Hawai„i Pacific University Spring 2010 Issue
College of Business Administration Newsletter
The Year of the TIGER!
Dr. Chieko Kimata (Executive MBA ‘10) Lead Biostatistician/Operations Researcher, Hawai„i Pacific Health
Aloha from President Wright HPU is a prime example of a university that successfully integrates theory with practice when it comes to educating undergraduate and graduate students. The College of Business Administration (CBA) does exactly that and more. Courses taught repeatedly reinforce this concept by asking students to apply what they learned in their courses to a wide range of activities from class projects to simulations. In addition, students get a chance to participate in, and in most cases lead and create, projects outside of the classroom.
Chatt G. Wright, President
I congratulate students, faculty and administrators in the Business College for their hard work and hope you enjoy reading about their activities highlighted in this newsletter.
Chatt G. Wright President Hawai„i Pacific University
Message From the Dean Aloha! I am excited to present our Spring 2010 Newsletter. This issue of the newsletter includes highlights of the activities undertaken by our students, faculty and alumni. The Spring semester began with a whirlwind of activities, projects and welcoming of new faculty and administrators who joined our college. For instance, we were honored to have former CFO of Kellogg Company, Mr. Jeffrey Boromisa, join us as our executive in residence.
U. Aytun Ozturk, Dean
This semester we have furthered our relations with the business community in Hawai„i. At the most recent Pappas Entrepreneurial Leadership Series we were fortunate to have Mr. Henk Rogers of Tetris join us to speak to our students and faculty.
We were also pleased that we are extending our reach internationally by partnering with universities around the world. Most recently we signed transfer and dual degree agreements with Beijing Jiatong University (China) and FH Worms University (Germany). In addition, we were selected as one of the participating colleges for the Edmund Muskie Scholarship sponsored by the State Department. The first Muskie Fellow will join the College of Business Administration in September. In the meantime, we in the CBA are working on a new vision for the college. I will talk more about that in the next issue. I hope that you will find this newsletter informative and please keep sending us your stories for our future issues. Without your help, it will not be possible for us to develop our students to become business leaders of the future.
U. Aytun Ozturk, Ph.D. Dean of College of Business Administration Hawai„i Pacific University
Hawai„i Pacific University College of Business Contributors: U. Aytun Ozturk, Ph.D. Penny Pence Smith, Ph.D. Liane Wong
Inside this issue: CBA Highlights
1
Welcome to New Faculty
1
Congratulations to President‟s Hosts
2
UPE Induction Ceremony
3
EMBA Distinguished Speaker Luncheon
4
Pappas Leadership Series
5-6
CBA Programs and Events
7-8
HPU Global Trade MBA Students Assist Hawai„i Companies with International Business and Marketing Strategy MBA Club Hawai„i Activities
8
9-10
TIMSO Activities
11
TIM Conducts Annual Honolulu Marathon Study
12
Students Learn from Speakers In and Outside of Classrooms
13
CBA Faculty Scores at Halloween Hoopla
14
HPU Economics Professor Discusses Hawaii‟s Economic Forecast for 2010
14
HPU Faculty Helps Keep the State Libraries Open
15
A Nigerian Play with HPU Roots
16
Faculty Highlights Alumni Updates
17
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Hawai„i Pacific University
College of Business Administration Highlights Associate Dean Warren Wee is relieved of his position of Interim Department Chair of Financial Economics and Information Systems (FEIS) and will continue serving as the Associate Dean of the College. Dr. Larry Rowland replaced Dr. Warren Wee as the Department Chair of FEIS. He oversees the following disciplines: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Insurance, Management Science, and Real Estate. Dr. Bill Sodeman replaced Dr. Penny Pence Smith as the Department Chair of Management and Marketing. He oversees the Human Resources Management, Management, Marketing, Organizational Change, and Travel Industry Management disciplines. Ms. Michelle Alarcon-Catt, Esq. was appointed as the Director of the MBA Programs. In her role as Director, Ms. Alarcon will oversee MBA and Executive MBA Programs. Mr. Ken Schoolland assumed the role of Director of Entrepreneurship Center.
The College of Business Administration and Department of Finance, Economics, and Information Sciences both achieved 100% in donations from administrative staff to the HPU Annual Fund.
Welcome to New CBA Faculty The College of Business Administration welcomes three faculty members to HPU this spring. Dr. Thomas Kohler, Assistant Professor of Marketing comes to HPU from Austria. Thomas was an exchange student at HPU during his college years, then received his Ph.D. from Innsbruck University. He has experience as a marketing consultant and has published his research in Harvard Business Manager, Technovation and other journals.
Dr. Brian Kulik, Assistant Professor of Management joins us from Washington State. He will teach strategic management capstone courses in the BSBA and MBA programs. Brian has six years of professional experience as an engineer in addition to teaching experience at Central Washington University.
Dr. Thomas Kohler
Dr. Brian Kulik
Dr. Bei Zeng, Assistant Professor of Finance completed her Ph.D. in Financial Economics at the University of New Orleans. She received a BS in Accounting and Finance from Wuhan University in China, a Master of Science in International Financial Analysis from the University of New Castle in the UK, and a Master of Science in Financial Economics from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Bei Zeng
We are also pleased to announce that the College of Business Administration will be hosting a Visiting Scholar, Dr. Dirk Bildhäuser, who comes to HPU from Germany. He has served as a Professor of Management and Consulting at Neu-Ulm University since 2003. He has consulted in the field of Strategic Management and Organizational Development for a number of companies including Siemens AG and Robert Bosch GmbH. Dr. Dirk Bildhäuser
Please help us extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues!
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Spring 2010
Congratulations to President’s Hosts The Spring 2010 President‟s Host Induction Ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at the Hawai„i Pacific University, Windward Hawai„i Loa Campus. At the ceremony, President Wright personally welcomed and recognized the outstanding students. HPU‟s President‟s Hosts began 24 years ago with 90 student ambassadors, and now includes more than 1,200 from all over the world. Students who receive this prestigious honor are expected to be ready, willing, and able to represent the University. President‟s Hosts are a selected and specially recognized group of students who best exemplify the spirit, diversity, and mission of Hawai„i Pacific University. Many of the inductees consisted of CBA students with concentrations in a wide range of disciplines in both undergraduate and graduate programs. In order to become a President‟s Host, students must be nominated by an University faculty or staff member. Each University employee is limited to three (3) nominations per semester. Eligible nominees must: Be in good academic standing with a minimum of 2.5 GPA. Be active in HPU student life. Be well-groomed, articulate, and comfortable in social settings. The University is proud to be represented by these outstanding students at various social and business functions, and other important University events throughout the year. Serving as a President‟s Host affords opportunities for students to network, develop professional skills and share their positive experiences about what it means to be an HPU student.
The CBA faculty and staff would like to congratulate all students who were inducted as President´s Hosts and wish them continued success and excellence! MSIS President‟s Hosts inducted Fall semester, Mr. Hiroaki Ishii, Ms. Ghusoon Hameed, Mr. David Symonette, Ms. Mieko Miyazaki and Mr. Khouen Khith (not pictured). For more information and a current list of President's Hosts please visit: www.hpu.edu/presidentshost
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Upsilon Pi Epsilon Induction Ceremony
The Hawai„i Pacific University Upsilon Pi Epsilon Chapter held its UPE Fall 2009 Honor Society Induction Ceremony Dinner at Auntie Pasto‟s Restaurant. The honor society recognized the academic excellence of undergraduate students majoring in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems and graduate students in the Master of Science in Information Systems program. Upsilon Pi Epsilon was first organized at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, in 1967. The international organization now consists of chapters in various colleges and universities in North America and overseas. The mission of UPE is to recognize academic excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the Computing and Information Disciplines. The HPU chapter was established in 2007. UPE is the only internationally recognized honor society for the computing and information disciplines and has received endorsements from the two largest computer organizations in the world, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS). UPE is also a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), which is the most respected association for honor societies. UPE is also a charter member of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES). Congratulations to the UPE inductees and thank you to the Department of Financial Economics & Information Systems faculty and staff, and HPU‟s UPE chapter advisor Dr. Cathrine Linnes for organizing the event. Membership Qualifications: Eligible undergraduate candidates must: Be seeking a degree in the Computer Science or Computer Information Systems programs. Have completed at least 45 semester credit hours, including 15 semester hours in the basic courses in the computing and information disciplines. Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, with a GPA of 3.3 in all their computer science coursework. Eligible graduate candidates must: Be a candidate for a degree in the Master of Science in Information Systems program. Have completed at least 18 semester hours for graduate credit. Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5.
Hawai„i Pacific University
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Spring 2010
EMBA Distinguished Speaker Luncheon The Hawai„i Pacific University Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) Distinguished Speaker Luncheon was held at Indigo's restaurant. Mr. Jeffrey M. Boromisa former president of Kellogg Latin America, candidly discussed how Kellogg‟s Company engages in various types of acquisitions around the world. His presentation and stories from personal experience enabled EMBA II and III students to appreciate the intricacies of financial and strategic management of a corporation in the global cereal and snacks industry. Distinguished speaker Jeffrey M. Boromisa presents valuable experience as former president of Kellogg Latin America.
Mr. Boromisa joined Kellogg in 1981, and served until his retirement in 2009. Some of the positions he has held include senior vice president, Kellogg Company (2002); executive vice president, Kellogg International (2004) and president, Kellogg Latin America in August 2008. Mr. Boromisa was also a member of the company‟s global leadership team. He received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Michigan State University and completed graduate courses at Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
(Pictured left to right) Dr. Susan FoxWolfgramm, Dr. Aytun Ozturk, Jeffrey M. Boromisa, and Dr. Penny Pence Smith.
Mr. Boromisa is also a member of the Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Board of Directors and serves as its Audit Committee Chair.
HPU EMBA II and III cohorts network with Mr. Boromisa and each other while enjoying a meal at the distinguished speaker luncheon held at Indigo's restaurant.
HPU Welcomes Jeffrey M. Boromisa as CBA Executive in Residence The College of Business Administration at Hawai„i Pacific University is pleased to announce that Jeffrey M. Boromisa has accepted the role of Executive in Residence in the CBA during the Spring Semester. Having retired in May 2009, Mr. Boromisa chooses to remain active in the community by sharing his professional knowledge and guiding HPU students to their own successful paths for the future.
Jeffrey M. Boromisa, Executive in Residence
In his role at HPU, Mr. Boromisa will contribute his expertise to mentor both undergraduate and graduate business students on their career choices and work with the school on developing internship opportunities for students. He will also be visiting various classes as a guest speaker as well as presenting or having discussions in and outside of the classroom on various business topics. We are honored that Mr. Boromisa is joining us to share insights he accumulated as a prominent business leader internationally.
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Hawai„i Pacific University
PAPPAS LEADERSHIP SERIES “Life Before and After IPO” with Hoku Scientific, Dustin Shindo The Pappas Entrepreneurial Leadership Series at Hawai„i Pacific University hosted Dustin Shindo, former president and CEO of Hoku Scientific. Shindo shared his remarkable story, giving an informative and entertaining presentation titled, “Life Before and After IPO,” at the Plaza Club. The audience listened and learned from his lessons and experiences beginning from the start-up of the company to implementing an initial public offering (IPO) and beyond.
Dustin Shindo, former president and CEO of Hoku Scientific, earned an MBA from the Darden School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia, and earned a BA in Accounting from the University of Washington.
At 27 years of age, Shindo co-founded Hoku Scientific in 2001 to manufacture fuel cell membranes for the emerging alternative energy sector. In little over four years time, August 2005, Dustin took Hoku Scientific public on NASDAQ and began a trajectory of growth and expansion including the building of a plant to produce polysilicon for his international and national customers.
Games and Global Warming: A Vision for Doing Well and Doing Good Henk Rogers, CEO of Blue Planet Software Inc. and the person who introduced Tetris to the world, was invited to speak at the Pacific Club on April 1, 2010 as part of the Pappas Entrepreneurial Leadership Series. About 70 people including students, deans, and faculty attended the event. Under Henk‟s direct leadership, Tetris has become one of the world‟s top-selling games with over 125 million copies sold, and, after 25 years since its “birth,” that number is still growing. In 1995, Henk founded Blue Planet Software to manage Tetris and has kept it in the forefront of casual gaming with continuously improved design. In 2002, Henk started Blue Lava Wireless, a mobile phone game developer and publisher that he sold to JAMDAT in 2005. Henk Rogers, CEO of Blue Planet Software, helped change the face of the industry as the entrepreneur responsible for bringing Tetris to the United States and world market.
Henk presently has three new startup software development companies—Tetris Online, a casual online game company focused on “casual gamers”; Blue Lava Technologies, developer of a photo tagging service that automatically generates digital photo streams, and Avatar Reality, developer of the latest massively multiplayer online world. In 2005, following a heart attack, Henk re-evaluated the purpose of his life‟s work. Henk is determined to end the use of carbon-based fuel on the planet, starting with fossil fuel use in Hawai„i, his adopted home. To fulfill his mission, Henk established Blue Planet Foundation, which has become the frontline organization in the fight for indigenous renewable energy in Hawai„i.
———————————————————————————————————————————————— Marilyn and Jim Pappas have made the Pappas Entrepreneurial Series possible with their generous sponsorship. Their contribution enables students to meet entrepreneurs and gain insights for developing entrepreneurial skills and mindset that are essential for success.
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Spring 2010
Hawai„i Pacific University
Keeping it Young and Hip for Global Entrepreneurship Week In honor of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Pappas Entrepreneurial Leadership Series at Hawai„i Pacific University sponsored, “Hawaii‟s Young and Hip Entrepreneurs” at ING Direct Café in Waikiki. The HPU event, hosted by the HPU MBA Club, featured young and hip entrepreneurs from the local community: Lorenz Sell, innovator of ILovePhotos and FindMeFit; L.P. Neenz Faleafine, founder of Pono Media; and Tiffany Tanaka, proprietor of Fresh Café. During one week every year, the world celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit in hopes of inspiring a new generation of young entrepreneurs.
In celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, these energetic and talented entrepreneurs, gathered together to share their experience and joy from fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams. Students and guests were inspired by their passion, and were able to learn about the creative ventures that they‟ve launched.
L. P. “Neenz” Faleafine Born and raised in Hawai„i, Neenz is the Chief Evangelist of leading news aggregation site, Alltop; founder of media marketing company, Pono Media; and founding partner of interactive media company, Grilled Cornbread, LLP. Often described as an Ambassador of Aloha, Neenz shares the traditions, values, and culture of Hawai„i as the Executive Editor of Hawai„i Traditions. With a global network, Neenz is considered one of Hawaii‟s tech and social media community leaders. Neenz is also the Curator for TEDxHonolulu and a co-organizer of [re]Think: Hawai„i. Tiffany Tanaka started her first business six years ago at the age of 23, “Wesellthings4u.com” to meet the needs of a niche market selling items for individuals and businesses on eBay. Born and raised in Honolulu, Tiffany is a Punahou graduate and attended the University of San Francisco with a degree in graphic and fashion design and in Marketing. Tiffany also studied in New York City and in Paris, France at the Parsons School of Design. After graduation in 2003, Tiffany returned home to Honolulu. Her desire to become an entrepreneur comes from her love for fashion. Fresh Café, her second business, is an upbeat and ultra-relaxing place to eat, get free Internet, hang-out, and enjoy events such as movie nights, and wine tasting. Tiffany recently launched Aloha De Nime next to Fresh Café. The boutique specializes in denim items from a line Tiffany is designing and brands from the mainland and Europe that are hard to get in Hawai„i. Lorenz Sell is a self-proclaimed fitness fanatic. He is the entrepreneur of FindMeFit, a community based blog that focuses on practical fitness advice and inspiring others to seek a healthy and energetic lifestyle. His love of fitness first began 8 years ago when he started experimenting with working out. Working out sparingly, Lorenz found his motivation while at the doctor‟s office and picking up a copy of Men‟s Health magazine. After this his life was transformed. He is now dedicated to helping others start a healthy lifestyle and understand it takes hard work and discipline to change one‟s life. His website is a community-based blog which shares advice and information on the following topics: diet and nutrition, energy, exercise, fun, inspiration, thoughts, my story, people, and performance.
Pictured (Left-Right) Tiffany Tanaka of Fresh Café, L.P. Neenz Faleafine of Pono Media; Lorenz Sell of ILovePhotos and FindMeFit; and Audun Hansen, moderator of the event and a member of the MBA Club at HPU. The panel discussed their triumphs and learning experiences and answered questions from the moderator and audience.
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Hawai„i Pacific University
CBA PROGRAMS & EVENTS FEIS Department Events The Department of Financial Economics and Information Systems (FEIS) held events for students in FEIS programs. At an MSIS event, the graduate students enjoyed candy in addition to pizza and soft drinks. A separate event was held for undergraduate students in all FEIS programs. Both events allowed students to inquire about classes and programs in the College of Business Administration and speak with professors from the FEIS department.
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Spring 2010
CBA Marketing Program Hosts Undergrads The College of Business Administration Department of Marketing and Management hosted students at the Hawai„i Pacific University‟s Sea Warrior Center. Students were able to enjoy free pizza and drinks as they learned about the CBA marketing program and marketing in general.
The event speaker was Mr. Kristian Pangilinan, Adjunct Faculty in Marketing and also WEMBA Alumni. The center was packed with students interested in Mr. Pangilinan‟s comments.
HPU’s Global Trade MBA Students Assist Hawai‘i Companies with International Business and Marketing Strategy MBA candidates in MGMT 6920, Global Trade, with Professor David Day, undertook consulting roles with several Hawai„i and Pacific companies. The seminar course matched up HPU MBAs with company executives seeking to develop new markets for their products and services. “We have three objectives for this seminar,” according to Professor Day, a practicing international business lawyer based in Honolulu. “The first is to build upon the Communications seminar (which is a prerequisite), teach some of the fundamentals of taking a product or service into an international market, and expose the student to corporate executives on a working level—prior to their next American Institute of Learning, LLC CEO J.J. Reyes (left) briefs HPU MBAs and final seminar on Leadership.” on the background of his company‟s English learning software with U.S.
MBA candidates, according to Day, “need to begin to build relationships with the Commercial Service Senior Commercial business community, not only for future employment or internship options, but Officer for the Pacific Region, John Holman (right). also to begin to step out from the purely academic classroom and deal with real international trade or strategy challenges—this is the second objective of this course.” And the third objective? Professor Day just smiles. “The era of death by PowerPoint is coming to a close, and we want our MBA graduates to have the cutting-edge skills to develop and present concise and impactful corporate presentations, like Steve Jobs, and so we inject multimedia challenges into student presentations, and they have been stunning!” The participating companies were excited and enthusiastic about the final reports and multimedia briefings provided by HPU‟s MBA students. This HPU MBA students listen as ABR President Market Entry Analysis Program was coordinated with the U.S. Commercial Wes Chun lays out his company‟s Service and the District Export Council—both located at the Free Trade Zone international business challenges with its (Pier 9). fertilizer-enhancing concentrate product.
Hawai„i Pacific University
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MBA Club Hawai‘i Activities Thrive with a New View on Leadership! The MBA Club Hawai„i co-sponsored with the Hawai„i Society of Business Professionals (HSBP) “Thrive with a New View of Leadership,” a presentation made by Ms. Grace Keohohou. MBA students from HPU were able to network with a variety of Honolulu business professionals at the Hawai„i Prince Hotel, before sitting down to a fabulous luncheon and listening to Ms. Keohohou discuss her entrepreneurship beginnings and “aces” on leadership. Dr. Susan Fox-Wolfgramm, Professor of Management and MBA Club Hawai„i Faculty Advisor, was able to connect the two organizations, Dr. Susan Fox-Wolfgramm with MBA Club through her position as Vice President of University Relations for the Hawaii members at the Hawai„i Prince Hotel. HSBP. She also negotiated a $20 semester membership fee for all HPU students, with HSBP, which includes receiving luncheon discounts and attending free boardroom sessions (business field trips). For those of us sports-minded individuals, we may remember Grace Keohohou‟s blistering volleyball serves when she played for Hawai„i Pacific University. In her “Thrive with a New View of Leadership” presentation she served up excellent and pointed “aces” on leadership. Her discussion included key tips: 1. Purposeful leadership comes from who you are more than what you do. 2. Success begins and ends with the WHY. 3. Breakthrough happens when you shift from telling to asking. 4. New results in your business require new skills and strategies. 5. Effective follow through must have agreed action and accountability.
Grace Keohohou
Grace shared how slight shifts in the way you operate as a leader can inspire everyone around you. As a noted and accomplished inspirational speaker, she delivered a fast paced, interactive, and refreshing experience. Along with her tips on leadership, Grace also covered in depth as many paradigm shifts as possible with the time allotted.
Grace is the President of Direct Selling Women‟s Alliance (DSWA), which she co-founded in 2001 with her business partner, mentor, and mother, CEO Nicki Keohohou. Grace is also co-author of two best-selling books: Build It Big and More Build It Big, translated in eleven languages.
MBA Club Hawai„i with advisor Dr. Fox-Wolfgramm
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Spring 2010
Business Leadership Hawaii Awards Reception The Hawai„i Pacific University‟s MBA Club students and the College of Business Administration Dean Dr. Aytun Ozturk attended the Business Leadership Hawai„i (BLH) Awards Reception. The event hosted by Pacific Business News was held at Sheraton Waikiki. Pacific Business News and sponsors, honored and celebrated Hawaii‟s best in business at the 2009 BLH dinner and awards event. Pictured: Members from MBA Club with Dean Dr. Aytun Ozturk, fourth from left.
Alexander and Baldwin CEO Addresses MBA Club Networking Event The MBA Club Hawai„i and the HPU College of Business Administration co-sponsored a business student networking event held at HPU‟s Warmer Auditorium, Penthouse of LB Bldg, with special guest, Mr. Allen Doane, Chairman and CEO of Alexander and Baldwin. Undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Business were invited to network with MBA students, learn about the MBA Program, and enjoy complimentary pizza and drinks, while they networked with each other and the guest speaker. Approximately 40 students listened to Mr. Doane discuss his business career progression from attaining a Master‟s Degree at Harvard Mr. Allen Doane (center) with the event organizers. University to the present. He discussed ideas such as career progression and ethics in business, and also told students that having an MBA can give people more confidence in their jobs.
Mr. Allen Doane
Alexander and Baldwin Chairman and CEO, Mr. Allen Doane, is one of Hawaii‟s top executives. Prior to joining A&B, Doane was chief operating officer of the Shidler Group from 1988 to 1990. Previously, he was group vice president of IU International Corporation, a large diversified company headquartered in Philadelphia. He began his business career in Hawai„i in 1975 with C. Brewer & Co., Ltd. Doane is a director of First Hawaiian Bank and Pacific Guardian Life Insurance Company. He also serves on the boards of a number of community organizations. Doane received a bachelor‟s degree from Brigham Young University and holds a master‟s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for four years.
About MBA Club Hawai‘i MBA Club Hawai„i at Hawai„i Pacific University is a student-run organization, providing students with the opportunity to acquire additional skills and know-how for a successful future career. The club organizes events on subjects of interest and strives to connect HPU graduate students with the local business community in Honolulu. Students pursuing their MBA degree, and other students at Hawai„i Pacific University with an interest in business are encouraged to join MBA Club Hawai„i to meet other students with similar interests, extend their network and expand their business knowledge and experience. www.mbaclubhawaii.com
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Travel Industry Management Student Organization Activities CMAA Fundraising and Scholarships for TIMSO Students TIMSO students, along with their club advisor Dr. Jerome Agrusa, Professor of Travel Industry Management, volunteered at the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) fundraising golf tournament. The CMAA Golf Tournament is an annual fundraising event where representatives from various areas of the hospitality industry get together to raise money for scholarships to be granted to TIM students. The CMAA grants $500 scholarships to multiple recipients every semester, and HPU students are frequent awardees. Dr. Agrusa said about the fundraising event, “Our students did great!” and he was even more ecstatic when he received the news that HPU students will be receiving scholarships from Dr. Agrusa (center) volunteering at the CMAA CMAA. fundraising golf tournament.
Outrigger Hosts HPU’s TIMSO Career Day Outrigger Enterprises hosted a Career Day for HPU TIM and Business students. Over 80 students gathered at the Ohana Waikiki East Hotel‟s Poolside Terrace to hear from Outrigger executives and managers about Outrigger, and to learn first hand what it takes to be successful in the industry. The event was organized in part by HPU senior Jan “Honza” Hroch, the student president of TIMSO. Hroch was an intern at Outrigger's corporate offices in Waikiki during the summer and was able to land a career with the hotel in the fall. He plans to graduate from HPU in the spring of 2010 with a bachelors degree in Travel Industry management. At the conference, students were treated to a continental breakfast and coffee and were encouraged to network with senior executives and other hotel managers. Ruthann Yamanaka, senior vice president of Human Resources for Outrigger, said that they would like to work with HPU to develop summer internship opportunities in the future. Based in Hawai„i, they own and operate 43 properties with 30 hotels and resorts in the state alone. Many thanks to the Outrigger executives and managers who took time out of their busy schedules to speak at the Career Day: David Carey, Mel Kaneshige, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Barry Wallace, Ruthann Yamanaka, Donna Leong, Blane Yokota, and Kaipo Ho.
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Spring 2010
TIM Conducts Annual Honolulu Marathon Study For the seventh consecutive year, Hawai„i Pacific University Travel Industry Management (TIM) Professor Dr. Jerome Agrusa and his students conducted a study of the marathon‟s impact on Hawai„i tourism. The marathon attracts thousands of Japanese tourists of all ages in addition to athletes from around the world. The annual study helps the State of Hawai„i determine the economic impact of the marathon on the state's tourism industry. The survey evaluates the runners‟ perception of service at hotels, restaurants and shopping, as well as other aspects including whether they plan to visit other islands besides O„ahu. “I began studying the marathon in 2002 when this worldclass racing event was 30 years old and no one had conducted research on its impact,” Agrusa said. “I began by developing a survey and then I asked one of HPU TIM Students and Dr. Jerry Agrusa my students to translate it into Japanese.” at the 2008 Honolulu Marathon Expo. Survey in hand, the duo waited in Kapiolani Park to approach runners dropping off their post-marathon change of clothes. That first year Agrusa and his student collected 400 surveys. Honolulu Marathon personnel heard about the work and approached him to help collect data for following years. More than 1,500 surveys have been collected each year in recent years, helping the State of Hawai„i gauge the impact of this huge sporting event during a traditionally slow tourism season in the two weeks prior to Christmas. “Multiple factors have been evaluated in past studies, and we update questions to be relevant for each year,” Agrusa said. “This year in addition to the general economic impact of the marathon, we will also have questions related to the current state of the economy, and questions for Japanese tourists about the increase in the value of the yen.” TIM students assisted Agrusa with the collection of surveys at the Honolulu Marathon Expo from Wednesday, Dec. 9 through Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Hawai„i Convention Center. Marathon participants pick up their running numbers and electronic chips at the convention center, resulting in more than 20,000 potential respondents for the students. “Taking part in this study allows students to see first-hand how research data is collected for such a major tourism event,” Agrusa said. “Students not only gain experience, but they have the opportunity to use what they learn in the classroom and apply it in a real world setting. They also gain an understanding of how to work together and how to interact with strangers, which is vital in the travel industry,” he said. The data collected has been referenced locally and nationally. “Having such an extremely high number of surveys collected increases the credibility of the study and provides precise data that is very useful,” he said. By rating visitor perception and how much the runners plan to spend on hotels, gifts, restaurants, and more, Agrusa said the State can recognize areas to improve to increase tourism, the state‟s most important industry. Agrusa has been contacted by local news on several occasions to speak about his study on the marathon as well as his knowledge of Hawaii‟s tourism industry. He was invited to KSSK radio to speak about his research. Also, when news of Japan Airlines filing for bankruptcy broke out, local news station, KITV Channel 4 interviewed Agrusa for his insight on the impact on Hawaii‟s economy. A news clip is available online "Japan Airlines Files Bankruptcy” - Video - KITV (http://www.kitv.com/video/22279500/?taf=hon) For more information about the Honolulu Marathon study contact Dr. Jerry Agrusa at jagrusa@hpu.edu or 544-9341. To inquire about the HPU Travel Industry Management program, visit www.hpu.edu/TIM or call 544-0229.
Dr. Agrusa was asked to speak by KITV 4 news on the effect of Japan Airlines filing for bankruptcy on Hawaii‟s economy.
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Students Learn from Speakers In and Outside of Classrooms Young Business Leader of the Year Visits HPU MGMT 7001 Management, Policy, and Strategy Formulation was fortunate to hear Layla Dedrick, Owner and CEO of Bella Pietra, speak about how she started her business and the challenges that her business has overcome in establishing itself in Hawai„i. Since she started her business, it has grown from $600,000 revenue in its first year to $11 million in 2008, with approximately 30 employees. Dedrick was also selected 2009 Pacific Business News Young Business Leader of the Year. MBA students learned not only about the beautiful natural products that Bella Pietra sells in the design and construction industries, but also about the growth strategies that the company has used to sustain its competitive advantage in Hawai„i. Being in business has taught Dedrick that a challenge of staying in business is “to stay focused,” so “it is very important to have a company mission and values.” The company‟s vision is “to be the „standard‟ in Hawai„i” (e.g., having quality products, providing exemplary customer service, and having enviable corporate citizenship.) MGMT 7001 Management, Policy, and Strategy
Dedrick provided advice to students, including, “you‟ve got to talk to Formulation Class, taught by Dr. Susan Foxpeople” at all levels of the business; from employees to supplier, Wolfgramm (far right), with Layla Dedrick (center). customers, and competitors. She stays in touch with business trends by reading industry trade publications, business news, and speaking at various organizations. Dedrick is 39 years old and has the distinct honor of being in the “Forty Under 40” Pacific Business News group of successful businesspeople in Hawai„i.
Local Corporation Speakers on Business Policy The MGMT 4001 class had two special presentations. Both presentations covered major topics discussed in MGMT 4001 Business Policy, including environmental scanning, strategy formulation, strategy execution, and strategy evaluation and control. Students were able to compare and contrast the strategic operation of small and large businesses in new versus established industries. The first presentation was given by Mr. Russ Ogi, COO and a business associate from Rapid Technology, LLC., a company involved in the equipment distribution, production, and support services of 3D printing, Guest presentation by Rapid Technology, LLC creating physical models out of 3D data. Students learned about what it is like to start a high tech company in Hawai„i, the importance of customer service and education in establishing a new business in a relatively unknown industry, and how the company is strategically managing itself for future growth. The second presentation was held at Plueger Honda. Students visited the dealership and were able to meet with Mr. Stanley Lum, Senior Sales Associate and former Sales Manager. He answered students‟ questions relating to the operation of the dealership during tough economic times, how the company serves the Hawaiian market, and how the company works closely with the Honda Corporation in maintaining standards of excellence. He also talked about the similarities and differences that exist between how the Honda Corporation services the Japanese and American markets.
MGMT 4001 Visits Plueger Honda Dealership
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Spring 2010
CBA Faculty Scores at the Halloween Hoopla! College of Business Administration‟s Jerry Agrusa and Ken Schoolland represented the CBA at the Hawai„i Pacific University Halloween Hoopla Basketball game. The annual event hosted by the Center for Student Life and First-Year Programs features a variety of fun activities and entertainment for kids and adults alike. More than 400 members of the community, HPU students, faculty, and staff gathered at the 7th annual Halloween Hoopla to show off their costumes, visit booths, trick-or-treat, and meet HPU‟s men and women‟s basketball, dance, and cheer teams.
Jerry Agrusa and Ken Schoolland having fun as members of the HPU faculty basketball team.
In the makai parking lot of the Blaisdell arena, HPU clubs and organizations set up booths attracting trick-or-treaters to a variety of carnival games and activities with candy for prizes. Inside the Blaisdell, exhibition games were held between HPU‟s basketball teams. In a match between the men‟s team and the faculty, both Agrusa and Schoolland scored a basket each. The games were then followed by performances from the cheer and dance teams. HPU faculty playing at the Hoopla
HPU Economics Professor Discusses Hawaii’s Economic Forecast for 2010 Dr. Leroy Laney, Economic Adviser to First Hawaiian Bank and Professor of Economics and Finance at Hawai„i Pacific University, spoke at the First Hawaiian Bank‟s 40th annual Business Outlook Forum at Dole Cannery Ballroom. In his presentation titled “Hawaii's Economy: A Year of Stabilization Expected in 2010, Followed by Sustained Recovery in 2011,” he made these forecasts for 2010: Job Growth: Minus 0.5% - “The labor market is usually a lagging indicator...other things like tourism have to show signs of sustained improvement before employers start to hire again. I expect continued job declines for 2010 as a whole, though at a much lower rate of about 0.5 percent,” Laney said. Unemployment Rate: 7.5% - “Unemployment could remain at the same level as 2009, or it could actually rise some, at least remaining near 7.5 percent,” he said. Inflation: +1.0% - Noting the smaller than expected rise in inflation for the state in the first half of 2009, Laney said the “price rise for the remainder of 2009 will remain muted as well. Given a continued fragile local economy in 2010, any price pressures will have to originate at the external level - such as a surge in oil prices driven by national and global recovery. Still, it's a pretty safe bet that local inflation won‟t be among the bigger problems in 2010.” Visitor Arrivals: + 1.7% - “As 2010 progresses, without unforeseen shocks the visitor industry could look increasingly better. But if wealth losses continue to be a drag on U.S. consumption growth, those who do make the trip to Hawai„i may continue to be in the mood to spend less than usual when they get here.” Real Personal Income Growth: +0.5% - “With 2010 as a year of transition to more sustained growth, we may see year over year growth in some of the numbers about mid-year in this broad measure,” he said. “In short, next year may be a year of stabilization in the Hawai„i economy, but it will likely be 2011 before sustained economic recovery sets in, in spite of an improving picture at the U.S. national level and tenuous recovery in Japan. Patience may be the keyword in the short run. Recovery in the Islands will likely be a good bit slower than the descent into recession,” said Laney. For more information and the full economic report please visit the First Hawaiian Bank website: https://www.fhb.com/hm_econ.htm
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Hawai„i Pacific University
HPU Faculty Helps Keeps the State Libraries Open Dr. Lei Ahu Isa, Assistant Professor of Management, recently received good news in the form of a donation of $21,000 from Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu and the Chinese American Women's Group for the Hawai„i State Library System. Dr. Tseu, a prominent Honolulu dentist and philanthropist, surprised State Librarian Richard Burns with an early Christmas present at the November 19 Board of Education Meeting. Dr. Tseu and officials from the Organization of Chinese American Women (OCAW) Hawaii Chapter presented a $1,000 check donation to Burns for the “Keep Your Library Open!” (KYLO) fundraising campaign. In addition to the original donation, Dr. Tseu, Honorary Chairperson of the OCAW Fundraising Event, made a “surprise announcement” and personally pledged a total of $20,000 to add to the donation amount!
Kimberly Oliveira, President of the Organization of Chinese American Women (OCAW) Hawai„i Chapter (center), presented a $1,000 check donation to State Librarian Richard Burns (3rd from left) for the “Keep Your Library Open!” (KYLO) fundraising campaign at the Board of Education Meeting on November 19. Joining in the ceremony, from left, are Garrett Toguchi, BOE Chairperson; Blossom Tyau, OCAW Chartered Member; Dr. Lawrence Tseu, Honorary Chairperson, OCAW Fundraising Event; Dr. Lei Ahu Isa, BOE 2nd Vice Chairperson and OCAW Member who coordinated the ceremony; and Carol Mon Lee, BOE Chairperson of Committee on Legislation, Public Charter Schools & Public Libraries.
As the former president of OCAW, Dr. Ahu Isa coordinated the fundraising event. In offering the donation, Dr. Ahu Isa said, “Being immigrants, mostly poor and hungry for education, Asian Americans have cherished the opportunity to use our public libraries. No greater gift could be given to further their education than a place that opened up the world for them, enlightening their minds and filling their souls with intellect from the printed words.”
From left, Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu presented a $20,000 check to Dr. Lei Ahu Isa, Board of Education 1st Vice Chairperson and State Librarian Richard Burns for the “Keep Your Library Open!” fundraising campaign. The special ceremony was conducted at Hawai„i State Library prior to a free Christmas concert presented by the Lincoln Elementary School Keiki Chorus.
Dr. Tseu presented a $20,000 check donation to the Hawai„i State Public Library System in a special ceremony at the Hawai„i State Library held last December 17. As a patron of the Hawai„i State Library, he has fond memories of using the Library quite often as a young student in the 1940s. D r . L a wr e n c e K .W . Ts e u , philanthropist, also donates to HPU with a Fellowship to Cambridge University in London where he sits on its Board of Trustees. Dr. John Kearns, HPU Vice President of Academic Affairs, was a recipient of that Fellowship. Photos Courtesy of HSPLS
“We are extremely grateful to Dr. Tseu for his generosity and sincere concern and aloha for our public libraries,” said State Librarian Richard Burns. Including Dr. Tseu's generous donation, the total amount collected for the “Keep Your Library Open!” fundraising campaign to date is more than $150,000. Combined with the Friends of the Library of Hawaii's “Keep the Doors Open” fundraiser, the grand total amount collected is more than $244,000.
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Hawai„i Pacific University
Spring 2010 Spring 2010
A Nigerian Play with HPU Roots Associate professor in Economics, Ken Schoolland‟s book, The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey, has been adapted into a Nigerian play. The production title: A Letter From Jonathan Gullible, was written and produced by Adedayo Thomas and Paul Ugbede and directed by Dr. Sam Kafewo. The play had an acting cast of 22, and was performed at the Drama Village of Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. One of the actors, Olokesina Peters Ijagbenu, reported on the event: “Right from the rehearsal of the play, we the actors were apprehensive that the audience might not respond appropriately to the play. The theatre was famous for producing indigenous plays that involved dances, songs, and African proverbs and riddles. Here was a play based purely on ideas. Will the audience be receptive?” A Letter From Jonathan Gullible, the play, was written and produced by Adedayo Thomas (left) and Paul Ugbede and directed by Dr. Sam Kafewo (right).
“We were pleasantly surprised when the play started and the audience sat in rapt attention, following its message and even comparing images and symbols to the contemporary Nigerian situation. For instance, when one of the lords said that a house was not built according to specification and had to be demolished, the audience chorused the name of Nasir El Rufai. He was the immediate past Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria who became infamous for demolishing „illegal‟ structures in his bid to return the city of Abuja to its original master plan.” “The audience members were unanimous on the three nights that the play should go beyond the four walls of the University and should be taken to the authorities in Abuja who perpetuate the problems enunciated in the play.” Also based on Schoolland‟s book, The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey, are three other plays in Kenya, The play based on Mr. Schoolland‟s book was performed August 13 to 15, 2009 Slovakia, and soon to be completed at the Drama Village of Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. in Guatemala. Schoolland has authored two books: The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey, now published in 40 languages, and Shogun's Ghost: The Dark Side of Japanese Education, in two languages. Before coming to Hawai„i Pacific University, Schoolland served as an international economist in the U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and on assignment to the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations. He taught at Sheldon Jackson College in Alaska and on a university exchange program at Hakodate University in Japan. He later became Director of the Master of Science in Japanese Business Studies Program at Chaminade University. Schoolland is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for Individual Liberty, a Sam Walton Fellow for Students in Free Enterprise, and a member of the Board of Scholars for the Grassroot Institute of Hawai„i. He is currently serving as one of the advisors of SIFE Student Club. Under his leadership SIFE Club has received many awards over the years.
Hawai„i Pacific University College of Business Administration
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Faculty Highlights Dr. Susan Fox-Wolfgramm received a Faculty Development Grant in October 2009 for the following: “From Good Teaching to Good Learning,” which she was invited to present as a Roundtable Panelist at the 36th Annual OBTS Teaching Society for Management Educators, held in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2009. The Oxford Round Table Program Committee has also accepted Dr. Fox-Wolfgramm‟s abstract titled: “Towards Increasing Business Strategic Management Approach,” and will be presenting in Oxford, England during the week of March 21st-26th 2010. Mr. Thomas Kam, was nominated by the Hawai„i State Department of Education to represent the State in evaluating a standardized test for teachers wishing to be certified in the area of business being developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). He attended one of two panels held at ETS headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey along with representatives from about nine other states, analyzed test questions and made recommendations on the minimum passing score. Dr. Warren Wee, CPA and Associate Dean of College of Business Administration, attended the Kaua„i Community College and Hawai„i Society of Certified Public Accountants seventh annual student mixer at the KCC One Stop Center. There he discussed educational opportunities, explained CPA certification requirements and share his experiences with students. Dr. Wee was also elected to the Hawai„i Central MLS Board of Directors for 2010-2011.
Alumni Updates Karishma Chowfin has been promoted to Sales Manager at Aqua Hotels & Resorts where she handles local and North American sales efforts. Chowfin received her B.S.B.A. in Travel Industry Management from Hawai„i Pacific University. Mustafa “Moose” Demirbag has been appointed General Manager, Maui County for The Gas Co. He has been with the company since 1994. Demirbag received his MBA degree from Hawai„i Pacific University. Jeff Hubbard won the Men‟s 2009 International Bodyboarding Association (IBA) World Champion title. As a former World Champ (2006), he claimed his second world title at the final contest held on the 2009 IBA tour in El Confital, Los Pamas, Gran Canaria. Hubbard, born and raised on Kaua„i, now currently resides on Oahu. He received his MBA degree from Hawai„i Pacific University in earlier this year in May 2009. James McCaffrey, Ph.D, Associate Vice President of Volt Technical Resources, a staffing business of Volt Information Sciences, Inc., presented his research titled “Generation of Pairwise Test Sets Using a Simulated Bee Colony Algorithm” at the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Information Reuse and Integration, August 10-12, in Las Vegas. McCaffrey received his M.S. in information systems from Hawai„i Pacific University. Tofi Mika Jr. was selected by the Star-Bulletin as one of the “10 Who Made A Difference” in 2009, for organizing a fundraising effort that led to the “Walk Across Oahu” in November. The 135-mile charity walk from Yokohama Bay to Foster Village, raised awareness about what disabled veterans face when returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Mika who works for the Mayor‟s Office of Culture and the Arts while attending graduate classes at Hawai„i Pacific University, also volunteers in other humanitarian efforts.