Student Outcomes

Business and Economics

See the impressive student outcomes for students in various Business and Economics programs at PennWest Edinboro.

Outcomes by Program

Program Number	Program Name	2013-14	2014-15	2015-16	2016-17	2017-18	Grand Total
422	Bus Adm-Finance (BS)				1	5	6
423	Bus Adm-International Bus (BS)			2	3	3	8
438	Bus Adm-Personal Fin Plan (BS)				8	5	13
439	BusAdm-FrnscAcct/FraudEx(BS)		2	3	2	2	9
455	Bus Adm-Mgmt Inf Sys (BS)		1		2	1	4
490	Bus Adm-Comp Bus Admin (BS)	21	21	31	26	26	125
491	Bus Adm-Accounting (BS)	19	20	24	16	17	96
492	Bus Adm-Marketing (BS)	28	13	19	18	15	93
496	Bus Adm-Financial Svcs (BS)	9	11	11			31
498	Bus Adm-Acct/Forensic Acct(BS)	3	5	1			9
502	Business Administration (AS)	12	14	11	4	6	47
1502	Business Administration (AS)			7	9	18	34
MULTI-BS BU		1	4	3	3	3	14

 

Student Success: Data on PennWest Edinboro’s student success can be found on College Navigator.

 

What Students Learn

Companies and corporations in the 21st century are looking for college graduates who understand the mechanics of the economy, the concept of marketing (not just advertising) to stakeholders, the ideals behind business ethics and how technology and innovation can impact an industry (such as Tesla and Apple). Students in Edinboro’s Business programs will learn all of this and more as they work through the curriculum.

The value of a university education in business and economics includes the student’s resulting mastery and development of skills that will carry the graduate through life as a professional. Each degree program in the Edinboro School of Business has specified learning objectives and strives to offer courses and experiences that allow all students to master these objectives.

Business Administration, Associate of Science (AS)

1. Students will correctly analyze and interpret quantitative data as a basis for business decision-making.
2. Students will apply the concept of elasticity of demand.
3. Students will apply the supply/demand models for the analysis of economic events.
4. Students will apply the concept of time value of money to a business valuation situation.
5. Students will interpret the meaning of the four basic financial reports, which include the income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows, and the statement of stockholders’ equity.
6. Students will describe the concept of organizational structure, teamwork and communication.
7. Students will describe each element of the marketing mix: product, price, promotion and place.
8. Students will produce reports and business correspondence of professional quality
9. Students will demonstrate competence in the use of productivity software.
10. Students will identify the difference between legal and ethical decision-making.

Comprehensive Business Administration, Bachelor of Science (BS)

1. Analytical and Collaborative Problem-Solving Skills. Each student can determine and apply appropriate quantitative and analytical skills to solve practical business problems. Each student can function effectively as a team member for collaborative business decision-making.
   1. Students will correctly identify and apply appropriate quantitative methods for solving business problems.
   2. Students will correctly analyze and interpret quantitative data as a basis for business decision-making.
   3. Students will correctly determine causes of business problems and contrast the results of alternative decisions.
   4. Students will recognize and demonstrate effective teamwork.
   5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity, economic and commercial trends that affect global business.
2. Discipline Competence. Each student can demonstrate competence in the application of economic, financial, managerial, and marketing knowledge in the analysis of business problems in a global business environment.
   1. Students will demonstrate competence in the area of economics.
      1. Students will apply the concept of elasticity of demand.
      2. Students will apply the supply/demand models for the analysis of economic events.
      3. Student will analyze the concept of externalities in macro and micro applications
      4. Students will interpret exchange rates and describe their impact on global trade.
   2. Students will demonstrate competence in the area of finance.
      1. Students will apply the concept of time value of money and explain the concept of present value to business applications
      2. Students will interpret the meaning of the four basic financial reports, which include the income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows, and the statement of stockholders’ equity
      3. Students will calculate financial ratios applicable to business firms and interpret those ratios for the purpose of business decision-making.
      4. Students will explain the nature and functions of international financial markets including the determination of interest rates
   3. Students will demonstrate competence in the area of management.
      1. Students will describe the concept of organizational structure and communication.
      2. Students will identify the methods, and practices utilized to lead and motivate people within the organization.
      3. Students will describe the major activities related to the strategic planning process.
   4. Students will demonstrate competence in the area of marketing.
      1. Students will examine how each of the 4 Ps (Product, Price, Promotion and Place), collectively and individually, is used to meet marketing's goals. Approved 03-25-2011
      2. Students will describe the uncontrollable environments (economic, competitive, social, cultural, technological, governmental/legal), and explain how current and anticipated conditions in these environments influence marketing planning.
      3. Student will describe and apply the concept of market segmentation and positioning.
      4. Students will explain the distinction between standardization and customization when companies craft global marketing programs.
   5. Students will integrate knowledge across functional areas of business in solving a business problem in a global business environment.
3. Communication Skills. Each student can effectively communicate a complicated business issue in both written and oral form using appropriate presentation technology.
   1. Students will effectively and concisely communicate ideas and opinions related to a complex business issue.
   2. Students will create and deliver professional presentations using appropriate business presentation technology.
   3. Students will produce reports and business correspondence of professional quality.
   4. Students will demonstrate active listening skills.
4. Competence in the Application of Technology. Each student can demonstrate knowledge of information technology and competence in technology applications for making business decisions.
   1. Students will effectively employ spreadsheets for statistical, relational, and graphical analyses of business data.
   2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system functions in support of business decisions.
   3. Students will demonstrate competence in the integration of software functions for the professional and effective electronic communication of ideas.
   4. Students will identify appropriate technology for support of business analysis and decisions.
5. Ethical Decision-making. Each student can identify and evaluate ethical dilemmas and corporate responsibility in business situations and effectively communicate defensible solutions.
   1. Students will identify an ethical dilemma in a business case, and propose and defend alternative courses of action.
   2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the legal environment of business.
   3. Students will identify the difference between legal and ethical decision-making.

Economics, Bachelor of Science (BS)

1. Students will demonstrate understanding of fundamental economic concepts.
   1. Students will apply the concept of elasticity of demand.
   2. Students will apply the supply/demand models for the analysis of economic events.
   3. Student will analyze the concept of externalities in macro and micro applications.
   4. Students will interpret exchange rates and describe their impact on global trade.
2. Students will effectively communicate economic ideas in writing.
3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of core economic theories.
4. Students will evaluate an economic problem using quantitative methods.
5. Students will display critical and analytical thinking skills by applying economic models to real world and hypothetical situations.

The objectives for these programs are measured in multiple ways, but primarily through course-embedded assignments and exam components specifically linked to these objectives. Measurement of these objectives occurs periodically and the results are used to make improvements to the programs. The detailed results of these measures may be viewed at the links below.

Assessment Results of Course-Embedded Assignments

• Business Administration (AS)
• Comprehensive Business Administration (BS)

The learning goals and objectives for the BS Business Administration, in particular, are also measured using the ETS – Major Field Test in Business (ETS-MFT). This is a nationally implemented standardized exam that tests graduating students in multiple subject areas in business. Since it is used in business schools across the country, we are able to compare the performance of our program and students to others nationally. A summary of these results is posted below.

 

ETS-MFT Summary Document

A student’s satisfaction with his/her experience as part of the School of Business is also important for our continuous improvement. Each semester, students graduating from our programs are provided with a Senior Exit Survey. This survey covers areas such as the quality of interaction with the faculty, the development of marketable skills (e.g., leadership, critical thinking, computer), the quality of instruction and classroom facilities, and whether the student would recommend the program to a friend, among other areas. Results from this survey can be found by following the link below.

 

Senior Exit Survey Results

Any questions regarding the information presented should be directed to the Dean of the School of Business.

 

Contact Us

Business and Economics
215A Hendricks Hall
235 Scotland Road
Edinboro, PA 16444
Phone: 814-732-2407

Michael Engdahl, JD
Department Chair
215A Hendricks Hall
Email: mengdahl@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-2412