This course introduces students to human-centered design approaches for innovative problem solving. Human-centered design (also known as design thinking) focuses on people and social contexts to solve ambiguous problems. Students will utilize fundamental concepts in design thinking, interactive design methods and processes, and hands-on projects and will learn how user research, synthesis, idea generation, and …
This course explores the possibilities, and responsibilities, of credit union leadership. How can students take the skills they have learned and WMCS and help implement better member service at their credit union? The course uses case studies from leaders and strategies in other fields to explore the role of leadership and strategy for credit union …
This course requires students to use their financial training to lead a simulated credit union through several years of economic conditions based on actual historical events. Working in teams, students are required to allocated budget priorities, generate strategic plans and adjust to the economic environment to attain their uniquely determined goals. In addition to reinforcing …
An introduction to the basic foundations of marketing theory with application to credit union management. Explores customer preferences, branding and advertising channels, and the relationship between marketing and other functions of the credit union. Students will use marketing principles to propose strategies for their credit union.
The course explores the philosophical foundation for ethical decision making with application to business decisions. What are the responsibilities of business leaders to their customers, employees, business partners, community, government and to themselves? How to evaluate moral decision-making and the principles of moral choice.
This interactive course summarizes the main results of the financial simulation exercises. Students will evaluate their team’s objectives and results from the simulation and then present their major learning areas from the exercise. This capstone course requires students to integrate skills from across the curriculum, including: economics, financial management, marketing, philosophy, strategy, and communication skills. …
Digital technologies and big data offer tremendous opportunities to for credit unions. This course explores the opportunities and difficulties facing widespread adoption and explores frameworks to think strategically about adopting and implementing digital transformation within credit unions. The course will explore the interplay between digital transformation and strategy, and the consequences of misalignment, using several …
This course focuses on the tools and frameworks of business decision-making and planning. The course uses examples from credit unions to help students develop the capability and strategic thinking to compare alternative strategies and propose business plans. The course also explores the role and methods of political advocacy for credit unions.
This course focuses on current challenges facing the credit union movement: from technological competition, to employee retention and motivation, to the post-pandemic economy and needs of our members. Students will work in teams during class times to identify ways managers can lead credit unions to respond to these current challenges. In addition to discussing current …
Presents theoretical principles and concepts from psychology, sociology, and economics to improve practical negotiations skills. Class participants learn not only to enhance their individual abilities, but also to analyze contexts for the most effective application of these skills. Course includes experiential learning, i.e. negotiations simulations.