Smeal Update: February 25, 2022
PGP Advisory Board features unique blend of expertise
The Penn State Smeal College of Business recently launched the Professional Graduate Programs Advisory Board, harnessing the unique blend of expertise among its board members to enhance the college’s lifelong learning opportunities. Read the story.
SPT project has distinct Smeal flavor
Smeal has lent its substantial supply chain expertise to Penn State's Strategic Procurement Transformation project. Five members of the Smeal community have played key roles: Steve Tracey, executive director of the Center for Supply Chain Research; Sue Purdum, associate teaching professor of supply chain and information systems; Brent Moritz, associate professor of supply chain management; Rashmi Sharma, clinical assistant professor and the managing director of the Laboratory for Economics Management and Auctions; and Wes Bumbarger, the college’s financial officer. The project, which could eventually save the University up to $45 million a year, will create a more sophisticated system to manage, track and analyze the more than $1 billion Penn State spends on products and services each year. Read the story.
Smeal business ethics case team excels
The Smeal business ethics case team was a divisional runner-up this week at an international event — the Templeton Business Ethics Case Competition at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. Anna Shimek (junior – management information systems) and Katie Adams (junior – supply chain management) represented Smeal. Megan Martin (junior – finance) served as a shadow, learning the competition by supporting her fellow team members in anticipation of competing next year. The Smeal team members connected with a faculty member in the Department of Architecture to gain perspective on the case, which focused on the built environment and environmental responsibility.
Compass Consulting to reach out soon about diversity audit
As referenced in an earlier email, Compass Consulting has been commissioned to conduct an audit of the college to determine how to improve, support, and maintain positive diversity efforts. Smeal community members will be provided opportunities to participate via surveys, interviews, or focus groups. Compass will start contacting members of the Smeal community in late February or early March.
Smeal in the News
Novack, Tracey quoted in MarketWatch
Bob Novack, associate professor of suppy chain management, and Steve Tracey, executive director of the Center for Supply Chain Research and professor of practice in supply chain management, were both quoted in a Tuesday story in MarketWatch titled “America’s biggest ports handled a record 50.5 million shipping containers last year.” Read the story (account required).
Hurvitz quoted in Philadelphia Inquirer
Fred Hurvitz, Kohl’s Professor of Practice for Retail Studies, was quoted in a Wednesday story in the Philadelphia Inquirer titled “Only four Kmarts are left in the U.S. and two are in New Jersey.” Read the story.
Bolton Q&A featured in Toronto Star
A question-and-answer article with Lisa Bolton, Anchel Professor of Business Administration, was featured Saturday in the print edition of the Toronto Star. The article, titled “There’s a wrong way to declutter,” focused on Bolton’s research about decluttering. It was a reprint of an article that first appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last summer.
Cameron quoted in Fierce Education story
Brian Cameron, associate dean of professional graduate programs and executive education, was quoted Wednesday in a Fierce Education story titled “Future of Strategy Execution in Graduate Business Curriculums.” Read the story.
Question from faculty
How do I request an extension of my probationary period due to COVID-19?
April 1 is the deadline for tenure-line faculty in the penultimate year of their probationary period to accept a one-year extension to their probationary period due to COVID-19. By completing the online form “Confirmation of Extension of the Probationary Period Due to COVID-19,” the faculty member’s probationary period will be extended by one year. Detailed information is available here.
Know someone who rocks? Nominate them!
Each month the Smeal Staff Advisory Committee names a You Rock! Award recipient. You can nominate a co-worker for the You Rock! Award online.
The Smeal Community Weekly Poll
Click this link to participate in this week’s survey. Results will be shared during the next Smeal Community Zoom, which is scheduled for noon Wednesday.