It’s tax season. Your spreadsheets are a mess, your coffee’s cold, and it’s month-end close—again. Enter blockchain technology: a secure system that delivers real-time updates, lets you safely share data … and makes your job much easier in the process.
Not exactly sure what blockchain is? Don’t worry! You’re in the right place. Let’s break down blockchains and explore how they’ll reshape the accounting industry from the ground up.
A blockchain is a digital ledger that records transactions across a secure network. Once added, data can’t be changed. Think of it like a shared Google Doc that everyone can see and no one can secretly edit, where every change is tracked forever.
Blockchain is a rapidly growing technology. Its market size was estimated at $31.28 billion in 2024 and is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 90.1% by 2030. While it’s already taking over the supply chain and auditing firms like Deloitte, blockchain growth is also being driven by an increasing interest in digital assets and cryptocurrencies.
So, what does this mean if you work in accounting? Let’s dive in.
Blockchain accounting uses blockchain technology to record and manage financial transactions. Unlike traditional accounting, which relies on separate ledgers maintained by each party, blockchain accounting registers transactions on a shared, decentralized ledger. Each transaction is time-stamped, encrypted, and permanently stored, making the records transparent, tamper-proof, and easily verifiable.
For accountants, keeping “clean books” is an artform, and a highly fragile one if their work goes unchecked. Don’t believe us? Ask Lehman Brothers.
In 2008, this major investment banking firm hid over $50 billion in loans disguised as sales: a fraud that led to its bankruptcy. It’s one of many cases where a firm’s accounting practices contributed to a firm’s collapse due to corruption.
Blockchain accounting provides a possible solution to these issues, reshaping how businesses manage, verify and report financial data—with wide-ranging impacts.
Let’s look at these in more detail:
Blockchains make every transaction immutable and visible only to authorized parties, since any attempt to alter records is tracked. This level of transparency simplifies the system: Each blockchain’s shared ledger provides a single source of truth for transactions, reducing fraud and improving data integrity and stakeholder confidence.
Every accountant goes by a set of standards, like U.S. GAAP and IFRS, which set the rules for what’s earned, owned, and owed. Blockchain simplifies this regulation by time-stamping every transaction and making it unchangeable, kind of like a digital breadcrumb trail that can’t be “accidentally deleted.”
Imagine getting live financial updates without laboring over paperwork or sorting spreadsheets. By using blockchain accounting, company managers can skip waiting around for reports and see real-time updates on:
Blockchain accounting leaves accountants with the freedom to focus on strategic planning instead of data entry.
Auditing is lengthy, detail-oriented work. It requires verifying financial records, which is a process that blockchains streamline. Since transactions are recorded instantly and can’t be altered, auditors can review entire datasets faster, with less risk of error or fraud.
Beyond its productivity benefits, blockchain can also help forensic accountants sniff out crime. Every transaction is traceable, and permanent records cannot be deleted or hidden, so any fraud attempts are preserved and easily visible. Since all data is stored in one system, forensic accountants can analyze blockchain transactions much faster, and they can easily trace funds even across crypto networks.
While blockchain doesn’t always reveal who did something (because of anonymous addresses), it does make hiding what happened much harder.
Tomorrow’s accountants won’t be languishing in spreadsheets or stuck crunching numbers. They’ll be learning Python, using AI, brushing up on cybersecurity—and yes, becoming fluent in blockchain. Successful accountants won’t just adapt; they’ll lead.
What used to take accountants hours of checking and double-checking, blockchain now does in seconds—with total transparency. Let’s do a quick recap:
Blockchain isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the next step in accounting—and it’s happening now. For modern accountants, the job is no longer simply long hours spent crunching numbers. In an industry shaped by blockchain, automation, and data that updates quickly, today’s accountants are strategists.
Whether you’re new or a veteran of the field, our fully online accounting programs are built to keep you ahead of the curve (and your deadlines):
Every course is 100% online and taught by expert faculty, so you can build the skills you need to lead in a profession that’s changing fast. No need to relocate, reorganize your life or press pause on your goals. Just log in and learn on your terms. Explore our programs in accounting today.
Sources:
https://www.invensis.net/blog/impact-of-blockchain-on-accounting
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4642347
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com
https://ifap.org.pk
It’s tax season. Your spreadsheets are a mess, your coffee’s cold, and it’s month-end close—again. Enter blockchain technology: a secure system that delivers real-time updates, lets you safely share data … and makes your job much easier in the process. Not exactly sure what blockchain is? Don’t worry! You’re in the right place. Let’s break…
So, you want to work in accounting? With steady job growth fueled by globalization and expanding economies, accounting remains a stable and highly sought-after career path. While demand for this occupation remains high, it also requires a very specific skill set. But how do you know if an accounting degree is worth your precious time…
The stock market crash of 1929 ushered in an era of economic uncertainty that saw many businesses shutter, banks fail, and life savings evaporate. This economic cataclysm triggered the development of new accounting standards that are still in use today. Here we’ll examine the world’s two primary sets of accounting standards and some related organizations,…
“It’s a beautiful summer day …” your star employee says as they stare longingly out the window. And chances are, they’re not the only one.
Summer tests even the strongest teams. As the dog days hit, bloggers and journalists love citing a 2012 survey claiming that productivity drops a massive 20% during the summer. But there’s no reason that has to apply to your team. Sure, your team members might wish they were sipping mai tais on the beach, but with the right approach, their productivity won’t take a hit.
No matter what kind of manager you are—in sales, marketing, finance, human resources, or IT—it’s a wise move to improve morale during the summer. Here’s how.
We’ve mentioned SMART goals before, but for those in the back, this goal-setting strategy is an excellent way to keep teams on point when summer distractions hit. SMART goals are:
When team members work remotely, take some much-deserved paid time off, or mentally check out, clear goals will keep everyone aligned and accountable. Speaking of PTO …
When PTO requests start flooding your inbox, don’t panic. Teams need a break sometimes, and sometimes just because. They’ll come back happier, healthier, and maybe with a few good travel stories.
The worst thing you can do? Guilt-trip your team for taking PTO. That’s how you crush team morale. So always encourage time off, and don’t forget to take some yourself. If you never take a break, you’re sending the wrong message to your team.
It’s easy to feel disconnected, especially if your team is remote. By building a strong company culture, you can increase communication and collaboration, whether your team’s scattered across the country or the office.
Here are some simple ways to strengthen your team:
It’s summer! Give your team something to look forward to besides slamming their laptop shut at 5.
Scared to loosen the reins and let your team have flexible hours or (gasp!) work remotely? Don’t be. Turns out, giving your team the choice of where to work can boost employee:
The truth: Your team members will produce the same high-quality work no matter where they work. Why not lean into recent shifts in workplace culture? Let them work from home. Let them have flexible schedules. Cut them loose early on Fridays. Trust your team to deliver and they will.
The birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming. Why trap your team indoors? Hold meetings outside: Your office’s courtyard or patio will do. Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery and some fresh air to boost team morale.
Here are some other outdoor options your team might enjoy:
Assuming you’re the stellar leader we think you are, your team looks up to you. They may even model their behaviors after you. Set an example by having a positive attitude and strong work ethic during the summer. If your team sees you putting in the work, they’re going to follow suit, no matter the season.
Chances are you want to be a better manager—you’re reading this post, after all. Becoming an effective manager (the kind of boss you would have wanted while climbing the corporate ladder) takes more than a positive attitude. It takes a variety of soft and hard skills, from emotional intelligence to performance analysis, plus the education to prove to employers you have what it takes to lead.
At UT Permian Basin, we offer an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management that provides everything you need to manage your team—and career. Learn essential leadership skills that will stick with you, whether you stay in your position, seek a promotion, or pursue new opportunities in other fields.
Courses are 100% online, so you don’t have to put your career on hold. Plus, you can complete coursework wherever you want, whether that’s at home or somewhere you don’t have to stare out the window to enjoy the summer weather.
Interested? Check out our online BBA in management. When you’re ready to take the next step, apply to UT Permian Basin. (And yes, classes are offered in the summer.)
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2023/06/05/beat-the-summer-slump-20-ideas-to-motivate-and-engage-your-team/
https://www.thehrteam.com/blog/keep-your-team-motivated-in-the-workplace-this-summer-with-these-smart-strategies/
Meetings. Emails. Last-minute requests. Some days, it feels impossible to knock anything off the to-do list. If this sounds like you, you might be in need of some time management tips and tricks.
Time management is a skill like any other, and it can be honed with practice and patience. We’re here to show you how.
These time management tips are designed for business professionals, team leads, and anyone tired of playing catch-up. If you’re leading a team, managing projects, or juggling both, these strategies can help you maximize your valuable time and get more done.
SMART goals are:
If a goal doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s likely not worth your time. SMART goals help keep projects moving, keep professionals accountable, and ensure that you get the results you want. No more getting sidetracked by distractions that don’t move the needle.
To-do lists aren’t revolutionary, but they work. Prioritizing your tasks is an easy way to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. Plus, it’ll help you meet those SMART goals.
Want to make the most of a 40-hour work week? You’ll need to get serious about time management. Approach your calendar like a math problem:
It takes six hours to complete this major project, but I’ll only have four hours free on Monday, so I’ll be done with it Tuesday at the earliest.
Map out your week with precision. That way, you’ll avoid overbooking, under-delivering, and burnout.
Block time on your calendar for high-priority tasks, and don’t let anyone steal it — not even you. There will always be small fires to put out, but unless you set a dedicated time to focus on your most pressing tasks, you’re never going to clear your to-do list.
Low-priority requests and unnecessary invites (e.g., this meeting could have been an email) are commonplace in business. Don’t be afraid to hit ‘em with a polite but firm “No, thank you!” Saying no can feel uncomfortable, especially if you like to go above and beyond in the workplace. But you’re going to have to (respectfully) push back on occasion to protect your time.
Delegating isn’t a sign of weakness or laziness; it’s leadership in action. By trusting their work, leaders empower their team to take ownership of projects, building morale and ensuring that goals are met even if they aren’t overseeing every step of the process.
Meetings can drive progress, fuel creativity, and foster collaboration … or they can be a complete waste of time. So, make the most of yours. Here’s some suggestions:
AI productivity tools and apps aren’t going anywhere, so you might as well benefit from them. Otter AI will record your meetings and provide automated meeting notes and summaries. Trello will organize your tasks into lists. ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, and other AI-powered chat interfaces can handle simpler day-to-day tasks. Research the tools that might fit into your workflow and save you time to focus on what matters.
Your brain isn’t designed to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. In reality, “multitasking” individuals are either switching between tasks or abandoning one in favor of the other. Tackle one thing at a time and finish what you start. In the immortal words of “Parks and Recreation” character Ron Swanson: Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.
Small, consistent changes can yield incredible results, like a snowball that grows into a roaring avalanche. Tidy up your desk. Cut back on social media. Start using sticky notes. Set a timer for tasks. (We’re fans of the Pomodoro technique.) Change doesn’t happen all at once; it takes time. So be patient and trust the process. You’ll get there.
Maybe it’s not your habits holding you back; it’s your work environment. If that’s the case, you’re going to need more than some time-management tips and a well-organized calendar to get ahead. You’ll need some resume-worthy management skills and a targeted degree to prove your talents and propel your career forward.
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer two online programs that will provide you with the skills and credentials you need to get more out of your career:
Our programs are entirely online and designed to fit around your schedule. Check out our online business degrees and certificates to see if there’s an option that might work for you.
If you do find a good fit, apply to UT Permian Basin. We promise: There’s no better use of your time than investing in yourself.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/time-management-skills
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/time-management-tips-for-professionals
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2024/09/18/time-management-hacks-from-the-worlds-most-successful-leaders
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/07/13/18-time-hacks-for-busy-leaders-to-reclaim-three-to-five-hours-
week
Honoring and celebrating our mothers has been a global tradition throughout history. Although Mother’s Day was officially declared a U.S. holiday in 1914, its origins date back centuries. People have honored their mothers across cultures and time periods through festivals, religious observances, and communal gatherings.
Understanding the historical significance of holidays like Mother’s Day provides insights into how our traditions influence our consumer behavior and modern marketing strategies. Let’s journey back in time to explore how the origins of Mother’s Day led to its transformation into a major economic event.
Thousands of years ago, when the weather warmed for spring, the Ancient Greeks gathered for the festival of Rhea, the Mother of Gods, who was associated with fertility and motherhood. In nearby Ancient Rome, the festival to Cybele, the Great Mother, was celebrated as early as 250 B.C. By that time, Egyptians had long held annual celebrations in springtime to Isis—the protector, healer, and mother of gods—for thousands of years.
This tradition continues today, with Egypt and several other nations celebrating Mother’s Day in March, marking the renewal of life. As societies moved away from deity worship and towards personal and family-centered traditions, however, the celebration of motherhood became more intimate.
The 17th century was a busy time for English villagers, many of whom were servants who worked at manors. Every year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, workers were encouraged to go home to spend the day with their mothers in a celebration they named “Mothering Sunday.” Families would make mothering cakes (or carlings)—pancakes made with peas fried in butter—to honor their beloved matriarchs. As Christianity spread across Europe, the tradition evolved into an annual pilgrimage where people returned to the church they were baptized in and spent the day with their mothers.
Moving ahead to the 19th century: In 1858, social activist Ann Reeves Jarvis started organizing Mother’s Day work clubs to help mothers care for their children during the hardships of the Civil War. In 1872, abolitionist Julia Ward Howe organized Mother’s Day meetings in Boston, Massachusetts, but the holiday didn’t catch on until Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis, campaigned to make it a holiday in 1905 upon her mother’s passing. Jarvis stressed the importance of a holiday that recognized the contributions of mothers, choosing white carnations as its emblem and encouraging people to write letters of gratitude to their mothers.
By 1911, Mother’s Day was celebrated in nearly every state, and President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday in 1914. As he put it, Mother’s Day is a “public expression of our love and reverence for all mothers.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 100 countries, with different cultures adopting their own versions of the holiday. It’s easy to spot the predominant pink and red color scheme in most modern Mother’s Day marketing campaigns, while white carnations now honor mothers who have passed on.
In the U.S., Mother’s Day is the third-largest card-sending and flower-sending holiday. Interestingly, despite her efforts to establish the holiday, Anna Jarvis despised its commercialization—particularly the rise of greeting cards! Ironically, the very success of Mother’s Day as a holiday was fueled by the consumer behavior she wished to avoid.
Today, Mother’s Day is a global economic driver, having generated $33.5 billion in sales in 2023 and continuing to influence industries from retail and hospitality to digital advertising.
Digital marketing has transformed how we celebrate Mother’s Day. AI-powered gift guides, targeted ads, and personalized email campaigns help brands like Amazon and Etsy suggest gifts for every type of mother. Social media also plays a role: Companies like Pandora Jewelry and Hallmark run interactive campaigns, encouraging users to share heartfelt tributes with custom hashtags.
From a consumer psychology perspective, Mother’s Day highlights how emotions—our love for our mothers—influence purchasing decisions. Brands leverage this sentiment through nostalgic storytelling, with campaigns that highlight the bond between mothers and their children. Similarly, brands use limited-time promotions like exclusive discounts and holiday deals to boost spending.
Cultural traditions have long influenced consumer behavior and market trends. Understanding the historical roots of important holidays like Mother’s Day provides us with insights into emotional storytelling, seasonal purchasing patterns, and the psychology behind consumer engagement. These are essential skills for modern marketing professionals.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers three entirely online and affordable marketing programs to suit your goals:
Whether you’re a business professional ready to grow your marketing expertise, brand new to the field of marketing, or you simply want to brush up your skills, UT Permian Basin’s online programs will equip you with the knowledge to create impactful, culturally relevant marketing campaigns that drive results.
Shape your future with a marketing credential from UTPB today. We look forward to seeing you in the virtual classroom!
Change is both a certainty and a necessity in business. Adapting to change can make the difference between success and failure for just about any type of organization. Right now, a digital transformation is well underway in most business sectors, and business leaders that embrace this changing landscape are the most likely to survive and thrive.
According to Forbes, a hallmark of the business world’s digital transformation is “using new technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing to drive growth, streamline operations and increase competitive edge.” This process relies heavily on the use of data and data analytics.
Data analytics is a specialized field leveraging digital tools that collect and assess large amounts of raw data. This data is then used to gain insight and empower businesses to make informed decisions.
If this description seems broad, understand that data analytics is applicable across many types of industries and organizations, from financial institutions to nonprofits. Here we’ll explore how data analytics is being harnessed in major business sectors and how developing your data analytics expertise can translate to a wide variety of career options.
The industries we’ll discuss are wide-ranging but share significantly improved outcomes—efficiency, future insight, and bottom line—through data analytics.
Data analytics is a standard tool in the financial sector today. If it hadn’t been previously, the economic unpredictability introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic firmly established the importance of strong data analysis in financial leadership.
Data analytics gives finance executives and personnel greater visibility into their organization’s key performance indicators (KPIs), which may include:
In addition, the metrics data analytics provides are invaluable in helping finance professionals detect fraud.
Arguably the single most consequential field for data analytics, healthcare is benefiting immensely from its introduction into the field. Using the information data analytics provides, healthcare professionals are now able to offer:
While data analytics is certainly beneficial in a financial office within the energy industry, it has applications far beyond that—to the management of energy resources themselves. Professionals working in this field may use data analytics to:
The digital transformation has long been underway in the online retail space. Still, it continues to evolve. Retailers are using data analytics to help them:
Data analytics is keeping the wheels of the manufacturing industry turning by enabling personnel to:
With the digital transformation of the workplace, the demand for analytics expertise has skyrocketed, opening doors to countless corporate careers. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited online MBA with an analytics concentration prepares you to excel in today’s data-driven business landscape.
If you’ve already earned a BBA, you can complete this MBA with as few as 33 credits.
Discover how to enhance business performance through an exploration of core business disciplines and analytics tools and methods in specialized courses like Business Analytics. Our 100% online, asynchronous program offers the flexibility to balance your professional and personal obligations.
Want to know:
Find all that information here.
Equip yourself to work in—or lead—the business office of practically any field. Get started with your MBA! Apply today!
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/12/the-impact-of-digital-transformation-on-business-models-opportunities-and-challenges
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/12/06/digital-transformation-and-its-effects-on-the-modern-workplace
https://www.comptia.org/content/articles/how-is-data-analytics-used-in-health-care
In the early morning hours of April 26, 1986, reactor number four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. As the reactor building was destroyed, over 100 radioactive elements were launched into the atmosphere.
Today, Chernobyl remains frozen in time. A protective radiation shield entombs the nuclear reactor’s remains. The Ukrainian city of Pripyat lies abandoned, as does everything in the 30-kilometer exclusion zone around the plant.
The Chernobyl disaster marked a fundamental and tragic shift in our understanding of nuclear safety. The events that transpired on that fateful day could have been avoided had Chernobyl’s designers and operators heeded the warnings that stared them in the face.
In the late 20th century, the Soviet Union took pride in its pioneering achievements in nuclear engineering. And why not? They had built the world’s first nuclear power plant at Obninsk in 1954, heralding a new era of nuclear energy.
Chernobyl, with its four RBMK-1000 nuclear reactors, was part of this ambitious nuclear program. Each reactor could produce 1,000 megawatts of power, and two additional reactors were under construction at the time of the disaster. The plant was meant to power the Soviet Union’s rise to global prominence. Instead, it helped bring about its fall.
Ironically, the Chernobyl disaster happened because of a safety test.
Engineers wanted to see if, in the event of a power loss, inertia from a slowing turbine could create enough electricity to keep cooling pumps running until emergency generators kicked in.
The test began on April 26, 1986. Operators shut down the number four reactor’s turbine generator, but a delay forced them to rush the test. To speed things up, they reduced the reactor’s power too quickly, causing a buildup of xenon-135, a neutron-absorbing isotope that “poisoned” the reactor and suppressed its power output.
To compensate, operators withdrew nearly all of the reactor’s 205 control rods, leaving only six to eight inserted—well below the safe operating limit. Control rods regulate nuclear fission, and withdrawing so many made the reactor dangerously unstable.
Alarmed by a sudden power surge, one of the operators hit the emergency shutdown. The control rods, including emergency protection rods, were driven back into the reactor’s core. But the control rods had a design flaw: Their graphite tips initially displaced coolant. Designed to reduce reactivity, the control rods momentarily increased reactivity.
The coolant turned to steam, increasing power output, which generated more steam. More power. More steam. Until …
Boom.
The first explosion ruptured the reactor vessel at 1:23 AM. A second explosion, likely caused by hydrogen buildup, blew the reactor building apart and spewed radioactive material into the night sky.
Reactor number four released 400 times more radioactive material than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
Winds spread radioactivity over Western Europe, contaminating a combined 150,000 square kilometers in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. The exclusion zone around the former plant remains uninhabitable and will be for up to 20,000 years.
But this environmental devastation, already beyond comprehension, is nothing compared to the disaster’s toll on human life.
31 people died as an immediate result of the Chernobyl disaster—at least, according to the official death toll. The reality was far worse.
Hundreds of thousands of people, known as “liquidators,” were involved in the cleanup. These firefighters, engineers, police, miners, and military and medical personnel were exposed to high levels of radiation. Residents near the plant absorbed internal radiation doses of up to 3.9Gy—about 37,000 times the dose of a chest X-ray. But the radiation, like cancer, spread far beyond the source.
Millions in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine were also exposed to Chernobyl’s fallout. An estimated 4,000 people exposed to high radiation levels could die from cancer, and another 5,000 with lower exposure could face the same fate. Yet the true cost—physical, psychological, and environmental—is immeasurable.
The world has seen other nuclear disasters, from Three Mile Island in 1979 to Fukushima in 2011. Whenever the world is faced with an atomic horror, the initial reaction is to abandon nuclear energy.
But Chernobyl wasn’t so much an accident as it was a cascade of human errors: a badly designed and operated nuclear reactor, housed in a plant built without a containment structure, overseen by Soviet officials with a blatant disregard for safety concerns. Today, reactor designs have evolved, and safety measures are far stricter.
As for Russia, the country overhauled its 11 operating RBMK reactor, following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Shutdown mechanisms have improved, and there is a renewed focus on operational safety and regulatory oversight.
Could Chernobyl happen again? Never say never, but the specific flaws behind the Chernobyl meltdown have been addressed. However, the need for nuclear energy is stronger than ever.
Nuclear energy remains one of the safest and most sustainable power sources. And with U.S. electricity demand set to skyrocket, we need every energy solution available.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers three online graduate programs designed for professionals interested in taking a leading role in the energy revolution:
These online programs will provide you with more than just a credential. You’ll also gain operational knowledge and leadership skills that will pay dividends throughout your career in the energy sector. Plus, our courses are entirely online, so you don’t have to hit pause on your career.
The energy sector is growing. Shouldn’t you grow along with it?
Check out our online energy business programs, and when you’re ready to take the leap, apply to UT Permian Basin!
Sources:
https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/focus/chernobyl/faqs
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/reaction/readings/chernobyl.html
https://whatisnuclear.com/chernobyl-main.html#short
https://www.un.org/en/observances/chernobyl-remembrance-day/background
https://www.britannica.com/event/Chernobyl-disaster#ref349687
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2019/05/19/could-a-chernobyl-happen-again/
In today’s complex financial world, understanding the basics of financial literacy is crucial for personal and professional success. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money and prepares them for future opportunities, such as advancing their careers through programs like those offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin. This article provides a brief guide to financial literacy and what you can do to master its principles.
Financial literacy is “the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting and investing.”
According to a financial research summary by Zippia, only 57% of American adults were financially literate in 2023. While Americans appear to be most comfortable with the fundamentals of borrowing, saving, and consuming, studies have also shown they have the least confidence in understanding financial risk (such as investing in cryptocurrency).
To build a strong understanding of and foundation in financial literacy, it’s crucial to grasp the basics, including:
Income includes earnings from salaries, freelance work, investments, or other sources. Knowing your income helps you set realistic budgets and make informed financial decisions.
Examples:
By understanding and tracking your total income, you gain insight into your financial capabilities, which helps you effectively allocate resources for both your needs and wants.
Expenses are the costs you incur to maintain your lifestyle. These include fixed costs (like rent, utilities, and subscriptions) and variable costs (such as groceries, entertainment, or emergencies). Categorizing and tracking these expenses ensures that you don’t overspend, helps you create a more effective budget, and enables you to spend wisely.
Examples:
By clearly understanding your expenses, you can spot areas where you may be able to cut back, helping free up funds to save, invest, or allocate to higher-priority needs (such as medical bills).
A structured budget helps you track spending, allocate resources, and set realistic goals. One key aspect of this process is distinguishing between wants and needs, such as understanding the difference between impulse purchases and essential expenses. When you know exactly where your money goes, you gain the power to redirect it toward your goals, whether that’s a dream vacation, an emergency fund, or early retirement.
Consider:
Building an emergency fund, planning for retirement, and investing wisely are concepts we’re often taught but don’t always put into practice. Understanding interest rates, the time value of money, and the principles of risk and return are fundamental concepts that support sound investment decisions.
Most of us deal with debt at some point, making it crucial to understand the differences between good debt (like student loans or mortgages) and bad debt (such as high-interest credit cards). Implementing strategies like the debt snowball or avalanche methods, along with monitoring your credit score, can significantly improve your financial health.
Even if you understand basic financial concepts, achieving full financial literacy can feel overwhelming. That’s why deepening your financial knowledge—no matter your career outlook or aspirations—is essential for everyone. Here are some quick tips to follow:
For those seeking to deepen their knowledge in finance and accounting, an advanced education is invaluable. UT Permian Basin offers flexible online programs that cater to your unique goals and aspirations:
Whichever path you choose, these programs are designed to equip you with the expertise needed to thrive in today’s financial landscape.
Financial literacy isn’t just about managing money — it’s the key to financial freedom. It helps you turn every paycheck into progress, every budget into a blueprint for success, and every investment into a pathway toward the life you want. Whether you’re starting your financial journey or enhancing your expertise, UT Permian Basin’s 100% online programs provide the tools to not just navigate the financial world but shape it.
Your financial future is built one smart decision at a time. Start today, whether it’s creating a budget, growing your savings, or exploring new learning opportunities at UTPB. Every step counts.
In 1999, only three large public companies were headed by women. While that number has since increased—women now hold approximately 32% of senior-level positions globally—there remains considerable room for progress, especially given that women make up 41% of the global workforce.
This isn’t to say that women aren’t breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Take Fortune 500 companies, for example. Though historical leadership in these elite businesses was overwhelmingly male, Fortune 500 companies have seen steady growth in female representation, with women holding 10.4% of their leadership positions as of 2023.
So, where do women stand today in leadership, from C-suite roles to entrepreneurial ventures? In this article, we’ll examine the challenges women often face on their path to leadership and explore strategies for overcoming these obstacles, empowering them to rise to the top.
While women have made great strides in workplace equity, they still face unique challenges in securing leadership roles. These hurdles often come from biases, social expectations, and systemic barriers that can make the journey more difficult.
Unconscious gender biases are stereotypes people hold about others based on their gender. These biases are often subliminal, shaped by cultural and societal norms that influence how we see the world—including our workplaces.
Common gender biases women experience in the workplace include:
Achieving a work-life balance can be a challenge for anyone, but for women, it can be especially daunting due to societal expectations and additional responsibilities at home. Here are two key factors that contribute to this complexity:
Caregiving Expectations
Studies show that up to 81% of caregivers for both children and elderly family members are women. This caregiving burden stems from traditional societal norms that associate women with nurturing roles. For women striving to excel in leadership positions, managing these responsibilities alongside demanding professional roles can be overwhelming. The result is often a delicate juggling act that can make it difficult to progress in one’s professional and personal life.
Cultural Variations
Work-life balance challenges also vary significantly across cultures due to differences in societal norms, workplace policies, and government support systems. For instance, countries like Sweden provide extensive parental leave—up to 480 days shared between parents—making it easier for women to balance leadership roles and parenting responsibilities.
In contrast, countries with limited parental leave or minimal government support often place a heavier burden on women, who are frequently expected to manage a heavy share of household and caregiving duties. These contrasts highlight the critical need for equitable policies and support systems to create a more equal playing field for women in leadership.
While it’s true that women face challenges as they work toward leadership roles, there are clear steps they can take to keep growing and moving forward in their careers.
Having a strong group of mentors, friends, and colleagues is important for anyone in leadership, but it’s especially helpful for women. This network can offer advice, feedback, and encouragement to help overcome challenges. Networking also provides a chance for women to share their own experiences and strategies, creating a sense of solidarity and helping them feel less alone when facing tough situations at work.
Once women have reached leadership positions, they have the power to push for positive changes in the workplace. This can include advocating for better policies like paid maternity leave or more flexible working hours. By working to improve the system, they can help make the workplace more equal for everyone.
Staying consistent with your education is a key way to stay competitive in any field. According to a recent McKinsey “Women in the Workplace” report, women often face barriers like limited access to career development programs.
By seeking out professional development opportunities like leadership workshops, certifications, or online courses, women can strengthen their expertise and stand out in their fields. Another option is advanced education, like online graduate programs or industry-specific certifications. These credentials help bridge gaps caused by unconscious biases or fewer opportunities in the workplace. They also equip women with the tools they need to confidently pursue leadership roles—and succeed—despite the challenges they may face.
Whether you’re just starting out in business or aiming to take your career to the next level as a future C-suite executive, The University of Texas Permian Basin is here to support you every step of the way. Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management gives you the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a variety of industries while building a strong foundation in leadership.
For experienced professionals, our online MBA program offers advanced training to help you achieve your leadership goals and stay competitive in today’s business world. Both programs feature affordable tuition and are delivered 100% online, so you can balance work, life, and education with ease.
Take control of your future. Apply today!
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisalindahl/2024/02/05/is-this-the-age-of-women-in-leadership/
https://awlonline.co.uk/leading-by-the-numbers-vital-stats-on-women-in-leadership/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4804270/
https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1130&intPageId=4808&langId=en#:~:text=Parental%20benefit%20is%20money%20you,granted%20for%20each%20additional%20child.
https://www.cyprus-ceo.com/68724/women-in-the-workplace-2024-the-10th-anniversary-report/
A finance degree offers its holder many rewarding, potentially lucrative professional paths. Whatever your career aspirations are in pursuing a finance credential, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online program options that can empower you to fulfill them. Our graduates are applying their expertise at some of the world’s top financial institutions, energy companies, global technology leaders, and online retailers.
See for yourself what UTPB’s online finance degree programs have to offer.
Whether you’re looking to get started in an undergraduate program or you’re ready to move up to a graduate program, UTPB has an online finance degree for you. Click any program link for details, including job-specific salaries in Texas and nationwide.
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
Gain critical financial management skills that you can apply to a wide range of career opportunities in our BBA in finance program. Professionals with this degree have gone on to earn valued Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials. This program is available online exclusively at this UT System institution.
Online Master of Business Administration in Finance
Already have your bachelor’s degree? Pursue an MBA, a highly respected credential in the business world. Expand your knowledge of the major business disciplines with an emphasis on finance. Complete 33-42 credits and graduate in as little as four semesters.
Online Master of Science in Finance
Want to focus on financial management and executive decision-making skills? Consider this online finance degree program—one of the few in Texas to hold STEM certification. Complete 30 credits and graduate in as little as four semesters.
UTPB offers some of the most affordable tuition rates among UT System institutions and other regionally accredited universities nationwide. Our online finance degree programs also save you costs associated with a commute, from gas to tolls to parking fees.
Our dedicated financial aid team is here to help you sort out your tuition assistance options, including:
As a new registrant of an online master’s-level finance program at UTPB, you may qualify for a $500 scholarship. For more information, contact gradstudies@utpb.edu, as this offer is subject to change.
UTPB offers online finance programs through our AACSB-accredited College of Business: a designation of quality standards shared by just 5% of business programs worldwide. Our programs are led by doctoral-level faculty distinguished by their international financial industry experience, research, and publications.
UTPB has also been acknowledged for 2025 by:
When you choose one of UTPB’s online finance programs, you can attend from anywhere in the world. No local or international travel, visas, or related documents are required. View lectures, complete assignments, and take exams by their specified deadlines at your convenience, from home, work, or any practical location.
“World of finance” is often used to refer to subdisciplines of the financial field. The broad reach of our online finance degree programs gives a literal dimension to this term, as your classmates may be students from virtually any country and in different stages of their careers, including management positions. These fellow students can become invaluable professional contacts as you look for a wider choice of employment opportunities after graduation.
UTPB’s BBA in finance can be your springboard to earning coveted Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations. All our online finance degrees equip you to pursue a wide array of rewarding roles, including:
See what an online finance degree from UTPB can do for you now and in the future. Apply to your program of choice today!
An entire population’s energy needs met by readily available resources. Perhaps some supplemented by friendly, stable countries, if necessary. Probably every nation aspires to energy security, defined by the International Energy Agency as “uninterrupted access to energy [and] securing energy supplies at an affordable price.”
Energy plays a central role in international relations. As a result, achieving energy security is no small task. Beyond the limitations of their own resources, all countries are subject to geopolitical influences that can limit or halt access to energy resources—or render them unaffordable.
Individual countries and international bodies (such as the UN) may impose sanctions on a nation or a nonstate actor like a corporation, cartel, or terrorist group. The intent is typically to pressure them to change course by introducing financial uncertainty.
The European Commission sanctioned Russian oil following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Though justifiable, this created an energy gap for EU member countries that rely on Russian oil. Importing more oil from nations such as the U.S. and conserving and diversifying their energy resources allowed these countries to retain a level of energy security.
While supply and demand play a large role in oil prices, there are geopolitical influences as well. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC+), a bloc of primarily Middle Eastern, African, and Asian countries controlling about 40% of the world’s oil supply, has a large influence on pricing, production, and distribution.
OPEC, as it was once known, wielded its power by imposing an oil embargo on the U.S. and other countries for supporting Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The resulting U.S. gas crisis saw quadrupled per-barrel oil prices, widespread shortages, and long lines at gas stations. The accompanying economic stress caused the U.S. to reconsider its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil.
Nations worldwide remain vulnerable to cyberattacks as cybercriminals constantly pivot to thwart existing security protocols through increasingly sophisticated methods. Energy infrastructure, including power companies and grids, have been targeted.
A 2015 cyberattack on multiple power distribution companies in Ukraine, generally attributed to Russian hackers, left more than 200,000 residents without electricity during the cold of winter. The perpetrators were able to remotely control the power breakers. Though officials restored electricity within hours, the incident highlighted the ongoing threat of cybercrime to energy security.
Nations are diversifying their energy sources, increasing energy security and independence and reaping environmental benefits. Renewable energy can supplement existing power sources and, in tandem with the creation of green spaces and other methods, reduce carbon emissions.
Using a range of energy resources available domestically, such as solar, wind, hydropower, and waste, the U.S. and other nations can boost energy security by limiting dependence on energy imports and stimulating energy industry job growth. Texas, a national leader in both solar energy and wind energy, stands to benefit greatly.
Multiple nations collaborate on green energy issues as signatories to the Paris Agreement. Some use diplomacy and political pressure during international events such as the G7 political and economic forum. Developed nations may offer incentives for developing countries to adopt green policies.
“Non-polluting, zero carbon, and … inexhaustible” is how one expert described nuclear fusion in a Council on Foreign Relations discussion. While it sounds promising, the world has seen at least one nuclear power plant disaster that left the area uninhabitable by humans decades later, and for many it’s still a fresh concern.
An accident was just one of the many concerns countries shared when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) discovered that Iran was secretly building a facility that could produce materials for a nuclear weapon. Though Iran insisted the power was for peaceful purposes, the country was known as an anti-Western supporter of terrorist organizations. They eventually made a deal in 2015 with the U.S. and other world powers that limits its nuclear activities. The U.S. backed out of the deal in 2018, but the IAEA continues to watch over Iran’s program, which has completed one nuclear reactor and started construction on others.
The Permian Basin is an oil field bigger than most states! It’s also home to The University of Texas Permian Basin. Our unique relationship with the energy industry has enabled us to create energy- and business-oriented graduate programs with an insider’s perspective.
Prepare to meet the challenges and rewards of the energy industry in one of these AACSB-accredited programs:
Online MBA With Certificate in Energy Business
Online MBA With International Business Concentration
Online Master of Science in Energy Business
Online Graduate Certificate in Energy Business
Take an online UTPB program and you can skip the commute, tolls, parking fees, and related costs. You’ll save time and money as you complete your program from any location at any time that’s convenient while keeping your professional and personal commitments.
Apply to the UTPB online energy business program of your choice!
Sources:
https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-security
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-geopolitics-of-energy-from-security-to-survival/
https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/sanctions-by-the-numbers-the-russian-energy-sector
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy
https://isis-online.org/isis-reports/detail/darkhovin-nuclear-power-reactor-another-blemish-on-irans-safeguards-complia/8