University of California • Irvine

At ECE, students are exposed to leading-edge management concepts emerging from all over the world.

Human Resources and Performance Management

The instructor leads the class in interactive discussions around a performance management model stressing productivity. Methods for defining jobs through key result areas are addressed.
The ability to measure someone’s performance and hold the individual accountable is discussed in specific and tangible terms. Performance goals using the SMART approach are further defined. The objective process of observing and recording is also examined. The challenges of managing both vertically and horizontally are debated as are the increasingly complex topics of virtual and global management.

Marketing

Markets represent the life-blood of any enterprise. Understanding, addressing and serving key markets is a critical function of management. This session begins with foundational principles regarding market segmentation and assessment and the impact that selection of a target market has on the strategy and operations of a firm. In addition, topics include market research, competitive analysis and pricing strategies.

Participants delve more deeply into subjects such as:

Building and positioning a product portfolio to adapt to changing market segments.
Product branding and product management.
Distribution systems, channel conflict, and service support.

Finance

This session is an interactive discussion of the basic elements of financial resource management for the working manager. Issues of budgeting, growth, performance measurement and project assessment are explored. The session continues by presenting the essential elements of financial reporting statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement). The connection between operational events and financial transactions and their impact on these core statements are emphasized. Basic performance measurement calculations are introduced. The instructor addresses how the manager can know a business better through ratio analysis to identify internal company trends as well as develop comparisons to industry and competitor standards.

Manufacturing Management

This course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of World Class Manufacturing techniques and the role of Information Technology in a production environment. Through the use of case studies and guided exercises, students will have the opportunity to work through simulated business situations. The exercises, ERP demonstrations and readings will prepare students with the knowledge to analyze and solve practical business problems.