Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board.
Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk your job? What would be the ethical way to handle this?
Scenarios like this aren’t just classroom hypotheticals. They’re part of the real challenges accountants face every day. That’s why it’s worth exploring:
Integrity in accounting isn’t just about knowing how to balance the books; it’s about learning how to balance your judgment to make the most ethical decision.
Professional organizations like the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) outline five fundamental principles that guide ethical decision-making:
These principles are more than theory. They’re the moral compass for anyone working in accounting.
Ethical issues in accounting don’t always announce themselves with flashing lights. They often show up in subtle ways, where the “right” decision isn’t immediately clear.
Let’s look at three examples, adapted from professional training case studies.
An accountant is asked to reclassify expenses as assets to make the company’s financial performance look stronger. At first glance, this might seem like creative accounting. In reality, it’s misleading reporting.
Ethical takeaway: Upholding integrity and objectivity means refusing to distort financial information, even if it keeps management happy.
While reviewing accounts, an accountant uncovers evidence of misused public funds. Reporting it could protect taxpayers, but it also means breaking confidentiality rules.
Ethical takeaway: Accountants must weigh the duty of confidentiality against the obligation to act in the public interest. In some cases, whistleblowing is not only ethical but necessary.
An accountant is asked to evaluate supplier bids for a government contract. One of the bidders happens to be a relative’s company. Even if the accountant stays neutral, the perception of bias can undermine trust.
Ethical takeaway: Disclosing the conflict and stepping aside is the only way to preserve objectivity.
These examples may be hypothetical, but they mirror real challenges accountants face worldwide.
In addition to the scenarios above, accountants also face these types of dilemmas:
If you think this sounds like the plot of a Netflix drama, you’re not wrong — but there may be fewer car chases and more questionable spreadsheets.
So how can accountants—and students preparing to enter the field—stay on the right side of these challenges? Here are some tried-and-true best practices:
Following these practices doesn’t just protect your career. It also builds the kind of trust that keeps clients, employers, and the public confident in the profession.
Ethical dilemmas in accounting aren’t going away. If anything, the digital age (with its data privacy issues, cybersecurity risks, and remote work dynamics) has made them more complex than ever. But with the right principles and practices, accountants can navigate them with confidence.
If you’re curious about more than just crunching numbers, UTPB’s online BBA and MBA in accounting programs go beyond balance sheets to tackle real-world ethical challenges. You’ll:
And because the programs are flexible and online, you can learn on your schedule—whether that’s after work, during your lunch break, or while sipping cold brew at your favorite coffee shop.
Want to see how ethics and accounting actually play out in real life? Grab the info you need:
Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board. Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk…
You’ve always been an analytical thinker. A problem solver. Maybe a math whiz, too. There’s a career that matches your strengths. Certified Public Accountants—or CPAs—excel in these qualities. Let’s explore why a CPA is no ordinary accountant and what it takes to become one. Want to Be a CPA? Here’s What You Need to Know …
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…
Video calls. Robot vacuums. Voice assistants. Thirty years ago, we only saw this technology in cinema or on TV. Today, they’re billion-dollar industries.
Many of the technologies now reshaping how we live and work first appeared in movies or on TV. While most viewers were happy to lose themselves in the narrative, an enterprising few may have seen those fictional gadgets and thought, “I could build that.”
The driving force? Vision and business smarts. These innovators simplified our lives while building rewarding careers and thriving brands.
Let’s check out some fiction-to-fact technology success stories—and see how you could help shape the next big thing.
Even when they only exist on the screen, technologies can spark real-world business innovation. Consider these global successes:
The first video call? “Metropolis,” from 1927. In this silent film, two men chatted by phone while watching each other on screens—in an era where no one even owned a TV.
Today, apps like Zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp connect people across the world by voice and video.
Zoom’s IPO arrived at the right time: just before COVID-19. Business skyrocketed. It’s free, right? Plan upgrades, hardware, and add-on features keep it profitable. Its latest revenue figures? $4.75 billion for the fiscal year ending July 2024.
Robot vacuums first popped up in the 1960s TV cartoon “The Jetsons.”
Robot vacuums hit store shelves in 1996 but didn’t really catch on until Roomba’s 2002 debut. Sales have surged every year since.
The 2025 robot vacuum market is expected to reach anywhere from $11 billion to more than $16 billion by year’s end.
The 1960s “Star Trek” TV series showed us mobile “communicators” that looked a lot like 1990s flip phones. And the communications officer took calls through a device that probably inspired Bluetooth earpieces.
Compact cell phones were introduced around 1989. Smaller, colorful flip phones came later.
And today? We don’t need to tell you how lucrative the smartphone market has become—you’re probably reading this article on one right now. As of 2025, the global mobile phone market is set to top $485 billion.
“2001: A Space Odyssey” (from 1968) may show the first touchscreen technology in cinema: a video tablet.
Touchscreens were in development in the 1960s, around the same time as the film. It was 2007’s record-setting touchscreen iPhone launch, however, that helped sales of touchscreen products skyrocket:
The 2013 film “Her” showed a man’s obsession with a device barely bigger than a credit card. Programmed with a natural-sounding female voice, the assistant could learn and create—even write music. Gradually, it became his “companion.”
The film came out shortly after Siri, the first modern voice assistant. Voice-enabled chatbots and robots are now performing an increasing number of tasks and providing companionship for some, including older adults.
The global voice assistant market could reach $15 billion by 2033.
A VR headset immerses you in a digital world you can explore and interact with. “The Lawnmower Man” gave us a scary glimpse back in 1992. In the movie, a scientist tried to boost a man’s brain power with drugs and VR-based training. The subject became superintelligent—and homicidal.
A VR technology in cinema trend followed. The theme appeared throughout 1990s films, including:
Consumer VR headsets launched in 2016 and are changing how we play games and watch movies. But entertainment is just one of VR’s applications, which also include:
The global VR market could reach $193 billion by 2030.
A chilling tale of AI gone rogue, the film “Demon Seed” showed a surprisingly accurate smart home—in 1977. The house featured automated, voice-controlled appliances, lighting, and security features throughout. (Even a doorbell camera.)
Smart home technology was developed in the 1960s. But “Demon Seed”-level smart homes? That technology wouldn’t arrive until the 2010s.
The 2024 U.S. smart home market reached $28.3 billion.
Ever hailed a Johnny Cab? (True, most people prefer “rideshare” now.) The 1990 movie “Total Recall” gave us Johnny Cab, with a chatty, human-like—but robotic—driver.
We can’t buy fully-autonomous cars … yet. But some semi-autonomous models are available, as well as driverless taxis. And some consumers are getting to test-ride personal autonomous vehicles, which may be parked in our driveways soon.
The 2024 global market for self-driving cars? $1.7 trillion!
Flying cars? Well, they aren’t here yet. But autonomous car technology shows promise for flying ones, too! Maybe you’ll be part of that future business boom?
Do screen stories inspire real-life technology, or is it the other way around?
Filming on “2001: A Space Odyssey” began shortly after touchscreens were developed. (Probably not a coincidence.) But on-screen depictions of compact, ergonomic flip phones and Bluetooth earpieces were clearly echoed in consumer product designs from later decades.
These products met a need we didn’t know we had. It took futuristic stories for us to realize it.
Business visionaries understand that consumers crave innovative gear. And once they get it, they can’t live without it. Is it also well-designed? Does it solve a real problem? Those combined elements can be a springboard to success.
There’s a huge opportunity for ambitious business leaders inspired by technology in cinema or TV—or who see untapped markets.
The entrepreneurs who brought movie tech to life had big ideas and knew how to execute them. They understood consumer behavior, identified market gaps, and built strategies to turn prototypes into products people actually buy.
Whether you’re inspired by technologies you’ve seen on screen or you’ve spotted an untapped market, you’ll need the same skills those innovators used: marketing principles, strategic management, and the ability to weigh market potential.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online business programs can help you build that foundation:
Develop essential skills with courses covering:
Ready to turn ideas into reality? Start your UTPB application now.
Sources:
https://screenrant.com/tech-inventions-movies-predicted
https://now.northropgrumman.com/4-examples-of-sci-fi-technology-predicted-by-media
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/18/tech/zoom-ipo-video-conference
https://medium.com/@shazaibdanish4/the-history-and-future-of-smart-homes-from-sci-fi-dreams-to-reality-fe4cba633eb1
Video calls. Robot vacuums. Voice assistants. Thirty years ago, we only saw this technology in cinema or on TV. Today, they’re billion-dollar industries. Many of the technologies now reshaping how we live and work first appeared in movies or on TV. While most viewers were happy to lose themselves in the narrative, an enterprising few…
Forget everything you think you know about management roles, like the idea that for the rest of your life, you’ll be chained to a desk under a ceiling of fluorescent lights. That’s not what management looks like—or at least, it doesn’t have to be. A business management degree doesn’t condemn you to a cubicle; it…
“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…
Forget everything you think you know about management roles, like the idea that for the rest of your life, you’ll be chained to a desk under a ceiling of fluorescent lights.
That’s not what management looks like—or at least, it doesn’t have to be.
A business management degree doesn’t condemn you to a cubicle; it opens doors. And some of those doors lead to jobs that are anything but ordinary. Let’s look at 10 of them.
Ever thought of turning your love of travel into a career? Luxury travel advisors research exotic locations, secure travel, and draft dream itineraries. This role draws on serious sales and organizational skills: two things you’ll hone with a business management degree.
Sure, you’ll need certification, but once that’s done, you’ll spend your days crafting unforgettable vacations for paying clients. (And there’s no better way to get inspiration for your own vacations.)
If you’ve ever seen or (gulp) experienced a wedding disaster, you understand the need for event planners. They go beyond weddings, orchestrating everything from red-carpet galas to conferences and conventions. They scout venues, manage vendors, and put out fires, all while making it look easy.
Tour managers have a rough gig. They handle travel, lodging, budgeting, and sometimes double-LP-sized egos. This is not a career path for the faint of heart, but if you’re a music lover, a management degree can give you the skills you need to break into this competitive business. Just be prepared to start small. (Think local band small.)
Managing an online community is, shall we say, tricky. Online community managers face this challenge head on by engaging with audiences, building brand loyalty, and nurturing an online community. They’re like Reddit moderators, only they actually make bank.
If you earn a BBA in management with a digital marketing certificate (like you can at UT Permian Basin), you’ll be more than ready to take on this role.
Want to make the world greener and make a little green? Become a sustainability manager. These managers develop strategies for eco-friendly operations, helping companies comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations. Management coursework typically covers business analytics as well as brand and project management—all vital for this field.
Want to put your business acumen to good use? Management skills are in high demand across the nonprofit world. Check out roles like:
Whether meeting financial goals or charting a philanthropic course, these professionals ensure that nonprofits run smoothly and deliver on their mission.
Think the film industry is out of reach? Think again. Production managers are the glue holding shoots together, handling budgets, hiring crews, and securing locations. The job can be chaotic, and the hours are long. But nothing compares to seeing your work on the big screen. Plus, it’s a perfect launchpad for aspiring producers.
HR managers get a bad rap. And that was before Coldplay’s Chris Martin uncovered an HR director’s cheating scandal. But the truth is, HR managers are often the only thing standing between a functioning company and utter chaos. If you’re tired of the stereotypes, maybe it’s time to rewrite them by pursuing this profession yourself?
If you love sports but don’t see yourself on the field, consider a management role behind the scenes. Teams at all levels need someone to manage schedules, finances, events, and fan engagement. (They are businesses after all.) A management degree gives you the communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills expected in unconventional management roles like these.
Don’t see your dream job on the list? Create it. Entrepreneurs are visionaries, true, but it takes more than a million-dollar idea to start a business, let alone run one. You need to be able to make smart decisions, lead a team, handle finances, and scale an idea … you see where we’re going with this. You need a business management degree.
If this list is any indication, a management degree can take you anywhere. Don’t see a management role that excites you? It’s out there. All you need is the right degree.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management that will prepare you for all manner of leadership roles, whether you want to be a crisis manager or celebrity’s household manager—just a couple of roles that didn’t make the list.
You wouldn’t settle for a career that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Why should your education be any different? Within our program, courses are entirely online and designed to fit around your schedule. Watch a lecture after work or submit a discussion board comment on your lunch break. You decide.
Check out our online BBA in management program. And when you’re ready to take the lead, apply to UT Permian Basin.
Sources:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/great-community-management-tips
https://www.bls.gov/green/sustainability/sustainability.htm
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/nonprofit-management-careers
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-sports-manager-do
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Amazon started as a small online bookstore in the 1990s. Over time, it added more merchandise and offered its services to third-party sellers until it grew into the global powerhouse we know today.
Ever skipped the store and found yourself going straight to Amazon? You’re not alone—and it’s a glimpse into how e-commerce is reshaping businesses around the world.
Whether you’re thinking of launching your own online business or pursuing an international business career, understanding e-commerce is essential. Let’s explore how e-commerce works, how it’s changed global business, and what career opportunities await in this growing field.
E-commerce is short for electronic commerce. It describes any online transaction involving products, services, and digital goods.
While we often think of e-commerce in terms of large digital stores—like Amazon, Walmart, or Etsy—it spans a range of business models and transactions.
For example:
E-commerce covers a broad spectrum. Global businesses today can reach customers around the world with fewer barriers (and clicks) than ever before.
E-commerce is a $6.8 trillion global force, expected to reach $8 trillion by 2027. One-third of all purchases are made online. Companies can now sell to customers halfway around the planet without needing a physical storefront.
Here are six ways e-commerce is changing international business:
Ever noticed how many third-party sellers there are on platforms like Amazon or eBay? Small enterprises now have access to international markets without the financial and logistical barriers of setting up physical stores abroad. For example, Etsy allows artisans in small towns to sell their handmade goods to customers anywhere in the world.
Overhead refers to a store’s operating costs: the upkeep needed for physical stores, international shipping centers, and large staffs. Online platforms eliminate many overhead costs, so businesses can focus more on investing in digital infrastructure—like better online storefronts.
For example: Shopify allows businesses to set up online stores with minimal upfront costs. Expensive real estate and large teams? No longer needed.
Many e-commerce platforms streamline purchasing with integrated payment systems and digital currencies, which makes checking out a breeze.
For instance, Alibaba’s AliExpress allows for instant payments in multiple currencies. This makes it easier for consumers to purchase from international sellers without long waiting periods or high transaction fees.
Ever wonder how goods get from halfway across the world to your door in no time? Or why some packages get stuck in customs? Cross-border logistics between countries ensure:
Fulfillment centers around the globe—such as Amazon’s—reduce delivery times even for international shipments, which has helped create a more efficient global supply chain.
Real-time data collection gathered from online behavior offers countless insights to businesses. It allows them to track consumer preferences in real-time and adapt their offerings based on region and individual shoppers.
That’s how stores like Amazon can offer personal recommendations based on your browsing and shopping history. Real-time data collection provides insights into what products are trending in different countries, allowing businesses to respond to market demands instantly.
E-commerce has made it easier for customers to buy from anywhere in the world. Most stores offer multiple payment options, like PayPal, Stripe, or cryptocurrencies. Installment payments are also becoming more common, using payment platforms like Klarna.
Platforms like eBay and Shopify automatically adjust prices to local currencies, which removes barriers for international customers.
Digital influencers selling services and products on social media—like on TikTok, Instagram, or Reddit—and artificial intelligence are quickly redefining what it means to sell online.
Here are some trends to watch:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already automating parts of customer service. (Think chatbots you can ask general questions or the AI that redirects your call to a human operator.) AI use is expected to surge by 37% annually between 2023 and 2031, and AI systems will automate customer service, personalize shopping, and predict trends.
Ever tried on a pair of glasses online before buying them, like on Zenni Optical? Or, if you’ve bought from IKEA, you may have even tried their augmented reality (AR) furniture visualization. VR/AR technology is improving quickly and will allow customers to effortlessly “try before they buy” online.
Platforms like Patagonia prioritize eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing. With the rise of eco-conscious consumers, this will only become more important.
Here’s what you need to know:
E-commerce is revolutionizing the world, and you could be part of it.
Do you dream of building your own online storefront, launching a global business, or creating the next generation of e-commerce tools? In a field that’s technology-forward and constantly evolving, it’s vital to stay up-to-date with credentials like The University of Texas Permian Basin’s entirely online Master of Business Administration with International Business concentration.
This program will help you build key knowledge to scale and manage businesses in a digital-first world, including:
Students from UTPB’s MBA program have turned their degrees into careers at global powerhouses like Google, Amazon, Charles Schwab, and Chevron.
Already earned your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)? Good news—you can easily transfer your credits to UTPB.
With an online MBA in International Business from UTPB, you can start building your own global business and join a community of changemakers—no matter where you’re starting from.
Sources:
https://www.bigcommerce.com/articles/ecommerce/future-of-ecommerce
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Imagine sending money across the world in seconds—without waiting for a bank transfer or filling out piles of forms. That’s the promise of cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency is digital money that doesn’t require banks. Instead, your funds are secured by encryption and passwords only you control. When Bitcoin launched in 2009, it introduced a new way to move money: one that’s public, secure, and completely decentralized.
Today, over 560 million people own crypto, and that number is growing fast. Whether you’re curious about investing, building a finance career, or simply understanding this digital revolution, here’s what you need to know.
Cryptocurrency is digital money built on a blockchain, a shared ledger that anyone can view but no one can alter without network agreement. Instead of a bank verifying your transactions, a distributed P2P (peer-to-peer) network of computers, called nodes, confirms and records them.
Think of it as a giant spreadsheet that thousands of people keep in sync at once, with no bank middleman or hefty fees. When you send crypto:
You may have heard the term “fiat money” if you’ve ever dabbled in crypto. That’s the name for government-issued money, like the U.S. dollar, Euro, or Japanese yen.
Traditional fiat money is received through traditional methods like cash, direct deposits, and bank withdrawals. But cryptocurrency transactions follow a different path.
There are three common ways to build a crypto balance:
While crypto isn’t replacing your bank card just yet, you can already use it in surprising ways:
Your crypto doesn’t sit in a physical wallet. Instead, you store it in a digital vault that holds your keys and lets you send and receive cryptocurrency.
There are two main ways to store your crypto:
These wallets give you control over your digital assets—no banks, no central authority. But if you lose your keys and seed phrase? Your assets are gone forever.
Regulations for crypto are evolving quickly—like the U.S. GENIUS Act and the European Union’s MiCA—but personal security is still your responsibility.
Scams happen. Watch out for fake “airdrops,” shady exchanges, or too-good-to-be-true returns. Do your own research and stay up to date. Like cash under a mattress, once a criminal steals your cryptocurrency, it’s gone.
Here’s how to protect your cryptocurrency assets:
By 2026, the number of cryptocurrency owners could climb close to one billion. The payment market alone is projected to reach nearly $100 billion by 2026.
Finance leaders need to stay ahead of this shift. Markets are evolving fast, and crypto is expected to become more widely accepted as legal tender. Financial experts will need to master new terms like:
Crypto is disrupting how people move money, how markets behave, and how regulation adapts. Understanding the basics of cryptocurrency now will ensure you’re ready to lead in a financial world that looks very different than it did ten years ago.
Think you’re up for the challenge?
Are you a future financial analyst? A fintech entrepreneur? Or maybe a crypto asset manager?
No matter where you are on your financial journey (or where you’re heading), The University of Texas Permian Basin can help you become a confident leader in the financial world of tomorrow.
Our programs combine finance fundamentals with insights to navigate emerging, innovative markets. Choose from the following online degrees:
You’ll keep up with new financial technology, master the market, spark innovation, practice smart risk management, and learn from key players in the world of finance.
Curious where your passion can take you? Explore UTPB’s online finance programs and start building the skills that will shape your future.
Source:
https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-proof-of-work-or-proof-of-stake
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According to a 2024 survey, 20% of U.S. consumers made purchases on a social media platform at least weekly. This means Gen Z and millennials are setting the tone for how future generations will discover and buy from brands.
These digital natives expect more than traditional marketing approaches. They want digital content that engages, informs, and aligns with their values.
And how do they want it delivered?
Through bite-sized videos, authentic stories, and mobile-friendly formats.
In this article, we’ll explore five proven strategies to help brands grab attention and turn authentic connections into lasting conversions.
Content marketing builds trust and fosters long-term relationships by delivering valuable, non-salesy content that resonates with audiences. To understand how it works, let’s first look at the difference between digital marketing and content marketing.
Digital marketing covers any effort that uses electronic channels to promote products or services. Think email campaigns, paid search ads, or social media ads.
In contrast, content marketing is a type of digital marketing that focuses on creating valuable, relevant content designed to spark interest in a brand. While traditional content marketing methods often relied on blogs and online articles, today’s content spans several other channels, including:
So, why is content marketing important in today’s digital world?
Content marketing strategies attract audiences organically, build trust, and engage consumers without feeling overly promotional. In a crowded digital landscape, understanding the difference between digital marketing vs content marketing is essential for connecting with your audience and encouraging long-term loyalty.
Creating great content is just the first step. To truly engage your audience, you need strategies that capture attention, encourage interaction, and keep people coming back.
Here are five approaches to elevate your digital marketing and make your content work harder for your brand.
You might create catchy copy for your brand, but if you’re writing it for the wrong audience (or a general audience), even the best content won’t reach the right people. One of the first steps in crafting a content strategy that engages your audience is identifying exactly who you want to reach.
Here’s how to identify your target audience:
Attention spans are shrinking. On average, you have around eight seconds before attention starts to wander, leaving very little time to hook a potential customer.
The solution?
Meet your audience where they are with short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These videos showcase your products in low-stakes, value-driven ways, such as:
Gamification means adding game-like elements to your marketing content to create interactive experiences. This approach boosts engagement and encourages users to spend more time on your site. They may even return for another visit or share the experience with friends.
Here’s how you can gamify your content to make your audience’s experience more engaging:
For example, a skincare brand could run a 7-day “Glow Challenge” where participants sign up via the brand’s website. Each day, they receive an email with a tip, mini-task, or challenge related to skincare routines.
In 2023, Semrush noted that users were significantly more active on their mobile devices, visiting sites 313% more often on mobile than on desktop. So, what does that mean for content marketers?
We need to create content that caters to the user experience people want, and for most people, that’s mobile viewing.
Here’s how to optimize your content marketing strategies toward mobile-friendly experiences:
One of the most effective ways to determine whether your content marketing strategies are working is to analyze performance data from tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, or any other platform you use to collect insights.
Measuring results isn’t just about looking back; it’s about staying flexible. In today’s fast-moving digital world, what’s popular one month might shift the next, which is why it’s important to track key performance indicators (KPIs) like:
Once your data shows what worked and what didn’t, you can use A/B testing to refine your strategies. For instance, if your blog content underperformed but your webinar content drove most of your leads last quarter, you can shift resources to produce more webinar content while experimenting with new formats or topics for your blog.
As digital marketing evolves, having a strong foundation in content marketing strategies can set you apart. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from UT Permian Basin, you’ll gain practical skills and insights that help you:
Plus, with flexible electives, you can tailor your degree to match your career goals, whether that’s diving deeper into digital branding, e-commerce, analytics, or social media. This flexibility allows you to carve a path designed specifically for your ambitions, giving you the knowledge and confidence to lead no matter where your career takes you.
Interested in learning more? Explore UTPB’s online BBA in marketing today.
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Hospital bills that threaten to bankrupt families. Clinics struggling to keep their doors open. No matter which side of the exam table you’re on, healthcare costs are rising fast. Costs for everything from medical supplies to staff wages are on the rise—and it’s quickly adding up for hospitals and clinics around the country.
In 2023 alone, healthcare spending increased by 7.5% to $4.9 trillion: the largest uptick since 2003. The result? Healthcare facilities are facing mounting pressure to balance rising costs with delivering high-quality care to their patients.
That’s why effective healthcare administrators are crucial to the financial stability of healthcare facilities.
In this article, we explore six smart strategies you can use to tackle and lower some of the typical healthcare costs that have increased in recent years. (Where there’s a will, there’s a way—and a few extra dimes to rub together!)
If healthcare were a human body, healthcare management would be the heart that keeps the entire operation running smoothly. This vital function ties together several key components, including:
When one of these elements is undervalued or neglected, the entire system is strained, like a body showing signs of illness. Healthcare administrators must ensure each part is carefully maintained, and cost management is one of the most effective ways to keep things in balance. Good cost management reduces expenses and creates and smoother, more effective operations.
Not sure where to start? Here are six proven strategies to help you cut costs while maintaining quality care.
Facilities are teeming with resources. The more organized and informed a healthcare admin is—from medical supply inventory to staff capabilities and equipment status—the less likely they are to overspend on resources they don’t need.
Here are a few ways to make the most of what’s already available:
Whether you work in healthcare or you’ve been a patient yourself, you know one thing is true: Billing errors and insurance delays are all too common. But with the right systems in place, healthcare facilities can reduce these issues—and the headaches they cause. Here are a few ways to simplify the process:
When looking into ways for managing costs in healthcare, labor is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. According to the American Hospital Association, labor accounted for 56% of hospitals’ total spending in 2024.
And while some facilities are cutting labor costs by reducing the number of employees (hello, nursing shortage), that can quickly lead to poor patient care due to burnout and understaffing.
Fortunately, there are ways to support your team while still keeping labor expenses under control:
In addition to the big-picture strategies above, here are a few simple yet effective ways healthcare facilities can keep costs in check:
Whether you want to drive change in your current healthcare facility or pivot into the healthcare field from another industry, UT Permian Basin offers two fully online bachelor’s degrees designed to help you take the next step in your career—on your schedule.
We offer two 100% online programs for those interested in roles like healthcare administrator, operations manager, clinic supervisor, and more:
Explore each program to see which one aligns best with your experience and goals. Still have questions? Contact us—and speak with a real person. Ready to apply? We offer year-round start dates, so you can jump in when the time is right for you.
Sources:
https://www.ncdsinc.com/revolutionizing-healthcare-how-automated-medical-billing-reduces-burden-and-boosts-efficiency
https://www.aha.org/costsofcaring
When we consider a healthcare professional’s role in the patient experience, we might be inclined to picture a patient-facing individual such as a nurse or a patient care technician. These professionals have an incalculably beneficial effect on patients’ health and well-being. But apart from having the proper skills and disposition required to do their jobs…
A traditional MBA path often means finishing your bachelor’s degree, entering the workforce, then returning to school years later for your MBA: an expensive and time-consuming journey that can take six or more years in total. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer a smarter, faster option: our online 4+1 MBA program. In…
The effects of COVID-19 continue to reverberate throughout the healthcare sector, even as infection rates across the United States have fallen since the height of the pandemic. Getting those numbers under control remains a high priority, alongside tackling major issues that in some cases grew out of the pandemic. Let’s look at three of the…
Even before COVID sent millions of professionals home to work in their pajamas or athleisure, some companies offered work-from-home or hybrid options. Today, remote work has become increasingly popular with professionals: 97% of remote employees report wanting to work that way the rest of their careers. And fewer companies are posting office-only jobs. Currently, about 22% of Americans work remotely.
Remote work brings unique opportunities — and challenges. Issues with communication, technology, payroll, accountability, time differences, and morale can occur. On the other hand, it widens the talent pool and can boost savings, competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability.
Remote work is here to stay. So how do you make it work best for your team or business? Let’s look at the challenges of remote work — and the benefits that make those challenges worthwhile.
Managing remote teams isn’t always easy. Here are six of the biggest hurdles companies face.
With record numbers of professionals transitioning to work-from-home positions, it’s clear that remote work isn’t all challenges. It offers real benefits that smart companies are using to their advantage. Here are five benefits of adding remote work as an option for your employees.
Still have questions about remote work? Here are answers to some common questions.
Tap into the benefits and overcome any drawbacks of remote work as a global business team leader. The University of Texas Permian Basin‘s AACSB-accredited online MBA with international business concentration equips you with the expertise!
Our program allows you to:
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/03/04/the-benefits-and-challenges-of-employee-remote-work
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/25/us-workers-are-getting-remote-jobs-with-international-companies.html
https://hbr.org/2020/11/our-work-from-anywhere-future
https://money.usnews.com/careers/articles/big-companies-that-hire-remote-workers
https://thereistalent.com/percentage-of-u-s-businesses-using-remote-workers/
https://www.gallup.com/401384/indicator-hybrid-work.aspx
Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board. Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk…
Video calls. Robot vacuums. Voice assistants. Thirty years ago, we only saw this technology in cinema or on TV. Today, they’re billion-dollar industries. Many of the technologies now reshaping how we live and work first appeared in movies or on TV. While most viewers were happy to lose themselves in the narrative, an enterprising few…
Forget everything you think you know about management roles, like the idea that for the rest of your life, you’ll be chained to a desk under a ceiling of fluorescent lights. That’s not what management looks like—or at least, it doesn’t have to be. A business management degree doesn’t condemn you to a cubicle; it…
Not all heroes wear capes. Sure, doctors and surgeons wear scrubs—the unofficial capes of modern medicine—but what about the people working behind the scenes? The ones making sure our hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems runs smoothly every day?
They might not always get the glory, but they’re far from undervalued, especially in today’s job market. Healthcare management and administrator roles are on the rise, with a projected growth rate of 29% through 2033: nearly 25% faster than the average for all occupations.
So, which healthcare management position is right for you? Only you can decide, but information is power, and this guide will give you the insight you need to find a path that fits your strengths and goals.
A career in healthcare management offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in hospitals and healthcare systems. But if you’re looking for the why behind the what, here’s a closer look at the benefits of choosing a path in this rapidly growing field:
Below, we explore four distinct career paths in healthcare management. For each path, you’ll find:
Let’s dive in.
Have you ever pictured yourself working in a bustling hospital, just an arm’s length away from the action? That’s the world of hospital administration, where you’ll play a vital role in keeping the entire facility running efficiently.
With your guidance, hospital staff will get the support and resources they need to deliver efficient, high-quality care while staying compliant with healthcare regulations.
Work Settings
Hospital administrators work in environments that require strong leadership and coordination across departments. You can typically find them in:
Key Skills
To succeed in hospital administration, you’ll need a mix of business acumen, leadership, and healthcare knowledge:
Careers in Hospital Administration
Graduates in management and healthcare management might pursue roles like:
Healthcare organizations don’t run on patient care alone. Behind the scenes, consultants play a critical role in optimizing operations, keeping costs within budget, and navigating complex regulations.
As a healthcare consultant, your goal is to improve the internal functions of healthcare organizations. That can include:
Work Settings
Healthcare consultants work in environments where strategic analysis and improvement are key, such as:
Key Skills
Success in healthcare consulting requires a mix of analytical thinking, communication skills, and healthcare industry knowledge:
Careers in Healthcare Consulting
Healthcare consulting offers a range of career opportunities for those passionate about improving systems and policies, including:
Not all roles in healthcare management involve overseeing entire facilities or advising large systems. Some career paths take a more technical or policy-driven approach, but they still make a significant impact.
Health informatics, for example, brings together technology, data, and healthcare to improve how facilities store, access, and use patient information. Professionals in this field often work in hospitals, tech companies, and government health agencies to ensure systems run smoothly and securely.
Key Skills
Health informatics roles require foundational skills in healthcare management, along with specialized technical expertise like:
Careers in Health Informatics
If you’re interested in using data and technology to improve healthcare delivery, here are a few roles to consider:
If you’re passionate about shaping the future of healthcare, consider policy analysis. You’ll evaluate systems, recommend improvements, and influence legislation in a critical role that puts the “health” in healthcare. Professionals in this field play a vital role in aligning healthcare practices with public needs, often working in government, nonprofit, or academic settings.
Key Skills
Success in healthcare policy analysis relies on strong communication, critical thinking, and a solid understanding of the healthcare landscape, along with:
Careers in Policy Analysis
If you’re drawn to advocacy, research, or systems-level change, consider roles such as:
Whether you’re drawn to shaping public policy or leading hospital operations as a health services manager, the right degree can help turn your career goals into reality. At UT Permian Basin, we offer two fully online programs designed to support your success, on your schedule:
Take the next step toward a career that makes a difference. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, UTPB’s online programs give you the flexibility to learn while you work—and the foundation to lead in the healthcare industry.
Apply today or request more info to get started.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
You’re interested in a healthcare career, but you envision yourself in a management or leadership role rather than a hands-on position. While patient health remains your top priority, you know that leading a team or managing an office, department, or even an entire facility is just as vital to the overall healthcare mission. Many of…
When COVID-19 struck in 2020, the world as we knew it was thrown into complete chaos. Suddenly, many of us couldn’t leave our homes to complete simple tasks like grocery shopping or even taking a walk. Countless parents became tutors to their children, who were learning via Zoom calls. And when someone showed symptoms of…
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree is your ticket to the world of business. A BBA provides a comprehensive overview of business, touching on foundational concepts like accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Typically, undergraduate students also choose the major that best aligns with their interests. This specialized focus allows students to explore a subject…
Powerful turbines humming in unison across a field. Solar panels floating on the ocean, their synchronized mirrors following the sun’s path. The future of renewable energy is here, and it’s gaining momentum.
In fact, renewable energy sources now generate nearly 30% of the world’s electricity—a massive leap from just 20% in 2011. Solar energy is leading the way, and clean energy could cover 100% of our electricity needs by 2035.
Of course, that’s the goal—but how close are we really to making it happen?
In this article, we’re diving into the trends that are reshaping energy, the smart investments fueling the shift and the market forces driving a greener grid. Let’s plug into the future, starting with a look at current trends.
Right now, renewables are booming. Global energy from renewables is projected to climb to over 17,000 terawatt-hours by 2030 (up nearly 90% from 2023). Solar and wind the main drivers of this growth. By the end of the decade, solar alone is projected to overtake hydropower (which powers cities like Reykjavik, Iceland) as the world’s largest renewable energy source.
By 2030, wind and solar could supply more than 60% of global electricity. That’s a seismic shift in the energy landscape.
But to keep the lights on 24/7, we’ll need more than just solar and wind power. Here are some emerging renewable technologies that are helping to bridge the energy gap:
As more investments pour into renewables, opportunities to explore other natural sources of energy are opening up. So, with so much potential, what are investors doing to support the future of renewable energy?
Clean energy is attracting serious attention—and serious funding. In fact, the world is now investing almost twice as much in clean energy as in fossil fuels, and 2024 was a record-breaking year with $2.1 trillion in clean energy investments. Here’s where the money is going:
Despite these milestones, experts say that current levels of investment in clean energy still aren’t enough. To stay on track for net-zero emissions by 2050, we may need to double today’s investment by 2030.
The renewable energy industry needs professionals who understand both energy and economics: people who can help shape smart policy, attract funding, and move projects from concept to impact.
Clean energy is booming—but there’s no straight path to a greener grid. While the market profits from innovation, it’s also challenged by policy shifts, outdated infrastructure, and supply chain issues. Let’s unpack some of the key elements influencing how the market moves:
The bottom line: The renewable energy sector is mainstream, capital-intensive, and globally competitive. But determining whether the market will grow or stall depends less on technology and more on:
That’s why the industry needs experts who can navigate disruption, build flexible systems, and deliver scalable, reliable solutions that move as fast as climate demands.
Renewable energy is scaling fast—and it’s reshaping how the world powers up. Let’s recap some key points:
The energy transition is happening. The real question: Will you help lead it? Programs like The University of Texas Permian Basin’s energy business credentials can help you get started.
Curious where you fit into all this momentum? Whether you’re eyeing a future in clean tech, policy, or helping overhaul the grid, UTPB’s 100% online energy business programs are built for the new energy economy.
Choose from the following online programs:
Whether you want to expand your energy business knowledge, grow as a leader, or fast-track a new career, you’ll gain the strategy, finance, and market insights driving this global shift at UTPB.
Sources:
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/electric-power-and-natural-gas/our-insights/renewable-energy-development-in-a-net-zero-world-disrupted-supply-chains
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/oil-and-gas/our-insights/global-energy-perspective-2023-transition-bottlenecks-and-unlocks
https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/news-publications/inside-supply-management-magazine/blog/2025/2025-01/the-climate-tug-of-war-between-the-u.s.-and-china
Powerful turbines humming in unison across a field. Solar panels floating on the ocean, their synchronized mirrors following the sun’s path. The future of renewable energy is here, and it’s gaining momentum. In fact, renewable energy sources now generate nearly 30% of the world’s electricity—a massive leap from just 20% in 2011. Solar energy is…
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…
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.” Barriers to Energy Security Energy plays a central role in…
