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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Learning Goal | Learning Objectives | Where Measured |
---|---|---|
Understanding of Business and Economics |
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Effective Communication Skills |
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Ethical and legal perspective |
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Creative problem solving and critical thinking skills |
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MGMT 495 case analysis |
Quantitative skills |
Solve business problems using quantitative techniques |
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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
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 |
|
|
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
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 |
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
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 |
|
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
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
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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:
- Apply economic analysis to evaluate economic problems and specific policy proposals.
- Understand how to interpret statistical results and use empirical evidence to evaluate an economic argument.
- In specific fields of economics, develop deeper critical and quantitative thinking skills and apply problem-solving skills to complex problems.
- Communicate economic ideas effectively in written, spoken,and graphical form.
- Understand the importance of scarcity, opportunity cost, incentives, and tradeoffs.
- 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
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 |
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
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 |
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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 |
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
