Finance

Real Estate: The Practical Approach

Posted on by Claire Hall
2015-04-28-cornerstone
Dave Reilly, former CEO of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, one of the most prestigious firms of its kind in the world, instructs UConn students in a course he initiated, called “Real Estate: A Practical Approach.”

International Real Estate Moguls Share High-Stakes Tactics with UConn Protégé

As the CEO of one of the largest real estate advisory firms in the world, David J. Reilly has plenty to keep him busy.

His company, Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, is immersed in the development of the much-anticipated Fan Pier—an upscale, 21-acre office, retail, residential and restaurant complex along Boston Harbor.

But despite his many commitments, the man at the helm of a $44 billion, Hartford-based real-estate empire, along with three members of the company’s executive team, devotes one evening a week to teach a realistic, challenging and pragmatic course to UConn real estate students.Continue Reading

Academic Symposium

Posted on by Melissa Ferrigno

UConn Center for Real Estate 50th Anniversary Academic Symposium

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics Studies, the Center hosted an international academic symposium. Attendees included research professors from countries such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, The Netherlands and Italy as well as top academics from across the United States.

The event held from March 26 through March 28 drew the submission of nearly 60 papers, from which 14 were presented. The process was very competitive, which was evident in the conference through spirited research and lively and engaging debate.

The Center would like to thank C.F. Sirmans and Dean Gatzlaff of Florida State University, and David Ling and Wayne Archer of the University of Florida for paving the way and allowing the Center to step in and hold the conference that would annually take place within their institutions. This group also promoted the conference and ensured the successful attendance. We also thank the UConn Center symposium committee of John Clapp, Jeff Cohen, John Glascock and Steve Ross. A special thanks and appreciation to John Harding for direction and guidance through out the symposium planning.

Eight Outstanding School of Business Professors Earn 2015 Faculty Awards

Posted on by Claire Hall

A professor who used chocolate chip cookies to teach about quality control, three researchers who had work published in top journals, and an educator who vigorously promoted the School of Business were among the 2015 Faculty Award recipients.

“This year we honored eight outstanding faculty members for their exceptional research, teaching and leadership achievements,” said Associate Dean Sulin Ba. “The selection process was particularly difficult due to the dozens of impressive nominees. We are fortunate to have such talented, creative and remarkable colleagues.”Continue Reading

These are ‘Best of Times, Worst of Times’ for Risk Managers

Posted on by Claire Hall
Thomas Sullivan '00 MBA
Thomas Sullivan ’00 MBA

When a major retailer had a security breach, and consumer information was compromised, it created a ripple effect at Stamford-based First County Bank.

First County Bank customers inundated their local branches seeking new debit cards, and many wanted replacements right away. The bank is able to produce about 1,000 new cards a day in-house, but has to contract out for bigger projects, said John Bonora, senior vice president and chief risk officer at the bank, and a 2011 graduate of UConn’s MSFRM program.Continue Reading

Accounting, Finance Faculty Members Recognized for Outstanding Research

Posted on by Claire Hall

2015-03-20_facultyThe School of Business has awarded its 2015 Best Paper Award to professors David Weber, from accounting, and Jose Martinez, of finance, for their exceptional research articles that will appear in esteemed academic journals.

Weber’s research paper is titled, “Does SOX 404 Have Teeth? Consequences of the Failure to Report Existing Internal Control Weaknesses.”

“Picking Winners? Investment Consultants’ Recommendations of Fund Managers,” is the title of Martinez’s work. His paper also recently received a prize from the University of Cambridge and the Commonfund Institute.

“Both papers are to appear in very prestigious journals in their respective fields, The Accounting Review and Journal of Finance,” said Sulin Ba, associate dean of academic and research support. “The selection committee was particularly impressed by the public policy implications that came out of both research projects. These implications will have an impact on our society in the years to come.”

The competition was intense this year with 10 nominations, all papers accepted in top academic journals, Ba said.

“Dr. Weber’s paper, co-authored with Ph.D. student Biyu Wu, addresses the requirement that corporations and their auditors publicly disclose internal control weaknesses, which is one of the most contentious and costly provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act,” said Mohamed Hussein, accounting department head. “The study is important because it shows that the enforcement mechanisms surrounding internal control reporting are often ineffective and in some cases may even provide disincentives for compliance.”

“This paper is one of many research projects conducted by the UConn accounting faculty that addressed critical accounting and tax issues,” said Hussein, noting that UConn accounting faculty research has been cited in Congressional hearings and in the British Parliament.

Chinmoy Ghosh, department head in finance, said he is pleased with his colleague’s success.

“Within a very short period of time since arriving at UConn in August 2014, Jose has made a significant contribution in almost every aspect of the job. Acceptance of his paper by the Journal of Finance, the top journal in the discipline, brings tremendous visibility and prestige to the department and the school,” he said. “Very recently, his research has been recognized by a leading academic group in Europe. His style of teaching and knowledge drew great praise from the Risk Management students at both our Hartford and Stamford campuses.

“Jose has also shown great interest and objectivity in various academic issues currently under review by the department faculty. We are very pleased to have him as a colleague and look forward to many more productive years from him at the School of Business.”

The Best Paper Award is funded by the generous support of the Arnold M. Robin & Rochelle M. Robin Excellence Fund.

Related articles:

Professor Jose Martinez Earns Triple Recognition for Work on Dubious Investment Management

Professor David Weber Finds Lack of Enforcement Surrounds Key Provision of Sarbanes-Oxley Act

Picking Winners?

Posted on by Claire Hall

Professor Jose Martinez Earns Triple Recognition For Work on Dubious Investment Management

A four-year research project by UConn finance professor Jose Martinez found no evidence that recommendations by highly paid investment consultants to institutional investors subsequently outperformed the market.

Professor Jose Martinez

In his paper, “Picking Winners? Investment Consultants’ Recommendations of Fund Managers,” Martinez presents survey data from investment consultants with a combined share of 90 percent of the consulting market, and focuses on the recommendations consultants made for actively managed U.S. equity funds.Continue Reading

Announcing Blackstone’s Future Women Leaders Program

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Blackstone’s Future Women Leaders Program is a unique 1.5 day experience among financial firms, giving participants early exposure to finance and business through interactive information seminars, networking, and skill-building sessions. The program is open to sophomore women who are interested in exploring a career in the financial services industry.Continue Reading

Top Connecticut Experts Discuss Success of Healthcare Initiative: “We’re Not There Yet—But We’re Making Great Strides”

Posted on by Claire Hall

2015-03-16_aca2When it comes to access to healthcare, Connecticut residents are much better off now than they were prior to the creation of the Affordable Care Act, according to a panel of experts.

But, this new system is still in its infancy and there is still much to be done in order to achieve an ideal healthcare delivery system, they agreed.

The five panelists shared their expertise in a UConn School of Business program titled, “Grading the Affordable Care Act.” The March 4 program drew 75 people to the Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford. Continue Reading

School of Business Retirees Gather for Business, Friendship

Posted on by Melissa Ferrigno

2015-03-03-retireesgatheringAddressing a gathering of retired- and almost-retired UConn faculty, School of Business Dean John A. Elliott urged them to use their expertise to help mentor junior staff and graduate students.

Dean Elliott thanked those congregated for their years of service to the School of Business, their willingness to act in an advisory capacity to him and to newer faculty, and recognized them as a vital connection to some of the School’s most illustrious alumni.

Rob Hoskin, Harry Johnson, Keith Johnson, Lin Klein, Jeffrey Kramer, Richard Norgaard, David Palmer, Murphy Sewall, James Sfiridis, Susan Spiggle and Crayton Walker were among those assembled, with their significant others, at the beautiful Mansfield home of Richard Norgaard and Karen Zimmer. Dean Elliott’s charming wife, Laura Philips, also attended the first formal gathering of retired faculty on Dec. 7.

Other important purposes of the meeting were to reinforce contacts among lifelong colleagues, share memories and enjoy each other’s company.  Attendees enjoyed a catered, champagne brunch, entered a drawing for door prizes and shared stories of those who could not be present that day but wished to be remembered to all, such as Karla Fox who was in New York at the birth of her fourth grandchild.

One interesting discovery is the creative outlets in which some retirees are engaged.  Michael Lubatkin has just published a scholarly book, but focused more in the area of philosophy than in management.  Dick Kochanek has been painting for a number of years and his artwork has evolved such that he is currently receiving accolades at juried shows.  Rob Hoskin has honed his skills as a craftsman and produces beautiful objects in wood.

Among those who could not attend is Steve Messner.  His daughter would love to deliver any notes and well wishes, so please write to Steve in care of: Stephanie Brown, 144 Woodleaf Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708.

Planning is underway to host a Spring 2015 event on the Storrs campus. More information will be provided soon.  Those wishing to remain in touch should contact Cynthia H. Adams, Professor Emerita from the former School of Allied Health, at cindyadams930@gmail.com or 860-230-8951.

Photos from the gathering can be viewed here.