Thursday, September 30, 2010

COBA Alumni Presentation featuring Dean Thomas Gutteridge

The 8th annual COBA Dean’s Alumni Breakfast was held on Thursday, September 30, 2010 during UT’s Homecoming Week 2010.  If you were unable to attend and would like to see presentations by COBA Dean Thomas Gutteridge and others, please click here:
 

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

COBA’s Second Annual Internet Marketing Conference set for October 12

To help area business professionals best use the Internet to promote their products and services, The University of Toledo College of Business Administration Department of Marketing & International Business  is presenting  its Second Annual Internet Marketing Conference  on Tuesday, October 12. 

“Successful marketing tactics have never been more important than in these continually challenging times,” noted Dr. Anthony Koh, Chair of the Department of Marketing & International Business at UT COBA.   This unique and timely seminar is specifically geared to help businesses improve their ability to use the Internet to grow their business.”

Area industry experts will help participants understand and apply strategies in areas that can dramatically help their business, Dr. Koh said. An additional feature of this year’s Internet Marketing conference is the networking and learning opportunity where participants can benefit from trade exhibitors who will share their expertise and services.  Topics and presenters include:
  • Search Engine Optimization, by Traci Roberts, Fathom SEO
  • Search Engine Marketing, by Mike Temple, Temple Development
  • Google AdWords and Analytics, by Carrie Bell, Google, Inc.
  • Social Networks Marketing and Social Media Monitoring, by Tim Langhorst, ProMedica Health Systems

“Internet marketing techniques are now a requirement for business success,” Dr. Koh said. “Participants will leave this half-day conference with the game plan and ideas they need to take positive action.” 

This Internet Marketing Conference will be held in the new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement (Stranahan Hall-North) on the UT main campus from 7:30 – 11:45 a.m.  To register or for a detailed program description, go to http://utinternetmarketing.utoledo.edu

Student earns scholarship while COBA wins equipment

Jeff Tippy, Pi Sigma Epsilon President and sales major, won the Mediasite Student Impact Award this summer, receiving a $2,500 scholarship and a plaque.  In addition, the Edward H Schmidt School of Professional Sales won a Mediasite recorder. Professor Deirdre Jones, who helped introduce Mediasite as the high-tech lecture capture software, used in the new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement, coached Jeff. In turn, Jeff thanked Professor Jones for all the hard work she devoted in putting this technology together.
“I have seen the benefits of the technology and I wanted to help inform others of the endless possibilities that arise when using Sonic Foundry's Mediasite,” Jeff said. “UT students should be aware of the benefits of Mediasite and how it can impact them in many ways. For example, they can catch up on classes that they fell behind on as well as help them watch lectures to ensure that they are ready for upcoming exams.”

UT COBA presents 13th Annual HR Management Awards to Mercy Health Partners and CMC Group

Mercy Health Partners and CMC Group, Inc. are the 2010 recipients of The University of Toledo College of Business Administration Human Resource Management Award for Excellence, presented in May.
“This is all about jobs, which are critically important right now,” noted Dr. Clinton Longenecker, COBA Professor of Management and chair of the Awards Selection Committee. “These are the best employers, taking steps to attract and retain the best people. They are leveraging the talents of their employees to make a difference and to create a competitive advantage that is not easily replicated.”
Mercy Health Partners won in the large organization category, while The CMC Group won in the small organization category.
Longenecker said the awards were established in 1998 by the UT COBA Department of Management to encourage and recognize excellent progress and achievement in the field of human resource management among regional organizations.
“It is given annually to an HR department having a profound impact on their organization’s performance through demonstrated commitment, innovation and leadership in the human resource function,” he added.
Other finalists were ProMedica Physicians Group and MedCorp, Inc.  

UT offers MBA program through relationship with Egypt’s Sadat Academy of Management Sciences

The University of Toledo and the Sadat Academy for Management Sciences (SAMS) in Cairo, Egypt, entered into an agreement in May through which UT’s College of Business Administration (COBA) will provide  a masters in business administration program on-site and via video-conferencing in Cairo, Egypt beginning in Fall, 2010.
Participating in the signing were UT President Dr. Lloyd Jacobs and SAMS President Dr. Ahmed M. Youssef as well as COBA Dean Thomas Gutteridge.
Courses will be taught by UT COBA and qualified SAMS faculty and students will graduate with an MBA degree from The University of Toledo.
“The University of Toledo and the Sadat Academy of Management Sciences are excited to collaborate to promote the development of joint studies, research, training activities and educational programs of mutual interest,” Dr. Jacobs said.
Dr. Youssef observed, “This is a point of light for the Academy as we introduce an unique program to the Egyptian market, where many students will be interested.”
 “UT College of Business Administration and the Sadat Academy of Management Sciences realize that both business and academia need to effectively function in a true global community,” noted UT COBA Dean Thomas Gutteridge.  “Opportunities such as this will ultimately help both universities better prepare the ethical business leaders of tomorrow.”
“The Egyptian students are very anxious to improve their education, and this partnership is a major step, especially because UT COBA is accredited by the international Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)” noted Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Ibrahim, SAMS Vice President for Education Affairs. “This will mean better preparation for better jobs, providing them a competitive advantage in a global marketplace.”
UT and SAMS entered into an agreement in Fall, 2009 through which SAMS students are already taking courses for their bachelors in business administration degrees.   Students take their first two years of study at SAMS, then complete their coursework either at UT COBA, or through distance learning and classes taught by COBA faculty in Cairo.
 “UT COBA seriously pursues its mission of developing lifelong leaders for the world of business, and this agreement further demonstrates how we strive to be the preferred learning partner for students and the business community worldwide,” Gutteridge said.

International entrepreneurs explore Northwest Ohio family businesses

Thirteen entrepreneurs from Jordan, Lebanon and The United Arab Emirates are beginning to gain first-hand knowledge of Northwest Ohio businesses following their September 22 arrival.
Their several week visit is part of their involvement with the Young Entrepreneurs and Family Businesses professional exchange program, which is funded by a grant from the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Their activities are being coordinated by the Great Lakes Consortium for International Training and Development and the Center for Family & Privately-Held Business of The University of Toledo College of Business Administration.
“The goal of these visits is to contribute to the economic growth and strengthen democracy in select countries by focusing on young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to revitalize family businesses and create jobs,” noted Debbe Skutch, director of the Center for Family & Privately-Held Business. “These exchanges will improve entrepreneurial thinking and provide practical skills to help these businesses compete in a global environment.”
The entrepreneurs - - men and women between the ages of 25-35 - - operate businesses ranging from catering to property management, from security to engineering services and more.  During their stay in Northwest Ohio they will attend UT COBA workshops on family business, meet with student organizations as well as visit local businesses. 


UT College of Business Administration enters into agreement with China’s Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics to prepare students for Master of Science in Accounting degree


Officials from The University of Toledo (UT) and Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics (ZUFE), China, signed an agreement on July 6 through which ZUFE will establish an undergraduate program of management in accounting with a concentration in United States accounting on their Hangzhou campus.  That curriculum, in turn, will connect with the Master of Science in Accounting Degree program (MSA) offered by the UT College of Business Administration (COBA).


 As early as this fall, students at ZUFE may be enrolled in a modified curriculum course that will further prepare them to pursue a graduate degree at The University of Toledo.  Dr. Donald Saftner, Chair of the UT College of Business Administration Department of Accounting, went to ZUFE to help structure the courses.

“This program is beneficial to both our universities, and this signing is of great significance to promote our students’ education and employment,” said Teng Kai, Vice President, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics.  “This program enhances our connection from undergraduates to graduates.  Through this we will have a cohort studying here rather than individual students.”
UT COBA Dean Thomas Gutteridge said, “We are excited at the opportunity to continue to work more closely with the impressive faculty and students at Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics. This agreement also demonstrates the expertise and global impact of the UT College of Business Administration faculty and programs. By partnering with select universities around the world, UT COBA increasingly impacts the development of tomorrow’s ethical business leaders.”
Dr. Aige Guo, Interim Director of Global Initiatives at UT, said ZUFE wants to introduce an internationalized program in accounting and to provide students with opportunities for further studies, which includes understanding American accounting systems.
“UT is playing an important role in facilitating internationalized education programs and providing professional knowledge exchange opportunities.” Dr. Guo said. She added that this program is expected to attract quality students through ZUFE from China as well as open up cooperative research channels for faculty members in both universities.
“China is a transitional country which is  more and more open,” noted Wang Xiangyao, Dean of School of Accounting, ZUFE. “We send students to the USA for the experience, to learn about technology  and to build the future. I am very active promoting this program because it is beneficial in obtaining and training new students, and very beneficial to our college.  It is a very good entrance for both teachers and students.” 

“We are very impressed with the beautiful campus and the new (Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement) facilities are very nice,” ZUFE Vice President Teng said.  “I myself appreciate the long history of this university and the solid foundation of this college.”
An initial agreement which established a framework for program collaborations between ZUFE and UT was signed in 2008. Faculty from ZUFE has visited UT COBA in each of the past two years to learn more about the academic and business environment of this area.
Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics was established in 1974 and currently has more than 20,000 students.

UT’s IE Challenge offers cash prizes for innovative business plans

UT students, faculty and staff who have a great, innovative business idea may win up to $10,000 to establish their business in the first Innovation Enterprises Challenge Business Plan Competition.
 “The goal of Innovation Enterprises is to foster regional economic growth in alignment with the Mission of UT,” according to Mary Jo Waldock, Associate VP, Innovation Enterprises. “What better way to pursue that goal and encourage innovative thinking than by focusing on business ideas of UT students, faculty and staff.”
“This competition reflects UT’s belief in innovative thinking and is intended to advance a creative culture of growth in all areas of the University,” she added.
Innovation Enterprises at The University of Toledo is providing prize money of:
First place - $10,000
Second place - $5,000
Third place - $2,500
Honorable mention - $500
The UT College of Business Administration is conducting the business plan competition.
“UT College of Business Administration is committed to playing a key role in advancing the economic development in this region. Supporting entrepreneurs is an important part of that role,” said Dr. Sonny Ariss, Chair of the COBA Management Department.  “By judging this business plan competition and offering assistance with business functions such as accounting and marketing, COBA can play a hands-on role in helping entrepreneurs within the UT family.”
COBA Dean Thomas Gutteridge indicated “This is yet another component of the College’s effort to further enhance the UT culture of entrepreneurship and innovation”
Submission information can be found at utoledo.edu/business, or by clicking on the “Innovation” link on myUT.utoledo.edu.  Alumni can participate as part of a team involving a current UT faculty or staff member or student.
IE Challenge Business Plan Competition entries must be submitted by October 11, 2010.  Semifinalists will be announced on November 4 at the Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence (EBE) Hall of Fame ceremony to be held at the Pinnacle in Maumee. Winners will be announced December 2.

Visit the new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement


A focal point of connectivity for many classes, programs and centers of excellence at the College of Business Administration is our exciting new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement. This $15.4 million facility provides a high-tech arena for business interaction with COBA’s resources. It features 10 high-tech classrooms; five action learning labs, including the John B. and Lillian E. Neff Trading Room; offices for the MBA/EMBA program, the Executive Center for Global Competitiveness and the Center for Family & Privately-Held Business; and much more, including a rooftop garden. It is your portal to UT’s expertise. Take the time to tour the Complex next time you are on campus.

UT students place second in National Collegiate Sales Competition

A team of three University of Toledo students placed second at the 12th annual National Collegiate Sales Competition. Matt Shipley, Jeff Tippy and Heidi Schollmeier competed against some 130 students from 62 universities across the country at the event in Kennesaw, Ga.

Bowling Green State University took first place at the event, and UT tied for second place with Florida State University and the University of Washington.

Other top 10 university teams were Kennesaw State, Bradley, Baylor, Houston, Michigan State and Georgia.

"Our students' performance at the competition is, of course, a reflection of their pride in representing UT and motivation to demonstrate the (sales) skills that they are learning in school - but it is also indicative of the passion that our entire sales faculty demonstrates by putting in the extra time and effort required to coach and prepare our students for success,” said Dr. Michael Mallin, UT assistant professor of marketing, who coordinated the trip and coached the team at the competition.  “This year, we are very fortunate to be able to utilize the new Huntington Sales Lab which is part of the College's new expansion, the Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning & Engagement, as well as the Schmidt School of Professional Sales “
To reach the finals, Schollmeier completed five rounds, while Shipley completed three as a semifinalist.

“Many of the best and brightest sales students would be unable to attend without the help of corporate sponsors,” Mallin said. “Sponsoring the competition also provides participating companies with the opportunity to network with and preview elite up-and-coming sales talent.”

Inaugurated in 1999, the National Collegiate Sales Competition is the largest and oldest sales role-play competition in existence. Its mission is to enhance the practice and professionalism of the sales discipline. Each year, the competition hosts the top collegiate sales talent and sales faculty from the most elite university sales programs in North America. Sales students are provided a venue for sharpening their sales skills in a highly competitive environment and a chance to network with their peers and sales faculty from across the United States.

COBA receives continued accreditation from prestigious international organization

The University of Toledo College of Business Administration (UT COBA) has received a six year extension of its business accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), an elite distinction achieved by less than five percent of all the business schools in the world.
The accreditation, which is voluntary, follows an on-site evaluation by deans of other AACSB accredited business schools. It recognizes UT COBA’s Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, MBA/Executive MBA, MS Accounting and Ph.D. degree programs.



The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is an association of educational institutions, businesses, and other organizations devoted to the advancement of higher education in management education. It is the premier accrediting agency of collegiate business schools and accounting programs worldwide.

“Congratulations to the faculty, the students, the staff, and all supporters of the business programs of the University of Toledo,” noted Andrew Policano, Chair, AACSB Board of Directors.  He commended UT COBA on the “following strengths and effective practices:
1)      The College of Business Administration is housed in Stranahan Hall, which is a well developed physical facility, recently supplemented with the addition of a “state of the art” facility in the Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning & Engagement. This 54,000 square foot expansion was funded by the joint efforts of the university and the business community.

2)      The College of Business Administration benefits greatly from the experienced leadership of Dean Thomas G. Gutteridge and his highly dedicated executive staff. Dean Gutteridge has developed close and beneficial relationships with the Toledo business community and collegiate relations with other academic programs across the campus.

3)      The College of Business Administration has a dedicated faculty with a positive, “can-do” attitude, which is supportive of the teaching and learning process.

4)      The College of Business Administration benefits greatly from the participation of experienced and dedicated members of the business community on its various departmental committees and college level advisory boards.”

“UT and the College of Business Administration are very excited at this continuing recognition by the AACSB,” noted Dr. Thomas Gutteridge, Dean, UT College of Business Administration. “This validates the high quality of our faculty and students, as well as the significance of our curriculum at all levels.”
Dr. Anand Kunnathur, Senior Associate Dean, COBA, observed, “Our inclusion in this select group is a seal of quality for our degree programs. It elevates the value of degrees received, leads to increased enrollment of high quality students, and enhances the qualifications of alumni.”
The AACSB accreditation is extended through 2015

Jim Murray now Volunteer Executive-in-Residence

Jim Murray is both an outstanding business professional as well as a remarkable community leader.
After serving in the Army in Vietnam, Jim obtained his degree in business management, worked in human resources, then served as a plant manager for ten years at Ohio Edison.  He joined First Energy at its formation in 1986, and last summer retired from his position as President of Ohio Operations with FirstEnergy.
But, in addition to a successful career in a highly demanding position, Jim has a real passion for Northwest Ohio, and has worked hard to see it thrive. He has served as Chairman of The Toledo Chamber of Commerce and has served on the boards of many organizations, including the Regional Growth Partnership, the Toledo Symphony, and the Northwest Ohio Food Bank. 
He was the 2005-2006 United Way Campaign Chairman, and although the goal was perceived as being difficult, it was met.
Recently Jim has graciously accepted another challenge, that of being a volunteer Executive-in-Residence for The University of Toledo College of Business Administration. In this capacity, he will serve as a liaison between the college and the regional business community.
Jim, his wife Kay and their son Martin live in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Website redesign

We’re revising both the appearance and content of the COBA website.  Our goal is to frequently update students, alumni and the business community about major developments at the College. Check us out (often!) at utoledo.edu\business and let us know what you think.

Minority MBA team places second against other major universities

COBA’s team of Jonathan Johnson, Martina Turner and Derreck Shaw took second place in this year’s KeyBank Minority MBA Student Case Competition in Cleveland.  UT’s team was bested only by Tulane University in a competition with 19 schools, including Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, Indiana University, Penn State University, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Washington.
Derreck Shaw won the award for best Q&A in the first round of the competition.