This study examines factors that are associated with upper-division accounting students developing a commitment to maintain a long-term relationship with the accounting program at their alma mater. A relationship marketing model of long-term relationships, similar to that described by Morgan and Hunt [1994], is tested through survey data collected at two southwestern universities. Relationship commitment, trust, and accounting program identity salience emerge as key mediating variables in the hypothesized relationship. Self-centered, opportunistic behavior by accounting faculty is detrimental to the formation of this commitment. One study implication is that faculty attempts at socialization may create long-term benefits for accounting programs.

Recent research indicates that students on college campuses are becoming more diverse. An important question is whether the diversity climate in business classrooms is adapting with this evolving student body. The present study investigates students’ and faculty perceptions of the diversity climate in business school classrooms. Results showed that student perceptions of current diversity climate and of faculty demonstration of respect were significantly lower than faculty perceptions. In a gap analysis, under-graduates indicated they would like to see more faculty diversity behaviors than did graduate students. However, both students and faculty would like a modest increase in faculty diversity-related behaviors.

Many business schools require that students apply for admission to the professional business program after the completion of one to two years of preliminary and general coursework. Schools apply selection criteria to limit student admissions to students most likely to succeed in the courses constituting a business major. This study examines predictors of academic performance of students admitted as business majors by a mid-sized public university in the Southwest. Preliminary results suggest that student GPA in the lower-division business classes is a strong indicator of their performance in the upper-division core and is a somewhat better indicator than overall GPA.

As part of its successful effort to achieve AACSB-International accreditation, Quinnipiac University School of Business faculty desired to make revisions to its undergraduate curriculum. Faculty opted for Continuous Quality Improvement – specifically the Shewart/Deming Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle as a mechanism for reviewing the curriculum and facilitating change. A resulting improvement was the introduction of an integrated freshman two-course sequence. The course, which has evolved over eight years, incorporates technology, leading business practices, global perspectives, as well as ethical and global responsibilities. The course provides an introduction to various business disciplines and explains the relationships and interdependence of these disciplines.

This case study describes an interdisciplinary (small business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship) analysis of a small business facing growth and relocation issues. The study allows students to identify and engage in hands-on activities demonstrating the steps in the entrepreneurial process. It features an established business concern and provides examples of problems in making the transition from a small/family lifestyle business to an entrepreneurial venture and explores the possibility of moving to a higher potential venture with an on-line presence. It highlights the unique situation of the growing number of women entrepreneurs as they balance their professional goals with personal objectives.

Negotiation exercises are sometimes time consuming and elaborate. Students are often required to assume less familiar roles or context. This article describes a concert tickets exercise which can be comfortably executed and debriefed in a single class session. The power of this exercise rests on two factors: 1) students are knowledgeable about popular music; and 2) students differ in their musical tastes and preferences. These two factors provide a natural platform for the concert tickets exercise. The exercise provides a vehicle for discussion of negotiation dynamics, particularly the contrast between distributive and integrative agreements.