NorthWest Arkansas Community College

By taking Introduction to Computer Information Systems, you’ll become oriented with the terminology and application of computers and the internet. Commercial software packages include Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, business presentations and database applications. This course will satisfy the hands-on computer requirements of most degree plans. Outside lab time will be required.

Prerequisites: Cumulative 3.0 GPA, 19 ACT Reading (252 Accuplacer Next Generation Reading), minimum keyboarding skills of 25 wpm, plus minimum score of 25% on pre-assessment exam and basic hands-on familiarity with a Windows based computer. Students will be given the pre-test during the first week of class. Any student with a composite score below 25% will be asked to meet with their instructor or advisor.

In the Public Speaking course, you will learn to apply communication techniques needed to organize and deliver oral messages in a public setting.

Prerequisites: Cumulative 3.0 GPA, 19 ACT Reading (252 Accuplacer Next Generation Reading)

The English Composition I course guides you through the process of writing with regular practice and analysis of effective writing. This first course of the composition sequence emphasizes the writing of clear, concise, developed academic prose. Generally, you’ll be expected to follow the rules of Standard Edited English, understand paragraph development, and write a research assignment involving the integration of sources.

Prerequisites: Cumulative 3.0 GPA, 19 ACT English, 19 ACT Reading (252 Accuplacer Next Generation Reading, 260 Accuplacer Next Generation Writing .

By taking College Algebra, you’ll gain an overview of the fundamental concepts of algebra with an emphasis on functions and equation solving. Functions and equations include absolute value, square root, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic. Systems of linear equations and inequalities as well as quadratic inequalities will also be covered. You will use technology throughout the course to supplement and enhance understanding.

Prerequisites: Cumulative 3.0 GPA, 21 ACT Math and 254 Accuplacer Next Generation Reading

Beginning Summer 2021

Throughout the Retail Industry Foundations course, you will gain an awareness of the retail industry and how external influences impact it, understand the science behind store product shelf placement, be exposed to retail math and learn of the vast changes to occur in the industry over the next five years. This course will focus on the rapid changes in e-commerce/omni-channel retail and the importance of meeting customer needs. You will also understand the importance of leadership and professionalism and developing a personal brand.

Prerequisites: Students may be a high school junior or senior and do not have to meet ECE requirements to take this course.

Beginning Summer 2021

By taking the Exploring the Merchant Career Path course, you’ll learn about various professional career and education paths in both the retailer and supplier profession through meeting retail professionals, and participating in field trips and “day in the life” exercises and projects. You’ll be exposed to the following careers: buyer and seller roles, functions and responsibilities, product development, product design, private label development, sourcing and imports, marketing, legal, planning, finance, replenishment, logistics, operations, modular planning, analytics, data science, artificial intelligence, omni-channel, ecommerce, national account manager, sales manager, category management, marketing, etc. You’ll understand the processes involved in negotiations and interactions between retailers and suppliers, the importance of leadership and professionalism, and see which career path matches your interest levels.

Prerequisites: Students may be a high school junior or senior and do not have to meet ECE requirements to take this course.

Coming Summer 2022

In the Introduction to Retail Analysis & Supply Chain course, you’ll gain experience in retail analytics, as well as supply chain and replenishment functions in the retail and supply chain industries. You will utilize Microsoft Excel to manipulate retail data and develop basic analytical skills. The course is taught from the perspective of the product lifecycle - manufacturing and production to shipping from the manufacturer to the retailer and product flow to the store level and on the shelf for the customer.

You’ll also learn about product lifecycle for e-commerce products and the different types of analysis that occur along the product flow path, whether from a manufacturer, supplier or retailer perspective. You’ll apply basic retail math calculations as well as some basic introductory business problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites: CISQ 1103 Intro to Computer systems, preferably also taking CISM 1503 Spreadsheet Analysis - Excel

Coming Summer 2022

Through a JMP internship, you’ll acquire on-the-job training and experience working with a retailer, supplier, third party or transportation/logistics provider. Developed as a contract agreement between the student and a host, the internship offers practical experience supporting and applying skills learned in the JMP program in a real work situation. The course consists of an internship, interview and resume development as well as a final presentation on information learned on the job and in the program, as well as next step career aspirations.

Prerequisites: CISQ 1103 Intro to Computer systems, CISM 1503 Spreadsheet Analysis – Excel, XJMP 1001 JMP Retail Industry Foundations, XJMP 2001 JMP Exploring the Merchant Career Path, XJMP 3001 JMP Intro to Retail Analysis & Supply Chain