by M. C. Jennings | Jun 10, 2015 | Academics, College Decisions, Current Students, Research, Uncategorized
COBA at Mini Cooper: June 8th by Ashton Darrow
Overall, Monday was great and full of Mini Coopers, marketing, and meeting people! We started out bright and early for the Mini Cooper factory tour just a few miles out of town.
After taking pictures of the vintage Mini Coopers we toured the manufacturing plant. We were able to see the start to finish line of the cars being manufactured.
We were all amazed at the quick precision of the robots in the factory that replaced human hands. After seeing the engines being built, we went to the portion of the factory where the car was painted and assembled in it’s entirety. Watching the custom-designed cars come off the line was fascinating.
After the tour of the manufacturing plant, we headed back to Oxford for a debriefing of all that we had learned. As a group, we discussed what we have learned about marketing from a real-life and global context.
Much of the afternoon was spent researching Asda and gathering market research on the streets. As a group, we learned how to approach people and discuss marketing in the real world.
COBA at Asda: June 9th by Bridget Fuessel
Today started with an early morning drive to the Asda store in Coventry.
This particular store was a concept model where they are trying out many different things to improve their customer’s experience.
The visit included an informational meeting, tour of the facility, and a short reflection and discussion time. In the short information meeting we learned the history of Asda and the external threats facing the brand and the UK grocery industry itself such as the high living costs consumers experience and the desire for efficiency in everyday life. After that, we got a tour of the store and learned what they are working on to bring more traffic inside and to make the consumers enjoy the time they spend doing their shopping.
To finish out our time at Asda, we had the opportunity to share our ideas, thoughts, feedback, and opinions with corporate managers who carved out time in their schedules to meet with us. And lastly, our day excursion ended with a group nap on the bus ride home. Today was much better than I expected and it was really cool to see how retailers do business and make decisions here in the UK!
by M. C. Jennings | Jun 8, 2015 | Academics, College Decisions, Current Students, Uncategorized
It’s been a busy few days for our COBA students and faculty. In keeping with our desire to have them narrate the blog, you’ll see posts throughout today highlighting several different authors. Read on to see what our students have been up to. Cheerio!
COBA in London: June 5th by Danae Basye
Yesterday was such an exciting first day in London for the COBA Study Abroad team! We began by visiting FitchRatings and ExxonMobil.
It was such a benefit to hear from the businessmen themselves about how they run their global businesses successfully. We were treated with hospitality from both businesses by being provided with refreshments and having the ability to ask questions and talk with them one on one. After our business visits, we had the incredible opportunity to see Les Miserables in the Queen’s Theater.
Yesterday is a day that will be hard to forget. We are growing more and more every day by seeing global business models first hand and this is only the beginning!
COBA in London: June 6th by Zachary Bealmear
Today was a great day for everyone traveling around London. There were three to four groups who stuck together and toured around. Most everyone stayed overnight in a hostel. For quite a few it was their first time. At least two of the groups took tours by bus. One of the great notes about today was a few of the groups got to see a parade at Buckingham Palace. It was the Royal Guard’s rehearsal for the Queen’s birthday next week. It was quite a show.
A few of the groups took a cruise down the River Thames. Narration was witty, the sights were beautiful, and the air was brisk on deck.
One thing that caught my eye was a small chalk drawing being made in Trafalgar square.
It was fairly simple group of world flags. I do not know whether the final picture was supposed to be flags of the world, EU countries, or former British colonies. Either way, it definitely was a great reflection of how London is a true cultural hub. Peoples of all nationalities come to London not just to tour, but to work, to trade, to live.
Overall, everyone got to see a piece of London. After everyone got back to the Oxford House, by train of course, we all shared a wonderful supper of delicious lasagna. It was prepared by Jackie, but of course she humbly said it was a group effort. I think after that meal, which of course was much needed after a long day of travel, they all deserve a big thanks. Unfortunately, as meals so good rarely last long, no picture is available.
COBA in Oxford: June 7th by Lakin Carpenter
Today was our first Sunday spent in Oxford and it has been an absolutely beautiful day. We got to sleep in this morning, which was so nice! The highlight of today was being able to go to Christ Church and experience their service, as well as look around the breathtaking grounds of the church.
As you can see in the picture, the church was gorgeous, both indoors and outside. My favorite thing about the service was the choir, and all the adorable little boys who had incredible voices! The church staff was so sweet and welcoming to our whole group.
After church a small group of us went to a cute little café for paninis and sweets! We also did a little shopping and bought some Oxford gear. Kaitlyn and Jamie tried a “macaroon frappe” from Paul’s which they highly recommend everyone try! (It was AMAZING)
Once we were done with church, lunch and shopping, a lot of people headed home to start on our hefty workload for the week. It was cool to reflect back on what we learned on our London visits, as well as to begin looking into Mini Cooper. I’m excited to tour the factory tomorrow!
We ended our day with 9 @ 9, and a lovely devotional.
It was nice to decompress from our eventful weekend and spend time in community with each other. Being on this trip, I am constantly reminded of how truly blessed we are to have this opportunity. We get the chance to further our education, as well as travel across the world and learn about so many different cultures, which not many people (especially this young) get to do. Week one is coming to a close, and I’m ecstatic to see what the next three weeks hold for us!
by M. C. Jennings | Jun 5, 2015 | Academics, Current Students, Uncategorized
Dr. Rick Lytle and Assistant Professor Jennifer Golden, of ACU’s College of Business Administration, are leading a group of business students through a 5 week course where students can earn up to 6 hours of credit while studying in Oxford, England. We want to share their adventures with you, written through the eyes of the students as they will be guest contributors to our blog. We hope you’ll join our amazing students and faculty on their journey through Europe!
COBA in Oxford: Week One by Ashlyn Anthony
This morning we hit the ground running! Hopefully on the second full day of our study abroad journey, everyone was awake and ready to walk up to Wolfson College and start class. As we pass the energetic primary school children in north Oxford, I try to reflect their excitement for starting class at 8:00 am in the middle of our summer and remember how lucky I am to be a part of this experience.
In class, we looked specifically at the way McDonald’s has faced the challenges of international marketing. It was fascinating to consider all the different cultures that they must adapt to. In expanding the brand to India, they had to get rid of beef as one of their largest menu staples. This shows a huge need for flexibility and innovation in the field of international marketing.
We did a bit of adapting as well and had a nice break for tea and biscuits during class.
At lunch time we were finished with class and given the task to do a case study for either Exxon Mobil or Hearst Media Company. Most of us then spent a large part of the afternoon working on these projects in preparation for our trip to London tomorrow. 
We had some time to explore the streets of Oxford as the sun doesn’t set here until after 9:00. Ellen and Sydney love the cobblestones and Gothic architecture around the Radcliffe Camera!
Upon coming back to the house, many of us stayed up late packing for London and planning future trips. We are incredibly busy and are soaking in every moment of study abroad. I could not be more excited for London tomorrow and all of the experiences that lie ahead!
by M. C. Jennings | Mar 11, 2015 | Academics, COBA Events, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Special Speakers, Uncategorized
Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado
January 2-8, 2015, COBA held the 17th annual Leadership Summit at Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado. There were 139 students from ACU and 19 students from Lubbock Christian University who gathered to hear from professionals and well-known Christian leaders working in the marketplace. This unique opportunity offers a blend of dynamic speakers, practical application, skill building, and spiritual insight, all designed to equip students for leadership in the family, in their community, and in the marketplace. There were a total of 18 speakers and four mentor couples, as well as faculty and staff, on the mountain. Speakers included Mike Haley from Focus on the Family, Eric Pillmore (senior Vice President-Corporate Governance for Tyco International Ltd.), Elise Mitchell (ACU’s 2015 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and founding sponsor of Morris and Mitchell Advertising Agency), Walmart’s Stephen Quinn and John Aden, Jim Mhoon and Glenn Stanton from Focus on the Family, Michael Tremain , and Kent and Amber Brantly (ACU’s 2015 Young Alumni of the Year, medical missionaries for Samaritan’s Purse, and survivor of Ebola).
Kent and Amber Brantly
The Brantly’s spoke passionately about serving your community, whether that is locally or globally, with humility and service. Kent and Amber shared their story from courtship to marriage and how their desire to serve as medical missionaries became a passion that drew them together and continues to guide their decisions as a family.
Eric Pillmore
Eric Pillmore led students through a case study of Tyco, narrating the rise and fall of the executives of the infamous company. As students played the parts of the key figures in the case study, Pillmore discussed the importance of ethics and standards in business practices.
Elise Mitchell
Elise Mitchell shared the story of founding her company, Mitchell Communications Group, and the transitions that accompanied her decision to sell her company to Dentsu Public Relations where she now serves as CEO. She encouraged students to enjoy the journey and emphasized that it is not just about arriving at the destination.
John Aden
John Aden inspired students to look at the journey of Moses as a guide for life. He explained that just as Moses had his Red Sea moment, a series of highs and lows in life, each of us would face our own stages in life where we have to push forward in faith even though we may be at a low point in our journey.
Leadership Summit Students, Faculty and Staff
When surveyed after Leadership Summit, one student responded, ” It was great to hear from those big name people in the business world and to realize that they are people just like us. John Aden sat at my table on day during lunch and it was cool to talk to him and to remember that he is just a regular guy and that he had is struggles and how he used them to further his career and life. All of the speakers were just so humble and really encouraged us to pursue God above all else. Probably on of the best decisions I have ever made in college to attend Leadership Summit. ”
Hayley Griffin, Carolyn Heard, and Butter Saowatarnpong
Carolyn Heard, a junior marketing major, loved hearing from powerful and influential leaders in the marketplace. Carolyn especially enjoyed listening to Elise Mitchell speak. She was inspired by Elise’s passion for public relations and her entrepreneurial spirit, and appreciated that she shared her success stories as well as her struggles. After coming down from the mountain, Carolyn felt refreshed and ready to start the new year with the right mindset of relying on God in every situation. She said, “There is this unique atmosphere at Summit; you’re basically in this community for a week that is looking to grow in their business knowledge as well as in their spirituality.”
Judith Barajas, Carolyn Heard, and Jessica Carrigan
Jessica Carrigan, a senior marketing major, is thankful for the unique opportunities she was able to experience at Summit. She says, “I loved building a community with people that I normally do not see every day. Because I am a senior, connecting with employers on a Christian level was inspiring for me. I feel empowered to enter the marketplace and be a stronger Christian leader.”
Assistant Professor Jennifer Golden
Assistant Professor Jennifer Golden said she truly felt God’s presence on the mountain this year. She was incredibly blessed to see how students soaked in every word the speakers had to say, asking difficult questions and seeking to learn how to deal with hard circumstances in life. “I was so inspired by these speakers’ powerful testimonies of loss, hardship, and success. God is using their transformational stories to touch the lives of students and people throughout the world.”
Nancy Ndekwe, Rodney Johnson, and Maya Triplett
Since 1999, Leadership Summit has built a special community for students, faculty, and speakers to feel God’s inevitable presence. Leadership Summit continues to empower students to find their callings, equipping them to be strong Christian leaders in the church, home, and community.
Sunrise at Summit
by M. C. Jennings | Jul 29, 2014 | Academics, Current Students
COBA offers students multiple opportunities in the summer to get class credit while studying abroad and learning about our global economy. This summer, our business students have already traveled on two separate trips to Oxford and Europe. Currently, we have a group of students in Honduras, working specifically with Mission Lazarus and learning about social entrepreneurship. You can read about their trip in a daily blog on the Griggs Center website. We hope you’ll follow along!
by M. C. Jennings | Jul 15, 2014 | COBA Faculty, Current Students, Faith Infusion
Summertime and the living is easy…. or at least that’s the way the old song goes. Summer is a season that many use to reconnect with family and friends and make new priorities before the start of school in the fall. Dr. Terry Pope, Professor of Finance and an elder at Highland Church of Christ, shares with us his top ten rules for making life a little sweeter. We hope it will inspire you as much as Dr. Pope inspires his students.
by M. C. Jennings | Aug 23, 2013 | Academics, COBA Faculty, Dean Chronicles, Research
What has Dr. Rick Lytle, Dean of the College of Business, been up to in the past year?
Dr. Rick Lytle, Dean
Photo Credit: Steve Butman Photography
The answer is a lot. Dr. Lytle was given a unique opportunity to do post-doctoral work with the Marketing Insights team at Walmart headquarters, completed a research fellowship with CEO Forum, and was named to the board of directors for Focus on the Family. We’re proud of the accomplishments of Dr. Lytle and we’re excited for the opportunities that this will bring to our COBA students. Read more about Dr. Lytle’s professional endeavors in ACU news.
by M. C. Jennings | Feb 27, 2013 | Accounting, COBA Faculty
The College of Business at ACU’s Master of Accountancy Program (MACC) was recently named one of the top 10 schools in the state of Texas for having one of the highest CPA Exam pass rates in Texas. The report was published by the Texas Society of CPAs (Today’s CPA, January/February 2013). The list includes 5 public and 5 private universities. You can read more about this honor by clicking on this link for ACU’s blog post. To learn more about the MACC program, click here. Congratulations to our Accounting graduates and faculty!
by M. C. Jennings | Jan 7, 2013 | Current Students
Dr. Andy Little
COBA has named Dr. Andy Little as Director of Global Programs in the College of Business Administration. In this role, Dr. Little will help craft and oversee COBA study abroad strategy and operations and will act as a resource for SITC study abroad programs and liaison to ACU’s Center for International Education (CIE). Dr. Little will help COBA identify and evaluate study abroad non-hub sites as needed and will serve as a resource for ACU hub (Oxford, Montevideo, Leipzig) and COBA/SITC non-hub faculty hosts.
Dr. Little brings a passion for study abroad, experience co-leading the COBA 2012 study abroad experience in Honduras, broad multi-disciplinary interests, and strong networking skills.
Prior to Dr. Little assuming this role, Dr. Darryl Jinkerson did prodigious work on a new study abroad philosophy and strategy for the college. He propelled us forward with his plans and networking. We are thankful too for Mike Winegeart‘s leadership for several years previously and to Stephen Shewmaker‘s ongoing partnership and leadership in the CIE for ACU study abroad.
by M. C. Jennings | Dec 19, 2012 | Current Students
Dear COBA students, alumni, and friends,
During the Christmas holidays, we often have a chance to reflect on the past and the new year just around the corner. Among the blessings I’m thankful for this year are you and your talents, our faculty and staff, and the opportunities we all have had to learn during the fall semester. I’m thankful for our graduates who are launching their careers after Saturday’s commencement service, and I’m thankful for our community of growth and support. As thoughts around the nation go to families in Connecticut this winter, we are keenly aware of the need for Christ to come and heal broken hearts and lives in our world, perhaps even close to home. May we live toward that end and be instruments of His peace. I wish you a joyful holiday with friends and/or family. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Merry Christmas!
Dr. Monty Lynn
