Eric Satterfield (HEMBA 2016) with the MIS Capstone team
Neptune Technology Group recently partnered with MIS Capstone at the University of Alabama to create an app for the company. The app will help homeowners monitor their water usage at any time, adding value to their relationship with Neptune Technology. Neptune, located in Tallassee, AL, has installed over 25 million water meters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Eric Satterfield is a business analyst with Neptune Technology and has worked with the company for almost six years.
Satterfield graduated from the Huntsville Executive MBA Program in May 2016. On December 1, MIS Capstone students presented their final plan to Neptune. We spoke with him about the collaboration with MIS Capstone and the goals of the app.
How did Neptune Technology decide to partner with MIS Capstone?
Dr. Sox realized the MIS Capstone group had some additional bandwidth for projects and simply reached out to our engineering group here at Neptune.
What was the process like for developing the app?
Very collaborative. Ideas and suggestions were tossed back and forth to develop a high quality product.
What is the main goal of the app?
We want to be able to track a homeowner’s water usage and alert them to possible leaks.
Who do you think will benefit the most from the app?
The greatest benefit is that homeowners will be able to see their water usage on their mobile device.
“It was great working with the Capstone Team. The project consisted of the team working with an existing data model to build dashboards and KPIs based on our user requirements,” said Satterfield.
At the moment, the app is not available on the App Store, but Neptune is working hard to help its consumers get the most of their products, giving them many options and helping them save time, money and labor.
For more information on how your company can partner with The University of Alabama’s Manderson Graduate School of Business contact Connie Chambers, Director of Corporate Partnerships, at (205) 348-4503 or by email at cchamber@culverhouse.ua.edu.
For more information on the Executive MBA program and how it can benefit you and your company, contact Cheryl Altemara at (205) 348-4501 or caltemara@cba.ua.edu.
This is part three of a four part series on The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Class of 2016’s international trip to Morocco and Spain from February 27 to March 8, 2016.
UA EMBA 2016 students Erika Hailes and Shannon Lewis toast Real Madrid.
It should come as no surprise that Alabama LOVES football. Can I get a Roll Tide! So if you are a University of Alabama Executive MBA Class of 2016 student on an International Trip in Madrid, Spain, where do you go first? You visit the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, stadium and home to Real Madrid or Real, as the team is commonly known, one of the most widely recognized and supported teams in the world. 2015 was a great year for Alabama and Real.
In 2015, Real was crowned Champions of Europe for the ninth time after beating Olympiacos in the Final Four, and Alabama took home the CFP National Championship after beating Clemson. In the world of football it’s important to pay your respects. So, we bought a ticket and drank a toast to Real and Madrid. After the stadium we had a quick tour through the city where sites were pointed out and notes taken of places to visit, we then headed to our hotel.
As we arrived we faced a sea of media, spotlights and cameras. Our hotel, as it turns out, was located directly across from the Congreso de los Diputados (Congress of Deputies or the lower house of Spain’s legislative branch). We had arrived on March 2, 2016 to our tour guides exclaiming, “Welcome to Spain, we have no government.” According to Reuters, during this week, “the leader of Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE), Pedro Sanchez, was unsuccessful in winning enough parliamentary votes to become prime minister, resulting in a new round of talks or the possibility that Spaniards will have to return to the ballot box in June for new elections.” Everyone quickly and quietly rolled luggage over cables, smiled for cameras (we probably no doubt ended up on Madrid’s nightly news shows strolling through the backgrounds), checked into our hotel and promptly headed out to the nearest Tapas bar or for a cooking class.
There is no dish or drink more identifiable with Spain than paella and sangría. Some of the EMBA students and spouses put their culinary skills to work in recreating the Spanish rice dish rich with meats, seafood, vegetables and spices at Madrid’s Private cooking school the Cooking Point. They also unlocked the secrets to preparing sangría. As with all cooking classes a final tasting was in order for our newly minted Master Chefs.
On Thursday, we visited the Headquarters of BBVA, a multinational group providing financial services in over 35 countries and to 66 million customers throughout the world. During the presentation, Mr. Miguel Cardoso, Chief Economist BBVA Research reported that “1) the world economy will continue to grow but at a slower pace than in past with more risks, 2) Spain’s economy has started 2016 with positive signs pointing to continuation of trends set in 2015, and 3) due to uncertainties, internal and external, forecasting growth at 2.7% for this year.” BBVA also reported that they were investing for new ideas and ways of doing things rather than just for profitability as a long-term strategy.
In the afternoon the students visited Genomica, Spain’s leading molecular diagnostics company. The company’s mission is to improve the current approach to molecular diagnostics in the life sciences by providing reliable and automated diagnostic tools. Genomica’s CEO and General Manager Rosario Cospedal talked about Genomica’s development of diagnostic tests for human papillomavirus, viral respiratory diseases and providing analysis of DNA, legal and forensic medicine and technology transfer service and toured students through the laboratories.
On Friday, students visited Deimos Space and met with General Director Miguel Belló Mora. Deimos specializes in the design, engineering and development of solutions and systems integration in the aerospace, satellite systems, remote sensing, information systems and telecommunications network sectors. Students enjoyed interesting discussions regarding the Galileo Project, mining on the moon, Don Quixote Project (to deflect asteroids), tracking satellites along with Deimos’ work in energy, transport and tracking solutions and services.
The final company visit belonged to the Grey Group, one of the world’s top advertising and marketing organizations. Grey operates in 154 cities in 96 countries serving one fifth of the Fortune 500. CEO Javier Suso led the EMBA teams in a case study on the revitalization of the Grey Group.
As with all good things they must come to an end. Well, at least for some. We ended our official trip with a farewell dinner and (because it’s Spain) a Flamenco Show at the Corral de la Moreria Restaurante. And, yes there was paella and sangria, and dancing. Corral de la Moreria is quite famous. Not sure if they would post our pictures up on the walls with Ron Wood, Omar Sharif, James Cameron, Harrison Ford, Sarah Jessica Parker, Richard Gere and Justin Beber – but we did feel we deserved a spot. I mean, come on Roll Tide! The next morning half of the students, spouses and faculty returned home while the other half extended the stay with an optional trip to Barcelona. We were not ready to say goodbye just yet.
Fall on the University of Alabama campus is exciting as new and returning students arrive. There is cooler weather and talk of classes, faculty and football, and not necessarily in that order. From Denny Chimes to the Bryant-Denny Stadium, from the President’s Mansion to the Ferguson Center (Ferg), from Coleman Coliseum to the Park at Manderson Landing along the Black Warrior River, The University of Alabama is welcoming its students.
On August 12, the Culverhouse College of Commerce greeted the new Huntsville EMBA Class of 2017 with its first orientation at UA. The HEMBA Program began in 2008. In the past, students would take classes on the UAHuntsville campus and only come to Tuscaloosa for graduation. We wanted to do something different this year and have them begin their 21-month, five-semester experience with the Capstone. For many it was their first time on campus.
Over the two-and-a-half day orientation, the students met with their first semester faculty, participated in team building, and met with the Executive MBA Alumni Board. They also spent time seeing some of the sites and meeting other alumni and students on campus while involved in a team challenge scavenger hunt. They also nailed down the “Rammer Jammer” and “Roll Tide” cheers and are looking forward to a tailgate this fall in T-Town.
Dean Brian Gray (right) welcomes Jimmy Hassan (HEMBA 2017)
The students represent companies such as PPG Industries, ADTRAN, Infosys, Nissan North America, Sikorsky Aircraft, Southern Telecom, Amerex Corporation, the US Army, Northrop Grumman, and the Missile Defense Agency. The defense and manufacturing agencies are hugely represented in this cohort, with 28% and 24% of the students working in them, respectively. Other industries include finance, technology, healthcare/pharmaceutical, retail, telecom, construction, real estate and services.
The class reflects more diversity in terms of educational backgrounds. 43% of the students who just joined the program graduated with undergraduate degrees in engineering, followed by 29% with liberal arts degrees, 19% with business degrees, and 10% with science/math degrees. The average age is 37 with an average of 15 years of work experience. We also have 38% of our students coming from a military background.
Incoming students have goals to develop and further their career, develop business skills, further their mentoring and leadership skills, pursue financial security, own a business, have an impact on their company, become a better manager and motivator, and travel and work abroad.
Please join us in welcoming our HEMBA Class of 2017:
Ryan Burch, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Felicia Craig, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Jason Deane, Nucor Steel
Chuck Freind, Amerex Corporation
Sonya Harner, Nissan North America
Jimmy Hassan, Dayton Superior Corporation
Rodney Hoover, DRS Technology
Shane Jackson, AMRDEC
Ray Morris, VentureSouth
Barry Navarre, Southern Telecom
Gaurav Negi, ADTRAN, Inc.
Phillip Patterson, Stutts Properties, Inc.
Nicole Reynolds, Zero Point Frontiers
Joshua Rountree, Nissan North America
Will Stinson, TotalPrint, DEX Company
Joe Taylor, PPG Industries
Bhuwan Thakur, Infosys Limited
Josh Vinson, Parallon Business Solutions
Dustin Whited, MDA/ECM
Nirvana Williams, ENDO Pharmaceuticals
Matt Zepp, Department of the Army
For more information on the Culverhouse Executive MBA Program, click on EMBA or contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.
Since 1985, the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Program has been broadening our students’ horizons and inspiring professional and personal growth. In 30 years, our program has grown to include two locations – Tuscaloosa and Huntsville – and has educated over 800 professionals.
In celebration of 30 years of excellence, we will host several events throughout the year. Our kickoff celebration will be the Rooftop Reception at the new Renasant Bank in downtown Tuscaloosa on Friday, April 17, from 5 to 7 pm. At the reception, we will also be honoring Dr. Lonnie Strickland, strategy professor and one of the founders of the EMBA Program at the Culverhouse College of Commerce. With live entertainment and views of the Black Warrior River, this is sure to be a remarkable night of toasting to the EMBA Program’s 30 year anniversary. “We are looking forward to seeing our alumni, faculty, and staff return to Tuscaloosa and celebrate this great occasion,” said Associate Dean Brian Gray.
Next, we invite our EMBA alumni to join our 30thgraduating class for brunch in the North Zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, May 2, from 10-11:30 am. Come and meet the EMBA Class of 2015 at one of the most iconic locations on campus and enjoy the stunning scenery of the stadium as well as the Walk of Champions.
We will also host Family Day at the Tuscaloosa River Market on Sunday, June 14, from 4-7:30 pm. This will be a casual event for EMBA students, alumni, faculty, staff, and family. Join us for fun games such as Bingo and Corn Hole as well as barbeque, Steel City Pops, and a movie. You may even win a prize!
Other events will follow including an EMBA Alumni Network Tailgate during the 2015 football season along with our annual Women’s Leadership Luncheons in Birmingham on Wednesday, March 11, and Huntsville on Tuesday, April 7. Our 30th Anniversary events make this an exciting year full of opportunities to network, socialize, and celebrate.
The inaugural University of Alabama Executive MBA – Class of 1986
With this landmark anniversary comes reflection and feelings of nostalgia. Pictured to the left is the Class of 1986 – the first of hundreds of Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA graduates.
Alumni, what are your favorite memories of your time in the EMBA program? Send us your stories and pictures to include in our Memory Book, a recollection of our first 30 years to be distributed at Family Day in June.
To RSVP for these events or to contribute to the memory book, please contact Donna Blackburn at dblackburn@cba.ua.edu or 205.348.8748.
For more information about the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA, please contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.5401 or request information here.
The Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA at The University of Alabama welcomed the Tuscaloosa-EMBA Class of 2016 at the Bryant Conference Center for orientation on Thursday, November 20.
TEMBA classmates Steve Grissett, Pritha Powell, Neil Morton and Stephen Burton
UA EMBA staff introduced themselves and the program via informational sessions. Incoming EMBAs got to know each other over team-building exercises, including the traditional scavenger hunt and the networking dinner with alumni hosted by the Executive MBA Alumni Network Board.
The new class of 26 students represents a diverse pool of industries; 12% from manufacturing, 16% energy/utilities, 16% retail/services, 12% defense, 12% finance, another 12% government, education, or nonprofit, and 12% technology/telecommunication, and 4% each in construction, and media.
The class reflects an assortment of job function areas including 38% in general management, 18% in engineering, 12% in marketing/sales, 12% in finance/accounting, 8% in MIS/IT, 4% each in business development and strategy, consulting, and operations.
Tommy Walker and Nate Hall discuss team values during the “Values and Team Charter” exercise at orientation.
In addition, this class includes 27% U.S. military veterans. According to Jason Sellars, TEMBA 2016 student, and Assistant Director with The University of Alabama Office of Veterans Affairs, “The EMBA Program is one of the strongest military supporters on the UA campus.”
This class will join the Huntsville-EMBA class that began in August 2014 for their international trip in their final semester and will graduate together in May 2016. This class is fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside a cohort filled with talented and experienced professionals.
Please join us in welcoming TEMBA Class of 2016:
Patrick Briles, Wells Fargo Bank Stephen Burton, Buckman Laboratories Ben Caro, US Air Force Joe Caubo, Mississippi Power Co. Aaron Craddock, Randall-Reilly Stefan Eitzinger, Drummond Co. Paulo Gonzalez, Drummond Co. Steve Grissett, Southern Research Institute Nate Hall, Hubbard Properties Cody Higgins, Social Security Administration Jason Kennedy, KCI Crane Service Josh King, WTI Transport Neil Morton, Pradco Outdoor Brands Crystal Mosley, M3 Accounting and Analytics Pritha Powell, Regions Financial Corporation Bradford Price, All-South Subcontractors Inc. David Reiniger, The Boeing Company Kimberly Rose, BBVA Compass Jason Sellars, UA Office of Veteran Affairs Beth Smith, Progress Rail Services Joey Snowden, Enerfab Power and Industrial Erik Spencer, Walter Energy Michael Stanley, US Navy Tom Thayer, FMG, Inc. Josh Vinson, Verizon Tommy Walker, Speedy Tire and Services
MBAs in the 90’s were groomed to be strategic thinkers. The following decade netted technology geeks. Today, the two have merged to integrate into the hottest hiring commodity. Extracting information from vast amounts of corporate data is crucial for companies to enhance the ability of an organization to make better decisions.
Dr. Burcu Keskin, associate professor of operations management, addresses UA EMBA alumni on “Big Data”
How is the Manderson Graduate School of Business at The University of Alabama addressing the analytical career explosion?
According to Denise McManus, associate professor of management information systems, “To stand apart, our MBA students have stepped up to meet the rising needs of the corporate world of big data.” Technology advances allow individuals to analyze larger and more diverse data sets very quickly to answer information intensive questions. “It is important that managers understand the ‘why’ behind the request,” said McManus.
“Employers ranging from insurance companies, financial institutions, big box retailers, consulting firms, basically any and all businesses that benefit from data driven answers are looking to recruit analytical talent,” said Connie Chambers, director of corporate and alumni relations.
The Manderson Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama emphasizes critical problem solving skills, concise communication delivery and strong intellectual curiosity – skill sets that are crucial in the area of data mining and data analytics. EMBA students begin their first semester with a statistics data analysis project that produces return on investment back to employers and skill sets that our alumni tell us they use every day.
For more information on the EMBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact the EMBA office at 205.348.4501.
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