A meeting with Harley Davidson executives in England was an eye-opening experience for OU MBA students who traveled to Europe in June as part of the MGT 681 Globalization Impact-Case Study Europe class.

As an assignment before the trip, students researched Harley Davidson and created a marketing plan for its new European motorcycle. During the trip, students had the unique opportunity to compare their ideas to the company’s actual marketing plan.

“We realized our ideas were not on par with theirs, as we failed to consider the difference in culture," says Kacey Dittmer, MBA student

Earning a bachelor’s degree in three-and-a-half years is practically unheard of – unless you’re Dennis Janowski (BA Economics ’72).

“The economy was in a recession in the early 1970s, much like it is today.” says Janowski. “I knew the competition for employment would be greatest in the spring, when most students would be graduating. I thought I could get a jumpstart on the job market by earning my degree in December.”

His strategy paid off. Janowski secured a position with Detroit Bank and Trust Co. — which later became Comerica – and he’s been there ever since. He is currently senior vice president, deputy manager of the foreign exchange and commodity derivatives groups, and manager of North American foreign exchange risk.

SBA researcher receives grant to study knowledge sharing behavior

Online social, business and other networks continue to increase in popularity – gathering people with common interests into virtual communities (VC) that flourish through the regular exchange of information. Without a vibrant community that engages in exchange of information, these communities will not survive. But what motivates those with the knowledge to share it with others?

That’s the question Balaji Rajagopalan, associate professor, MIS, and faculty director of SBA graduate programs and research for the SBA’s Center for Integrated Business Research and Education, is investigating to address the biggest challenge VCs face: maintaining the supply of knowledge.

Oakland University's School of Business Administration offers professional development and continuing education programs focused on high-demand and emerging sectors to help individuals enhance their current skills or prepare for a new career.

In fact, the commitment to assisting the professional student population drives our market-leading, innovative programming features. Programs often include an internship component to assist career changers gain experience, build skills and make business connections that help launch professionals into new careers.

"The Paralegal Program at OU's School of Business Administration is built to suit the needs of any individual. Thanks to the superb quality professors with real-world experience coupled with hands-on learning through an internship I graduated prepared and excited to begin my new career. I couldn't have asked for a better learning experience," notes recent paralegal program graduate, Lindsey Callewaert, legal assistant, Kelly Services.

Most SBA professional education programs qualify for Michigan Works! No Worker Left Behind funding. To find out if the program you’re interested in qualifies, visit www.michiganworks.com, then select No Worker Left Behind link, then select Oakland University from the provider list on the Career Education Consumer Report.

SBA's innovative CIBRE Conversations are energizing participants and building momentum about what can be accomplished when academia, government and business join together.

"We have been successful in getting people to come together to share their stories and explore opportunities," says SBA Dean Mohan Tanniru. "I always thought there was a need for forums that cater to the needs of displaced white collar workers and small business entrepreneurs to interact with each other and collaborate."

Created by the SBA's Center for Integrated Business Research and Education (CIBRE) as an opportunity to support a variety of industries in an unbiased, agenda-free dialog, the meetings are gaining momentum and generating ongoing discussions.

Participants in the health care CIBRE Conversations created an affiliate group and are writing proposals for grant funding, while the energy management group is developing a tool for energy audits for residential and commercial facilities.

However, Tanniru is especially pleased by the progress made by members of the tool and die group, who are working to impact the future of the industry in Michigan, as well as addressing important legislative issues.