Walker College of Business

Appalachian State University student Tim Walker has earned a scholarship award from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) to study for and take the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam at no cost.

Mr. Walker is a graduate student earning a Master of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the Walker College of Business.

Students are nominated by faculty members, and may be either undergraduate or graduate level students in accredited accounting or business programs. “To my knowledge, this is the first student ever nominated from Appalachian,” said Walker’s nominator.

As part of the award, Walker will receive an IMA membership for up to three years while pursuing completion of the CMA exam, waived entrance fee to the CMA program, an assessment tool to help assess the content covered on the exam, waived registration fees for the first attempt at both parts of the CMA exam, and comprehensive online materials for both exam parts. The latter is funded by Wiley and comprises nearly half of the approximate $4,000 cumulative award.

According to IMA’s website, the CMA is the gold standard of certification in management accounting. It is unique among professional and academic credentials, designed specifically for accounting and financial management professionals in business. Achieving the CMA designation demonstrates professional expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics – essential skills sought after by successful organizations and their financial team leaders.

IMA is committed to supporting the education of future accounting and finance professionals working in business. Learn more on their website.

The Appalachian accounting degree

Every spring semester, the majority of Appalachian accounting students receive academic credit for their participation in full-time, off-campus internships in accounting firms and industry. The majority of these students receive full-time permanent job offers as a result of their internship. The Department of Accounting has built a strong reputation for excellence in accounting education, and is highly regarded by accounting employers in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast. Accounting graduates are recruited by the largest international, national, and regional accounting firms as well as local accounting firms, industry and government agencies. The Department of Accounting offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) degree and the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Accounting. Learn more  at Appalachian at accounting.appstate.edu.

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How to Work a Career Fair

February 20, 2018, 5:00 – 6:00pm in Peacock Hall 1010

In preparation for the 2018 Walker Spring Connect on February 22, 2018, please join Business Career Services in developing the best techniques to maneuver through a career fair. Recruiting employers will answer questions in a panel format about what to expect at a career fair.

 

About Professional Development Series

Business Career Services is pleased to present the 2018 Professional Development Series starting this Spring. The Center provides subject matter experts to deliver presentations on current career, professional and leadership development topics. Join us as we cover a variety of topics designed to help you land your dream job and prepare for your career after college. College of Business affiliated clubs, organzations and classes are welcome to attend and participate. See the full workshop schedule.

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Interview Skills

February 13, 2018, 5:00 – 6:00pm in Peacock Hall 1010

Spring is a busy time for employment and internship recruitment. Is your stomach in knots at the thought of interviewing? Fear not: Join the Business Career Services as we dissect the interview process.

Witness a mock interview and learn some easy tips for a stress free interview.

About Professional Development Series

Business Career Services is pleased to present the 2018 Professional Development Series starting this Spring. The Center provides subject matter experts to deliver presentations on current career, professional and leadership development topics. Join us as we cover a variety of topics designed to help you land your dream job and prepare for your career after college. College of Business affiliated clubs, organzations and classes are welcome to attend and participate. See the full workshop schedule.

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• Events

Brenna Vaz, a graduate student in the Applied Data Analytics program, has been invited to present at the William & Mary 17th Annual Graduate Research Symposium on March 16, 2018.

Vaz’s presentation is titled "Data breaches in biopharmaceuticals: Information at stake and how to protect it".

She will receive financial support from the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies to attend the conference and is working with CIS professor Dr. Dawn Medlin as her faculty advisor.

About Brenna Vaz

Vaz is a second semester graduate student at Appalachian. She is working toward her Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management.

Vaz was introduced to the world of big data and data analytics through her undergraduate program. Big data plays a large role in the tourism industry, in which she was immersed at the time. As her undergraduate career progressed, she became increasingly interested in technology, security and data analytics and engaged in many analytics-based research projects. Eventually she sought to pursue her Master’s level degree in the data analytics field. She currently works as a graduate assistant in the college.

Research Abstract

A biopharmaceutical is a pharmaceutical drug product originating from a biological source, most commonly blood or plasma. International biopharmaceutical company Biotest examines blood types for various factors when developing their disease-fighting products. Of course, there are many elements that go into blood and plasma typing before bioproducts are developed. Over the last decade, biopharmaceutical companies have introduced data-recording technologies into their research and administration of drug products. Data recording technologies foster an increasing need for data analytics and data security. Data is used to store everything from the blood donor’s medical information to confidential company information and international cyber security. A cyber attack resulting in a data breach can mean things such as leaked Social Security numbers of Biotest staff and donors, medical information from blood and plasma donors, contact information of stakeholders involved, medical identity theft, and corporate and personal financial loss, just to name a few. An abundance of data does immense good for biopharmaceutical companies, but because it is such valuable, profitable information, it is also extremely subject to data breaches and cyber attacks. The purpose of this research is to examine the importance of data analytics and data security in such a lucrative industry as biopharmaceuticals. The goal is to use Biotest as a model to shed light on risks that data breaches have on the biopharmaceutical industry and inform these types of companies on what measures to take to prevent breaches and avoid devastating damage.

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The Week of Giving is a week of service organized by the Gamma Iota Sigma grand chapter. This is the 4th annual week of giving, and Appalachian State University's Gamma Iota Sigma's Rho chapter has participated each year. The grand chapter encourages all chapters to identify and execute a project to engage members in volunteer efforts to benefit their communities.

The Rho chapter raised over 20,000 pounds of food for the Hunger & Health Coalition in Boone, NC.

Gamma Iota Sigma's Rho chapter completed various projects such as collecting money and school supplies for students affected by hurricanes as well as buying and packaging shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. The Rho chapter partnered with the ASU Ambassadors to collect cans and monetary donations for the Hunger and Health Coalition. Thanks to the food drive efforts, the students will help the Hunger and Health Coalition will feed the Boone community through May 2018. Gamma Iota Sigma's contribution helped the Ambassadors expand the budget and produce more labor hours.

"Serving is a crucial aspect of the Gamma Iota Sigma experience," said Rho Chapter VP of Marketing Peyton McAvoy. "Getting together to serve the community allows members to bond and support others. It is important to Gamma Iota Sigma to give back to those who may be in a tough spot." 

Appalachian's Gamma Iota Sigma chapter hopes work with the Ambassadors for future Weeks of Giving.

"This was a wonderful opportunity to join the effort in helping feed families in our community," added McAvoy.

About Gamma Iota Sigma

Gamma Iota Sigma is a professional collegiate insurance organization sponsored by the Brantley Center. The purpose of the organization is to promote, encourage, and sustain student interest in insurance, risk management, and actuarial science as a profession; to encourage high moral and scholastic attainments; and to facilitate the interaction and cooperation of educational institutions, industry, and professional organizations by fostering research, scholarship, and improved public relations.

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During finals (December 11-14), students can stop by Beans 2 Brew in Peacock Hall for a free cup of coffee, on the dean.

The free coffee will be available between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00am, while supplies last.

Beans 2 Brew will remain open during regular business hours.

“As you begin preparations for your final exams, I wish you the best of luck and a safe and happy holiday season," said Walker College of Business Dean Heather Norris. "On behalf of the business faculty, staff and administration, enjoy a cup of Beans to Brew on us!”

About Beans 2 Brew

Beans 2 Brew provides all business majors the opportunity to be involved in a real business. The idea was first conceived and put to action by a group of students from the Association of Entrepreneurs (ASE). Over the years, the coffee shop has grown from a mere table by the stairwell door to a flourishing business with a permanent stand and mini kitchen. During the Fall 2016 semester, Beans 2 Brew expanded its horizons by incorporating clubs beyond ASE, including but not limited to the Supply Chain Management Club, Economics Club, and the American Marketing Association. In addition to staffing the coffee shop during business hours, all the clubs involved specialize in their particular field to contribute to the growth of Beans 2 Brew. 

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Center for Analytics Research and Education (CARE) Director Joseph Cazier will present his research on Data Analytics and Internet of Things at the World Bee Congress (Apimondia) in Istanbul, Turkey.

The World Bee Congress is the largest gathering of beekeepers in the world and, this year, takes place September 29 - October 4.

Dr. Cazier is a professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. He is a leader in the field of analytics and serves as the chief analytics officer for Blowing Rock Software where he leads analytics efforts to improve the survival of bees.

Related: Saving the Bees: Appalachian student and faculty researchers seek to recover declining honeybee population

Dr. Cazier teaches courses in Appalachian State University's MS in Applied Data Analytics program. Students in his classes learn from his efforts, as they focus on sustainability and analytics initiatives, and his work serves as a model for students as they grow their capability in the field of data science.

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• Sustainable Business
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• Dept - CIS