Mark Rosenbaum, Fulbright Scholar, describes how unauthorized favoritism in retail settings impacts companies' bottom lines. Rosenbaum is an assistant marketing professor in the NIU College of Business whose previous research findings on retail nepotism received extensive coverage in the global media, including the International Business Times (August 2009), as well as several radio and television interviews in Singapore media outlets. Rosenbaum also received worldwide media coverage earlier this year for his research on "customer communities" in service establishments. SmartBusiness - Chicago is read by more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. View the article >>
In a October 2009 SmartBusiness magazine interview, Lei Zhou described how bond ratings play a key role in financial markets and what that means in light of the recent financial crisis. Zhou is an assistant professor of finance in the NIU College of Business whose previous co-conducted research findings were cited by a recent U.S. Congressional Oversight Panel in its report on the U.S. Treasury Department's use of TARP money. SmartBusiness - Chicago is read by more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. View the article >>
Jim Young -- chair of the Department of Accountancy, Crowe Horwath Professor of Accountancy -- was quoted in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in describing the scenario for 2010 taxes. Each year, the WSJ interviews Young and several other tax authorities who examine the impact of inflation on the federal tax system. In this year's article -- "Tax-Related Figures to Change Little" -- Young and two other tax analysts (George Jones of CCH and William Massey of RIA) determined inflationary impacts on a variety of individual income tax components including the personal exemption, standard deduction, and federal income tax brackets. One of the more significant findings was that many tax-related numbers will remain unchanged in 2010 due to very low inflation. Click here for the full WSJ article >>
In a September 2009 SmartBusiness magazine interview, Christine Mooney described what a mega event like the Olympics could mean to businesses and the pros and cons for involving an organization in a mega event. Mooney is Assistant Professor of Management in the college, whose area of expertise and interest focuses on entrepreneurship, the impact of mega events on hosting cities, and CEO succession strategies. SmartBusiness - Chicago is read by more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community View the article >>
Mark Rosenbaum, Fulbright Scholar and Assistant Professor of Marketing, had his co-conducted research on retail nepotism reviewed in an International Business Times (IBT) story entitled "Shopping with Elephants: Coming to Terms with Nepotism in the Retail Space". Rosenbaum's work explores group nepotism theory (in this instance, "consumer communities") and shows how in-group favoritism can impact the retail environment. The article provides a fascinating overview of Rosenbaum's research on how humans instinctively tend to take care of their own kind, even in the retail setting. IBT's audience includes affluent investors and traders, C-level executives, business owners, and tech savvy readers. View the article >>
In an August 2009 SmartBusiness magazine interview, Dennis Barsema discussed the triple bottom line (profit, people, planet): what it is, why it's significant, and how industry is increasingly embracing this business metric. Barsema is an NIU business alumnus, having graduated with a degree in management. A highly successful CEO who has charted new strategic directions for a number of businesses, Barsema is also a management instructor, a successful social entrepreneur, a member of Opportunidad Microfinanzas (the board of Opportunity International, Mexico), and a lifelong advocate of giving back. SmartBusiness - Chicago is read by more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community View the article >>
Paul Prabhaker, Associate Dean and Professor of Marketing, was quoted in a Courier-News article on the factors that influence where companies choose to do business. The story -- "East Dundee Pushes Ahead Despite Closings" -- reviews how business development in communities (with a focus on East Dundee) is fairing given the current economic conditions. Prabhaker described several overarching business conditions that can influence where a firm might locate its operations as well as how a firm ultimately performs in that location. View the article >>
In a July 2009 SmartBusiness magazine interview, McKesson Pharmaceutical Group Professor of Sales Dan Weilbaker discussed how advances in technology and more savvy buyers have changed the field of sales education, and what that means to businesses. SmartBusiness - Chicago is read by more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. View the article >>
In a June 2009 SmartBusiness magazine interview, Associate Dean and Professor of Marketing Paul Prabhaker discussed how corporate strategies can either help or hurt the long-term sustainability of a business. SmartBusiness magazine is read by more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. View the article >>
In a May 2009 SmartBusiness magazine interview, Acxiom Corporation Professor of Interactive Marketing Debra Zahay discussed how interactive marketing technologies have impacted businesses and how companies need to rethink the way they communicate their marketing messages. In September 2008, the NIU College of Business partnered with SmartBusiness to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues for the magazine's readership of more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. Each month, a NIU College of Business faculty member provides insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, the U.S. financial bailout, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others. (May 2009 issue). View the article >>
Dr. He Mingke, Dean of the Graduate School at Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), is visiting the College of Business April 13-17, 2009 to discuss possible future partnerships between NIU and BTBU. Currently, BTBU is the host university for the COB's OMIS 351 study abroad program, which is in its second year. Dr. He will also be lecturing in Dr. Liu's OMIS 475, Electronic Business Technologies course and Dr. McFadden's OMIS 450, Supply Chain Management course during his visit.
Dr. He has his Ph.D. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and has published over 100 papers and 12 books.
In addition to serving as the Graduate School Dean, Dr. He serves as the VP of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), Deputy Director of Curriculum and Teaching Guidance Committee for Logistical Disciplines in Universities, and is a senior consultant in logistics for the National Committee of Development and Reform of China, Beijing Municipal Government, Ministry of Commerce, as well as other associations in logistics.
Dr. He was employed by Motorola University (China) from 1994-1996 and a visiting professor of Gothenburg University of Sweden 2002-2006.
Mark Rosenbaum, Fulbright Scholar and Assistant Professor of Marketing whose research on customer communities and business branding relationship has received national media attention -- is cited on this topic in the April 2009 issue of the Harvard Business Review (HBR). The HBR article "Best Practice - Getting Brand Communities Right" explores the myths and realities for building successful customer communities in support of an overall business strategy. Read the full article here >> .
Mark Rosenbaum, Fulbright Scholar and Assistant Professor of Marketing in the NIU College of Business, discussed the emergence of customer communities and their substantial impact on businesses for an article in SmartBusiness magazine (March 2009 issue). In September 2008, the NIU College of Business partnered with SmartBusiness to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues for the magazine's readership of more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. Every month (through June 2010), a NIU College of Business faculty member will provide insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, the U.S. financial bailout, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others. NIU College of Business faculty who have previously provided thought leadership include NIU College of Business Dean Denise Schoenbachler (September 2008 issue), Professor of Finance Gerry Jensen (October 2008 issue), Assistant Professor of Management Christine Mooney (November 2008 issue), Chair and Professor of Finance Marc Simpson (December 2008 issue), Associate Professor of Management Jon Briscoe (January 2009 issue), Executive in Residence Joe Cullinane (February 2009 issue), and Finance Instructor Timur Gok (March 2009 issue). View the article >>
Timur Gök, Finance Instructor in the NIU College of Business, discussed corporate governance mechanisms and risk management practices in the context of the current financial crisis for an article in SmartBusiness magazine (March 2009 issue). In September 2008, the NIU College of Business partnered with SmartBusiness to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues for the magazine's readership of more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. Every month (through June 2010), a NIU College of Business faculty member will provide insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, the U.S. financial bailout, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others. NIU College of Business faculty who have previously provided thought leadership include NIU College of Business Dean Denise Schoenbachler (September 2008 issue), Professor of Finance Gerry Jensen (October 2008 issue), Assistant Professor of Management Christine Mooney (November 2008 issue), Chair and Professor of Finance Marc Simpson (December 2008 issue), Associate Professor of Management Jon Briscoe (January 2009 issue), and Executive in Residence Joe Cullinane (February 2009 issue). View the article >>
Joe Cullinane, Executive in Residence in the NIU College of Business, discussed Web 2.0 approaches that firms could pursue in an interview with SmartBusiness magazine (February 2009 issue). In September 2008, the NIU College of Business partnered with SmartBusiness to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues for the magazine's readership of more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. Every month (through June 2010), a NIU College of Business faculty member will provide insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, the U.S. financial bailout, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others. NIU College of Business faculty who have previously provided thought leadership include NIU College of Business Dean Denise Schoenbachler (September 2008 issue), Professor of Finance Gerry Jensen (October 2008 issue), Assistant Professor of Management Christine Mooney (November 2008 issue), Chair and Professor of Finance Marc Simpson (December 2008 issue), and Associate Professor of Management Jon Briscoe (January 2009 issue). View the article >>
Executive in Residence Joe Cullinane provided Money Magazine with his insights on ways to create customer awareness of new business ventures. The story -- "The Would-be Entrepreneur's Handbook" -- appears in the latest issue of Money Magazine. The guide lists 10 steps for starting a business, with Cullinane's suggestions for using social media to reach customers appearing in Step 9. As Executive in Residence at NIU's College of Business, Joe Cullinane is currently coaching an Experiential Learning Center (ELC) student team project that involves the use of social media and virtual environments for solving an actual business problem for an existing firm. Additionally, Cullinane -- an NIU alumnus (B.S. Marketing 1980) -- is also an active member of the NIU Executive Club. Cullinane and his co-author Marketing Chair Tanuja Singh recently completed writing the book "Surfing the Rift," which analyzes Web 2.0 social networking tools and strategies that businesses can employ with those tools. "Surfing the Rift" is scheduled for release in late spring 2009. View the article>>
Jon Briscoe, Associate Professor of Management in the NIU College of Business, discussed the leadership styles of Gen X, Gen Y, and babyboomer workers in an interview with SmartBusiness magazine (January 2009 issue). In September 2008, the NIU College of Business partnered with SmartBusiness to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues for the magazine's readership of more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. Every month (through June 2010), a NIU College of Business faculty member will provide insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, the U.S. financial bailout, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others. NIU College of Business faculty who have previously provided thought leadership include NIU College of Business Dean Denise Schoenbachler (September 2008 issue), Professor of Finance Gerry Jensen (October 2008 issue), Assistant Professor of Management Christine Mooney (November 2008 issue), and Chair and Professor of Finance Marc Simpson (December 2008 issue). View the article>>
Marc Simpson, Professor and Chair of the Finance Department in the NIU College of Business, discussed the U.S. financial bailout in an interview with SmartBusiness magazine. Simpson's interview appears in the December 2008 issue of SmartBusiness. In September 2008, the NIU College of Business partnered with SmartBusiness to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues for the magazine's readership of more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. Every month (through June 2010), a NIU College of Business faculty member will provide insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, the U.S. financial bailout, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others. NIU College of Business faculty who have previously provided thought leadership include NIU College of Business Dean Denise Schoenbachler (for the September 2008 issue), Professor of Finance Gerry Jensen (for the October 2008 issue), and Assistant Professor of Management Christine Mooney. View the article>>
The college's Experiential Learning Center (ELC) is being showcased at the AACSB Innovative Programs Conference, which is being held in Arizona from November 6-8th. Deans and Associate Deans from accredited business schools around the world are in attendance. The NIU College of Business program was chosen to be highlighted during the conference because of the college's approach to melding theory and practice by assigning a faculty-guided student team to consult with an actual firm on a firm-specific business problem. The NIU ELC program will be showcased in a seminar that explores strategies for creating experiential learning opportunities for students, with Pepperdine University providing insights on its approach to this at the graduate level. NIU's ELC program is one of few experiential learning situations in business schools in the country to provide undergraduate students with this type of experience. NIU's ELC program is being presented at the conference by NIU business dean Denise Schoenbachler and by the ELC director Jane Mall.
Christine Mooney, Assistant Professor of Management in the NIU College of Business, discussed the changing nature of CEO succession in an interview with SmartBusiness magazine. Mooney's interview will appear in the November 2008 issue of SmartBusiness. In September 2008, the NIU College of Business partnered with SmartBusiness to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues for the magazine's readership of more than 19,000 CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in the Chicago business community. Every month (through June 2010), a NIU College of Business faculty member will provide insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, the U.S. financial bailout, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others. NIU College of Business faculty who have previously provided thought leadership include NIU College of Business Dean Denise Schoenbachler (for the September 2008 issue) and Professor of Finance Gerry Jensen (for the October 2008 issue). View the article>>
Denise Schoenbachler, Dean of the NIU College of Business, will serve as a keynote speaker on Monday, November 3rd, at the 11th Annual Northern Illinois Quality Conference (NIQC) 2008. The 2008 NIQC is sponsored by several leading organizations, including: the NIU College of Business, Abbott, Baxter International, BSI Management Systems America, Caterpillar, as well as Chicago-area ASQ organizations. Dean Schoenbachler's presentation will "...demonstrate how a trust-based relationship with customers can help an organization to sustain excellence, both from the perspective of the customer and as measured internally." See www.niqc.org for more details about this conference.
In a media interview, Marc Simpson, chair of the Department of Finance, discussed the impact of fear on the U.S. financial situation. The interview was televised on October 15, 2008 on "23 News," a CBS-affiliated station that broadcasts out of Rockford, Illinois. The name of the segment is "Fear Factor Weighing In on the Financial Crisis." Click here to watch the interview.
SmartBusiness magazine has partnered with the NIU College of Business to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues to CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in Chicago. Every month for the next 24 months, a NIU College of Business faculty member will provide insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, global accounting standards, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others. Gerry Jensen, Professor of Finance in the NIU College of Business, discussed the relationship between investment decisions and Fed monetary policy in a October 2008 interview conduced by SmartBusiness Magazine. Previously, Jensen's research in this area has been covered extensively in major media outlets around the country and the world. Read the SmartBusiness interview here >>
NIU's College of Business was selected by Target to receive a Target Campus Grant of $25,000. Those NIU business programs to receive the Target grant funding include the Department of Management, Department of OM&IS, SHRM and AMA student organizations, and the Professional Sales Program out of the Department of Marketing. According to Target representatives, each year Target reviews all schools that they recruit from, and selects those schools with which the corporation has formed a long-term professional and educational relationship. Some of the collaborative efforts between the Leadership Schools and Target range from inviting Target representatives into the classroom as guest speakers to facilitating on site mock interviews or partnerships with the corporation. The NIU College of Business designation by Target as a Leadership School reflects Target's ongoing commitment to the college and its outstanding, nationally-regarded academic programs.
Representatives of Target will formally allocate the grant dollars to the college during a November reception to be held in the Barsema Alumni Visitors Center.
Jim Young - Chair of the Department of Accountancy, Crowe Horwath Professor of Accountancy - had his research findings highlighted in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Each year, the WSJ interviews Young and several other tax authorities who examine the impact of inflation on the federal tax system. This year's story, entitled "Why Inflation Means Relief for Taxpayers," ran on September 17, 2008. Young and two other tax analysts - George Jones of CCH and William Massey of RIA - determined inflationary impacts on a variety of individual income tax components including the personal exemption, standard deduction, and federal income tax brackets. One of the more significant changes was an increase in the annual gift tax exclusion. "Starting in 2009, you will be able to give away as much as $13,000 to anyone you wish -- and to as many people as you wish -- without any tax considerations. Many wealthy people take advantage of this provision each year as part of their estate-planning strategy." Click here for the full WSJ article.
SmartBusiness magazine has partnered with the NIU College of Business to provide thought-leadership on high-level business issues to CEOs and company founders of fast-growth, middle-market and large companies that are located in Chicago. Every month for the next 24 months, a NIU College of Business faculty member will provide insights on a wide range of strategic-level business concerns such as: building ethics into the culture of an organization, global accounting standards, interactive technology strategies that address Web 2.0 tools and beyond, CEO succession strategies, and the relationship between Fed policy and stock market performance, among many others.
Denise Schoenbachler, Dean of the NIU College of Business, leads the way by providing the first interview. In the September 2008 issue of SmartBusiness, Dean Schoenbachler discusses the very real difference between reacting within a culture of compliance versus building a culture of ethics in an organization. More >>
Dean Denise D. Schoenbachler and the Northern Illinois University College of Business are pleased to announce the appointment of Marc W. Simpson, Ph.D., as the newly-appointed Chair of the Department of Finance and Professor of Finance at the NIU College of Business.
Marc Simpson holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. from Fordham University in New York City, two B.A.s from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, and a charter as a Chartered Financial Analyst. He taught at Marshall University and at the University of Texas - Pan American, where he was Director of the Business Administration Ph.D. program. Simpson has authored or coauthored over 20 scholarly finance articles. His research is focused, broadly, on investments: from asset pricing models and the intersection of the macro-economy and financial markets, to models of exchange rate determination and foreign exchange hedging strategies. Most recently his article, "Political Cycles, Partisan Orientation, Gridlock, and REIT Returns," won the award for the Best Paper for Real Estate Investments/Portfolio Management at the meetings of the American Real Estate Society. Full Bio >>
Acxiom Corporation Professor of Interactive Marketing Debra Zahay's co-conducted research findings were discussed in a Wall Street Journal Business & Technology blog entitled "Personalized Emails are Creepy, Not Effective" (July 3, 2008). Zahay's research explored consumer reactions to personalized online marketing messages. The research findings indicate that there is a creep factor associated with overly-personalized marketing pitches. Along with being featured in a WSJ blog, Zahay's research study was covered online on the European Business Forum (EBF) website. EBF is affiliated with the Community of European Management Schools & International Companies and publishes articles of interest to business executives worldwide. Zahay's co-authors are Tiffany White, Helge ThorbJornsen, and Sharon Shavitt, at the University of Illinois.
NIU Finance professor Gerald Jensen's co-authored study on the relationship between U.S. Presidential terms and investment strategies continues to receive media interest. The BusinessWeek online May 20, 2008 article -- "Is a Presidential Rally Coming Up?" -- refers to Jensen's research effort. Jensen's co-authored study, "The President Term: Is the Third Year the Charm?", was recently published in the Journal of Portfolio Management. The authors' findings describe the effect of the United States President's third year on market performance, based on a review of the period 1958 to 2004. Along with Northern Illinois University Finance Professor Gerald Jensen, the co-authors of the research are Robert Johnson, Managing Director at the CFA Institute, and Scott Beyer, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Assistant Finance Professor. Prior to the BusinessWeek discussion of the research, other media outlets to carry Jensen's co-authored findings include: Reuters WireService, InvestmentNews,and the Chicago Sun-Times (April 24, 2007).
Pam Smith,
KPMG Endowed Professor of Accountancy, was named the Illinois CPA Society's 2008 Educator of the Year and media coverage on this was included in the Daily Chronicle (April 25, 2008). A highly intense state-wide competition, the Illinois CPA Society's selection of Smith as the award winner is a testament to her talents and abilities. Pam Smith's award continues a long tradition in the NIU Department of Accountancy. Prior Illinois CPA Society Educator of the Year award recipients include NIU Accountancy members Don Kieso (Professor Emeritus, award recipient in 1988), Pat Delaney (Professor Emeritus, award recipient in 1991), Richard Baker (Professor Emeritus, award recipient in 1993), and Debra Hopkins (Director, NIU CPA Review Program, award recipient in 1997). The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) is a statewide, professional membership organization that serves students, educators, and related finance professional. Founded in 1903, ICPAS boasts more than 22,700 members and is the fifth largest CPA society in the nation.
BusinessWeek's 2008 ranking of best undergraduate business schools continues to place the NIU business college within an elite group of b-schools nationwide. In 2008, the NIU College of Business ranked 81st nationally out of a very small group of 96 elite business schools that made BusinessWeek's final short-list of programs designated as The Best Undergrad B-Schools in the country. This year, NIU is one of only four Illinois schools to be included in BusinessWeek's short list, and NIU's ranking beats out other nationally known schools such as the University of Iowa (#84), Loyola (#91), and Fox Temple (#94).
Mark Rosenbaum, Assistant Professor in the Marketing Department, was cited in the January 13, 2008 edition of the Kane County Chronicle in the story What's in a name? Money. The article discusses the growing national practice of selling naming rights for sports stadiums, a practice which is also being considered for the Kane County Cougars. In the article, Rosenbaum shared his marketing expertise as it relates to this national trend. Rosenbaum also described advertising strategies for reaching trapped audiences in stadiums or grocery store lines where consumers may have learned to ignore marketing pitches.
Luis Flores, Associate Professor in the Management Department, was interviewed for the Rockford Register Star story "Building a Better Business" (January 21, 2008). The article describes the importance of building an integrated team of employees and managers, while stressing the impact such an integrated team makes on the overall success of a business. Within the article, Flores, whose expertise includes strategic planning in a global setting, describes the necessity of all company members working together, particularly in a fast-paced and rapidly changing global business arena.
Mark Rosenbaum, Assistant Professor in the Marketing Department, had his co-conducted research study discussed at length in an article on multicultural marketing. Rosenbaum's co-author is Detra Montoya, Professor at the University of Washington. Their research study -- "Am I welcome here?" -- explores how ethnic customers assess their comfort level in retail establishments and how that effects buying behavior and loyalty. The research findings indicate that "ethnic customers evaluate cues such as the ethnicity of other customers or employees, or verbal/non-verbal cues, to determine how strongly they relate to a retail environment." Rosenbaum and Montoya's co-conducted research study has generated increased discussion on the issues of discrimination in the marketplace, comfort zones in retail establishments, and how businesses can create more welcoming environments for ethnic patrons.
Gerald Jensen, Professor in the Finance Department, was interviewed by a Chicago Tribune reporter for his expertise on presidential election-year investment strategies. The Tribune story -- "It's Investor Doubts in a Landslide" -- appeared on the front page of the Chicago Tribune business section, and explored Jensen's co-authored research study entitled "Don't Worry About the Election, Just Watch the Fed," the findings of which previously received major national media attention. Jensen's co-authors of the research study are Robert Johnson, Managing Director at the CFA Institute, and Scott Byer, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Assistant Finance Professor.
January 2008 -- Stocks, Futures, and Options (SFO) Magazine Online
Gerald Jensen, Professor in the Finance Department, was interviewed by a SFO reporter and CNBC contributor on Jensen's co-authored research study "Gridlock's Gone, Now What?", which had previously received major national media attention (click to view). Written by NIU Finance professor Gerald Jensen, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh professor Scott Beyer, and CFA Institute Managing Director Robert Johnson, the study explores whether or not return on investments fair better during periods of political gridlock. The SFO story refers to Jensen's research study as a seminal piece. The SFO story is entitled "What's the Real X Factor? What could a Republican or Democratic U.S. President Mean for Future Markets?".
The Department of Management's Social Entrepreneurship course helps deepen business students' understanding of all aspects of business -- profit maximization and societal responsibility. Through the course, business students also gained exposure to microfinance, a field in which organizations make tiny business start-up loans (in the $50-100 range) to the poorest of the world's poor. In Fall 2007, students in the Social Entrepreneurship class travelled with their professor to Guadalajara, Mexico for first-hand exposure to the day-to-day lives of the women-owned enterprises benefitting from the microloans. Opportunity International, one of the first and most respected organizations in the field of microfinance, administered the microloans.
A sample of student comments about their experience follows. Full background on the college's Social Entrepreneurship course and relationship with Opportunity International can be found on the NIU College of Business Social Entrepreneurship pages.
"Through formal education, a student like myself can travel outside of his funnel. He can tell the world why the poor need help and the purpose of microfinance. Through interaction, he can share the success stories he observed amongst the poor. He has transformed himself and he is now transforming the world to develop and implement the solution to global poverty."
"From the experience with this class I have transformed. Though the class materials, speakers, clients, and the trip itself I have learned what social entrepreneurship and microfinance can do for others. It has inspired me to give back and encourage others to give back as well. The opportunity to be part of this class has given me the knowledge and experience to reinforcewhat I say as it pertains to giving back to others...which makes me a credible source to help others understand the significance one person can have on the world. Through speaking with the Barsema's, I have learned that you can have people donate to organizations in your name. I have decided that for Christmas I will have my family and extended family donate to Opportunity International in my name. Some in my family may judge me for doing this, but I feel that it starts with one person to change a family, the world."
The college's Social Entrepreneurship course and travels to Mexico also received press coverage:
Gerald Jensen, Professor in the Finance Department, co-authored a research paper, "Sector Rotation and Monetary Conditions," which received national media coverage. The research study seeks to provide some direction to investors on the heels of the recent Federal Reserve discount rate cut. Media outlets carrying Jensen's co-authored research findings include, among others:
NIU Finance Professor Gerald Jensen's co-authors are Robert Johnson, Managing Director of the CFA Institute Education department, C. Mitchell Conover, University of Richmond School of Business, Associate Finance Professor, and Jeffrey M. Mercer, Texas Tech University College of Business, Associate Finance Professor. Their research paper will be published in the Journal of Investing.
Rick Ridnour, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Professor of Sales in the Department of Marketing, was selected by many NIU students as their favorite business professor in BusinessWeek's 2007 evaluation of best undergraduate business schools in the nation; a component of the BusinessWeek ranking process included a student survey that asked who they considered to be the best professors and why. Ridnour topped the list for students because of his "interactive and hands-on teaching style," which includes putting students through several role-play assignments that challenge students to execute each step in the sales process. These role-play assignments are videoed and broadcasted live to their classmates, who then evaluate their performance from another location. To read the full article, click here and in the BusinessWeek search box, type "Sealing the Deal."
A recipient of numerous teaching awards, Ridnour has been awarded the prestigious NIU Presidential Teaching Award, NIU's Excellence in Teaching Award (both college and departmental levels), and the 2006 NIU Student Choice Award. Rick Ridnour teaches the "Principles of Selling" course offered out of the Marketing Department's Professional Sales Program. The Professional Sales Program has the distinction of being the first collegiate sales training program in the world to be certified by the Professional Society for Sales and Marketing Training (SMT). SMT certification means that the college's sales program provides its students with curriculum, faculty expertise, training, and facilities on par with leading sales training programs used by corporations. (October, 2007)
James Young- Chair of the Department of Accountancy, Crowe Chizek Professor of Accountancy - had his co-conducted research findings reviewed in the Wall Street Journal and AOL.com money & finance. The media story - "An Early Look at Tax Brackets for Next Year" - ran on September 26, 2007. By law, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is required each year to adjust many tax-related numbers, including income thresholds, in order to take into account cost of living increases; the IRS will release the new information later this year. In the meantime, Young and the other two tax analysts - George Jones of CCH and William Massey, RIA tax analyst at Thomson Tax & Accounting -- crunched the numbers and predict taxpayers will receive, in general, modest inflation-adjusted tax relief for year 2008.
Young's co-authors are George Jones of CCH and William Massey, RIA tax analyst at Thomson Tax & Accounting.
The NIU Accountancy program - a standout nationally for more than 20 years - was ranked 23rd best in the country by U.S.News & World Report in its ranking of best undergraduate programs (2008). More >>
Ted Moorman, Assistant Professor in the Finance Department, co-authored a research paper, "A Reexamination of Corporate Governance & Equity Prices," which explores the relationship between how a firm governs itself and share performance. (Click here for an abstract). The results of Moorman's co-conducted research were referenced in the July 2nd Wall Street Journal article "Finding the Best Measure of 'Corporate Citizenship.'" (Click here for the full article.)
NIU Assistant Finance Professor Ted Moorman's co-authors are Shane Johnson, Texas A&M University Finance Professor, and Sorin Sorescu, Texas A&M University Associate Professor of Finance.
Marketing Department Assistant Professor Mark Rosenbaum's scholarly work on the role of third places in consumers' lives continues to receive national media coverage. On May 27, 2007, Rosenbaum was interviewed on his research and quoted in a story by the Washington Times. On March 21, 2007, Rosenbaum's research findings were discussed in separate stories carried by CNBC and the National Public Radio (NPR)-Chicago. The CNBC interview is contained in its March 21, 2007 "Small Biz Report" segment (click to view).
Rosenbaum's scholarly study, on which the media interest is based, is entitled "Exploring the Social Supportive Role of Third Places in Consumers' Lives;" the study was published in August 2006 in the Journal of Service Research (click for an abstract of the study).
NIU's College of Business was featured on Public Broadcasting Service's (PBS) April 6, 2007 broadcast of "Nightly Business Report," a weekly-televised program. For the program, PBS filmed footage within Barsema Hall and interviewed Jim Young, Accountancy Chair, and NIU College of Business students, seeking their comments on how the Sarbane-Oxley legislation may have impacted the appeal of pursuing a degree, and a subsequent career, in accounting. NIU's business college was extensively featured in the story segment "Sarbanes-Oxley 5 Years Later." Televised out of more than 250 PBS media outlets, "Nightly Business Report" has a national audience of 2.6 million unduplicated viewers weekly.
Click here for the PBS "Nightly Business Report" online.
Northern Illinois University's College of Business ranked 65th nationally out of 93 business schools, according to BusinessWeek's 2007 online ranking of best undergraduate business programs in the country. Of the 540 AACSB-accredited business colleges worldwide, 125 - NIU among them - were invited to participate in the BusinessWeek ranking survey. Based upon the publication's ranking criteria -- which include meeting the threshold for student response rate - NIU's College of Business was ranked 65th on BusinessWeek's final list of the 93 programs designated as The Best Undergrad B-Schools. NIU's ranking puts the college in the company of nationally-known schools such as the University of Iowa, Arizona State, SUNY, Purdue, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, which were ranked within 7 places (above or below) of NIU. Click to view PDF.
Click here to visit the BusinessWeek Web site. Choose "B-Schools" from the links across the top of the Web page and then choose "2007 Rankings" from the left navigation choices to locate this article. Northern Illinois University is listed under the "Midwest" category.
Click here to view the NIU feature story on this news item.
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Northern Illinois University (NIU) was regarded as a gem in the NPR-New York seven-part series The College Admissions Game. NIU was favorably mentioned toward the conclusion of the series' first program.
The first program in the series is entitled Some Top Students Look for Hidden-Gem Colleges and discusses the rankings game and best colleges. Toward the end of the eight-minute broadcast, NPR-NY Reporter Margot Adler relayed comment made by Leon Botstein, President of Bard College (NY):
Professor LEON BOTSTEIN (President, Bard College): "...What really makes a difference is what you accomplish in college. There is no doubt that college is the beginning building block of an adult life. You have a chance to really make something of yourself. And you can do that at a state university campus, you know, not well-known, small or medium sized, private institution.
ADLER: "Botstein says American colleges and universities are among the best in the world, both the coveted diamonds and the hidden gems. But he argues you may be better off being the top student at Northern Illinois University than at the bottom of your class at Harvard..."
[Click here to listen to the NPR-New York broadcast.]