Assurance of Learning

Teaching and learning are central to CBE's mission. The College is committed to delivering high quality academic programs and producing graduates that are well prepared for successful and fulfilling careers.

The College strives to continuously improve its academic programs. Its Assurance of Learning (AoL) program is the formal mechanism by which continuous improvement is implemented. The AoL program assures that learning goals and objectives are developed for each academic program, student performance is systematically measured, assessment results are reviewed by the faculty, and curriculum is reviewed and revised as needed to continuously improve the College's academic programs.

CBE's AoL program has five primary benefits to the College and its stakeholders:

  1. Clearly defined learning goals and objectives for each of CBE's academic programs communicate to all stakeholders the primary learning outcomes of each academic program.
  2. Assessment of student achievement with respect to learning goals and objectives provides the faculty with data on student attainment and helps identify curricular strength and weakness.
  3. Systematic review and revision of curriculum results in continuous improvement. The assessment process contributes to a culture within the College of accountability and continuous improvement.
  4. Assessment part of the assurance of learning process is required both by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

In addition to the formal AoL program CBE also measure the success of its programs through a wide variety of external measures such as alumni surveys, professional exams, feedback from employers of our graduates, and career surveys.

These internal and external measures provide the College with information it needs to provide high quality, rigorous, and relevant academic programs.

Learning Goals and Objectives by Degree Program

Business Administration, Accounting, Manufacturing Supply Chain Management

Degree Programs: Accounting, Business Administration, MSCM
Learning Goal Learning Objectives Where Measured
Understanding of Business and Economics
  • Demonstrate breadth of knowledge and skills in general business and economics
  • Demonstrate disciplinary knowledge and skills
  • MGMT 495 case analysis
  • Degree/concentration specific courses a
Effective Communication Skills
  • Produce quality business documents
  • Deliver a professional quality presentation supported by appropriate technology
  • Representative sample of WP courses
  • Representative sample of CF courses
Ethical and legal perspective
  • Analyze problems usingan ethical perspective
  • Analyze the legal implications of business decisions
  • MGMT 382 (prev. 482)
  • MGMT 271 Business Law
Creative problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Critically analyze problems
  • Generate multiple alternative solutions
  • Defend resolutions to problems
 MGMT 495 case analysis
Quantitative skills

Solve business problems using quantitative techniques
  • DSCI 305
  • ACCT 343

Notes

a. discipline specific skills measured in:

  • Accounting: Acct 343
  • Bus. Admin - Finance: FIN 440, 441, 444 (sample from each course)
  • Bus. Admin - International Business: IB 470
  • Bus. Admin - Management: MGMT  414
  • Bus. Admin - Marketing: MKTG 489
  • Bus. Admin - MIS: MIS 495
  • Bus. Admin - Operations: OPS 468
  • MSCM: OPS 468

b. Using rubric applied by outside evaluator

Degree Programs: Accounting, Business Administration, MSCM
Learning Goal Learning Objectives Where Measured
Understanding of Business and Economics

Demonstrate breadth of knowledge and skills in general business and economics

MGMT 495 case analysis 
Effective Communication Skills
  • Produce quality business documents
  • Deliver a professional quality presentation supported by appropriate technology
  • Representative sample of WP* courses
  • Representative sample of CF* courses
Ethical and legal perspective

Analyze problems using an ethical perspective

MGMT 382
Creative problem solving and critical thinking skills

Critically analyze problems and defend problem solutions

 MGMT 495 case analysis
Quantitative skills

Solve business problems using quantitative techniques

DSCI 305

*WP = Writing Proficiency, CF = Community Focus

Schedule for evaluating learning objectives for Business Administration, Accounting, and MSCM
Learning Objective 2016 Spring 2016 Fall 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017 Fall 2018 Winter 2018 Spring 2018 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 Spring 2019 Fall 2020 Winter 2020 Spring
1.1 Demonstrate breadth of knowledge and skills in general business and economics     Assess Eval         Assess Eval      
1.2 Demonstrate disciplinary knowledge and skills           Assess Eval         Assess Eval
2.1 Produce quality business documents         Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
2.2 Deliver a professional quality presentation supported by appropriate technology         Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
3.1 Analyze problems using an ethical perspective     Assess Eval       Assess Eval        
3.2 Analyze the legal implications of business decisions   Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
4.1 Critically analyze problems and defend problem resolutions     Assess Eval       Assess Eval        
5.1 Solve business problems using quantitative techniques   Assess Eval       Assess Eval       Assess Eval

 

Schedule for evaluating learning objectives for Business Administration–General Concentration
Learning Objective 2016 Winter 2016 Spring 2016 Fall 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017-2018 Academic Year 2018-2019 Academic Year 2019-2020 Academic Year
1.1 Demonstrate breadth of knowledge and skills in general business and economics Assess Eval         Assess Eval
2.1 Produce quality business documents         Assess Eval    
2.2 Deliver a professional quality presentation supported by appropriate technology Assess Eval         Assess Eval
3.1 Analyze problems using an ethical perspective   Assess Eval       Assess Eval
4.1 Critically analyze problems and defend problem resolutions Assess Eval         Assess Eval
5.1 Solve business problems using quantitative techniques     Assess Eval       Assess

 

Financial Economics

Degree Program: Financial Economics
Learning Goal Learning Objectives Where Measured
Understanding of Finance Demonstrate knowledge of financial concepts Fin. 440, 441, 444
Understanding of Economics Demonstrate knowledge of economic concepts Econ. 306, 307
Understanding of Accounting Demonstrate knowledge of accountingconcepts Acct. 342
Effective Communication Skills
  • Produce quality business documents
  • Deliver a professional quality presentation supported by appropriate technology

Representative sample of WP courses*

Representative sample of CF courses*
Quantitative skills Analyze economic datausing quantitative techniques Econ. 375

* Using rubric applied by outside evaluator

Eval & Assess

Schedule for Assessing Learning Goals and Evaluating Results Finance and Economics
Learning Goal 2015 Winter 2015 Spring 2015 Fall 2016 Winter 2016 Spring 2016 Fall 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017 Fall 2018 Winter 2018 Spring 2018 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 Spring
1.1 Demonstrate knowledge of financial concepts   Assess Eval   Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess
2.1 Demonstrate knowledge of economic concepts   Assess Eval   Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess Eval & Assess Assess
3.1 Demonstrate knowledge of accounting concepts   Assess Eval   Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess
5.1 Analyze economic data using quantitative techniques   Assess Eval   Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess Eval & Assess Assess Assess
4.1 Produce quality business documents   Assess Assess Assess Eval     Assess Assess Assess Eval      
4.2 Deliver a professional presentation supported by appropriate technology   Assess Assess Assess Eval     Assess Assess Assess Eval      

Assessments are done via Bloomberg Aptitude Test. Evaluation commences closing of loop.

MBA Program

Being
Skill Technical Managerial Leadership
Goal Be conscientious in the application of business knowledge Create an orientation of personal responsibility, respect and professionalism Transform followers to leaders
Learning Objective 7.1 Be thorough and act with initiative.
7.2 Be an intelligent consumer of business analytics in decision-making.

8.1 Accept responsibility when warranted.

8.2 Act according to professional norms.

 Be committed to and capable of equipping others to achieve their leadership potential.
Doing
Skill Technical Managerial Leadership
Goal Illustrate ability to apply critical thinking and ethical decision making to complex business problems Exhibit competence in applying interpersonal and managerial skills within an institutional context Demonstrate ability to motivate others to achieve strategic outcomes
Learning Objective 4.1 Construct a reasoned critique of an organizational decision.
4.2 Apply critical thinking skills in making an organizational decision.
4.3 Relate relevant ethical frameworks to the resolution of a business dilemma.		 5.1 Display proficiency in building a persuasive case.
5.2 Show ability to manage organizational constituencies.		 6.1 Unite stakeholders in the implementation of organizational strategy.
Knowing
Skill Technical Managerial Leadership
Goal Validate mastery of discipline-specific business knowledge and analytical skills Integrate functional areas of business knowledge across disciplines Synthesize functional business knowledge within strategic organizational framework
Learning Objective 1.1 Identify and describe core concepts in the key functional areas of business.
1.2 Recognize and explain appropriate analytical methods for solving discipline-specific business issues.		 2.1 Use systems thinking to describe how core concepts in each functional area relate to and are integrated across disciplines.
2.2 Identify appropriate processes for making organizational decisions.		 3.1 Demonstrate ability to bring disparate functional areas of business to bear on the formulation of organizational strategy.

 

Schedule for evaluating learning objectives for Master in Business Administration Degree Program
Learning Objective 2016 Fall 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017 Fall 2018 Winter 2018 Spring 2018 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 Spring 2019 Fall 2020 Winter 2020 Spring
1.1 Identify and describe core concepts in the key functional areas of business.   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval
1.2 Recognize and explain appropriate analytical methods for solving discipli8ne-specific business issues.   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval
2.1 Use systems thinking to describe how core concepts in each functional area relate to and are integrated across disciplines.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
2.2 Identify appropriate processes for making organizational decisions.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
3.1 Demonstrate ability to bring disparate functional areas of business to bear on the formulation of organizational strategy   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval
4.1 Construct a reasoned critique of an organizational decision.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
4.2 Apply critical thinking skills in making an organizational decision.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
4.3 Relate relevant ethical frameworks to the resolution of a business dilemma.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
5.1 Display proficiency in building a persuasive case.   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval
5.2 Show ability to manage organizational constituencies.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
6.1 Unite stakeholders in the implementation of organizational strategy     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
7.1 Be thorough and act with initiative.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
7.2 Be an intelligent consumer of business analytics in decision-making.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
8.1 Accept responsibility when warranted.     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess
8.2 Act according to professional norms     Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess Eval   Assess

 

Schedule for evaluating learning objectives for Master in Business Administration Degree Program
Learning Objective 2016 Fall 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017 Fall 2018 Winter 2018 Spring 2018 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 Spring 2019 Fall 2020 Winter 2020 Spring
1.1 Identify and describe core concepts in the key functional areas of business. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
1.2 Recognize and explain appropriate analytical methods for solving discipli8ne-specific business issues. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
2.1 Use systems thinking to describe how core concepts in each functional area relate to and are integrated across disciplines. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
2.2 Identify appropriate processes for making organizational decisions. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
3.1 Demonstrate ability to bring disparate functional areas of business to bear on the formulation of organizational strategy Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
4.1 Construct a reasoned critique of an organizational decision. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
4.2 Apply critical thinking skills in making an organizational decision. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
4.3 Relate relevant ethical frameworks to the resolution of a business dilemma. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
5.1 Display proficiency in building a persuasive case. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
5.2 Show ability to manage organizational constituencies. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
6.1 Unite stakeholders in the implementation of organizational strategy Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
7.1 Be thorough and act with initiative. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
7.2 Be an intelligent consumer of business analytics in decision-making. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
8.1 Accept responsibility when warranted. Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
8.2 Act according to professional norms Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess

 

Schedule for evaluating learning objectives for Master in Business Administration Degree Program
Learning Objective 2016 Fall 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017 Fall 2018 Winter 2018 Spring 2018 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 Spring 2019 Fall 2020 Winter 2020 Spring
1.1 Identify and describe core concepts in the key functional areas of business.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
1.2 Recognize and explain appropriate analytical methods for solving discipli8ne-specific business issues.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
2.1 Use systems thinking to describe how core concepts in each functional area relate to and are integrated across disciplines.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
2.2 Identify appropriate processes for making organizational decisions.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
3.1 Demonstrate ability to bring disparate functional areas of business to bear on the formulation of organizational strategy       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
4.1 Construct a reasoned critique of an organizational decision.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
4.2 Apply critical thinking skills in making an organizational decision.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
4.3 Relate relevant ethical frameworks to the resolution of a business dilemma.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
5.1 Display proficiency in building a persuasive case.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
5.2 Show ability to manage organizational constituencies.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
6.1 Unite stakeholders in the implementation of organizational strategy       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
7.1 Be thorough and act with initiative.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
7.2 Be an intelligent consumer of business analytics in decision-making.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
8.1 Accept responsibility when warranted.       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  
8.2 Act according to professional norms       Assess Eval         Assess Eval  

 

Economics Degree Programs

Departmental Mission

The mission of the department is to provide students with an understanding of economic concepts and the functioning of the economy, and to equip them with the ability to apply economic analysis in problem solving. The department strives to provide a major program which gives students rigorous training in both economic theory and applications. The department plays an integral role in offering courses that are a component of Western’s General University Requirements and that are part of other undergraduate and graduate programs in the college and in the University. The department views the conduct of research in economics, and applied research in particular, to be an integral part of its instructional mission. In addition, the department strives to serve both the profession and the community and to help raise the level of economic awareness among the public at large.

Department Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, Economics majors will be able to:

  1. Apply economic analysis to evaluate economic problems and specific policy proposals.
  2. Understand how to interpret statistical results and use empirical evidence to evaluate an economic argument.
  3. In specific fields of economics, develop deeper critical and quantitative thinking skills and apply problem-solving skills to complex problems.
  4. Communicate economic ideas effectively in written, spoken,and graphical form.
  5. Understand the importance of scarcity, opportunity cost, incentives, and tradeoffs.
  6. Understand the factors that determine the level of income, employment, output and prices in an economic system.
GUR Student Learning Outcomes

3. Use quantitative and scientific reasoning to frame and solve problems.
4. Identify and analyze complex problems.
11. Understand and assess the impacts of interactions among the individual, society, and the environment.

Business and Sustainability Degree

Schedule for evaluating learning objectives for Business and Sustainability Degree Program
Learning Objective 2016 Fall 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017 Fall 2018 Winter 2018 Spring 2018 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 Spring 2019 Fall 2020 Winter 2020 Spring
1.1 Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of environmental science involved in sustainable business   Assess

Eval

Assess

               Assess

Eval

Assess
1.2 Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of environmental policy involved in sustainable business Assess Eval               Assess Eval  
1.3 Demonstrate understanding of the scientific issues involved in sustainable business Assess Eval               Assess Eval  
1.4 Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of economics         Assess Eval            
1.5 Demonstrate the ability to understand the social and political climate Assess Eval               Assess Eval  
1.6 Demonstrate an integrated understanding of sustainable business in linked human and natural systems     Assess Eval               Assess
1.7 Demonstrate breadth of knowledge and skills in general business and economics     Assess Eval               Assess
1.8 Demonstrate the ability to transfer academic learning to a real-world context of constraints and opportunities     Assess Eval               Assess
2.1 Produce quality business documents     Assess Eval               Assess
2.2 Deliver a professional quality presentation supported by appropriate technology       Assess Eval              
3.1 Analyze problems, decisions, and priorities using an ethical perspective Assess Eval               Assess Eval  
3.2 Analyze the legal implications of business decisions Assess Eval       Assess Eval         Assess
4.1 Ability to apply economic and environmental analyses in sustainable business   Assess Eval             Assess Eval  
4.2 Ability to critically analyze problems in light of business knowledge in the context of sustainability and defend a position Assess Eval               Assess Eval  
5.1 Solve business problems using quantitative techniques Assess Eval               Assess Eval  
6.1 Work collaborative to identify and analyze problems and opportunities in sustainable business     Assess Eval           Assess Eval  

 

Degree Program: Business and Sustainability Joint Degree with Huxley
Learning Goal Learning Objective Where Measured
Understanding of environmental science, environmental policy, scientific issues, economics, social and political climate, knowledge and skills in general business and economics

Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of environmental science involved in sustainable business.

Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of environmental policy involved in sustainable business.

Demonstrate understanding of the scientific issues involved in sustainable business.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of economics.

Demonstrate the ability to understand the social and political climate.

Demonstrate an integrated understanding of sustainable business in linked human and natural systems.

Demonstrate breadth of knowledge and skills in general business and economics.

Demonstrate the ability to transfer academic learning to a real-world context of constraints and opportunities.

ESCI 302 AND ESCI 310

ENVS/MGMT 359

ENVS/MGMT 359

ECON 206 & 207

ENVS/MGMT 359

ENVS/MGMT 466

ENVS/MGMT 466

ENVS/MGMT 466
Effective Communication Skills (Analyze and communicate ideas effectively in oral, written and visual form

Produce quality business documents

Deliver a professional quality presentation supported by appropriate technology

WP course* ECON 482

CF course* MKTG 384/474
Ethical and Legal Perspective

Analyze problems, decisions, and priorities using an ethical perspective

Analyze the legal implications of business decisions

ENVS 359/MGMT 359

MGMT 271
Creative Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills Ability to apply economic and environmental analyses in sustainable business.Ability to critically analyze problems in light of business knowledge in the context of sustainability and defend a position

ENVS 466/MGMT 466

ENVS 359/MGMT 359
Quantitative Skills Solve business and related problems using quantitative techniques ENVS 359/MGMT 359
Effective Collaborative Skills Work collaboratively to identify and analyze problems and opportunities of sustainable business ENVS/MGMT 466

*WP = Writing Proficiency, CF = Communication Focus

Master in Public Accounting Degree

Schedule for evaluating learning objectives for MPAcc –Masters in Professional Accounting
Learning Objective 2016 Winter 2016 Spring 2016 Fall 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017 Fall 2018 Winter 2018 Spring 2018 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 Spring 2019 Fall 2020 Winter 2020 Spring
1. Demonstrate functional knowledge of professional accounting         Assess Eval         Assess Eval    
2. Demonstrate the application of skills in professional accounting Assess Eval         Assess Eval         Assess Eval
3. Demonstrate expertise in synthesizing knowledge and skills in professional accounting   Assess Eval         Assess Eval         Assess

 

Graduate Degree
Learning Goal Learning Objective Where Measured
1. Acquire and improve knowledge in professional accounting Demonstrate functional knowledge of professional accounting Accounting Colloquium – MPAC 595
2. Acquire skills in professional accounting Demonstrate the application of skills in professional accounting Internship in Professional Accounting – MPAC 590
3. Acquire the expertise to synthesize knowledge and skills in professional accounting Demonstrate expertise in synthesizing knowledge and skills in professional accounting Professional position paper and presentation – MPAC 565

 

Contact Us

Wing Fok, Ph.D.
Chair, Assurance of Learning Committee
Associate Dean
College of Business and Economics

Wing.Fok@wwu.edu

Continuous Improvement Cycle flow chart. "Mission, Vision, and Values" feeds into a cycle. The cycle consists of Define Program Learning Goals and Objectives, Measure Student Learning Outcomes, Compare outcomes to benchmarks, and Revise Program to Improve Learning.