July 9,2008
University of Alberta: Accounting Excellence: CMA Canada Accredits the University of Alberta Bachelor of Commerce Accounting Program
CMA Canada is the first professional accounting organization in North America to accredit programs at leading universities. These programs, which provide complete coverage of the CMA Competency Map Entrance Requirements, equip students with in-depth knowledge and skills in management accounting, financial accounting, financial management and taxation, strategic management, and risk management and governance. This is required for mastering the advanced concepts covered in CMA Canada’s Strategic Leadership Program, leading to the prestigious CMA designation.
"The success of the University of Alberta’s BCom program in meeting the demanding accreditation requirements set out by CMA Canada is a testament to the Alberta School of Business," said Steve Vieweg, CMA, FCMA, President and CEO of CMA Canada. "The program offers innovative approaches to course design and delivery, supported by outstanding faculty resources, effective evaluation of student performance, and a commitment to continuing quality education."
Vieweg confirmed that the University of Alberta is the first in the province to be accredited and joins an exclusive group. He said the University of Alberta’s School of Business is committed to meeting marketplace expectations in a globally competitive environment. "To achieve this, the university is offering programs and research that will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of employers, while enabling them to have successful careers," said Vieweg. "It enhances the stature of the University of Alberta, making it attractive to students with many competitive choices."
U of A students who successfully complete the accounting major of the Bachelor of Commerce program with a minimum grade point average of 75% are exempted from writing the CMA Entrance Examination. This select group of students will enter directly into the Strategic Leadership Program, the last step required to obtain the CMA designation.
"Accounting excellence in teaching and research throughout our 90-year history is why we were the first accredited business school in Canada by the AACSB and why we remain one of the best in Canada," said Dr Mike Percy, Stanley A Milner Professor and Dean of the Alberta School of Business.
Source: University of Alberta
July 9, 2008
Memorial University of Newfoundland: $12,500 Scholarship to Build Newfoundland-Ireland Connection
A new scholarship for business students is building linkages with Ireland and honouring the memory of prominent St. John’s businessman Craig Dobbin.
The Craig Dobbin Memorial Scholarship for Master of Business Studies at the Waterford Institute is unusual. The $12,500 annual scholarship will go to a recent Memorial business graduate to study in the master of business program at the Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford, Ireland. After the first year, the scholarship will be awarded to a student at the Waterford Institute to participate in the Memorial MBA program. The scholarship will be awarded like this on an annual rotating basis.
This scholarship, funded through the Ireland Business Partnerships, Patrick O’Callaghan and Craig Dobbin’s family and friends, was created in memory of Craig Dobbin, who passed away on Oct. 7, 2006.
Mr. Dobbin’s ancestors came from Waterford and at least three of them were mayors in medieval times. Their names can still be seen on a plaque in City Hall. With this connection in mind, the Craig Dobbin Memorial Scholarship was created to foster linkages between Newfoundland and Ireland through business research and development.
Students will be expected to conduct research in areas related to Ireland and Newfoundland business.
Dr. Gary Gorman, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Memorial, said this scholarship is a great opportunity for students. “The creation of this scholarship is a huge benefit to Memorial University and the entire province. Our students have the opportunity to study at the Waterford Institute, and we in turn benefit from having the Waterford students as a part of our community.”
Dr. Thomas O’Toole, dean of the School of Business at Waterford Institute of Technology, welcomed the scholarship and paid tribute to the Ireland Business Partnerships and the Dobbin family. “It is a great honour to be part of a scholarship named after such a great business leader as Mr. Dobbin. Students will be challenged in a positive way to live up to his memory. The scholarship promotes learning and exchange at graduate level and as such the creation of new knowledge. The links between the Waterford Institute and Memorial are strong and this scholarship will further cement these relationships.”
The inaugural scholarship will be awarded in 2009.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland
July 9, 2008
University of Alberta: Pedal to the Metal: University of Alberta Engineering & Business Students Compete at the International Formula SAE West Competition
Excellent performance, good looks and affordability were key factors in a U of A-built race car that School of Business students Brooke Rose and Dale Baker helped promote in an international competition June 25-28.
Not only did the car make it through the toughest part of the competition – the endurance race - but the team earned the top Canadian spot overall. As well, the U of A vehicle/team finished 15th in the competition out of more than 60 teams, which was the best result in the history of FSAE at the U of A (last year, the team finished in 36th place).
Brooke and Dale were part of the 20-person team from the university’s 2008 Formula SAE West team that designed the car, up against designs from 120 schools internationally.
The final day of the competition was set aside for the endurance test, of 20 laps around the track including obstacles, which the U of A team had never successfully finished. Most vehicles don't make the judges cut to enter the endurance test, never mind finish it.
As business leaders, Brooke and Dale were in charge of marketing and conducting a business presentation on the team’s car. In addition to speed, the vehicles were judged on design, aesthetics, cost analysis, performance and marketability of the cars.
“We planned and executed successfully several events including a fund raiser that involved the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Business and raised approximately $1,700,” said Brooke. As well, the pair organized the unveiling of the car to sponsors and faculty, and they are in charge of a shootout race in August.
“This year we are thrilled to be having teams from Manitoba, Colorado and B.C. come out as well for a weekend of racing,” said Brooke.
Source: University of Alberta
