vol. XV no. 2

				This issue of The State of Business deals with these characteristics of change. We explore them through the eyes of our faculty, students and leaders of large and small companies, who regularly grapple with the vicissitudes of product, culture, relationships and competitive environment. With change as our theme, it is only fitting that this issue launches a dramatic redesign of The State of Business. Our past few issues have presented a more thematic approach, delivering thought-provoking articles around a central topic such as wireless communications (Spring 2002) or our international programs (Fall 2001). Now with this editorial approach comes a design featuring bold new art, supported by high-impact headlines and sidebars that will help you grasp the gist of the subject even before delving into the details. But the details are not to be overlooked, since they are provided by Robinson's outstanding faculty and alumni, whose achievements make them among the world's leading authorities on business. A prime example of this is Jim Copeland, CEO of Deloite & Touche and its global parent Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. A 1967 Robinson graduate, Copeland speaks candidly about the firestorm created by the Enron scandal and shares his ideas for reform in the auditing profession. It's a revealing and honest look at how this crisis-driven situation necessitated immediate changes, and how Copeland is guiding his 95,000-employee organization through some very difficult times. The ultimate tightrope act is that performed by the entrepreneur, the start-up businessperson, who deals with change day to day. In this issue, you'll read about Bob Wagner, an MBA and MPA alumnus, who is the CEO of NetFinancials, Inc. He discusses dealing with a 100 percent clientele turnover in in one year. MBA student and entrepreneur Laura Giles tells how her Internet advertising agency is adjusting to the dot-com demise. The volatility in today's marketplace gives new meaning to the word risk. Robinson's highly ranked Risk Management and Insurance, Finance and Accounting departments have responded to that challenge through the development of the center for Risk Management and Assurance Services (CERMAS). The Center, as you'll read in this issue, teaches how managing risk has to be integrated throughout the whole enterprise for optimal results. While we concentrate heavily on change in this issue, one thing hasn't changed - the College's strong national reputation for its programs. U.S. News & World Report again rated the Robinson Flex MBA fifth in the nation and tops among public universities. Several of our programs were ranked, including, for the first time, international business, which was 10th among public universities and 23rd overall. In addition, CEO.com, the online counterpart of CFO magazine, listed our Department of Finance as having one of the "10 most intriguing" programs in the nation. These achievements are the result of a team effort that starts with our faculty and includes staff, alumni, students and friends of the University. As I begin my sixth year as dean at Robinson, I want to thank you for your continued interest and for providing the support that has helped this College become one of the premier business schools in the nation. Sidney E. Harris Sidney E. Harris Dean Robinson College of Business Top |

Copyright © 2003 Robinson College of Business/Georgia State University.