Santa Clara University

This concentration will provide students with the skills and methods needed to apply analytical techniques of various kinds to common business problems.

Many new opportunities exist for managers to apply analytical techniques to business problems. This area has experienced significant growth due to the availability of large corporate databases, enhanced computing tools and the analytical culture of many Silicon Valley companies. A large number of major Silicon Valley companies are managed by engineers and computer scientists, creating an expectation that managers throughout the organization are able to apply the tools of modelling and data analysis to business problems.

Creating and maintaining long-term and value-creating customer relationships in dynamic environments such as technology markets are key success factors. Sales management and customer development skills are foundational to careers in the field. This concentration shows students how to successfully integrate knowledge of market dynamics, understanding of organizational customers' behaviors, and management of sales, accounts, and channels.

Shifts in processes, technology, and the benefits of the digital age are moving the marketing function from traditional outbound modes towards a customer-collaborative approach. This concentration assists students to move beyond technology into a deeper understanding of modern digital tools, processes, and philosophies for organizational success and social prosperity.

All business is affected, directly or indirectly, by the global market, and the Santa Clara MBA provides a broad global business perspective throughout its curriculum. To augment the MBA global emphasis, this concentration provides a focused understanding of international business challenges. Students will explore international implications of accounting practices, management styles, marketing opportunities, and emerging technologies, such as social media, enabling them to lead in implementation of off-shoring decisions, expansion into international markets, development of manufacturing in international locations, and managing relationships with international partners.

Entrepreneurship is a significant driver of economic growth of the U.S. economy in the increasingly competitive global environment. Leveraging SCU's location and strong alumni presence in Silicon Valley, this concentration teaches students the tools and techniques to develop ideas into businesses, stimulate entrepreneurial activities in existing mature businesses and export successful models of entrepreneurship to other parts of the globe.

Students completing this concentration can use financial management as a tool integrating the enterprise across functions—operations, product development, engineering, sales, marketing, and administration—with timely and accurate information and insight enabling sound business decisions.

This concentration gives students the extensive and deep knowledge of finance crucial to a smooth transition into new careers, either with an investment or corporate focus, depending on the track chosen.

This concentration deepens a student's understanding of innovation, leadership in complex environments, team and project management, and decision-making necessary for success in rapidly changing and turbulent environments.

In a world where firms large and small may manufacture anywhere and market anywhere, the practice of modern supply chain management is a global discipline, and students completing this concentration are equipped to take product ideas to market quickly and successfully.

Completion of this specialization, along with the required completion of another concentration, will prepare students to work in the global food and agribusiness industry and supporting industries. Note: completion of one of the above listed concentrations is required in addition to the coursework in this specialization.