School of Business Administration

Open house focuses on programs that quickly prepare workers for new careers

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:33:00 EST

Oakland University’s School of Business Administration will host an open house to highlight professional education certificate programs that help workers remain competitive in today’s job market or prepare for new careers in the 21st century workforce.

The open house will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in 234 Elliott Hall.

Student-driven All For One campaign supports local, OU communities

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:15:09 EST

OU students created the All For One community giving campaign to collect food for the needy and money for OU scholarships. The campaign wraps up with a party on Friday, Nov. 20.

Harley Davidson in England revs up students knowledge

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:36:00 EST

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

OU supporter helps makes global experience possible for grad students

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:35:00 EST

Gaining first-hand knowledge of the global marketplace is the goal of the MGT 681 Globalization Impact-Case Study Europe graduate class. Through the class, students travel to Europe or to China and India to learn how economic, political and social issues impact business decisions.

As tough economic times hit OU students, the trip was cancelled in 2008. When this year's spring trip was in jeopardy, long-time OU SBA supporter George Seifert stepped in -- not only making this trip possible, but creating an endowment to ensure it continues to be an annual event.

Seifert coordinated a $2,000 gift from the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, where he is vice chair. Combined with additional support from other annual donors and the matching gift from the Elliott-Stinson Challenge, these gifts provided six students with $1,000 scholarships each, making it possible for them to experience life - and business - abroad.

Short-term education leads to long-term career

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:28:00 EST

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.

Classmates offer knowledge and expertise through SBA Peer Advising program

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:24:00 EST

When sophomore Andrew Makowski needed guidance on picking a major, he turned to an innovative new SBA program that pairs undergraduate students with a peer adviser to provide answers for common advising questions.

Through the SBA Peer Advising Program, peer advisers are able to provide on-the-spot advising to students in areas such as course schedule planning, general information and major standing.

"Students like talking to other students because if offers a different perspective," says Kellie Klinck, SBA adviser. "In addition, if the question is something basic, students don't have to wait for an appointment or walk-in time. The two advising models -- professional advising and peer advising -- work well together and increase student satisfaction and service delivery."

Seeking the motivation behind information sharing in virtual communities

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:21:00 EST

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.

Health care leaders, EMBA members, students and faculty debate health care reform

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:17:00 EST

“At a time when our nation is working on legislation to reform health care, OU's School of Business Administration offered a great opportunity to bring various perspectives from the health care industry into the discussion,” says Dr. Bassam Nasr, president, Health Care Network, and 2007 OU SBA Executive MBA (EMBA) graduate. Nasr served as moderator for an interactive panel discussion which debated the challenges and opportunities of reform, and included speakers from major hospitals, health insurance companies, research centers and academia.

The session was part of the school's October 2009 International Business Conference.

A second session focused on health care posed the question, "Can IT save the health care crisis?" This panel, featuring CIOs, business analysts and educators, was moderated by EMBA student Denis Dudzinski, senior account executive, health care, Compuware/Covisint.

Message from the Dean

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:26:00 EST

Moving Michigan Forward

Although key indicators show that Michigan businesses can continue to expect tough times ahead, recent news from economic activity indexes and surveys of top Michigan business leaders show some improvement on the horizon.

The School of Business Administration is taking advantage of opportunities presented to partner with local and international organizations to identify new roles for existing industries, provide our students with valuable experiential learning experiences, help businesses move forward with new ideas, and continue to lead through faculty research and business projects.

The stories in this issue of SBA Insight Online -- and new stories regularly posted on our SBA Web site -- offer a sample of how our focus on integrative thinking, experiential learning and global understanding continue to create excellence for our business and academic partners, our students and the community at large.

OU’s Executive MBA program offers concentrations in high-demand careers

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:29:38 EST

To help business leaders stay up to date in rapidly evolving business sectors, Oakland University offers the Executive MBA program in health care management and information systems leadership.

The program, designed for highly motivated professionals, is one of very few in the country and the only one in Michigan to offer different, but complementary concentrations. The program prepares professionals to be successful leaders in a dynamic global business environment. Launched in 2000, the EMBA already has many successful alumni in leadership positions.

Learn more about the program at the information session on Friday, Nov. 20, at 5:30 p.m., at 238 Elliott Hall on OU's campus in Rochester.

Hope, diversification key to manufacturing's future

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:12:59 EST

Despite the bad press, manufacturing is alive and well in Michigan.

Mohan Tanniru, dean, OU's School of Business Administration, and Joe Petrosky, dean, engineering and advanced technology, Macomb Community College, joined State Representative Kim Meltzer on her show -- On Message with Meltzer -- to discuss manufacturing jobs in the 21st century.

Touching on the key themes of hope and diversification, the trio talked about how educational institutions, government, the private sector, students -- from kindergarten through university level -- and displaced workers form foundation for the future of the manufacturing industry.

Explore and expand career options with professional development programs

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:31:00 EST

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.

Business leader encourages students to create their own opportunities for successful future

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:45:44 EST

Noted business leader Jerry York shared his views of the economic future with more than 120 SBA accounting and finance students during a Beta Alpha Psi meeting last week.

The chairman, president and CEO of Harwinton Capital, and chief aide to Kirk Kerkorian, discussed the state of the U.S. economy, capital markets, the Washington Agenda and long-term perspectives. He then turned the conversation to what it all means to the students in the audience.

His remarks were a cold dose of reality. With jobs continuing to move overseas, he indicated future job prospects are grim. “Creating one’s own opportunity is necessary,” he said.

SBA anniversary celebration offers something for everyone

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:35:25 EST

Early October marked the celebration of the SBA's 40th anniversary with events highlighting the strengths of the school, including a comprehensive international business conference and a celebration dinner honoring the accomplishments and contributions of SBA alumni, faculty, staff and friends.

The SBA launched the celebration by providing an opportunity for foursomes to golf on at the OU Golf & Learning Center.

A full day was devoted to learning, as business professionals from around the country came together for the SBA's 2009 International Business Conference offering in-depth discussions led by experts on key topics such as ethics, leading in a global environment, health care reform, IT and health care delivery, and improving the business student experience. An in-depth article on the sessions and discussions is available on the SBA Web site.

CIBRE Conversations mobilize industry leaders, academia and government

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:26:45 EST

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.

Health Care Issues

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:41:12 EST

Deepening Student Engagement & Meeting the Demands of the 21st Century Workplace

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:39:53 EST

The Role of Decision Making within Business Strategy

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:39:11 EST

Leading in a Global Environment

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:38:21 EST

Ethics and Social Responsibility

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:37:44 EST