Business Administration, Concrete Industry Management Concentration, M.B.A.
S. Kim Sokoya, MBA Program Director
(615) 898-2352
Kim.Sokoya@mtsu.edu
Kelly Strong, Director
School of Concrete and Construction Management
(615) 898-2419
Kelly.Strong@mtsu.edu
The University offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Concrete Industry Management degree which requires courses in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing, and concrete industry management.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the M.B.A. program must submit official transcripts of all previous college work. (International transcript must have an official evaluation by a NACES member.) In addition to transcripts, applicants to the CIM concentration are also required to submit a current resume, a statement of purpose outlining career objectives, and three letters of recommendation addressing the qualification for advanced study in business and concrete industry management. Applicants may also be required to participate in an interview.
Admission to the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) concentration is limited to persons with significant experience in business in general and the concrete industry specifically. As such, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) will not be required of persons applying to this concentration. Admission is determined after a full review of all application materials and is not automatic for persons meeting the minimum required for admission to the M.B.A.
Foundation Courses
The following foundation prerequisite courses or their equivalents are required before enrolling in core M.B.A. courses:
- ACTG 3000 - Survey of Accounting for General Business
- BIA 6000 - Quantitative Methods Survey
- FIN 3010 - Principles of Corporate Finance
Students may complete prerequisite courses after admission to the M.B.A. program if needed.
In addition to the requirements outlined above, international applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency that meets the University requirement.
NOTE: Students admitted into the MBA program who do not have a background in business education or those who think they may need some tutorial courses are advised to use any of the resources listed below. Please note that the program does not require prerequisite courses outside the listed foundation courses above (ACTG 3000, BIA 6000, and FIN 3010 or their equivalent).
The following is a list of self-paced, online programs that can be helpful. Students who think they may need to refresh their knowledge in the functional areas of business such as marketing, management, economics, finance, accounting, statistics, or using Excel are advised to make use of any of the following resources before taking the core classes.
It is the responsibility of the student to avail themselves of the resources listed above.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Priority deadlines for completed applications: Fall - June 1; Spring - October 1; Summer - April 1. Completed application packages received after the priority deadline will be evaluated based on the date received.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official scores on the GMAT examination;
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit a current resume.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Concrete Industry Management requires completion of 37 semester hours.
MBAM 6925 - Strategic Business Consulting, the capstone course, is taken in lieu of a comprehensive written examination for the M.B.A. This course should be taken during the student's last semester and after completing all other core courses in the curriculum.
Curriculum: Business Administration, Concrete Industry Management
The following illustrates the coursework requirements.
Core Courses (25 hours)
MBAA 6815 - Accounting Information for Managers
2credit hours
Prerequisites: ACTG 3000 or ACTG 2110 and ACTG 2120 and FIN 3000 or FIN 3010 or permission of department. Principles, concepts, and tools in financial and managerial accounting, including product costing, budgeting, decision making tools, performance measurement, financial accounting concepts, financial statement analysis tools, and reporting responsibilities of management. Not open to M.Acc. students.
MBAE 6865 - Economic Decisions for Managers
2credit hours
Prerequisites: FIN 3000 or FIN 3010 and ACTG 2110 and ACTG 2120 or ACTG 2110 and ACTG 2125 or ACTG 3000; BIA 6000 or equivalent. Focuses on the applications of microeconomic principles for making rational management analysis and decisions. Covers the guiding principles undergirding demand, supply, cost theories, and their relevance to business strategic pricing and output decisions. Explores the interaction of information, economic incentives, market competition, and how these interact to determine prices, products, profits, and patterns of trade and organization.
MBAF 6845 - Managerial Finance
2credit hours
Prerequisites: ACTG 3000 or equivalent, FIN 3010 or FIN 3000 or equivalent, and BIA 6000 or equivalent. Topics include evaluating capital investment proposals, measuring managerial performance, performing cash flow analysis, interpreting and evaluating financial information, and applying the capital asset pricing modeling (CAPM). Not open to students enrolled in the M.S. in Finance program.
MBAK 6895 - Marketing Strategy
2credit hours
An analytical, managerial approach to the marketing activities of a business enterprise. Emphasis on problem solving and decision making in marketing environments.
MBAI 6835 - IT Applications for Decision Making
2credit hours
(Same as INFS 6835.) Prerequisite: BIA 6000 or BIA 2610 and 3620. Focuses on application development using electronic spreadsheets to improve decision making efficiency and effectiveness. Uses a hands-on approach to develop skills in electronic spreadsheets and modeling applied to a variety of business situations. Not acceptable for credit toward the degree requirements for the M.S. in Information Systems but may be required as a prerequisite at the discretion of the program coordinator.
MBAI 6905 - Applied Business Analytics
3credit hours
(Same as BIA 6905.) Prerequisites: BIA 6000 and MBAI 6835 or BIA 2610 and BIA 3620; permission of department. An applied approach to the understanding, development, and application of prescriptive and data analytic tools to model and analyze business data. A hands-on focus utilized with both commonly-used spreadsheet software and specialized business intelligence software for the student to develop skills for self-service business analytics.
MBAM 6825 - Leading Organizations
2credit hours
Explores current management thought and experience on how to effectively lead/manage the people within an organization in a changing world. Emphasis on self-assessment, skill improvement, and problem solving of the current challenges organizations face.
MBAM 6875 - Supply Chain Operations
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MBAI 6835. Overview on the integration between supply chain operations strategies/decisions and their impact on other business functions in an organization.
MBAM 6925 - Strategic Business Consulting
4credit hours
Prerequisites: MBAB 6805, MBAK 6915/MBAM 6915, MBAM 6875, MBAA 6885/MBAF 6885, and MBAI 6905. Capstone course integrating the entire College of Business curriculum. Specifically focuses on applying analysis tools to real companies and the strategic issues they face.
MBAA 6885 - Decision Making in Accounting and Finance
3credit hours
(Same as MBAF 6885.) Prerequisites: MBAA 6815, MBAF 6845, and MBAI 6905. Make real-world decisions using financial modeling created from primary and secondary sources and tools. Sources include databases, case studies, accounting information, and executive feedback. Tools include financial statement analysis and risk analysis. Recommendations presented in a way that is credible to executive decision makers.
MBAF 6885 - Decision Making in Accounting and Finance
3credit hours
(Same as MBAA 6885.) Prerequisites: MBAA 6815, MBAF 6845, and MBAI 6905. Make real-world decisions using financial modeling created from primary and secondary sources and tools. Sources include databases, case studies, accounting information, and executive feedback. Tools include financial statement analysis and risk analysis. Recommendations presented in a way that is credible to executive decision makers.
Concentration Courses (12 hours)
CIM 6000 - Concrete Construction Sustainability
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admittance into the CIM-MBA program: Explores current topics in sustainability specifically as it relates to concrete production and general construction practices in the residential, commercial, and institutional construction segments.
CIM 6010 - Concrete Construction Troubleshooting
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admittance into the CIM MBA program. Explores current troubleshooting topics in concrete construction as it relates to selection, preconstruction communication, onsite construction activities, and post construction.
CIM 6020 - Project Management in Concrete and Construction
3credit hours
The elements of a project and the role and responsibilities of the construction team studied in depth. Acquaints students with risk management concepts, financial, labor, safety, equipment, and contracting issues facing managers in the engineering and construction environment.
CIM 6030 - Concrete and Construction Costs and Controls
3credit hours
Basic principles and applications of construction finance with an emphasis on the feasibility of a construction project and the acquisition and management of funds needed to profitably build a project. Emphasis also placed on construction competencies necessary for business start-up, operations, and expansion.
Program Notes
Students must meet the expectations of the University regarding adequate progress toward the degree. Specifically
- students are expected to maintain a 3.00 grade point average for all graduate coursework;
- students are expected to consistently enroll in and complete coursework in their area of study, making continuous progress as part of their cohort, toward attainment of the degree.
Students may transfer up to six credit hours of approved graduate coursework from another AACSB-accredited institution.
Concrete Industry Management
CIM 1050 - Blueprint Reading
1 credit hour
Provides a broad-based background in interpreting blueprints. Typical plans for both residential and commercial building reviewed.
CIM 1500 - Basic Road Construction Safety
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. The study of best-known safe work practices in the road construction industry. Upon successful completion of the course, student will have a working knowledge of how to be safe as well as maintain a safe work environment. Offers preparation for the MSHA and OSHA certification exams.
CIM 2500 - Road Construction Problem Solving and Decision Making
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Study of various problem solving and decision making methodologies as well as best-known customer service practices. Upon successful completion of this course, student will have a working knowledge of how to quickly analyze the situation and resolve it by using superior communication and negotiation skills.
CIM 2510 - Fundamentals of Road Construction
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Develops fundamental skills in the areas of construction science, building and construction design, material resources, technical writing, applied math, and basic computer skills.
CIM 2520 - Advanced Road Construction
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Further develops skills acquired from CIM 2510 in the areas of construction science, building and construction design, material resources, technical writing, applied math, and computer skills.
CIM 3000 - Fundamentals of Concrete: Properties and Testing
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: CHEM 1010/CHEM 1011 or CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111; CCM 1010. Concrete testing, admixtures, placing, and finishing. Effects of concrete-making materials on properties of fresh and hardened concrete materials. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory.
CIM 3050 - Concrete Construction Methods
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CCM 1010 or CIM 3000. Forming and shoring, placing and reinforcing; transporting, placing, consolidating, finishing, jointing, and curing concrete for cast-in-place foundations, pavements, slabs on ground, structural frames, and other structural members; erecting precast concrete members; waterproofing concrete foundations.
CIM 3060 - Understanding the Concrete Construction System
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3000. Detailed look at how the concrete construction industry works. Includes review of model building codes, building officials and their function, concrete industry codes and standards, concrete construction processes, quality assurance systems, contract documents, and concrete construction markets.
CIM 3070 - Site Planning, Layout, and Preparation
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: CCM 1010 and completion of program math requirements. Activities required to successfully prepare a site for concrete work. Includes initial site investigation, surveying, groundwork, subbase preparation, and elevations. Exposes students to modern technological tools and methods such the use of GPS, EDM, and lasers. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory.
CIM 3080 - Formwork Design and Computerized Drafting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3050. Overview of costs and safety with regard to formwork selection, design, and construction. Reviews the various forming systems available and how they may be integrated for use in specific project circumstances. Includes a basic review of CAD drafting techniques and their applications.
CIM 3090 - Computer Applications in Concrete and Construction Industries
3 credit hours
Studies most commonly used computer software applications being used by the concrete and construction industries. Upon completion students will have working knowledge of the software in the advanced CIM classes as well as the industry.
CIM 3100 - Applications of Concrete Construction
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3050. Details many uses of concrete in the construction of buildings, pavements, and other facilities. Emphasis on the advantages, disadvantages, and unique problems faced by materials suppliers, contractors, and design professionals when concrete is chosen for specific applications.
CIM 3300 - Concrete Industry Internship
1 to 9 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Opportunity for students to gain supervised, practical work experience in their particular field of interest within the concrete industry. The student will be evaluated by internship supervisor, and a final report will be submitted by the student detailing the internship experience.
CIM 3310 - Road Construction Internship I
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. This 400-hour, hands-on training will consist of working with earth moving equipment, pavers, compaction equipment, milling and cutting equipment, crushing equipment, recycling/stabilizing equipment, below grade construction. Trained MTSU faculty and industry professionals will lead this effort and put the interns through highly structured training program.
CIM 3320 - Road Construction Internship II
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. This 400-hour, hands-on training will further enhance the training received in CIM 3310. It will consist of working with earth moving equipment, pavers, compaction equipment, milling and cutting equipment, crushing equipment, recycling/stabilizing equipment, below grade construction. Trained industry professionals will lead this effort and put the interns through highly structured training program. This training will take place at the participant's dealer location.
CIM 3600 - Advanced Concrete Project Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3060. A continuation of the construction management concepts taught in CIM 3060. Emphasis on application of advanced project management concepts. A group activity involving management of a complex concrete construction project.
CIM 4010 - Design and Construction Issues
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CCM 3200. A review of concrete construction materials and their physical and mechanical properties. Special emphasis placed on the concepts of mechanics of materials and resolving design/construction mismatches.
CIM 4030 - Issues in the Concrete and Construction Industry: A Legal and Ethical Perspective
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: CIM 3050. Involves a case study approach to critically analyzing historical and current events in the concrete and construction industry. Particular emphasis on developing a managerial decision-making process incorporating ethical, legal, financial, and other business perspectives.
CIM 4050 - Management of Concrete Products: Ordering and Delivering
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3100 with C (2.0) or better. Provides student with basic understanding on managing order and delivery processes common to all concrete products. Emphasis on planning, organizing, and controlling at both the first-line supervisory and managerial levels. Key differences in the order and delivery functions of ready mix concrete, concrete masonry, pre-cast concrete, pre-stress concrete, and concrete pipe supplemented by product-specific guest lectures and plant tours.
CIM 4050 - Management of Concrete Products: Ordering and Delivering
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3100 with C (2.0) or better. Provides student with basic understanding on managing order and delivery processes common to all concrete products. Emphasis on planning, organizing, and controlling at both the first-line supervisory and managerial levels. Key differences in the order and delivery functions of ready mix concrete, concrete masonry, pre-cast concrete, pre-stress concrete, and concrete pipe supplemented by product-specific guest lectures and plant tours.
CIM 4060 - Management of Concrete Products: Production Facilities
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3100 with C (2.0) or better. Provides student with basic understanding of managing the manufacturing process common to all concrete products production facilities. Emphasis on planning, organizing, and controlling at both the first-line supervisory and managerial levels. Review of key differences in manufacturing process of ready mix concrete, concrete masonry, precast concrete, pre-stress concrete, and concrete pipe explained through product-specific guest lectures and plant tours.
CIM 4060 - Management of Concrete Products: Production Facilities
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3100 with C (2.0) or better. Provides student with basic understanding of managing the manufacturing process common to all concrete products production facilities. Emphasis on planning, organizing, and controlling at both the first-line supervisory and managerial levels. Review of key differences in manufacturing process of ready mix concrete, concrete masonry, precast concrete, pre-stress concrete, and concrete pipe explained through product-specific guest lectures and plant tours.
CIM 4070 - Concrete Contracting Personnel Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: CIM declared major and senior standing. Application of personnel management techniques in the contracting business. Emphasis on adapting management styles to various employee personality traits, training techniques, personal management, effective and efficient management of equipment and other resources, and leadership development.
CIM 4070 - Concrete Contracting Personnel Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: CIM declared major and senior standing. Application of personnel management techniques in the contracting business. Emphasis on adapting management styles to various employee personality traits, training techniques, personal management, effective and efficient management of equipment and other resources, and leadership development.
CIM 4100 - Field Management and Supervision
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Senior standing; CCM 1010 with C (2.0) or better. Offers knowledge and skills to effectively manage concrete construction jobsite activities. Emphasis on safety, equipment identification and use, maintenance, contingency plans, and worksite productivity.
CIM 4100 - Field Management and Supervision
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Senior standing; CCM 1010 with C (2.0) or better. Offers knowledge and skills to effectively manage concrete construction jobsite activities. Emphasis on safety, equipment identification and use, maintenance, contingency plans, and worksite productivity.
CIM 4150 - Concrete Problems: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Dispute Resolution
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3100 with C (2.0) or better. Diagnosing and preventing problems related to concrete production, testing, construction, and performance. Identifying causes of fresh and hardened concrete problems such as fast and slow setting, air content variations, low strength, cracking, and scaling. Pre-job conferences and dispute resolution methods.
CIM 4150 - Concrete Problems: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Dispute Resolution
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3100 with C (2.0) or better. Diagnosing and preventing problems related to concrete production, testing, construction, and performance. Identifying causes of fresh and hardened concrete problems such as fast and slow setting, air content variations, low strength, cracking, and scaling. Pre-job conferences and dispute resolution methods.
CIM 4200 - Senior Concrete Lab
2 credit hours
Prerequisites: CIM 3000 with C (2.0) or better; senior standing. Opportunity for students to gain in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of concrete and cement chemistry in a laboratory environment. The student will be evaluated by his/her ability to investigate a concrete situation and resolve the issue with a laboratory project. Graded activities include in-class exercises, written reports, and oral presentations. One hour lecture and three hours laboratory.
CIM 4200 - Senior Concrete Lab
2 credit hours
Prerequisites: CIM 3000 with C (2.0) or better; senior standing. Opportunity for students to gain in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of concrete and cement chemistry in a laboratory environment. The student will be evaluated by his/her ability to investigate a concrete situation and resolve the issue with a laboratory project. Graded activities include in-class exercises, written reports, and oral presentations. One hour lecture and three hours laboratory.
CIM 4300 - Concrete Mixture Design
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3100. A detailed study on the standard practices of designing and proportioning various types of concrete mixtures. Addresses the basic principles that govern the use of different types of cements, aggregates, supplementary cementitious materials, and chemical admixtures in concrete mixture design.
CIM 4300 - Concrete Mixture Design
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3100. A detailed study on the standard practices of designing and proportioning various types of concrete mixtures. Addresses the basic principles that govern the use of different types of cements, aggregates, supplementary cementitious materials, and chemical admixtures in concrete mixture design.
CIM 4400 - Decorative Concrete
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3000. Understanding and utilizing decorative concrete design applications, production, stamping, staining, and sealing. Manufacturing of concrete countertops, as well as vertical, flooring, and ornamental applications.
CIM 4400 - Decorative Concrete
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3000. Understanding and utilizing decorative concrete design applications, production, stamping, staining, and sealing. Manufacturing of concrete countertops, as well as vertical, flooring, and ornamental applications.
CIM 4500 - Masonry
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3000. Use, types, and manufacture of concrete masonry units. Discusses common techniques and technical considerations relating to construction using concrete masonry. Reviews typical laboratory testing procedures used for very specific compliance of concrete masonry units for use in construction.
CIM 4500 - Masonry
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3000. Use, types, and manufacture of concrete masonry units. Discusses common techniques and technical considerations relating to construction using concrete masonry. Reviews typical laboratory testing procedures used for very specific compliance of concrete masonry units for use in construction.
CIM 4600 - Design, Production, and Manufacture of Precast Concrete
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3050. Covers all relevant topics within the precast concrete industry including design, manufacture, handling, transportation, safety, quality, and erection of precast concrete productions. Helps minimize learning curve as a new professional in the precast industry.
CIM 4600 - Design, Production, and Manufacture of Precast Concrete
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: CIM 3050. Covers all relevant topics within the precast concrete industry including design, manufacture, handling, transportation, safety, quality, and erection of precast concrete productions. Helps minimize learning curve as a new professional in the precast industry.
CIM 4700 - Global Concrete Production and Construction Technologies
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. EXL course that includes a detailed look and hands-on experience in the concrete and construction industries in another part of the world. Classroom lectures include theoretical concepts and cultural expectations during travel; training portion allows students to apply the knowledge while working in a different culture and part of the world.
CIM 4700 - Global Concrete Production and Construction Technologies
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. EXL course that includes a detailed look and hands-on experience in the concrete and construction industries in another part of the world. Classroom lectures include theoretical concepts and cultural expectations during travel; training portion allows students to apply the knowledge while working in a different culture and part of the world.
CIM 4800 - Special Problems in Concrete Industry Management
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department and declared CIM major. Opportunity to pursue projects of individual interest in concrete industry management. Projects may be technical and/or managerial in nature and may require any combination of literature reviews, lab work, field studies, and other research methods. A faculty member will approve a formally submitted proposal for the study, supervise progress, and grade a report and a presentation which are required upon completion of the project. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of undergraduate credit.
CIM 4800 - Special Problems in Concrete Industry Management
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department and declared CIM major. Opportunity to pursue projects of individual interest in concrete industry management. Projects may be technical and/or managerial in nature and may require any combination of literature reviews, lab work, field studies, and other research methods. A faculty member will approve a formally submitted proposal for the study, supervise progress, and grade a report and a presentation which are required upon completion of the project. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of undergraduate credit.
CIM 4910 - Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Intensive study of a problem(s) appropriate to the major and the student's career interest. Solution(s) for problem(s) presented to a committee of concrete industry representatives. Presentation must emphasize depth of analysis, completeness and effectiveness of solution, and presentation skills.
CIM 4910 - Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Intensive study of a problem(s) appropriate to the major and the student's career interest. Solution(s) for problem(s) presented to a committee of concrete industry representatives. Presentation must emphasize depth of analysis, completeness and effectiveness of solution, and presentation skills.
