bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use Of Deep Learning Strategies In Online Business Courses To Impact Student Retention
Authors: DeLotell Pam Jones , Millam Loretta A. , Reinhardt Michelle M.
Published: February 2016

Interest, application and understanding—these are key elements in successful online classroom experiences and all part of what is commonly referred to as deep learning.  Deep learning occurs when students are able to connect with course topics, find value in them and see how to apply them to real-world situations.  Asynchronous discussion forums in business courses offer excellent opportunities for instructors to promote deep learning and, thereby, positively impact retention rates.  Instructional strategies that encourage deeper thought and further consideration of course topics not only lead to robust discussions but also to heightened student interest and motivation levels.  This paper presents a review of deep learning strategies, explains how they can be successfully incorporated into asynchronous course discussions and highlights several critical connections between deep learning and increased student retention.
Coordination Of Teachers In New Undergraduate Degrees Adapted To European Higher Education Area
Authors: Mondéjar-Jiménez Juan-Antonio , Cordente-Rodríguez María , Meseguer-Santamaría María-Leticia , Vargas-Vargas Manuel , Mondéjar-Jiménez José
Published: February 2016

The introduction of new undergraduate degrees adapted to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) requires a coordinated effort by teachers, because the different subjects are based on a new methodology of teaching and learning. The Social Sciences School of Cuenca offers degrees in Business Administration, Law and Labor Sciences. The progressive adaptation of the undergraduate degrees at the University of Castilla-La Mancha has culminated with the introduction, in the academic year 2009-2010, of the Business Administration Degree and, beginning in academic year 2010-2011, of the Degrees in Law and in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Development, once they have all been verified by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA). This paper addresses opportunities for coordination among teachers that occur in the implementation of new degree of Law and Business Administration, through the joint work of teachers in different aspects of competency-based education. After the first course of the new degrees, it must articulate all coordination tools that allow teachers to conduct their work effectively and efficiently, with the aim of providing the best possible service to students. The synergies arising from this deployment will allow better planning tools in the implementation of the following degrees.
Topics In Finance Part I-Introduction And Stockholder Wealth Maximization
Authors: Laux Judy
Published: February 2016

The following article represents the first in a series dedicated to presenting students the opportunity to better understand the key theoretical constructs in the introductory financial management course.  The current essay offers an introduction to the series and covers the topics of stockholder wealth maximization and its close cousin, agency theory.
From Business Dining To Public Speaking: Tips For Acquiring Professional Presence And Its Role In The Business Curricula
Authors: Bass Anna Nicholson
Published: February 2016

In today’s dynamic business environment, organizations are beginning to realize the importance of teaching business etiquette, not only to enhance their corporate culture, but also to increase productivity and profitability.  Corporations are providing opportunities for executives of today and business leaders of tomorrow to acquire these vital skills.  It is just as important that colleges of business recognize the importance of this “hidden curriculum” and teach it as a vital component of their curricula.  Practical advice is proffered to assist in developing a positive, professional demeanor in students.
The Evolution Of Employment-At-Will: Past, Present, And Future Predictions
Authors: Gibson Jane Whitney , Lindley Lester
Published: February 2016

This article examines the origins and evolution of employment-at-will, investigates judicially created at-will exceptions and statutory limitations today, and suggests that employment-at-will is slowly evolving into a just cause standard. The authors recommend an employment policy that both adheres to the law and promotes an atmosphere of fair employment practices that coincide with American values of fair play.
Experiential Learning: A Definitive Edge In The Job Market
Authors: Clark James , White Gayle Webb
Published: February 2016

The value of experiential learning is explored as it has now become a given among educators and corporate leaders that a university must provide experiential learning programs such as internships; real-life cases in marketing research, advertising, etc.; and voluntary student participation in income tax preparation for the needy and elderly; and many additional types of programs to promote the application of learning and involvement with the world of work.  The paper presents one unique experiential learning program in complete detail—Student in Free Enterprise’s Walgreens Wrangle.  This is a twelve-university business strategy competition sponsored by the Students in Free Enterprise team at Southern Arkansas University that has the three-day involvement of managers of four major corporations.  This period of time to interact both professionally and socially with a corporate group has proven to be invaluable to business majors and provided them with many experiential learning experiences.
BCS Or Just BS: How College Football Could Crown The Wrong National Champion? Just Do The Math - Correctly!
Authors: Teasley C. E. Wynn , Hornyak Martin
Published: February 2016

The 2009 college football season is here, but there has been a continuing controversy swirling over how the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) selects its national champion.  College football uses a multi-criterion decision matrix (MCDM) evaluation technique to determine which two teams will play for the national championship. We analyzed the BCS method of evaluating which teams play for the national. We found that Texas should have been ranked ahead of Oklahoma.  We conclude that BCS utilizes a mathematically flawed evaluation method to decide which two teams will play each year in the national championship game.  Just do the math--correctly!
Academic Programs Adequate For The Software Profession?
Authors: Koster Alexis
Published: February 2016

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, close to 1.8 million people, or 77% of all computer professionals, were working in the design, development, deployment, maintenance, and management of software in 2006.  The ACM model curriculum for the BS in computer science proposes that about 42% of the core body of knowledge be dedicated to software engineering, including programming.  An examination of the curriculum of a typical computer science department shows that, excluding programming courses, no courses specific to software engineering are required for the BS, although several are available as elective courses.  Academics typically resist the demands of the industry, in part because some of them are for specific software tools, design methods, or programming languages whose use does not last.  Under market pressure, more required software engineering courses may slowly be included in the curriculum.  The usual solution is for businesses to offer their software professionals needed courses in software engineering.
Effects Of Personality On Attitudes Toward Academic Group Work
Authors: Forrester William R. , Tashchian Armen
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the effects of personality on attitudes toward academic group work among a sample of 225 business students.  Data were collected using pre-existing scales for measuring personality and attitudes toward academic group work.  Specifically, the Neo-FFI scale was used to measure the five personality dimensions of openness, agreeableness, extroversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism.  Regression analysis indicated that extroversion was the best predictor of respondents’ attitudes toward academic group work.  Individuals with high extroversion scores had positive attitudes toward academic group work.  Neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness were also related to respondents’ preference for group work and discomfort with group work.  Interestingly, respondents’ level of openness had no impact on any of the work group attitude variables.
Teaching Accounting For Inventory By Calling On Students’ Personal Experiences
Authors: Briginshaw John
Published: February 2016

This essay seeks to give practical guidance to accounting instructors seeking to convey the difficult concepts of accounting for inventory.  Techniques to convey the concepts of assumed inventory flow, inventory valuation under inflation and deflation, impairment of inventories, LIFO liquidations and the concept of the periodic inventory system are considered.
Clicking Our Way To Class Discussion
Authors: Morse Judith , Ruggieri Margaret , Whelan-Berry Karen
Published: February 2016

The goal of this research project is to investigate whether the use of a personal response system (“clickers”) in the classroom increases student participation and discussion and its impact on the quality of the discussion in undergraduate accounting courses.  While many studies conducted regarding the use of clickers rely on student surveys to determine the effectiveness of using clickers, this study will add to the literature by providing evidence of actual student behavior as it relates to participation when clicker technology is used in the classroom.  Our study includes collecting data on student classroom behavior by observing and measuring the level of participation in both clicker and non-clicker classes.  We discuss the observed impact of clickers on class participation and contrast it with prior work on the perceived impact, the use of clicker technology versus a clicker question, and the impact of the clickers on the faculty participating in this project.
CHROME: An Approach To Teaching The Concept Of Inter-Functional Cooperation In Services Organizations
Authors: Johnson Lester W.
Published: February 2016

When teaching a services course (e.g., Services Marketing) it is essential that students understand that marketing/management, operations and human resource management within the service organization be fully coordinated. One useful acronym used to remind students of this need is “CHROME”, standing for Communications, Human Resources, Operations, Marketing and Everyone. It is easy for students to remember and leads to a discussion of “CHROME”ing.
Student Perceptions Of Faculty Credibility Based On Email Addresses
Authors: Livermore Jeffrey A. , Scafe Marla G. , Wiechowski Linda S.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ perceptions of faculty credibility based on email addresses.  The survey was conducted at an upper division business school in Michigan where all students have completed at least two years of college courses.   The survey results show that a faculty member’s selection of an email address does influence the student’s perception of faculty credibility.  An email address that consists of a nickname reduces the student’s perception of faculty credibility.  The reduced creditability may have a negative impact on the faculty member as well as the college.
An Examination Of Business Students Student Loan Debt And Total Debt
Authors: Kuzma Ann T. , Kuzma John R. , Thiewes Harold F.
Published: February 2016

Under the current economic environment and its high levels of unemployment, many people are turning to university education to attain higher education or simply to upgrade their skills and avoid continued unemployment.  This paper examines student workloads, debt levels, and the debt perceptions of junior- and senior-level College of Business students at a Midwestern state university during the current economic downturn.  The paper also examines factors that influence the level of student debt such as semester credit load taken, employment and family assistance.  Overall, the students felt confident in securing employment upon graduation and in managing their debt load.  Results of regression analyses indicated that expected salary was significantly influenced by this confidence.  Additionally, students’ confidence in their employment prospects and debt management abilities, and their belief that debt would impact their future lifestyles, were significantly related to student debt levels.
The Ultimatum Game, Distribution Of Income And Re-Distributive Policy
Authors: Seldon James R. , Tsigaris Peter
Published: February 2016

In this paper we examine the ultimatum game’s income distribution and efficiency implications and modify the game to investigate the impact of re-distributional policies imposed on the parties.
Measuring And Communicating The Value Created By An Organization
Authors: Sherman W. Richard
Published: February 2016

This paper offers a different perspective in measuring the value created by an organization. It does so in the context of an undergraduate course in managerial accounting.  In order to breakdown the functional silo approach to problem solving that has become the model of traditional business education, applications of shadow accounting, the balanced scorecard (BSC), Triple Bottom-Line (TBL), and other measures are introduced to challenge students to broaden their ideas of the function of the firm and the value that firm creates.
Problem-Based Learning On Students Critical Thinking Skills In Teaching Business Education In Malaysia: A Literature Review
Authors: Zabit Mohd Nazir Md
Published: February 2016

This review forms the background to explore and to gain empirical support among lecturers to improve the students’ critical thinking skills in business education courses in Malaysia, in which the main teaching and learning methodology is Problem-Based Learning (PBL).  The PBL educational approach is known to have maximum positive impacts in producing professional competencies among graduates in many educational disciplines.  However, there is limited discussion about PBL pedagogical approaches implemented in business education.  This approach has not been established as a major pedagogical method in schools of business around the world.  However, there are a few schools of business that use the implementation of PBL in their curriculum structures.  Studies that focused on that issue are implemented in various aspects, courses and using various methodologies. There are various materials which relate to PBL and critical thinking skills.  However, in Malaysia, the material is limited because of the lack of research relating to this methodology and lack of research documentations.  In Malaysia, the PBL method is only being practised at higher institutions of learning, and it is only limited to certain fields.  The analysis of this part tends to discuss PBL in tertiary education, examining the mechanism of the popular educational approach of PBL.  The analysis of PBL is intended to see if it may offer any solutions to problems encountered in various education, and to focus on its potential for implementation and impact on critical thinking skills in teaching business education.
Some Observations From A Very Telling Innocuous Query: An Essay On The State Of Higher Education In America
Authors: Castillo José , Wakefield Michael , LeMaster Jane
Published: February 2016

We presents a self-reflective assessment of higher education from the perspective of educators and administrators prompted by a common question addressed to many of us, perhaps hundreds of times in the year; “What’s my grade?” Upon some scrutiny, we find a series of troubling interrelated issues that more or less depict a system of higher education adrift in a sea of maladies and its course in need of correction, lest a total ‘wreck’ befall the system.
The Impact Of Instructor Attire On Student Perceptions Of Faculty Credibility And Their Own Resultant Behavior
Authors: Lavin Angeline M. , Davies Thomas L. , Carr David L.
Published: February 2016

Prior studies suggest that faculty members who are credible are more effective in the classroom in that they are evaluated more highly and their students achieve greater learning. This paper explores how the instructor’s attire impacts his or her perceived credibility, and how the students’ corresponding perception of instructor credibility impacts the students’ self-described behavior.  Questionnaires depicting instructors of both genders each wearing three different outfits, including casual, business casual and professional attire, are used to assess business student opinions regarding the academician’s credibility and the students’ resultant effort and learning.  The results indicate that faculty members can take comfort in that  their level of preparation, knowledge and ability to prepare students for a career do impact their credibility in the eyes of the students, no matter their choice of attire.  Instructor credibility, in turn, was found to have a significant positive relationship with all ten student effort and behavior variables that were examined.  In particular, credibility had the most impact on the student’s preparation for each class, attentiveness, appreciation for instructor effort, and respect for the instructor.  Positive significant relationships were also found between credibility and student evaluations of both the class and the instructor.
Ace Project As A Project Management Tool
Authors: Cline Melinda , Guynes Carl S. , Simard Karine
Published: February 2016

The primary challenge of project management is to achieve the project goals and objectives while adhering to project constraints - usually scope, quality, time and budget. The secondary challenge is to optimize the allocation and integration of resources necessary to meet pre-defined objectives. Project management software provides an active learning component to the study of project management principles. Prior literature indicates that active learning contributes to student success when students are actively engaged both inside and outside the classroom.
A Practical System For Business Ethics
Authors: Kelly Thomas F.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a model for behavior that is culturally neutral and virtually universally acceptable in a multicultural society.
Applying The Teacher Scholar Model In The School Of Business
Authors: Gardner John C. , McGowan, Jr. Carl B. , Moeller Susan, E.
Published: February 2016

The teacher-scholar model was proposed in Boyer (1990) and defines four dimensions of scholarship:  1) discovery, 2) integration, 3) application, and 4) teaching. In this paper, we describe the characteristics of scholarship, the theory of the scholarship of teaching, the excellent teacher, and undergraduate research and scholarship.  We then show how the teacher-scholar model is applied at one University for annual faculty evaluations.
Teaching Special Decisions In A Lean Accounting Environment
Authors: Haskin Daniel
Published: February 2016

Lean accounting has become increasingly important as more and more companies adopt the lean enterprise model or some variation of it.  Cost and managerial accounting textbooks continue to use, almost exclusively, models based on standard overhead absorption, which if used in a lean environment will not accurately reflect the benefits from the movement to a lean enterprise and may distort the impact of the changes.  Because of these developments, accounting students should be exposed to lean accounting models beyond a brief introduction in their basic cost and management accounting courses.  This paper presents a model for teaching decision making in a lean company which uses value stream costing for such decisions as special orders and make-or-buy decisions. The use of these models in cost and managerial accounting classes will be of benefit to the future cost/managerial accountants.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness Through Experiential Learning: Insights Into Successful Programming
Authors: Ghose Nabarun
Published: February 2016

International exposure of students is very essential in today’s globalized world. Experiential learning, such as study abroad, plays a major role in developing global competencies in students, making them more marketable globally. This paper highlights one experiential activity that injects global competencies in students, thereby making them more valuable to the organizations that utilize their services.
Action Research In A Business Classroom Another Lens To Examine Learning
Authors: Witt Smith Janice , Clark Gloria
Published: February 2016

This research study looks at the implementation of an action research project within a blended learning human resource management class in employee and labor relations.  The internal and external environment created conditions that converged in the Perfect Storm and resulted in an almost disastrous learning experience for faculty and students.  What is critical about this project is that it could happen in even the most benign and calmest of waters.  In an integrated system, the manipulation of one variable creates an impact on the other variables/systems within that environment.  The failure to predict the impact and mitigate the damages can lead to disastrous results.  The institution must be ready, at all levels, to implement and leverage technology to create distance-learning only environments for traditional students (and faculty) with a bias toward face-to-face educational experience.
Grade Dropping, Strategic Behavior, And Student Satisficing
Authors: Hadsell Lester , MacDermott Raymond
Published: February 2016

An extensive database of exam scores is studied to determine the effects of a grading policy that drops the lowest exam score. We find evidence that some students engage in strategic behavior, either by understudying for one of the exams or missing one altogether, but the vast majority of students show no evidence of strategic behavior. We also find evidence that many students “satisfice”, showing how a large percentage of students passed up an expected improvement in their course grade. We find that the probability a student will choose to complete an optional final exam is inversely related to their grade going into the final. Further, the likelihood of a student completing the final exam rises with the spread between prior exam scores and falls with the points needed to raise their course grade.
Customer And Market Orientation Within AACSB Member Business Schools: Comparative Views From Three Levels Of Administrators
Authors: Webster Robert L. , Hammond Kevin L. , Rothwell James C.
Published: February 2016

This paper is part of a stream of research dealing with customer and market orientation within higher education, specifically within business schools holding membership in AACSB-International. A market orientation strategy leading to a customer and market-oriented organizational culture is based upon the acceptance and adoption of the marketing concept.  The market-oriented organization recognizes the importance of coordinating the activities of all departments, functions, and individuals in the organization to satisfy customers by delivering superior value.  The market-oriented organization continually monitors customer information, competitor information, and marketplace information to design and provide superior value to its customers.  Theory and empirical research suggest that higher levels of customer and market orientation result in a greater ability of the organization to reach its objectives, in other words, higher levels of organizational performance.  This paper extends the current research on the use of the market orientation strategy by reporting and analyzing customer and market orientation levels (scores) toward two customer groups within AACSB member business schools.  The two customer groups studied were students and employers of students.  Data input from three separate administrative levels having responsibilities associated with the business school were collected and analyzed.  The administrators participating in the study were academic vice-presidents, business school deans and marketing department chairs. A critical underlying question in the research is whether students and employers of students are viewed as customers by higher education administrators.  Comparisons of the various reported scores are made against a benchmark established in the marketing literature and then are compared by administrative group against one another.  The university academic vice-presidents, business school deans, and marketing department chairs were surveyed by way of a national mail survey.  All administrators were from colleges or universities holding membership in AACSB-International. 102 Vice-Presidents, 141 Business School Deans, and 94 Marketing Department Chairs responded.  The paper presents details of the research process, findings, statistical inferences, and discusses the implications of the research for schools of business and academic marketing departments.
Helping Undergraduates Discover The Value Of A Dollar Through Self-Monitoring
Authors: Palmer Lance , Bliss Donna L. , Goetz Joseph W. , Moorman Diann
Published: February 2016

Many college undergraduates lack basic financial management knowledge and skills while bearing ever increasing debt burdens upon graduation. In order to encourage students to become aware of their spending patterns and weigh those patterns against personal values, a self-monitoring project was implemented as a class activity. The resulting effect on financial behavior was examined. Analysis of participants’ self-reflection papers revealed that awareness of spending behaviors increased universally among participants, and a significant proportion of students spontaneously modified spending behaviors to more closely conform to personal values. Participants consistently reported the importance of a spending management tool in modifying spending behavior.
The Real-World Experience: Students Perspectives on Service-Learning Projects
Authors: McLaughlin Erin
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to identify how students gain “real-world” experience via service-learning projects.  This article describes the results of a pilot study conducted with over 75 business graduate students to investigate the effects of service-learning curriculum at the collegiate level.  The following qualitative data was collected:  observations, field notes, interviews, video-taped group meetings, and student reflection journals.  This data was collected to gain insight on the research question, “What are business students’ views of service-learning projects and how they contribute to ‘real-world’ experience?”  In addition, this article briefly discusses literature on the ethnographic qualitative approach and its significance, as well as the service-learning literature that continues to evolve as the instigation of such projects continues to draw the attention of researchers and educators.
Experiential Learning: Lessons Learned From The UND Business And Government Symposium
Authors: Harsell Dana Michael , O‘Neill Patrick B.
Published: February 2016

The authors describe lessons learned from a limited-duration experiential learning component of a Master’s level course. The course is open to Master’s in Business and Master’s in Public Administration students and explores the relationships between government and business. A complete discussion of the Master’s in Business and Master’s in Public Administration students is presented, with emphasis on advance planning and integration of a limited-duration field trip experience into the academic component of the course.
Transitioning Non-Traditional Students To An Undergraduate Business Program
Authors: Bailey April E. , Marsh Michael T.
Published: February 2016

This paper reports experiences of non-traditional students in a specially designed section of seminar course which was primarily designed for first-year traditional business students.  The College of Business’s BSN101, Foundations of Business Administration (FBA), is designed to serves as a course to assist the students with transitioning into the business program.  Typical traditional classes have enrollments of about 80 students. The special section for non-traditional students had seven students, 24 years of age or older, who were returning to undergraduate business school.  This paper reports results of the implementation of the new program design in the FBA classes. Results are important not only to the College of Business, but also to the other Colleges as interest in first-year seminar courses and better serving the needs of non-traditional student increases. Currently, the University Retention Committee and the First-Year Seminar Sub-Committee are exploring the possibility of implementing a first-year seminar courses in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Human Services to be recommended to the Provost.  Data collected for the experimental section in the study reported here will support decision-making regarding new seminar courses.
International Students As Peer Tutors: Is It Lawful?
Authors: Leach-López Maria A.
Published: February 2016

Students enrolled in Principles of Accounting courses might require peer tutoring services.  Accounting Departments (schools) can assist these students by maintaining a list of students offering tutoring services for a fee.  The opportunity to be included in the list of tutors must be offered to all university students, both domestic and foreign.  Universities might be hesitant to maintain such a list in fear of a violation of employment and immigration laws of F-1 international students.  Failure to assist in locating tutors for Principles of Accounting students can be disadvantageous for students needing help, as well as for potential tutors who would welcome extra income and who can benefit from “teaching what they know.”  This paper discusses a system that universities can establish and manage where foreign students can serve as peer tutors and remain within legal requirements of campus employment.
An Exploration Of The Effectiveness Of An Audit Simulation Tool In A Classroom Setting
Authors: Zelin II Robert C.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of using an audit simulation product in a classroom setting.  Many students and professionals feel that a disconnect exists between learning auditing in the classroom and practicing auditing in the workplace.  It was hoped that the introduction of an audit simulation tool would help to ameliorate the perceived disconnect.  The simulation product selected was Real Audit.  Over the course of eight weeks, 22 students enrolled in an Assurance Services class completed five major audit simulation modules: Planning, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets and Inventory.  At the end of the project, students were asked to evaluate the simulation experience.  Most students felt that the experience was interesting and helpful in terms of understanding the tasks that an auditor performs.  While the majority of students recommended that the simulation should be used in future classes, concerns were expressed about the amount of time that the project consumed.
Service Learning: Bringing The Business Classroom To Life
Authors: Ayers Lauren , Gartin Tristan L. , Lahoda Brannan D. , Veyon Shannon R. , Rushford Megan , Neidermeyer Presha E.
Published: February 2016

While service-learning may be easily incorporated into medical or legal fields, this type of active learning generally has not been historically integrated into any discipline within the business curriculum. This is unfortunate, as the utilization of business students in not-for-profit environments can provide a triple-win scenario:  the students receive an enriched learning experience, as they likely will confront opportunities at the entry level that are not generally experienced until the middle-management level; the administrators at the not-for-profit have access to business students with skills that are necessary but typically expensive to acquire; and the constituents served by the organization are enriched by having improved delivery or efficiency of service.  Within this paper, we will discuss the service-learning environment and will then detail a project we have worked on in a service-learning-oriented class, with the hope that others may use our experience to facilitate their own service-learning projects as students or within the context of a class.
The Imperative Of Basic Tax Education For Citizens
Authors: Nwanna Gladson , Richards Darlington
Published: February 2016

The role and impact of taxes in the lives of Americans makes basic tax education an imperative for all Americans. Not only will that knowledge be valuable to the taxpayer, it will also be valuable to the Government that imposes a variety of taxes. Specifically, it is our position that the lack of basic understanding of taxes is unwarranted, long overdue and importantly could be costing the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. In this paper, we focus on the personal income tax because it is one of the most recognizable of the taxes and because it does account for a significant amount paid by Americans. While we wholeheartedly agree that basic knowledge of all other types of taxes will equally be valuable, the income tax, we believe, is a good starting point in light of its unique effect on the majority of Americans.
Games And Students: Creating Innovative Professionals
Authors: Davis Jason Stratton
Published: February 2016

To create professionals for the future, who will be innovative and internationally competitive, we need to change the learning environment. The current traditional delivery systems of education do not develop the necessary interpersonal, analytical and creative skills to deal with the new knowledge economy. Baer (2005), in calling for a new model of learning, says this will require collaboration between educators and game designers to research how games are best aligned with the targeted learning environment and needs. The incorporation of games will require realistic assessment of the current structure of education so that “students’ ability to participate in complex social practices; learn new knowledge and perform well in novel, changing situations needs to be considered valuable learning” (Squire and Jenkins, 2004, p.31). When games and simulations are combined with technology they can generate the environment within higher education that can produce the highly-skilled professionals which are required.
Enhancing Student Learning: An Examination Of The Student Use Of Textbooks In Financial Accounting
Authors: Jones Jefferson P.
Published: February 2016

As accounting instructors, we provide our students with guidance that will assist them in more effectively and efficiently learning the required material.  Often, this guidance includes prescriptive advice on how to properly use their textbook.  However, little evidence exists as to whether students actually follow our advice on how to use their textbook.  Therefore, when student (and instructor) frustrations arise with regard to class performance, it is unclear whether students are simply not using the textbook effectively or if there are more fundamental problems with the textbook itself.  The purpose of this study is to provide evidence as to how students actually use their financial accounting textbooks.  Based on instructor and student surveys, the results indicate that students approach textbooks differently from the traditional notion that many instructors encourage.  Evidence suggests that students value textbooks, but that they primarily use textbooks as a source of examples and descriptions to help them complete homework.  In short, students do not appear to be reading textbooks, but referencing them.  The implications of this behavior suggest that textbook authors and publishers need to reconsider textbook design.  In addition, instructors, armed with the knowledge of how their students are using the textbook, can better design their course to encourage student success.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management Programs In The 21st Century
Authors: Neureuther Brian D. , O’Neill Kevin
Published: February 2016

One of the most difficult challenges for an undergraduate supply chain management program at smaller universities is to create an environment of sustainability. Supply chain management is not at the tip of tongue for many graduating high school students and few undergraduate curriculums require a course in the content area. This research addresses undergraduate supply chain management programs, how best to develop a viable program (from a curriculum and operational perspective), and how to create a program that is sustainable with limited resources.
Investing In Accounting: A Call For Professional Involvement In Higher Education
Authors: Chang Chun-Chia (Amy) , Landis Mark , Yu Shaokun Carol
Published: February 2016

The current financial crisis has created serious repercussions for accounting education. Public universities have lost funding and initiated huge budget cuts. These drastic cutbacks have resulted in the losses of courses, enrollment, and faculty. These losses will translate into inaccessibility of education will reduce the future accounting work force. To recover from the recession, well trained accountants are critical to provide the financial fundamentals for businesses. While most of us understand that an investment in accounting education is an investment in successful business, effective practices for recruitment are needed in a time of scarce resources. In this paper, we would like to focus on the difficulties occurring in accounting education, which will negatively affect business. Furthermore, we would strongly encourage companies to continuously reach out to potential employees and support accounting education. Some suggestions are provided for cost saving avenues to reduce recruiting costs and develop high quality accounting professionals.
An REU Experience With Micro Assembly Workcell Research
Authors: Stapleton William , Asiabanpour Bahram , Jimenez Jesus , Um Dugan
Published: February 2016

Under an NSF REU center grant REU-0755355 entitled “Micro/Nano Assembly Workcell Via Micro Visual Sensing and Haptic Feedback”, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and Texas State University – San Marcos collaboratively hosted two groups of 10 students from different backgrounds for 10 weeks each in Summer 2008 and 2009 respectively.  The research effort involved is part of an ongoing research program developing novel methods for making automated micromanipulation systems.  The twenty students and two teachers were divided into four teams developing interrelated aspects of the project.  The first team developed the micro-scale parts, such as gears, for assembly.  This required the team to develop techniques for etch and release of three dimensional parts from a silicon substrate.  The second team developed the microscopic vision system used for locating and identifying parts on a silicon wafer.  The vision system is used to determine the position on the wafer of the parts, their diameter (one of several standard parts), and, utilizing a novel technique developed by the team, the thickness of the parts.  The third team developed a robotic platform able to locate any portion of a wafer for manipulation within a three-dimensional space with 10μm accuracy.  This mechanism is used to first bring any desired portion of the wafer to the vision system for analysis and also to bring a manipulator to “pick and place” parts using the vision system for feedback.  The fourth group developed the micro-manipulator in the form of a “gripper” powered by electro-active polymer.  This gripper was capable of accurately and repeatably gripping, lifting, moving, placing, and releasing parts at any point within the workspace.  Collectively, the REU project successfully produced a prototype system advancing the state-of-art for an important are of micro-manufacturing while offering a stimulating experience for undergraduate students.  Assessment of the student experience showed an increase in the likelihood for these students to pursue engineering careers and to encourage their peers to consider STEM careers.
Linked-Class Problem-Based Learning In Engineering: Method And Evaluation
Authors: Hunt Emily M. , Lockwood-Cooke Pamela , Kelley Judy
Published: February 2016

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a problem-centered teaching method with exciting potential in engineering education for motivating and enhancing student learning. Implementation of PBL in engineering education has the potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Two common problems are encountered when attempting to integrate PBL into the undergraduate engineering classroom:  1) the large time requirement to complete a significant, useful problem and 2) the ability to determine its impact on students. Engineering, mathematics, and science professors at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) have overcome the large time commitment associated with implementation of PBL in a single course by integrating small components of the larger project into each of their classes and then linking these components with a culminating experience for all the classes. Most of the engineering students were concurrently enrolled in the engineering, mathematics, and science classes and were therefore participating in all activities related to the project. This linked-class PBL experience addressed course concepts, reinforced connections among the courses, and provided real-world applications for the students. Students viewed the experience as beneficial, increasing their understanding of content and applications in each discipline. This paper provides details about implementation and evaluation of one PBL project and how difficulties in evaluation of the linked-class PBL experiences are being addressed.
Repositioning An Academic Department To Stimulate Growth
Authors: Elrod Cassandra C. , Daughton William J. , Murray Susan L. , Fisher Caroline M. , Flachsbart Barry B.
Published: February 2016

The complexity of the market in higher education, and the lack of literature regarding marketing, particularly branding, at the academic department level, presented an opportunity to establish a systematic process for evaluating an academic department’s brand meaning. A process for evaluating a brand’s meaning for an academic department is developed in this paper using Keller’s Customer Base Brand Equity model. This process will aid academic departments experiencing perception problems or wishing to improve their brand to better understand their existing brand meaning and assess the alignment between the student market perception and the industry market perception. This systematic process for evaluating a brand’s meaning is presented as applied to a case study.
Hydrostatic Pressure Project: Linked-Class Problem-Based Learning In Engineering
Authors: Davis Freddie J. , Lockwood-Cooke Pamela , Hunt Emily M.
Published: February 2016

Over the last few years, WTAMU Mathematics, Engineering and Science faculty has used interdisciplinary projects as the basis for implementation of a linked-class approach to Problem-Based Learning (PBL). A project that has significant relevance to engineering statics, fluid mechanics, and calculus is the Hydrostatic Pressure Project. This project was developed by faculty associated with the NSF-funded INCRSE project, Increasing Numbers and Connections in Science, Math, and Engineering, for application of the linked-class PBL to calculus II and engineering statics. The students in the linked classes were to predict the horizontal force and the vertical force on a submerged surface and determine the appropriate locations of these forces in order to experimentally verify the calculations. They worked in groups to outline their procedures, develop their functional relations, record experimental data, and report on their findings. Assessment efforts have focused on student laboratory reports and student perceptions about their learning and experiences with this linked-class PBL project collected through surveys and focus groups. In all the surveys and focus groups conducted with students who had participated in the Hydrostatic Pressure Project, all of the students felt their experience was beneficial and had enhanced their understanding and applications of engineering and mathematics.
Design-Build-Write: Increasing The Impact Of English For Specific Purposes Learning And Teaching In Aeronautical Engineering Education Through Multiple Intelligences Task Design
Authors: Tatzl Dietmar
Published: February 2016

This article presents an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) task developed for teaching aeronautical engineering students. The task Design-Build-Write rests on the assumption that engineering students are skilled at mathematical reasoning, problem solving, drawing and constructing. In Gardner’s 1983 Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory, these skills strongly correspond to the logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic and spatial intelligences. The current task combines creativity, innovation and problem solving with the description of technical concepts. An enthusiastic learner response in class suggests that the target group of aeronautical engineering students could be engaged and captivated by this assignment.
Engineering As A Social Activity: Preparing Engineers To Thrive In The Changing World Of Work
Authors: Joyner Fredricka F. , Mann Derek T.Y. , Harris Todd
Published: February 2016

Key macro-trends are combining to create a new work context for the practice of engineering. Telecommuting and virtual teams create myriad possibilities and challenges related to managing work and workers. Social network technology tools allow for unprecedented global, 24/7 collaboration. Globalization has created hyper-diverse organizations, magnifying the possibility for both generative creativity and destructive conflict. A growing body of research makes it clear that effectiveness in the changing world of work requires thinking differently and working differently. There is an emerging consensus that socio-cultural competence is an essential addition to the technical competence that has traditionally been identified as critical for engineers. Related to this, the value added to the work of engineering by the development of emotional intelligence (EI) competencies is gaining attention in the professional and the educational engineering literature. This paper describes a program for integrating emotional intelligence content into the curriculum in order to better prepare graduates to add value to their organizations and experience personal success working in the new normal. It also discusses the findings from a multi-year research study that measured the results of the program.