The Princeton Review Ranks Howard MBA Program "Greatest Opportunity for Minorities" for 10th Time

The Princeton Review,  2013 Edition, Best 296 Business Schools ranked Howard University School of Business MBA program as the #1 "Greatest Opportunity for Minority Students", for the the tenth year in a row.  The Howard MBA program ranked #6 in the "Most Competitive Student" category.

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Source: The Princeton Review 2013 Best 296 Business Schools

Howard MBA Featured on Ernst & Young's Meet Our MBAs

Ernst & Young gives the scoop on the  ey.com career's section from a few MBAs that chose Ernst & Young upon graduating. Below you will find the interview of a Howard MBA recruited onto their Financial Services team in New York.

Jason

MBA school: Howard University School of Business
Undergraduate degree: Finance, University of Hartford
Office: New York
EY business group and specialty: Advisory — Financial Services Office — Performance Improvement
Rank: Senior
Time with Enst & Young: One year

EY: What was the transition from business school to Ernst & Young like?
Jason: The transition from business school to Ernst & Young was pretty smooth. The first month or two was a definite change, as you have to get used to the longer work schedule, and learning curve associated with consulting. However, Ernst & Young has a great team of people that assists in acclimating new individuals into the team. What surprised me was how fellow Ernst & Young colleagues welcomed me with open arms.

EY: Which MBA courses have helped you the most since joining Ernst & Young?
Jason: Various classes at my business school helped me achieve some success at Ernst & Young. I think two classes in particular — Project Management and Cases in Finance — were very valuable. Project Management helped me understand the traits and characteristics that are needed to serve on a project, and ensure a project is completed in a timely manner and provides value to the client. In my Cases in Finance class, I was able to give group presentations and work in a team environment. These skills are expected at Ernst & Young.

EY: What was Ernst & Young's interview process like for you?
Jason: The interview process was challenging, yet exciting. I met with Senior Managers, Partners and Directors who asked questions about the various work and school experiences that would translate to success at Ernst & Young. I got the opportunity to meet other colleagues from various schools throughout the Northeast and learn about their experiences. The most challenging aspect of the interview was participating in a group presentation in front of senior leadership at Ernst & Young. Fortunately, I did well.

EY: What's a "week in the life" at Ernst & Young like for you?
Jason: Monday morning is spent traveling to the client site to perform work on my engagement for the week. I communicate with my Senior Manager and get a solid understanding of my responsibilities. During the week, I'm busy performing client work, conducting interviews and documenting my findings and recommendations. The end of the week consists of providing status updates to the client and Ernst & Young senior management on our progress. On Friday afternoon, I head back to New York to enjoy my weekend.

EY: What has been your favorite project or client experience so far?
Jason: Helping a large financial services organization in establishing a vendor and affiliate management program has been a great experience. The client truly needed our assistance in establishing an effective management structure of their vendors that would improve their operational efficiency, and would help them satisfy external regulators. The client has been satisfied with our work thus far, allowing us to expand our relationship with them.

EY: What interests or hobbies do you have outside of work?
Jason: In my spare time, I enjoy running, lifting weights, playing basketball and relaxing at the beach during the summer.

EY: Why did you choose Ernst & Young?
Jason: I chose to join Ernst & Young due to the extensive experience I would get working on challenging projects within exciting industries for Fortune 100 companies. Also, I knew choosing Ernst & Young would allow me to work and foster relationships with like-minded driven, ambitious individuals.

Source: Ernst & Young websit Meet our MBAs

New Life As A 1st Year Howard MBA Student

By Autumn Smith, MBA Candidate, 2014

First two months of school, done!

The past two months have been filled with classes, studying, meetings, networking, and so much more. At times, it still feels surreal that I am in the MBA program at the Mecca, Howard University. The HUMBA family has welcomed me with open arms, and the guidance thus far is most appreciated.

The Howard MBA program has been everything I expected, and more. We have already had the opportunity to connect with employees in leading companies, such as Deloitte, to discover the opportunities available. We took an excel VBA crash course in preparation for use in course analysis and practical business.  In addition  the case competition training prepared us for the rigors of deconstructing a business  problem and using the available tools to analyze it, present scenarios, generate business models and project possible disruptive outcomes.  

 The two important factors that build confidence for me, were reinforced in my first few weeks; which were to  schedule priorities and  prepare. Arriving in a new and exciting city with unlimited academic, professional, cultural and social activities available can entice one to loose focus. Hence, the opportunities presented with in the HUMBA program to participate in  professional organizations, volunteerism, consulting,  and professional development classes are incredibly important to ones career.  The key to a successful outcome requires prioritization and maximization of said opportunities. These  two years  will greatly effect my career development.  Therefore, it's critical to learn the ins and outs of navigating  the waters post HUMBA, by mastering the use of the tools, techniques, connections and information to accelerate.

In just two months, I've grown immensely.  I look forward to my continued transformation within the Howard MBA program.  Moreover, the connections I've acquired thus far,  have made memorable impressions and hopefully lasting relationships throughout my career and for years to come. 

Autumn Smith is currently an MBA candidate at the Howard University School of Business, Class of 2014. Autumn earned a B.S. in marketing from DePaul University and worked for the Chicago Tribune Media Group as a Social Media specialist before entering the Howard MBA program.  

HUMBA Spring 2012 Study Abroad Trip

China: May 17, 2012- May 31, 2012

By Adebowale Asaya, MBA candidate at the Howard University School of Business, 

Class of 2013

 

            If I could sum up my trip to China in May of 2012 with a few words, those words would be; amazing, cultural, celebritism, & shopping! The trip was motivated by China’s recent economic and social reforms. We visited Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou….all tier 1 cities. As business students, personal observation on the people of China, and business practices in China is essential. I planned to develop an understanding of how to generate business and do business in Asia.  The trip started on May 17(a day after my birthday!), from Dulles airport. The first leg of our trip was from Washington to NJ, and then from NJ to Beijing. Our trip to China began in Beijing, which presented a wonderful experience and more importantly a rich, cultural journey. Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China so there were a lot of other tourists in the city with us. One of the first things we did upon arriving in Beijing was enjoying a meal in one of Beijing’s finest restaurants close to our hotel. We ate family style, which was new to many of us. The Chinese culture measures very high on the “collectivism” scale along with Japan and Korea compared to most western cultures. This means that the Chinese, in general, is a collective society that strives for harmony and group belonging. Eating with a lazy Susan and sharing entrees was something that was very new to us. However, as we progressed meal after meal, we got a lot better with chopstick handling, and interacting with each other using the lazy Susan. I was particularly impressed with the Beijing duck, some sweet and sour sauces, sizzling fish pans and others.

            While in Beijing, we also saw the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the Great Wall of China. In visiting those sites, one thing that we had to get used to was the staring. So many people were looking at us.  After a while we never noticed it anymore, but some got bothered by it. Lots of people even came up to me and asked if they can have a picture with me. In America, and more specifically in Washington, DC, the cultural landscape is more diverse. The amount of different cultures and people you meet in one day out in the city is almost countless and endless. In Beijing, commoners were shocked and very excited to us.

            Another interesting piece of my experience in China was the shopping. One thing about shopping in China is that many things are much cheaper than in the US.  This is due to manufacturers in China and their ability to compromise intellectual property. Of course the quality of items in the marketplace were very questionable, prices were so unbelievably low that we almost were left with no choice but to consume! China is currently taking advantage of their huge population and low labor cost structure to intentionally keep the value of their Yuan low. In turn, this almost forces other nations to continue to buy from them with no other options because of such low cost. China’s economy also benefits from foreign OEMs and multinational companies who NEED China’s consumer because there are 1.3 BILLION of them. Many US Manufacturers are experiences their highest sales from China now.

Business in China

While in Beijing, we visited both Lenovo Corp and HiSoft Technology International Limited. Lenovo hails as one of the world’s largest makers of personal computers. We took a tour of their headquarters, and heard a bit of their strategy to surpass Hewlett-Packard, who currently is #1 in world market share. The tour of their facility was very enlightening, and there was a certain level of humility that lingered in the headquarters of both Lenovo & HiSoft. This was because of the relationship – based culture that exists in China. Chinese and Westerners often approach a deal from opposite ends.

Westerners normally build transactions, and if they are successful, a relationship will ensue. However, the Chinese believe that prospective business partners should build a relationship, and if successful, commercial transactions will follow. Virtually all successful transactions in China result from careful cultivation of the Chinese partner by the foreign one, until a relationship of trust evolves. Business clauses might form a useful agenda, but obligations came from relationships, not paper. Today, a signed piece of paper is a symbol of progress, but nothing more. The Chinese may sign a contract to humor their guests. The idea of a friendship leading to business is attractive. The logical development of close relationships is the Chinese concept of guanxi, pronounced “guan xi”. The kernel of guanxi is doing business through value-laden relationships.

            Its very difficult to BRIEFLY describe what are the must-knows in doing business in China. But If I had to summarize here goes…..

Business and culture

l   Western business visitors are often deadline-driven and unwilling to slow down to the Chinese pace when discussing business.

l   Negotiations can seem to drag on when the Chinese side is consulting internally or has other reasons for delay.

l   Western thought is dominated by linear logic, whereas Chinese thinking is influenced by early philosophers who saw a paradoxical balance of opposites in all things.

l   Where Westerners tend to look for clear alternatives (option A instead of option B), Easterners may examine ways to combine both option A and option B.

l   Westerners normally build transactions, and if they are successful, a relationship will ensue.

l   However, the Chinese believe that prospective business partners should build a relationship, and if successful, commercial transactions will follow.

l   This difference underlies many misunderstandings arising from business negotiations.

l   Virtually all successful transactions in China result from careful cultivation of the Chinese partner by the foreign one, until a relationship of trust evolves.

l   The logical development of close relationships is the Chinese concept of guanxi, pronounced “guan xi”. The kernel of guanxi is doing business through value-laden relationships.

l   The idea of a friendship leading to business is attractive.

l   Chinese and Westerners often approach a deal from opposite ends.

l   Traditionally, commercial law scarcely existed in China and indicated bad faith—the early appearance of a draft legal contract being inappropriate irrelevant since it carried no sense of commitment.

l   Business clauses might form a useful agenda, but obligations came from relationships, not paper. Today, a signed piece of paper is a symbol of progress, but nothing more. The Chinese may sign a contract to humor their guests.

l   The challenge of learning to speak fluent Chinese, complexities of the Chinese way of doing business, and a strong sense of national pride mean a foreigner will very rarely be accepted on equal terms.

l   Having “face” means having a high status in the eyes of one's peers and is a mark of personal dignity.

l   “Face” is an essential component of the Chinese national psyche. Causing someone to lose face could ruin business prospects or even invite recrimination.  Examples include: Insulting an individual or criticizing them in front of others; Making fun of them in a good-natured way; and treating someone as a subordinate when their status is actually higher.                                                      

Observations From a Howard MBA Student's Visit to Dubai

Spring Break is a time for HUMBA students to catch up on reading, traveling, securing internships, and taking a break from the demands of deadlines and analyzing cases. I relish the opportunities to get more stamps in my  passport from countries where I can learn the culture and business. I had the opportunity to spend several days in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  The experience was enlightening.  Dubai is an extremely large landmass; a sprawling city with about 5 million people, that is modern and very clean. The 2008 economic crisis  grossly slowed construction projects.  Although, there is a ton of unfinished construction sites throughout the city, it appears business and tourism continues on; as infrastructure is steadily growing.   

I visited the Dubai Marina District, and was awed  by the number of sky scrapers with such an incredibly  gorgeous sky line. I assumed they were all corporate based entities. But, I discovered the buildings were mix use with apartments and condos. The inventory in that city appears to be pretty high at present.  I also visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.  This is an amazing architectural structure and  an important worship center in the region.  Etiquette is extremely important at the Mosque. Women must cover their hair and any exposed leg.  Once inside, it's even more breathtaking and impressive.

I really enjoyed my time in Dubai.  The food was magnificent, and the night life was festive.  Dubai appears to be very safe, with no tolerance laws. Things such as public intoxication and offensive language will quickly land one behind bars. The people were so pleasantly welcoming,  and customer service was exceptional.  Experiencing a taste of the tourist life in the Middle East and of Arabic culture has expanded my view.  I've obtained a higher level of cultural sensitivity. Though, there are several differences, the similarities between  large US cities and Dubai are the follow: 1) There is an enormous amount of diversity. 2) The people are trying to take care of their responsibilities and provide for their families. 3) Commerce is the driving factor in the economy.  4) Infrastructural development is moving forward. AND 5) Opportunity is on the horizon. 

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With sputtering globalization tinkering along,  I suspect the future holds enormous growth for Dubai. Hence,  I look forward to returning for another visit to the United Arab Emirates. But the next time will be for business. 

Rachel Victoria Dawson is currently an MBA candidate at the Howard University School of  Business Class of 2013, and CEO of the Point Group LLC in Washington DC. 

Howard (MD '94/MBA '11) Alum, Wayne A. I. Frederick, Named Howard's Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Howard University

WASHINGTON (June 11, 2012) – Today, Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau, named Director of Howard University Cancer Center, Interim Deputy Provost for Health Sciences, and Howard alumnus Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick (B.S. ’92, M.D. ’94, MBA ’11) Provost and Chief Academic Officer. The appointment is effective June 18, 2012.   “A trusted leader, a revered expert in his field and a champion in his community, Dr. Frederick embodies Howard’s unwavering pursuit of ‘Truth and Service.’ With his appointment, we reaffirm our commitment to the vision of a University prominent in research and education across all disciplines,” said Ribeau.  This appointment follows a rigorous, open, national search chaired by the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Anthony K. Wutoh Ph.D., that included discussions with constituents throughout the entire Howard University community.   Dr. Frederick’s knowledge of the University is broad and deep. As interim deputy provost, he demonstrated university-wide leadership, engaged in academic planning, implemented priorities and worked collaboratively with deans, faculty, staff and students on all levels.   Dean Kurt Schmoke, interim Deputy Provost for Academic Affairs, points to this diverse background as a major strength that Dr. Frederick brings to the new role of Provost. “I have been impressed by his keen intellect and his wonderful enthusiasm of the future of Howard University," he said.   As Professor in the Department of Surgery at Howard, Frederick is a master teacher who has received teaching awards every year since the beginning of his tenure. As a member of the faculty, he fulfilled what he called “a career aspiration” of working with his mentor, LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., M.D. – an opportunity that was expanded during this current academic year when Dr. Leffall asked Dr. Frederick to serve as Interim Deputy Provost for Health Sciences. “We are indeed fortunate that Dr. Frederick has accepted President Ribeau’s request to serve alma mater,” Leffall said. He is an accomplished surgeon, teacher, administrator, leader and public servant.”  Frederick, originally from Port of Spain, Trinidad, is a bright and passionate son of Howard. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, his medical degree from the College of Medicine, and his Masters in Business Administration from the School of Business.  He completed a post-doctoral research fellowship and a surgical oncology fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he spent his final year as Chief Administrative Fellow. At the University of Connecticut Health Center, he became the Associate Director of the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Director of Surgical Oncology and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery.  Dr. Frederick is a respected clinician and researcher with dozens of peer-reviewed publications including articles, book chapters, abstracts and editorials. His research focuses on health disparities with a particular emphasis on cancer outcomes among African Americans and other underrepresented groups. He has also served as the principal investigator for major collaborations with the National Cancer Institute, Johns Hopkins University, as well as local and national minority-serving oncology programs. He has received several awards including being named a “Super Doctor” by the Washington Post and listed on Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 in 2010. Beyond his innumerable outstanding achievements and international recognition, Dr. Frederick is a well-rounded scholar, with a passion for the arts and service.  ------------- Source: Media Contact: Rachel Mann Communications Specialist 202.238.2631 rachel.mann@howard.edu

A Marketing Mind At Work

Marketing is a passion of mine, as well as my vocation, having spent the last 15 years working in Marketing, in one shape or another.  While the principles of Marketing have remained constant, the methods of generating revenue, have ballooned. In my posts, I’ll review trends in Marketing and Advertising, and their impact on business or the wider society.  Hang on for the ride. 

EXCITING NEW SHOW COMING TO A MOVIE THEATER NEAR YOU

CMOR, the robot host of Screenvision's preshow

When last have you checked out the pre-show at the movies?  A lot has happened while you were out.  Screenvision, a giant in the pre-movie advertising world, recently announced the rollout of a social media app called Screenfanz.  Screenfanz will engage movie goers with ads and interactive games in the movie theater before the main feature.    

The Screenfanz mobile app interacting
with the  in-theater preshow

Viewers who download the Screenfanz app will also be able to watch movie trailers, find showtimes, check in at the theater, and earn points that can be redeemed towards the purchase of movie concessions.  Research indicated that more than 75% of those in the focus group would “definitely”, or would “likely” get to the movies earlier in order to engage in the “pre-show”.

I’m all in favor of brand interaction.  A fulfilling brand experience is rewarded at the register with increased sales.  Time will tell however if the 20 minute pre-show will motivate my family to get to the movies sooner. What do you think?  

Adrienne Noel, MBA 96, is an alumna of Howard University, MBA and the owner of Marketing Minds At Work, in Orlando FL.