer. This is not a focus on the design component, but provides students with a comprehensive picture of the importance and value of all the steps from creating to launching a product.

Strategic and tactical issues pertaining to the distribution and delivery of products and services are examined. Also covered are global sourcing strategies and the global supply chain used by the sports product companies including the history of sourcing in Asia and the importance of managing sustainability in this process. Prerequisite: MBA 606.

An examination of current topics in the outdoor industry. Graded S/U.

Students examine topics in the environmental regulatory scheme, knowledge of which is imperative to operating a sustainable business, including many federal acts and policies. Presentation of the analytical tools and approaches used by economists to examine and assess environmental issues, conflicts and policies. Students use various techniques to investigate a variety of resource-based issues. Prerequisite: MBA 601.

Focuses on helping students take advantage of the unique opportunities that outdoor industry businesses have to craft stories that leverage the emotional connection customers have to their personal outdoor experience. Students learn to become qualified, well-trained professional sellers which helps to maximize the potential of the product and the company.

Students develop a project designed to increase the profitability and functionality of their current organization (or another relevant organization if they are not employed in the outdoor industry). By creatively responding to real-world business issues, students deepen the analytical, technical and leadership skills they need to succeed. Projects relate to topics such as the development of a marketing plan, a modified financial tactic, or the development of a legally viable sustainability initiative. Prerequisite: Completion of all other MBA requirements.