Business Blog

UTPA Accounting Team Takes Second at Nationals

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:42:00 -0600

The UTPA accounting team made us very proud at the 2009 ALPFA (Association of Latino Professional in Finance and Accounting) Convention in Boston on August 10. The team was the runner-up (2nd place) in a very prestigious competition, the KPMG & ALPFA National Accounting Case Study Competition, which includes teams from top schools throughout the nation. They came in second to Arizona State University.

It is important to note that the UTPA team was the only UT System team at the national championship; UT Austin, UTSA and UT Arlington were all eliminated at the regional competitions. The only other Texas institutions that made it to nationals were the University of Houston and Southern Methodist University.

The Case Study Competition challenges finance and accounting students to solve complex, real-world accounting cases. Each student team makes a 20-minute presentation of their case and solution to a panel of judges who act as the senior management of the Audit Committee of a client. The panel of judges is comprised of KPMG partners, senior managers and ALPFA members who are senior accounting or finance professionals from real, public companies from firms like Goldman Sachs, the GAO and the Walt Disney Corp.

The students on the 2009 Accounting Team are:
1.       Ariana Acosta, Senior Accounting major, GPA is 3.73
2.       Yessica Centeno, Junior Accounting major, GPA is 3.34
3.       Claudia Garza, Sophomore Accounting major, GPA is 3.75
4.       Alejandro Gonzalez, Sophomore Accounting major, GPA is 4.0
5.       Almaniria Mendez, Senior Accounting major, GPA is 3.4

The faculty advisor for the Team is Dr. John Darcy. But key to the success of the team is the mentoring and advising provided by two members of the 2008 UTPA KPMG & ALPFA National Case Study National Championship team, Carolina Mollick (accounting graduate student ) and Cynthia Rios (senior accounting major). Dr. Dora Saavedra of the Department of Communications provided invaluable training to the team in developing presentation skills.

The UTPA Accounting Teams have a string of national wins, as shown here:
•       2004, Chicago, Illinois. National Championship
•       2005, Miami, Florida, National Championship
•       2008, Phoenix, Arizona, National Championship
•       2009, Boston, Massachusetts, Runner-up (2nd place)

The institutions who competed in this Case Study Competition include:

UTPA (defending National Champion)
Univ. of Puerto Rico (defending runner-up)
Georgia State University
Rutgers University
Southern Methodist University
Florida International University
Bentley College
UT-Austin
Florida State University
UMASS-Amherst
UT-San Antonio
University of Florida
Baruch College
UT-Arlington
University of Arizona
Queen's College
University of New Mexico
Arizona State University
Univ. of Illinois at UC
New Mexico State University
University of Washington
Pace University
San Diego State University
UC Riverside
DePaul University
UC Berkeley
University of Houston
University of Southern California

In addition to the accomplishments of the team, a member of the UTPA 2008 National Championship KPMG & ALPFA National Accounting Case Study Competition team, Rosa Ybarra, was honored at the convention with the single largest award at the convention, a $10,000 scholarship as the Deloitte Latina of the Year. This award to Rosa was a highly emotional experience for the more than 1,000 participants at the award ceremony, who celebrated the life and accomplishments of Rosa and her family from the Rio Grande Valley.

KPMG is one of the world’s largest accounting firms providing auditing, tax and advisory services. It employs more than 123,000 people in over 140 countries. ALPFA is a 35-year old nonprofit professional organization dedicated to enhancing opportunities for Latinos in accounting, finance and related professions. It is the largest Hispanic professional organization in the United States.

COBA Professor George Avellano retires after 13 years of accomplished service at UTPA

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:04:00 -0600

By Gail Fagan, Public Affairs Representative

381-2741

After a 40-year career as an academic, 13 at The University of Texas-Pan American, Dr. George Avellano, professor of marketing in the Department of Management, Marketing and International Business of the College of Business Administration is retiring effective August 31, 2009.


Dr. George Avellano (left), professor of marketing and former associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies, is pictured with Dr. Teofilo Ozuna, dean of the UTPA College of Business Administration, at a July 9 reception honoring Avellano prior to his Aug. 31 retirement after 13 years of service at the University.

At UTPA, Avellano leaves behind an outstanding record of accomplishment serving in a number of different roles at the University. As associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Graduate Programs from 1996-2006, Avellano established the Office and School of Graduate Studies, created the Office of Faculty Research and oversaw the proposal review and budget development for 20 new degree programs. These programs included master’s degrees in accounting, chemistry, computer science, nursing, music, social work; master’s of fine arts in art and creative writing; UTPA’s doctorate in education; and the initial development stages of UTPA’s doctorate in rehabilitation services. Other programs still in the development stage initiated under his watch are doctorates in engineering and psychology.

While serving as associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies, Avellano was also appointed interim dean of two colleges – College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and College of Business Administration – and filled that role for 20 months in each.

Avellano was an active member of professional academic organizations serving as president of the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, a national organization of 200 graduate schools throughout the South and Southwest and was a member of the Board of the National Council of Graduate Schools in Washington, D.C. He was also elected as vice president and ultimately president of the Texas Association of Graduate Schools.

Avellano earned his Ph.D. in marketing, education and educational philosophy in 1975 from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to coming to UTPA, he was a faculty member and an administrator at the University of Central Oklahoma from 1970-1996.

Dean of the College of Business Administration Dr. Teofilo Ozuna said Avellano has been a wonderful addition to UTPA’s college of business.

“We’ll miss him as an instructor and for the years of administrative expertise and advice he’s provided this college over the years,” Ozuna said.

In a recent interview, Avellano said he felt his most significant accomplishment at UTPA was the contribution he made toward the expansion of degree programs on campus. These degrees, he said, “have given UTPA students the opportunity to realize their educational and career goals.”

“Working with students in the graduate office and in the classroom has been my joy,” he said. “My hope for the future of UTPA is that this great university continues to forge the frontiers of knowledge and provide our students with the opportunities to realize their dreams.”

UAT visits CoBA

Tue, 05 May 2009 12:09:00 -0600

Dr. Jesus Tanguma is collaborating with a team of researchers from La Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas, Tampico Mexico. From left to right, the team consists of CaD. Jannett Ayup Gonzalez, Dr. Nazlhe Faride Chein Schekaiabn, Dr. Jesus Tanguma (UTPA), CaD. Jose Guillermo Diaz Figueroa, Dr. Maria Isabel De La Garza Ramos and Dr. Jose Melchor Medina

MBA Association and CoBA celebrate the 100 years of the MBA program in the United States

Mon, 04 May 2009 22:12:00 -0600

Jorge Salinas (left), MBAA President and Rick Reeves (right), MBAA Director of Administrative Affairs, pose for a picture during the event.

Javeria Farooqi, MBAA Director of Events smiles for the camera while performing as Master of Ceremony.

Dan McGrew, president of RAMMAC (Reynosa Asociación de Maquiladoras y Manufactureras, A.C.) spoke to the audience about important manager characteristics such as LEAN and adaptability.

The audience listens to the keynote speaker.

The MBA100 committee composed of MBAA officers and their mentors and supporters Dr. Teofilo Ozuna and Dr. Angelica Cortes. In the photo from left to right are Ed Martinez, Gaddi Rodriguez, Rick Reeves, Jorge Salinas, Sönke Beckmann, Javeria Farooqi, Marco Brede, Dr. Teofilo Ozuna, and Dr. Angelica Cortes. Missing in the photo is MBAA Director of Committees Damian Huerta.

CoBA MBA Association (MBAA) hosted a banquet on to mark the 100th year of the MBA program in the United States on May 1. The Centennial Celebration was held to create awareness of the importance of the MBA program in the region. The keynote speaker at the event was Dan McGrew, president of RAMMAC (Reynosa Asociación de Maquiladoras y Manufactureras, A.C.) who spoke about the important characteristics of a successful manager.

The event included a silent auction and entertainment. Entertainment was provided by Pointe & Plié Dance Arts Studio and the Zyriab Guitar Quartet.

First VIP Awards Banquet Held

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:39:00 -0600

David Guerra, keynote speaker of the VIP Awards

Dr. Teofilo Ozuna (right) poses with VIP star Andres Bello (left) after receiving award.

VIP star Arturo Alaniz handshakes his mentor Dr. Sibin Wu after the ceremony.

Developing VIPs was the theme of the 1st Annual VIP Star Banquet held in April and nine CoBA students won the first VIP Stars awards. VIP stands for values, initiative and professionalism; three characteristics that CoBA seeks to instill in its students.

The VIP award winners are Ana L. Ramirez and Sylvia Cantu from Accounting, Vanessa Tanguma and John Paul Mariano from Computer Information Systems, Arturo Alaniz from International Business, David Quevedo from Management, Andres Bello, from Economics, Lily Ayimah-Gyamfi from Finance and Deanna Schneyer from Marketing.

Values: Act with integrity, honesty and respect

Initiative: Take the lead in creating new ideas, solutions and knowledge

Professionalism: Lead others with competence, high quality and compassion

The top students in each major were also recognized at the banquet and presented with an award. These top students were selected by their faculty and the awards presented by their department chairs. Top students were Andres Bello in Economics, Alma Caso in Finance, Karla V. Garcia in Accounting, Vanessa Tanguma in CIS, Yanira Ramos in marketing, Violeta Davila in management and Arturo Alaniz in International Business.

The keynote speaker at the event was R. David Guerra, president and CEO of International Bank of Commerce-McAllen who spoke to the audience about the importance of professionalism, values and initiatives. Special guests included parents of the award winners and the favorite faculty mentors selected by the award winners.

Ruiz and Garcia Honored

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:33:00 -0600

CoBA administrative associates Myrna Ruiz and Miriam Garcia were among only four UTPA Academic Affairs staff members awarded the prestigious Meritorious Service Award at the annual 20th Annual Staff Awards Ceremony in April. Ruiz has worked for CoBA for 9 1/2 years and works in the dean’s office. Garcia has worked for 2 years for the Economics and Finance Department.

“We feel lucky to have both Myrna and Miriam in our college and we’re grateful for their caring and exceptional service,” said Associate Dean Penny Simpson. “We’re also pleased that the University has recognized and honored their excellence.”

Eduardo Bosque introduces Monterrey City of Knowledge Initiative

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:18:00 -0600

Ing. Eduardo Bosque, Director of Exploration and Planning for the Monterrey International City of Knowledge initiative, was on campus on April 15 as a part of the Entrepreneurship Speaker Series. He shown here (center) at a merienda held in his honor with Mario Reyna, STC dean of business and technology, management professor John Sargent, vice provost for research and sponsored projects, Wendy Lawrence-Fowler and CoBA Dean Teo Ozuna.

Davila, one of the best

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:15:00 -0600

CoBA economics professor, Dr. Alberto Davila, is featured in the University’s ‘The Best are Right Here’ campaign. Read the full story about all of Davila’s many accomplishments at http://www.utpa.edu/thebest/index.cfm?newsid=3719.

NASCAR Internship members receive appreciation award

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:06:00 -0600

The NASCAR Internship team presents Dean Teo Ozuna and CoBA with an appreciation award for their support. Pictured are team members Miguel Leal, Misty Brown, Associate Dean Penny Simpson, Dean Ozuna, Deanna Schneyer and Jose Lucio. Not pictured is team member Crystal Flores. The final project for the team was a NASCAR viewing party that attracted nearly 1,000 people. See the full story about the viewing party at http://www.utpa.edu/news/index.cfm?newsid=3714.

Retired Professor Honored by JIBS

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:03:00 -0600

Claude Simpson

Retired CoBA professor, Dr. Claude Simpson, is set to receive a JIBS Decade Award for his article “The Export Decision Process; An Empirical Inquiry.” The article was coauthored with Duane Kujawa of the University of Miami and appeared in JIBS in 1974. JIBS is the Journal of International Business Studies and is generally accepted as the top journal in the international business field of study.

The JIBS Decade Award recognizes “the most influential papers published in the JIBS volume ten years prior”. Articles selected for the honor are determined primarily by the number of citations the paper has received in other papers, especially in leading journals but are decided by a vote of the all the JIBS editors. The editors unanimously selected the Simpson and Kujawa article for the award.

Along with 15 other awardees, Simpson and Kujawa will be presented with their awards at the Academy of International Business annual conference in San Diego in June. All honored authors are asked to contribute a photo and a 250 word essay explaining the ‘core insights of the article’ and the ‘relevance of the article to today’s scholars’ for a booklet honoring the winners. All Decade Award winning articles are now available for download at the JIBS website.

CoBA Student Leaders Honored

Mon, 04 May 2009 02:47:00 -0600

Flor Martinez

CoBA students Felix Garcia and Flor Martinez were among five campus-wide students selected to receive Student Leader of the Year awards. Martinez was nominated by the Dean of Students Office and Garcia was nominated by the dean’s office.

Feliz Garcia

The nomination letter for Garcia listed many of his accomplishments as a reason for his nomination. For example, Felix “embodies the characteristics of a leader: he is honorable, professional, takes initiative, is concerned about others and is dependable.” “The College will greatly miss Felix when he graduates,” said Dr. Penny Simpson, Associate Dean of the College. The leadership awards are given by Office of Student Development.

Panel Discusses Careers for International Students

Mon, 04 May 2009 02:41:00 -0600

There are a variety of ways that international students can get experience while studying in the U. S. A great place to start is working on campus. This was according to a recent panel discussion hosted by Career Services and the International Business Association.

Participating on the panel were Paul Bernal, HR Manager for Temple Inland, Mercy Renteria, an international student currently interning at Pico Energy and Pam Chapa, Interim Director of International Admissions and Services. These panelists provided students with many helpful tips, including:

Be proactive. Paul Bernal encouraged students to follow up. Many times HR recruiters are busy and do not return calls because they may have a lot of candidates. He encouraged students to “pick up the phone” and demonstrate that they are proactive and serious about working for the company.

Network. Before attaining her internship with Pico Entergy, Mercy Renteria worked with Career Services to brainstorm about potential employers who might sponsor an international student. Now that she’s an intern, she networks within the company. She wants the employer to know what an asset she would be as a permanent employee of the company.

Know your status. Pam Chapa explained that HR professionals may not hire international students because of the additional hiring challenges. She encourages students to have their paperwork ready and to have a strong idea of how the sponsorship process works. International students may learn more about international student career issues at the Learning Assistance Center, Rm. 156 or call (956) 381-2922.

“Career Services has seen an increase of international students visit our office,” says Career Advisor, Ronnie Garcia. “Our goal was to have an interactive discussion with professionals from various perspectives to better aid our international student population with career planning.”

New York Life Finds Success with CoBA Intern

Mon, 04 May 2009 02:27:00 -0600

Increasingly, companies, such are New York Life, are using internship programs to identify and recruit key talent. In this way, New York Life acquired their newest agent, CoBA finance grad Citlalli Rojas.

“We want to spend time training a college student who shows enthusiasm and coachability in our training process” says Lel Arandela, New York Life Partner and Recruiter. “We raise the bar for anyone who accepts the challenge of a career commitment. Citlalli in turn stepped up to be the Agent candidate I am looking for.”

For many students, an internship with a major company can be daunting as Rojas expressed,

“At first, I thought the transitioning from a college intern agent into a professional agent was going to be difficult. As a newcomer into this industry, anyone can be blown away by the hustle and bustle. The training New York Life offered me was the same as an agent were to receive.”

The internship program gives students a sense of professionalism, maturity and confidence. “When I went out into the field, I felt very confident and prepared handling different issues with clients. This helped me to establish myself and to bring a strong presence in the market. Overall, I felt the transition was very smooth. New York Life has a strong family and team oriented culture which made me feel comfortable in every step of the process,” says Rojas.

For information about an internship opportunity with New York Life, contact Ronnie Garcia at rgarcia3@utpa.edu with “New York Life” in the subject line.

ICT Awards Scholarship to CoBA Scholars

Fri, 01 May 2009 10:41:00 -0600

Shown are Mark Hanna from the Insurance Council of Texas with scholarship winners Juan Chavez, Marcos Cantu, Juan Perales, Jon Obie Valdivia, and Annisa Olivia Chavez, and CoBA finance instructor K. Steven Lovell.

The Insurance Council of Texas presented five CoBA students with scholarships on April 15. The students are Juan Chavez, Marcos Cantu, Juan Perales, Jon Obie Valdivia, and Annisa Olivia Chavez. All the students are finance majors except for Chavez who is majoring in accounting.

To be eligible for the $2,000 scholarships, students must have a 3.0 gpa, graduate after December 2009 and have an interest in a career in insurance or risk management. In addition to the financial award, scholarship winners are invited to attend the Annual ICT Conference where they will be introduced to top executive in the insurance industry in Texas. Winners’ resumes will also be given to ICT board members who are executives in the Texas insurance industry.

Faculty Awards and Honors...

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:23:00 -0600

Hale Kaynak

Dr. Hale Kaynak has been invited to the prestigious role of serving as a reviewer for the 2009 Juran Fellowship program. The Joseph M. Juran Center for Leadership in Quality is housed at the University of Minnesota and selects and honors doctoral students as Juran Fellows each year. Juran fellows are expected to contribute to the dissemination of quality thinking in their field by carrying out rigorous and significant research in the study of quality.

Soonkwan Hong

Hale Kaynak and Ivan Montiel’s paper, "The Relationship between Sustainable SCM and Sustainable Performance: An Integrated Framework", presented at the 2009 Academy of Management Meeting in Chicago, Illinois has been chosen to be published in the Best Paper Proceedings of the 2009 Academy of Management Meeting. Only ten percent of the papers are selected for the Proceedings.

Joo Jung

A paper published by management professor Jung, Joo and marketing PhD student Soonkwan Hong has been chosen as an Outstanding Paper Award Winner at the Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2009. The paper, “Organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), TQM, and performance at the Maquiladora” was published in the International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management.

Arturo Vasquez

Marketing Professor, Dr. Arturo Vasquez and colleagues have received an Outstanding Paper Award by the Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence, 2009. The paper, “Customer satisfaction and loyalty: start with the product culminate with the brand" was co-authored with Eduardo Torres and Jorge Zamora and appeared in the Journal of Consumer Marketing.