Subject: DESN

Term: Spring 2026

DESN 210: Introduction to Programming for Business Applications (101/1364)

M 06:00-08:30 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Stanek, D

This course will introduce students to the basics of programming logic utilizing the Python programming language and environment. The course will help students understand how to apply programming solutions and related algorithmic thinking to solve common business and decision problems. This class is a great introduction into programming logic, it just happens to use Python. This course will teach the fundamentals of programming logic, which could be applied to any programming language available today or into the future. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course students should have a foundational knowledge of how to use variables, operators, manipulate strings, loops, functions, and basic array manipulation all through Python programming language. The course will culminate with a final project where students will be divided into groups with each group solving a different small business problem. The final submission will require a joint white paper submission that demonstrates the following learned objectives: problem research, scope, architect, and design a potential solution using python environment. A sample of the implemented Python code that was used to solve this problem will be required for final submission. Each student must have access to a computer that can be brought to class. No programming experience is required. Downloading and installing Python is covered at the start of the course. Basic computer skills: surfing websites, running programs, saving and opening documents, etc.

DESN 210: Introduction to Programming for Business Applications (102/1511)

MW 03:20-04:35 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Jung, M

This course will introduce students to the basics of programming logic utilizing the Python programming language and environment. The course will help students understand how to apply programming solutions and related algorithmic thinking to solve common business and decision problems. This class is a great introduction into programming logic, it just happens to use Python. This course will teach the fundamentals of programming logic, which could be applied to any programming language available today or into the future. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course students should have a foundational knowledge of how to use variables, operators, manipulate strings, loops, functions, and basic array manipulation all through Python programming language. The course will culminate with a final project where students will be divided into groups with each group solving a different small business problem. The final submission will require a joint white paper submission that demonstrates the following learned objectives: problem research, scope, architect, and design a potential solution using python environment. A sample of the implemented Python code that was used to solve this problem will be required for final submission. Each student must have access to a computer that can be brought to class. No programming experience is required. Downloading and installing Python is covered at the start of the course. Basic computer skills: surfing websites, running programs, saving and opening documents, etc.

DESN 302: Creativity in Design & Business: Sources of Perception, Imagination, & Creative Thinking (100/1510)

TR 02:30-03:45 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Gilmore, J

The goal of this course is to develop skills and techniques for creative problem solving. The course is for anyone interested in design, the development of new products and services, and strategies for change in organizations and society. It is useful wherever we face challenging situations that require imagination, new ideas, and innovative approaches in a rapidly changing world. At its core, creativity is an issue of perception. Learning to change one's perception from what is known, comfortable, and familiar to what is unknown and potentially valuable and rewarding is the challenge of this course. We will explore a wide variety of methods, techniques, and tools for encouraging new perceptions. There will be useful readings, but also exercises and projects for individuals and teams to develop new strategies of creative thinking. Offered as DESN 302 and ENTP 302.

DESN 318: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition II (100/1537)

T 06:00-08:30 PM Jan 13-Feb 24

King, G; Stoller, J

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) is the path to becoming an entrepreneur by buying and growing an established small business. Most ETA strategies incorporate the support of investors and advisors who provide capital and experience to help and mentor an ETA entrepreneur on their journey to find, acquire, and lead a small business. As part of the ETA curriculum, this course focuses on 1) defining the different types of ETA with a particular emphasis on search funds, 2) exploring the most common industries targeted by ETA entrepreneurs, including healthcare and software, and 3) the post-acquisition experience of leading a small business. The course draws on the direct experience of class guests and relatable case studies. In particular, the course will also utilize in-class role plays of real-world small business leadership scenarios. Offered as DESN 318 and DESN 420.

DESN 319: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition III (100/1543)

T 06:00-08:30 PM Mar 03-Apr 27

Lowry, S

This is one of three Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) courses. ETA is the path to becoming an entrepreneur by buying and growing an established small business. ETA III exposes students to the journey ETA entrepreneurs follow when going from employee to business owner, with emphasis on the "sponsored search" strategy. Course emphasis is on experiential learning components with class guests who are primarily ETA entrepreneurs and people who work closely with ETA entrepreneurs (e.g., investors, bankers, and other advisors) and case studies of over 40 Weatherhead Alumni and others who have become business owners using ETA strategies. Many ETA strategies incorporate support from investors and advisors who provide capital and experience to complement the ETA entrepreneur's efforts to find, acquire, and run a business. Becoming a business owner using ETA is challenging. However, when proven strategies are used, it can be much less risky than doing a "startup" around a less proven product or service. This course is designed to be relatable and practical, giving students direct exposure to what it takes to pursue this path and evaluate if it's right for them. Offered as DESN 319, DESN 419, and MGTE 419.

DESN 320: Database Management (100/1490)

T 04:00-06:30 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Dangelo, M

This course is a comprehensive introduction to data management in organizations. It establishes the data management foundation in the business major and can be taken as a course for students in data analytics. Topics include conceptual and logical data modeling, entity relationship and relational data modeling, and database design and implementation using the SQL programming language. Students will also be introduced with non relational data bases and big data applications. Students will complete exercises in database modeling, design and databased programming using SQL on a given data base environment to be determined later (Oracle, Open SQL etc).

DESN 419: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition III (100/1523)

T 06:00-08:30 PM Mar 03-Apr 27

Lowry, S

This is one of three Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) courses. ETA is the path to becoming an entrepreneur by buying and growing an established small business. ETA III exposes students to the journey ETA entrepreneurs follow when going from employee to business owner, with emphasis on the "sponsored search" strategy. Course emphasis is on experiential learning components with class guests who are primarily ETA entrepreneurs and people who work closely with ETA entrepreneurs (e.g., investors, bankers, and other advisors) and case studies of over 40 Weatherhead Alumni and others who have become business owners using ETA strategies. Many ETA strategies incorporate support from investors and advisors who provide capital and experience to complement the ETA entrepreneur's efforts to find, acquire, and run a business. Becoming a business owner using ETA is challenging. However, when proven strategies are used, it can be much less risky than doing a "startup" around a less proven product or service. This course is designed to be relatable and practical, giving students direct exposure to what it takes to pursue this path and evaluate if it's right for them. Offered as DESN 319, DESN 419, and MGTE 419.

DESN 420: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition II (100/1478)

T 06:00-08:30 PM Jan 13-Feb 24

King, G; Stoller, J

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) is the path to becoming an entrepreneur by buying and growing an established small business. Most ETA strategies incorporate the support of investors and advisors who provide capital and experience to help and mentor an ETA entrepreneur on their journey to find, acquire, and lead a small business. As part of the ETA curriculum, this course focuses on 1) defining the different types of ETA with a particular emphasis on search funds, 2) exploring the most common industries targeted by ETA entrepreneurs, including healthcare and software, and 3) the post-acquisition experience of leading a small business. The course draws on the direct experience of class guests and relatable case studies. In particular, the course will also utilize in-class role plays of real-world small business leadership scenarios. Offered as DESN 318 and DESN 420.

DESN 501: ETA: Investor Models (400/1315)

Lowry, S

This course is offered, with permission, to students undertaking reading in a field of special interest.

DESN 501: ETA Readiness (401/11475)

Lowry, S

This course is offered, with permission, to students undertaking reading in a field of special interest.

DESN 701: Dissertation Ph.D. (100/1306)

Lyytinen, K

(Credit as arranged.)

DESN 701: Dissertation Ph.D. (103/1309)

Hughes, C

(Credit as arranged.)

DESN 701: Dissertation Ph.D. (104/1310)

Singh, J

(Credit as arranged.)