Course Code
Academic Year
This course provides an introduction to software packages in common use in arts organizations, covering key functional areas: marketing, fundraising, finance and administration; and to the resource allocation decision-making process by which managers determine how to acquire the expertise necessary to carry out these tasks. Through a series of five modules taught by subject matter experts, students will gain proficiency in Excel, Sage 50 (accounting), Sumac (customer relationship management / fundraising), Adobe Suite (design / creative), SeaMonkey (HTML editing) and WordPress (web design). Each module will provide an overview of the capabilities of the software and an opportunity for the students to execute assignments representative of typical arts management tasks. In addition, students will explore decision-making as a generic task, and consider how managers apply decision-making skills to choices such as in-house training versus outsourcing to freelance experts.