Owen Takes 2nd at Case and Race Ethics Competition
February 11, 2008
By Tiffany Gnau
First year student Tina Radeke and second years Erin Hofmann, Hayley Hovious, Doug Kutella, Jose Paez, and Tyler Richardson took second place in the Denver University ethics case competition. The competition was made of teams from top-rated business schools and required students to tackle both an ethical dilemma and a ski race at Vail Resort in Colorado.
Boardroom Breakfast with Bob Prosen
"Creating An Accountability-Based Culture"
February 6, 2008
Vanderbilt Executive Programs, Vistage (the World's Largest CEO Membership Organization) and The North Highland Company welcomed Bob Prosen, author and President/CEO of The Prosen Center for Business Advancement, to Owen. The Prosen Center for Business Advancement is the nation's only leadership center focused exclusively on business execution. Bob is internationally recognized as the business expert who helped such companies as AT&T Global Information Solutions/NCR, Hitachi Data Systems, Sabre, Sprint, and Data Return Corporation achieve unprecedented financial and operational success. He has held posts ranging from Senior Vice President and Managing Partner to Chief Operating Officer. More than 50 alumni and local business leaders attended the event.
Sustainability at International Paper
February 4, 2008
By Tiffany Gnau
Emily Davis, who graduated from Owen with an MBA in environmental management, spoke to students about sustainability at International Paper. Davis is the manager of packaging sustainability. In this role, she assists consumer and industrial packaging customers with business product stewardship efforts and policy, from life cycle analysis to forest certification. She said that the Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” IP has focused on reducing energy use, making the bleaching process more environmentally friendly, reducing packaging waste, and making more paper recyclable. However, she said that IP can’t do much after consumers get the paper and 40% of landfills are still made up of paper.
Healthcare Supply Chain Services of Cardinal Health CEO speaks at Owen
January 31, 2008
By Edmundo Cepeda
George S. Barrett, Vice Chairman and CEO of Healthcare Supply Chain Services of Cardinal Health spoke to 100+ Owen MBA students, faculty and staff. The topic he talked about was “Changing Landscape in Pharmaceuticals and Evolution of Generics” He started by addressing the pharmaceutical industry trends during the last 20 years, and showed that pharmaceutical companies have created the most value. The growth was driven by new therapies and classes, blockbuster global brands, favorable regulatory environment, and price increases above inflation. Currently the industry is suffering a transformation period. The combination of forces (dependence on blockbusters and decreasing productivity of R&D) is a potent lethal mix. However, the generic market has been increasing its penetration within the industry. The main reasons for this penetration are the cost shift from the insurance companies to the patients and the regulatory environment.
The Owen Graduate School of Management announces its first scholarship from the Max Adler Student Investment Fund January 31, 2008
By Edmundo Cepeda
The Owen Graduate School of Management is proud to announce Bill Lambert as the recipient of the first Max Adler scholarship. The award is funded by the Max Adler Student Investment Fund (MASIF), founded in 1983, through a generous grant to the school by the widow of a prominent New York businessman. This will be the first year that Adler gift will be used to fund the scholarship. Bill Lambert has been recognized within the school, particularly among fellow classmates within the Finance concentration, as an exceptional student who displays leadership ability and business acumen. Mr. Lambert will be pursuing a career in investment banking after school with Deutsche Bank in New York. “It is very exciting for the school and the fund to be in a position to provide this scholarship. Bill has demonstrated his leadership abilities, academic success, and commitment to the school and a career in finance,” said current Max Adler President Nicholas Zager. “It is with great pleasure we make this initial scholarship grant. The combined generosity of the Adler family and the astute work of the MASIF have made the initial gift a perpetual scholarship. I congratulate Bill Lambert for his dedication to the Owen School of Management,” said Dean Jim Bradford.
 Students call to thank Owen's friends
January 28, 2008
By Edmundo Cepeda
Current Owen students join the campaign to thank Owen's friends that help the school to thrive. Students called for two hours starting at 6:00 PM
|
Net impact and the Emergence of Green Buildings
January 28, 2008
By Edmundo Cepeda
As part of the continuous efforts of the Net Impact chapter at Owen to create environmental awareness with all the students, it invited Mr. Ed Wansing to discuss the state of environmental responsibility in real estate development. Mr. Wansing, the Director of Sustainability for the Gould Turner Group (architectural planning firm in Nashville), and Associate of the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design AP, spoke to 50+ MBA students and faculty about the emergence of green builders. The vision of the emerging green builders is to integrate students and young professionals into the green building movement.
"The Balancing Act" WBA Networking Conference
January 26, 2008
By Tiffany Gnau
The Women’s Business Association hosted the first ever Networking Conference at Vanderbilt. The event was designed to serve as a forum for women to share their success stories, discuss issues and challenges, inspire others, and broaden their network. Beth Owen Canavan, Executive Vice President at Tiffany & Co. and that company’s most senior woman, was the keynote speaker. Canavan began her career with Marshall Field & Co in Chicago and interviewed with Tiffany & Co when she was 8 ½ months pregnant with her first child. She told conference attendees that their personal balancing act can only be determined by themselves. Women often track their career with their biological clock and advised others to try not to work against Mother Nature. She said there is never a perfect balance and she always wanted to give more to each part of her life. The mother of two, including one Vanderbilt undergrad, said she always tried to be at recitals and basketball games whenever possible. However, no one has it all and others should strive to do all that they want to do without sacrificing either your family or career or vice versa. Currently, only 17% of households are considered “traditional,” with one parent staying home with the children, but many employers assume that there is someone home managing the family. Canavan encouraged businesses to find effective ways to respond to this family structure, for there is not one workforce that isn’t better for having women in leadership positions.
Owen Receives Dell's Director of Manufacturing Operations
January 21, 2008
By Edmundo Cepeda
Stephen Cook, Director of Manufacturing Operations, talked about the supply chain practices at Dell to 70+ MBA students. He mentioned that one of Dell’s key success factors was the fact that it has a significant advantage on the Supply Chain compared to its competitors. Historically, Dell has had a 10 point gross margin advantage over its competitors. The main difference to its competitors is the use of shared logistics centers (SLC), since it will align suppliers’ motivations. The closer a buffer stock is to the facility the less inventory suppliers will need. In 1999 Mr. Cook led the team that changed the supply chain from a push to a pull system. As a part of the supply chain, Dell has created a Scorecard that measures 5 dimensions required by their suppliers. To create its forecast Dell looks at the supplier Flexibility, Forecast Accuracy and Day Sales Inventory Management with the main focus on the later. The Key successful factors of Dell-Supplier Balancing are: Joint ownership of the forecast , People & Processes (rather than Info Systems), Separate processes within the product lifecycle (Launch, Sustain, End of life), Optimizing Demand, supply and fulfillment capabilities in support of the P&L. Dell utilizes the web to shape demand by offering better deals to its customers to reduce the possibilities of a stock-out.
Evenflo CEO Speaks at Owen
January 21, 2008
By Edmundo Cepeda
Rob Matteucci, CEO of Evenflo, spoke in front of 100+ Owen students, faculty, and staff. The class of 1977 Owen graduate speech “Re-energizing Evenflo: Increasing Shareholder Value” showed us how he helped turnaround the company in 29 months. Mr. Matteucci defines shareholder value as an increase in sales and profit, while generating cash to reduce debt. To increase shareholder value Evenflo has focused its target market on first-time moms; however the company has not forgotten about the people that influence the buying decision, such as grandmothers, specialized websites or industry professionals. In the early 2000’s the core capabilities of understanding the clients were reduced. Currently Evenflo’s strategy is to manufacture the products that are “Best for Baby”. It all begins with safety, then moves to innovative and top performance products and ends in first-time moms’ education. In addition, Evenflo has improved operational discipline by reengineering their global supply chain and attract and retain top talent.
GBA Lunch and Learn with Deloitte
January 17, 2008
By Tiffany Gnau
Erika Bogar King, a graduate of Owen and the HR Leader for Deloitte's Consulting practice, spoke to students about Mass Career Customization. MCC is a new concept designed to increase retention of minorities, as well as provide customized work/life balance for anyone. It is designed to meet employees' differing preferences regarding pace of work, workload, location/schedule, and role. MCC provides more than the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to a career and matches employees' needs in an evolving workplace.
 Trivia Night
January 10, 2008
By Tiffany Gnau
The 100% Owen community service club hosted a trivia competition during the weekly Owen social. Over 25 teams of students, staff, and faculty competed and all proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society. Shown here is Chris McCarthy, Owen alum and CEO of Nashville Habitat for Humanity thanking students for their help.
Mock Presidential Health Care Debate
December 13, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
First year Health Care MBA students hosted a mock presidential debate focusing on health care issues. The students represented the health care plans of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and Rudy Giuliani. Students responded to questions raised by Dean Jim Bradford, Professor Luke Froeb, and other students in attendance. The debate was organized by the faculty director of the Health Care MBA program, Larry Van Horn. LISTEN TO AUDIO >
 HOPA Holiday Social
December 7, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
Members of the Human and Organizational Performance Association and faculty members attended a holiday social at the home of Professor Tim Vogus. 1st and 2nd year students got the chance to network with each other, discuss career searches, and interact with faculty members in a casual setting.
PHOTO: 1st year student Lisa Stowers, Professor Ray Friedman, 1st year student Tina Radeke, and Professor Tim Vogus
 OSGA Holiday Party
December 6, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
Owen students, faculty, staff and significant others gathered at Dan Guinness Pub for the annual Owen Student Government Association Holiday Party. Everyone got the chance to socialize, show off their holiday attire, and get in the spirit of the season.
PHOTO: Owen students Frederico Muzzi, Amy Schelhaas, Ed Thayer, Bryan Houston, and Amanda Troxell
 Parthenon Group Partner Speaks with Owen Students
December 4, 2007
by Edmundo Cepeda
The Distinguished Speaker Series featured Mr. Roger E. Brinner, Partner and Chief Economist of the Parthenon Group. In his speech “Strategy Consulting and Private Equity: Utilizing Economics to Add Value” he addressed 120+ MBA’s, staff and faculty members. He showed that no single factor or driver can explain real-life models. Drivers interact therefore all need to be taken all together to arrive to a more comprehensive solution. In addition, he explained why an integrated model of company and market fundamentals explains price performance across peers year-by-year for the past decade. Finally, he told the audience that a combination of inherited structural elements and management-driven decisions will dictate an expected level of share performance from each wholesale.
LISTEN TO AUDIO >
 WBA Networking Dinner
December 1, 2007
by Tiffany Gnau
The Women's Business Association hosted a networking dinner at advisor Nancy Lea Hyer's home. Owen faculty, staff, EMBA, MAcc, MSF, and 1st and 2nd year MBA students attended. The WBA hosted the event in the hopes of increasing the networking opportunities and ties for the women of Owen who would otherwise not have the opportunity to interact in a casual setting.
PHOTO: Owen professor Nancy Lea Hyer with 1st year MBA students Traci Shirachi and Arielle Bogorad
 Thanksgiving Pot-Luck & Bubbly Night
November 13, 2007
by Edmundo Cepeda
The Owen Culinary Society and the Cork & Barrel Club held their first joint event with a Thanksgiving celebration followed by dessert and bubbly beverages. Around 40 students, staff and faculty members joined the celebration. The dinner had a variety of dishes that included turkey, roasted ham. deviled eggs. green beans, pasta, cranberry sauce and many more. The desserts were accompanied by three different type of bubbly beverages.
 Casino Night at Owen
November 9, 2007
by Edmundo Cepeda
The Vanderbilt Marketing Association (VMA) made Owen a piece of Nashvegas when they held the annual casino night at Owen. According to Glen Galbraith, Vice President of the VMA, “casino night is an annual fundraiser put on by the Vanderbilt Marketing Association here at Owen. The money raised at this event is donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee. We bring in professional dealers from Atlanta and have support from several general corporate sponsors. We are very lucky to have Ajax Turner, Yuengling, Bob Evans, Hanesbrands, Gibson and Harrah’s sponsor the event this year. All in all it’s a great event, lots of fun, and it benefits a good cause”
 Author Speaks to Students
November 6, 2007
by Tiffany Gnau
Jake Greene, author of Whoa My Boss is Naked… a Career Book for People Who Would Never Be Caught Dead Reading a Career Book spoke to a group of Owen students. Greene is a former consultant who gives career advice to 20-somethings and explains business through pop culture references. He spoke about the lengthy process of getting a book published and persevering amid rejections. His book will be available January 22nd 2008.
|
Director of Women's Bureau Speaks at Owen
October 29, 2007
by Tiffany Gnau
Shinae Chun, Director of the Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, spoke to a crowd of current and former Women's Business Association members. Ms. Chun is President Bush's highest ranking Korean American appointee and heads the only Federal agency charged with advocating on behalf of women in the workforce.
Ms. Chun said that now, more than ever, women have tremendous impact in the workplace. Women make up 46% of the total labor force and 51% of management, professional, and related occupations. In addition, the pay gap between men and women is narrowing. Women in Generation Y, those born between 1978 and 2000, make 94 cents to a man's $1.00. She said that future managers also need to learn how to best manage Generation Y, who are technology savvy, not loyal to their employer, and are the most high-demanding but also high-performing generation. Ms. Chun said that the Women's Bureau is committed to increasing the number of women in technology fields, educating them about financial matters, and increasing the opportunity for flexible workplaces.
PHOTO: Shinae Chun with current and former WBA members
Pinnacle Airlines CEO Talks with Owen Students
October 23, 2007
by Edmundo Cepeda
Phil Trenary, CEO of Pinnacle Airlines talked to 100+ Owen MBA students as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series. He talked about the origins of the regional airlines, and how they have been transformed during the past 30 years. He addressed the methods he has used to make Pinnacle growth such as quality in the service. Afterwards, he talked about the difficult period the company suffered when Northwest Airlines fell into bankruptcy. He closed his message by talking about the differences between the hub-and-spoke system versus the point-to-point system other airline carriers use.
LISTEN TO AUDIO >
Golf for Business and Life
October 17, 2007
By Edmundo Cepeda
Vanderbilt University Athletics teamed up with the Vanderbilt Legends Golf Academy to offer the Golf for Business and Life course to all Vanderbilt students. The course covered from the basics of golf to the more advanced shots. In addition the course had a guest speaker that explained how golf can help to do business. The seven week long course finished with all the attendees playing a 9-hole round at the Legends Golf Course.
Colonel Kevin Mangum Speaks on Leadership and Management
October 4, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
Colonel Kevin Mangum, commander of the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), spoke to Owen students on the difference between leadership and management. Mangum is responsible for a $293 million budget, 3000 personnel, and 164 aircraft. Mangum said that leadership is of utmost importance in both business and the military, for an inefficient leader can ruin an organization. "An organization mirrors the capability and capacity of its leader." People join the army to lead, then figure out they have to manage. In business, people often expect to manage and then figure out they have to lead,” he said. Mangum stressed that the role of a leader is to win, build a team, set high standards, be a role model, establish a culture of accountability, and reinforce both good and bad behavior. PHOTO: Colonel Mangum and Pat Long, Owen student and member of the 106th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Corbin Shares His Views on Leadership
September 24, 2007
Professor Dick Daft recently welcomed Vanderbilt baseball head coach Tim Corbin to his Leadership class at Owen to share his background, some great stories and his views on what makes an effective leader. A common theme in his hour-long talk was a topic quite familiar to the Owen community: shaping. “It’s up to leaders to shape the individuals around them and to shape the high standards with which to succeed,” he noted. Corbin focused his discussion on eight characteristics that, in his opinion, compose a great leader, whether they are fielding a position on the baseball field or in the board room. According to Corbin, the traits that he looks for in his players are the same that many companies across the globe are seeking in their workers: accountability, discipline, integrity, mental toughness, humility, character, leading by example and being a team player. Corbin, who guided the Vanderbilt baseball squad to its finest season in school history in 2007, has raised expectations of the baseball program into one that is expected to be among the nation’s best on an annual basis. His success and methods of running the Vanderbilt program has earned him respect among the college and international baseball communities.
Boardroom Breakfast with Boaz Rauchwerger
"The Tiberias Transformation"
September 19, 2007
Vanderbilt Executive Programs, Vistage (the World's Largest CEO Membership Organization) and The North Highland Company welcomed acclaimed motivational speaker and high performance coach, Boaz Rauchwerger, to Owen. For nearly two decades, he has led thousands of seminars nationally and internationally on goal setting, empowerment, and self-esteem. A highly respected consultant who counts among his clients such companies as American Airlines and Xerox, Boaz has taught over half a million people how to transform their lives and careers. More than 50 alumni and local business leaders attended the event and would all agree that this highly energetic guest was certainly “Unbelievable!”
Cal Turner Speaks to the Bottom of the Pyramid Class at Owen
September 17, 2007
By Edmundo Cepeda
Mr. Cal Turner, former CEO of Dollar General, came to Owen to speak with the Project Pyramid class. The class is composed of 50 Owen, Divinity, Medical and Law students who are interested in alleviating the poverty in the world by doing business (selling products or services) to the people at the “bottom of the pyramid (BOP). Mr. Turner told us a story about when he realized that he was rich. He was 13 years old and a clerk in his father's store. One day a farmer came in and asked for a 39-cent undergarment for his wife. "I saw him struggling to pay," he said. "At that moment I realized that there was a very big gap between his lifestyle and mine.” When Mr. Turner became president of Dollar General, he implemented his vision of strategic planning. He opened the doors to every employee so that he could understand the weaknesses and opportunities as his employees saw them. He also developed a "buyer pull" instead of a "buyer push" merchandising system. With that decision, he restructured most everything in the company to fulfill Dollar General’s customers' needs. "The best way to serve our customers is a lot of the few things that matter, rather than a little of too many things," Mr. Turner said.
 Vanderbilt vs. Ole Miss Tailgate
September 15, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
First year Owen MBA students Ann Magruder and Daniel Eckman man the grill at the Owen Student Government Association sponsored tailgate.
|
 Vanderbilt vs. Alabama Football Game
September 8, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
First year Owen students Amanda Troxell, Ashely White, Amy Schellhaas, Shannon Frank, and Tiffany Gnau at the 2007 SEC season opener game against The University of Alabama.
|
 WBA Members Tour Nashville
August 31, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
Over 30 first and second year Women's Business Association members took part in a musical-comedy tour around Nashville. They learned the gossip on many local celebrities and had a great time!
|
 Vanderbilt Entrepreneurship Association
August 29, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
2007-2008 Officers of the Vanderbilt Entrepreneurship Association. Pictured (l-r) VP Public Relations Rachel Gragert, VP Corporate Relations Drew Crockett, VP Business Development Adam Sklar, VP Treasurer W Russell Erksine, President Oscar Atkinson. At their first meeting the Entrepreneurship club outlined resources available for budding Owen entrepreneurs. These include frequent whiteboard sessions where club members can pitch their ideas for feedback, lunches with successful entrepreneurs, business plan competitions, and a $15,000 stipend available for students to work full-time on their business instead of a traditional summer internship.
|
 HOPA Officers
August 22, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
2007-2008 Officers of the Human and Organizational Performance Association. Pictured (l-r) VP Alumni Relations Jeff Knapp, VP Admissions Gealita Sylvester, VP Finance Jennifer P. Smith, VP Communications Jon Duncan, President Mark Shuster and VP Career Management Center Tasha Ross.
|
 Net Impact coffee break
August 22, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
Net Impact member and MBA second year student Erin Baltuth promotes fair trade coffee and waste reduction by urging students to bring their own coffee mugs.
|
Owen Orientation 2007
August 13-18, 2007
By Tiffany Gnau
New Owen students gathered with their assigned teams on the first day of the 2007 orientation. “Time to start with a clean sheet of paper and draw your future.” That was how Dean Jim Bradford began the 2007 Owen orientation. Dean Bradford told students that his office was committed to providing faculty who care and new adventures for students to engage in. In turn, he said he expected students to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, be inclusive, lead, and leave Owen aplace better than they found it. Before the week was over, Owen students had heard from three distinguished alumni, listened to presentations from fellow classmates, built walls for seven Habitat for Humanity homes and witnessed Associate Dean John Lehman doing cartwheels because he was “head over heels” for Owen students.
Owen Names CLARCOR Impact Award Winners
May 3, 2007
Five rising first-year Vanderbilt MBA students have received the CLARCOR Impact Award. The students were nominated by their classmates, faculty and staff for being leaders within the Owen community. Pictured (l-r) are winners Cory Darling and James Butler, Owen Dean Jim Bradford, and winners Isaac Rogers and Sharran Srivatsaa. Not pictured: winner José Paez. Each of the award recipients received $5,000. CLARCOR Inc. (NYSE: CLC), based in Franklin, Tennessee, is a maker of environmental filtration products.
Owen Alumni Sparkle at “The Magic of Business”
April 21, 2007
The Vanderbilt Student Life Center was transformed into an elegant ballroom Saturday evening as over 300 Owen alumni, faculty, staff, spouses and friends from across the country gathered to mix and mingle to the theme “The Magic of Business”. Partygoers were entertained with close up magic prior to dinner and a lively mind-reading show after. Chris Baxley, outgoing president of the Owen Student Government association, shared the stage with Vanderbilt Provost Nick Zeppos and Dean Jim Bradford as they acknowledged special members of the audience – five past and present alumni board presidents and five Founder’s Medalists, as well as board members, new faculty chair holders and current student scholars. Attendees included both MBA and EMBA graduates representing 36 of the 38 graduating classes.
A highlight of the evening was a video premiere featuring alumni, students and faculty sharing their perspectives of the Owen experience. (Stay tuned as the video makes its way to a city near you in the coming months.) | view event slideshow
Walker Library 25th Anniversary Celebration
April 19, 2007
On Thursday, April 19, the Walker Management Library celebrated its 25th anniversary. Around 70 students, faculty and staff enjoyed cake and champagne to commemorate the occasion. Jim Bradford, Dean of the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management and Ralph Owen Professor for the Practice of Management, welcomed attendees and spoke about the importance of the library to the school. Flo Wilson, director of the library, spoke about the library’s history and thanked the many people who contributed to its success, including several former Walker librarians who were present at the event. Germain Böer, Professor of Management, and Dewey Daane, Frank K. Houston Professor of Finance, also shared their memories of the library.
Owen Participates in 19th Annual Duke MBA Games
April 13-15, 2007
This April, ten Owen students traveled to Durham, NC, to participate in the 19th Annual Duke MBA Games, a lighthearted sports competition involving teams from top business schools. Owen students competed against such teams as Columbia, NYU, Emory, Carnegie Mellon, Ohio State, Babson, Georgetown and Western Ontario (Ivey). Owen placed 5th out of 14 teams, making a strong showing as rookies to the games. Highlights included a first-place finish in the Bean Bag Toss, and Kari Boersma’s first-place finish in the women’s 50 Meter Dash. The Tug-O-War team of James Butler, Lanny Teets, Matt Garrett, Liz Pavlic, Suzanne Gerus and Kari Boersma fielded an amazing semi-final performance against eventual champs Carnegie Mellon. Joining the Owen team were Richard and Gillian, two athletes from the Special Olympics of North Carolina. “Their efforts on the field as well as their spirit off the field were truly inspiring,” said P.J. Rudolph (MBA 2008).
The Vanderbilt MBA Capitalist Ball
April 13, 2007
On Friday night, April 13, 2007, Owen students broke out their finest (or craziest) formal attire and made their way downtown for the annual Capitalist Ball, sponsored by the Owen Student Government Association. Held at the City Club of Nashville on the 20th floor of the Suntrust building, the party featured spectacular views of the city and a live band. In spite of stormy weather, turnout was high and the party lasted well into the night.
