The business department faculty bring real-world business experience to the classroom. In addition to academic backgrounds in business, the faculty have significant experience working in the business world. Some faculty members have started their own businesses, others have worked internationally,and all bring the business world into the classroom. Having opportunities to integrate classroom learning with real business experiences is a critical part of business education. Here are some examples:

Principles of Marketing

taught by Carlos Gutierrez

The students in this course are participating in The (RED) Challenge. This national contest presents Principles of Marketing students with the opportunity to compete in an exciting marketing contest to come up with the next RED product available to students. Along with creating their very own marketing plan, and getting involved with a company that is making a difference in the lives of those affected by AIDS in Africa, the winner of this contest will be flown to NYC to present his or her product idea to the leadership of (RED).

Management Policy and Social Responsibility

taught by Jerrell Ross Richer

One group of students is working with Elkhart County officials and Energy, Inc. to estimate the financial returns and environmental benefits of converting landfill waste into clean energy. A second group is developing sustainable business strategies and measuring the actual returns from a renewable energy system recently installed at McCormick Motors in Nappanee. A third group is competing in the 2010 American Institute of Certified Public Accountants national case competition, designing a business proposal for sustainability at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Auditing

taught by Russ Rupp

Along with a local certified public accountant, the senior accounting majors are organizing three years of financial information for the Goshen Housing Authority.

Informatics I

taught by Kent Palmer

Greenfoot is an integrated development environment that allows new programmers to easily include sound, animated graphics and other multimedia features in programming projects. Over the course of the semester students will learn how to create interactive programs with Greenfoot. At the end of the semester students will develop their own interactive game or an animated simulation of a business process. Project examples will be posted here as students complete their work.

Individual Tax

taught by Michelle Horning

The class participates in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Preparation program. Students must pass an IRS tax exam and, during the course, provide free income tax preparation for low-income residents of Goshen.  The Salvation Army partners with the students to provide computers for preparing tax returns and space to meet with clients.

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

taught by Michelle Horning

Students are required to start a real business as part of the Introduction to Entrepreneurship course. They are loaned some start-up capital and are required to earn a return on that capital. Student businesses have included sales of jewelry, clothing, cleaning services, laundry services, and more.

Java Junction

The coffee shop located on campus gives students the opportunity to run a real business and earn academic credit at the same time. Students manage all areas of operations, including accounting, marketing, purchasing, and human resources.

Maple Scholars

Goshen College’s unique Maple Scholars program challenges you to take your classroom learning to the next level. This summer research program, which is open to students from all majors, allows you to work with a professor to design and conduct your own cutting-edge research project. You present your findings at Goshen’s undergraduate research symposium and may be invited to present at national undergraduate conferences.