News & Notes

May 4, 2005 Want to know whether you should handle your own investing or leave it to the pros? Interested in the effect of the Euro? Or how the 2001 collapse of the Argentine economy affected our economy? Sixty students were on hand at the 4 th Annual Research Forum discussing their research on a wide range of topics, including business, management, finance, marketing and ITM (Information Technology Management). A dozen students demonstrated their software solutions. In addition, the winner of the Best Business Plan was announced, chosen from teams in the Creativity and Entrepreneurship class taught by investment bankers from the international Schwartz Heslin Group.

The 4 th Annual Professional MBA Research Forum showcased and celebrated the final projects of professionals enrolled in Evening MBA program.

Some traveled to Argentina to develop their research. As part of his project on importing natural gas to the U.S., Chris Stolicky, a Utility Engineer for the New York State Department of Public Service, discussed best practices with the former Argentine Undersecretary of the Department of Energy, who currently represents the South American country on the World Energy Council. Stolicky met the energy expert while on an international trip with 6 of his classmates.

Karl Kelly also studied in Argentina. Heather Tangora of Tangora Technologies in Delmar, who was attempting to break into a new market, accompanied him. Tangora met with business leaders, while Kelly wrote a case study conveying the difficulties of entering a foreign market. They found that Argentines are not ready to take chances after the 2001 collapse of their economy. Many lost homes and savings, but were upbeat and wanted to do business with the U.S. Just not yet.

On the domestic front, Ed Tang, a Database Administrator, wondered if the Internet leveled the playing field for investors. Can individual investors do what the big dogs are doing? The answer is yes, and no. Tang advised, “The Internet makes it easier to invest, but you still need to know the fundamentals of investing. If you go in thinking you are going to make a lot of money in the short term, you're lost.”

Marketing Professor Java's products was the goal for Spencer Moore, General Manager for Fastenal, a construction supply company in Albany. Moore evaluated a trio of associated businesses: Jet Chef, a personal chef on private flights, the Barkery, a gourmet dog treat bakery, and of course the coffee house on Wolf Road. He assessed growth and marketing options using a break-even analysis and other tools, and made recommendations. Did Moore do it for the free coffee? “I drink less coffee than the average American.” He had another reason, “In business school, you read hundreds of cases. It was fun to write one.” This was a sister project to Associate Professor Paul Schurr's analysis of Nancy's Coffee.

Money makes the world go ‘round. Barbara Girard, President of Craftech Industries in Hudson, reviewed the recent development of the euro, contrasting it with the post Civil War introduction of the dollar. She said, “Most people regard common currency as a financial thing, with financial benefits, but the ultimate goal is a political union.” Girard found that having a common currency promotes trade. Trade between countries can promote or prevent war, depending on other factors.

Hey Mr. CEO, how about a hello? Daniel Egan, Assistant Director of Administration in Medicaid Management for the NYS Department of Health, surmised that leaders who maximize their informal encounters with employees by calling them by name and asking about a project, end up with more satisfied staff who are motivated to contribute to the organization. Egan said, “Every brief encounter is an opportunity to strengthen a relationship with an employee.”