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3.4.0.1 Overview.

Business Mathematics is an experimental, technology-based, two-course sequence designed to show students how to use mathematics in making good business decisions. It is being developed and team-taught by co-PIs Lamoureux and Thompson as part of a complete revision of the undergraduate curriculum undertaken in 1996-97 by the College of Business and Public Administration. The traditional courses, Finite Mathematics and Brief Calculus, were considered ineffective by BPA, the Mathematics Department, and the students. The BPA Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, chaired by co-PI Lamoureux, produced a list of topics and goals for the new sequence.

The course uses case studies to prepare students for future careers in business by having them work in teams on business decisions. One case study involves the question of whether or not a bank should attempt to work out an arrangement with a customer who is behind in payments on a business loan. Another asks students to decide on the current price that they would pay for a European call option on a given stock. Students make professional written and oral presentations of their results.

Lamoureux informed advisors in the College of Business and Public Administration that

Business Math I and II are a sequence that stresses that mathematics is a tool to do business. Material is always motivated by a business problem. The computer tools needed to do the mathematics are introduced along with the material. In these courses, students work in teams and make presentations. The curriculum was designed expressly with the feedback from the companies that hire our students. They have told us that the skills most needed and most lacking in our undergraduate students are the ability to work in teams, to communicate, and to creatively solve problems.


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Next: 3.4.0.2 Description of the Up: University of Arizona: Business Previous: University of Arizona: Business
William McCallum
2000-01-15