Students take the art of negotiation from the classroom to the business world.

Kimberly Taylor

One’s ability to negotiate effectively with co-workers, superiors, and subordinates is taking on an increasingly important role in today’s global workplace.

According to Kimberly Taylor, associate professor in the college’s Department of Marketing, people need to use active listening techniques, adopt effective question techniques, interpret non-verbal communication accurately, employ collaborative communication, and think creatively to find a win-win conflict resolution strategy instead of employing more commonly used (but less desirable) win-lose tactics. Currently, Taylor teaches a full-semester negotiation course in the Evening MBA (EVEMBA) and the Professional MBA (PMBA) programs as well as occasional workshops for the college’s Executive and Professional Education office.

But, she wondered, how effective are these classes when it comes to improved trainee self-confidence and post-training transfer? And why do students choose to take them in the first place?

Seeking answers to these questions, Taylor undertook a recent study in collaboration with two doctoral students in the Psychology Department at Florida International University.

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“Are students gaining valuable negotiation skills that they can apply as they head out into the business world?”

—Kimberly Taylor, associate professor, Department of Marketing, College of Business Administration

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“Do students take these classes because they are fun—very hands-on and interactive, perhaps a nice alternative to a lecture-based course?” she said. “Or, as I would hope, are students gaining valuable negotiation skills that they can apply in the business world?”

Taylor and her colleagues sought answers from former students who sought to apply their newly found skills in important real-world negotiations.

Negotiation skills learned in class translate well in the working world.

The results of her data collection efforts indicated that students who took a typical negotiations training course that believed that they had improved their negotiating skills in the workplace.

“Students felt that the business negotiation classes helped them adopt a more integrative conflict management style.” Taylor said. “More importantly, these perceived changes in their negotiation skills persisted over time.”

“Teaching The Art of Negotiation: Improving Students’ Negotiating Confidence and Perceptions of Effectiveness,” an article recapping the study’s results, will appear in the Journal of Education for Business.

Taylor’s research also contributes to management education literature by exploring the effectiveness of university courses at improving negotiator confidence and ability, which are known precursors to improving post-training negotiation outcomes.

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BBA+ Weekend’s 21st group celebrates graduation.

BBA+ Cohort 21 Graduation

September 28, 2007, was different for the 43 students in the 21st group to complete the College of Business Administration’s eleven-year-old BBA+ Weekend program. Most Friday nights during the past 21 months, they would have been hard at work, studying for their Saturday classes. But on this Friday night, celebration replaced study as they marked their completion of the program at a dinner during which they gave and got awards.

Donald Roomes, director of the BBA+ programs, welcomed the graduates and made opening remarks. Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam extended greetings to the hard-working students and their supportive families and invited graduates to stay connected as new alumni.

On the faculty side, Juan Pujol, adjunct professor, Department of Management and International Business, received the Circle of Excellence Award as best professor. Among the students, Samantha Kugler was honored with the Leadership Award of Excellence and Annette Jernigan was named class valedictorian.

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“I saw character develop and leaders emerge.”

—Donald Roomes, director, BBA+ programs

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Donald Roomes, director, BBA+ programs, addresses graduates.

“A bond developed that changed them from a group to a family,” Roomes said. “Their closeness was manifested as the program evolved. I saw character develop and leaders emerge. The students also had incredible stick-to-itiveness, indicated partially by the fact that 43 of the 47 students who started the program completed it.”

Jernigan turns her attention to the next academic challenge.

For Jernigan, manager, real estate administration, Baptist Health, completing her bachelor’s degree was a long-awaited milestone in her academic career.

“I had an associate of arts degree and then decided to take a break,” said this mother of two teenage boys whose job involves managing a staff of six that oversees 32 properties owned by the hospital. “After 23 years, the break was over.”

Annette Jernigan, class valedictorian, BBA+ Cohort 21

Though she consistently received promotions, she knew that to make the next leap—to director level—she needed her bachelor’s degree. She looked specifically at Florida International University because “of the great reputation of the business school,” and thought the BBA+ Weekend would work best with her busy schedule.

“It was very demanding, since I was at my computer every night till midnight,” she said. “It was also very rewarding, and being named valedictorian enabled me to raise the bar for my sons’ academic achievements.”

Jernigan already is looking ahead to her next degree from the college. She wants to enroll in the ten-month Master of Accounting (MACC) program—another Saturday offering—and get her CPA.

Learn more.

For more information about the BBA+ program, which also offers a morning option called BBA+ Sunrise, visit http://business.fiu.edu/landon/bba_plus.cfm.

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New director of the School of Accounting feted at Deloitte-hosted reception.

Attendees at reception for Director of School of Accounting Sharon Lassar

The College of Business Administration and the hard-working committee that conducted a national search were delighted when Sharon Lassar accepted the position as director of the School of Accounting. She, in turn, was pleased recently by a reception that Deloitte, and Carlos Sabater, Deloitte South Florida and Puerto Rico’s managing partner and chair of the School of Accounting’s Advisory Board, hosted for her.

On October 10, 2007, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., about sixty people gathered at the Miami City Club, where Sabater welcomed the attendees, Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam introduced Lassar, and Lassar spoke. The guest list included accountants, advisory board members, other business partners, and faculty and staff from the college.

Event demonstrates continuing support for the school.

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“I’m very grateful for the support our business partners provide us, of which this was another example.”

—Sharon Lassar, director, School of Accounting

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“This was a wonderful way to introduce me to South Florida, and I’m very grateful for the support our business partners provide us, of which this was another example,” Lassar said.

Sharon Lassar addresses representatives of area accounting firms and the college at reception in her honor.

Held at the Miami City Club, the event gave people the chance to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to socialize with friends and colleagues in the accounting community in which “everyone knows everyone,” according to Mireya Fonseca Bender, assistant director, external relations and resource development in the college.

“It was nice for our faculty members to mingle with the School of Accounting’s Alumni Affinity Group’s founders and members of the school’s Advisory Board,” said Lassar, who also invited members of two boards on which she serves: the American Woman’s Society of CPAs and the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA), Broward Chapter. “It was also pleasant for me to get a chance to visit with alumni and others who are affiliated with the school.”

Lassar became the director of the School of Accounting in August, 2007. A CPA, she earned her PhD at the University of Southern California; her Master of Taxation at Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts; and her Bachelor’s in Accounting from West Virginia University. She is an award-winning researcher and serves on many committees to benefit the profession. Recently Commissioner Thomas Regalado appointed her to the audit advisory committee for the City of Miami.

Learn more.

Sharon Lassar: http://business.fiu.edu/Spotlights/faculty_experts.cfm?FlagDirectory=Display&User=2192623
School of Accounting: Ledger, the school’s annual magazine at http://business.fiu.edu/newsletters/soa_ledger.cfm.

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New program grooms supply chain management professionals.

Students in the first offering of the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Program, and their instructor, Michael Richardson, far right.

With businesses striving to gain an advantage, taking a global view of operations has emerged as a significant activity. Yet, understanding how each part of a company’s complex chain of relationships is connected—from suppliers through customers to every internal department—poses challenges.

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) has developed the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Program to enable those involved in these relationships to gain a fuller comprehension of their operations and of ways they can improve them. Recently, the College of Business Administration’s Ryder Center for Supply Chain Management and its office of Executive and Professional Education joined forces to offer this certification program—with many enhancements.

Ryder System, Inc., provides support and sees the benefits.

Ryder System, Inc., partially underwrote the course’s costs for the first group.

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“The course’s rigor and the 360º view participants receive is a positive factor for us and for other employers.”

—Hernan C. Vera (MBA ’90), Ryder System, Inc., group director, Supply Chain Solutions Marketing

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“Our motivation is a little selfish,” said Hernan C. Vera (MBA ’90), the company’s group director, Supply Chain Solutions Marketing. “Within the industry, we have a shortage of qualified talent. The course’s rigor and the 360º view participants receive is a positive factor for us and for other employers.”

The five-and-a-half day program, which touches on every aspect of supply chain management, got underway in October with seventeen participants from across the spectrum of their companies’ functional areas. Michael Richardson (EMBA ’02), CSCP, CPIM, adjunct professor, Marketing Department; and director of wholesale planning, Bottoms Division, Perry Ellis International, is the instructor.

“We are supplementing the core APICS modules with case studies, videos, and readings to deepen students’ involvement,” he said. “We also provide opportunities for them to discuss their company’s operations. Participants have a wealth of knowledge, resulting in very lively exchanges about different approaches.”

Walfried Lassar, Ryder Professor and director, Ryder Center for Supply Chain Management, worked with Richardson to identify suitable public domain materials, including a case study from Supply Chain Forum, an international journal, to enrich the classes.

Though Ryder System has not played a role in shaping the program, the company sees it as an opportunity to “continue to build our relationship with the Ryder Center and to support the sharing of top-of-the-mind issues in the industry,” Vera said.

The college will offer the course again beginning in April, 2008. For a day-by-day breakout of the syllabus and information about how to register, visit: http://business.fiu.edu/epe/supply_chain_management.cfm.

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College of Business Administration comes on strong at NSHMBA conference.

Martin Fernandez, Tatiana Lopez, Ruben Salazar, and Mahendran Jawaharial compete at NSHMBA.

From its booth alongside partner Bank of America (BOA) to its co-sponsored breakfast with BOA attended by several hundred registrants to the sterling performance of a team of four Professional MBA (PMBA) students invited to compete in a case competition, the College of Business Administration ratcheted up its impact at the 18th Annual Conference and Career Expo of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), held October 4-6, 2007 in Houston, Texas.

The group representing the college during the event consisted of Barry Shiflett, director, Career Management Services (CMS); CMS staff members Elsie Florido, associate director, and Ellie Browner (MS ’93, BBA ’79) assistant director, employer services; Luis Casas, the college’s director of marketing and recruiting; and Sarah Perez, director, Executive MBA (EMBA) and PMBA programs. Joyce J. Elam, executive dean, and José de la Torre, dean, Chapman Graduate School, attended part of the time, including for the breakfast meeting, which Elam emceed and at which BOA’s Frances A. Sevilla Sacasa, president, private wealth management, gave the keynote address. In addition, the college sponsored nine students, including the case competitors.

NSHMBA successes resonate after the conference ends.

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“This year, we encountered more interest among recruiters in taking next steps with us.”

—Barry Shiflett, director, Career Management Services

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“Because of our activities, and in partnership with BOA, our efforts are beginning to pay off,” Shiflett said. “This year, we encountered more interest among recruiters in taking next steps with us, which we expect will lead to their recruiting on our campus in the future. We look forward to welcoming them—and all recruiters—to our Bank of America Career Management Services offices in the college’s new business building complex, where we will have ten interview rooms and a recruiters’ lounge and library.”

In February, 2007, a team of students from the Chapman Graduate School won the Intercollegiate Case Competition hosted by the University of South Florida. Subsequently, “Team FIU,” consisting of Mahendran Jawaharlal, Tatiana Lopez, Martin Fernandez, and Ruben Salazar, was selected as one of the six finalists—from a field of 44—to compete in the Dell/Microsoft case competition at the NSHMBA conference.

“Based on the quality of our presentation at the competition, two of our colleagues received strong overtures from both Dell and Microsoft,” Jawaharlal said.

“We’re grateful to the many faculty and staff members who helped prepare the team, particularly Browner for her many labor-intensive activities,” said Shiflett, who also handed accolades to Florido for the “way she handled the unbelievable logistics leading up to and during the event.”

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Student consultants and their client benefit from case study.

Student consultants and their client benefit from case study.

Team members conducted some of their research on site at CCT’s warehouse.

As a relatively new company, CCT Global Logistics couldn’t afford to hire consultants to evaluate an efficiency challenge they’d encountered. Nor could they afford to take valuable staff time to deal with it. A solution presented itself in the form of four students in the Downtown MBA program, offered in the College of Business Administration’s Chapman Graduate School. For the students enrolled in Distribution Channels, taught by Fred Hernandez, adjunct professor, Department of Marketing, it was a real-life case study—a chance to apply what they were learning in class. For CCT, it was an unexpected boon.

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“The manner in which they presented their research was astonishingly accurate.”

—Christian M. Ollino, CCT managing director, CCT

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Team member Lourdes Matta presents at CCT.

“We were extremely impressed with the group’s level of professionalism,” said Christian M. Ollino, CCT managing director. “The manner in which they presented their research was astonishingly accurate concerning where we have an opportunity for improvement in our logistics and distribution operations.”

More work means bigger payoff.

The team consisted of Alejandro Aristizábal (BA ’01), Lourdes Mata, Carlos Ramos, and Faun Whalen.

Alejandro Aristizábal shares findings from the team’s efforts.

“We visited the warehouse to understand the movement of products and talked to employees to feel what they were feeling, rather than coming in with just a theoretical understanding,” said Aristizábal, a forensic social worker in a jail diversion program. “Not only did we learn a great deal about the company’s distribution channel in Latin America, but also we had a wealth of networking opportunities.”

The team’s presentation to CCT elicited an immediate positive response: Ollino called a staff meeting the next day to start applying the students’ ideas.

The experience confirmed Hernandez’s long-standing interest in taking students beyond typical case study exercises.

“Traditional Harvard Business School-type cases are great, and most of the students opted to do them,” he said. “However, real life experience in a new field, especially in a new subject, served for these students as a tremendous learning process. Though it was more time consuming, it enabled them to do the kind of analytical work MBAs do and to understand more immediately and first-hand the importance of supply chain management in a real situation.”

The student presenters, their professor, and their client celebrated the success of the presentation over a dinner party, which included, from left to right: Carlos Ramos, Faun Whalen, Fred Hernandez, Christian Ollino, Lourdes Matta, and Alejandro Aristizábal.

Given the success of this initial effort, Hernandez hopes that other companies will contact him to engage students in a similar activity. Ollino, too, wants to repeat the exercise.

“I hope to have another chance to get a group to perform yet another efficiency project such as this one,” he said. “I also hope my competition doesn’t have the same advantage until we are up to speed.”

Learn more.

Downtown MBA: http://business.fiu.edu/chapman/mba_downtown.cfm
CCT: www.cctcorporation.com

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College reaches out to community of K-12 language teachers.

Maria Amparo Yuste, deputy director Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce, speaks to participants.

Thirty K-12 teachers, mostly from Miami-Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach counties, recently got expert advice about an important task: how to incorporate aspects of Spanish for international business into the standard high school Spanish curricula. Organized for the second time by the College of Business Administration’s Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), the conference exemplifies the commitment of the 31 CIBERs nationwide to developing community outreach programs.

“The U.S. Department of Education funds CIBERs and, in our last proposal, we described this workshop under the category of programs ‘Using Languages and Technology Wisely in International Business: Improving K-12, College, and Organizational Absorption,’” said Sonia Verdu, program coordinator, who has organized the conference for two years. “We wanted to help K-12 Spanish teachers see ways they can train their students in the specialized vocabulary of Spanish for business—in the terminology of banking, accounting, human resources, import-export, real estate, office management, and sales.”

Outreach goes far beyond region.

Unlike most of the participants, who had a short drive to attend the event, which took place on September 29, 2007, at University Park, Theresa Glowacki traveled from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She teaches Spanish to 120 students in Greendale High School there and found out about the workshop through one of its sponsors—the University of Wisconsin’s CIBER—which funded her flight and hotel.

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“I feel that I can take what the speakers presented and incorporate it in ways that make sense for my needs.”

—Theresa Glowacki, teacher, Greendale High School, Milwaukee, WI

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“The program has given me ideas about how a business focus could help my students,” she said. “I feel that I can take what the speakers presented and incorporate it in ways that make sense for my needs.”

Cecilia Montes Alcalá, professor, Georgia Tech, addresses fellow teachers.

Though language study is not mandatory at Greendale, Glowacki said it is highly encouraged, particularly since most of the high school’s students go on to college, where language courses are required for admission.

Camille Villafañe Rodríguez, University of Puerto Rico; Maria Amparo Yuste, deputy director, Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Cecilia Montes-Alcalá, Georgia Tech; and Maida Watson, a member of Florida International University’s modern languages department, spoke. Texas A&M University's CIBER, Centro de Recursos Españoles-Consulate of Spain, and Spain–U.S Chamber of Commerce also sponsored the free event.

Learn more.

FIU-CIBER: http://business.fiu.edu/centers/ciber.cfm.

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Victoria Johnson (MSHRM ’05)

Victoria Johnson

Graduate Degree: Master of Science in Human Resource Management, College of Business Administration, Florida International University

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Professional Management, NOVA Southeastern University

Current Employment: Human Resources Director, Fellowship House, Miami, Florida.

Mission of Fellowship Miami: To assist adults with severe and persistent psychiatric disabilities and individuals who also have co-occurring substance abuse disorders achieve the maximum level of community integration and self reliance. This mission is accomplished by providing a comprehensive continuum of programs and services offering supportive opportunities for vocational and social rehabilitation as well as residential options and psychiatric and case management services. Fellowship House is committed to helping the people it serves to better understand their illnesses, develop coping strategies, improve their quality of life, and experience recovery.

Job Responsibilities: Include all human resource functions: avoidance of lawsuits, advising executive staff on HR matters, reviewing and creating HR policies, and employee relations.

Most Rewarding Aspect of Her Job: “It is a great experience. Even though I’m not in direct service, I know that, by hiring the right people, I am enriching someone else’s life.”

Certifications and Professional Associations: Profession in Human Resources Certification (PHR) and a member of Greater Miami SHRM and the Society of Human Resource Management.

Exciting Opportunity: Johnson has been selected for a three-year term to serve on SHRM’s Special Expertise Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility. She is one of 15 people who have been selected nationally with a background in corporate social responsibility. Her committee will create a tool kit for HR practitioners.

Advice on Social Responsibility: “There is something for everyone to do. Companies can collect toys for Toys for Tots or allow their employees to volunteer half of a day for Meals on Wheels. Companies can do more than donate money.”

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Alumni Chapter plans second Annual Night in Paradise.

The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa

The Business Alumni Chapter and Young Urban Professional Alumni (YUPA!) are joining together to celebrate the second annual Night in Paradise, with this year’s event theme being “A Taste of Brazil.”

The evening will feature live music by Cezar Santana and his Bossa Nova Sensation, an authentic Brazilian capoeira dance and fashion show, DJ performances, and complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the college’s Student Enhancement Fund and CHARLEE, a non-profit organization that helps abused and neglected children in Miami-Dade County.

You are invited to attend this special holiday season kickoff event with your college friends and family on November 21, 2007, at Grove Isle from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tickets are $40 for Alumni Association members and $50 for non-members. Buy your online tickets today! Not a member? Call 305-348-0397 or email joubertm@fiu.edu to sign up.

Hosting alumni groups would like to thank the following event sponsors and partners: Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, Deloitte, University Credit Union, Aviation Express, AppelRouth, Farah & Co, Sevas Forged, Inc., Krueger International, Christiania Vodka, Singha Beer, Chivas, Tequila Siete Leguas, Miami Capoeira-Cais Dourado, Paixo Swimwear, Project X Media, Odyssey Dj Productions, Next in Line, and Beta Alpha Psi.

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Is continual change always a good thing?

Chris Changwha Chung presents his dissertation in the dissertation panel session at the Academy of Management 2007 Annual Meeting.

Change remains a constant factor in today’s business world—one that affects organizations of all types and sizes, including international joint ventures.

To succeed in this volatile environment, conventional wisdom suggests that managers should alter their organizational structures when internal and external environments change. Such adaptive structural change provides, in theory, highly feasible and potentially beneficial results because it maintains the alignment between environment and organizational structure.

Now, toss aside conventional wisdom—and consider a different point of view: even if an organization undertakes a potentially beneficial change, the resulting benefits may not come about because the process of change itself may greatly disrupt routines, undermine relationships, and require costly learning.

Chris Changwha Chung, assistant professor in the College of Business Administration’s Department of Management and International Business, digs deeper into this hypothesis in his recently completed dissertation titled “The Evolution of International Joint Ventures: Multiple Waves of Structure Change, Performance, and Survival.”

Chung argues that, when an international joint venture undergoes a series of changes, the unique nature of inter-partner relationships dictates that benefits may not occur because of the disruptive and deleterious nature of the change process itself.

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“Regardless of the type of motivation behind a change or belief in the good effects of occasional change, continual structural change is not likely to be positive for international joint ventures.”

—Chris Changwha Chung, assistant professor, Department of Management and International Business

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“The effects of multiple changes are particularly disruptive and deleterious because they continually destroy or render obsolete established structures and patterns of activities between partners,” Chung said. “In other words, regardless of the type of motivation behind a change or belief in the good effects of occasional change, continual structural change is not likely to be positive for international joint ventures.”

Chris Changwha Chung receives the” Barry M. Richman Best Dissertation Award” in the field of international business and management from Ravi Ramamurti, chair, International Management Division, Academy of Management, during the organization’s 2007 Annual Meeting.

Based on an analysis of 5,053 international joint ventures from 58 industries in 46 countries between 1986 and 2003, Chung’s research suggests that even if partners change their ownership control structure in an effort to improve the effectiveness of the venture in response to declining performance, they will not realize the benefits of change if the initial change action leads to multiple waves of structural change.

“The results of my study indicate that the hazards of unchanged international joint ventures initially increased and then declined over time, but the hazards of changing international joint ventures continually escalated as the number of structural changes increased,” he said. “With each sequential structural change, the likelihood of improving performance declined, failure increased, and the speed of movement toward relationship termination accelerated.”

What makes international joint ventures particularly vulnerable to change?

Compared to stand-alone organizations, international joint ventures are simultaneously cooperative and competitive by nature. While the participating companies bring together complementary skills and resources, divergent strategic objectives, cultural differences, and the potential for opportunism combine to drive conflict in a “mixed-motive” environment.

In his research, Chung examines the downward spirals of inter-partner and inter-group dynamics as international joint ventures experience multiple change processes.

“When ownership control is restructured—especially more than once—inherent tensions in the shared control arrangement are more likely to become salient, with cultural, behavioral, and managerial differences amplified as the number of waves of structural change multiply,” he said. “Shared ownership control forms the foundation on which to build cooperative international joint venture relationships, but it also can act as a source of conflict if the balance of power breaks down.”

Chung compares the situation to a tug-of-war game in which equally exerted forces from opposite ends maintain an equal balance of power.

“While this equal balance of power creates a seemingly stable relationship, it is, in fact, under constant tension,” he said. “When the initial balance of power breaks down, each partner jockeys for more control and more power, creating instability in the relationship.”

Research recognized.

Chung recently won the prestigious “Barry M. Richman Best Dissertation Award” in the field of international business and management for his dissertation. He received the award at the 2007 Academy of Management meetings, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from August 3-8, 2007. The judges evaluated 38 dissertations, from which they selected four finalists, prior to naming Chung the winner.

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Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam receives prestigious ATHENA Award.

Joyce J. Elam receives ATHENA award.

When Joyce J. Elam, executive dean and James L. Knight Professor of Management Information Systems, College of Business Administration and Vice President FIU Online, received the Seventh Annual ATHENA for Miami-Dade County award from the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the college’s contingent attending the luncheon was thrilled, but not surprised.

They knew from personal experience that Elam embodies the criteria for the award, which recognizes individuals who “demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.”

Still, the other six finalists feted at the luncheon were people of immense stature, with formidable accomplishments fulfilling each criterion.

“The finalists brought a rich and different perspective to the program,” said Sumit Kundu, Knight Ridder Center Research Professor, Department of Management and International Business. “This was truly a distinguished group.”

Irma Becerra-Fernández (PhD ’94) associate professor, Department of Decision Sciences and Information Systems (DSIS), agreed.

“She was in remarkable company, as all the nominees had done extraordinary things, like starting orphanages in India and feeding the lepers in Haiti,” she said.

Close up of Athena award trophy

However, she felt Elam’s selection was fully merited.

“When you consider the impact to our community of what she has done at Florida International University—including our college’s extensive graduate offerings, our entering the rankings, and the new business building complex—Elam was the most deserving,” Becerra-Fernández said.

Ed Glab, director, Knight Ridder Center for Excellence in Management, College of Business Administration; and Monique Catoggio (EMBA ’03), director, alumni and partner relations, College of Business Administration, shared Becerra-Fernández’s assessment of both the program and the award.

“I think the award was definitely warranted and all the more impressive because of the amazing level of achievement of the other finalists—from a journalist with fourteen Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award to a woman who treated lepers and adopted a couple with Alzheimer’s so their last years together would be decent,” Glab said.

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“Her receipt of the award signifies the importance of business education and the direct impact of her work locally and abroad.”

—Monique Catoggio (EMBA ’03), director, alumni and partner relations, College of Business Administration

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Catoggio was “excited to see Elam recognized among women leaders in all fields and for the important causes they embrace. Her receipt of the award signifies the importance of business education and the direct impact of her work locally and abroad. She deserves this recognition for transforming the business school and breaking glass ceilings for many women administrators in the college and for students and alumni.”

From left, Sumit Kundu, Christos Koulamas, Ed Glab, and Sally M. Gallion, editor and assistant dean, College of Business Administration

In the opinion of Christos Koulamas, chair and Ryder Eminent Scholar Chair in Management Information Systems, DSIS, “The selection committee weighted heavily the fact that her contributions in the educational field have had a positive impact on the lives of many people whose educational opportunities were enhanced as a result of her actions.”

Not only were the finalists outstanding, but also the judges were. Six of the seven were former ATHENA Award recipients, including last year’s: Janet Reno.

“We are delighted and agree with the judges’ selection of our dean,” Glab said, a view with which Natalia Echeverría Sol, director, corporate relations, College of Business Administration, who extended the invitations to the attendees on Elam’s behalf, concurred.

“She fit the bill of everything the judges were looking for,” Sol said.

“I was very humbled and honored to be chosen as the recipient of the ATHENA Award given the incredible accomplishments of each of the finalists,” Elam said. “While I was the one honored, none of my accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication and support of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the college.”

Jen Herrera, news anchor, Channel 10, WPLG; Ed Williamson, president and CEO of title sponsor Williamson Cadillac HUMMER; Teri Logan, ATHENA chair and associate head of Miami Christian School; and Gloria Burns, executive director, Coral Gables Community Foundation, made the presentation to Elam on September 21, 2007.

Award-winning year unfolds for executive dean.

The ATHENA Award is the second major award Elam has received this year. In June, 2007, the fellows of the Academy of International Business (AIB) elected her “International Dean of the Year,” recognizing her for her contributions in fostering international business education at the university and elsewhere. Inducted at the organization’s annual meeting, she joined an elite list of deans from top international business schools around the world who have received the award.

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High-energy event welcomes E85 ethanol to South Florida.

Ed Glab, clinical professor, Department of Management and International Business, College of Business Administration, opens the discussion.

South Florida looks greener than ever, thanks to the availability of E85 ethanol at a UGas fueling station at 210 NW 79th Avenue in Miami.

Made primarily from corn, E85 ethanol represents a renewable energy source that burns cleaner than gasoline, a fossil fuel. It’s cheaper too, costing on average twenty percent less per gallon than gasoline.

Announcing the arrival of this alternative fuel in Miami marked a dramatic highpoint for the E85 ethanol symposium jointly hosted by Florida International University’s Energy Business Forum in the College of Business Administration and General Motors (GM).

Held on September 12, 2007, at the University Park, the open forum featured a panel discussion on E85 ethanol infrastructure, technology, and availability, all in the South Florida context. The distinguished panelists included senior engineers as well as energy experts from academia and industry. More than 150 representatives from the business, consumer, and media communities attended the event.

Energy experts lead high-powered discussion.

From left, George Philippidis, associate director of the university’s Applied Research Center; Robert Ruano, director for grants and sustainable initiatives with the City of Miami; Karl Doenges, president of CleanFUEL Distribution, and Mary Beth Stanek, director of environment and energy for GM

Following an introduction by Ed Glab, clinical professor, Department of Management and International Business, College of Business Administration, and director of the college’s Knight Ridder Center for Excellence in Management, George Philippidis, associate director of the university’s Applied Research Center, spoke about the business of ethanol and how to fuel a sustainable future.

Next up, Robert Ruano, director for grants and sustainable initiatives with the City of Miami, provided an overview of the city government’s commitment to and plan for powering its fleet with flex fuel.

Karl Doenges, president of CleanFUEL Distribution, then talked about viable strategies for getting ethanol to South Florida.

Mary Beth Stanek, director of environment and energy for GM, wrapped up the panel discussion with a look at the role partnering and marketing initiatives play in building a viable ethanol infrastructure.

According to Doenges, who has participated with GM in similar energy forums at other major universities, this symposium was “hands down, the best event we’ve had. The attendees were very well-informed. They knew the industry and asked intelligent questions, which made for an enriching, engaging discussion.”

More than 150 representatives from the business, consumer, and media communities attended the event.

Why ethanol? Why now?

A blend of 85 percent ethanol and fifteen percent gasoline, E85 ethanol fuel is one of several initiatives under consideration by the U.S. government and private corporations to reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign oil.

Produced by the fermentation of plant sugars, ethanol typically derives from corn, sugar cane, and other grain products. However, other biomass resources—such as agricultural and forestry waste—as well as crops such as citrus, have been identified as raw materials for alternative fuel formulas.

Corn-based E85 ethanol does have its limits.

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“The ideal solution would be to not plant anything special or use more water but instead use what we already throw away—like wood chips, sugar cane waste, or even orange peels—and convert it into useable fuel.”

—Ed Glab, clinical professor, Department of Management and International Business and director, Knight Ridder Center for Excellence in Management

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“If you were to use every last acre of corn produced in the United States and turn it into ethanol—and that means no corn to eat for anyone—it would replace roughly only twelve percent of our daily gasoline consumption,” Glab said. “The ideal solution would be to not plant anything special or use more water but instead use what we already throw away—like wood chips, sugar cane waste, or even orange peels—and convert it into useable fuel.”

At the same time, E85 ethanol represents a small step in the right direction: If all the 11,000 drivers in the Miami area who own GM flex-fuel vehicles used E85 ethanol, they would save more than 161,000 barrels of oil annually.

Ignacio Urbieta (MBA ’85), co-owner of Urbieta Oil Company and owner of the Miami UGas station now selling E85 ethanol, is willing to bet on the future.

If this first offering proves successful, he envisions installing flex-fuel pumps in up to a dozen stations across South Florida next year.

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“Alternative fuel provides the best path to the future and a very real way to help the economy and the environment.”

—Ignacio Urbieta (MBA ’85), co-owner, Urbieta Oil Company

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“I think this is the right thing to do,” Urbieta said. “Alternative fuel provides the best path to the future and a very real way to help the economy and the environment.”

Podcasts of the symposium presentations are available at http://business.fiu.edu/media/index.cfm?apseries=269. To learn more about the Energy Business Forum, visit http://krcem.fiu.edu/energy.html.

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Kenneth D. Rosen makes major donation to Jerome Bain Real Estate Institute.

Kenneth D. Rosen

Ever since the establishment of Florida International University in 1972, Kenneth D. Rosen, CCIM, president, Kendar Realty, Inc., dreamed of seeing a school of real estate at University Park. Thanks in large part to his dedication, a thriving one exists. The most recent sign of his commitment: a personal contribution of $50K to the Jerome Bain Real Estate Institute, which coordinates myriad real estate programs in the College of Business Administration, with courses taught by members of the Department of Finance and Real Estate.

“I knew Jerome Bain (MBA ’75), and after his death, I became the chair of the Educational Foundation of the Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches (RAMB), which received $500K from his estate to donate to real estate education,” said Rosen, who saw the value of giving the Bain legacy to the university that both men loved. “Rather than allocating small amounts to multiple institutions, I spearheaded a move to donate all the funds to the university to establish the institute that bears his name.”

Rosen helped secure an additional $100K, and with a 70% match from the State of Florida, the college launched the institute in 1998 with a $1.2 million endowment.

“When we wrote the contract, we included a clause that said that we could get our money back if the school didn’t have enough students by a certain date,” Rosen said. “The program took off well from the beginning and now is flourishing far beyond our expectations.”

Support takes many forms, and Rosen manifests them all.

Having been instrumental in enabling the institute to come into being, Rosen continued and continues today to actively support the program with his time.

“He remains one of our staunchest cheerleaders and a key player on our advisory board—attending all our meetings and maintaining a high level of interest in the growth of our program,” said John Zdanowicz, institute director and professor, Department of Finance and Real Estate.

Now, with his personal donation, he has found yet another way to show his devotion to the institute and the high regard in which he holds the college and its students.

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“I felt like it was time to show my respect by making a financial contribution and it gave me a lot of pleasure to do so.”

—Kenneth D. Rosen, CCIM, president, Kendar Realty, Inc.

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“I believe in the business school, and if I were young and starting college today, I’d go there in a minute,” he said. “For business, it’s the greatest. I felt like it was time to show my respect by making a financial contribution and it gave me a lot of pleasure to do so.”

Rosen and the institute remain on pace to achieve their goals.

Reflecting on his 35-year attachment to the university—in particular to its real estate program—Rosen remembered his inauguration as president of RAMB in the early 1970s.

“I presented seven goals, one of which was to establish a school of real estate at Florida International University,” he said.

Not only did his earlier efforts help lay a solid foundation for educating students in real estate, but also, with his personal gift, Rosen is helping ensure that the real estate programs will continue to expand.

“I’m very grateful that he made this kind of commitment and that he will help me make decisions about how to parcel out the funds,” said Zdanowicz, who plans a variety of initiatives to strengthen the undergraduate and graduate programs and to increase support for faculty research and development.

For more information about the Jerome Bain Real Estate Institute, visit http://business.fiu.edu/centers/jerome_bain.cfm. The site includes links to information about the college’s undergraduate real estate major and the Master of Science in International Real Estate (MSIRE) program.

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Advisory board for Career Management Services holds first meeting.

Left to right: Dawn Lazar, Elsie Florido, Barry Shiflett, and Ellie Browner

The concept of advisory boards pervades graduate programs in the College of Business Administration’s Chapman School. The formula: assemble a group of energetic business leaders with an interest in your mission and goals. Then, get their feedback on your activities and initiatives to improve what you do; create a situation in which they can benefit from the expertise of their fellow board members; and uncover ways that the college can help them fulfill their company-specific goals. The synergies that develop have consistently resulted in a positive situation for all concerned.

Recently, another entity within the college—Career Management Services (CMS)—applied the principles of an advisory board to its own organization.

“The purpose of the CMS Advisory Board is to strengthen relationships with companies seeking to recruit at Florida International University’s business school and assist them with best practice opportunities through networking,” said Barry Shiflett, CMS director.

An impressive roster of individuals representing key industries will make up the board. Many of them already have strong relationships with the college: offering internships and full-time employment; deploying employees to deliver guest lectures in classes or for student organizations; and participating in or sponsoring on-campus events, including Business Industry Night and career fairs.

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“Through our participation on the college’s advisory board, we can help the university in its efforts to prepare marketable graduates.”

—Mari Espin-Sanchez (BBA ’96), corporate recruiting, human resources, Royal Caribbean International/Celebrity Cruises

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Mari Espin-Sanchez

“Being involved in the advisory board benefits us because we can identify good candidates in finance, operations, statistics, accounting, and hospitality,” said Mari Espin-Sanchez (BBA ’96), corporate recruiting, human resources, Royal Caribbean International/Celebrity Cruises, whose company has had a longstanding relationship with the university. “Through our participation on the college’s advisory board, we can help the business school in its efforts to prepare marketable graduates.”

Full agenda includes introductions and case study exercise.

During an initial meeting on August 15, 2007, advisory board members met each other and the CMS staff—Shiflett, Elsie Florido, associate director; Ellie Browner (MS ’93, BBA ’79), assistant director, employer services; and Dawn Lazar (MS ’06), assistant director, undergraduate programs. Shiflett and Florido provided an overview of CMS’s history, organization, and responsibilities; gave an introduction to the web site; and set out key issues CMS faces in terms of policies, procedures, and resources, among other matters.

José de la Torre, dean, Chapman Graduate School, gave an overview of the college and some of the challenges to which board members can contribute important guidance.

“He gave a wonderful presentation and shared the college’s exceptional success,” Espin-Sanchez said. “I appreciated his energy, vision, and overview of the university and all its dynamics.”

Following lunch, participants separated into break-out groups during which they discussed CMS office policies and procedures as well as issues from the morning session. In addition, they undertook a college-related case activity.

“The exercise enabled us to get to know each other better and to provide insights into what we would like CMS to offer,” Espin-Sanchez said. “Also, I was pleased to see the potential for initiatives with other board members.”

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New student organization helps fight global poverty, one dollar at a time.

Members of FIU Micro Lenders with Robert Hogner (back row), instructor, Business in Society course

What would you do if someone handed you $25? Buy the latest best-selling novel? See a movie with a friend, complete with popcorn and soda? Or maybe splurge at lunch today?

In some parts of the world, what seems like an insignificant amount of money to us can make a significant difference. In Kenya, $25 can go a long way to helping a woman improve her vegetable-stand business and expand her customer base. The same amount of money can help provide the boost a man in Azerbaijan needs to buy his own car for a growing taxi business.

This concept stuck a chord with the members of the 24th BBA+ Weekend group. And when the time came to select a community service project for their Business in Society class, the students decided to think big and small: tackling global poverty by initiating a micro financing program.

Simply put, micro financing provides very small—that is, micro—loans to struggling entrepreneurs living in poverty-stricken areas of the world. These seemingly small amounts of money—usually $1,000 or less—can make all the difference in the world to helping an individual grow a small business and, in turn, continuing to support a family.

“We are going full-speed ahead with our micro financing program,” said Frank C. McGuinness, BBA+ Weekend Group 24 class president, who is majoring in international business and management. “We already have formed the FIU Micro Lenders, an official new student organization, as well as a non-profit 501(c)(3) Florida corporation that is committed to helping fight global poverty.”

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“Once again, our students are raising the bar when it comes to community service that’s truly international in scope.”

—Robert Hogner, associate professor, Department of Management and International Business, coordinator of the College of Business Administration’s Civic Engagement Initiative, and instructor, Business in Society

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“Once again, our students are raising the bar when it comes to community service that’s truly international in scope,” said Robert Hogner, associate professor, Department of Management and International Business, coordinator of the College of Business Administration’s Civic Engagement Initiative, and instructor of the Business in Society course. “I see tremendous growth potential for support of the micro lending concept—spreading throughout our programs, beyond this one class and tying in with finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing courses, on to the point where this becomes a college-wide initiative.”

Members of FIU Micro Lenders, a new student organization in the College of Business Administration

Group takes a multi-faceted approach to launching micro lending program.

To kick off the fund-raising efforts, the class began collecting donations of used textbooks from fellow students and sold them via Amazon Marketplace. They also are selling collected goods on eBay.

“We quickly made more than $1,000, which we used to establish micro loans through Kiva, the world's first online lending platform connecting online lenders to small businesses in the developing world,” McGuinness said.

At the same time, the founding members of the new FIU Micro Lenders organization began analyzing their own employer’s companies, laying the groundwork for establishing strategic partnerships, donations, and cross-marketing efforts in support of global micro lending.

“We are proud to announce that Barfield, Inc., an aviation industry leader based in Miami, has signed on to become the first corporate sponsor of our organization,” said Terry Tasker, FIU Micro Lenders treasurer and compliance officer who hopes to join the college’s Professional MBA (PMBA) program in 2008.

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“Micro financing is a powerful tool that lifts people out of poverty. To be a part of this initial effort here on our campus is very exciting.”

—Terry Tasker, FIU Micro Lenders treasurer and compliance officer

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“This is not a one-off project for us,” Tasker said. “We want to build, manage, and nurture FIU Micro Lenders as part of our commitment to investing in a better world. Micro financing is a powerful tool that lifts people out of poverty. To be a part of this initial effort here on our campus is very exciting.”

McGuinness agrees.

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“We will continue to forge partnerships within our community, raise awareness about the powerful force of micro loans, and redefine what it means to be an international business student,”

—Frank C. McGuinness, BBA+ Weekend Group 24 class president

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“We will continue to forge partnerships within our community, raise awareness about the powerful force of micro loans, and redefine what it means to be an international business student,” he said.

To learn more about FIU Micro Lenders, visit the organization’s new web site:
http://microlenders.business.fiu.edu. And visit the FIU Micro Lenders Kiva.org lender’s web page to see the faces of people whose lives and businesses are already benefiting from the group’s initial loans: http://www.kiva.org/lender/fiumicrolenderscorp.

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Ellenit Serrano (BBA ’86)

Major at Florida International University: Finance

Ellenit Serrano (BBA ’86)

Background: Serrano worked for twenty years in the finance area for American Express, Latin America, in various roles and markets. She was the lead financial officer for the international dollar card.

Inspiration for Becoming an Entrepreneur: American Express’ reorganization began moving people to local markets. Serrano wanted to stay in Miami and thought it would be the perfect time to start her own business. She decided to pursue her dream. She drew on her passion for fashion and her desire to encourage others to live a more peaceful and inspired life; as a consequence, she created the Inspirit brand.

Current Company: Inspirit International was launched in 2006. The company designs and offers inspirational fashion consisting of imprinted and embellished women’s shirts and accessories. All merchandise is made in the U.S. and uses the highest quality elements, including Swarovski crystals on all stone designs.

Personal and Professional Qualities: Serrano has the technical skills and strategic business planning background along with drive and determination. She has a grasp of all aspects of business from her business consulting experience.

Exciting Opportunity: To come full circle and merge creative passion with business expertise, Serrano first studied fashion merchandising and ran a boutique at Dadeland Mall. She started to study business, and finance courses were easy for her. Finance helped her build a successful, well-rounded career that has given her the know-how essential to running a business.

Challenging Moments: Hitting the streets for hard sales calls in order to get sale volume. “Putting yourself out there is time consuming and you have to go into it with high energy and a constant positive attitude. The task is challenging in a great way,” she said.

Most Rewarding Aspect of Owning a Business: Serrano is grateful to be able to take risks. She feels that she was blessed with a great career at Amex and accomplished everything she wanted to in a corporate setting. She moves forward in her new business with confidence.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: “It is important to do something that you love. You have to be willing to wear many hats, know when you don’t have the expertise, and not be afraid to reach out to others for help.”

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Business Alumni Chapter hosts “Art of Networking” event.

Business Alumni Chapter members attend the Art of Networking series featuring guest speaker Jim Bussey (MBA ’99).

On Thursday, September 20, 2007, Business Alumni Chapter members met at the Miami Art Group Gallery in Miami’s Design District for the premier of the “Art of Networking” series.

The “Art of Networking” series was created to provide a cultural venue at which Florida International University’s alumni and friends could come together and learn practical, valuable information about the importance of business networking.

College alumnus Jim Bussey (MBA ‘99), a recent finalist at the Toastmasters’ World Championship of Public Speaking, was the featured guest speaker of the evening.

"The 'Art of Networking' series is and will continue to be a successful event. When you have great sponsors, a beautiful venue, and an important message, delivered by an explosive speaker who truly moves everyone in attendance, the event is primed for great things,” said Manny Matalón (MACC ’03, BACC ’00), Business Alumni Chapter president. “I want to thank our sponsors: Progressive, Southern Vines, and the Miami Art Group, and our speaker, Jim Bussey, for making it possible.”

Visit our website today for a membership form to join the chapter.

In addition to unique event programming, as a member of the Business Alumni Chapter, you also enjoy a variety of Panther Perks. For a complete list of membership benefits, visit http://fiualumni.com.

View more pictures of the “Art of Networking” event.

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