Discipline Elective II – MBA Study Notes
What is a “Discipline Elective II”?
Think of it as the second hobby you pick after the first one.
You already know the basics (Discipline I) and now you choose another area to explore.
1. Quick Overview
| Item | What it means |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Gain deeper knowledge in a business area of your choice. |
| Why it matters | Shows employers you’re curious and can learn new skills. |
| Typical format | Reading, case study, group project, or a short paper. |
2. Everyday Analogy
- University classes are like recipes.
- Core subjects are the main ingredients (e.g., finance, marketing).
- Electives are the spices that add flavor.
- Discipline Elective II is the second spice you add to finish the dish.
3. Learning Goals in Plain Language
- Pick a topic that excites you.
- Read a few key articles (no need for heavy textbooks).
- Ask yourself: “What problem does this topic solve?”
- Show what you learned with a short project or presentation.
4. How to Get Started
| Step | What to Do | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose a topic | List 3–5 areas that interest you. | “Digital marketing”, “Sustainability in supply chain”, “Data analytics for small businesses” |
| 2. Do quick research | Find 2–3 recent articles or videos. | Read a 10‑minute video on “Green logistics”. |
| 3. Ask a guiding question | “How can this help a company?” | “How can a small café use green logistics to cut costs?” |
| 4. Draft a plan | Outline 3–4 points you’ll cover. | 1️⃣ Problem 2️⃣ Solution 3️⃣ Benefits 4️⃣ Next steps |
| 5. Create a tiny project | Build a one‑page plan, a short slide deck, or a demo. | A 3‑slide PowerPoint showing a marketing plan for a local coffee shop. |
| 6. Present or submit | Share with classmates or your professor. | Show the slide deck in a 5‑minute class presentation. |
5. Tiny Sample Project
Topic – Digital Marketing for a Neighborhood Bakery
| Slide | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Slide 1 – Problem | Many local bakeries struggle to attract online customers. |
| Slide 2 – Solution | Use Instagram stories + a simple website with ordering. |
| Slide 3 – Benefits | 10% more sales, 5% lower marketing cost. |
Result: A clear, one‑page plan that you could hand to the bakery owner.
6. Study Tips
- Keep it short – aim for 1–2 pages of content.
- Use everyday language – avoid business buzzwords.
- Show a real example – people love stories they can relate to.
- Ask for feedback – show it to a friend and ask, “Does this make sense?”
7. Final Checklist
- Topic chosen & approved.
- 2–3 sources read.
- Guiding question written.
- Project outline drafted.
- Tiny project completed.
- Feedback received.
- Final submission or presentation done.
🎯 Bottom line
Discipline Elective II is your chance to try a new business skill in a small, focused way. Treat it like a hobby you’re learning: pick something you like, do a little research, make a quick project, and share what you learned. Good luck!