Time Schedule:
Leslie Breitner
PB AF 555
Seattle Campus
Examines various topics of public importance in nonprofit management. Integrates the political, managerial, and economic dimensions of these issues.
Class description
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the financial framework of nonprofit organizations. The course will focus on the financial principles and management of nonprofits, with an emphasis on financial reporting, strategic financial planning, managerial decision-making, and budgeting. The course will illustrate financial concepts using real world examples from case studies. While a prerequisite for this course is the core financial management and budgeting course at the Evans School (or equivalent in another school), this is not primarily a course in accounting. Rather, its focus is on management control concepts and problems in nonprofit organizations. Historically, nonprofit organizations survived on the strength of their mission and their ability to attract increasing amounts of public and private support for their activities. More recently, managers and professionals have recognized a need for stronger management skills, among them financial management and management control. Prerequisite: 522 and/or background in basics of financial accounting.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The course is taught using the case method of instruction. There is one text required for the course (see UW Bookstore information). Each week students will have background readings and a case or two to analyze. We will discuss the case(s) together in class, building understanding of the underlying concepts. There will be several written assignments required for the course.
Recommended preparation
Background in or knowledge of financial accounting or PbAf522/Breitner.
Class assignments and grading
Case analysis in the form of a memorandum with accompanying exhibit(s).
Grades are based on evaluation of written assignments and contribution to class discussions.
