The International Trip – An EMBA Highlight

• April 24th, 2015
• in International Trip

The 2015 Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA study abroad tour took us from Panama City in the Republic of Panama and then to Bogota, Colombia, February 28-March 6. While waiting to depart with some of the EMBA Class of 2015 students, who were excited and looking forward to heading to Central America, it was hard not to reflect on the many trips we have taken over the years.

Turning 30 this year, one of the many highlights of the EMBA Program is our international trip, which is part of the International Business course in the final semester.  The international trips began in 2003, and since then we have visited 15 countries, 28 cities and 118 companies. Students’ description of the trip include: Awesome, A Trip of a Lifetime, Challenging, Valuable and A Learning Experience I Will Always Remember! Students meet with senior executives from companies and government officials, in addition to touring the local sites.

The EMBA Class of 2015’s Central America trip included business visits to Global Bank Corporation, Electric Transmission Company (ETESA), DHL Express Panama and the Panama Canal Authority in The Republic of Panama, and the Ministry of Defense, IBM, Alpina and the Coffee Federation in Bogota, Colombia. In addition, 38 students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests enjoyed city tours and a day on Contadora Island (part of the Pearl Islands) off the coast of Panama, and finally a closing dinner on Monserrate Hill in Bogota.

South America has been experiencing rapid growth.  Panama’s economy is service based, with GDP at $57.1B and 10.7% growth, and 16% of US-born trade passes through the Canal. Students were able to compare and contrast the economic and cultural differences between the two countries. Colombia, a member of the Pacific Alliance, is the third largest economy in Latin America, after Brazil and Mexico, with a 5% average annual GDP.

At Alpina, a manufacturer of consumer food products in Colombia, the EMBAs met with Diago Aparicio, Director of Talent Development. According to Aparicio, “Alpina was founded by two Swiss entrepreneurs in 1945 creating artisanal cheeses, and six decades later exports more than 500 consumer products to 20 countries.”  Colombia’s economic growth in the last five years has been steadily improving, even overtaking Peru as the region’s fastest-growing economy.

Speakers at IBM and the Ministry of Defense in Bogota spoke of Colombia as a success story with a lot of influence in the South America region. “We are seeing more investment, but still have a long way to go,” said Luz Stella Paez, Director of Business Management at the Defense Ministry.

EMBA alumni are welcome to join the students on their international trip. We will announce the e next trip at the end of July.

For more information on the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Program and its international trip, contact the EMBA office at 205.348.4501, caltemara@cba.ua.edu.

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Honoring our Veterans on Memorial Day

• May 22nd, 2014
• in EMBA Program Information, EMBA Uncategorized

With Memorial Day quickly approaching, the The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program would like to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces as well as the men and women who continue to serve our nation.

During the May 3, 2014 Commencement, 13 graduates of the Manderson Graduate School of Business (EMBA and MBA programs) were recognized as military veterans during the ceremony and wore special cords provided by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs to reflect their status.  The Executive MBA Program has been a long time supporter of the military; the program waives veterans’ application fees and offers an award to those who have exhausted their VA benefits to enter the EMBA program.

As the American flag is lowered to half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, we, like the rest of the nation, will be remembering our veterans and military for their sacrifices and service.
Please join us in recognizing those who gave their lives as well as those still serving our nation on this Memorial Day.

Roll Tide!

UA EMBA Hosts “An Evening at DRS Test & Energy Management”

• May 12th, 2014
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

The Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama hosted “An Evening at DRS Test & Energy Management,” on Thursday, May 8. The event featured a presentation by the Huntsville facility’s Vice President and General Manager, Tim Smith, followed by a tour of the facility and a networking reception.

Tim Smith began his tenure with DRS Technologies Test & Energy Management in 1983. Before earning his current role, Smith served in several positions for the company. In 2000, Smith graduated from the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama and began working in the DRS Program Management Office. He was promoted to Director of Programs and Vice President of Programs Management before becoming Vice President of the Test & Diagnostics Line-of-Business and Site Manager 2013. Earlier this year, Smith was appointed Vice President and General Manager of DRS Test & Energy Management in Huntsville.

DRS Test & Energy Management, LLC is a DRS Technologies, Inc. company. DRS is a leading developer of defense and sustainment technology used by American and allied military and intelligence agencies. The company’s focus on research and development in multiple fields allows DRS to assist in the modernization of a variety of defense equipment, including combat and tactical vehicles. By regulating each vehicle’s diagnostic, electric, and energy management systems, DRS improves their mobility, readiness, fuel efficiency, stealth, and survivability.

Smith, who earned recognition from the US Army for his significant contribution to the initial M1A1 Abrams Tank fielding at Fort Polk, Louisiana and Camp Casey, Korea, delivered a presentation about the company’s embedded diagnostics in combat vehicles. Smith also commented on his time as a UA EMBA student and how it has impacted his career.

After Smith’s presentation, the DRS staff gave a tour of the Huntsville facility. The tour included demonstrations of tactical systems and a visit to the facility’s testing area. The event also featured a networking reception, which proved to be the perfect opportunity for EMBA alumni, faculty, and staff to reconnect with each other and for current and prospective students to discuss the many benefits of an Executive MBA from The University of Alabama.

For more information about the UA EMBA Program, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or (205) 348-4501.