Assurance of Learning for Graduate Programs | Saunders College of Business

Program Requirements

View program Goals, Objectives, and Continuous Improvement below.

MBA

Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 – Application of leading-edge business processes and tools: Graduates will understand and be able to apply contemporary business processes and tools and processes appropriate to the situation. These tools and processes will change over time.

Select and justify contemporary business tools and/or processes appropriate to a given situation.
Apply appropriate contemporary business tools and/or processes to help resolve a business situation, alleviate a business problem, or improve a business.

Program Goal #2 – Applied focus: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply theory to practice by engaging in activities such as working on projects, doing consulting, running companies in a simulation, analyzing cases, etc.

Demonstrate ability to analyze business problems in a real or simulated business situation.
Articulate solutions to business problems in a real or simulated business situation.

Program Goal #3 – Integrative and flexible thinking and decision-making: Graduates will propose solutions to business problems by taking an integrative perspective, developing an understanding of stakeholder requirements and perspectives, and applying appropriate frameworks, such as design thinking, to analyze the relevant information and develop solutions.

Demonstrate the ability to articulate and analyze the interests of and obligations to multiple stakeholders in a given situation.
Demonstrate the ability to use an appropriate approach, such as design thinking, to analyze relevant information.
Based on the above analysis, recommend a suitable course of action in a given situation.
Effectively communicate the analysis and recommendations in writing.

Program Goal #4 – Technological innovation: Graduates will evaluate business situation(s) and propose recommendations for the management of technological resources to create business innovation(s) to create or sustain a competitive advantage.

Evaluate the technological aspects of a business situation and identify sources of competitive advantage related to those aspects.
Develop one or more recommendations for the management of technological innovation to address a specific business problem or opportunity.
Apply appropriate ethical reasoning frameworks to new problems and opportunities created by new technologies or their applications. Present an ethical argument for or against a specific use of new technology in a business setting.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MBA program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Conversations with alumni with 10-15 years of experience in their fields were held with the following recommendations: 1) enhance the tech expectations of students 2) recruit students with technical background and focus on developing their leadership and management skills. This led to the creation of a STEM-based program as well as an additional recruiting emphasis to attract students with technology-based degrees.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Revised Program Goals - All program goals and objectives were updated to reflect a quantitative focus, including skills in analytical tools and process design thinking.
Ethical Decision-Making - A new objective in ethical decision-making was introduced under Goal 4. Initial assessment results in 2024 showed all students met or exceeded the benchmark.
Instructional Revision and Augmentation- Assessment of Program Goal 4: Technological Innovation resulted in an analysis that noted a significant difference in student performance between students with strategy in their educational backgrounds and students without this competency. In order to address this gap, the instructor added a significant review component to the course, which would introduce or reinforce basic strategic concepts.

Executive MBA

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 – APPLIED FOCUS. Graduates demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge and analytical tools to solve business problems.

Students apply diagnostic skills for identifying organizational problems.
Students apply skills in formulating, evaluating, and recommending management actions in an organizational setting.

Program Goal #2 – GLOBAL. Graduates will describe and explain typical dimensions of globalization and their impact on business success.

Students analyze the major strategies, theories and practices associated with international business.
Students formulate strategies that recognize the impact of globalization (e.g.. cultural differences, foreign direct investment, market entry options, regional integration) on business.

Program Goal #3 – LEADERSHIP. Graduates will develop their leadership skills.

Students will be able to apply common leadership models to evaluate different leadership styles.
Students create a leadership development plan based on their strengths and weaknesses and an evaluation of their leadership capabilities.

Program Goal #4 – STRATEGIC THINKING. Graduates will propose strategies for gaining a competitive advantage.

Students will apply appropriate frameworks such as design thinking to the strategic analysis.
Students will be able to evaluate alternative strategies in a given situation.
Students will determine a suitable course of action.

Program Goal #5 – TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. Graduates will evaluate business situation(s) and propose recommendations for the management of technological innovation(s) to create or sustain competitive advantage.

Evaluate the technological aspects of a business situation and identify sources of competitive advantage.
Develop one or more recommendations for the management of technological innovation in a business situation.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the EMBA program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Following benchmarking and feedback from the Executive Education Committee, a comprehensive program revision was proposed. The revision includes additional coursework in analytics, marketing, ethics, negotiations, supply chain, and digital transformation. The updated curriculum is undergoing approval from the Graduate Curriculum Committee and New York State.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Course Enhancements in DECS-875 - The DECS-875 course underwent major adjustments to improve student performance. These discussions led to the development of the New Venture Management course in 2023.
Strategic Thinking Enhancement - MGMT-818 Strategic Thinking was revised to strengthen students’ analytical support in business recommendations.
Goal 2: Global Perspective - In INTB-820 International Business, instructional changes emphasized strategic recommendations in globalization analysis. The course objectives were clarified to improve alignment with assessment outcomes.

Business Administration Ph.D.

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 – Knowledge of business literature and theories: To have a comprehensive understanding of literature and theories in the field of business.

Explain key concepts and hypotheses tested in the literature.
Demonstrate advanced content knowledge in technology-oriented business course.
Analyze the effect of technology on various aspects of the discipline with the intention of articulating research hypotheses.

Program Goal #2 – Research design and methodological skills: To have a sound understanding of research design issues and methodological approaches.

Articulate research design issues.
Select and/or apply appropriate research methodologies.

Program Goal #3 – Create specialized knowledge by conducting original research: To have the ability to conduct original, publishable research in their focus areas.

Demonstrate the ability to identify and articulate original research questions.
Demonstrate the ability to design and execute various components of a research project.
Demonstrate the written communication and research skills to produce a research paper that is publishable in highly-regarded journals in their fields.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the PhD. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Assessment Schedule: Office of Assessment has created a multi-year assessment schedule.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Learning Goal Creation: The Graduate Curriculum Committee approved three program goals, with eight objectives.
Rubric Creation: program faculty designed three rubrics.
Curriculum Mapping: Learning goals were mapped to the program curriculum.
University Assessment Plan: Created Program Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan (PLOAP)which was approved the Office of Educational Effectiveness Assurance
Survey Creation: 1) Created a Graduate Exit Survey, mapped to program goals. 2) Created a DEI survey.
First assessment of Program Goal #1 objectives a, b is scheduled for Spring 2025.

Accounting & Analytics MS

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 – Students will develop a working knowledge of representative software used in tech- based accounting practices in CPA firms and industry, including ERP systems, Blockchain, Python, R, Tableau, and Visio.

Explain fundamentals of SAP systems.
Explain fundamentals of one or more visualization software applications.

Program Goal #2 – Students will develop the ability to prepare documents and reports that are standard practice in the field of accounting.

Incorporate critical documentation and written communication elements commensurate with expectations for accounting practitioners.
Construct and present financial report/project designed to communicate data and findings to senior management, clients and regulator.

Program Goal #3 – Students will develop advances analytical and critical thinking skills as applied through practitioner capstone projects.

Explain and interpret the financial data provided by practitioner.
Sort and filter the data to make it informative and useful.
Determine missing data and other requisite financial analytics.
Write and present appropriate reports using proper English formalities.

Program Goal #4 – Students will demonstrate technical and non-technical skills that will position them for professional accounting related careers.

Demonstrate and document IT audit risk assessment and analytical skills.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Accounting & Analytics program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Advisory Board input led to 1) a greater programmatic emphasis on accounting courses over analytics to better align with CPA exam needs and market demands. 2) Feedback from students, the Accounting Advisory Board and distinguished alumni, emphasized the critical importance of networking in the job search process. Both groups highlighted the need for students to develop strong soft skills—acquired through networking, mentoring, and participation in social events—alongside the technical skills they gain in the classroom.
Course Substitution: Two analytics courses were replaced with accounting courses in 2023–24.
Networking Events: To support students in building essential soft skills, the department, and Accounting Advisory Board, organized a scavenger hunt event in Fall 2023. In Spring 2024, they organized a Traveling Tiger trip, where students visited two "Big 4" public accounting firms and two regional firms. This trip resulted in four job offers for their students from one of the firms.
Advisory Board Mentoring: This one-to-one mentoring program supports students in key areas such as resume building, course selection, and navigating the corporate world, with particular emphasis on helping international students adjust to the U.S. job market.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Curriculum Updates: ACCT 745 (Accounting Information and Analytics) was enhanced to include more data management and analysis, and ACCT 738 (Information Systems Auditing) was revised for better CPA exam alignment. The course prerequisite was removed after content realignment.
Speakers with Real World Cases: Introduced into ACCT-745 Accounting Information and Analytics after assessing Core Goal 4: Technical and non-technical skills for accounting professionals. Assessed in the first cycle the program introduced speakers to the course to showcase real world cases of analytics. Assessment of the learning goal in the following cycle benefited students and increased performance levels by helping them to integrate theory and practice.
Course Revision: ACCT-645 revised to support the PhD curriculum. Topics and topic hours were heavily revised to strengthen the research component. New course was recoded as ACCT-745.
Program Goal 4: Internal Controls and COF Revision: Internal Control: Students will demonstrate knowledge of internal controls Objective a) Students demonstrate an understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements of company management was assessed in ACCT-738: Information Systems Auditing and Assurance Service. To better align the outcome with the course content, a new topic was introduced in the Course Outline Form: Security, Fraud, Auditing Internal Controls and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Business Analytics MS

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 –Analytic Skills: Demonstrate ability to use analytics tolls to solve business problems.

Demonstrate ability to use tools such as Python and “R” to solve business problems.
Conduct data manipulation, preparation, cleaning and written analysis.

Program Goal #2 –Business Strategy: Articulate and implement analytics strategy consistent with business strategy and goals:

Distinguish between firm types, in terms of development, industry and strategy.
Articulate possible analytics strategies.
Plan and implement analytics and data management strategies and goals.

Program Goal #3 –Data Management: Demonstrate skills in data management:

Articulate and implement data management in a business setting.
Demonstrate skills in database query.

Program Goal #4 –Domain Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge in key business functions:

Articulate solutions to solve data-centric business problems in functional areas.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Business Analytics program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Advisory board feedback emphasized the importance of a strategic focus in project assignments. Faculty and board members reviewed current project requirements to ensure alignment with industry expectations. Based on the examples provided by the board, new and modified projects were incorporated across the curriculum, allowing students to understand data analytics from a strategic perspective.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Progressive Coding Assignments: In MKTG 768 Marketing Analytics, a series of progressively challenging coding assignments was implemented to bolster students’ skills in data manipulation, cleaning, and analysis, aligning with Program Goal 2: Articulating and Implementing Analytics Strategy.
Real-World Data Application: BANA 680 Data Management was revised to incorporate a real business dataset and increased early-stage coding experiences. This adjustment was designed to improve student competency in meaningful analytics and insights, supporting Goal 4: Domain Knowledge.

Finance MS

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1-Project Analysis: Students are able to analyze and evaluate projects
(initiatives by business entities)

Formulate cash flows for project analysis.
Apply appropriate metrics and make recommendations based on analysis.

Program Goal #2 –Security Analysis: Students are able to analyze and evaluate stocks, bonds, and derivatives

Analyze stocks and bonds to evaluate risk as well as value.
Analyze and evaluate derivatives such as options, futures, and swaps.

Program Goal #3 –Risk Management: Students are able to quantify and articulate risk in various financial contexts and plan appropriate risk mitigation.

Identify appropriate instruments (e.g., puts, calls, options on futures, forwards, swaps) and techniques for hedging.
Demonstrate ability to implement and evaluate hedges. (FINC-740, FINC-790)

Program Goal #4 –Communication: Students are able to effectively convey results of financial analysis and articulate any recommendation

Demonstrate proficiency in communicating and reporting results.
Demonstrate proficiency in financial data visualization.

Program Goal #5 – Quantitative Modeling: Students are able to use mathematical and data-based modeling.

Students use mathematical and data-based modeling to solve financial problems in areas such as risk management, portfolio construction, and pricing financial instruments.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Finance program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Elective Course in Negotiation: Students interested in personal financial planning could take MGMT 755 (Negotiation) as an elective in 2022–23, aligning with Advisory Board recommendations.
Bloomberg Terminal Certification: The program requires Bloomberg Market Concept certification, funded by the Advisory Board. M.S. Finance students also participated in networking activities.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Program Goal 5: Cash Flows, Risk, and Value: Modifications to a portfolio optimization project in FINC 725 increased instructional hours on efficient frontier analysis. Re-assessment showed all students meeting the benchmark, and the loop was closed.
Program Goal 6: Use of Financial Technology in Analyzing Data: A new course, FINC 761 (Algorithmic Trading), was revised to incorporate Python for financial analysis and data visualization. Communication skills in this goal will be reassessed in the next cycle.

Global Supply Chain Management MS

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 – Analyze how supply chain components impact an organizational and its competitiveness.

Develop and recommend strategies to improve an organization's supply chain.
Provide rationale for optimal supply chain solutions to improve an organizations competitiveness.
Conduct proper risk management analysis and communicate findings and recommendations.

Program Goal #2 – Conduct stakeholder analysis and identify strategies to develop as maintain relationships with various stakeholders including suppliers.

Develop strategies to maintain relationships with various stakeholders with diverse goals and objectives.
Create optimal solutions to achieve business goals of diverse stakeholders.

Program Goal #3 –Identify global factors and stakeholders influence on organization's supply chain.

Analyze and forecast external and internal factors and influence impacting an organization's supply chain.
Develop response strategies, opportunities and challenges resulting from institutional factors.

Program Goal #4 –Describe the business relationships and interconnectedness of supply chain components.

Differential how decisions within one major supply chain component affect other components and impact a business outcome.
Distinguish and critique the interconnections among the major supply chain components over time.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Global Supply Chain Management program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Alumni highlighted the need for graduates to interpret and communicate managerial implications of analytics effectively, leading faculty to integrate this skill into business analytics courses. Advisory board feedback emphasized developing critical application skills in a business context, further supporting these curriculum changes.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Enhanced Analytics Focus: In response to strong performance in Program Goal 1: Impact of supply chain components on organizations and competitiveness, DECS-750 Supply Chain Analysis added a greater emphasis on analytics, with the course title updated accordingly. Re-assessment showed improved score distributions.
New Rubric Development: A new rubric was created for MGMT-740 Organizational Behavior and Leadership to better align with the program’s supply chain goals.
Course Modifications: INTB 710 was revised to offer targeted support to non-business students, with instructional adjustments and supplemental coding videos focused on the business implications of analytics.

Hospitality Business Management MS

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1- Evaluate data by applying quantitative methods and statistical software to justify strategic decisions in the hospitality and service context.

Use quantitative statistical methods to evaluate costs, revenue and pricing management, budget, and financial data to maximize profits.
Critically analyze and apply data analytic strategies and skills to solve business problems.

Program Goal #2- Examine and implement service technologies to enhance sales, operational efficiency, and customer experiences.

Utilize technology for enhanced quality, operational efficiency, and revenue management in hospitality and service enterprises with a focus on design thinking.
Implement new technologies in service organizations through data science models.

Program Goal #3- Demonstrate innovative leadership in transforming businesses and increasing competitive advantage developing data-driven business goals, strategies, and policies, and excelling in analytical problem-solving and decision-making.

Formulate business goals, strategies, and policies, designing systems based on a data-driven approach.
Develop leadership skills in data-driven problem-solving, emphasizing scientific methodologies for complex business challenges.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Hospitality Business Management program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Advisory Board Feedback was focused largely on what business skills were missing from the curriculum and what additional certifications or minors might be created to strengthen these skills leading to the following changes: 1) Course creation: HSPT-760 Hospitality Management and 2) HSPT-780 Hospitality Analytics were created to better align student skills with a re-focused, analytics-based program.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Simulations: Program Goal 1: Operational Knowledge and Skills was assessed in two cycles, with student performance meeting/exceeding the benchmark. Simulation software was added to HSPT-755: Advanced Food and Beverage Business Management to increase students’ analytical skills.
Simulations: Program Goal 2: Enterprising, entrepreneurial, creative and technology skills goal was assessed in two cycles, with students meeting or exceeding the benchmark. Simulation software was added to HSPT-745: Advanced Lodging Operations to increase the analytical skills of students. Additional changes were made in the cases being used in the course with the goal of enhancing student ability to creative innovative technologically-based solutions to real-world problems. Oral presentations were added to enhance the student ability to communicate these outcomes.
Course Revision: HSPT-730 Strategic Hospitality Tourism Branding was significantly revised following the assessment of Goal 2: Analysis and Application of Tourism Data which showed high levels of student achievement. HSPT-730 was renamed, the topics on the course outline form were significantly revised and made more rigorous, and new topics related to customer experience and engagement were created.

MS Organizational Leadership & Innovation

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Goal #1: Prepare leaders to analyze and diagnose organization’s ability to innovate and change in 21st century.

Conduct strategic analysis to gain competitive advantage through innovation.
Explain implications of technological changes on the nature and structure of work/employment.
Develop strategies to initiate and implement change initiatives.

Goal #2: Provide leaders with knowledge and skills needed to lead innovation and change.

Examine enablers and barriers of high performing teams in change and innovation contexts.
Demonstrate ability to lead teams in innovation contexts.
Create personal leadership plan to improve leadership skills and behaviors in innovation contexts.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Organizational Leadership and Innovation program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Advisory board discussions in Fall 2023 highlighted the need to focus on agility and interpersonal skills in response to workforce shifts, as well as areas of overlap with the in-person MS-TIME program. A subcommittee will assess the program's offerings as a portfolio and explore delivery modalities to ensure alignment with industry.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Synchronous Delivery: MGMT 740 Leading Teams in Organizations transitioned from asynchronous to synchronous delivery to enhance interpersonal skill development, responding to advisory board feedback on the importance of interpersonal skills.
Rigorous Goal Revision: Program Goal 1 was evaluated for rigor, with objectives currently under revision to better address contemporary leadership challenges.

Technology Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship MS

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Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 – Technological innovation and entrepreneurship: Demonstrate an understanding of how to creatively generate values through technological innovations.

Demonstrate an understanding of the process of technology-based innovation.
Demonstrate an understanding of creatively generate values for organizations through technology-based innovations.

Program Goal #2 – Applied focus: Apply theories to practice in a real or simulative business environment.

Analyze real or simulated business problems in the context of either technology innovation or entrepreneurship.
Articulate solutions to real or simulated business problems in the context of technology innovation or entrepreneurship.

Program Goal #3 – Essential Skills: Demonstrate management and other business skills that are essential for managing technological ventures or start-ups including effective written and oral communication skills.

Understand essential theories and skills relating to the management of individuals, teams, and projects.
Apply framework and research skills to evaluate market options and recommend strategies.
Uses technology and formulas to organize and analyze financial data.

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Organizational Leadership and Innovation program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

Advisory board discussions in Fall 2023 highlighted the need to focus on agility and interpersonal skills in response to workforce shifts, as well as areas of overlap with the in-person MS-TIME program. A subcommittee will assess the program's offerings as a portfolio and explore delivery modalities to ensure alignment with industry.

Potential changes to assessment methods

Synchronous Delivery: MGMT 740 Leading Teams in Organizations transitioned from asynchronous to synchronous delivery to enhance interpersonal skill development, responding to advisory board feedback on the importance of interpersonal skills.
Rigorous Goal Revision: Program Goal 1 was evaluated for rigor, with objectives currently under revision to better address contemporary leadership challenges.

Outcomes Data

Assessment data has been compiled from courses across each program to measure achievement of competency objectives. The outcomes data tables provide a comprehensive view of student learning and progress toward key objectives and AACSB accreditation standards across all programs. For each program, multiple assessment methods have been identified within designated courses, allowing us to collect consistent data and evaluate performance against established benchmarks.