University of Michigan-Flint

Effective spring 2011, applicants to the School of Management MBA Program may now choose to submit test scores from either the GMAT (Graduate Admissions Test) or the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). The School of Management joins several top ranked business schools in the world, such as Harvard, Purdue, Notre Dame, and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, in deciding to accept GRE test scores.

The change makes the application process accessible to candidates from a broad array of academic backgrounds and interests as they consider their postgraduate options. "We believe that both the GMAT and the GRE meet our expectations of what a standardized test can tell us about a candidate's ability to succeed in our MBA Program," states Nicol Taylor-Vargo, MBA Program Director. "In addition to broadening our applicant pool, it will enhance the student learning experience by expanding the multidisciplinary backgrounds of our student body."

UM-Flint's Part-Time MBA Program is ranked 9th in the Midwest and 41st in the Nation by BusinessWeek. The School of Management offers two delivery modes for students to complete the program: Traditional and NetPlus!, which blends the personal interaction of traditional classroom activities with the convenience of modern online learning.

For more information about the UM-Flint MBA Program, call 800.942.5636 or visit us online at http://mba.umflint.edu.

The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that are not related to any specific field of study. It has been a standard admissions test for graduate study for those interested in the arts and sciences for nearly 60 years.

The GMAT is the traditional assessment for candidates for graduate schools of business. It is designed to measure the verbal and quantitative skills as well as proficiency in analytical writing necessary for success in business education.

About the School of Management
Established in 1975, the School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education. We deliver our programs to a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students primarily in Michigan and the surrounding region using a variety of learning/teaching approaches that focus on skills, abilities, technology and knowledge vital to organizations.

posted: November 2, 2010
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University of Michigan-Flint is a premier business school, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features the school in the new 2011 edition of its book, "The Best 300 Business Schools" (Random House / Princeton Review, on sale date October 12, 2010, $22.99).

According to Robert Franek, Princeton Review Senior VP-Publishing, "We are pleased to recommend the University of Michigan-Flint to readers of our book and users of our site, www.PrincetonReview.com, as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn an MBA. We chose the 300 business schools in this book based on our high opinion of their academic programs and offerings, as well as our review of institutional data we collect from the schools. We also strongly consider the candid opinions of students attending the schools who rate and report on their campus experiences at their schools on our survey for the book."

"Our school is delighted with the prominent recognition provided by the Review", states School of Management Dean Helmuth. "The excellence of our program is a reflection of the high quality students, faculty, staff and business community that supports such external acclaim."

"The Best 300 Business Schools: 2011 Edition" has two-page profiles of the schools with write-ups on their academics, student life, and admissions, plus ratings for their academics, selectivity, and career placement services. In the profile on UM-Flint the Princeton Review editors describe the school as: "Best Business Schools (Midwest)." They quote from students attending the MBA program at UM-Flint who say, "Many students choose Flint because of the "reputable U of M name," which carries a great deal of weight with employers in Michigan and beyond." And, with a friendly faculty and staff, "small class sizes," and a pretty riverfront campus, the University of Michigan-Flint offers a "small town feel in a large university."

The University of Michigan-Flint is an AACSB accredited university at both the undergraduate and graduate level. UM-Flint is also ranked nationally as one of the top 50 schools for the part-time MBA program.

posted: October 22, 2010
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Seven MBA students from the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management (SOM) recently traveled to Russia as part of a study abroad program... read more



posted: Oct 04, 2010
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Delta College and the University of Michigan-Flint have entered into two new agreements that will make it easier for Delta business students to transfer to UM-Flint, and for Delta faculty and staff to earn graduate credits. View the full article online at Delta College and UM-Flint Reach New Agreements Covering Students, Faculty and Staff.



posted: Aug 27, 2010
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In the latest segment of the Dean's Speaker Series, the School of Management welcomed John McCandless, a senior member of the US Toyota Corporate Communications team, to campus.

McCandless, an executive with more than thirty years in the automotive industry, was able to provide SOM's students with a real-life look at a company in crisis and touched on the difficulties that executives can face when dealing with challenges and competing views within an organization. Kelly Miller, an MBA student, felt that the opportunity to meet an executive of McCandless' caliber was a tremendous learning experience. "John's lecture provides the opportunity to directly connect what we are learning to a person that is out there experiencing it every day." he said.

In his first session on campus, McCandless met with an audience of BBA students, including student organization members and student leaders, along with faculty and regional business leaders to candidly discuss the importance of communication strategy as part of a good business model, particularly in the case of a crisis. He offered a review of the role of Public Relations in the challenges Toyota has faced over the past few weeks.

Later, McCandless lectured during Dr. Madhu Angur's graduate Marketing Management class where he further impressed and inspired students with his open and honest nature and his willingness to discuss Toyota's recent problems. In the MBA class, McCandless presented a timeline of the past weeks and explained how Toyota handled each arising issue both internally and publicly. Students learned the importance of communications and Public Relations on an executive level.

The links between media relations, communications and reputation were key components of McCandless' lecture. "John stressed that maintaining a good reputation is a lot of work required quick action to handle small issues before they become major problems." said Josh Stockton, a student in the Marketing class.

MBA student, Christopher Enge, enjoyed the opportunity to learn from someone with McCandless' experience and knowledge and appreciated his honest and straightforward lessons. "I was pleasantly surprised at how candid Mr. McCandless was, given Toyota's public relations problems arising from the sudden acceleration accusations. He emphasized how critical it is for a company to respond quickly to a public relations problem, to make sure the company's side of the story is treated fairly. If the company does not speak for itself, someone else will. I appreciated how honest he was in saying Toyota could have done better when the recall story first broke." he said.

McCandless encouraged students to learn from the mistakes of others and to be prepared for anything. Miller noted, "John stated that all of us, as future CEOs, would be facing difficult situations and that it is important to be prepared for them, because they will come."

Jack Helmuth, Dean of the School of Management expressed his appreciation for Mr. McClandess' generous gift of time spent with our students in discussing how a corporation should communicate during a crisis situation. Dean Helmuth added, "Our Speaker Series and other efforts continue to connect our highly ranked MBA program with leaders of the business community."

The event was a great success and McCandless agreed to return to UM-Flint to speak with students again in the future.



SOM Dean, Jack Helmuth welcomes John McClandess as part of the Dean's Speaker Series. In photo, SOM Dean Jack Helmuth, John McClandess, Dr. Madhu Angur, and Executive-in-Residence, Larry Nichols.

posted: March 24, 2010
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Beta Alpha Psi, one of SOM's student organizations, hosted UM-Flint alum, Thomas P. O'Rourke of BlackRock, on campus on Thursday, March 11.

O'Rourke spoke with students and faculty about his career and the BlackRock Company. O'Rourke is a CFA Director and Portfolio Manager for BlackRock, one of the world's preeminent asset management firms. BlackRock is also a premier provider of global investment management, risk management and advisory services to institutional, intermediary and individual investors around the world.

Students had the unique opportunity to learn about the recent financial and economic events from an investment insider. O'Rourke also shared his insight on the future of the financial management, investments and regulations industries.

Darren Weist, Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi, was impressed by the knowledge that O'Rourke shared with the group. "Mr. O'Rourke has a great understanding of economics. We talked about current economic events and future changes in the financial market." he said.

Weist felt that the entire Beta Alps Psi group benefitted from meeting O'Rourke. "Beta Alpha Psi was pleased to have Mr. O'Rourke as a guest speaker for this event. "As a former UM-Flint student, O'Rourke was able to relate to our group and give us some extra academic advice. After the presentation, we were able to ask him questions about school, his career, and other topics which was an incredibly valuable experience." he added.

Beta Alpha Psi is a national honors fraternity for accounting, finance, and information systems majors, collectively known as Financial Information Professionals. The Eta Xi Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi was established in 1988 at the University of Michigan-Flint. Visit their Web site to learn more. http://www.umflint.edu/clubs/bap/index.html.



posted: March 17, 2010
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SOM's Entrepreneurs Society (ES) got a first-hand glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. Students met with local entrepreneur, Steve McMahan of Fasta Pasta, at the company's Flushing warehouse.

There he detailed the development of Fasta Pasta's prototype, how the mold was created and the process of connecting with a manufacturer, as well as successful methods to sell the food-safe product through well-known national retailers and hundreds of local companies.

Steve gave the ES students first-hand knowledge on issues with business formation, financing, package design, collaborating with other businesses and the threat of foreign knock-offs. Each participant was also treated to a Fasta Pasta cooker to try out at home.

"Meeting with Steve was great because he was so receptive and at a point in the business where we could really see his progress," said student Elizabeth Lowe, an ES member. "I'm very impressed with the Fasta Pasta cooker too. It makes perfect linguini."

Because the Entrepreneurs Society seeks to give back to business owners, students pledged to write a case study on the business and create a much-needed Fasta Pasta page on Facebook, where the McMahans can update fans on product and company news.

Launching a new invention can be risky business. So Steve McMahan, who owns Fasta Pasta with wife Midori, stands out as a Michigan success story. Since March 2007, the McMahans have sold more than 600,000 units of the product, a microwave pasta cooker that's won top reviews from customers on Amazon.com and the QVC.com site.

To learn more about the locally-invented Fasta Pasta microwave cooker, go to www.fastapastacooker.com.



posted: March 10, 2010
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The University of Michigan-Flint School of Management (SOM) continues to build its global relationships with a new agreement in the Republic of Kosovo. It is with the University of Prishtina, a leading academic institution with over 10,000 students and approximately 700 faculty members.

The university has undergraduate and graduate level business programs in Accountancy, Financial Management, Business Studies, and Management Studies.

The agreement is intended to facilitate exchanges and cooperative initiatives between the two universities in the areas of instruction, faculty and student exchange, credit transfer, applied research, and faculty development.

UM-Flint's Seyed Mehdian, Ph.D., who is a professor of finance and Fulbright Scholar, helped reach this agreement with assistance from Myrvete Badivuku, a professor at Prishtina. Yener Kandogan, associate dean in the SOM, helps to draft and implement such agreements. Kandogan is also a faculty associate at the Center for Russian and East European Studies-International Institute at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

"I'm proud of our ongoing efforts to build strong relationships with some of the top universities around the globe," said SOM Dean John Helmut "By pursuing these agreements, we provide more opportunities for our students to further expand their international business education. Our program is rapidly becoming one of the premier international business programs in Michigan."

This agreement adds to the SOM's international efforts in East Europe. The school also has similar international collaborative agreements with institutions in Croatia, Romania, Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

posted: March 1, 2010
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The School of Management is joining forces with the Pistons Care Telethon to raise money to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan and you are invited to join us.

For donations $5 and above, you will receive 4 tickets to a Detroit Pistons game and be entered in a drawing for a chance to win an autographed Tayshawn Prince jersey.

You can choose between the March 28th game against the Chicago Bulls and the March 31st game against the Miami Heat.

All donations support the Food Bank Council of Michigan's mission to feed Michigan families, children, seniors and the homeless who are in critical need of food. For every $1 you give, the Food Bank Council of Michigan helps provide five meals for individuals facing hunger.

SOM will be collecting donations starting today though 12:00 noon on Friday, February 26 in 3180 WSW. Stop by anytime during regular office hours Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Checks payable to the "Food Bank Council of Michigan" are the preferred payment option, but cash is also accepted. Donors will be contacted when tickets are available for pick-up from the SOM office.

Questions? Contact Kristen at kahenige@umflint.edu. Thank you for your support!



posted: February 17, 2010
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Do you know a friend or colleague who is interested in earning an MBA? Refer them to UM-Flint.

Current MBA students and MBA alumni will earn a $100 gift card for each referral who successfully enrolls in the UM-Flint MBA program. For complete details and to submit a referral, please visit www.umflint.edu/som/referafriend.htm.

posted: February 4, 2010
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Two teams comprised of MBA students from the University of Michigan-Flint's School of Management completed the first round of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Cup competition on January 23, 2010. Each team made a thirty minute presentation that included answering questions from the panel of three judges concerning valuation, marketing, and strategic issues associated with a hypothetical merger & acquisition case scenario.

The Charlie's Angels Financial Advisors team consisted of Alyson Phillips, Rachael Barnett, Samir Shah and Alexander Mansour. Daniel Irudayaraj and David Birmingham made up Team Tango.

"Both teams made very good presentations that kept the audience and participants in suspense as the judges made comments leading up to the declaration that Charlie's Angels Financial Advisors had won round one of the ACG Cup Challenge," said Dale Tuttle, UM-Flint professor.

The ACG Cup is a case study competition designed to give students from leading MBA programs across the country real world experience and invaluable insight into mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, financial advisory and private equity. This is UM-Flint's first time competing in the challenge.

Alex Mansour, a member of UM-Flint's winning team, gained worthwhile experiences throughout the competition. "This has been a very rewarding experience for me personally, and I learned so much from it that I recommend all MBA students to enter next year. The case was challenging but it gave my group and I the opportunity to combine all what we have learned so far in this MBA program into our presentation," said Mansour.

Teams from the Broad College of Business, Michigan State University; Walsh College, Troy; University of Detroit Mercy; the School of Business Administration, Wayne State University and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan also competed in the event that was held on the University of Michigan-Flint's campus.

Top teams from each school, including SOM's Charlie's Angels Financial Advisors, will compete in the second and final round of the completion which will be held at Walsh College in Troy on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Teams will be competing for a top prize of a $10,000 scholarship and all participants are eligible to apply for an internship in the London office of Pinsent Masons.

The team is very excited for the opportunity to represent UM-Flint among such a prestigious group of schools. "Group Charlie is very pleased with the win, but we are not satisfied. We want to go to the finals and represent the school as best as we possibly can...in fact, we will not be happy until we bring the ACG Cup back to its new home...U of M Flint," said Mansour.

"Competing in the ACG Cup provides MBA students with an authentic experience in the mergers and acquisitions field. Students have the invaluable opportunity to present a case study to industry leaders and to network with professional employers," said Tuttle.

The ACG Cup competition is presented by the Association for Corporate Growth; an international organization and leading authority on corporate growth. Judges for the first round of competition included Mr. Jay Hansen, President and CEO at Hansen Enterprises Ltd and Director, Chairman of Audit Committee at Flagstar Bank; Mr. Bill Erfourth, Managing Director at Primacy Business Advisors; and Mr. Bruce Fitzgerald, Senior Director Contingent Workforce Outsourcing at Kelly Services.

Information regarding the ACG Cup can be found at http://chapters.acg.org/detroit/.

posted: January 26, 2010
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Colonel James Braden, who completed the NetPlus! MBA program in December 2009, will begin working to connect Michigan Businesses with defense, robotics, and homeland security contracting opportunities said the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Colonel Braden’s role as the Director of Defense Contractor Coordination Center is part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

To read more about Colonel James Braden, please visit http://www.thegrcc.org/insidebusiness/2010/01jan/jan2010_econdev_ptac.html.

Do you know of a SOM Alum who is doing great things? E-mail Kristen at kahenige@umflint.edu

posted: January 13, 2010
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