Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Lynda S. Livingston Author-Name: Thomas Glassman Title: CREATING A NEW TYPE OF STUDENT MANAGED FUND USING PEER-TO-PEER LOANS Abstract: Finance students can experience real-world challenges and enhance their learning by running an investment fund. However, most of the student-managed funds that currently exist are relatively large, equity-focused portfolios; few funds concentrate on debt, since fixed-income investing usually requires larger investments and higher expenses. In this paper, we present a new type of fixed-income fund: a peer-to-peer lending portfolio, run through the Prosper Marketplace electronic platform. Such portfolios can be hundreds of times smaller than even the smallest traditional student-managed funds. Using Prosper, business programs of almost any size can offer students the educational experience of running an investment fund. Classification-JEL: A2 Keywords: student-managed funds; peer-to-peer lending Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 1-14 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-1.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:1-14 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Roxanne Helm Stevens Author-Name: Gregory Wallace Author-Name: Linda Hunt Title: AN EXAMINATION OF A DIVERSITY CONCENTRATION FOR A GRADUATE LEVEL BUSINESS DEGREE PROGRAM Abstract: Diversity has become an increasingly important issue in the business world as multi-cultural working environments become commonplace. Businesses, operating in today’s global environment, require the ability to leverage diversity by utilizing knowledge and experiences from different groups of workers. A number of benefits are realized by organizations that embrace diversity. As business realizes diversity as a significant factor for organizational competitiveness, demand is created for professionals prepared to think critically about multifaceted diversity issues in the workplace. While the benefits of diversity in society are well established, business schools have not always actively incorporated elements of diversity into their curriculums. In this paper we conduct a survey of twenty-eight universities in Southern California. Our survey results indicate that a large portion of business schools do not incorporate diversity into their curriculum. We provide recommendations for how business schools might effectively incorporate diversity into their curriculum. Classification-JEL: I21, J24, A23 Keywords: Diversity Curricula; Pedagogy; Teaching; Graduate; Education Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 15-28 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-2.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:15-28 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sid Howard Credle Author-Name: Ruby L. Beale Author-Name: Sharad Maheshwari Title: THE USE OF CASE ANALYSIS TRAINING AND COMPETITIONS TO ASSURE LEARNING AND SCHOOL-WIDE QUALITY Abstract: Accrediting agencies have mandated that member schools provide evidence of the assurance of learning of students in the educational process. This study describes a learning structure based on student participation in case study analysis. After training 103 business students in case method analysis an assessment test of concepts underlying case analysis was administered. Students were given two opportunities to pass the assessment test with a score of 80 percent or higher. The first assessment had an overall pass rate of 87 percent. It was found that upperclassmen performed significantly better than underclassmen with an average score of 91 versus 84 percent. The authors validate the use of the case analysis by engaging students in national case competitions. Based on the portfolio outcomes of the case competitions the authors create an annual Key Performance Index for the School. This index assesses the School’s overall success in competing in and winning national case competitions. It is suggested that the combination of case analysis training, followed by competitive case performance, provides important student competencies and skills and that the data gathered from such activity outcomes can be used to assess the quality of the educational delivery system of the School. Classification-JEL: A2; M00 Keywords: Case analysis, Case competitions, Assurance of Learning, Communication Skills Development, Student Competencies, Key Performance Index Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 29-44 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-3.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:29-44 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Michael Godfrey Author-Name: Andrew Manikas Title: REVISING A SUPPLY CHAIN CURRICULUM WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE Abstract: This paper discusses a benchmarking study that we conducted over the summer of 2008 as part of the ongoing re-design of our Supply Chain & Operations Management (SC&OM) curriculum. The motivation for this study was our desire to emphasize sustainability (or the triple bottom line of economics, environmental, and social equity performance) more strongly in all of our Supply Chain & Operations Management courses. We performed an analysis of our Supply Chain & Operations Management program compared to nineteen other undergraduate programs in Supply Chain and/or Operations Management in the United States. We found only one other program that requires a course in sustainability and no other programs that require elements of sustainability within their required courses. In addition, we found that we needed to cover purchasing and transportation topics in greater depth. Both of these topics are fertile areas for discussion of sustainability topics. Finally, through our benchmarking study and the research we conducted, we determined that we needed to add more experiential sustainability exercises in our Supply Chain & Operations Management courses. Classification-JEL: I23, M11 Keywords: Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, Curriculum, Triple Bottom Line Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 45-54 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-4.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:45-54 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Zhuoming Joe Peng Author-Name: William P. Dukes Author-Name: Ronald Bremer Title: EVIDENCE ON STUDENT-MANAGED FUNDS: A SURVEY OF U.S. UNIVERSITIES Abstract: An analysis of student-managed funds’ operations in 35 universities in the U.S. was conducted with the data collected through an Internet-based survey. The results indicate that CAPM is used in most SMFs as the means to estimate the required rate of return. Value Line and Wall Street Journal are the two most widely used information sources by SMFs. It is not common for a SMF to be equipped with its own trading room. The median value of the SMFs is $460,000, but the sampling distribution of the SMFs’ market capitalizations is highly right-skewed. Most of the SMFs have the same asset allocation decision. In total, about 69% of the SMFs in our sample invest at least 90% of the capital in Equity. Classification-JEL: G00; A29 Keywords: Education, Finance Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 55-64 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-5.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:55-64 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ellen M. Kraft Title: SCREENCASTS AS A LEARNING RESOURCE TO ENHANCE A QUANTITATIVE BUSINESS METHODS COURSE Abstract: The challenge of teaching the required Quantitative Business Methods course is the diversity of Excel and quantitative skill levels of the students. Some students are able to keep up with the course assignments while others become frustrated and fall behind. Screencasting is a technology that is used to capture each action a user is performing on their computer screen accompanied by audio narration describing what the user is doing on the screen. The screencasts were used to demonstrate Excel lessons and example problems for the class. Screencasts were recorded outside of class and posted to the course management site. Student survey results indicated that the majority of the students who viewed more than 25% of the screencasts found them to be helpful for completing the homework assignments, staying up to date in the course, studying for the tests, and completing the course project. Technical difficulties were encountered downloading and viewing the screencasts by the students. Further study of the effectiveness of the screencasts is suggested. To overcome the technical difficulties that were encountered by using the course management system to post the screencasts, students could be provided with a CD-ROM of the screencasts at the beginning of the course. Classification-JEL: A2; C88 Keywords: Screencasts, Podcasts, Lecture recordings, Camtasia studio Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 65-77 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-6.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:65-77 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Francis Petit Title: AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF INCORPORATING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE FRAMEWORKS WITHIN AN EMBA PROGRAM Abstract: The purpose of this research is to determine how to effectively incorporate customer experience management frameworks within the marketing and management of Executive MBA Programs. To determine this information, two customer experience management frameworks were discussed in detail and then an analysis ensued on its potential applicability of enhancing the EMBA student experience. The main findings of this study indicate that as a result of this experience economy, incorporating a targeted, consistent and branded customer experience within any product or service, with EMBA Programs being no exception, is of critical importance. The results of this exploratory study can have significant implications on the future management and marketing of Executive MBA Programs. Classification-JEL: A23, I23 Keywords: customer experience, EMBA program, accreditation, AACSB Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 79-90 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-7.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:79-90 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Scott Mensch Title: MANAGING DISTANCE EDUCATION CLASSES BY CERTIFYING INSTRUCTORS Abstract: When developing online classrooms it is necessary to ensure that all learners will be successful in the course. This paper outlines the dilemmas faced by one university in its struggle to improve retention rates in their distance education courses. The case study will also serve as a justification for instructor certification for online courses at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. While these courses span multiple facets of higher education such as technology, criminology, mathematics, business, and general studies, the core competencies to develop a structurally sound online learning environment remain unchanged. The need to have faculty who are trained both in the pedagogy of an online learning environment and the tools to deliver content will improve student success. The intent of this paper is to identify the need for such a certification by looking at recent trends in both online and face to face education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Data gathered for online courses compared to the same course that is offered in a face to face setting. Incorporating strategies of instruction in an online course to mirror those of a traditional course are essential to maintain consistency and satisfy all students. Classification-JEL: I23 Keywords: Instructor certification, online course design, distance education pedagogy, enrollment and retention Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 91-95 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-8.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:91-95 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Siu-Kay Pun Title: CREATIVE THINKING THROUGH VISUAL LITERACY Abstract: In an increasingly globalized and competitive world, larger numbers of entrepreneurs with creative minds are needed. This paper discusses the role of visual literary in nurturing creativity and explores the experience gained in a course in creative thinking through visual literacy that was taught as an elective at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It discusses the teaching methodologies to nurture creative minds in Business undergraduates, teaching issues encountered when teaching the course, and outcomes achieved from the course. It also provides advice for educators considering adopting such a program. Classification-JEL: I20 Keywords: creative thinking, visual literacy, entrepreneurs, teaching techniques Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 97-108 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-9.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:97-108 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Bamini KPD.Balakrishnan Author-Name: Samuel Lee Author-Name: Azlinda Shazneem Md.Shuaib Author-Name: Najihah Hanisah Marmaya Title: THE IMPACT OF BRAND PERSONALITY ON BRAND PREFERENCE AND LOYALTY: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA Abstract: This article examines the roles of the perception of brand personality in consumers’ brand preference and loyalty. This research conducts a survey of 300 adults in Malaysia with regard to brand personality, brand preference and loyalty in investigating two foreign brand coffee outlets, Starbucks and Coffee Bean. A questionnaire was used to gather data from respondents in various cities in Malaysia using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Statistical tests including factor analysis, reliability analysis and multiple regressions were utilized. The results of the analysis revealed that there are differences in consumer’s perception on brand personality attributed to foreign coffee outlet brands. The results indicate that Starbucks is a better brand than Coffee bean. The result shows that brand personality has a strong effect and influence on brand preference and consumer loyalty. This study suggests that intangible attributes contribute to brand perceptions, consumer preference and loyalty. The research findings provide useful insights for practitioners, brand managers and academicians. Classification-JEL: M3, M31 Keywords: Brand personality, Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Personality Inventory, Malaysia Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 109-119 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-10.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:109-119 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Angelina I. T. Kiser Author-Name: Norma A. Trevino Author-Name: Mike McVicker Title: AN ECONOMICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL INITIATIVE FOR MICRO ENTERPRISE IN GUATEMALA: OBSERVATIONS FROM FIELD RESEARCH Abstract: Five research teams representing the HEB International Peace Program at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas completed field work in the coffee industry and micro enterprise in Guatemala during October 2008. Of special interest to one team was the As Green as it Gets (AGG) organization, an incubator for micro enterprise. AGG began in 2005 when founder, and now director, Franklin Voorhes identified the opportunity to improve the lives of disadvantaged families in Guatemala with a non-governmental organization (NGO) model of incubation. Voorhes partnered with coffee farmer Felix Poron to pilot a small business development program. AGG now includes non-coffee micro enterprise owners such as jewelry and textile producers and assists the owners to operate as both economically and environmentally sustainable enterprises. The authors’ focus in this paper is upon the AGG business model, its process to provide financial support, and how it identifies viable micro enterprises to incubate. In addition, the authors describe how AGG has made a difference in the success patterns of its client micro enterprises, and how those patterns may be exported to other economies. Classification-JEL: G21, O16, O18 Keywords: Sustainable business, micro finance, micro enterprise, field research, Peace Program Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 121-130 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-11.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:121-130 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sapna Rijal Title: LEADING THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION Abstract: Researchers have identified leadership as being one of the most important factors that influence the development of learning organization. They suggest that creating a collective vision of the future, empowering and developing employees so that they are better able to handle environmental challenges, modeling learning behavior and creating a learning environment, are crucial skills for leaders of learning organization. These roles are suitable to a transformational leader. Despite the potential for a transformational leader to positively affect the development of learning organization, little research has investigated the existence of this link. To understand the development of learning organization, it is important to understand the role of transformational leadership in learning organization. This article seeks to understand the role of transformational leadership in the development of learning organization. Classification-JEL: M12, M14 Keywords: learning, learning organization, transformational leader Journal: Business Education & Accreditation Pages: 131-140 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Year: 2009 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/beaccr/bea-v1n1-2009/BEA-V1N1-2009-12.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:beaccr:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:131-140