One-Year MBa - NIU College of Business - Northern Illinois University

Class of 2013First row, from left:Chris Vanderford (Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy), Eric Haag(CompuCom Systems, Inc.), Chris Kaiser (NIU), Steve Tallon (W WGrainger), De’Andre Hardy (Self-employed), Kyle Schauer (Sears Holdings),Roland Wright (Aon Hewitt), Andrew Johnson (Sears Holdings),Robert Hogan (Sears Holdings).Third row, from left:Andrew Fliss (CVS Caremark), Erin Sturm (Thermo Fisher Scientific),Esther Nwabuego (Fromm International), Hilary Villa (Aon Hewitt),Hari Narayanan (Underwriter Laboratories), Lisa Rubendall (Ipsen Inc.),Kelli Svymbersky (American Express), Mike Wesa (MKD Electric).Second row, from left:Gene Meliksetyan (AstraZeneca), Joann Thede (Morgan Stanley & Co.),Lauren Diehl (Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce), Caitlin Barrow(Sears Holdings), Lisa Happ (Village of Schaumburg), Shannon Kroner(Edward Don & Company), Johanna Smith (CPR Cell Phone Repair),Claudine Kourkoumelis (Sears Holdings), Rakhee Bhakta (Words ofWisdom), Reginald Tiglao (Discover Financial Services).4

“As a busy professional seekingan MBA degree to furthermy career, the NIU One-YearMBA experience exceededmy expectations. The cohortlearning structure simulatesreal-life business experiencesand sharpened my strategicthinking and leadership skills.The international trip enrichedmy worldview of the globalbusiness environment and wasa fun bonding experience withmy classmates. The Capstoneclass was the most challengingyet rewarding class. It was anopportunity to design an end toend business plan requiring meto think like a business executivewho has to balance crossfunctionaldecisions to solve amajor business problem.While the experience was fastpaced and rigorous, it wasachievable. I highly recommendthe NIU MBA. It was an enrichingexperience that has empowered meto think differently and I now havean outstanding set of new businesstools and new friends.”Administrative SupportBecause of the rigorous and intense nature of the program, the One-Year MBA staff offersa broad range of services to minimize distraction and to ensure academic success. Studentservices include registration for classes, delivery of all books and academic materials (whichare included in the fees). On class days students are given a refreshment break, withbeverages and snacks provided. We understand that family, work, and school create a busyschedule, which is why the program staff handles most all of the administrative necessities.We don’t make school easy—but we do make going to school easy.Electronic mail services are widely used in the program. Participants are required to haveregular access to a PC, printer, and modem. A laptop or notebook computer is stronglyrecommended. Microsoft Word and Excel are the software packages most commonly used.Typical Week in the One-Year MBA ProgramNIU Hoffman EstatesMonday Evening 6:15 – 8 p.m. Class8 – 8:15 p.m. Refreshment Break8:15 – 10 p.m. Class (continuation of class)Thursday Evening 6:15 – 8 p.m. Class (different course topic from Monday)8 – 8:15 p.m. Refreshment Break8:15 – 10 p.m. Class (continuation of class)Kelli SvymberskyAmerican ExpressClass of 2013Each group is expected to meet at least once outside of the regularly scheduled classes.The time and place of this meeting is determined by members of each study group.Students are regular graduate students.Participants in the One-Year MBA program are admitted to the Graduate School andaccordingly are considered regular graduate students and subject to the general policies ofthe Graduate School regarding grading standards and graduation. All students are requiredto maintain at least a 3.00 (B) grade point average.6

Action LearningTeam-Building ProgramThe One-Year MBA program conducts a one-day team-building program at theQ Center in St. Charles, Illinois. In this experiential program, students engagein exercises that strengthen team-building skills, including trust, group support,leadership values, and communication. The major objectives are to provide theindividual study groups with the opportunity to identify and utilize the strengthsand assets of each group member. Also, the program provides each student withan experience that has the potential to increase motivation, promote individualrisk-taking, and enhance group problem solving.Students engage inexercises that strengthenteam-building skills.Capstone ProjectThe One-Year MBA Capstone Project is a live case competition that uses a realcompany, a real business situation, and real people. Unlike other case studies that givestudents a hypothetical situation to evaluate; the NIU Capstone Project involves reallifeapplications.Students are challenged to develop a business plan that will grow the companysignificantly over a specified timeframe. They must present and defend their plan to thecompany’s management team as well as to business professionals and entrepreneurs.The students benefit greatly from the Capstone Project. Given a real-time businessissue, students must apply a wide range of the knowledge and skills that they havedeveloped in their MBA Program. Students have to make a good decision and defendit. The project teaches students to think strategically, to communicate their idea, andto work with a team – skills that are important for the student to excel in school and inthe workplace!“The NIU One-Year MBA wasan ideal fit for my schedule. I couldsuccessfully continue fulfillingmy professional and personalambitions while advancing myeducation. Plus, the exceptionalvalue proposition supplied by theprogram set it apart from the otherChicago business schools and, inhindsight, made this an excellentinvestment decision.The NIU MBA experience wasboth challenging and rewarding.The curriculum was rigorous;it provided the framework forevaluating business problems andopportunities through the lensof theory and practice. Becausethe program attracts people fromdiverse industries the team-basedapproach that is at the heart ofthe learning experience broadenedmy perspective and enhanced mycapacity to collaborate with peoplewith different points of view. Theinternational study trip afforded mewith a unique opportunity to travelabroad and engage with businessleaders in Spain and France.Imagine learning at Alcatel-Lucentheadquarters in Paris about thecomplex interconnected issues ofglobal business and on the same daytouring the Eiffel tower!The NIU One-Year MBAexperience will broaden yourbusiness horizons, expand yournetworking opportunities aroundthe globe, and you will learn toperform at the highest levels ofmanagement effectiveness.”Alex MbuthiaBank of AmericaClass of 2012www.mbaprograms.niu.edu 7

Course DescriptionsThe academically challenging curriculum, a common core of allAACSB-accredited MBA programs, includes managerial accounting,financial and operations analysis, organizational behavior,management of information systems technology, strategic policy,and marketing management. Beyond the core curriculum, studentscomplete three elective courses specifically selected for workingprofessionals—negotiation and conflict management course, a globalintegration course with an international experience, and a capstoneexperience that incorporates a real-world consulting project.Because the One-Year MBA program’s curriculum is continuouslyreviewed to reflect the ever-changing needs of the businessenvironment, the College of Business reserves the right to alter thecurriculum at any time, through appropriate procedures, for thepurpose of providing the best educational experience.Marketing Management. [MKTG 654, (3)]. In-depth analysisof the marketing plan of an organization. Requires severalcase analyses and group presentations.Operations Analysis. [OMIS 627, (3)]. Analysis of the concepts,problems and approaches to the solution of significant operationsproblems. Case analysis and quantitative solutions within a globalcompetitive environment are presented.Management of Information Systems Technology. [OMIS 640,(3)]. Emphasis on systems technology and marketing applicationsof information systems and strategic decision-making as anorganizational resource.Managerial Accounting Concepts. [ACCY 630, (3)]. The coursefocuses on the firm’s internal accounting reports and controls withan emphasis on budgeting and controlling operations.Managing Behavior in Organizations. [MGMT 635, (3)]. Thecourse examines motivation, teamwork, conflict, leadership, andother behavioral concepts that influence individual, group, andorganizational effectiveness.Financial Analysis. [FINA 607, (3)]. A case-oriented coursethat builds upon the principles of finance. Requires several classpresentations and written case analyses.Strategic Management and Policy. [MGMT 672, (3)]. Capstonecourse focusing on issues of overall organizational goals, policies,and ethics.Negotiation and Conflict Management. [MGMT 619, (3)].Examination and application of negotiation techniques andstrategies relevant to managerial positions with specific applicationsto resolving professional conflicts.One-Year provides networkingopportunities.International Study in Marketing. [MKTG 601, (3)]. Studentsparticipate in a nine-day international study program. The tripis scheduled in March. The trip is structured to include a mixof company visits, government briefings, and university lecturesdelivered in the countries visited.Entrepreneurship and Venture Mangement. [MGMT 637, (3)].Each study group explores topics through the evaluation of a realworldbusiness case. This capstone consulting project allows studentsto look at decisions in a broad context and with consideration to allfunctional areas of business.“I found the One-Year MBA Program to be engagingand enriching. I have joked often with my co-workersthat the Program “set my mind on fire”. Many ofour classes provided me with knowledge and ideasthat were immediately applicable to my career.The experience has altered the perception of me tomy coworkers as well as to myself. I would highlyrecommend this program to anyone with the desireto move forward to the next step.”Carrie CullerDura-BarClass of 2012www.mbaprograms.niu.edu 9

FacultyA rigorous curriculum is only as good as the faculty who teachin the program; faculty members in the One-Year MBA programare selected from our excellent College of Business faculty fortheir teaching ability, consulting experience, and commitment toeducating professionals. Their knowledge of business managementprinciples and current business practices combine to createa stimulating and challenging classroom experience. The size of theclass allows students to interact and build significant relationshipswith faculty, thus allowing a mutual exchange of ideas and solutionsthat students may readily apply to their workplace.The faculty includes, but is not limited to:Tim Aurand, Ed.D., Northern Illinois University, associateprofessor; frequent seminar speaker on various marketing topics;presenter at Marketing Management Association conferences,conducted in-house marketing research and workshops forvarious corporations; winner of Golden Apple Award*; teachesmarketing management.Brian Bender, MBA, Northern Illinois University; expertise in theareas of strategic planning, tactical implementation and businessprocess management; business experience in creating completeIT departments, LAN/WAN infrastructures; teaches informationsystems technology.Jon Briscoe, D.B.A., Boston University; consultant to ManusAssociates and Orbis Learning Corporation; presented atconferences nationally and internationally; author of numerousarticles on organizational behavior; research in organizationalleadership, careers, and ethical behavior; winner of several GoldenApple Awards*; teaches organizational behavior.“If I can sum up the program in one word it wouldbe–intense. The fact that the program is only oneyear makes it challenging at times. However, I stillbelieve that getting my MBA from NIU was one ofthe best decisions that I have made. The faculty is topnotch and very supportive. They really are there tohelp students succeed. I would highly recommend theprogram to anyone who is looking to receive a greateducation in a one year period.”Nola MucllariUBSClass of 2012James P. Burton, Ph.D., University of Washington; servedas consultant to organizations including Boeing and Verizon;recognized on several occasions for excellence in teaching andresearch; published in numerous journals and recently interviewedfor feature in SmartBusiness – Chicago; teaches negotiation andconflict management.Ann E. Carrel, Ed.D., Northern Illinois University, assistant dean,MBA Program; involved in forming partnerships between Collegeof Business and international universities; presenter at conferences;planned and organized short-term study abroad opportunities;teaches international component.James M. Johnson, Ph.D., Ohio State University; consultantto business and industry specializing in corporate finance, financialanalysis, planning, and equipment lease financing; conductsworkshops for the American Association of Equipment Lessorsand numerous private firms and business associations; author ofbooks and numerous articles on finance; winner of several GoldenApple Awards*; teaches financial analysis and co-teaches capstoneconsulting project.Charles G. Petersen II, Ph.D., Indiana University; professor;author of publications in the area of production management;presented papers before the Decision Sciences Institute; taughtquantitative and logistics management seminars in Finlandand Egypt; professional experience with McDonnell DouglasCorporation; teaches operations analysis.Tim West, C.P.A., Ph.D., University of Tennessee; associateprofessor of accountancy; research focus on cost prediction andperformance measurement in health care and manufacturing;works with U.S. Army Medical Command to assess the operationsefficiency of Army medicine; won numerous teaching awards; workfeatured in the New York Times, USA Today and Business Week;teaches managerial accounting.John Wonak, C.P.A., MBA, Northern Illinois University; CEO andFounder of Sea Level Advisory Group, LLC, a diversified consultingfirm; co-founder and COO of the national telecommunicationsfirm, OPEX Communications; serves as mentor to studententrepreneurs; co-teaches consulting project.*Golden Apple Award – An annual award presented in the One-YearMBA to the faculty member whom the graduating class considers to bethe outstanding professor.10

Class of 2015Program CalendarPrior to the first class session, students are required to attend anorientation meeting, and a day-long team building program. Dates forthese events are given in the Class Schedule Summary.S M T W T F SJanuary 2015 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31February 20151 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 28March 20151 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31April 2015 1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30May 2015 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031June 20151 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30July 2015 1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31August 2015 12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31September 20151 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30October 2015 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31November 20151 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30December 20151 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12 *13 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31Graduation, December 12, 2015Dates in red indicate class meetings.2015 Class Schedule SummaryJanuary 8January 10January 12 – March 9March 13 – 22March 26 – May 18June 1 – July 30August 17 – December 4December 5December 12Program OrientationTeambuilding ProgramClass Meetings on Monday andThursday eveningsNo class meeting January 19,Martin Luther King ObservanceInternational TripClass Meetings on Monday andThursday eveningsClass Meetings on Monday andThursday eveningsNo class meeting July 2,Independence Day ObservanceClass Meetings on Monday andThursday eveningsNo class meeting September 7,Labor Day ObservanceNo class meeting November 26,Thanksgiving Day ObservanceCapstone Project Presentations andGraduation BanquetFormal Commencement Ceremonyheld in DeKalb“I really took away so much from the One-Year MBAprogram that I will be able to use going forward, notjust in business, but in my personal life also. I wasdefinitely challenged in the classes which made it thatmuch more enjoyable for me. I think our class formeda special bond, not only in our individual groups, butas a class in whole. The professors really took timeto push us and made the learning very enjoyable.”Bob HoganSears HoldingsClass of 2013www.mbaprograms.niu.edu 11

Sponsoring Firms and Graduates 2005-2013Abbott LaboratoriesRavi Rajagopalan, 2005Accountant, CPATrisha Tuntland, 2005Ace Metal Crafts Co.Gary Rihani, 2008ADP Benefit ServicesDan Dahl, 2007Advance Transformer Co.Robert Ciccone, 2005Agility LogisticsVishal Parekh, 2011AIT Worldwide LogisticsJoe Van Der Bosch, 2009Alliant Credit UnionKris Meyer, 2008Allstate Insurance CompanySree Tetali, 2009Allstate InvestmentsHeather McKittrick, 2005American Director/FidelityCory Marlow, 2007American ExpressKelli Svymbersky, 2013American Pharmaceutical PartnersDorothy Odukale, 2007AmeriMark BankMichael Vassar, 2005Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni &Krafthefer, P.C.Janice Burdette, 2011Aon HewittHilary Villa, 2013Roland Wright, 2013Applied Systems, Inc.Joe Izral, 2012Aramark Uniform ServicesChris Dueringer, 2006Arvin Meritor OEJean Ruthe, 2006Associated Material HandlingShari Sellers, 2009Association Forum of ChicagolandDean Comber, 2009AstraZenecaGene Meliksetyan, 2013ATMI PrecastRhonda McCormick, 2012AT&TJarrod Folsom, 2006AWTP, LLCJon Leegard, 2007Bank of AmericaTeresa Gutierrez, 2009Alex Mbuthia, 2012Baxter HealthcareDominique Winnecke, 2005Esperanza Pena, 2006Matt Westbrook, 2007Dan Nowak, 2011Bergstrom Inc.Keith Franke, 2006Berlin PackagingBrian Butler, 2010Bishop TechnologiesBrad Engelstad, 2009Blackhawk BankDrazen Savic, 2008Blue Cross Blue ShieldChris Newsom, 2006Business Benefits, Inc.Patrick Wiesner, 2012BusinessolverLoren Brockhouse, 2010Bway CorporationDavid Malecek, 2011Calamos InvestmentsEmily Weeks, 2008Ben Ernst, 2011Cardinal HealthAngella Sutthiwan, 2006Care Communications, Inc.Hal Walsh, 2009CareFusionNichole Dolecki, 2012Career Education CorporationGreg Kirk, 2008Jason Shamoon, 2009Castle BankLandon Faivre, 2006Mariel Mellor, 2007CaterpillarEric Jakubiak, 2010CenterPoint PropertiesApryl Lagasca, 2005Bridget Karnick, 2008Centex HomesApril Mayse-Brossett, 2009Child Link, Inc.Pam Sansone, 2012Citigroup Diners ClubAnthony Silvia, 2005City of Crystal LakeRachel Simmons, 2005Chicago PrimeErmal Shehu, 2005CompuCom Systems, Inc.Eric Haag, 2013Conference Plus, Inc.Tim Diehl, 2011ConsultantJim Cleave, 2007Tricia Risty, 2007Mark Schierer, 2008Mike DeArmond, 2009Steve Galloway, 2009Anthony Lucin, 2009De’Andre Hardy, 2013Country FinancialJared Dean, 2009Coventry Health CareRichard Chung, 2007CPR Cell Phone RepairJohanna Smith, 2013CSI TechnologiesKelly O’Brien, 2011CTU Online – CECErin Rakoczy, 2008CVS CaremarkAndrew Fliss, 2013DeKalb University Development Corp.Josh Leffler, 2007Discover Financial ServicesJosh Leffler, 2007Reginald Tiglao, 2013Dura-Bar/Wells ManufacturingCarrie Culler, 2012Eaton Corp.Sasti Sathiyayani, 2007Edward Don & CompanyShannon Kroner, 2013Elgin Sweeper CompanyJames Crockett, 2008Pete DiBenedetto, 2008Darren Simon, 2008Peter Sniadowski, 2009Essex Crane Rental Corp.Steve Egge, 2007Jason Walton, 2008Patrick Merola, 2012Farmers Insurance CompanyEric Schneider, 2011FDICRyan Sims, 2010Federal ExpressJohn Thorsen, 2012Fenwal, Inc.Jennifer Rave, 2011Fidelity National TitleDavid Johnson, 2011Fifth Third BankManny Marta, 2009Fromm InternationalEsther Nwabuego, 2013GE Capital AmericasMatt Taylor, 2010GE HealthcareJennifer Iacovelli, 2010Graphic Flexible PackagingJaruwan Rattanavongsa, 2012Greenlee Textron, Inc.Steve Wolff, 2005Hamilton PartnersBrian Lunt, 2005Hamilton SundstrandBrad Helstrom, 2006Tom Wilcox, 2007Harbour InternationalJamie Scott, 2012Harper CollegeEdward Bockman, 2005HAVI Global SolutionsRaul Aguilar, 2010Heavy Metal PerformanceJeff Ritter, 2009The Hedman CompanyJim Kelley, 2008Hewitt AssociatesJocelyn Moore, 2009IBMBrian Gabrys, 2008IMS HealthLaura Wolters, 2007In the SwimAngela Brinley, 2012Inland Human Resource Services, Inc.Erin Kobleski, 2010International PaperAngie Bottorff, 2007International Truck and Engine Corp.Irene Cygan, 2007Diane Peters, 2007Intersections, Inc.Nate´ Shreeves, 2007Ipsen Inc.Lisa Rubendall, 201312

Admission InformationAdmission RequirementsThe One-Year MBA is designed for working professionals who haveacquired a management understanding through an undergraduatebusiness degree or equivalent of related courses. The followingcourses or equivalents must be completed (grade of C or betterat the undergraduate level, grade of B or better at the graduate level)prior to enrolling in the One-Year MBA program:Business Information SystemsBusiness StatisticsFinancial AccountingFundamentals of Financial ManagementGraduate Survey of MarketingLegal Aspects of BusinessPrinciples of ManagementPrinciples of Operations ManagementSurvey of Business Economics (Macro and Micro)For candidates with a non-business undergraduate degree and thosewith a business degree who have not successfully completed all ofthe listed courses above, these prerequisites must be satisfied priorto starting the One-Year MBAIn addition to reviewing transcripts during the admission process,the MBA office will evaluate transcripts prior to submissionof the application, checking for the prerequisite courses or theirequivalents. Documents may be faxed to 815-753-1668, or sentelectronically to mba@niu.edu.Admissions DeadlineApplicants for admission into the NIU One-Year MBA programmust submit the graduate application form and supportingdocuments by December 10, 2014. However, applicants areencouraged to submit the application form and application feeof $40 as soon as possible. Applications received after the stateddate will be considered on a space available basis.The program follows a “rolling admissions” process, whereby eachapplication is considered separately. Academic ability, qualityof work experience, and professional business success are allimportant factors that are considered for admission. A minimumof three to five years’ successful business experience is required.A baccalaureate degree with a grade point average of at least 2.75(on a 4.00 scale) and a score of 450 or higher on the GMATare expected.Application Requirements and Forms1. Graduate Application and Fee: Application to the Graduate Schoolis made via the online application process. Application over oursecure server requires a credit card to pay the $40 application fee.You will be prompted for the email addresses of your references. Youwill also be able to provide your goal statement electronically aftercompleting the application.2. Supplemental Form: Students should complete and mail thesupplemental information form as early as possible. This formshould be mailed directly to the MBA Office.3. Two Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendationare required. Letters of recommendation should be completedby a professional associate who has known the candidate at leastone year.4.Official Transcript: An official college transcript from the collegeor university from which the student graduated is required.5. Sponsorship Form: This form may be signed by your supervisor,manager, an HR representative, or company official.6. Official GMAT Score: The GMAT® exam is administered yearroundand on demand at test centers located in the Chicago area.To schedule your test appointment by phone: Toll-free within theU.S. & Canada only: 1-800-717-GMAT (4628), 7:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m. Central Time. Telephone: 1-952-681-3680, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m. Central Time.Additional information regarding the GMAT is available atwww.mba.com/mba7. Interview: After an application is submitted, the candidate willbe notified and a personal interview will be scheduled.Supporting Documents should be mailed to:Northern Illinois UniversityCollege of BusinessMBA Programs1425 W. Lincoln HighwayDeKalb, Illinois 60115-991314

MBA OfficeCollege of BusinessNorthern Illinois UniversityDeKalb, Illinois 60115-2897Phone: 815-753-0257FAX: 815-753-1668E-mail: mba@niu.eduInternet: www.mbaprograms.niu.eduFollow us on Facebook and Twitter