Murray State University -- Management, Marketing, and Business Administration

Amanda Adams, MSU MBA student, is pictured with Bonnie McNeely, Professor of Management, Sam McNeely, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, and Terry Holmes, Department Chair. Amanda is the latest recipient of the McNeely Study Abroad Scholarship for her upcoming participation in the International Business Seminars Winter 2009-2010 programs.

The Sam and Bonnie McNeely Study Abroad Scholarship was established in 2007 for the purpose of providing scholarship funds to help students in our department participate in the International Business Seminars (IBS) program. IBS travels to the major business and cultural capitals of Europe, visits the international operations of major businesses and other organizations, and offers students the opportunity to interact with high-level executives while touring the firms’ facilities. Past MMBA recipients include Andrew Smithson, Jane DeWitt, and Lauren Falls.

Department's Awesome Spring 2010 Electives

The Management Marketing and Business Administration Department is excited to offer students a superb selection of electives for next semester, including several new courses!

MKT Electives for Spring 2010

MGT Electives for Spring 2010

BPA Electives for Spring 2010

Intercultural Communication Expert to Visit Department for International Education Week

Dr. Bharathi Rao, Ph.D., Senior Consultant with Independent Validation Solutions of New York NY, will be a guest of the department on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Thanks to Dr. Suzie Asree, Dr. Rao will appear as a guest speaker for Dr. Brenda Sheets’ Communicating in an International Business Environment (BPA 515) class (11:00-12:15 in BB 255), and will present a short seminar on international negotiation strategy as part of the International Education Week program at the Curris Center. The seminar will be held in the Barkley Room from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

In Dr. Sheets’ class, Dr. Rao will discuss Intercultural Communication. Her description of the session: “People from different cultures are wired differently. Their values, beliefs & attitudes form the core of their communications & as such can become barriers if the underlying principles are mis- or inadequately understood. Given that we live in a flat world where business has grown beyond boundaries defined by time & geography - ability to understand and interpret inter cultural communication forms basis of a successful business executive. The session will focus on: 1) What could go wrong in a typical inter cultural communication set up? 2) What do you need to know to handle inter cultural communication contexts? and 3) Case studies & examples from my own experience.”

In her IEW seminar, Dr. Rao will discuss “Marketing Across Cultures: The manner in which business is conducted is defined in many ways by the cultural contexts in which people operate. For example, bargaining is a common practice for an Indian, where as it might be taboo to a Westerner. Living in a globalized world means witnessing complex supply chains - the building blocks of which are made up of people from myriad cultures. The seminar will focus on: 1) Basic Rules of Marketing across cultures, 2) Common pitfalls to avoid and, 3) Case studies & examples from my own experience.”

We also want to offer special thanks for helping to arrange Dr. Rao’s visit to our own Fred Miller, Hutchens Distinguished Professor of Marketing and Business GIS and Director of Regensburg Exchange Programs; Ladonna McCuan, Special Assistant to the Dean of the College of Business; and Melanie McCallon, Associate Director for Education Abroad, Institute for International Studies. For more on International Education Week, go here: http://www.murraystate.edu/international/

SHRM Participates in 2009 Diversity Conference

The Murray State student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) attended the 2009 Diversity Conference held in October at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. During the conference, students received information on the latest trends in organizational diversity associated with gender, race, age and physical and mental abilities.

SHRM Members Attend Four Rivers Chapter Meeting

The Murray State student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) attended the October meeting of the Four Rivers Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) held in Paducah, KY. During this meeting the students had the opportunity to network with human resource managers from the Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois areas.

Christa Dubrock, President of Four Rivers SHRM, discussed the scholarship opportunity offered each semester by the Four Rivers SHRM.

Dr. Mangold Addresses EntrePaducah Social Media Seminar

Marketing Professor Glynn Mangold was among the panel of experts who participated in EntrePaducah's Social Media Marketing seminar on October 22. Other participants were Susan Guess, Paducah Bank's VP of Marketing, William Sledd, Paducah Bank's Social Media Consultant, and Todd Duff and Kate Light of Paducah's IVS Website Development, Inc. Murray State's Small Business Development Center co-sponsored the seminar with its director, Chris Wooldridge, participating in and helping to organize the event. Approximately 70 entrepreneurs attended the seminar, which officially opened the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Trade show."

Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel Management Scholarship and Internship Awarded for 2009-2010

On October 19, 2009, the 2009-2010 recipient of the Hampton Inn Scholarship, Lesley A. Stone, met with Murray Hampton Inn & Suites General Manager Nicci Kessler and Murray State University selection committee representatives. The annual scholarship helps support the academic studies of a student who plans on a career in hotel management. In addition, the student selected for the scholarship has the opportunity to work as an intern for the Murray Hampton Inn. Ms. Stone, a senior from Kuttawa, Kentucky, is pursuing an Area in Marketing. Congratulations to Lesley and thanks to Don Ershig of Ershig Properties and to Nicci Kessler!

Tim Todd, Dean of the College of Business, Terry Holmes, Nicci Kessler, Lesley Stone, Joy Roach Duncan, and Jeff Seaton. The scholarship is made possible by the contributions of Ershig Properties of Henderson, Kentucky.

Recent Alum Passes Professional in Human Resources Examination

Julia A. Buckman, December 2008 graduate (Bachelor of Arts, Area in Management, Human Resource Option), successfully completed the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) examination in June 2009. The PHR exam assesses generalist knowledge of the HR field, including strategic management, workforce planning and employment, HR development, total rewards, employee and labor relations, and risk management.

Julia graduated summa cum laude. While on campus, she was actively involved in the MSU Society for Human Resource Management and participated for two years in the Southeast Regional HR Games. Julia spent the Fall 2006 semester in Regensburg; was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, serving as Secretary and President; and was also involved in the Honors Program, Beta Gamma Sigma, and the MSU Women's Center. Julia was the 2009 Outstanding Senior in Management. She is currently employed in Human Resources at the University of Southern Indiana, where she is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.

The Department’s HR program is shown on the SHRM website as one of the educational institutions offering programs that are aligned with SHRM requirements for such programs. Students interested in our student chapter of SHRM can visit the group’s site at http://www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cbpa/mgt/mshrm.htm

Emerging Technologies in Marketing Initiative Hosts GIS Industry Leader

Simon Thompson, Commercial Industry Sector Manager at ESRI, visited the College of Business and Public Affairs on September 17. Fred Miller, Thomas Houchens Distinguished Chair in Marketing and Business GIS, and Mr. Thompson have worked on GIS issues together that have put Murray State at the leading edge of GIS applications in marketing. Mr. Thompson presented an overview of the global marketing and coordination of ESRI solutions across several industries and met with students and faculty.

Study Abroad Fair

The Study Abroad Fair took place in the Curris Center on September 17. Students and faculty interested in various programs interacted during the day to learn more about the opportunities available, collect some program literature, and talk with past and future participants about their experiences. Murray State students stopped by the Semester in Regensburg table and talked with Ken Sutrick, Associate Professor in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems, and Tim Johnston, Professor of Marketing.

Dr. Johnston will be participating in the Semester in Regensburg program in Fall 2010. To learn more about study abroad opportunities go to http://www.murraystate.edu/studyabroad

Retiring Department Faculty Saluted

The College held a retirement party on May 7, 2009 for the four members of the department who are retiring. Retirees and their years of service: Roger Schoenfeldt, Professor Emeritus in Management, with 41 years of service; Nancy Alderdice, Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Office Systems, 20 years; Michael Lanier, Senior Lecturer in Management, 19 years; and David Martin, Associate Professor of Management, 10 years. Dr. Martin will begin half-time service starting with the Fall 2009 semester.

The Department of Management, Marketing, and Business Administration appreciates these wonderful colleagues and their tremendous devotion to our students.

Roger Schoenfeldt, Nancy Alderdice, Terry Holmes, Mike Lanier, and David Martin

Honors Day 2009 Candidates Announced

Spring is here! Time once again to continue our recognition of a growing tradition of academic excellence. During the Honors Day ceremony graduating seniors will be recognized for academic and leadership achievements. The Department is proud to present the students who were finalists for the Outstanding Senior award in their major or area. Please join us in congratulating them on their commendable performance!

Leadership Students Present Book Reviews

Students in Dr. David Martin's Seminar in Leadership (MGT 580) prepared and delivered reviews of recent books on various leadership-related topics. A sample of these students and the works they presented are shown below.

MGT 580 integrates leadership research findings with leadership application and skill development.

Intercultural Business Communication Students Explore Culture Through Research and Ethnic Foods

Students in Dr. Brenda Sheets’ Intercultural Business Communication (BPA 515) class have not only been learning the cultures of many countries around the world, but also enjoying the tastes of a variety of ethnic foods.

Bringing the culture and taste of Japan to the classroom were students Lauren Bradley, Ryan Williams, and Justin French. Lauren and Ryan shared interesting findings about Japan, including the history and custom of Japanese fishing. Justin prepared fresh Japanese dishes, including spicy crab rolls, crunchy shrimp rolls, JB rolls, and accompanying sauces. He also demonstrated how to properly use chopsticks, along with how to prepare a California Roll, using fresh ingredients.

Giving an overview of Italy were students Andee Stevenson, Brandy Taylor, Trish Huppenthal, Chelsea Hams, and Charmaine Miller. The Italian cuisine, all prepared fresh by these students, included Italian sausage skewers, lasagna, and almond and lemon biscotti.

Students showcasing the culture of India were Michael Bruce, Sapna Patel, Mary Thorne, Lauren Bradley, and Kari Humkey. Students’ review of India included its entertainment, religions, and education systems. Everyone enjoyed the fresh Indian foods, including samosha, cookie biscuits, and vegetable rice with curry chicken, all of which were prepared by the team of students.

Business Communication Students Create Web Portfolios

Brenda Sheets’ Business Communication (BPA 215) students are learning the value of creating and maintaining web portfolios. The portfolio is similar to an on-line web page where students save the best examples of their written work over the duration of their undergraduate and/or graduate studies. Any time students compose an application letter for a career position, they may include the URL of their web portfolio, allowing potential employers to instantly review the quality of their written work, which may include reports, presentations, miscellaneous projects, and detailed resumes.

Intercultural Business Communication Students Discuss Culture in ACC 507

On April 7, four international students enrolled in the BPA 515 Intercultural Business Communication class delivered presentations to Dr. Don Chamberlain’s ACC 507 Professional Issues class. These students--Georges Fotso, from Cameroon in Africa; Maya Nakai, from Tokyo, Japan; Olivia Joseph, from Clifton Dominica and St. Croix; and Juan Arias Ramirez, from the Dominican Republic, addressed some of the characteristics of their countries’ cultures and shared personal experiences of the culture shock they experienced when they moved into another culture.

From left: George Fotso, Maya Nakai, Olivia Joseph, and Juan Arias Ramirez

Marketing Research (MKT 565) Students Present Spring 2009 Results

Four teams of College of Business and Public Affairs marketing research students presented their findings to their respective clients during Scholars Week activities. Applying the concepts and techniques they learned in Dr. Timothy C. Johnston's class, the teams designed custom surveys, gathered and analyzed their data, and made recommendations based on their research.

Client: FLW Outdoors

Pictured, from left: Treston Smith; Michelle Crockwell; Na Yu; Dave Washburn, FLW Director of Administrative Operations; Tyler Holloway; Evan Arnett; Dr. Johnston.

Client: Bristol Broadcasting Company

Pictured, from left: Chris Griffin; Sarah Williams; Brandon Jones; Bobby Cook, Program Director; Ryan Schuler; Jamie Futrell, General Sales Manager; Amber Langston; Dr. Johnston. Photo by Jody Cofer.

Client: University Book & Bean bookstore and coffee shop

Pictured, from left: Dr. Johnston, Sarah Mastera, Associate VP of Retail, CA Jones; Betsy Burkeen, Marketing Specialist, CA Jones; Magen Ford; Robin Thweatt; Ashley Brandt; Ho Jun Kang; Kaoutar Chakna.

Client: Murray State University Housing

Pictured (front, from left) are Michael Windle; Josh Medeiros; Tim Shelton; (back, from left): Dr. Johnston, Dr. Don Robertson, VP for Student Affairs; Bryan Propst; and Dr. Tim Todd, Dean, College of Business and Public Affairs. Photo by Magen Ford.

Department Faculty Attend Seminar in Service-Learning

Dr. Tim Johnston and Dr. Holmes attended training in service-learning April 9 and 10, 2009. The Faculty Seminar in Service-Learning was facilitated by Dr. Ashley Cochrane, Director of the Center for Excellence in Learning Through Service at Berea College, and sponsored by Murray State's Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (http://www.murraystate.edu/community/servciv/). Fifteen participants explored the potential for service learning in their courses and reviewed the service learning model for academic courses.

Shortly after his arrival at Murray State in 2007, Dr. Johnston succeeded in gaining service learning certification for MKT 565, Marketing Research, and has been teaching that course using the service learning model for the past two years. Dr. Holmes had MKT 475, Marketing Strategies for E-Commerce, certified in 2005 and has been teaching that course with a service learning option since then. The department has other courses that are strong candidates for service learning certification and Dr. Holmes hopes to eventually create an array of marketing, management, and business administration courses with service learning components. Pictured are (left to right), Dr. Timothy C. Johnston, Dr.Ashley Cochrane, and Dr. Holmes.

New Marketing Class to be Offered This Fall

We have a new marketing course, MKT 485: Business GIS in Marketing, which will be offered in Fall 2009 though it does not currently appear in the myGate schedule. This course is in the approval process and will be added to myGate when once it is approved.

MKT 485: Business GIS in Marketing

This is an applied, hands on course which uses geographic information systems software to perform applied Business GIS analyses in all the major fields of marketing. If you have worked with Google Earth, Google Maps, Virtual Earth, or MapQuest, you have seen how effectively maps can communicate. When you integrate them with customer, demographic and sales data, you have a powerful tool for understanding customers, markets and competition. You also gain skills in an important emerging technology which is becoming increasingly important in the business world.

McNeely Study Abroad Scholarship Awarded