Awards Dean’s Office Stephanie Bryant, College of Business Dean, was recognized on the Biz100 list published this fall by Biz417 magazine. Biz 100 is a recognition and celebration of the most influential business leaders in southwest Missouri. Xiao’ou (Sean) Gong, China programs specialist, was recognized for 5 years of service to the University at the annual Staff … [Read more...] about Faculty and Staff Spotlight
During the recession of the late 2000s, the unemployment rate in the Springfield metropolitan area rose to 9.5 percent, forcing many out of the labor market. As the recession faded and the economy rebounded, more people have now found gainful employment. The current area unemployment rate is 4.2 percent. For workers who have gained jobs over the past seven years, the trend has … [Read more...] about Bears Business Brief: How do you compete in a tight labor market?
I recently asked my 7-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter if they wanted to participate in an experiment. My son looked puzzled and my daughter rolled her eyes! But when I revealed a large package of fun size M&M’s, they became more interested. I began by asking what they expected to see when they opened the bags of M&M’s. They expected a variety of colors, smooth … [Read more...] about Bears Business Brief: How important is quality?
Research Ron Coulter, head of the Marketing Department, along with marketing faculty members Steve Parker, faculty emeritus, Christina Simmers, professor, and Chris Ellis, faculty emeritus, published “Segmenting Local Financial Service Markets: Balancing an Independent Image with the Need for More Business” in the Academy of Marketing Studies Journal. Alex Hamwi, associate … [Read more...] about Faculty and Staff Spotlight
By: Barry Cobb Buy local. It’s a popular idea. In a recent article in Entrepreneur, John Rampton lists potential advantages of purchasing goods made locally and sold on a small scale. These include experiencing better customer service by being acquainted with the “people behind the product” and improving the economy while keeping the local community “unique.” Opportunities … [Read more...] about Bears Business Brief: A closer look at buying local