MBA 580: Capstone

Overview

The aim of this course is to provide a venue for synthesizing and applying the concepts you learned throughout your MBA program. The focus is on strategic management, and the course requires you to master a complex and sophisticated business simulation.

Introduction

The purpose of this capstone course is to help you develop a “big picture” view of how your MBA courses logically fit together into a consistent framework. Further, the intent of this course is to give you an opportunity to apply your learning within a complex simulation environment. Your task, therefore, will be to synthesize and apply what you have learned during your course of study at Jones International University, and to integrate your skills into the “capstone” concepts mirrored in the Capsim simulation.

The design of this course is very different from the courses you have completed to date. In particular, you should be aware that the Capsim simulation will be completed collaboratively and will require your team to synchronize uploading of decision rounds within a tight timeframe.

Course grading will not be dependent upon simulation scores. Rather, it will be focused upon your ability to collaborate effectively with your team and apply the concepts being discussed.

Furthermore, as befits the final course in your MBA program, your instructor will mainly assume the role of guide and mentor. Your self-discipline and time-management skills will be challenged in this highly dynamic and challenging course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Synthesize knowledge gained from all of the disciplines that make up the field of business administration.
• Apply theoretical concepts to a complex simulation setting.
• Determine the appropriate use of business tools to attain organizational and personal goals.
• Create appropriate strategies to support organizational and personal goals.
• Apply contemporary strategic models to business settings.
• Conduct a strategic business analysis.
• Demonstrate scholarship and competence through effective oral and written communication.
• Effectively present competencies in a professional format using what you have learned from the Total Professional Advantage^® Seminar.
• Effectively conduct a virtual interview for a desired position with a recruiter.

Course Requirements

Must be taken as last course to complete the MBA program and after submission of the Portfolio. Academic advisor permission required for registration.

Required Texts
MBA 580 texts are available from the JIU/MBS bookstore