“This program allows Webster University to take our entrepreneurship expertise from the classroom to the community, helping actual entrepreneurial organizations with their growth and strategic plans,” Ramaciotti says.

Front Row (L-R): Cory Elliott, CMT Roofing, LLC (Alternate); Abram Whitehead, Fenton Family Dentistry; John Antone, Hawk iSolutions Group, Inc.; Peter Barg, Z Animation; David Mixon, Trusty Maid Service; Brian Schraut, R.F. Schraut Heating & Cooling, LLC. Back Row (L-R): Charles Moore, Alliance Certified Restoration, LLC; Floyd Simms, Simms Building Group; Amy Streff, Great Strides Behavioral Consulting, Inc.; Carolyn Green, Professional Environmental Engineers, Inc.; Michelle Sherod, Accounting Legal & Logistics Solutions, Inc.; Amy Narishkin, St. Louis Sail and Paddle; Mark Briguglio, CCI Environmental, Inc.; Edith James, Comfort Shoe Specialists; Gretchen Curry, StaffLink; Venkat Pulumati, NVision IT, LLC.

As noted by the SBA, the Emerging Leaders Initiative is a free seven-month course, which includes approximately 40 hours of instruction and provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with experienced mentors, attend workshops, and develop connections with their peers, city leaders and financial communities. Participants in the program will graduate with a personalized, three-year strategic plan for long-term growth and strategies to achieve size and scale.

All of the 2013 participants of the program are “C” level executives (CEO, COO, CFO, etc.) and were selected from more than 40 candidates.

External Audit

The external audit services include:

•       Audits of Financial Statements, including reviews of quarterly financial information

•       Audits of internal control over financial reporting including Sarbanes-Oxley Section404

•       Agreed Upon Procedure

•       Otherattest related services

In conducting an external audit of clients’ financial statements, Deloitte & Touche holds itself to the standards of independence, professional objectivity, and technical excellence. The audit approach is designed to provide the flexibility to serve the unique circumstances and complexities of clients. The Deloitte & Touche approach is to understand a client’s business, the risks it faces, its internal controls, and assess the risk of material misstatement of the financials in order to design effective audit procedures. For public companies subject to the internal control reporting requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Deloitte& Touche integrates the audit of internal control over financial reporting with the audit of the financial statements. Deloitte & Touche’s professionals bring a comprehensive methodology that leverages the extensive professional and technical resources for clients’ specific circumstances.  Technical and Professional Responsibilities

•       Develop an understanding of the Deloitte & Touche audit approach, methodology &tools

•        Establish working relationships with client personnel

Perform analytical review of audit documents

•        Review client accounting and operating procedures and systems of internal control

•        Identify accounting and auditing issues;perform research to solve issues that arise

•        Exhibit a professional, business-like demeanor

•        Prepare financial statement reports and documentation supporting Deloitte & Touche’s audit opinions

•        Apply concepts of risk assessment

•        Design and perform tests of internal controls

•        Provide recommendations for improved controls and enhanced business efficiency

Personal and practice development

•       Pass the CPA exam

•       Take proactive career steps — set goals and career plans with advisor/career counselor

•       Develop excellent professional oral and written communication skills

•       Continually develop through our Deloitte Services LP Learning curriculum of eLearning modules and local and national training programs

•       Support organization and function initiatives

Qualifications

•       Bachelor of Science/Business Administration or Master of Science in Accounting

•       Must meet minimum requirements to sit for CPA exam before beginning full-time employment

•       Strong academic credentials (Minimum GPA of 3.2)

•       Relevant work experience (e.g. internships, summer positions, school jobs)

•       Demonstrated leadership, problem solving, and strong verbal and written communication skills

•       Ability to prioritize tasks, work on multiple assignments, and manage ambiguity

•       Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with professionals at all levels

•       Willingness to travel for out-of-town engagements

Established in 1963, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) is the premier international supply chain professional organization in the world dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of research and knowledge on supply chain management.  With over 8,500 members representing nearly all industry sectors, government, and academia from 67 countries, CSCMP members are the leading practitioners and authorities in the fields of logistics and supply chain management.

The mission of CSCMP is to lead the evolving supply chain management profession by developing, advancing, and disseminating supply chain knowledge and research.  This mission is accomplished via CSCMP Roundtables where dialogue, knowledge, and insights are shared at the local level.  

In addition to Roundtables holding monthly educational and networking events, the CSCMP Annual International Conference is held in the United States each fall.  This year’s conference is being held in Denver, Colorado from October 20 – 23.  There will be 3,000+ supply chain professionals and educators in attendance.  It takes many people to ensure a successful conference.  Through the Student Sponsorship Program, supply chain students from universities across the nation are invited to participate in a selection process to be a part of the on-site conference staff.  Student “staff” provide essential support in running the conference.

The National Roundtable Services Committee works closely with selected students before and during the conference to handle the logistics of distributing materials, preparing signage, supporting audio visual equipment, and directing attendees to their meeting rooms.  The St. Louis Roundtable has the opportunity to send one student to this year’s conference.

Student benefits to participating in the program include:

• Networking receptions to connect with potential employers
• Student’s choice of industry texts (for free) from the conference book display
• Participation in the CSCMP Recruitment Day
• Placement in a CSCMP Sponsored Resume Book
• Introduction to the CSCMP organization on an intimate level
• Real-world experience
• Conference-wide recognition for their efforts

Listed below is some general information about the Student Sponsorship Program.

• The selected student must arrive at the conference location before 11:30 am, Saturday, October 19, for a detailed meeting.
• The Roundtable will arrange and pay for the student’s round-trip transportation to Denver and $75 cash for expenses.
• CSCMP National will provide the student with an additional $50 for expenses, shared hotel accommodations, and meals.
• All students must be student members of CSCMP. The nominal fee is $35.

As mentioned above, the St. Louis Roundtable will sponsor a student chosen from among surrounding universities to participate in the Student Sponsorship Program for the National CSCMP annual meeting in Denver. The student information form must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. The students selected for the program will be notified no later than May 13.

For more information on how to download the student information form, click here.

Dr. Barrett Baebler

Faculty at the Walker School have elected an entrepreneurial expert as the next chair for the school’s management department. Dr. Barrett Baebler, associated professor of entrepreneurship and nonprofit management at the Walker School, will begin his tenure leading the department June 1, 2013.

“I’m honored and humbled at being elected by my peers as chair of our management department,” said Dr. Baebler. “It is a great opportunity to lead such a dedicated faculty, as together we face the excitement and challenges of educating the leaders of today and tomorrow.”

“The choice of Barrett as our new chair of the management department is an excellent one,” said Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the Walker School. “Throughout his tenure at Webster University, he has always served as a great collaborator and leader to our faculty as well as outstanding educational resource for our students.”

Baebler, who shares his expertise in subjects surrounding entrepreneurship and nonprofit management, is also credited with conceiving and developing academic programs surrounding both subjects. He is the Director for the Walker School’s Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programs. Off campus, Baebler serves as a business mentor working with both non-profit and not-for-profit organizations through InnovateVMS in St. Louis, Missouri. He advises nonprofit organizations locally and nationally, serves on the Board the Clio DH Axilrod Foundation, and as the current President of the nonprofit organization St. Louis Regional Entrepreneurship Educators. He also lends his expertise as a judge in regional business plan competitions.

Baebler holds a Doctor in Management and Master of Arts in Finance from Webster University and a BSBA in Finance from the University Missouri-Columbia. Baebler has been recognized for his teaching having been nominated for the Kemper Outstanding Teacher Award at Webster University.

Donald Borbee at a reception in Vienna, Austria.

The Walker School of Business and Webster University lost a dear friend and cherished educator last month. Don Borbee, an adjunct professor in management in Austria, passed away in February at the age of 89.

“Don was a true inspiration to all of us who knew him.  His energy, good cheer and enthusiasm for teaching and learning were contagious,” said Dr. Arthur Hirsch, director of Webster’s Vienna campus where Don taught during the summer months.  “We all benefitted just from being in his presence. He showed us what we may all be capable of in our later years.”

Don was a World War II veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the age of 18.  As a B-17 bombardier he survived 35 missions over Europe which earned him a ticket home and a management perspective that carried over into his business acumen.

“We were a team of 10 people in an airplane and we were inseparable,” Don told colleague Dr. Gregory Weeks during a taped interview a few years ago. “Business watched our behavior and learned a lot from what we were doing in regards to teamwork and crossover training.”

Don’s service also allowed him to use the GI Bill after the war to go to college.  He then worked for General Motors, made his way up the management ranks and earned a doctorate while going to school at night.  Don started teaching after retiring from GM so others could learn from his experience. His colleagues in Vienna remember the life he brought into his classes.

“He once told me he was still teaching at an age when others are padding around in their slippers, because he so wanted to help his children,” according to English professor Andrew Horsfield.

“His optimism and his love of teaching made him the most dedicated teacher I have ever known,” said faculty colleague Jennifer Ebner-Daigle.  “Well in his 80s, Don still managed to inspire students while making them think, smile, and learn.”

History professor Dr. Gregory Weeks remembers Don as a great teacher who knew how to mentor students and who cared profoundly about educating the next generation. “I think I speak for everyone when I say that we will all miss him.”

Thank you, Don, on behalf of Webster University and those whose lives you have touched with your gift of teaching. You once said “We are all responsible for our own actions.”  Our responsibility now will be to carry on your spirit of teaching into every Walker School of Business classroom so you and your dedication to higher education will never be forgotten.

Dr. Donald Borbee’s exclusive interview with Dr. Greg Weeks, head of the international relations department at Webster University in Vienna, Austria.

To watch the interview click here.

Work Study Position Only:  $9.00 hr  

Job Description:

Provide administrative and customer service support for the East Academic Building.  Duties will include but are not limited to receptionist and secretarial responsibilities, customer service, filing, running errands, research, room reservations, monitoring and creating databases, report generation, meetings and event planning and setup, and other general office duties as assigned. Coordinate with housekeeping, catering and facilities on building updates and services.  Position reports to the East Academic Building Representative. Requirements

• Current UG student at Webster University
• Commitment to 20 hour evenings (flexible 4 – 10 p.m. Mon – Fri)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Reliability, punctuality and professionalism a must
• Attention to detail and team oriented
• Above average typing and computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher)
• Ability to multi task and work in a high pressure environment
• Capable of completing projects with minimal oversight
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds without assistance

How to apply:

Submit resume and one page cover letter to Caprice Moore at cmoore@webster.edu. Position is open until filled.

Job Description:

Provide administrative and customer service support for the New Academic Building and the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology Dean’s office.  Duties will include but are not limited to receptionist and secretarial responsibilities, customer service, filing, running errands, research, room reservations, monitoring and creating databases, report generation, meetings and speaker series planning and setup, and other general office duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current UG student at Webster University
• Commitment to 20 hour work week (flexibility)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Reliability, punctuality and professionalism a must
• Attention to detail and team oriented
• Above average typing and computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher)
• Ability to multi task and work in a high pressure environment
• Capable of completing projects with minimal oversight
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds without assistance

How to apply:

Submit resume and one page cover letter to Caprice Moore at cmoore@webster.edu.  Position is open until filled.

Dean Benjamin Ola. Akande

Benjamin Ola. Akande, Ph.D., professor of economics and dean of Webster University’s George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, has been named vice chairman of the board of directors of Argent Capital Management LLC.  Argent provides customized large and small cap stock portfolio management for endowments, foundations, pension funds and successful individuals.

“Dr. Akande is a visionary, dynamic and entrepreneurial leader with a passion for excellence in higher education,” noted Argent Chairman Steve Finerty.  “We are honored to add his insight to our board.  Dr. Akande has provided thoughtful guidance to Argent and many other successful companies in the past.  His passion matches our high expectations for Argent’s future.”

At Webster University, Dr. Akande leads the institution’s largest academic unit and serves as its chief of corporate partnership. He is credited for developing and nurturing numerous corporate collaborations and is a nationally recognized media expert on the economy.

Dr. Akande served as director of Ralcorp Corp. until its recent acquisition by ConAgra. He holds a Ph.D in economics from the University of Oklahoma and post doctoral studies at the Harvard John F Kennedy School of Government and Said Business School at Oxford University.  He consults for Fortune 500 companies in the areas of market positioning, corporate responsibility and strategy.

“I am honored to join the Argent Board and look forward to a productive and rewarding engagement that will benefit the organization and its clients,” said Dr. Akande.

With $1.9 billion in assets under management, Argent Capital Management is a boutique, long only investment management firm that provides domestic Large Cap Growth and Small Cap Core equity portfolio management services to institutional clients including:  endowments, foundations, corporate and public pension plans, Taft-Hartley plans and high net worth individuals.

Military Times magazine has just released its first Best for Vets: Business Schools survey rankings, and Webster University’s George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology scored admirably, coming in seventh among 62 business schools across the country.

To create the rankings, Military Times looked at academic support, student services and campus culture at the schools, as well as measures of academic success and selectivity.

In particular, Webster scored very high (3-1/2 stars out of four) for the staff members dedicated to veterans’ issues in the business school and the full university, including how much time they spend on veteran-specific work and other factors.

“This Military Times ranking validates the Walker School’s commitment to supplying our mr military service men, women and their families with the world’s best higher education available,” said Dean Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the Walker School of Business.

Overall, 32 percent of Walker School students were either active military or on military benefits during the fall 2012 semester.

Krista Jabs-Saral, assistant professor in the School of Business and Technology, Webster University Geneva.

Originally published in Webster University Geneva’s website

Krista Jabs-Saral, Assistant Professor in the School of Business and Technology, Webster University Geneva, has recently published her joint work with David J. Cooper (Florida State University), “Entrepreneurship and team participation: an experiment,” in the highly rated journal European Economic Review.

The key outcomes of the work are that entrepreneurs are surprisingly unlikely to have business partners. In spite of the obvious advantages to forming partnerships, only a small minority of entrepreneurs (less than 10%, excluding family businesses) have associates. A number of possible explanations exist for this puzzling phenomenon, including an inability to locate suitable partners, fear of moral hazard, and a preference for not working in groups.

Utilizing a diverse subject population with a high proportion of active entrepreneurs, Jabs-Saral and Cooper used a team production experiment to study whether entrepreneurs prefer to work alone or in a team. The data indicate that entrepreneurs, while no less likely to be good teammates, are substantially less interested in joining teams. This suggests that efforts to encourage partnership among entrepreneurs may run contrary to the preferences of this group.

The article can be read here.

Jabs Saral has also recently had her research quoted in the Harvard Business Review here.