The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation (COBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt to offer a joint Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree in Cairo.
The program will enable Egyptian students to obtain an MBA from UT without leaving Egypt. Consisting of 11 courses over 15 months, all of the classes will be conducted at the American Chamber’s Career Development Center in Cairo, Egypt.
“This cooperation will benefit both the Egyptian and American people by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and sending a message of confidence to the world that Egypt is a world-class destination for tourism and foreign investment,” said U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson. “Moving forward, we are eager to work with the Egyptian government and the Egyptian people on more projects of mutual benefit to our two countries.”
“The UT College of Business and Innovation and the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt recognize that both business and academia need to effectively function in a true global community,” noted UT COBI Dean Thomas Gutteridge, who participated in the December 11 signing of the memorandum. “COBI seriously pursues its mission of developing lifelong, ethical business leaders of tomorrow, and this agreement further demonstrates how we strive to be the preferred learning partner for students and the business community worldwide.”
“Egyptian students are very anxious to improve their education, and this partnership is a major step, especially because COBI is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business international,” he added. “This will mean excellent preparation for better jobs, providing them a competitive advantage in a global marketplace.”
COBI currently provides an MBA program on-site in Cairo through an agreement signed in 2010 between The University of Toledo and the Sadat Academy for Management Sciences (SAMS). SAMS students are also obtaining bachelor’s degrees as a result of a 2009 agreement through which they undertake their first two years of study at SAMS, and then complete their coursework either at UT COBI, or through distance learning and classes taught by COBI faculty in Cairo. However, these agreements will be discontinued after the initial cohorts graduate.
COBI also offers MBA programs through agreements with Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics, China ; Humanitarian Academy in Kharkov, the Ukraine; and PSG Institutions, Coimbatore, India.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Employees recognized for completing professional development certificates
University of Toledo employees from both the main and Health Science campuses were recognized at a July 12 breakfast for their successful completion of a series of professional development certificates. UT President Dr. Lloyd Jacobs and College of Business and Innovation Dean Thomas Gutteridge presented the certificates of achievement.
“It was a great culmination of a full year of hard work for both students and the instructors,” noted Carrie Herr, Director, Executive Center for Global Competitiveness, College of Business and Innovation, which implemented the series. “This UT certificate ceremony recognized the accomplishments of the many employees who devoted a tremendous amount of time and study to pursue a learning journey that will directly benefit not only themselves, but our students and others served by the University.”
Courses, which were presented between September and June, were offered in three different certificate tracks: Managerial Finance and Budgeting (five courses), Leadership (eight courses) and Exceptional Customer Service (seven courses). While 45 people completed all of the courses necessary to earn one of the certificates, a total of 495 people enrolled in the courses.
Instructors included several COBI faculty members, UT administrators and other subject matter experts.
“As we go through turbulent times, people have to reinvent themselves and develop their skillsets. The people within a university will make or break the university’s success,” Gutteridge observed.
“COBI frequently talks about the importance of lifelong learning, and these certificate programs are what lifelong learning is really about. It is a marvelous thing for people to take advantage of the opportunities- - in a peer-to peer environment - - that exist. Their efforts advance the mission and vision of The University of Toledo. It personifies the focus of action learning, which is to apply what you learn in the real world, in your day to day job,” Gutteridge said.
This sentiment was echoed by Nancy Koerner, UT’s Director of Planned Giving, who completed both the Managerial Finance and Budgeting series as well as the Leadership series.
“We built relationships throughout these classes, and I now know people to call while working on certain projects,” Koerner said. “It was great to be involved with people from both the main and Health Science campuses throughout this series, because none of us functions in a silo. I’ve gained insight into how we are all inter-related and how one decision impacts the whole University.”
“This was an amazing opportunity offered to staff,” she added. “The University has invested back in their own people, and there have been immediate and long-term payoffs for the employees and for the divisions in which we work. I have utilized on a daily basis what we have learned in the classes.”
Reflective of their commitment to providing quality service, the entire staff of Rocket Solution Central completed one series.
“The staff of Rocket Solution Central is thankful to have been given the opportunity and support to participate in the Exceptional Customer Service Certificate program,” said Lisa Hasselschwert, Director. “Each session was presented in a professional, enthusiastic and well thought-out manner. Each series provided an opportunity to develop individual steps to implement the new skills into our daily interactions with customers.”
“Since we work with students, parents and others on a daily basis, we are always concerned about providing exceptional service,” Hasselschwert added. “This series allowed us to review techniques as well as learn new techniques to improve listening, communication and conflict resolution skills.
We will continue to incorporate these skills into our daily interactions with students as they seek our assistance with registration, financial aid and payment processes.”
Congratulations to all who successfully completed one or more of the certificate series: Managerial Finance and Budgeting: Gracie Brown, Diane Eisel, Aimee Falk, Christine Filzer, Duana Huggins, Nancy Koerner, Janice Kusowski, Kelly Manahan, Jacki McBee, Stephany Mikols, Sheryl Milz, Diana Raider, Gail Simpson, Lansing Stoll, David Walczak; Leadership: Diane Eisel, Ecole Eisenhard, Kim Govan, Reynaldo Guerra, Sadik Khuder, Nancy Koerner, Vickie Kuntz, Misa Mi, Roxanne Ring, Sherris Schwind, Carol Stamm, Rodney Theis, Joanna Tyson, Charles Williams; Exceptional Customer Service: Joe Bendix, Donna Buza, Bill Connolly, Debbra Cooper, Jennifer Dietsch, Tamika Dobbins, Charlene Hansen, Lisa Hasselschwert, Gerri Jacobs, Adelina Jaime, Elizabeth McKnight, Tenley Petersen, Lee Reany, Mary Schneider, Terrina White, Jason Woodward, Lisa Young
“Talent management is a very critical component for UT’s future success in today’s changing global marketplace,” Herr said. “I think everyone’s commitment to these certificates is a great milestone for UT.”
“It was a great culmination of a full year of hard work for both students and the instructors,” noted Carrie Herr, Director, Executive Center for Global Competitiveness, College of Business and Innovation, which implemented the series. “This UT certificate ceremony recognized the accomplishments of the many employees who devoted a tremendous amount of time and study to pursue a learning journey that will directly benefit not only themselves, but our students and others served by the University.”
Courses, which were presented between September and June, were offered in three different certificate tracks: Managerial Finance and Budgeting (five courses), Leadership (eight courses) and Exceptional Customer Service (seven courses). While 45 people completed all of the courses necessary to earn one of the certificates, a total of 495 people enrolled in the courses.
Instructors included several COBI faculty members, UT administrators and other subject matter experts.
“As we go through turbulent times, people have to reinvent themselves and develop their skillsets. The people within a university will make or break the university’s success,” Gutteridge observed.
“COBI frequently talks about the importance of lifelong learning, and these certificate programs are what lifelong learning is really about. It is a marvelous thing for people to take advantage of the opportunities- - in a peer-to peer environment - - that exist. Their efforts advance the mission and vision of The University of Toledo. It personifies the focus of action learning, which is to apply what you learn in the real world, in your day to day job,” Gutteridge said.
This sentiment was echoed by Nancy Koerner, UT’s Director of Planned Giving, who completed both the Managerial Finance and Budgeting series as well as the Leadership series.
“We built relationships throughout these classes, and I now know people to call while working on certain projects,” Koerner said. “It was great to be involved with people from both the main and Health Science campuses throughout this series, because none of us functions in a silo. I’ve gained insight into how we are all inter-related and how one decision impacts the whole University.”
“This was an amazing opportunity offered to staff,” she added. “The University has invested back in their own people, and there have been immediate and long-term payoffs for the employees and for the divisions in which we work. I have utilized on a daily basis what we have learned in the classes.”
Reflective of their commitment to providing quality service, the entire staff of Rocket Solution Central completed one series.
“The staff of Rocket Solution Central is thankful to have been given the opportunity and support to participate in the Exceptional Customer Service Certificate program,” said Lisa Hasselschwert, Director. “Each session was presented in a professional, enthusiastic and well thought-out manner. Each series provided an opportunity to develop individual steps to implement the new skills into our daily interactions with customers.”
“Since we work with students, parents and others on a daily basis, we are always concerned about providing exceptional service,” Hasselschwert added. “This series allowed us to review techniques as well as learn new techniques to improve listening, communication and conflict resolution skills.
We will continue to incorporate these skills into our daily interactions with students as they seek our assistance with registration, financial aid and payment processes.”
Congratulations to all who successfully completed one or more of the certificate series: Managerial Finance and Budgeting: Gracie Brown, Diane Eisel, Aimee Falk, Christine Filzer, Duana Huggins, Nancy Koerner, Janice Kusowski, Kelly Manahan, Jacki McBee, Stephany Mikols, Sheryl Milz, Diana Raider, Gail Simpson, Lansing Stoll, David Walczak; Leadership: Diane Eisel, Ecole Eisenhard, Kim Govan, Reynaldo Guerra, Sadik Khuder, Nancy Koerner, Vickie Kuntz, Misa Mi, Roxanne Ring, Sherris Schwind, Carol Stamm, Rodney Theis, Joanna Tyson, Charles Williams; Exceptional Customer Service: Joe Bendix, Donna Buza, Bill Connolly, Debbra Cooper, Jennifer Dietsch, Tamika Dobbins, Charlene Hansen, Lisa Hasselschwert, Gerri Jacobs, Adelina Jaime, Elizabeth McKnight, Tenley Petersen, Lee Reany, Mary Schneider, Terrina White, Jason Woodward, Lisa Young
“Talent management is a very critical component for UT’s future success in today’s changing global marketplace,” Herr said. “I think everyone’s commitment to these certificates is a great milestone for UT.”
Dr. Longenecker keynote speaker at Heidelberg University Commencement
Clinton Longenecker, Ph.D., COBI professor of Management and Stranahan Professor of Leadership and Organizational Excellence, was the speaker at the 158th commencement ceremonies for Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. The title of the speech was “Life is…”
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Second annual IE Challenge awards cash for eight business plans
The winners of the second annual University of Toledo IE Challenge Business Plan Competition were announced on Thursday, November 10 at the annual Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence Hall of Fame Awards at the Pinnacle in Maumee.
“We congratulate all 18 entrants for the extremely high quality proposals they submitted,” noted Richard Stansley, Jr., UT Innovation Enterprises. “These technologically innovative ideas clearly demonstrate creative thinking within the UT campus, which is exactly what this competition strives to foster. We are pleased to see the IE Challenge Business Plan competition become a critical step in developing an innovation system that includes the proper infrastructure and business tools to foster the creation of legitimate new products and services.”
“We believe the winning carefully constructed business plans in this year’s competition form a solid foundation on which these entrepreneurs can build successful businesses,” said Dr. Sonny Ariss, UT College of Business and Innovation (COBI) said. “The College of Business and Innovation is pleased to have coordinated judging of these entries and stands ready to offer guidance to help these teams emerge beyond the University into the community. We want to see these ideas and business plans effectively implemented, creating jobs and enhancing the economic growth of the region.”
The winning proposals, the entrant’s name and a brief description of the winning entries are:
First Place Winner ($10,000) is Sunnyfuels LLC (Mahabala Adiga) Sunnyfuels LLC: The products that Sunnyfuels LLC will be manufacturing will be: 1) Cost-effective, energy efficient PEM/membrane electrolyzers for cheaper hydrogen production from solar, wind, or other power sources and 2) Low cost, light weight portable hydrogen compressors to compress hydrogen greater than 200 psig for small fuel cell generators.
Second Place Winner ($5,000) is Expandable Intervertebral Cage (Mohammad Elahinia) - Expandable Intervertebral Cage will manufacture a shape memory alloy (Nitinol) cage that will be used in the correction of spinal injuries, providing a smaller surgical footprint, leading to a faster recovery period.
Third Place Winner ($2,500) is Nanospection (Christopher M. Hessler) - The products that Nanospection will develop are cost-effective nano gold/silver coated slides which have a number of potential applications such as optical sensing, environmental monitoring and chemical detection.
Honorable Mention ($500)
• BestCustomers.com (Jake Moritz)
• Dynamic and Smart Systems Lab (Ahmadreza Eshghinejad)
• MySport Highlights (Zac Rosenbauer)
• Resonance Group Ltd. (Jason Owens)
• Swankr.com (Dane Theisen)
Entries for the second IE Challenge Business Plan Competition were due in October. Finalists made an oral presentation about their businesses to a panel of judges on November 3. Prize money is awarded to established business entity, not to the individuals.
“We congratulate all 18 entrants for the extremely high quality proposals they submitted,” noted Richard Stansley, Jr., UT Innovation Enterprises. “These technologically innovative ideas clearly demonstrate creative thinking within the UT campus, which is exactly what this competition strives to foster. We are pleased to see the IE Challenge Business Plan competition become a critical step in developing an innovation system that includes the proper infrastructure and business tools to foster the creation of legitimate new products and services.”
“We believe the winning carefully constructed business plans in this year’s competition form a solid foundation on which these entrepreneurs can build successful businesses,” said Dr. Sonny Ariss, UT College of Business and Innovation (COBI) said. “The College of Business and Innovation is pleased to have coordinated judging of these entries and stands ready to offer guidance to help these teams emerge beyond the University into the community. We want to see these ideas and business plans effectively implemented, creating jobs and enhancing the economic growth of the region.”
The winning proposals, the entrant’s name and a brief description of the winning entries are:
First Place Winner ($10,000) is Sunnyfuels LLC (Mahabala Adiga) Sunnyfuels LLC: The products that Sunnyfuels LLC will be manufacturing will be: 1) Cost-effective, energy efficient PEM/membrane electrolyzers for cheaper hydrogen production from solar, wind, or other power sources and 2) Low cost, light weight portable hydrogen compressors to compress hydrogen greater than 200 psig for small fuel cell generators.
Second Place Winner ($5,000) is Expandable Intervertebral Cage (Mohammad Elahinia) - Expandable Intervertebral Cage will manufacture a shape memory alloy (Nitinol) cage that will be used in the correction of spinal injuries, providing a smaller surgical footprint, leading to a faster recovery period.
Third Place Winner ($2,500) is Nanospection (Christopher M. Hessler) - The products that Nanospection will develop are cost-effective nano gold/silver coated slides which have a number of potential applications such as optical sensing, environmental monitoring and chemical detection.
Honorable Mention ($500)
• BestCustomers.com (Jake Moritz)
• Dynamic and Smart Systems Lab (Ahmadreza Eshghinejad)
• MySport Highlights (Zac Rosenbauer)
• Resonance Group Ltd. (Jason Owens)
• Swankr.com (Dane Theisen)
Entries for the second IE Challenge Business Plan Competition were due in October. Finalists made an oral presentation about their businesses to a panel of judges on November 3. Prize money is awarded to established business entity, not to the individuals.
UT student on second place team at KeyBank competition
Tiera Austin, a junior majoring in human resources in the UT College of Business and Innovation, participated in the 4th Annual KeyBank Leadership and Creativity Symposium at Ohio State University on November 11 and 12. Her team won their competition bracket and ultimately placed second in the event, with each team member receiving a $750 prize.
The case presented to the students concerned a cell phone company that was having issues with their batteries. Teams had to develop answers surrounding the news media, addressing the company’s stakeholders, and what action they would recommend to the company CEO.
“We knew of the case in advance, but did not know the actual questions until we were at the competition,” Austin said. “You can read about something, but you don’t know what to expect until you get there. But we brainstormed, and I think we were very powerful as a group.”
Austin, who is a COBI Searles ambassador, said she believed she was representing both UT and herself.
“It was a great experience,” she added. “I’m really happy I went; I learned things to further my own future endeavors, and the networking was great. I gained so much out of it, and I would recommend it to others who have an opportunity to participate.”
Other universities represented at the symposium were Michigan State University, Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Minnesota, University of Oregon, University of Washington, Case Western Reserve and University of North Carolina.
The case presented to the students concerned a cell phone company that was having issues with their batteries. Teams had to develop answers surrounding the news media, addressing the company’s stakeholders, and what action they would recommend to the company CEO.
“We knew of the case in advance, but did not know the actual questions until we were at the competition,” Austin said. “You can read about something, but you don’t know what to expect until you get there. But we brainstormed, and I think we were very powerful as a group.”
Austin, who is a COBI Searles ambassador, said she believed she was representing both UT and herself.
“It was a great experience,” she added. “I’m really happy I went; I learned things to further my own future endeavors, and the networking was great. I gained so much out of it, and I would recommend it to others who have an opportunity to participate.”
Other universities represented at the symposium were Michigan State University, Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Minnesota, University of Oregon, University of Washington, Case Western Reserve and University of North Carolina.
Brighter surroundings emerge from Stranahan Hall refurbishment project
Stranahan Hall (South), the 25-year-old home of the UT College of Business and Innovation, was brightly transformed by the start of the fall semester with its first ever bottom to top refurbishment.
Chipped paint and traffic-worn carpets yielded to the arrival of gallons of fresh ivory-colored latex paint and contemporary high-traffic-strength floor coverings. From the first to the fifth floors, no room was left untouched.
“Stranahan Hall was ready for this refurbishment project, as it still had the painting and original carpeting from when the building opened more than 25 years ago,” noted Sandy Whitman, Administrative Assistant to the COBI Dean’s office. “With 3,000 students using this building every semester, it was time to address the basics: namely fresh paint, new carpeting and window treatments in each room and hallway, and new lighting in the hallways.”
Refurbishment of the first floor lobby and the fifth floor offices took place during the break between the last fall and spring semesters, while the painting and carpeting of floors two, three and four occurred during the summer to minimize the impact on faculty and students. Classrooms in the ground floor of Stranahan Hall South received fresh paint a couple years ago, so they did not need to be painted this year.
“Making this happen truly required a team effort,” Whitman said. “Every office and conference room in Stranahan Hall South had to be emptied for a few days, so we went through a lot of cardboard boxes and cleaning of files.”
“It’s important to emphasize that the money for this project did not come out of student fees, but from private donations” Whitman said. When donors - - including COBI alumni, faculty and staff - - contributed during the fundraising campaign to build the new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement, they also contributed $1 million specifically for these physical improvements to Stranahan Hall South.
With just a few exceptions - - such as the new Ph.D. Seminar Room (the previous Neff Trading Room), and classrooms 3056 and 4050 that welcomed new tables and chairs - - the existing furniture from each office found its way back home.
The first floor student lounge went through a little greater transformation as it became a POD, or Provisions on Demand location. It’s a place where all students, faculty and staff can obtain a sandwich, salad, hot slice of pizza or snack.
“Aramark (UT’s food service provider) was looking for a location to provide this service in this area of campus,” Whitman said. “We thought it was an appropriate use of the space and a great idea that would benefit everyone on this side of campus.”
“We encourage the UT community to come see the fresh look to our COBI home, stop by the new POD for something to eat, and, of course, take some business classes in the newly refurbished Stranahan Hall South,” said COBI Dean Thomas Gutteridge.
Chipped paint and traffic-worn carpets yielded to the arrival of gallons of fresh ivory-colored latex paint and contemporary high-traffic-strength floor coverings. From the first to the fifth floors, no room was left untouched.
“Stranahan Hall was ready for this refurbishment project, as it still had the painting and original carpeting from when the building opened more than 25 years ago,” noted Sandy Whitman, Administrative Assistant to the COBI Dean’s office. “With 3,000 students using this building every semester, it was time to address the basics: namely fresh paint, new carpeting and window treatments in each room and hallway, and new lighting in the hallways.”
Refurbishment of the first floor lobby and the fifth floor offices took place during the break between the last fall and spring semesters, while the painting and carpeting of floors two, three and four occurred during the summer to minimize the impact on faculty and students. Classrooms in the ground floor of Stranahan Hall South received fresh paint a couple years ago, so they did not need to be painted this year.
“Making this happen truly required a team effort,” Whitman said. “Every office and conference room in Stranahan Hall South had to be emptied for a few days, so we went through a lot of cardboard boxes and cleaning of files.”
“It’s important to emphasize that the money for this project did not come out of student fees, but from private donations” Whitman said. When donors - - including COBI alumni, faculty and staff - - contributed during the fundraising campaign to build the new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement, they also contributed $1 million specifically for these physical improvements to Stranahan Hall South.
With just a few exceptions - - such as the new Ph.D. Seminar Room (the previous Neff Trading Room), and classrooms 3056 and 4050 that welcomed new tables and chairs - - the existing furniture from each office found its way back home.
The first floor student lounge went through a little greater transformation as it became a POD, or Provisions on Demand location. It’s a place where all students, faculty and staff can obtain a sandwich, salad, hot slice of pizza or snack.
“Aramark (UT’s food service provider) was looking for a location to provide this service in this area of campus,” Whitman said. “We thought it was an appropriate use of the space and a great idea that would benefit everyone on this side of campus.”
“We encourage the UT community to come see the fresh look to our COBI home, stop by the new POD for something to eat, and, of course, take some business classes in the newly refurbished Stranahan Hall South,” said COBI Dean Thomas Gutteridge.
Third Annual Internet Marketing Conference Draws Crowd
To help area business professionals best use the Internet to promote their products and services, The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation’s Interactive Marketing Initiative presented its Third Annual Internet Marketing Conference on Tuesday, October 18, 2011.
“Innovative marketing tactics and techniques have never been more important than in these continually challenging times,” noted Dr. Iryna Pentina, Co-Director of the UT Interactive Marketing Initiative. “Our third annual event was specifically geared to help businesses improve their ability to use the latest Internet tools to grow their business. The conference was a tremendous success. This year we achieved a record attendance of over 180 participants representing various small and medium businesses of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.”
Nationally-known industry experts will help participants understand and apply new Internet marketing functions that can dramatically help their business, Dr. Pentina said. Topics and presenters include:
• Evolution of Video for Internet Marketing, by Steve Graft, Google
• 20 Steps and Tactics to Becoming the Content Expert in Your Industry, by Joe Pulizzi, Junta42
• 12 New Digital Technologies to Accelerate Sales, by John Edwards, the Pursuit Group
• How to Add E-Commerce to Your Business, by Joe Metzger, Metzgers
• Beyond the Toolbox: Using Social Media Integration for Business, by Christopher Penn, Blue Sky Factory
“Internet marketing techniques are now a requirement for business success,” Dr. Pentina explained. “Participants left this half-day conference with the game plan and ideas they need to take positive action.”
“Innovative marketing tactics and techniques have never been more important than in these continually challenging times,” noted Dr. Iryna Pentina, Co-Director of the UT Interactive Marketing Initiative. “Our third annual event was specifically geared to help businesses improve their ability to use the latest Internet tools to grow their business. The conference was a tremendous success. This year we achieved a record attendance of over 180 participants representing various small and medium businesses of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.”
Nationally-known industry experts will help participants understand and apply new Internet marketing functions that can dramatically help their business, Dr. Pentina said. Topics and presenters include:
• Evolution of Video for Internet Marketing, by Steve Graft, Google
• 20 Steps and Tactics to Becoming the Content Expert in Your Industry, by Joe Pulizzi, Junta42
• 12 New Digital Technologies to Accelerate Sales, by John Edwards, the Pursuit Group
• How to Add E-Commerce to Your Business, by Joe Metzger, Metzgers
• Beyond the Toolbox: Using Social Media Integration for Business, by Christopher Penn, Blue Sky Factory
“Internet marketing techniques are now a requirement for business success,” Dr. Pentina explained. “Participants left this half-day conference with the game plan and ideas they need to take positive action.”
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