CBA UNDERGRADUATE
  STUDENT NEWSLETTER

Issue 13 - Spring 2008

A Message from the Dean
CBA is committed to student success

Princeton Review Ranks CBA as a Best Graduate Business School
CBA ranked for fourth year in a row

2008 Summer Scholars
Two students will receive $1500 cash as their research award

Graduate Programs Information Session
Learn more about CBA graduate level programs

Entrepreneuship Education Consortium Created Consortium gives students opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship

Study Abroad Program Gives Students a New Perspective
Would you like to study abroad this summer?

Fisher Institute "Sellebrates" National Sales Month
Five hundred sales executives participated in the event

SIFE Team Participated in Regional Competition
Presenters were complimented for professionalism and enthusiasm

Supply Chain Management Team Placed 2nd in Competition
Team competed against Auburn University, Michigan State University, The University of Maryland, and others

Beta Gamma Sigma Inducted 75 New Members
CBA recognized best and brightest

Kevin O'Donnell was Social Responsibility Lecture Speaker
What geeks and geezers need to know in a global marketplace

Betty Martinez Lowery Spoke about Minority Business Development at Disney
Disney embraces diversity

Andrew Thomas Served on Book Committee
Process was engaging and interesting

Center for Career Management
Are you connected?

Online Evaluations
Evaluations critical in continuous improvement

New Distance Learning Lab in Fall 2008
Room 105 to be converted

CBA Draft Week
Student organizations showcased what they have to offer

Student Appreciation Day
Warm chili on a cold day

Calendar of Events

The University of Akron

College of Business Administration
259 S. Broadway
Akron, OH 44325-4805
www.uakron.edu/cba

Raj Aggarwal, Dean

James Emore, Associate Dean

James Divoky, Asst. Dean/Director
Graduate Programs

Jennifer Hodges,  Director
Undergraduate Programs

Thomas Calderon, Chair
Daverio School of Accountancy

David Redle, Chair
Department of Finance

Ravindra Krovi , Chair
Department of Management

Doug Hausknecht, Interim Chair
Department of Marketing

Andrienne Calderon, Director
CBA Administrative Services

Mary Hardin 
Director of Technology

Message from Dean Aggarwal

It is now my second year as the Dean of this great College of Business Administration. As many of you may know by now, we have had some wonderfully successful couple of years – and the word seems to be getting out!

We have once again been selected as a “ Best Business School ” in the US by the Princeton Review . We have had a 47% increase in graduate applications and a 55% increase in undergraduate applications for admission into our College of Business Administration!

My goals continue to be to ensure and enhance student success. I believe that business is a global clinical (applied) discipline that is facing continuing change due to the impacts of technology and globalization. The continuing rise of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) and other emerging markets is nothing short of amazing. So, all of us must continue to improve our understanding of technology and globalization, the two forces that are continuing to have deep impacts on our society and work environments.

In order to be successful in such a dynamic environment, it is important not only to learn practical business skills and practices, it also important to develop your own framework for thinking about business issues (understanding of theory) so you can adjust to the many inevitable changes you will face in your careers. Career flexibility, a strong work ethic, a can-do attitude, and an ability to learn how to learn will be premium abilities.

Fortunately, I can assure you that the outstanding faculty and staff of The University of Akron's College of Business Administration are fully capable of providing you with the knowledge and skills that you will need to succeed. Please do take advantage of their knowledge and wisdom during your stay with us. We are indeed blessed to have such great faculty in our college.

In addition, please also take advantage of the many opportunities for learning and practicing leadership skills that are available outside formal classroom settings through student organizations, lectures by invited business leaders, and internship and study abroad programs. If you get a chance, check out our new Corbin Finance Lab!

You can be proud of your college and university! We are getting better every day and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to lead one of the best business schools in Ohio.

Oh, and by the way, do not forget to enjoy your time in the CBA. Speaking as an older guy, some of you may not realize this, but I can assure you that this is a time in your life that you will remember fondly later in life.

Have a great semester!

Raj Aggarwal

Dean

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According to the 2008 edition of The Princeton Review's Best 290 Business Schools, The University of Akron CBA is for the fourth year in a row "a best business school and one of the best MBA programs in the world.” The Princeton Review compiled the rankings based on school-reported data and feedback from 19,000 students. The review noted that the CBA has flexible degree programs, a sizable international student group that is beneficial in group work and class discussions, outstanding professors, and a dynamic new Dean! Additionally, not yet noted by the Review, our part-time MBA average GMAT scores have been going up and are now among the highest in Ohio (exceeded significantly only by Ohio State).

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The College of Business Administration is proud to announce the 2008 University of Akron CBA Summer Scholars. The selection committee has chosen Aniqa Feerasta, with faculty mentor Dr. Deborah Owens, and Rebecca Discenza, with faculty mentor Dr. Steve Ash, to receive the 2008 CBA Summer Scholars awards. Ms. Feerasta is a junior majoring in International Business and Economics. She and Dr. Owens have plans to explore the topic of the role of international students as drivers of economic growth in Ohio. Ms. Discenza is a junior majoring in Human Resource Management. She and Dr. Ash plan to conduct research on the topic of weight discrimination within the context of equal employment opportunity. Both students are also enrolled in the Honors program.

This is the inaugural year of the CBA Summer Scholars program. The objectives of the program are to:

• Enhance student and faculty understanding of the value undergraduate research adds to the university experience.
• Begin involvement of CBA Honors students in research endeavors.
• Enable CBA faculty to learn first-hand the benefits of including undergraduates in their own research.
• Create the foundation for building a culture of and structure for undergraduate research initiatives throughout the CBA.

Each of the students will receive $1500 cash as their research award. Each faculty member will receive $1000 in professional development funds. The students were selected as CBA Summer Scholars following a competitive application process. The required outcomes of the awards are:

• a submission to The UA Conference on Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research by the student; and
• a completed research report suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal by the faculty mentor.

The faculty selection committee who reviewed the applications included Susan Hanlon, Melinda Newman, Prashant Srivastava, and Akhilesh Chandra.

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Date: Friday, April 11, 2008
Time: 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Place: CBA 121

Featuring the:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Science in Management (MSM)

Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)

Master of Taxation

Joint Business and Law Programs

Graduate Business Certificate Programs

UA Business Undergraduates with a recent degree may be able to complete a degree in one year on a full-time basis.

Advisors and faculty will be on hand to answer your questions and provide guidance.

Reservations are requested, but not required. Register online at http://www.uakron.edu/colleges/cba/graduate/signup.html or R.S.V.P to: gradcba@uakron.edu, (330)972-7043.

Join us and learn how you can join the ranks of our successful graduates!

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UA's Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and New Business Legal Clinic and six other entrepreneurship centers (Ashland University, Baldwin Wallace, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland State, John Carroll, and Kent State Universities) have created a new Entrepreneurship Education Consortium in Northeast Ohio to avoid brain drain and stimulate economic growth.

The consortium of universities will select 35 students (5 from each school), from any discipline, to spend a week at John Carroll University and participate in an intensive week-long entrepreneurship academy over the summer, Aug. 10-15. The students will learn about various aspects of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

To be eligible, students must be entering their junior or senior year in any major. Tuition, room, meals, and textbooks will be provided at no cost.

To apply, submit your resume, a copy of your transcripts, and answers to the questions below to Dr. Todd Finkle at finklet2000@yahoo.com . Applications are due by Tuesday, April 15.

Questions (1-2 paragraphs each):

·   Why are your interested in being selected for this Immersion Week?

·   What do you expect to bring to your team?

·   What do you expect to take away from the experience?

To learn more, contact Dr. Todd A. Finkle at ext. 8479 or finklet@uakron.edu.

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Each year, the CBA offers a variety of study abroad programs that enable students to earn credits toward a degree, travel with friends, and meet new people in new places. This year's programs include:

Summer in Korea

Ulsan University Summer Study Program in July, 2008

AIP is a summer international program designed for foreign students who want to learn basic Korean language, cultures, history, society, and business environments. The program consists of lectures, excursions, and field trips. Participants will have opportunities to visit a wide variety of places such as historical, cultural, and industrial sites around Ulsan and other cities in Korea. To maximize the Korean Studies experience, each student will be paired with a Korean student and share a room in the dormitory throughout the program.

Tuition, dormitory fees, food, and field trip costs are waived by the University of Ulsan. 

For more information go to: www.ulsan.ac.kr/ or contact: Dr. Il-Woon Kim at ikim@uakron.edu

Summer in India

Course credit being offered (open to all majors, no prerequisites):

Special Topics – Management in India (Undergraduate Course) (6500:460)

Special Topics – Indian Management Systems (Graduate Course) (6500:697)

Visit important cultural sites, such as: Taj Mahal, Mysore Palace, Parliament (Vidhana Souda), and Banneraghatta (safari), and more.

Cost:

The cost for the trip to students is $3,900, which covers local specialist lectures, company tours, round trip airfare to India, housing, a significant portion of sight-seeing, and some meals. It does not cover University of Akron tuition.

Faculty, staff, and spouses are welcome.  

Important Dates:

Space reservation deposit - March 28 ($500); 2nd Payment – April 30 ($900); Final payment – May 15 ($900). Round trip airfare to India will be approximately $1,600, which you pay on your own.

For more information go to: http://cite.uakron.edu/cite/studyabroad

or contact Dr. Vijay – 330.972.5442; vijay@uakron.edu

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On February 19th, the Fisher Institute for Professional Selling held the Spring meeting of its Executive Advisory Board. Over 30 executives, students and faculty members participated in the event. The meeting began at 2:00 p.m. in CBA 139, the sales classroom. Dean Aggarwal spoke on recent developments in the CBA. Craig Pickering, First Vice President – Investments at Merrill Lynch, explained how his Hudson based team helps clients. Phyllis Cain, Director Individual Product Lines at SummaCare, described the sales practices within her firm.

Board members were provided with a tour of the Fisher Sales Lab and its new technology. Sales majors Matt Maier and Bridget McGlone made a power point presentation on the recent trip taken by 35 sales students and faculty members to a Tom Hopkins Seminar in Columbus. Lauren Gates and Lindsay Smeiles then presented a descriptive overview of the students majoring in Sales Management at Akron, highlighting their demographics and career interests. Dr. Linda Orr, Assistant Professor of Marketing, introduced members of the Akron team who will soon participate in the National Collegiate Sales Competition in Atlanta. The afternoon session ended with a panel discussion on sales careers with sales students and board members.

Left: University of Akron sales students and faculty members enjoyed being photographed with sales training legend Tom Hopkins at his “Closing the Sale” Seminar in Columbus on February 7, 2008.

Right: Jill Gorian received the SMEI - Akron Exceptional Sales & Marketing Collegiate Award on February 19, 2008 from Riley Lochridge, the 2007 Executive of the Year who currently serves as the Chairman & CEO of ComDoc, Inc.

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Students In Free Enterprise, enjoyed a very successful year, culminating with The University of Akron team with a presentation at the regional SIFE competition in Cleveland on March 19, 2008. The UA team received many compliments from the regional judges, and while they did not rank high enough to continue to the national competition, the judges noted that “all the presenters were very professional and showed great enthusiasm for their SIFE Projects and did a truly outstanding job”.

The SIFE projects this year included a program teaching about economics and stocks, for fifth graders at Johnson Middle School in Barberton; a joint event on Angel Investing with John Houston and The University of Akron Research Foundation; the Fall “What to Wear/Not Wear” job interview competition; an ethics discussion with UA, Board of Trustee Member Roland Bauer JD; and the very successful Spring game show in which 150 students played “Tell the Truth” by matching careers to successful North East Ohio Female entrepreneurs. The students who presented at the SIFE regional competition are pictured below with Dr. Debra Owens, Associate Professor Marketing.

SIFE 2008 Presentation Team: (Left to right) Stan Vaughn, Michael Modon (Vice President) Eddie Roedig, Andrea Levengood, Terrell Carmichael, Dr. Owens ( Advisor) Nick Roth, Alex Frost, and Mike Tokarz (President).

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The Pittsburgh Chapter of Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has hosted a “College Challenge” each year for the last 22 years. Universities with undergraduate programs in Supply Chain Management are invited to send teams to participate. Students representing their schools answer questions on transportation, inventory, warehousing, international logistics, and other supply chain topics. UA sent a team for the first time this year. The competition was held at Robert Morris University on March 27th.

The UA team, consisting of Rob Ahlers, Dan Campbell, Tom Kornuc, Steve Papania, and Dan Ros, competed against teams from Auburn University, Duquesne University, Michigan State University, the University of Maryland, and others. The UA team placed first in its qualifying round. The team then advanced to the final round, where it placed second overall for the competition (behind The University of North Texas.)

The competition was followed by a dinner at which the speaker was retired Lieutenant General W. G. “Gus” Pagonis, who was responsible for logistics for the first Gulf War, and later responsible for logistics at Sears. On Friday, the participants took a tour of the Ohio River on the Keystone Belle and listened to presentations from representatives of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission, Ingram Barge Company, US Steel, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Pictured above are UA team members (left to right): Tom Kornuc, Dan Campbell, Dan Ros, Rob Ahlers, and Steve Papania.

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The induction ceremony for the College's Kappa of Ohio Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma honor society was held on March 28, 2008 in the University Student Union Ballroom. The Chapter inducted 75 new members including four faculty; Dr. Aigbe Akhigbe, Dr. Douglas Hausknecht, Dr. Il-Woon Kim, and Dr. Ravi Krovi. This year's student acceptance rate was 80%; an increase of 8% over last year's.

Feng Yang was selected as the Outstanding Junior and Kristen Smyers as the Outstanding Senior. Hafiza Azizi and Anthony Balasco shared the Outstanding Graduate Student award.

Mark Ogrizek, a junior majoring in Accounting, was selected as the recipient of the $1,000 Beta Gamma Sigma Scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year. We qualified to participate in the scholarship program because of our standing as an Exemplary Chapter.

New officers were also chosen for 2008-200: Yuliya Trunov will be President and Karen Zapata Franca will be Vice President.

The evening included a delicious dinner and was capped off by an inspiring presentation by Charles Hallberg, Founder & CEO of MemberHealth.

Congratulations to the new members, the outstanding students, and the scholarship recipient.

To learn more about membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, visit the Beta Gamma Sigma website at http://www.betagammasigma.org/

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Kevin O'Donnell, Managing Director of O'Donnell & Associates, was the featured speaker for the CBA's Social Responsibility Lecture Series on March 25, 2008.  Formerly the CEO for SIFCO Industries, Mr. O'Donnell is also a former director of the Peace Corps.  He is a very unique business person in that he has worked in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.

His talk was titled, "Murphy's Law and Your Career.” He discussed what job seekers should be careful of in the workplace and how to be successful in a global economy. He proposed that geeks should learn how to successfully work with geezers and vice versa. In a global economy, students should be aware that everyone in the workplace runs a different software. A person's software is impacted by life experiences. To be successful, it is necessary to suspend judgment. It is also important to learn basic foreign language skills to help in business negotiations. A friendly attitude and smile will help in any situation. A successful business person will "respect the differences, and accept where they are, not where they should be."

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Betty Martinez Lowery, Manager, Minority Business Development at Disney, graced our campus on March 6, 2008, as part of the Women Trailblazers Program sponsored by The Office of Multicultural Development and co-sponsored by The Women Studies Program, Archives of the History of American Psychology, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Fine and Applied Arts. Her presentation included information about Disney's Diversity Business Case which provides business opportunities in non-traditional markets, while also providing leadership in the Cast (Employees) that reflects the changing marketplace. It seeks to utilize the talents of all Cast by embracing different opinions, backgrounds, and styles. In addition, Disney's diversity is reflected through product offerings, in languages, images, themes, services, amenities, and business practices.

Mrs. Lowery's talked about how Minority Business Development is influential in developing partnerships and collaborating with Minority and Women Owned Businesses. Strategic goals include: sponsorship, community outreach and small business support, and the Supplier Diversity Program. Partnerships are developed with various professional organizations like the National Black MBA Association, Inc., National Association of Women Business Owners, National Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, North American Association of Asian Professionals, and the NAACP. Disney's ultimate goal is to advance the Walt Disney World reputation and appeal as a premier corporate citizen, place of business opportunity, top employer, and world class conference destination, within diverse guest segments.

The CBA hosted a luncheon in honor of Mrs. Lowery and a small group of CBA students and faculty who are “Trailblazers” in their own right. During the animated luncheon discussion, Vanessa Washington from Toastmaster's recommended the book, "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office" by Lois Frankel, which discusses mistakes women make that can sabotage their careers. The students and faculty enjoyed meeting Mrs. Lowery and hearing her inspiring presentation.  

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When Andrew Thomas volunteered to serve on the committee to select the 2008 freshman book for the Office of Student Orientation and Summit College, he did not really know what to expect.  Faculty members often take assignments that involve not only their own college, but colleges campus wide.  This particular assignment involved all colleges.

What he experienced, was an engaging and interesting process that led to the selection of one of Andrew's personal top choices: "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah.  This book, which Dr. Thomas describes as “global in nature and illustrative of the scope and magnitude of the many problems faced on the African continent,” will be read and discussed by every freshman student in Fall 2008.  It is a way for freshmen to have a common experience during their transition from high school to college. 

Dr. Thomas ought to know a little bit about Africa.  His business experience includes selling Chinese motorcycles in Africa and has visited a number of African countries, negotiated with African officials, and seen the problems first hand.  As an assistant professor in the Department of Marketing, Thomas tells his students the stories of his travels, well illustrated with home movies taken during his visits. 

In summing up the committee's work, Dr. Thomas had this to say, “I thought the process was very thorough. It was well run and organized. I was proud to have served on the committee.”

The University has used a common freshman book for a number of years now, and the experience has proved to be valuable.  The books selected have not only been worthwhile for students to read, but have also been of interest to faculty and staff. Thomas stated, “I found Beah's story to be both depressing and inspiring at the same time.  The kids should really enjoy it.”

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It's that time of year again when graduation is just around the corner. Have you put your search off until the very end? Did you know that the average job search can take 6-9 months? Now is the time to meet with one of the Center's advisors.

Or, are you thinking about searching for a co-op/internship? Did you know 70% of employers hire students directly from their co-op/internship experience! The co-op/internship process starts with attendance at one of our orientation sessions, which can be done in-person or on-line. It's not too early to start planning your fall or spring 08-09 co-op/internship.

With a variety of programs ranging from on-campus interviewing, resume development and interviewing skills to career advising appointments, employer networking and Career Fairs, the Center for Career Management is your career management connection.

Don't miss out on interview deadlines; Start your job search now. All you need to do is call the Center at 330-972-7747 and schedule an appointment. We are located in Simmons Hall Room 301. You can also reach us by email: uaccm@uakron.edu, or visit us on the web at www.uakron.edu/ccm.

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Thanks to all students who participated in the evaluation of teaching process in the Fall semester; particularly, those who took the time to complete the evaluation online.

This semester, we will once again be giving faculty the opportunity to have their evaluations administered online instead of through the traditional paper and pencil method. If your instructor chooses to participate in the online process, you will receive an e-mail later in the semester with a link to the online evaluation form and instructions for completing it.

As you know, the objectives of the evaluation process are to aid in improving teaching effectiveness and to evaluate faculty.  Student evaluations are a critical factor in the continuous improvement of the CBA.  Consequently, it is extremely important that you take the time to provide a fair and thorough evaluation of the course and instructor. We encourage you to participate in the evaluation process whether the evaluation is conducted online or by paper and pencil.

If you have any comments or suggestions about the evaluation of teaching process, please send them to Andrienne Calderon at andrien@uakron.edu. We welcome your feedback.

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Over the summer the computer lab in CBA 105 will be enhanced to include Distance Learning capabilities.   The College of Business Administration currently offers courses via distance learning classrooms to the Medina County University Center and Lorain County Community College.  Having this facility in the CBA building is a benefit to students and faculty.  Current plans are that this room will be ready for the beginning of the Fall 2008 semester. 

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During the first week of February 2008 the Dean's Advisory Council held the first annual CBA Draft Week. Three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) were dedicated to exhibiting several of the College's organizations during the lunch hour with the goal of increasing student involvement. Each of the participating organizations showcased information on membership requirements, meeting times, and other important aspects of group involvement. The respective themes for the three days were: the importance of being organized, résumé development, and becoming involved in one of the available organizations.

The week took on the spirit of a real draft week in the sports arena. Several of the organizations showed off their “teams” and the final day brought together all of the participants with a uniform shirt that promoted the CBA as one “team”.

Draft week was a success with organizations experiencing increases in meeting attendance and member pledges after the event.

For information on CBA student organizations visit the CBA website at: http://www.uakron.edu/colleges/cba/studentresource/studentorg.php.

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The CBA's Fall 2008 Student Appreciation Day was held on Thursday, February 28. Many students enjoyed the warm chili on a brisk cold morning! Prior to serving the chili to the students, the CBA held a Chili Contest!

The winners were:

1st Place – “Hot Stuff” – Linda Orr

2nd Place – “White Chili” – Shirley Woodall

3rd Place – “Santa Fe Chili” – Danica Houlé

Special thanks to Karen Nelsen for initiating and spear-heading this event for the past several years. Thanks, also, to everyone else who contributed to making Chili Day 2008 a successful event:

Organizers – Carrie Ahmed, Andrienne Calderon, and Karen Nelsen

Judges - Michael Brewster (graduate student), Jonathan Taliani (graduate student), and Christine Werny

Chefs – Carrie Ahmed, Andrienne Calderon, Mary Hardin, Jennifer Hodges, Danica Houlé, Steve Myers, Karen Nelsen, Linda Orr, Mahesh Srinivasan, and Shirley Woodall

Servers – Carrie Ahmed, Andrienne Calderon, Danica Houlé, Sandra Moses, and Karen Nelsen

Donors – Andrienne Calderon, Doug Hausknecht, Barb Osyk, Debbie Owens, Myra Weakland, and Chris Werny

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If you have information that you would like to appear in this newsletter, contact Carrie Ahmed, Administrative Assistant, CBA Dean's Office at cla10@uakron.edu.

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