Pre-course "Mathematics for Management"

The knowledge and skills learned in this online course are also essential for future courses. However, they are especially important for successful completion of the first semester. Students can complete the course wherever they have internet access. In total, the course should take between 15 and 20 hours to complete.

"Mathematics for Management" includes sections on algebra, calculus, statistics, probability, and finance and covers the key mathematical concepts in these areas that students commonly use to solve quantitative problems.

The course engages students by using a storyline in which several families operate small businesses in a fictional suburb of Las Vegas. Students work through each section and apply math concepts to solve problems, analyze data, and predict outcomes related to the products and services offered by each of the town's businesses. From determining maximum profits using calculus to calculating market demand using statistics, the course gives students a practical understanding of using math in a management context.

Narrated animations, videos, and over 150 "do-it-yourself" exercises help students grasp difficult concepts quickly. At the end of each topic, students work through self-correcting exercises to check their mastery of the topic. Many exercises also include Excel 2007 functionality in combination with interactive features to further enhance understanding of essential mathematical concepts.