Business Management

The program prepares students to enter management positions in the public and private sector in such areas as retail, wholesale, banking, import-export and government. Management students receive training, which enables them to lead, direct, plan, organize, and make critical managerial decisions. Because management training is widely applicable and knowledge of these principles is essential in any employment position, students in other programs would benefit from taking these courses.

Courses offered may be taken to satisfy the requirements for an associate degree or a certificate.

  Management Certificates Course Guide

  Management Certificates Program Guide

COURSE GUIDE
Management (MGT) Certificates
Business Management
Manufacturing Assistant Emphasis
Supervision Emphasis
Retail Management

Business Management Certificate of Achievement

Manufacturing Assistant Emphasis Certificate of Achievement

Supervision Emphasis Certificate of Achievement

Retail Management Certificate of Achievement

The Retail Management certificate program, designed by managers of major retail corporations, prepares individuals to be effective managers or to be promoted to management in the retail industry. Courses assist students in understanding the scope of the retail manager’s job and the requirements for success. Completion of the certificate enhances the student’s opportunities for entry-level employment as well as advancement in a variety of retail careers.

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has endorsed this program. Current grocery industry associates are encouraged to contact their Human Resources office for details on the WAFC program.

PROGRAM GUIDE
Management (MGT) Certificates
Business Management – 22.5 units
Manufacturing Assistant Emphasis – 18-22.5 units
Supervision Emphasis – 18 units
Retail Management – 31.5 units

Description: Students in lower division management courses focus on the fundamental and intermediate principles and practices of management.  Management students receive training which enables them to plan, organize, direct, control, and make critical managerial decisions.  Such training is widely applicable, and knowledge of management principles is essential to all individuals entering various business fields. 

The Retail Management program, designed by managers of major retail corporations, prepares individuals to be effective managers or be promoted to management positions.   Completion of the certificate enhances the opportunity for entry-level employment as well as advancement in a retail career.

Prerequisites/Preparation: Completion of advanced level ESL courses, if English is a second language, is recommended for student success, but not required.

Affiliation With Professional/Community Organizations: The Retail Management certificate program is endorsed by the Western Association of Food Chains, whose members represent the largest grocery chains in the Western states. 

Associate of Science Degree: A student may earn an A.S. degree in Business Management, Supervision, and/or Manufacturing Assistant from IVC if, in addition to certificate requirements, he/she also meets general education requirements posted in the IVC catalog, class schedule, or www.ivc.edu.  The Retail Management program is only available as a certificate.

*Four Year Institutions Offering Degrees/Programs in This Field:

• California State Polytechnic University, Los Angeles – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Retailing option
• California State University, Fullerton – Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Economics, Management or Management Science concentration
• California State University, Long Beach - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, option in Management, Operations Management, or Human Resources Management and Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology
• San Diego State University - Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, emphasis in Management and Marketing
• Humboldt State University – Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, option in Manufacturing and Operations Management
• University of California, Berkeley - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Chapman University - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Accounting, option in Management

*See counselor or transfer center for specific transfer requirements

Scholarships/Financial Aid: Through American Management Association, Operation Enterprise (OE), a non-profit organization, depends on contributions from civic-minded corporations and individuals to provide financial assistance for many OE attendees. Corporate donors may choose to either sponsor an individual student of their choice or elect for OE to select a student who would benefit most from their support.  See the AMA website for details:  www.amanet.org  Students may contact the IVC Financial Aid office for more information and additional opportunities.

Work Experience/Internships: Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) may be taken as part of the certificate programs.  CWE allows students to gain on-the-job experience while earning units toward the certificate.  A student may earn one unit of credit for every 75 hours of paid or 60 hours of volunteer employment.  Students are responsible for securing employment for CWE.  Students may also contact their instructors or visit the Job Placement office for employment opportunities that may exist in the field.

Career Options:

• Retail Manager
• Team Leader
• Distribution Manager
• Sales Manager
• First-Line Supervisor/Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Market Research Manager
• Small Business Owner/CEO

Job Description: Marketing Managers develop the firm’s detailed marketing strategy.  With the help of subordinates, including product development managers and Market Research Managers, they determine the demand for products and services offered by the firm and its competitors.  In addition, they identify potential markets – for example, business firms, wholesalers, retailers, government, or the general public.  Sales Managers direct the firm’s sales program.  They assign sales territories, set goals, and establish training programs for the sales representatives.  They analyze sales statistics gathered by their staffs to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

Retail Managers and Supervisors oversee the work of sales and related workers such as retail salespersons, cashiers, customer service representative, stock clerks and order fillers.  They are responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees, as well as preparing work schedules and assigning workers to specific duties.  Many of these workers hold job titles such as sales manager or department manager.
First-line supervisors/managers of Production and Operating Workers oversee all workers in the production process and ensure that equipment and supplies are available when needed. They usually report to industrial production managers, who watch over all activities on the factory floor.

Employment Opportunities: The program in business management at Irvine Valley College prepares students to enter management positions in the public and private sector in such areas as retail, wholesale, trades, banking, import-export, and government.  Some companies such as Wells Fargo have management trainee programs.  Students may also consider starting their own small business.  Management 160 (Introduction to Small Business Management) helps prepare students to become entrepreneurs.

Occupational Outlook for Orange County, CA: According to the State of California Employment Development Department’s Occupational Employment Projections, it is predicted that through 2014, Marketing Manager positions will increase 23.8%, Sales Manager jobs will increase 25.5%, and General/Operations Managers will see a 21.1% increase in employment in Orange County.  With somewhat less growth will be Food Service Manager positions with an increase of 18.6% and First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers at a 12.3% increase in employment. (Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov/oco )

Job Related Skills Emphasized in Coursework: Human relations, human resources, motivationl; organization, departmentalization, team building; entrepreneurship, participatory management, management by objectives; theory x+y, and understanding how we are affected by advertising.

Personal Traits Desired for This Field: 

• Understand consumer behavior
• Desire to succeed/to make money
• Motivated
• Have perseverance
• Ability to work well with others
• Strong communication skills
• Time management skills

Professional Organizations/Websites/Publications in Field:

• American Management Association:  www.amanet.org  - offers a student membership
• American Marketing Association (AMA):  www.marketingpower.com
• United States Small Business Administration:  www.sbaonline.sba.gov
• SCORE – Counselors to Small Business:  www.score114.org
• Orange County Business Journal:  www.ocbj.com
• National Association of Manufacturers:  www.dreamit-doit.org

Club on Campus: Delta Epsilon Chi/IVC Business Leaders Society – it is recommended that business students become involved in and take office in this club as it provides leadership experience and is of benefit on a resume or college application.

IVC Contacts:

Management Certificates - Program Questions:

Professor Daniel Scott
School of Business Sciences
949/451-5545
dscott@ivc.edu

Certificates - General Questions:

Heather Whitecotton
Sr. Admin. Assistant
Career Technical Education & Workforce Development
949/282-2724
hwhitecotton@ivc.edu

Kate Alder
CTE Grant Projects Director & IVC Contact for WIB/One-Stop Centers
Career Technical Education & Workforce Development
949/451-5603
kalder@ivc.edu

This IVC Technical Education Program Guide was made possible by funds from the Carl D. Perkins Career Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, awarded to Irvine Valley College by the Chancellor’s Office, California Community Colleges.

Updated 7/17/09 CTE&WD-mhm
10/9/09 CTE&WD-smk

For more information, see the Business Management web page (School of Business Sciences).