SBA strategy encourages impactful research

Message from the Dean

At the SBA, we believe the research conducted here should meet the needs of multiple stakeholders within the academic community, impact the institution and its stakeholders, and support surrounding businesses and organizations

In academia, we often talk about applied research or linking theory to practice. This refers to the application of research methodologies in solving real-world business problems and ensuring students apply what they learn in the classroom to a practical problem.

Often, the quality of applied research is measured by the number of published works by faculty members in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals and other outlets such as books, conference presentations and consulting engagements. Within OU’s SBA, our faculty members continue to publish articles in many highly respected journals, and partner with businesses to identify and solve problems through research.  We are also dedicated to ensuring that our graduates have many opportunities throughout their education to apply what they learn in the classroom in real-life settings. Our experiential learning focus with several non-curricular activities (see the Fall 2011 issue) provides ample evidence in this effort.

Beyond publication and student engagement, the scholarly activity of our faculty members is touching many other areas important to the growth of our curriculum, our institution and our region. In our view, research can have a greater impact on the institution if it can be used systematically to explore such opportunities.

There simply isn’t enough room in this issue (Spring 2012) to showcase all the meaningful research activity underway in the SBA. So, in this issue of SBA Insight we offer a selection of articles featuring the work of a few of our faculty members. You’ll read about how this work is solving real-world problems, strengthening the economic development of our region and enhancing the SBA’s reputation in the business world through publication and recognition in highly respected journals.

Though not featured in this issue, other research our faculty members are conducting is making an impact in significant areas, including:

• The development of cross-curricular programs that strengthen the education of all OU students through innovative programs. For example, strong faculty research has led to the creation of the SBA’s new entrepreneurship minor and Ideas 2 Business Lab that is open to all OU students; and along with faculty from OU’s School of Engineering and Computer Science and School of Education and Human Services, successfully introduced the energy management certificate program; and the ongoing development of the university’s lean management program.

• Contributing the strong future of the university in support of institutional strategy. For example, members of our Marketing faculty are leading a branding research project to support OU’s growth on the national stage, while faculty members from our Finance and Accounting Department have provided expert analysis to help guide the university’s financial future.

• Sharing the research of SBA and other faculty with various constituencies to further the knowledge creation and dissemination, as well as allow networking among academic and business professionals. For example, in the last year alone, the SBA has hosted conferences, workshops and forums to bring researchers and practitioners from around the world together to engage in constructive dialog on information systems/technologies (AMCIS 2011), credit analysis and risk management (credit conference), the future of automotive marketing (marketing forum) and an historical perspective on economic cycles (Gorlin Lecture).

Viewing this activity through the SBA’s lens of Excellence through Integration you can see the magnitude of the impact our leading business researchers are making when they integrate their research in support of multiple stakeholders. SBA students, alumni and business partners, the institution itself, and regional businesses and organizations all gain.

Mohan Tanniru
Dean, School of Business Administration