This course addresses advanced, decision related issues within a value-based theory of real estate development, investment and finance. It facilitates student insights into the analytical techniques and theoretical perspectives relevant to such decisions. Uses the case method, industry experts, and site visits to illustrate implementation of an analytical framework in evaluating investments in established and development real estate projects.   Prerequisites: Fourth-year Commerce standing or instructor permission.

This course provides instruction in the foundations of sustainable commerce, that is, business activities designed for a finite and equitable planet. The course begins with a review of our pressing sustainability challenges, then describes how the fundamental business disciplines (strategy, accounting, marketing, operations, finance and management) are innovating, operating and facilitating commercial solutions to these issues.

This interdisciplinary course explores four critical areas at the intersection of business and sustainability: 1) Climate Finance, 2) Conservation Finance, 3) Circular Economy and 4) ESG Investing. In addition to acquiring an understanding of these key sustainability challenges, participants will gain skill in applying analytical tools and techniques to the evaluation of sustainable investment opportunities.

Aristotle maintained that the goal of life is to achieve well-being through wisdom. In this course we seek new understanding and tools as to how wisdom and sell-being apply to professional and personal situations. Emphasis is on marketing management and leadership. the course proceeds by way of readings, discussions, and exercises in addition to a culminating individual project for growth in career and/or personal life-planning.

The GCS thesis program takes place over 3 semesters. Registration for COMM 4839 does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission to the program is determined by a faculty advisor's willingness to take on the student's project. During the 1st semester students will focus on developing their research idea with their advisor. They are expected to meet with their advisor regularly. Students must make sufficient progress to remain in the program.

Students admitted to the GCS program will meet periodically with their advisor & other students & faculty members involved in the program. Over the course of the semester, students will first produce a literature review & then a research proposal that will serve as the roadmap for the thesis to be completed during the spring semester (Comm 4841). The proposal will be presented at the end of the semester before student & faculty of the program.Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Global Commerce Scholar Program

Students will meet regularly with their advisor during the semester as they work to complete the independent research program developed in Comm 4840. Students will submit a preliminary thesis document for review prior to the end of the semester and will present the final thesis before the McIntire student community and faculty at the end of the semester.

Capitalizing on the leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities that students have fostered through courses in the Leadership Minor, students will complete an applied leadership project that focuses on providing solutions to a real problem facing a sponsor organization. In addition to the project, students will engage with leaders in the Charlottesville community to learn about the challenges leaders face in different contexts.

Cross Cultural Experience

Independent study under the supervision of a Commerce instructor. A project directly related to business must be submitted to, and approved by, the supervising instructor prior to the Commerce School add date. Students may take COMM 4993 only once. Prerequisite: Fourth-year Commerce standing.