updated November 10, 2009
November 2009
GSU's MBA program rates high
Atlanta Business Chronicle, November 9
BusinessWeek magazine has ranked Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business one of the five best part-time MBA programs in the South. According to the biennial rankings, among public universities, the college's part-time MBA ranks first in the South and is in the national top 10.
Emory's name doesn't ensure its high standards
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 6
A study conducted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of Medicare patient satisfaction revealed shortcomings at two hospitals that are joint ventures between Emory and other hospitals chains. "Patient satisfaction is clearly an important component of quality," said Bill Custer of the Institute of Health Administration. According to Custer the findings are indicative of a "need to change the culture to have [hospital] employees communicate with patients better at every step."
Credit problems rising for Georgia banks
Atlanta Business Chronicle, November 5
With 25 bank failures since August 2008, Georgia leads the nation in bank failures. Of that number, 20 have failed in 2009. According to Pete Eisemann of the Department of Finance there are more to come. "Obviously the system is not at the bottom yet."
For Israeli Investors, Atlanta Office Deal Yields Dividends
GlobalAtlanta, November 5
An Israeli company that invested $3 million in July for a stake in a Gwinnett office complex has already received its first dividend check. As for forging more deals with foreign investors, bank lending is tighter now than it was when the Gwinnett complex agreement was reached. "The market is very, very bad right now," said Alan Ziobrowski of the Department of Real Estate. Department chair Julian Diaz III said the deal appears to have strong upside potential, unless the U.S. economy takes another dive.
Nominations for top innovations sought
Atlanta Business Chronicle, November 5
Robinson and the Atlanta Business Chronicle have issued a call for entries for the 18th Annual Marketing Award for Excellence. Winners will be announced during the 18th Annual MAX Awards breakfast event which will be held on February 26 at the Georgia Aquarium.
Family Company Finds Gold in Olympic Torch
Wall Street Journal, November 3
Ignition Inc., an Atlanta-based small family-owned business has organized six Olympic torch relays since 1998, often battling elements that make the event a challenge befitting the Games themselves. Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing says the company's strength lies in its ability to pull a part-time work force. "Ignition is the poster child of how to do it well."
Überraschend hoher Verlust bei der UBS  (Surprising large loss at UBS)
'10 vor 10,' Schweizer Fernsehen (10 for 10, Swiss Television), November 3
Alfred Mettler of the Department of Finance attributes greater-than anticipated third quarter losses at UBS to several factors: the banking giant is still working to regain lost trust; the hit it has taken during the meltdown; and the far-from-complete recovery of the global financial system.
Schlechter Tag für englische Banken (Bad day for British banks)
'10 vor 10,' Schweizer Fernsehen (Swiss Television), November 3
Will financial institutions in other countries follow Britain's example and split up their banks? Alfred Mettler thinks not. Large U.S banks emerged from the crisis even larger. Asian banks, which were not hit in the same way, emerged stronger and larger. Therefore, he says, European global banks must remain large in order to stay competitive
October 2009
Georgia State Offers New One-Year Corporate Finance Degree
GlobalAtlanta, October 30
Beginning in January, Robinson will offer an Executive MS in Corporate Finance. The program is designed for finance executives seeking to expand or update their knowledge.
IT Author's Warning: Get with the Program or Get Out
Press release, October 28
Information technology is rapidly changing. And if executives in charge of growth through IT don't keep pace with the changes, "IT just may as well stand for Immediately Terminated," according to Alumnus Tom Tinsley (BBA/Management), author of Enterprise Architects: Masters of the Unseen City.
The Importance of Menu Design
Restaurant Informer, October 27
"Much of any restaurant's success is determined by its menu," writes Dave Pavesic of the School of Hospitality. As a result, "the process of menu planning and design must be approached with the seriousness and diligence usually reserved for major financial business decisions."
TAG Health Presents "VISION 2020" on November 10th
Press Release, October 27
Bill Custer of the Institute of Health Administration is one of the nationally recognized experts who will discuss how Georgia can establish itself as a center of excellence for leadership and innovation in the development and delivery of health care IT. The event is sponsored by the Technology Association of Georgia.
Career Testing and Psychometrics: The good, the bad and the ugly…
mycareermanager (blog), October 26
Redirecting one's professional direction often includes career assessment testing, according to Sharon Cohen, a career counselor for the Global Partners MBA program. She advises that those seeking to change tracks should meeting with a certified career counselor. No fan of free career assessment tests, Cohen notes that 'Which color fruit is your career?' is one of the most popular such tests. "Are you kidding me, this is the Jerry Springer of career testing!"
Federal stimulus is saving Georgia jobs - not creating them
Florida Times-Union(Morris News Service), October 25
Stimulus funds have preserved more government jobs in Georgia than they have created, according to a state progress report. Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center says that judging the actual impact of the stimulus funds is nearly impossible since the connections between cause and effect can't be traced."How do you prove somebody didn't get laid off because the stimulus money was available?"
Stimulus' big boost to the economy? It already happened
Christian Science Monitor, October 23
According to President Obama's top economic adviser the impact of the $787 billion stimulus package is largely behind us. Rather than a second stimulus package Rajeev Dhawan says that the far greater need is to clean up banks-a fix that may involve acknowledging bad loans, selling such assets to willing buyers, and an influx of capital that financial institutions can use to lend again. For job creation, Dhawan says, "credit has to flow properly."
Restaurants serve up food giveaways
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 21
Restaurant giveaways are on the rise in the metro area, a trend that Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing attributes to today's tough economy because when money is tight people shy away from risks, including the risk of buying something they've never tried. "'Free' is the most powerful word in the English language as far as marketing is concerned." Giveaways, he says, "generate action and overcome inertia."
Aspen Institute Ranks Robinson College in Its Top 100
GlobalAtlanta, October 21
The Aspen Institute ranks Robinson among the top 100 business schools worldwide for leadership integrating social, environmental and ethical issues into its master's of business administration programs. Robinson ranked 85th in its inaugural appearance on the institute's 2009-2010 edition of "Beyond Grey Pinstripes," a biennial survey of business schools globally. It is the only business school in Georgia to gain the distinction.
Nichols hires new CEO
Whidbey Examiner(Whidbey Island, WA), October 20
Alumnus John Collins, an operations specialist who developed a flow-based methodology called Synchronous Process Management, has joined Nichols Brothers Boat Builders as its CEO. Nichols Brothers builds passenger and military vessels, car ferries, workboats, and fishing boats used in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska fishing grounds.
Caucasus University Graduate is First PHD Scholar in Transcaucasia Region
GlobalAtlanta, October 19
Boris Lezhava has received the first doctorate conferred by the Caucasus School of Business (CSB), a school that Robinson helped found in 1998. Lezhava, who is the first person ever awarded a doctorate in the Republic of Georgia and the entire Caucasus region, has been named dean of CSB. Naveen Donthu of the Department of Marketing, who oversaw Lezhava's dissertation, attended the graduation, as did Bijan Fazlollahi of the Center Business Development in Transitional Economies. Fazlollahi, who was instrumental in the founding of CSB, was awarded an honorary doctorate from the school at the graduation.
Apesoft Adds U.S. Headquarters, Names North American CEO
Press release, October 19
Alumnus Mike Covol (MBA, Marketing) has been named CEO for North America of Apesoft, a business intelligence software solutions company headquartered in Barcelona.
Kluft zwischen Wall Street und Main Street
Basler Zeitungand Schaffhauser Nachrichten (Switzerland), October 17
Alfred Mettler of the Department of Finance discussed the growing gap between flush-with-cash investment banks and starved-for-capital U.S. businesses.
Global Business Helps 'Recession-Proof' Atlanta
GlobalAtlanta, October 16
Atlanta outpaced 39 other metro areas to top Forbes magazine's list of "recession-proof" cities for retirees. Ratings agency Moody's gave Atlanta the nod due to "the presence of large, global companies that have helped the financial and industrial center of the South weather the recession better than other cities." Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center was "surprised" by the findings. "We are more than 7.5 percent below our peak levels of employment just a few years ago, which is quite a bit more than the national average of about 5 percent."
Deadline looms for Americans to disclose accounts in foreign tax havens
Los Angeles Times, October 13
In the aftermath of the settlement of the U.S. case against Swiss bank UBS AG, "It has become pretty much impossible for American citizens to have a bank account in Switzerland unless they live there," according to Alfred Mettler of the Department of Finance. Mettler believes that UBS and other Swiss banks eventually will accept money from U.S. citizens again with the understanding that accounts and interest will be disclosed to the IRS.
The Team: Having the right people is key to your success
Business to Business, October 6
In his latest column for this Atlanta bimonthly, Greg Henley of the Russell Center for Entrepreneurship writes that "Starting a business requires the right combination of resources, including human resources," noting that financial backers often focus more on the team than on the business concept.
Flood ripple effect drains businesses
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 5
Some businesses that were physically unscathed by Atlanta's recent floods have taken a hit due to slowdowns in business, lost staff time and more. Bob Klein of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance says that these "ripple costs" will surpass those of physical damage.
Georgia hospitals rated 'weak'
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 3
Bill Custer of the Institute of Health Administration commented on new Medicare data indicating that 22 Georgia hospitals provided poor results for patients with pneumonia or heart trouble.
Homing in on Risk Management
Information Management, October 2
Speaking at a Capitol Hill briefing sponsored by the Society of Actuaries, Shaun Wang, director of Robinson's Actuarial Science Program and author of "The Financial Crisis and Lessons for Insurers" said that a widespread embrace of enterprise risk management coupled with regulatory enhancements is necessary to avert future crises.
Financial Crisis Teaches Insurers Valuable Lessons, Study Says
National Underwriter, October 2
At the same briefing, Shaun Wang said that "If there is another major event-this is already a fragile economy-it would trigger a chain of events," he said, noting that companies need to observe the reality and study the interactions that could result.
Atlanta's Brazilian 'Sister' Rio de Janeiro Wins 2016 Olympics
GlobalAtlanta, October 2
David Bruce of the Institute of International Business said that in order for Rio de Janiero to win the 2016 Olympics, its delegation had to overcome the image as a breeding ground for poverty and violent crime. As with any big city, he said, those fears aren't totally unfounded, but the reality in Rio is much less grim than the stereotypes suggest.
Attracting the Environmentally Conscious Consumer
Atlanta Business Chronicle, October 2
In this installment of his semimonthly column Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing discusses how firms can get started with environmental marketing initiatives.
CEO University: Diaz Foods CEO balanced work, education
Atlanta Business Chronicle, October 2
Profile of alumnus Rene Diaz, a member of Robinson's Board of Advisors, in which he discusses the impact of his Robinson college education on his career.
CEO University: Campbell began as a cashier
Atlanta Business Chronicle, October 2
Profile of alumnus Ann-Marie Campbell, a member of Robinson's Board of Advisors, in which she discusses the impact of her Georgia State University undergraduate and Robinson College graduate education on her career.
September 2009
Nurturing the Right Customers
Strategic Finance, September
V. Kumar and Bharath Rajan of the Center for Excellence in Brand and Customer Management write that by concentrating on measuring and improving Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), companies can help ensure that they focus their marketing dollars on the most profitable customers and avoid spending on those who cost too much and return too little.
Georgia to pay high price if health care reform fails, study says
Florida Times-Union(Morris News Service), September 30
Bill Custer of the Institute of Health Administration commented on a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that projected that Georgia families and individuals should expect to pay as much as 77 percent more on health care 10 years from now if federal reforms fail.
Young Back Health Proposals Amid Potential Costs
Wall Street Journal, September 29
Measures setting limits on how much insurers could charge under health reform would, if passed, keep costs down for older people. But many young adults would see premiums rise, said Bill Custer.
Caucasus University Sends Largest Number of Students to its Partner Universities
The Financial(Tbilisi), September 28
Twenty-one students from the Caucasus University in the Republic of Georgia are attending Robinson in 2009. Robinson was instrumental in founding the Caucasus School of Business in 1998.
Damage exceeds flood map boundaries
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 26
"There needs to be a system in which a lot more people are naturally moved into the flood insurance system," according to Bob Klein of the Department of Risk Management and Research.
At G20, US pushes to curtail banker risk taking
Christian Science Monitor, September 25
Capping compensation, a hot topic at the recent G20 meeting in Pittsburgh, "is not a good idea" because it "stifles innovation," according to Jayant Kale of the Department of Finance.
Capitalism must change, says Coca-Cola's Isdell
Atlanta Business Chronicle, September 25
Robinson in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta hosted a conference on "connected capitalism" convened by Neville Isdell, the former chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
Airline Fees Add $3.8B in Six Months
WXIA-TV (NBC/Atlanta), September 25
Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing sees no end to 'junk fees' tacked on by airlines for checking luggage, booking by phone and seat selection because they are " a drug that the airlines have become addicted to," adding that, "until consumers start screaming that they have had enough -- until they say that won't do it anymore, and they hop into their cars or stay home…airlines are going to keep piling on the fees because it goes right to the bottom line."
More than 16,000 flood-related claims filed in Atlanta area
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 23
Even in areas where it is legally required, homes are often without flood insurance, according to Robert Klein of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance.
In Atlanta, Georgia's First Lady Praises Students From Her Country
GlobalAtlanta, September 22
Sandra Elisabeth Roelofs Saakashvili, First Lady of the Republic of Georgia, met with 20 of Robinson's students from this formerly Soviet country.
Regulators target volume-based bank pay
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 22
Pete Eisemann of the Department of Finance believes that changes in regulation regarding banking compensation are overdue, especially at the nation's banking giants. "The compensation has been short-term oriented, not long-term oriented," he said. If you do that "you get paid quickly without the full impact of what you've done being seen."
Ist der große Bruder böse?
Die Zeit(Germany), September 21
Will the financial crisis permanently alter Swiss-U.S. business dynamics? Alfred Mettler of the Department of Finance says no.
Washington Insider Trading?
CNBC, September 21
Alan Ziobrowsi of the Department of Real Estate was part of panel that discussed proposed legislation to under which members of Congress would no longer be able trade stocks can trade stocks with insider knowledge. Ziobrowski analyzed more than 6,000 stock transactions by members of Congress and found that they consistently outperform the market.
Signs Grow That Swiss Taking Tougher Line On Banks
Dow Jones News Service, September 18
Switzerland has put its banking sector on notice that it will soon face stricter oversight-a move that pleases some but angers those who fear such moves could hamper business. "Changes are needed, but overregulation would be wrong," said Alfred Mettler of the Department of Finance who noted that that banks' need for capital corresponds to the level of risk they undertake.
Study: Legislators' Portfolios Perform Abnormally Well
WXIA-TV (NBC Atlanta), September 18
Discussing his study of Congressional stock transactions, Alan Ziobrowski noted that members of Congress "earned extraordinary returns. They earned typically about one percent more than the average investor every month. They made about 12 percent more a year than the average investor. That is what we call statistically significant, suggesting that they were trading on information that the rest of us didn't have."
Two Words That Could Bring Down an Industry
Fox News Network, September 18
Initially the H1N1 virus was referred to as 'Swine Flu,' an inaccurate moniker that has had a devastating impact on pork producers. Attempts to rebrand it as H1N1 aren't sticking and it's going to be an uphill battle according to Chris Lemley of the Department of Marketing. "Once something emotionally connects with a person, a name emotionally connects with a person, they tend to remember it. The emotional connection here is a threat. The name 'Swine Flu' came out with that threat and we just encoded it."
Lawmakers' inside advantage to trading
Marketplace (American Public Media), September 17
According to Alan Ziobrowski, his research demonstrating that members of Congress beat the market indicate that "We have every reason to believe they are trading on information that the rest of us don't have."
Organization Metrics Hires Human Capital Industry Veteran
PRWeb (press release), September 14
Alumnus Richard S. Hauptle joins this talent management firm as senior vice president of sales.
Think Like A Banker: Five Tips for Getting a Loan
Business to Business, September 14
Greg Henley, director of the Russell Center for Entrepreneurship taps into his past as a banker to offer advice to entrepreneurs seeking a loan.
Entrepreneur launches school she wanted
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 13
The economic climate is fostering a new set of entrepreneurs, says Greg Henley. He says their number includes "more displaced workers wanting to be self-sufficient, and working people who want a second stream of income to fall back on."
On the Move
Augusta Chronicle, September 13
Regions Bank has named Alumnus Richard Fairey as regional president for the Augusta, Aiken and Savannah community markets.
Studying how we decide
Atlanta Business Chronicle, September 11
Glenn Harrison of the Center for the Economic Analysis of Risk supports neuroeconomics, a field that blends neuroscience, economics and psychology to study how individuals make financial decisions, but is against its "excessive marketing." Harrison notes that statistical claims made by neuroeconomists have yet to be replicated.
Economist: City's recovery will start next year
Atlanta Business Chronicle, September 11
The economic outlook offered by Wachovia's John Silvia is similar to, but more optimistic than, that offered by Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center in August.
Do-it-yourself ads help banks pinch costs
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 11
A web-based platform that allows financial services institutions to create advertising could work well for small banks with limited resources, says Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing.
More Americans Have No Health Insurance
WebMD Health News, September 10
Bill Custer of the Center for Health Services Research said he was "a little surprised that the number of uninsured didn't climb more"' in the recently-released 2008 Census Bureau report. He added that a fuller picture of the recession's impact on the uninsured will be seen in next year's Census report.
Managing a Multigenerational Workforce
Restaurant Informer, September 10
Flexibility is an important asset when managing an age diverse workforce, according to Debby Cannon of Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality.
Atlantan appointed to Executive Board of Chron's & Colitis Foundation
BusinessNews (press release), September 10
Alumnus Steve Goodman, founder of MeetingAdvice LLC, joins the national board of trustees of the Chron's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Lax security left employees' data vulnerable
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 9
Detmar Straub of the Department of Computer Information Systems was quoted in an article regarding information security and the State of Georgia's Accounting Office.
Are 'Housewives' best ambassadors for Atlanta?
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 8
Atlantans are divided about the women who star on the "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," a reality show that airs on the Bravo Network. What's indisputable, says Corliss Thornton of the Department of Marketing, is that "Atlanta Housewives" has great potential to create a national "buzz" about the city and gives the rest of the country a rare glimpse into the lives of well-to-do African-Americans.
The AIG Effect: Farmers Views Three Platforms as a Single Path to Success
Best's Insurance News, September 8
Farmers Insurance Group will need to maintain good relationships with its independent agent network while the firm integrates a direct marketing channel into its sales operation according to Bob Klein of the Center for Risk Management and Insurance Research.
Meals at $5 or less drive fast-food ads
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 7
Ken Bernhardt of the Department of Marketing said "It's a two-edged sword. It does generate some immediate traffic, which many of the fast-food chains need today. But at the same time, it creates a price that is almost a ceiling going forward."
Healthcare: Who's Who in Chicago
Crain's Chicago Business, September 7
Alumnus J. Grover Thomas, chairman of Trustmark Mutual Holding, made this list of Chicago healthcare leaders. Thomas serves on the Georgia State University Foundation.
Georgia State Hires Director for New Risk Research Center
GlobalAtlanta, September 3
Glenn Harrison discusses his vision for the new Center for Economic Analysis of Risk.
Business Students Gain Insights into Argentina, Brazil
GlobalAtlanta, September 3
David Bruce and Pedro Carrillo of the Institute of International Business took a group of abroad graduate and undergraduate to Argentina and Brazil to study professional practices in Latin American.
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