►New Research Center at Smith to Focus on Health Care System
►No Small Change at the Smith School Store
►Smith MBAs to Manage Free Tax Prep Service - Clinic Held in Van Munching Hall
►Biotech Conference Highlights
►Women's Leadership Conference Highlights
►Smith School in the News: Smith MBAs and New Markets Growth Fund Featured Prominently in USA Today

New Research Center at Smith to Focus on Health Care System

Newly launched, the Center for Health Information and Decision Systems (CHIDS) at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, is an academia-led effort with collaboration from industry and government affiliates, designed to research, analyze, and recommend solutions to challenges surrounding the introduction and integration of information and decision technologies into the health care system.

Through mutually-beneficial partnerships, CHIDS is structured as a research and development center with the goal of conducting rigorous research, disseminating information, managing knowledge, and coordinating collaborations among concerned stakeholders. In addition, CHIDS will serve as a focal point for thought leadership around the topic of health information and decision systems.

"Health care comprises 14 percent of GDP in the United States today and is a multi-billion dollar industry," says Ritu Agarwal, director of the center, professor and Dean's Chair of Information Systems at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. "Although medical technology has advanced tremendously, the health care sector is riddled with inefficiencies. Information technology has transformed other information-intensive industries such as financial services and retailing, but health care is lagging. There is tremendous potential for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care delivery process through the application of advanced information and decision technologies. CHIDS has been established to fill this need. It will provide a forum for thought leadership and innovative research in this domain," Agarwal adds.

Drawing on the expertise of the decision and information technologies department at the Smith School, the University of Maryland Medical Center, University Hospital, and other assets in the University of Maryland network, CHIDS will offer the benefit of a world-class staff with hundreds of published manuscripts related to technology implementation, adoption, assimilation, workflow design, decision sciences, and value of information technology.

For more information on CHIDS, visit: http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/chids

No Small Change at the Smith Store

Students running the Smith Store are having a harder time keeping items in stock than they are selling them! This year’s sales to date tell an impressive entrepreneurship success story – sales for the year so far equal approximately $25,000 as compared to $5,000 for total sales in 2003-2004. The result has brought valuable benefits to the students – who operate the store under the guidance of the Smith School’s Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship. The students are not only earning a profit, but gaining real-life lessons in retailing, merchandising, distribution and marketing.

Why the big upswing?
This is the first academic year that the Smith Store has been supported and promoted by the Dingman Center. Initiatives including exciting new products, a new Web site (www.thesmithstore.com) and competitive prices from MBA students -- Kara Holzer, Ivan Cayabyab, Will Christman, Mary Byrd, David Alosi, Doug Boyd, Vikas Tiwari, Ekta Mittal, and David Lake – have provided the reasons for the store’s stellar rise in sales.

The students’ efforts plus the benefits of new, online banner advertising mean that greater numbers of students, faculty and staff have discovered that the Smith Store is an attractive source of gifts and merchandise. Students have worked hard to increase their presence and product availability at various events and within Van Munching Hall.

“Getting a business off the ground requires that all team members are focused on sales. The main reason for the increase has been the hard work by the student team to make products available to students, faculty and staff,” said Holzer.

Part of the students’ strategy has been to increase sales to school departments – which now account for 70 percent of the store’s business and a big driver of growth – in items such as pens, photo frames, briefcases, and other promotional items. The students are able to negotiate with multiple vendors to offer the best prices.

“We also started offering new products, such as sweatshirts, golf jackets and women's polos based on a market research survey and these new items have been tremendously popular,” said Holzer.

And what is the hottest-selling item? The practical and stylish Smith School portfolio, which students like to use for interviews and career fairs, is the store’s No. 1 seller.

Holzer said that the students plan on their success to continue and future efforts will include expanding sales efforts to school departments, including departments in the larger University of Maryland community. The store will also begin carrying products that appeal to students outside of the Smith School, including “Testudo the Grad” and Dayna U Terp jewelry.

For more information about the Smith Store, please visit the store’s Web site at www.thesmithstore.com, or one of the bi-weekly sales in the main atrium of Van Munching Hall.

Smith MBAs to Manage Free Tax Preparation Service for Low to Moderate Income Individuals; Clinic Held in Van Munching Hall

Do you know someone who is puzzled by tax laws or unsure about which credits and deductions they can take? Free tax help is available to certain individuals through the Campus Tax Clinic 2005 (CTC '05) hosted by the Smith School and a team of MBA students. Trained and certified community volunteer tax assistors will provide help with basic income tax returns to families earning less than $35,000 per year in Van Munching Hall on April 9th and 10th. Help us spread the word about this unique service!

The CTC ‘05 offers free assistance to qualifying members of the local community who file Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A, or basic Form 1040 Federal tax returns. The volunteer tax assistors will also help community members in claiming any special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible.

Interested individuals must bring photo identification, this year’s tax package, wage and earnings statement (Form W-2) from all employers, interest statements from banks (Form 1099), a copy of last year’s tax return if available, and other relevant information about income and expenses. All of the volunteer tax assistors preparing these returns have completed an IRS training and certification course in basic income tax preparation.

Families with incomes less than $35,000 should bring tax forms and other necessary information to Van Munching Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 9th or 10th for free tax assistance. The clinic will be held in Rooms 1411 and 1418. For more information, please contact Rob Cohen at 301-908-8982 or rcohenblueskytax@mac.com.

Campus Tax Clinic 2005 (CTC ’05) was created by a team of MBA students at the Robert H. Smith School of Business to provide free, basic tax preparation services to Maryland students and the surrounding College Park community.

Venturing into Biotechnology:
Strategies for Successful Growth in MD

On March 11, 2005, a group of industry professionals and full-time and prospective MBA students gathered for a day focused on the growing field of biotechnology. Kicking off the day was keynote speaker, Dr. Wei-Wu He, general partner and co-founder of Emerging Technology Partners LLC. Dr. He’s discussion focused on the importance of biotechnology in improving human life. He focused on a case study of the discovery of insulin as a life changing treatment for patients with diabetes. "Insulin," He said, was a perfect example of the team effort needed for success in biotechnology. From discovery, to research, production, distribution, testing, and funding, it took a “small village” to bring insulin into the $2B drug that it is today.

The life sciences industry has a dramatic impact for industry and humanity, according to He, especially with the aging population and a growing need for healthcare. He believes that the life sciences industry is in the infancy growth stages, and that many new opportunities are on the horizon now that the industry has a good understanding of the human genome. He referred to the Maryland / Washington, D.C., area as a hotbed for life sciences opportunities, with the capability to rival San Francisco’s Bay Area. From federal funding entities (UM, NIH, FDA, and Johns Hopkins), to research tanks, regulatory bodies, patent offices, and biotech companies – this area, He stated, has all the ingredients for success. He went on to describe five success factors for a biotechnology company: "innovative ideas, great people, financing, luck, and patience."

He also discussed the type of manager it takes for success in a biotechnology startup versus an established organization such as Amgen or Genentech. Most MBAs, He mentioned, migrate to the established organizations where a stable career path, funding streams, and organization await. Few managers, however, are willing to step into the risky and changing area of biotechnology startups, where funding can be provided, but product development is the key missing ingredient. As a whole, He displayed confidence in the Maryland / Washington, D.C., area’s ability to become a major pharmaceutical force. With the marriage of banking and chemistry, bold thinking, serious commitment, and courage, He encouraged the audience to keep trying, and to remember that it sometimes takes a whole village to make something happen.

Janet Richert, faculty advisor for the BIOPhARMA Association and managing director for the Office of Career Management, said, “This event firmly established Smith as the place where leaders in the biotech industry are now congregating to discuss important issues impacting the growth and survival of biotechnology enterprise in the Mid-Atlantic corridor.”

▓ Monisha Banerjee, MBA Candidate 2006, Smith Media Group

► Full Story

Women Leaders Join At Smith For Day of Sharing

On March 4th, 2005, the Smith Association of Women MBAs hosted their marquee event: the Women’s Leadership Conference (WLF) at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Sponsored by Bank of America, the day’s activities included a keynote speech by Cynthia Flanders ’82, MBA ’88, Middle Market Banking Executive for the Mid-Atlantic region of Bank of America, and three panels touching on consulting, finance and non-traditional careers. The day concluded with a special topic seminar on "Negotiation for Women," taught by Dr. Joyce Russell, professor of management and organization at Smith.

Flanders, who was introduced by Dean Howard Frank, discussed her career rise in Bank of America, advantages of being a woman in the banking industry, common mistakes made by women during their careers, and advice from her own experience. Rather than being cynical, Flanders offered a realistic perspective on women’s roles in the workforce, and pragmatic advice for career advancement.

The Women’s Leadership Conference was well attended and received by its attendees, which included part-time and full-time MBA students, as well as faculty and administration of the Smith School. Lindy Duvall, incoming president of the Smith Association of Women MBAs offered, “It was really a success in large part thanks to the outgoing officers and every Smith woman who jumped in and agreed to bring in personal contacts. The amount of help that was offered was really amazing. Everyone's enthusiasm helped make the day a success.”

Sadia Asghar, a first-year full-time MBA student, had this to say regarding her conference experience: “The conference was a tremendous way to bring together accomplished women from all sectors including finance, consulting and entrepreneurship - to leverage how Smith women can and will take on these roles in leadership positions in the near future. Highlighted by Cynthia Flanders' keynote address, and Professor Joyce Russell's negotiations sessions, the day was filled with powerful testimonials to how women can change the tapestry of businesses in all sectors.”

▓ Monisha Banerjee, MBA Candidate 2006, Smith Media Group

► Full Story

Smith School in the News

Smith MBAs and New Markets Growth Fund featured prominently in today's USA Today (3/15). Results from this year’s National Technology Readiness Survey, produced by the Smith School’s Center for Excellence in Service and Rockbridge Associates, Inc., continued to appear in the news with references to the survey’s results on spam in a Computerworld (3/7) article listing important “things to ponder.” Roland Rust, holder of the David Bruce Smith Chair in Marketing, provided expert commentary in an article about Delta Airlines new television commercials in The New York Times (3/11). The Smith School and comments from Howard Frank, dean, were prominently featured in an article in BizEd about state schools’ successful tactics for increasing stature and competitiveness. Peter Morici, professor of international business, appeared as a guest on CNN and Lou Dobbs (3/9). Morici provided expert insight into world economic factors impacting America’s middle class. Morici was also widely quoted as an economic, trade and steel industry expert in articles that appeared in CNN Money (3/4, 311), Dow Jones (3/7, 3/11), Associated Press (3/8), CBS MarketWatch (3/11), United Press International (3/4) and other leading business news outlets.

For more Smith School media highlights and links to articles, visit Smith School in the News.

More News:

Smith To Host National Undergraduate Business Symposium (NUBS) 2005: “Technology in Business”

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is pleased to welcome thought leaders from top undergraduate business schools from across the United States on Friday, March 18, 2005 and Saturday, March 19, 2005.

Some 60 participants, primarily undergraduate program directors and faculty leaders, will attend this year’s National Undergraduate Business Symposium (NUBS), which aims to continually improve member school’s undergraduate business program through discussion of common issues and sharing of ideas in today’s rapidly-changing global arena.

“This conference, which brings together faculty and administration from the top undergraduate business programs, is a collegial gathering of friends, at which we share best practices and learn from each other. Each of the member schools contributes a unique perspective, while at the same time all share common issues regarding undergraduate management education,” says Pat Cleveland, assistant dean for undergraduate studies at Smith.

This year's conference theme, "Technology in Business,” will give the participants an excellent opportunity to glean valuable information and tips on developing and managing the IT infrastructure, which makes possible the high-end programs and services students and faculty have come to expect.

Howard Frank, dean of the Robert H. Smith of School of Business, will be giving the keynote address at the Friday evening dinner and reception. “Information technology, as we know, is driving transformation in every business – in every market, every industry and every nation. Embracing technology is no longer an option in business or in business education. It is essential. NUBS 2005 is a great opportunity to exchange information and ideas about how technology can enhance undergraduate business programs of any size,” says Frank. Frank's address is titled, "Technology as a Business School Driver."

▓ Kenneth Ng, MBA Candidate 2006, Smith Media Group

►Full Story

Smith’s Biennial Maryland Finance Symposium To Focus on Governance, Markets and Financial Policy

In keeping with its distinguished record of professional leadership, Smith’s finance department will host the biennial Maryland Finance Symposium. Titled “Governance, Markets, and Financial Policy”, the conference is scheduled to run from Thursday, March 31, to Saturday, April 2, 2005, at the University of Maryland Inn and Conference Center.

The Maryland Finance Symposium provides a forum for presentation and discussion of contemporary issues by leading experts. This year's sixth symposium (the twelfth year) continues to attract experts from the nation’s leading schools including: Duke University, New York University, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, The Wharton School, University of Texas at Austin, and Washington University. 

According to the president of World Bank Group, James Wolfensohn, the governance of the corporation is now as important in the world economy as the government of countries. This new approach to corporate governance and a number of high profile corporate failures in recent years, have resulted in a renewed focus on good corporate governance .As its contribution to this debate, the symposium will focus on governance of corporations and institutions, including mutual funds. The topics discussed will include: executive compensation, financial transparency, governance and investor protection, and financial system design.

Michael Jensen, Harvard University professor, will deliver the keynote address during the welcome reception and dinner on Thursday evening. Smith School Dean Howard Frank will welcome attendees. On Friday there will be a special dinner hosted by Cornerstone Research. The conference is scheduled to close with a discussion on bank governance, financial systems, and investment led by Antonio Falato of Columbia University

For more information on the Sixth Maryland Finance Symposium on Governance, Markets and Financial Policy, visit: http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/finance/fs/ 

▓ Priscilla Mwangi, MBA Candidate 2006, Smith Media Group

Other upcoming events:

4/6/05  Dingman Center Speaker Series 6 - 8 p.m.
Talk by Phil Samper, Founding General Partner of Gabriel Ventures. Phil Samper will address the topic of business execution. Samper held numerous CEO positions and made his mark at both startup and Fortune 500 companies. He served as Vice Chairman and Executive Officer of Eastman Kodak, where he was personally responsible for 70% of Kodak's worldwide operations and led a major restructuring of the corporation. The Wall Street Journal credited his management skills as CEO of Sun Microsystems Computer in the turnaround of Sun's stock. Networking and light refreshments from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.

4/19/05  New York City Alumni Reception, Hosted by Robert Kern ’75 and
PricewaterhouseCoopers ►http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/alumni/

4/22-23/05  First Entrepreneurship Research Conference at Smith, Sponsored by the Office of Executive Education and the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship.

4/29/05 Netcentricity Conference ►http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/netconference/

4/30/05 Maryland Day ►http://www.marylandday.umd.edu/

4/15 & 5/6 Next Faculty & Staff School Assemblies 1:30 p.m., Rouse Room, 1412 Van Munching Hall.

►Smith Calendar of Events

eSmith Portal
The server that provides access to the Windows applications within the eSmith Portal reboots every Friday at 6:00 a.m. If you are logged on to the eSmith Portal at that time, the system will give you ample warning that it is about to reboot. Please be sure to save your work and logoff. The system will return to normal operation around 6:20 a.m.

New Classroom
Room 1418 in the original wing has opened as a classroom that seats 40. If you would like training on the room operation, please contact Ben Rose at  x59548 or brose@rhsmith.umd.edu.

Having Problems in your classroom with the AV systems?
If you are in a new wing classroom simply press the red “Call for Assistance” button and you will be connected to “a live technician in living color,” who will be able to handle your request or send someone to assist you. If you are teaching in the original wing, there are campus phones located outside of Tyser Auditorium (1212), 1307 and just inside the new wing hall near the reception desk. Numbers to remember are x55213, which is direct to Master Control, and x52269, which will connect you with the Smith IT Help Desk.

Lotus Notes Tips and Tricks

• To find the next unread document in a database, press TAB or F4. To find the previous unread document in a database, press SHIFT+TAB or SHIFT+F4
• To lock your User ID before you walk away from your computer, press F5. If you would like to customize the image that displays on the logout screen, select File>Preferences>User Preferences, and then click Customize Logout Screen.