Topics in business analytics leverages the vast data resources available today to identify trends and patterns critical to enhancing business performance. This course introduces students to contemporary business analytics methods, including predictive and descriptive analytics techniques, and demonstrates how to apply analytics to real-world business decisions.

This course provides the opportunity to offer new topics in the subject of Commerce.

Tax rules are pervasive in their effect on the decisions of businesses. This course uses the economics-based framework of "all parties, all taxes, all costs" to consider how both tax and non-tax factors affect business activities. Specific decision settings examined include mergers and acquisitions, compensation, and multi-jurisdictional tax planning. How firms report these tax effects in their financial statements will also be covered.

A rigorous introduction to the full field of finance. Students should gain an appreciation of the role of financial markets and institutions in our economy as well as an introduction to the responsibilities, concerns, and methods of analysis employed by corporate financial managers. We focus on the two fundamental aspects of financial decision-making: time value and risk (modern portfolio theory, the capital asset pricing model, and alternatives). The concepts of time value and risk are used to value the two basic financial assets, bonds and stocks, as well as real assets, investment projects, and companies. In addition, the course introduces derivative securities (options, futures) and discusses their application in a wide variety of settings (real options, contingent claims valuation of equity). The course also covers the theory and practice of capital structure decisions (Modigliani and Miller, taxes, bankruptcy costs, asymmetric information, agency) and dividend decisions. The course will include a thorough discussion of market efficiency and an introduction to the field of behavioral finance. A unifying theme of the course is how no-arbitrage conditions and the law of one price can be used to value most financial assets. The emphasis in this course (both in and out of class) will be on problem solving. Prerequisite: COMM 3010, 3020, and 3030.

Provides an overview of corporate & global strategy, introducing frameworks for valuing companies, assessing the impact of strategic initiatives on firm value, & understanding corporate communication strategies & techniques. Topics include corporate governance, diversification, mergers & acquisitions, alliances, international market entries, DCF & relative valuation methods, corporate reputation management, investor & media relations.

A continuation of COMM 2010 that examines accounting's problem-solving contributions to management. Emphasizes planning, control, performance measurement, cost behavior, ethics, and information for special decisions. Prerequisite: COMM 2010.

Provides an understanding of contemporary cash and derivative equity securities and markets. Both investment theory and its practical applications are considered. The primary perspective for most discussions is that of an institutional investor, although applications to personal finance are included. Both U.S. and international equity and fixed-income markets are discussed. Topics include asset allocation, portfolio theory, market efficiency, models of asset pricing, program trading, and equity options and financial futures. Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce standing or instructor permission.

Foundations of Global Commerce examines the global context of business, the evolution of that context, and the many business implications. The course covers the global macro-economy, application of an analytical framework, and important future trends. In addition to mastering a defined body of knowledge, the course emphasizes conceptual thinking and a commitment to curiosity, critical analysis, active participation and intellectual risk-taking.

The initial focus is on how economic events are measured, classified and recorded, then students explore accounting issues for key business operating areas. Financial statements are studied to understand their content and uses. Course is delivered in an online format with no scheduled class meetings; students engage with all course content online. Faculty and teaching assistant support is provided via face-to-face and online interactions.

This course covers the valuation and use of derivative and fixed income securities in corporate finance and investment management. The securities covered include calls, puts, exotic options, forwards, futures, swaps, floating rate notes, credit derivatives, and other structured products.