Pitt Business e-newsletter Issue 14, March 2009
Notes from the Dean
In light of the global recession's profound effects, it is a good time to examine priorities and goals. At Katz and CBA, we are focusing relentlessly on creating stronger opportunities for students. Although our efforts will not solve the economic crisis, we are optimistic that we can make a difference at the margin. As part of an attempt to create value, the school has initiated several new programs that will give students new opportunities and help them and the school make progress in this ugly economic climate.
At CBA, we've launched a new Global Management major, which includes an international experience, intensive language requirements, and a curriculum that is designed to prepare students for careers shaped by a global economy. The major is interdisciplinary and includes coursework addressing human resources issues driven by cultural differences; global supply chain challenges; and varying ethical, financial, and accounting approaches. Our faculty designed the major to prepare students for the changes and dislocations that will be stimulated by an age of global business. We are excited that students are beginning to register for the major and look forward to watching it help propel the school and our students forward.
At the graduate level, we received approval from the University to begin a new MS program in accounting. The program prepares students for Pennsylvania's adoption of a requirement that will make it necessary for individuals to have 150 credits to be licensed as a CPA in the commonwealth. The program is flexible and allows students without accounting undergraduate degrees to secure the necessary accounting skills to receive the MS degree. It also includes some important new coursework on forensic accounting and international financial reporting standards. All of our graduate programs will benefit from the courses created for this program. It will also strengthen our undergraduate accounting major and help us support the addition of new accounting faculty members. We are especially excited to be launching this program at a time when accounting degrees are in high demand.
In February, the Pitt Business faculty approved a new intensive part-time MBA program. Once approved by the University, it will be offered initially on Pitt's Greensburg campus to students who otherwise would not consider a Pitt MBA because of their geographic location. The design of the program has much promise, as it requires students to attend classes only one weekend (Friday through Sunday) per month for two years. The accelerated approach is truly intensive and also includes an international experience and coursework directly applicable to students' jobs. We are excited by the potential of this program to help us define the shape that other part-time programs might take.
To help local executives and managers, our Center for Executive Education is partnering with The Walt Disney Company to offer the Disney Keys to Excellence program in June. This program is Disney's premier one-day professional development program on leadership, management, customer service, and customer loyalty best practices. The program provides insight into the specific approaches that have been used by Disney to build a world-class brand. In a tough economic environment, such approaches should help local firms generate additional business.
Although we are launching these initiatives in a difficult environment, we expect positive results. The value in these programs will be of help to students and managers seeking ways to improve their skills and prepare for the increased competition that the future will bring. The programs have also been a great opportunity for the school's faculty to adjust our educational offerings to fit this new environment.
