Project Introduction
Boston University School of Management
SM323: The Cross-Functional Core
SM323 consists of four functional courses - Marketing (MK323), Operations (OM323), Information Systems (IS323), and Finance (FE323). The four courses are integrated into this unique one-semester required sequence through a common semester-long project. SM323 provides students with a cross-functional experience that enables you to significantly leverage your learning investment in ALL four of these courses. It accomplishes this by enabling you to use what you have learned in one course immediately in other courses and for the project.
The SM323 New Product project is the cornerstone of SM323. The project has been designed so that when you complete the program, you will know how to assess customers and markets and how to work in teams to design a new product that meets customer needs. You will learn how to develop operations processes and information systems to support these products and services, as well as how to assess the risks involved in implementing and financing the resulting business.
Finally, you will learn that competitive advantage accrues to those who understand how to leverage the interrelationships between these complex functional decisions. You will leave SM323 with comprehensive knowledge of the major functions in a business. But, more importantly, you will be able to leverage this knowledge in a cross-functional manner to add value to business and society.
SM323 is one of the key elements differentiating the Boston University School of Management Undergraduate curriculum from other programs. If you work hard, take risks and stretch yourselves, you may find SM323 the single most rewarding academic experience of your life.
We now detail the objectives of the course: outlining the program, describing the project, discussing grading procedures, and expectations for academic standards. The individual course syllabi will provide you with information on specific materials, assignments, and the requirements for completion of each of the four courses in the program.