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Willamette MBA Ranked as a Best Business School for Return on Investment by Forbes Magazine
Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management has been named to Forbes magazine’s “Best Business Schools” list for 2009.  The ranking recognizes the top 75 schools in the United States and were based on return on investment for graduates. Willamette University is the highest ranked program in Oregon and is one of only three programs in the Northwest to make the list.  The schools are ranked based on the results of surveys from business schools across the U.S. on career services opportunities, placement rates and pre- and post-MBA salary levels. The complete list is available online at the Forbes website. 
Forbes Magazine’s profile of the Atkinson School.
Forbes Magazine complete article.

MBA Students Launching New Ventures
Students enrolled in "GSM 681 and 682 - New Ventures To Launch" are making great progress with their businesses. Several of this year’s new ventures are already up and running and others are in progress.  

Up and running
* Launch of a roller derby league in the Willamette Valley
* Custom designed biking team apparel sold on site at cycling events
* Online flower ordering service in Vietnamese with delivery to Vietnam
* Program for division 3 athletes that provides study abroad opportunities
while still training for their sport and doing community coaching

In Progress
* Custom art products sold through boutique retail
* Travel excursions in Romania sold through U.S. travel agencies
* Saudi Arabia import business  
* Back inventory sales service for motorcycle shops that don't manage online selling themselves 

Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine Rank Willamette MBA as "Top 15" for Marketing

The Princeton Review ranked Willamette University's MBA one of the top 15 MBA programs for preparing students for a career in Marketing. The Princeton Review honor is based on students' assessments of how well they felt their business school courses prepared them to succeed in their career.

The honors list was printed in the April edition of Entrepreneur Magazine and is available online on the web sites of The Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com/studentOpinionHonors.aspx) and Entrepreneur Magazine (www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges). The business schools are listed in alphabetical order on the lists. All schools in the list are considered equal within in the ranking of “Top 15.” 

MBA Investment Fund Students Outperform Benchmark
Students enrolled in our second year elective course “GSM 692 – Student Investment Fund” manage a portfolio of real stocks. This year, a group of investment fund students outperformed their benchmark by nine percentage points, while taking less risk than the benchmark.  

The students initially invested using a broad macro strategy, then researched individual companies. Following their research they presented their findings, discussed the companies and voted as to whether the stock would be added to the portfolio. Some of the best performing investments in the student account were Genco Shipping and Trading, up 74%, and Union Pacific Corporation, up 42%.

Willamette MBA Ranked in Global 100 for Preparing Graduates For Stewardship, Ethics and Social Responsibility

The Aspen Institute’s “Beyond Grey Pinstripes” survey recognized Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management as a top global MBA program for innovation in social and environmental stewardship.  The Willamette MBA appears in the “Global 100” list at #47 overall, and #20 for the relevance of its courses to ethical and socially-conscious management decision making.

Willamette MBA Welcomes New Faculty in Global Management, Information Technology and Finance

Mark Ahn joined the Atkinson School as Associate Professor of Global Management. He most recently served as Professor and Chair of Science and Technology Entrepreneurship with a joint appointment from the faculties of Commerce, Administration and Science at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.  He is also a Principal at Pukana Partners, a life sciences strategic consulting firm.   Professor Ahn’s faculty page:  http://www.willamette.edu/agsm/faculty_directory/ahn.htm

Henry Bi joined the Atkinson School as Associate Professor of Information Systems. He most recently served as Assistant Professor at the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University.  Henry’s research interests include business process management and data and knowledge management.  Professor Bi’s faculty page:  http://www.willamette.edu/agsm/faculty_directory/bi.htm

Robert Couch joined the Atkinson School as Assistant Professor of Finance.  He most recently served as an Assistant Professor at the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University.  Robert’s research interests include corporate finance, investments, asset pricing, initial public offerings (IPOs), mergers and acquisitions, lending relationships and business ethics.  Professor Couch’s faculty page:  http://www.willamette.edu/agsm/faculty_directory/couch.htm

Angel Investment & Entrepreneurial Thinking Programs Launched
Professor Rob Wiltbank launched two new spring semester opportunities for students interested in entrepreneurship. The Angel Investment Program engages students as active members of angel investment groups throughout Oregon. The program will do include two $50K equity investments based on the students work during the 2009-10 academic year. Entrepreneurial Thinking is a new first year elective course where first-year students students work with entrepreneurs and review their business model design, investment readiness, and other aspects involved in the strategic design of new ventures.

Professor Polly Rizova's New Book on Innovation and Talent Management

The Secret of Success explores technological innovation and provides a new way of thinking about how to release the talent of research teams. The book offers a new perspective on the factors involved when managing R&D projects. "This is compulsory reading for anyone interested in the central problems of research and design in the knowledge industries of the twenty-first century. " (Stanford University Press http://www.sup.org/book.cgi?book_id=5570)

MBA Students Start Atkinson Consulting Association
Students launched a new Atkinson student professional organization during fall semester 2009: The Atkinson Consulting Association. Their first event was a panel of three leading consulting professionals who offered their experience and advice about the mechanics of consulting.

Professor Rob Wiltbank's New Book on Innovation and Talent

Rob Wiltbank's book (coauthored with J. Liedka and R. Rosen), titled The Catalyst: How You Can Become an Extraordinary Growth Leader, was published by Crown Publishing. The Catalyst represents the culmination of a three-year study of how operating managers achieve extraordinary organic growth, despite seemingly never-ending setbacks and challenges. "...this inspiring book reveals that the most potent drivers of growth are unsung heroes who often go unnoticed: ordinary middle managers who do extraordinary things." (Random House http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307409492)

Willamette MBA Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management Receives Superior Merit Award
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Alexandria, VA, has bestowed the Superior Merit Award designation to the Atkinson Graduate School of Management Student SHRM chapter for an exceptional job of providing opportunities for growth and development to its student chapter members. The Merit Award program recognizes the top student chapters of the more than 450 affiliated student chapters of SHRM.

Atkinson Chapter of the National Association of Women MBA's Participates in National Conference
Eleven students and four staff members represented the Oregon Women MBAs and the Atkinson Chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA) at the NAWMBA National Conference in Anaheim, California.  Women from business, government and not-for-profit organizations networked, collaborated and shared best practices at the annual event, which drew over 1,500 women from across the country.  Thirty-six corporations participated in the Career Fair and/or showcased opportunities in presentations, events and panels. Featured organizations included Intel, Boeing, General Electric, Hewlett Packard Company, American Airlines and many more who are actively seeking women MBA’s.The NAWMBA fair was an excellent opportunity for students to meet recruiters from major corporations outside the Northwest.

Willamette MBA: A Student Perspective of Fall Semester 2009
Andres Ochoa, First Year Student

Q: What course projects are you currently working on in the MBA program?

A: We are working hard in our PACE group (NOAh) with The Arc of Multnomah-Clackamas County in order to keep them sustainable in a challenging economic climate. We have broken into teams (finance, fundraising, contract augmentation, etc.) in order to focus our individual strengths on areas that we can improve. It is nice to be able to learn by experience and is a much needed break from read, read, read. (Pictured below: Andres and his PACE team enjoying some time "off the clock.")


Q: What kind of career management activities are you involved in?

A: I have packed my schedule with career management activities. I have been meeting my mentor almost every week to discuss a myriad of topics. I consider myself lucky to have such a qualified mentor; the kind of mentor that Willamette produces (he is a Willamette alum). I try to get as many informational interviews as possible in order to narrow down my job search, although I think I have added more possibilities rather than cut down! I have attended several enjoyable lectures, including the PowerLunch with the CEO of OnPoint Credit Union. It was intriguing and he provided a lot of information regarding the present and future state of the financial industry.
Q: What else do you do in your free time?

A: I was fortunate enough to get a position within the Atkinson Student Association as a first year representative. It is nice to jump right in and get involved in a multitude of ways. We are striving to make improvements to the program on a daily basis and it is great to liaise between first year students and second year students, faculty, staff and fellow board members. I am also involved with the Atkinson Outdoor Club and I helped organize our first trip to a Portland rock climbing gym, as well as a recent paintball outing.



Professor Smith and Students Work Together on Chapter of Book

Professor Ken Smith published a chapter in a new book compiled by Association of Government Accountants called Managing for High Performance Government. Ken's chapter is titled "Improvements in City Government Performance Reportion" and was co-written with Lee Schiffel of Valparaiso University. In addition to Ken and L. Schiffel, several Willamette MBA alumni contributed to the chapter through their research efforts. Contributors included Kyle Hill MBA'09, Diep Ho MBA'09, Aminata Keita MBA'09, Goerge Liu MBA'09, Sejal Mehta MBA'09 , Gabriela Pop MBA'09, Satvir Singh MBA'09, Thanh Tran MBA'09, Kathy Wang MBA'09, Joyce Wu MBA'09, Ivy Feng MBA'08, David Johnson MBA'08 and Sajal Maheshwari MBA'09.

PACE Partners for 2009-2010

The Imani Project - Project: assist in the organizational design, governance, and operational plans of delivering HIV/AIDS prevention, health support, and educational awareness in Kenya.

Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center -Project: develop a competency based performance management system encompassing, (a) aligning employee performance with Virginia Garcia’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals, (b) competency assessments via performance evaluations, (c) employee performance evaluation process (inclusive of how to guides), and (d) individual development plans.

YWCA of Greater Portland - Project: design and develop a business plan and identify funding streams to provide seed money for start up.

Sustainability Area of Interest
Professor Elliot Maltz, announced a new area of interest in sustainability management that will begin fall semester 2009. The program combines new courses in sustainability management with existing MBA courses to develop managers and change agents who can:
1) help an organization move towards a more sustainable architecture.
2) initiate and monitor the success of individual sustainability projects and initiatives.
3) start an organization based on the principles of sustainability or change an organization to become more sustainable

New Electives Added to Curriculum
Solving Global Challenges: Social Entrepreneurship
Creating Global Alliances
Sustainability Management
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Angel Investment Program


A Great Time to Pursue the Willamette MBA - Message from Dean Ringold
Many of you have asked us if this is a “good” time to pursue the Willamette MBA. The answer to this question is “YES."

I want you to know that our top priority is your education and success, and we are investing in your future right along with you. Willamette University maintains a strong financial position and continues to make investments in our faculty, our programs, our students and our future. Specifically:

1) The Willamette MBA’s unique multisector curriculum in: business, government and not-for-profit management offers you more career choices and more professional opportunities

2) The Willamette MBA continues to increase the size of our full-time MBA faculty. A low student-to-faculty ratio ensures you receive a dynamic, hands-on learning experience

3) The Willamette MBA continues to expand curricular options with new courses in entrepreneurship, sustainability and global management.

4) The Willamette MBA continues to invest in career networking and leadership opportunities for you. We have expanded the internship program, career services and student professional organizations.

Our investments in your future and the future of the Willamette MBA program ensure the highest quality experience for your MBA education. These investments represent our commitment to the success of our students and to offering an educational experience that provides a high return for your efforts and dollars.

The Willamette MBA is a career building, life changing experience. We are ready and able to assist you as you take this important step!


Internship Program Expanded
Willamette Early Career MBA and the MBA for Career Change students now have even more opportunity to build their resume of professional experience through their Willamette MBA.

The Willamette MBA internship course has been expanded to allow up to three semesters of approved internship experiences. This means eligible students can participate in an internship in the summer between the first and second year of study, during fall semester of the second year, and during spring semester of the second year.

Internships provide an important educational and professional experience, help students build their network and, in most cases, provide a source of income that can help students pay for their educational or living expenses.


Atkinson School Named as a "Top 100 Green Organization"
The Atkinson Graduate School of Management, was recently named a “Top 100 Green Organization” for 2009 by Oregon Business. The honor recognizes the Atkinson School for sustainability and stewardship.


First Year MBA Students Preparing for Internship Search
In addition to completing the first year curriculum and learning experience, the entering class of 2009 is building the career management tools and network they need to prepare for their upcoming internship search. They have completed CareerLeader, reviewed their career plans with Career Management staff, and are participating in a variety of career services programs including mock interviews, the mentorship program, career interest panels, professional organizations, company site visits, Power Lunches and more.


Your Link to What Students and Alumni Say about the Willamette MBA
Vault.com has again featured the Willamette MBA in its 2009 edition of The Business School Buzz Book. Vault's publication is unique because it presents direct quotes from surveys completed by current students and recent alumni. We have arranged for you to have a free download of the Willamette MBA chapter of "The Buzz Book." See what Willamette MBA students and recent graduates say about our MBA program. Download and save your free copy.



Willamette MBA Receives Designated Chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA)
Our Chapter of the Business Women's Forum recently became an affiliated student chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA). The organization provides a national network of resources and is dedicated to enhancing the diversity of the nation's workforce. It is open to women and men. Willamette is the only University chapter in Oregon and will hold the only professional chapter in the Northwest.



Teaching, Mentoring and Writing
In addition to being excellent teachers who are accessible to students, Willamette MBA faculty are researchers and writers. Here are a few recent publications of our faculty.

Michael Dothan and Fred Thompson published a research article entitled "A Better Budget Rule" in the Summer 2009 issue of the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management (Volume 28 Issue 3, Pages 463- 478) URL: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122454061/abstract

Elliot Maltz, Debra Ringold, and Fred Thompson published "Assessing Corporate Social Initiatives: a Tough-Minded, but Sympathetic, Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility" in the FSR Forum, 10/4 (June 2008) 20-26.

Elliot Maltz recently published an article in the Journal of Marketing. (Coauthored with Gary Frazier; Kersi Antia and Aric Rindfleisch). The article is titled Intermediary Sharing of Strategic Information with Suppliers. It explores the conditions under which downstream members of the distribution channel share strategic information with their suppliers.

Elliot Maltz also recently co-authored the article "How Procurement Managers View Low Cost Countries and Geographies: A Perceptual Mapping Approach," which was published in Volume 38 Issue No. 3 of the International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management.

Ken Smith published an article on performance reporting by state agencies in the Summer 2008 Journal of Government Financial Management. Ken was also a guest blogger for the Association of Government Accountants. Read the blog here: http://aga.typepad.com/aga/2008/06/good-performanc.html

Polly Rizova received a 2009-2010 Hewlett Grant for her proposal: Emergence and Dynamics of Work-related Advice Social Networks: A Comparative Study in Business, Not-for-profit and Government Organizations.

Rob Wiltbank's book, titled The Catalyst, was released by Crown Publishing. The Catalyst represents the culmination of a three-year study of how operating managers achieve extraordinary organic growth, despite seemingly never-ending setbacks and challenges. Read more about the book online at: www.growthleaders.org.

Robert Wiltbank published "Designing Organizations that Design Environments: Lessons from Entrepreneurial Expertise" in Organization Studies 2008 29: 331-350, with Saras D, Sarasvathy, Nicholas Dew, and Stuart Read.

Robert Wiltbank was quoted in The Wall Street Journal in an article about angel investing and its economic impacts. Wiltbank is part of a national research group looking at angel investing for new businesses. online.wsj.com/article/SB125694047773419513.html

Robert Wiltbank's angel investing research was quoted in the Business Week article "How Angel Investors Get Their Wings." Excerpt from the article: "What sort of return can an angel expect? There's that rate of return of about 27%, on average, a result reached by professor Robert Wiltbank of Willamette University and Warren Boeker of the University of Washington in a study of 539 angels from 86 groups in North America from 1990 to 2007. The return figure comes from 1,137 "exits" during this time period through mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, bankruptcies, and shut doors." Read it at http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_17/b4081112242665.htm

Professor Lisbeth Claus has three 2009 publications:
1. Lisbeth Claus and Dennis Briscoe (2009). "Employee Performance Management Across Borders: A Review of Relevant Academic Literature". International Journal of Management Review 11(2), 175-196.
2. Lisbeth Claus and Michael Hand (2009). "Customization Decisions Regarding Performance Management Systems of Multinational Companies: An Empirical View of Eastern European Firms." Journal of Cross Cultural Management (in press, September).

Lisbeth Claus was also the guest editor (with Prof. Dennis Briscoe) of a special issue on global performance management of the European Journal of International Management. Her article entitled, "Employee performance management in MNCs: reconciling the need for global integration and local responsiveness," appears in the journal (Vol. 2, No.2, 2008).

Professor Lisbeth Claus is running a series of breakfast roundtables in major U.S. and European cities during fall 2009 on "Managing the Risks of a Global Workforce" for International SOS. She designed an organizational decision-making game to highlight the difficulties global organizations encounter in assuming their employer duty of care responsibilities. The roundtables are based on her recently released white paper entitled: Duty of Care of Employers for Protecting International Assignees, their Dependents, and International Business Travelers. London: International SOS, 2009. URL: http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/global/Articles/Pages/DutyofCare.aspx.3.

Fred Thompson participated in a Forum on “Framing a Public Management Agenda,” organized by the IBM Center for The Business of Government in response to the Obama Administration's expressed intention "to engage experts in federal management policy to craft a broad management and performance framework."

Fred Thompson also attended the Association for Public Policy and Management Research Conference, where he presented a paper entitled: A Positive Model of Expenditure Growth: Toward Closure of the Organizational Process Theory of Budgeting, which he coauthored with Atkinson faculty Michael Dothan and Mike Hand.

Fred Thompson published "State Fiscal Management: What Practitioners Can Learn from Risk Management Theory," Chapter 21 of Government Budget Forecasting: Theory and Practice (New York: Macmillan, 2008) 477-500. With Bruce Gates.



Best Paper Award in Entrepreneurship Goes To Willamette Professor Rob Wiltbank and Co-Authors
A paper co-authored by Willamette MBA Assistant Professor of Strategic Management (with Murnieks, Haynie and Harting), won the Best Paper Award in the Entrepreneurship division at the Academy of Management meeting. The paper, titled "I like how you think: The role of cognitive similarity as a decision bias" suggests that venture capitalists prefer to invest in entrepreneurs who demonstrate patterns of reasoning similar to their own. Click here for a pdf of the article.

"An Uncertain World Offers New Opportunities for HR"
Lisbeth Claus prepared an invited article entitled, "An Uncertain World Offers New Opportunities for HR" for People Management, the official professional magazine of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) in the United Kingdom. She also prepared 10 Global Human Resource Management in Action instructional vignettes. They are designed for faculty, trainers, and practitioners and are free to use to advance the instruction of Global HR. Each vignette allows the reader to experience specific, relevant topics in a concise format and is followed by guided reading questions to stimulate discussion and interaction. They can be downloaded free of charge by using the following username (globalhr) and password (clauswumba).



VP of Hewlett Packard Speaks to Students at Graduation
Seventy six Willamette MBA students received their MBA on May 17th. Vyomesh (VJ) Joshi, executive vice president of the Imaging and Printing Group at Hewlett Packard and a member of the board of directors for Yahoo!, delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of 2009.

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