What is Internet of Things technology?

December 5, 2016

The final technology workshop for the Fall 2016 semester put on by the Operations and Information Management (OPIM) Department on Internet of Things (IoT) took place on Friday, December 2nd. Approximately 20 students attended the workshop in the Gladstein Lab.

Professor Ryan O’Connor gave an interactive presentation to the group, explaining IoT and how it is used in business. His goal was to make IoT technology tangible for students and to teach them more about how it applies to different areas of business.

According to O’Connor’s presentation, the concept of Internet of Things refers to the ever-growing network of physical objects that feature an IP address for internet connectivity, and the communication that occurs between these objects and other Internet-enabled devices and systems.

O’Connor said he became interested in IoT because he is involved in network design and application. He used the Amazon Echo named Alexa as an example of IoT technology during his presentation.  Using voice commands, Alexa controlled other devices in the room through Internet connectivity. Other devices shown were the Awair air monitoring system, Flower Power plant sensor, and LIFX smart light bulbs.

Students in attendance were impressed with the presentation and many said they learned many things about IoT in such a short time. One student said he was very interested in the presentation and wanted to continue exploring IoT after the workshop. He said that O’Connor’s presentation was extremely informative and sparked his interest in the topic even further.

When asked why IoT technology is so important, O’Connor answered simply, “Because it’s the future!”

Adventures in Solitude: Two Tales of Life in Isolation

WNPR– As social creatures we know that isolation can be emotionally difficult, but research shows that it can be psychologically damaging as well. So why then, would anyone live this way by choice? This hour, we hear two such cases of isolated living.

The first involves six scientists who lived in a dome on a secluded island for a year to simulate conditions settlers may one day find on Mars.

Hughes Health wins Connecticut Family Business Award

December 2, 2016

West Hartford News– Hughes Health Wins Connecticut Family Business Award From the Hartford Business Journal: Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was a recipient of the 2016 Hartford Business Journal Connecticut Family Business Awards at a gala celebration held at Casa Mia at The Hawthorne in Berlin, Connecticut.

John Mathieu Honored as Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor

Management faculty members David Souder, Greg Reilly, John Mathieu, Gary Powell, Lucy Gilson, department head, and John Elliott, School of Business dean.
Management professor John Mathieu was honored as a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, the highest honor that the University bestows on faculty who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and service. Pictured are management faculty members David Souder, Greg Reilly, John Mathieu, Gary Powell, Lucy Gilson, department head, and John Elliott, School of Business dean. (UConn School of Business)

A Crowded Mantle

Management Professor John Mathieu (UConn photo)
Management Professor John Mathieu (UConn photo)

Professor Mathieu Wins Two Lifetime Achievement Awards—In Two Months

Management Professor John Mathieu has received two lifetime achievement awards, in two months, recognizing his work in the field of leadership and organizational management. Continue Reading

An Efficient Investment-Risk Model of Compliance

The CLS Blue Sky Blog– Corporate compliance — the internal processes that firms use to ensure that their employees do not violate applicable laws and regulations — has become big business. Regulation of business continues to grow, punctuated by landmark laws that have re-shaped the financial services (the Dodd-Frank Act) and health care (the Affordable Care Act) industries in the United States. Further, federal regulators have…

Accounting Professor Spends Sabbatical in Morocco

November 21, 2016

Pictured above, Hussein stands before the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, one of the top tourist attractions in the city of Rabat, both because of its architectural design and its tribute to a famous ruler. (Mo Hussein/UConn School of Business)
Pictured above, Hussein stands before the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, one of the top tourist attractions in the city of Rabat, both because of its architectural design and its tribute to a famous ruler. (Mo Hussein/UConn School of Business)

Accounting Professor Mohamed “Mo” Hussein recently returned from sabbatical in Morocco, where he researched the contributions of the financial system, stock market and banks to the economic development of the North African country.

Malloy Defends $35 Million to Hedge Fund as Investment

The CT Mirror– AQR Capital Management of Greenwich not only oversees one of the world’s largest hedge funds, but it is known as an industry leader in using computers and algorithmic models to plot trades. The administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy sees AQR as a good investment for the state, even if it acknowledges state aid for a hedge fund manager never will be good politics.

Bird Speaks About Conscious Capitalism

November 18, 2016

Robert Bird (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)
Robert Bird (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)

UConn Business Law Professor Robert Bird was a panelist at a presentation on “Conscious Capitalism” on Nov. 17 at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Conn., sponsored by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.

The presenters discussed conscious capitalism—business enterprises that follow a strategy in which they seek to benefit both human beings and the environment—its purpose and vision and what’s happening on a global scale.

Other participants included Doug Rauch, former president of Trader Joe’s, Larry Bingaman, president and CEO of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority and Kate Emery, founder and CEO of The Walker Group, a technology services firm.