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Multiple viewpoints and group dynamics

Oct 7th, 2012 by

Cohort 9 student Duane Trumble said he learned how to better manage teams, thanks to the Organizational Theory & Behavior class.

Members of Stetson University Executive MBA program’s Cohort 9 successfully completed their 12th course of 17, Organizational Theory & Behavior.  The students said they appreciated the intense discussions regarding “soft skills.” They participated in various assessments, group and individual presentations, and individual activities, which enabled the cohort to study preferences, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for development as a person and leader.

“The Organizational Behavior course had a great impact on me,” said Duane Trumble, a Cohort 9 student who works for The Walt Disney Co. “Company organizational behavior is complex because it involves human behaviors. This course helped us learn how to utilize tools to better understand and manage teams and the organization, as well as help us with a structured personal development plan.”

Many of Trumble’s classmates added that the presentations encouraged thoughtful role playing, designed to provide a nice balance to the lectures, discussions, videos and written assessments with analysis that were threaded throughout the class sessions.  Students shared enthusiasm as they revisited their own personal development progress from when they began their Executive MBA journey just more than 12 months ago.

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Cohort 10 begins

Sep 20th, 2012 by

Published in Celebration News

Cohort 10 students are, from left, Maureen Karkovice, Ray Harpel, Pablo Chavez, Krista Scimeca, Margo Haines, Mayra Santiago, Peter Platt, Judy Ashbrook, Lauren Hall, Sabrina Singleton, Angie Stevens and Cody Hampton.

Members of Stetson University Executive MBA Cohort 10 began their 19-month academic journey in Celebration on Aug. 10, 2012.

Executives travel in from Gainesville to Davenport, and cities in between including Celebration residents, who have immersed themselves in developing their professional and personal lives in pursuit of their MBA degree. For some, obtaining an MBA has been a dream, which can now be realized with the help of engaging instruction and supportive faculty.

The program began with a Management & Leadership course with emphasis on developing their professional and personal and lives. By the end of their first course, the cohort identified their strengths, areas for development, how to effectively deal with conflict and communications, and how these skills would be critical individually and as a team member within the group dynamic. The students developed as a team through experiential and collaborative action, applied intelligence, trust and authenticity, and through peer and professor feedback, support and overall coaching.

Cohort 10 is off to a brilliant start, with process values and a definition of success that will imprint their behavior through the intensive program and onto completion of their MBA goal. These executives pride themselves on contributing positively to our local community, through both work and leisure activities. Currently, they are balancing professional, personal and graduate education, which means spending alternating Fridays and Saturdays in the Celebration Center, learning from topic experts and preparing for numerous global visits where they can experience “best practices” first-hand.

“I am fulfilling a dream as a part of the Stetson EMBA Cohort 10,” said Maureen Karkovice, Celebration resident. “After careful research and consideration, I realized that the Stetson EMBA is a premier program, and a cut above. Stetson is providing not only the highest quality educational instruction and environment, but goes above and beyond through the Cohort experience. I am already experiencing more from the program, professors, and the team than I ever imagined!”

To learn more, attend our School of Business Open House on Oct. 6, 2012, at 10 a.m., which includes a classroom observation and lunch or a reception on Nov. 8, 2012, at 6 p.m. Questions can be directed to 3231-939-7603.

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Stetson’s Cohort 9 visits Budapest, Istanbul

Sep 20th, 2012 by

Published in Celebration News

Stetson University Executive MBA students floated between two continents as they sailed down the Bosphorus Strait between the European and Asian side of Istanbul. Astonishing views of architectural jewels like the Dolmabahce Palace, the Ortakoy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge were glowing in the distance. Twenty-five students embarked on the trip of a lifetime as they experienced global business practices and explored the historical and cultural influences of the Middle East and European region over the course of nine days. We had a similar delight in Budapest when we sailed down the Danube River with views of Parliament, Chain Bridge and the impressive Vajdahunyuad Castle. Each year the Executive MBA program, as part of its coursework, travels to a different destination to engage with entrepreneurial and well-established companies in marketing, finance, hospitality, operations and manufacturing. Immersion in these destinations increases the students’ understanding of international business and its application to their own corporate careers.

General Electric Co., Divan Hotel Group, Budapest Bank and Koc Holdings, all profitable and expanding in this region, shared their unique goals for Istanbul, their strategic ties as business partners, and the economic opportunity with tourism growth, leveraging best practices, expanded marketing efforts, or as a “safe haven” for those wishing to escape volatile zones.

Students were provided a bird’s-eye view of lean and “just in time” manufacturing processes at both Mercedes-Benz Turk and Nokia. Just fascinating to witness a motor coach and a cell phone being assembled from parts in a very methodical manner.

Pozitron (mobile applications) and IND Group (internet banking), entrepreneurial companies, were similarly initiated by their founders during their late college days and feature a very young staff with an average age younger than 30. Both started with family financing, and now fewer than 12 years later generate huge revenue growth and sales. Pozitron reports 80% growth each year, and IND Group has revenues that top $12 million Euros with more than 220 employees in 15 countries.

The business visits were incredible, but even more significant was the appreciation we discovered for their traditions and culture by exploring the various mosques, castles, governmental buildings, and cathedrals. As we walked the pedestrian streets each night, the breathtaking architecture, community spirit and importance of maintaining traditions are evident.

To culminate our International experience, the executive students wanted to “give back.” We partnered with a local university and adult volunteers from Hakosz and treated more than 20 children in “state care” to a morning at the Budapest Safari Park. In six teams, we escorted these children, ages 4 to 12, through the various animal exhibits while playing interactive games which involved the executive students learning basic Hungarian words and the children learning some English words. The adult volunteers served as translators.

“Despite the language barriers, the walls came down with smiles, sharing of local snacks and with the help of the volunteers,” said Wendy Lowe, assistant director of the Executive MBA program. “Stetson students felt proud to be able to give these children a field trip away from their everyday surroundings and into a natural habitat where we could join in their excitement. During our three hours together, we shared more than just fun and games; we truly made a significant impact on one another’s lives! The children helped our students realize that the motto “work hard, play hard” is definitely rewarding, and as we learned at Nokia, ‘living adventurously’ is possible. We will take away numerous life lessons from our time with these loving children.”

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Schwarz visits Celebration

Aug 6th, 2012 by

Thomas Schwarz celebrated his birthday with Executive MBA students.

On July 13-14, Stetson University’s new dean of the School of Business, Thomas Schwarz, visited the Celebration Center’s Executive MBA current students, alumni from previous cohorts, and future students beginning their Executive MBA journey in August.

“The Center was bustling with activity and excitement as current students were reunited after their International Trip experience in Istanbul and Budapest,” said Wendy Lowe, coordinator of the Executive MBA program. “The students were recharged and ready to begin their advanced level courses starting with the Strategic Management course facilitated by Dr. Ram Subramanian, returning to teach for the third year. Ironically, our new dean and Dr. Subramanian were business colleagues many years ago, which made the visit a special reunion for them as well.”

Schwarz observed classroom instruction, visited with the executive students (individually, in small groups and collectively), engaged in interviews with prospective students, and even celebrated his birthday with his extended “Stetson family.”

Schwarz clearly set the tone with future plans for building upon the current Stetson Executive MBA success while enhancing academic innovations, placing emphasis on business application, and leveraging Stetson’s uniqueness.

“Stetson provides an authentic, rich and personal learning experience, combined with unparalleled student talent that is highly motivated, bright and experienced,” said Schwarz. “This combination is lethal. The Executive MBA faculty, staff and cohorts partner in this dynamic and collaborative process, resulting in a lifelong benefits both professionally and personally.

“We take our role in this process very seriously and are committed to growing and adapting to the evolving business needs globally.”

“The Executive MBA faculty and staff are invigorated to be a part of this opportunity,” said Lowe, “as new leadership helps guide the way.”

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Make just one change

Jul 2nd, 2012 by

Just making one change in your daily routine could make you happier and more productive at work. That is, according to Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, who maintains that happiness is a choice.

Stetson University Executive MBA alumnus Penny Miller of Cohort 7 found out about his book and wants to pass along Achor’s ideas to her fellow alumni.

The article she passed along recommended adding one of the following to your daily routine for three weeks:

• Write down three new things you are grateful for each day;

• Write for two minutes a day describing one positive experience you had over the past 24 hours;

• Exercise for 10 minutes a day;

• Meditate for two minutes, focusing on your breath going in and out;

• Write one quick email first thing in the morning thanking or praising someone in your social support network (family member, friend, old teacher).

The article explained that, in a study, the group of people who added in one of these activities had a better general sense of well-being within three weeks. Within four months of incorporating the exercise, they had a significantly higher life satisfaction score.

“I will be working on a new habit or two,” said Miller. “I can handle writing down three things I’m grateful for and a quick thank-you note every morning. Seems those two make sense together!”

After several weeks, Miller had kept up the new habit. “I have continued to note three things I’m grateful for and send a thank-you note each workday,” she explained. “I’ll admit sometimes I make up for missed notes later in the week. I’ve had some busy and challenging days over the past couple of months and it really does help. Plus I’ve shared this article with some co-workers in hopes that they too will make the choice to be happier at work which will only help me.”

If you try adding in one of the exercises, let us know! We’d love to hear how it goes.

And if you have articles, books or ideas you’d like to share with Stetson students and alumni, e-mail program coordinator Wendy Lowe at wlowe@stetson.edu.

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Michelson returning to teaching

Jun 29th, 2012 by

Dr. Stuart Michaelson is returning to teaching after three years of serving as director of the Executive MBA program.

Dr. Stuart Michelson, Roland & Sarah George Professor of Finance, announced he will be stepping aside from the Stetson University Executive MBA director role effective July 1, 2012, and is excited to get back to the classroom after spending the last three years as the dean of the School of Business Administration.

He will return to pursue his passion in educating undergraduate and graduate students in corporate finance and investments. During fall 2012, Dr. Michelson will be on sabbatical, continuing his academic research in behavioral finance and portfolio theory and serving as an editor for the academic journal, Financial Services Review.

Under his leadership, the academics, organization and structure of the program were enhanced and strengthened. Students on the Celebration campus not only increased their business acumen, but they also traveled the world: Dubai, Hong Kong/Vietnam, Johannesburg/Cape Town, and Istanbul/Budapest. Immersion in such destinations increased the students’ understanding of international business and its application to their own corporate careers. The cultural experiences and opportunity to bond with the cohort have made a lifelong impact. Stetson Executive MBA cohorts continue to thrive as they collaborate and partner in their Executive MBA journey.

Dr. Michelson, while serving as director, notes his fondness of all those involved in the program and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with the talented executive students. His dedication will be missed but not forgotten.

The new dean of the School of Business, Thomas Schwarz, will be meeting with our current Executive MBA students on July 13, 2012, and eagerly awaits the opportunity to continue the Stetson Executive MBA brand of quality, service and unparalleled support.

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We’re back from our international trip!

Jun 29th, 2012 by

“We’ve returned from our international trip experience to Istanbul, Turkey, and Budapest, Hungary,” said Wendy Lowe, coordinator of the Stetson University Executive MBA program.

“It was an exhilarating experience, and it was fantastic watching Cohort 9 bond. If you want to learn more about our trip, please check out our Facebook page. You can also view trip photos on our Flickr site. Enjoy!”

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Schwarz to visit Celebration

Jun 29th, 2012 by

You're invited to meet Dr. Schwarz during a special lunch, July 13.

Dr. Thomas Schwarz, the new dean of the Stetson University School of Business, started on June 1. He will be visiting the Celebration campus and Cohort 9 on July 13. Alumni are invited to join Cohort 9 for lunch and to meet him. Simply RSVP to Wendy Lowe, Stetson University Executive MBA program coordinator, at wlowe@stetson.edu. Schwarz will also be invited to our next Advisory Council meeting.

Below is an article posted by Stetson University when Schwarz’s appointment was first announced.

Schwarz to join Business School in June

March 08, 2012

Stetson University has selected Dr. Thomas V. Schwarz, professor and the Rick Muth Family Endowed Chair in Family Business at California State University Fullerton, as the new dean of Stetson’s School of Business Administration, effective in June.

Schwarz has extensive professional experience in both higher education and business. He has held an endowed professorship in Family Business at Cal State Fullerton’s Mihaylo College of Business Administration since 2009. Before that he was director for nine years of the Family Owned Business Institute (FOBI) and the Center for Entrepreneurship at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Since 2002, he has also served as a visiting professor of entrepreneurship at the Athens University of Economics and Business, Decision Sciences Graduate Program, in Athens, Greece.

“Dr. Schwarz will focus on advancing excellence and defining distinction in our business programs,” said Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Paul, Stetson provost and vice president for academic affairs. ”Tom brings national and international knowledge, experience, and reputation, as well as strong strategic leadership skills and compelling vision for 21st century business education. We are thrilled to have him join our dynamic learning community.”

Schwarz earned a Doctorate of Business Administration in finance from Florida State University and also attended FSU for his MBA and undergraduate degrees. He completed post-doctoral studies in international business at the University of South Carolina and in family business advising at the Family Firm Institute.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join such a prestigious institution both for its outstanding history and its bright future,” Schwarz said. “Stetson lies at the center of growth and opportunity, and along with its staunch alumni, students, staff and faculty, its future is very bright indeed. It’s clear that these people care, and their desire is for excellence.”

Prior to joining Grand Valley in 2000, Schwarz worked in senior management and as treasurer for a family-owned manufacturing business and as an entrepreneur/owner of several other family firms. He taught finance at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and also held positions with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and in the futures industry in Chicago.

Schwarz is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the fields of family business and entrepreneurship. His excellence and regard in the field resulted in the prestigious award of Fellow Status from the Family Firm Institute in 2010. He previously served on the Body of Knowledge Committee of the Family Firm Institute and was the Research Program Co-Director for the Boston 2004 and the Chicago 2005 conferences. He is also a founding co-editor of the organization’s publication, the Family Firm Practitioner. He has been a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Family Firm Institute since 2009. He has served with the Family Enterprise Research Conference (FERC) since 2007 and was 2011 Conference co-host. Schwarz also received the Teaching Excellence Award 2003, 2004, 2006 from Athens University of Economics and Business; and an Honorable Mention Award from the 2007 Family Enterprise Research Conference.

His research interests include international family business, entrepreneurship and finance. His publications have appeared in the Journal of Finance, Family Business Review, International Journal of Emerging Markets, Journal of Banking and Finance, The International Small Business Journal, Journal of Asian Business, as well as others.  He is co-editor of the recent release of an 11-volume set titled, “Culturally-Sensitive Models of Family Business: A Compendium using the GLOBE Paradigm.”

Schwarz will succeed Dr. Stuart Michelson, who plans to return to the Stetson classroom in his position as the Sarah and Roland George Professor of Finance.

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Cohort 9 visits Safari Park with disadvantaged children

Jun 24th, 2012 by

Cohort 9 visits Budapest Safari Park for the group's outreach effort.

Cohort 9 participated in a safari park excursion with children from Budapest “State Care” (orphanage). With the help of many local volunteers from Hakosz (Students in the Community Service), students had the exciting opportunity to meet more than 20 children ages 4 to 12 at the Budapest Safari Park, located 30 minutes outside of the city.

“It was an enjoyable time of sharing laughter, interactive games and diverse languages,” said Wendy Lowe, coordinator of the Stetson University Executive MBA program.

The cohort was broken into six teams, each with three or four children assigned to it. Along with the volunteers from Hakosz, the groups toured the park, seeing animals such as bears, deer, birds and wolves in their natural habitats while team members played interactive games with one another.

“One of the games was each team would build a sugar cube castle while blindfolded,” explained Lowe. “While we gave the Hungarian children directions in English, they gave us directions such us up, down, left and right in English. We also learned to turn over a rug together using logic and teamwork as we all stood on the mat.

A bear was part of the park tour.

“Despite the language barriers, the walls came down with smiles, sharing of local snacks and with the help of the volunteers,” said Lowe. “Stetson students felt proud to be able to give these children a field trip away from their everyday surroundings and into a natural habitat where we could join in their excitement. During our three hours together, we shared more than just fun and games, we truly made a significant impact in their lives!

“Wayne Rigsby became a human jungle gym as the kids climbed on him and enjoyed his spirit. Christina Boncela immediately bonded with a little girl that looked up to her like a sister. Joe Chatterjee had running races with several boys who found his energy contagious. These children perhaps made a more significant impact on us! They helped us realize that the motto “work hard, play hard” is definitely rewarding, and as we learned at Nokia, ‘living adventurously’ is possible. We will take away numerous life lessons from our time with these loving children.”

The trip to the Budapest Safari Park was Cohort 9′s last organized activity together on the international trip.

“We ended our trip with farewells and hugs,” said Lowe. “About a quarter of the group will be extending their trip and traveling elsewhere in Europe and beyond. As these students travel by planes, trains and automobiles, we will have lasting memories of our time in Istanbul and Budapest.”

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Cohort 9 cruises down the Danube

Jun 23rd, 2012 by

“Cohort 9 experienced a memorable Farewell Dinner aboard a private motorboat while cruising down the Danube River,” said Wendy Lowe, coordinator for the Stetson University Executive MBA program. “The sunset came, champagne toasts flowed and the beauty of the moonlight on the historical buildings and palaces glistened over the water.

“Cohort 9 shared fond memories of our international trip from the pedestrian streets of Istanbul, viewing the palatial mosques, bartering for our souvenirs or traveling the quaint streets of Budapest. The cohort bond was strengthened and business skills were honed during our business visits. After exploring the Danube River, the cohort spent the remainder of the evening enjoying spirits and dancing among the many clubs and cafes that share the riverfront.”

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