Nineteen individuals graduated on Nov. 3, 2009, from the IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology’s inaugural Mini MBA Certificate Program for Small Businesses. The group was organized by Ellen Ruddock, director of IUP’s Center for Family Business. The Mini MBA Certificate Program is coordinated for the college by Dr. Cyndy Strittmatter, assistant dean.
According to Ruddock, more than 66 percent of America’s workforce is employed by family-owned businesses. “These businesses need support to grow and continue to provide jobs to our region,” she said. “This certificate program is an excellent resource for small business owners, family business members, managers, and the next generation of leadership preparing for succession in the company. This program is designed as an affordable opportunity for small business owners to educate their key people on best practices and management skills.”
Topics addressed in the 60-hour program included economics, organizational analysis, strategic communication, strategic human resource management, legal environment update, financial management, operations and quality management, e-commerce, and strategic management. The program is taught by IUP faculty members over 10 weekly sessions.
“The program has been comprehensive and current,” Mark Zilner, vice president of Diamond Pharmacy Services, said. “It’s tough to schedule with other responsibilities and travel, but very worthwhile.” Several members of the Diamond Pharmacy Services management team completed the program, including Gib Zilner, vice president and co-owner.
For more information regarding the Center for Family Business, call (724) 357-4818 or e-mail center-familybusiness@iup.edu. Questions regarding the Mini MBA Certificate Program should be directed to Dr. Strittmatter at (724) 357-7889.
IUP’s Eberly College of Business and Information Technology has been included in the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges of Business guidebook for seven consecutive years.
Photo Information:
Front row, from left: instructor Ellen Ruddock, Lecia Patterson, Elizabeth Gregg, Jamie Chichy, Dr. Krish Krishnan
Second row, from left: Rod Ruddock, Robin Maryai, Patricia Ireland, Jamie Pride, Gilbert Zilner, Sean Howard
Third row, from left: Clark Walter, Levent Akbay, Jennifer Ireland, Betsy Lauber, Cathleen Zilner, Dennis Schultz, Paula Cummings
