Curriculum
 

The A.M.D.S. curriculum offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of management. Students may elect the General Program, choose a specialization that fits a personal/career objective, or design an individualized specialization.

 

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General Program

Foundation Course (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
New students are required to successfully complete this course, and are automatically enrolled in it during their first quarter. In this course, students develop a Professional Development Plan and a Plan of Study as their guide to the rest of their program. 

 

Core KAMs I–III (42 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Social Change (14 cr.)
Perspectives in social and behavioral sciences as they influence human values and lifestyles, communication, social networks, and forecasting alternative futures are addressed. Students begin to integrate theoretical constructs into practical applications for their own interest areas.

 

Breadth: SBSF 8110  Theories of Social Change (5 cr.)
Depth: SBSF 8120  Current Research in Social Change (5 cr.)
Application: SBSF 8130  Professional Practice and Social Change (4 cr.)

 

Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
This KAM covers basic theories and current research on biological, psychosocial, cognitive, and affective human development, including normal developmental patterns and crises that may occur. Students explore developmental questions in the context of both chronological time and underlying physical, social, and psychological experiences.

 

Breadth: SBSF 8210  Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: SBSF 8220  Current Research in Human Development (5 cr.)
Application: SBSF 8230  Professional Practice and Human Development (4 cr.)

 

Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
This is an introduction to systems theories from various disciplines. The primary models of structured system theories are presented as a background and theoretical framework for the other knowledge areas. Also considered are theories that impact micro and macro levels of social, political, and economic systems.

 

Breadth: SBSF 8310  Theories of Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: SBSF 8320  Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Application: SBSF 8330  Professional Practice and Organizational and Social Systems (4 cr.)

 

Foundation Research Sequence (14 cr.)
In these three online seminars, instructors guide discussions, require specific readings, and evaluate assignments.

 

SBSF 8417 Research Seminar I: Human Inquiry and Science (4 cr.)
AMDS 8427 Research Seminar II: Design in Applied Management and Decision Sciences Research (5 cr.)
AMDS 8437 Research Seminar III: Data Analysis in Applied Management and Decision Sciences Research (5 cr.)

 

The first seminar, SBSF 8417, must be completed within one year (4 full quarters) of completion of the Foundation course, SBSF 8005. AMDS 8437 may be taken at any time in the student’s program, after the completion of SBSF 8417 and the Foundation course. The school recommends AMDS 8427 be taken later in a student’s program, closer to the time a student begins to focus on the dissertation process. The recommendation is to complete two KAMs in a KAM-based program or two to three courses and one KAM in a mixed-model programs before taking AMDS 8427. The Foundation course and SBSF 8417 are also prerequisites for AMDS 8427.

 

Specialized KAMs V–VII (42 cr.)
Specialized KAM V: Organizational Dynamics and Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8510  Theories of Organizational Dynamics and Development (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8520  Contemporary Research and Issues in Theories of Organizational Dynamics and Development (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8530  Professional Practice Application of a Theory of Organizational Dynamics and Development (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VI: Decision Sciences (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8610  Decision Theory and Analysis (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8620  Current Research in Decision Sciences (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8630  Models for Decision-Making (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VII: Research (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8710  Research Methods (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8720  Selected Research Methods (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8730  Research Design (4 cr.)

 

Dissertation (30 cr.)
AMDS 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)

 

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Accounting Specialization

 

The Accounting specialization is designed to help accountants and auditors broaden their knowledge and business skills in various areas, including auditing, budget analysis, financial and international accounting, management accounting, accounting information system consulting, fraud examination, forensic accounting, and tax consulting and preparation services. Note: Students who do not have an undergraduate or master’s degree in accounting must complete MGMT 3104 Accounting Principles or equivalent. In addition, students must complete a college-level course in differential and integral calculus.

 

Foundation Course as described under the General Program (6 cr.)

 

Core KAMs I–III as described under the General Program (42 cr.)

 

Foundation Research Sequence as described under the General Program (14 cr.)

 

Specialized KAMs V–VII (42 cr.)
Specialized KAM V: Financial Accounting Theory (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8515  Theory of Financial Accounting (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8525  Current Research in Financial Accounting (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8535  Professional Practice: Application of Financial Accounting (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VI: Auditing and International Accounting Theory (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8615  Theory of Auditing and International Accounting (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8625  Current Research in Auditing and International Accounting (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8635  Professional Practice: Application of Auditing and International Accounting (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VII: Research (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8710  Research Methods (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8720  Selected Research Methods (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8730  Research Design (4 cr.)

 

Dissertation as described under the General Program (30 cr.)

 

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Engineering Management Specialization

 

The Engineering Management specialization allows either practicing engineers who plan a move into management or engineers who are already managers to learn the social and behavioral aspects of management. Students gain foundational knowledge in the areas of social change, human development, organizational and social systems, and principles of societal and behavioral science research to add to their understanding of engineering principles.

 

Foundation Course as described under the General Program (6 cr.)

 

Core KAMs I–III as described under the General Program (42 cr.)

 

Foundation Research Sequence as described under the General Program (14 cr.)

 

Specialized KAMs V–VII (42 cr.)

Specialized KAM V: Engineering Management Quality (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8514  Global Total Quality Management (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8524  Methods and Tools for Managing Quality Improvement (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8534  Reliability and Cost of Quality (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VI: Engineering Management of Globally Competitive Goods and Services (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8614  Management for World-Class Products (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8624  Collaborative/Concurrent Engineering Management (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8634  Product Life-Cycle Cost and Time to Market (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VII: Research (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8710  Research Methods (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8720  Selected Research Methods (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8730  Research Design (4 cr.)

 

Dissertation as described under the General Program (30 cr.)

 

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Finance Specialization

 

The Finance specialization integrates foundational study in management and decision sciences with specialized topics in financial theory, systems, and practices. During the program, students examine the development of financial market cultures, financial decision-making techniques, and the impact of financial models on social, political, and economic systems. Students research and apply theories related to corporate finance, investment, and international finance. The curriculum also includes case study analysis, principles of social and behavioral research, and an emphasis on applied change in financial domains.

 

Foundation Course as described under the General Program (6 cr.)

 

Core KAMs I–III as described under the General Program (42 cr.)

 

Foundation Research Sequence as described under the General Program (14 cr.)

 

Specialized KAMs V–VII (42 cr.)

Specialized KAM V: Corporate Financial Theory (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8513  Theory of Corporate Finance (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8523  Current Research in Corporate Finance (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8533  Professional Practice: Application of Corporate Finance (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VI: Investment and International Finance (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8613  Theory of Investments and International Finance (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8623  Current Research in Investments and International Finance (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8633  Professional Practice: Application of Investments and International Finance (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VII: Research (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8710  Research Methods (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8720  Selected Research Methods (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8730  Research Design (4 cr.)

 

Dissertation as described under the General Program (30 cr.)

 

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Information Systems Management Specialization

 

The Information Systems Management specialization provides an integrative approach to all aspects of organizations—people, technology, and management—in today’s information-rich environment. This specialization focuses on executive leadership skills similar to those of a CEO, CTO, or COO in depth, breadth, and application. The curriculum design is intended to promote the scholarship of discovery, integration, application, and teaching in order to derive maximum value and innovation from systems investments and strategic direction.

 

Foundation Course (4 cr.)
AMDS 8000 Success Strategies in the Online Learning Environment (4 cr.)

 

Core Courses (42 cr.)
AMDS 8110 Management Information Systems (4 cr.)

 

Technology Management
AMDS 8125 Organizational Performance Improvement (4 cr.)
AMDS 8135 Project Management (4 cr.)
AMDS 8305 Readings in Information Systems (4 cr.)

 

Information Technology
AMDS 8215 Systems Analysis, Design, and Implementation (4 cr.)
AMDS 8225 Database Concepts (4 cr.)
AMDS 8235 Communications and Networking (4 cr.)

 

Managing Emerging Technologies
AMDS 8316 Security Management and Risk Assessment (4 cr.)
AMDS 8325 E-Commerce Strategies (4 cr.)

 

Advanced Individual Studies
AMDS 8300 Advanced Individual Studies: New Faculty Training (4 cr.)
 or
AMDS 8301 Advanced Individual Studies: Academic Publishing Option (4 cr.)

 

KAM Preparation Course
AMDS 8002 Writing a Quality KAM Demonstration (2 cr.)

 

Foundation Research Sequence as described under the General Program (14 cr.)

 

3 Appropriate KAMs (42 cr.)

 

Dissertation as described under the General Program (30 cr.)

 

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Knowledge/Learning Management Specializations

 

The Knowledge Management and Learning Management specializations prepare students to develop innovative solutions to their organizations’ most critical challenges through the comprehensive creation, sharing, and use of knowledge, and the effective education of adult learners. The specializations focus on the effective use of knowledge, organizational change (e.g., total quality, Six Sigma, re-engineering, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award), and organizational learning, including the deployment of corporate universities.

 

Foundation Course as described under the General Program (6 cr.)

 

Core Courses (12 cr.)
AMDS 8335 Principles of Knowledge Management (4 cr.)
AMDS 8800 Epistemology and the Practice of Knowledge and Learning Management (4 cr.)
AMDS 8801 Principles of Learning Management (4 cr.)

 

Foundation Research Sequence as described under the General Program (14 cr.)

 

Specialization Courses (24 cr.)
Students complete all four courses under either Knowledge Management or Learning Management:

 

Knowledge Management
AMDS 8810 Integrating Knowledge Management With Strategic Initiatives (4 cr.)
AMDS 8811 Advanced Knowledge Management Concepts (4 cr.)
AMDS 8812 Expert Systems (4 cr.)
AMDS 8813 E-Systems (4 cr.)

 

Learning Management
AMDS 8830 Adult Learning (4 cr.)
AMDS 8831 Lifelong Learning (4 cr.)
AMDS 8832 Education Design for Adult Learners (4 cr.)
AMDS 8833 Integration of Knowledge and Learning Management With Strategic Educational Initiatives (4 cr.)

 

Courses From the Other Specialization
Students also complete two courses from the other specialization. For example, students who choose the Knowledge Management specialization will also take two of the courses listed under Learning Management.

 

3 Appropriate KAMs (42 cr.)

 

Capstone Course (6 cr.)

AMDS 8899 Capstone Seminar (6 cr.)

 

Dissertation as described under the General Program (30 cr.)

 

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Leadership and Organizational Change Specialization

 

The Leadership and Organizational Change specialization prepares practitioners to work with emerging leadership paradigms and to facilitate creative and constructive organizational change. The specialization assumes practitioners are concerned with designing interventions that promote effective leadership development, interpersonal relationships, and group and organizational dynamics, which lead to higher performance levels. The specialization incorporates global perspectives on leadership and organizational change and requires students to gain a solid understanding of other cultures.

 

Foundation Course as described under the General Program (6 cr.)

 

Core KAMs I–III as described under the General Program (42 cr.)

 

Foundation Research Sequence as described under the General Program (14 cr.)

 

Specialized KAMs V–VII (42 cr.)

Specialized KAM V: Leadership Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8512  Classical and Emerging Paradigms of Leadership (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8522  Current Research on Leadership Development (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8532  Professional Practice Application of a Theory of Leadership Development (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VI: Organizational Change Models (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8612  Model of Organizational Change and Development (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8622  Current Research on a Model of Organizational Change (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8632  Professional Practice Application of an Organizational Change Model (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VII: Research (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8710  Research Methods (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8720  Selected Research Methods (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8730  Research Design (4 cr.)

 

Dissertation as described under the General Program (30 cr.)

 

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Operations Research Specialization

 

The Operations Research specialization (sometimes referred to as Management Science or by the acronym OR/MS) prepares practitioners to work within paradigms familiar to social scientists, as will be increasingly necessary in the next century. The Operations Research specialization assumes the need for a solid understanding of other cultures as graduates of the program enter a global business community. This specialization is one of research implementation, not implementation research.

 

Foundation Course as described under the General Program (6 cr.)

 

Core KAMs I–III (42 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Social Change (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8111 Theories of Social Change (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8121 Current Research in Social Change (Operations Research) (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8131 Professional Practice and Social Change (Operations Research) (4 cr.)

 

Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8210 Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8221 Current Research in Human Development—Decision Analysis (Operations Research) (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8231 Professional Practice and Human Development—Applied Decision Analysis (Operations Research) (4 cr.)

 

Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8310 Theories of Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8321 Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems—Systems Engineering (Operations Research) (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8331 Professional Practice and Organizational and Social Systems—Applications of Systems Engineering and Analysis (Operations Research) (4 cr.)

 

Foundation Research Sequence as described under the General Program (14 cr.)

 

Specialized KAMs V–VII (42 cr.)

Specialized KAM V: Deterministic Operations Research Techniques (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8511  Theory of Deterministic Methods (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8521  Current Research in Deterministic Methods (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8531  Professional Practice: Application of Deterministic Methods (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VI: Stochastic Operations Research Techniques (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8611  Theory of Stochastic Methods (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8621  Current Research in Stochastic Methods (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8631  Professional Practice: Application of Stochastic Methods (4 cr.)

 

Specialized KAM VII: Research (14 cr.)
Breadth: AMDS 8710  Research Methods (5 cr.)
Depth: AMDS 8720  Selected Research Methods (5 cr.)
Application: AMDS 8730  Research Design (4 cr.)

 

Dissertation as described under the General Program (30 cr.)

 

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Self-Designed Specialization

 

Students in the Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences program have the option to self-design a specialization. A self-designed specialization must fit within the existing KAM curriculum structure of the General Program. The specialization must be developed in consultation with program instructors and approved by the associate dean or the associate dean’s designee.

 

Declaring a Self-Designed Specialization

Students wanting to pursue a self-designed program must declare the specialization by the end of their second quarter of enrollment in conjunction with the Professional Development Plan and Program of Study. The Professional Development Plan and Program of Study must clearly reflect how the student intends to integrate the self-designed specialization into the depth and application sections of all the KAMs, as well as the dissertation. The breadth component of the specialized KAMs must also support the specialization; however, the breadth component of the core KAMs is not used to support specializations. Students in the Self-Designed specialization should complete the Program of Study form using the General Program course numbers for the breadth, depth, and application components of each KAM. The depth and application components should include a subtitle that reflects the focus of the student’s own unique specialization. In the specialized KAMs, the titles of the breadth component must also reflect the unique specialization.

 

Completing a Self-Designed Specialization

To complete a self-designed specialization, students follow the course of study outlined in the Professional Development Plan, demonstrating in all academic work doctoral-level competency in the specialization area. Academic work that does not adequately support the declared specialization will be returned to the student for revision.