Sustainability Programs, Research, and Curriculum at WWU

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Sustainability Programs, Research, and Curriculum at WWU

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

The Center for International Studies provides a focus for international education at Western. Its mission is to foster international and global perspectives for all Western students, faculty, and staff through courses, international experiences and study abroad.

Study Abroad -The Center promotes and develops a wide array of study abroad programs, and is committed to finding ways to make the study abroad experiences accessible to all Western students. The Center supportsthose international programs that give students a chance to broaden their global perspectives, gain foreign language fluency, engage in service learning and volunteer opportunities, and acquire global citizenship skills.

International Students- The Center organizes and promotes activities for Western’s population of international students, provides venues for international students to meet and interact with the campus community, and works with the Office of Admissions to promote international student enrollment.

Curriculum Development- The Center assists all university departments in developing internationally focused courses and learning experiences for students. Support includes seed grants for course development, faculty workshops, and assistance in building short-term courses taught by Western faculty abroad.

Links to the Community- The Center fosters collaboration and partnerships with a wide variety of governmental and civic organizations, including Bellingham Sister Cities, Rotary Club, Slum Doctor Programme, Bellingham School District, and Whatcom Community College.

International Activities on Campus - The Center sponsors cultural and educational activities and programs for the campus community, including those associated withInternational Education Week, Canada Week, Japan Week and the World Issues Forum. The Center also hosts seminars on current international education issues.

Quarterly International Lecture Series- The Center sponsors lectures and presentations by both visiting and resident scholars during the academic year, focusing on regions as diverse as Quebec and Mongolia. Topics range from international trade to global literature and current world political events.

Global Citizen Distinguished Scholar Program -Approximately twenty-five first-year students with strong academic records and global interests participate in this program that is organized by the Center, and which connects them to international courses, activities, and events on campus throughout the academic year.

International Studies Minor

The Center oversees the International Studies Minor, which incorporates a number of courses across WWU colleges, and complements existing majors. The Minor is designed to provide students with the knowledge, perspectives and skills that are critical for global competence and careers in today’s increasingly interconnected world. The Minor in International Studies consists of completion of an approved international study program or exchange, International Studies courses, a foreign language, and course work in other related fields.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES

Asia University America Program: The WWU-Asia University America Program (AUAP) is an English language and cultural orientation program that has been developed cooperatively with Asia University (Tokyo, Japan), Central Washington University, and Eastern Washington University. During this five-month study-abroad program, students from Asia programming in Bellingham public schools which introduces local elementary school children to Japanese language and culture and, most importantly, to international friendship. Participation by Western faculty and students in research opportunities through AUAP; faculty and students from the communications, foreign languages, psychology, business, and anthropology departments have conducted studies based on linguistic or attitudinal surveys of AUAP students.

Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program (IEP) provides a variety of English language courses designed to prepare international students for academic study at American colleges and universities.

International Programs and Exchanges

International Programs and Exchanges (IPE) administers and cooperates in more than 100 international study abroadprograms in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Oceania and Africa.

Korea University Program

Western’s Korea University Program offers two experiences for students from Korea University’s Sejong Campus. The Academic and Cultural Programs both offer opportunities for Korean students to connect with American students and the greater Bellingham community

CENTER FOR SERVICE-LEARNING (Center for Community Engagement)

Service-learning is an experiential learning method that combines academic instruction with community-based learning by connecting classroom learning to community needs through service projects. Service-learning offers students the opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of their community, examine social justice issues, and make a contribution to the well-being of the community.

FIELD EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS

The University works closely with a wide variety of businesses and community and governmental agencies which offer internship opportunities.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANDECONOMICS

Center for Economic Vitality (CEV). The CEV provides individual counseling to small business firms, conducts research into general small business problems, and develops and offers educational programs geared to the needs of persons operating small businesses. Any small business firm, community group or individual may request assistance. There is no charge for the management and technical assistance services of counselors.

Center for Economic Education. The Center for Economic Education, coordinated by the economics department, isinvolved in providing economic knowledge, data and teaching aids to the grade schools and high schools throughout the state. Affiliated with the Washington State Council on Economic Education, this center assists in raising the standards of economic literacy of the state.

Center for Economic and Business Research. This center undertakes research activities related to developing a better understanding of the economic and business climate of the Pacific Northwest. The center is developing and maintaining an economic database for the area, has developed a regional model that will assist in forecasting certain economic variables for the region, and responds to specific research requests from local public and private entities.

Center for International Business. The Center for International Business provides opportunities for faculty andstudents to deepen their understanding of international business management techniques and issues through a variety of activities including lectures and seminars, research projects, course curricula development and field studies.

ACCOUNTING

245 MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING (4)

An introduction to the use of accounting information by managers. Topics include the use of accounting information for planning and control, performance evaluation, decision-making, and the statement of cash flows, along with financial statement analysis.

321 ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMSI (4)

An introduction to the subject of information system’s role in accomplishing the objectives offinancial accounting, managerial accounting, tax accounting and auditing. Systems covered include manual accounting, computerized accounting, and Internet electronic commercial applications. Additional topics include internal controls, systems analysis, systems design and systems implementation.

331 COST MANAGEMENT (4)

Procedures used for classifying, recording, summarizing and allocating current, and estimated costs for planning, controlling and reporting purposes

431 TOPICS IN MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING (4)

Focuses on responsibility accounting, performance measurement and evaluation, and budgeting and control in various types of organizations. Additional topics may include quantitative methods in decision making and other current issues in management accounting.

435 SEMINAR IN COST MANAGEMENT (4)

Provides an in-depth study of cost management systems. Topics include activity-based management, Japanese cost management techniques, and strategic cost management.

441 ADVANCED ACCOUNTING THEORY AND PRACTICE (4)

An introduction to business combinations and fund accounting. Partnerships, SEC reporting, interim reports and other topics.

447 ACCOUNTING IN NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (4)

An examination of accounting and financial reporting in governmental and not-for-profit entities and an introduction to the use of accounting information in the management of these organizations.

451 INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING (4)

Analysis of accounting for multinationals; area studies of accounting and financial reporting standards; and an evaluation of the international accounting harmonization effort.

484 ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING (4)

An in-depth analysis of accounting for the natural environment. Readings, discussion and case analyses cover current issues, such as financial reporting and disclosure, management decision making and evaluation techniques, taxation and the profession’s role in environmental issues.

490 INTERNSHIP IN ACCOUNTING (1-2)

Practicalapplication of academic curriculum beyond that contained in normal undergraduate course work.

531 ACCOUNTING COMMUNICATIONS (4)

Focus on developing skills for communication as a professional accountant in an organizational setting. Intended to enhance the experience of students enrolled in MPAC 590. Online interactive course includes student-led discussions, team tasks, reflective journaling, and a variety of other individual assignments aimed at enhancing communication skills in a professional accounting setting. Short readings will cover organizational communications research applicable to accounting firms.

535 SEMINAR IN MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING (4)

Using cases, students will gain the analytical skills needed to both implement well designed management systems, and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems. Topics will include budgeting, resource allocation, performance measurement, evaluation and reward, change management, and transfer pricing.

541 SEMINAR IN ADVA NCED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (4)

Develops accounting skills for business combinations, consolidated financial statements, partnerships, corporate reorganizations, segment reporting, and foreign currency financial statements. Emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and communication, along with current technology used in accounting practice.

545 SEMINAR IN ACCOUNTING THEORY (4)

A study of accounting theory underlying current practice. This course is designed to develop awareness of and ability to utilize knowledge including significant historical components, key stakeholders and their issues, political and regulatory processes, and critical perspectives on accounting and its role in society.

551 SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING (4)

Explores how various accounting topics and issues are addressed within an international context, including a comparative analysis of accounting measurement, disclosure and financial reporting requirements in different countries within the framework of global harmonization efforts. In addition, the impact of accounting issues on multinational business operations is discussed, and students will study a “non-home” country in depth.

565 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ACCOUNTING (4)

Advanced course in accounting examines a broad range of issues of current concern to both the accounting profession and users of accounting information. Course content will vary to provide opportunities to study current issues in accounting.

581 ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY (4)

Introduces ethical systems used for decision-making and public reporting, taken from a professional accounting perspective and integrating notions of entity social responsibility with a global business perspective.

585 SUSTAINABILITY ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING (4)

Course participants will study the overall themes and examples of TBL offered by various authors and organizations by reading several books and examining some Triple Bottom Line (TBL)-related websites in detail. Our directed conversations will focus on an analysis and synthesis of these themes, the credibility the proposals and attempts, and the general applicability of the TBL concept.

Decision Sciences

405 SIMULATION MODELS FOR DECISION MAKING (4)

Introduction to building computer-basedsimulation models for business decision making. Data collection and inputanalysis, model building of bothMonte Carlo and discrete event simulations,output analysis and validation, and experimental design. Development ofcomputer models to solve complex business problems in MIS, operations,finance, or marketing.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS)

220 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS COMPUTER SYSTEMS (2)

Introduction to use of commercialsoftware packages for business applications, including spreadsheet analysis, wordprocessing, data management, and communications.

INTRODUCTION TO Website DEVELOPMENT (4)

Covers basic website design, navigation, and construction. Topics include HTML, JavaScript, page layout, site navigation, cascading stylesheets, server-side includes, designing search engines, and site testing.

313 COMPUTER HARDWARE AND OPERATING SYSTEMS (4)

Understand the hardware componentscommonly found in networked PC work stations and servers and theoperating systems that control them. Diagnose common hardware problems.Install or replace PC components. Install and configure PC operatingsystems. Diagnose and troubleshoot common OS problems. Manage systemresources, including memory, directories and files. Configure network andInternet connectivity.

314 FUNDAMENTALS OF WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT (4)

Topicsinclude PHP, mySQL, reading and writing to databases, database normalization,structured query language (SQL), data management, security, maintenancemanagement, and web usability. Each student constructs an interactive,database-driven website.

321 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (4)

Use management information systemstechniques to solve managerial and organizational problems of limitedcomplexity. Includes solving formal analytic problems and implementingsolutions using MIS development techniques.

322 BUSINESS APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT (4)

Business applicationdevelopment using an object-oriented language. Design of user interfacesand integration with other development platforms such as spreadsheetsand databases.

323 TELECOMMUNICATIONS (4)

Analysis and design of telecommunicationssystems, including those on the Internet. Topics include network design andmanagement, telecommunications concepts and management, and networkand telecommunications tools.

324 INTERMEDIATE Website DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT (4)

Web developmentusing ASP.NET, C#, Visual Web Developer and Sql Server Express. Topicsinclude: data management, web services, object-oriented programming,security, reusability, scalability and reliability. Students refine their skills byconstructing a database driven website.

423 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION (4)

Theory and principles, design, implementation,and management of local area network systems, including predominantnetworking products and technologies.

424 E-COMMERCE SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (4)

Covers both the theories and tools needed to build andmanage e-commerce sites. Specific topics include e-commerce business models,marketing, security, hosting options, secure-transactions, Web server installationand configuration, Web services and interfacing with legacy systems.

491 PRACTICUM IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (4)

Information systems related toemployment, research or special project experience. Emphasis on applyinginformation systems principles and techniques in an academically guidedsetting.

492 SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT (4)

Solve an information systemproblem using project management and IS methodologies. Apply projectmanagement techniques in a group project environment. Develop systemsdocumentation, implement system, and present completed project report.

360 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (4)

Examines the concepts for designing, planning and improving manufacturing and serviceorganizations. Topics include enterprise resource planning, facility layout,forecasting, queuing models, inventory management, lean manufacturing,total quality control, and project management.

367 MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE OPERATIONS (4)

Concepts and techniques for designing, planning andcontrolling service operations. Topics include service site location, servicefacilities design, managing capacity and demand in service operations,work force scheduling, the queuing phenomenon, and the impact of newtechnology on service operations.

460 DESIGNING AND IMPROVING OPERATIONS (4)

Examines the design and analysis of lean manufacturingsystems. Topics include principles of lean enterprises, visual management,standard work, value stream mapping, creating continuous flow, cellularmanufacturing, and process and capacity analysis.

461 PROJECT MANAGEMENT (4)

Examines the organization, planning, and controllingof projects and provides practical knowledge on managing project scope,schedule and resources. Topics include project life cycle, work breakdownstructure and Gantt charts, network diagrams, scheduling techniques, andresource allocation decisions. Concepts are applied through team projectsand tutorials using project management software.

463 ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SYSTEMS (4)

Examines the principles and techniques for planningand managing resource usage across a business enterprise. Topics includebusiness process integration, inventory management, master scheduling,and material and capacity planning. Concepts are applied through the useof current enterprise resource planning software.

465 QUALITY MANAGEMENT (4)

Examines the principles and techniques for managing andimproving quality in a manufacturing facility. Topics include new productdesign control, incoming material control, manufacturing process control,and continuous quality improvement.

466 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (4)

Examines the principles, techniques, and practices forthe design and managing integrated supply chain operations. Investigatessupply chain strategy, distribution, facility location decisions, purchasing,and information systems for managing supply chain activities.

467 GLOBAL OPERATIONS STRATEGY (4)

Analysis of issues, problems, and techniques experiencedin managing global operations. Topics include global supply chainmanagement, plant location decisions, production planning, technologytransfer, and foreign manufacturing systems.

468 MANUFACTURING STRATEGY (4)

Reviews manufacturing and supply chain managementprinciples and techniques and examines issues in global manufacturingoperations. Topics include supply chain strategy, facility network design,logistics, forecasting, aggregate planning, lean manufacturing principles,and global operations.

ECONOMICS

206 INTRODUCTION TO MICROECONOMICS (4)

An overview of the modern marketeconomy as a system for dealing with the problem of scarcity. Operation anddecision-making of economic units; supply, demand and resource allocation;analysis of various market and industry structures; shortages, controls, socialcosts and benefits; international trade; comparative systems.

207 INTRODUCTION TO MACROECONOMICS (4)

An overviewof the modern market economy as a system for dealing with the problemof scarcity. The analysis of relationships among such variables as nationalincome, employment, inflation and the quantity of money. The roles ofgovernment expenditure, taxation and monetary policy; internationalfinance; economic development.

301 ECONOMICS ISSUES (4)

Applies the tools and concepts learned inintroductory micro and macro-economics to a variety of contemporary issues.Emphasizes verbal and written communication skills through active participationin classroom activities.