Paperless paychecks have been around since the 1970s, allowing employers to electronically transfer wages into employees’ accounts on payday. Direct deposit, or ACH (Automated Clearing House), saves the time and effort of rushing to a brick-and-mortar bank location and waiting in line to deposit a check before the bank closes. It’s an early example of fintech we take for granted today.
Many more advances have emerged in recent decades, providing us with unprecedented financial autonomy and transforming the finance industry. Though we still need to keep our money somewhere secure, these innovations enable us to perform a wide range of financial transactions from a cell phone—and some sidestep traditional financial institutions altogether.
Fintech, short for “financial technology,” encompasses innovative technologies that enhance and automate the provision and use of financial services. It assists companies, business owners, and consumers in optimizing their financial operations and processes through software and algorithms deployed on mobile devices and computers. Let’s look at a few fintech examples now.
Financial institutions enable customers to access their account 24/7 from the convenience of a secure website or app. These accounts are the same ones that they can access via an ATM or a local bank branch. In fact, customers can perform most banking transactions online, from deposits to transfers, making most bank visits redundant.
A digital wallet is a financial transaction app compatible with any connected device. It securely stores payment details and passwords in the cloud. While accessible from a computer, mobile wallets, a subset of digital wallets, are predominantly utilized on mobile devices. In addition to credit cards, digital wallets can store concert or travel tickets, car keys, ID cards, and coupons.
A relatively recent addition to the world of finance, cryptocurrency gets a lot of attention, but not always for the right reasons. Criticisms of this virtual currency include slow transactions, inadequate regulation, a lack of inherent value, and potential use in criminal activities. Though controversial, cryptocurrency may be with us to stay.
Also known as P2P lending, these platforms facilitate direct connections between borrowers and lenders, establishing their own rates and terms for transactions and allowing individuals to obtain loans directly from other individuals. P2P eliminates the need for a financial institution as an intermediary.
A robo-advisor is a digital platform that delivers automated, algorithm-based financial planning and investment services, often with minimal human oversight. In a common scenario, a robo-advisor will collect information about your financial status and future objectives through an online questionnaire, enabling it to provide recommendations and execute investments autonomously on your behalf.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited online finance programs equip you with financial management skills that can result in rewarding occupations, including leadership roles. All three highly marketable degrees are led by esteemed PhD-level faculty members boasting extensive experience within the finance industry. Explore the fintech, terminology, and trends you’ll need to know with us, online.
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
Develop essential financial management abilities applicable across diverse career paths with a BBA in finance—available online exclusively at this UT System institution. Many students use this program as a foundation for valuable Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional credentials.
Online Master of Business Administration in Finance
Once you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree, continue your studies with an MBA—highly prized in the business world for its prestige. Build broad business acumen with a special emphasis on finance by completing 33-42 credits. Graduate in as little as four semesters.
Online Master of Science in Finance
If you seek a graduate degree sharply focused on finance, consider this 30-credit program—one of select few university programs of its type in Texas to boast STEM certification. Graduate in as little as four semesters.
See potential future jobs and corresponding salaries for this degree.
Delivered in an asynchronous online format, our finance degree programs provide you with the flexibility to pursue your studies at your own pace, irrespective of your location. There’s no need to visit campus. Whether you’re balancing work, personal commitments, or both, our programs empower you to fulfill those responsibilities while earning a highly regarded, career-advancing degree.
Join the field of finance prepared to take on its changes and challenges. Apply to one of our online finance degree programs today!
Sources:
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-fintech
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fintech.asp
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/roboadvisor-roboadviser.asp
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/digital-wallet.asp
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/peer-to-peer-lending.asp
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cryptocurrency.asp
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 effectively, they need strong, compassionate leadership to guide them and set them up for success.
Here we’ll discuss the vital role healthcare managers and leaders play in ensuring their facility’s patients receive the best of care.
The phrase “patient-centered care” comes up often today because of a significant mindset shift in healthcare. While physicians and other healthcare professionals may be exceptionally skilled and experienced, patient-centered care dispenses with the view that these professionals alone know what’s best for a patient in favor of a more inclusive, personalized approach.
Patient-centered care puts an emphasis on treating the patient as an individual and learning their specific healthcare needs. It seeks to engage patients and their families by providing them with the information to understand a health condition and make their own decisions regarding the course of care. This requires healthcare professionals to be excellent communicators and advocates for their patients.
Healthcare manager is not a specific role but rather a general title for a variety of different professions including clinical manager, nursing home administrator, and health information manager. While managing the day-to-day operations of their department or facility is front and center for these professionals, better healthcare outcomes and a first-rate patient experience are always at the core of their mission.
Healthcare managers drive the personalized, patient-centered care that can result in a positive patient experience by:
As a healthcare manager or leader, you’ll have the potential to improve the lives of countless patients and employees throughout your career—a challenging but ultimately rewarding endeavor. While positive patient outcomes may be their own reward, healthcare management roles can also lead to more job opportunities and higher compensation. Data shows median earnings in the six figures and an astonishing growth rate of 28%—much faster than the average for all occupations—for related careers in the coming years. The University of Texas Permian Basin can put you on a path to these leadership roles in healthcare.
UT Permian Basin’s online degrees in healthcare management and leadership lay the groundwork for fulfilling careers at the helm of a patient-centered organization.
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
Explore the application of core business principles from the AACSB-accredited BBA program within a healthcare context, including topics such as financial management in healthcare organizations, patient service strategies, and understanding legal and regulatory frameworks. See where graduates of this UTPB program are working!
Online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership
Enhance your expertise in meeting the requirements of employees and patients while also refining your skills in financial management and quantitative decision-making. This program is designated for students who hold an AAS degree in nursing, emergency medical services, radiology, or other healthcare-related disciplines.
Choose either healthcare-focused online UTPB bachelor’s degree to experience the benefits of our asynchronous, 100% online format. Enjoy the flexibility of finishing your coursework according to your own timetable, regardless of your location, all while maintaining your professional and personal obligations. You’ll still receive guidance from our esteemed faculty, as both programs are overseen by the same distinguished educators who teach at our Odessa, Texas, campus.
Apply to your preferred program today!
What if your neighborhood stayed powered through the next hurricane? That’s exactly what happened in Babcock Ranch: America’s first solar-powered city. Built with sustainability and storm resilience in mind, this Florida town is changing the future of energy and urban design.
If you’ve ever lived in Florida or watched news coverage of hurricanes hitting its coastlines, you understand the state’s vulnerability to these storms. In 2004, Florida endured four hurricanes (Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) in the span of a little over a month. Hundreds of thousands of residents lost power, with only 17.5% relying on portable generators to sustain basic appliances.
More recently, in 2022, Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc in southwest Florida, causing widespread destruction and leaving 2.7 million people without power. Some endured a week or more without electricity, braving extreme heat and humidity.
Despite facing the same powerful 155-mile-per-hour winds as neighboring towns, a community near Ft. Myers called Babcock Ranch emerged unscathed. Thanks to meticulous planning and reliance on solar panels for electricity, all 2,000 homes in the neighborhood retained power.
But what is Babcock Ranch—and how did it come out nearly unscathed when surrounding towns were left flooded, damaged, and without power?
Let’s take a closer look.
Before we explore what makes Babcock Ranch a sustainability success story, here’s a snapshot of how this innovative town is making waves—powered entirely by the sun.
As with most grand plans, the beginning of Babcock Ranch began with a simple vision by its founder, Syd Kitson. According to VOA News, Kitson wanted to build a city that worked hand-in-hand with the environment. In 2015, his dream was realized as they broke ground on its construction, and Babcock Ranch was born.
The town, which spans over 18,000 acres of land, has become a series of distinct neighborhoods, schools, restaurants, nature trails, and more amenities that make it a desirable place to live. But what really sets it apart from other towns is the fact that it runs entirely on
So how does Babcock Ranch power 2,000 (and growing) residences and additional commercial spaces at once? Partnered with Florida Power and Light, Babcock Ranch houses a solar energy center on 440 acres of land.
Not sure what that looks like? Picture this: 333 football fields, filled with approximately 33,000 solar panels soaking up the sun’s energy all day long. Together, those panels generate about 75 megawatts of clean energy. To put this in perspective, one megawatt produces enough electricity to power approximately 200 homes. So, there’s plenty of solar energy to go around—and even some left over to serve customers living outside of Babcock Ranch.
Many of Babcock Ranch’s current residents moved there because of its potential to withstand hurricane damage. But how did its builders ensure the town’s safety ahead of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian on neighboring cities?
A few strategies they implemented when developing the town include:
Thanks to the careful planning involved in constructing the solar-powered town, Babcock Ranch emerged relatively unharmed from the havoc Hurricane Ian caused in Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island, and other nearby cities. Apart from minor damage like fallen trees, the town maintained power throughout and after the storm, proving that America’s first solar-powered town is, indeed, the place you want to be when a hurricane hits.
Whether you aspire to become a chief sustainability officer or a climate change policy analyst in emerging sustainable cities, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers several online graduate credentials in energy business, including:
All of our programs offer year-round start dates and affordable tuition rates and are AACSB accredited. Whether you’re new to the energy industry or interested in advancing your role, find the program that’s right for you and apply today!
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…
From tax evasion to money laundering, when it comes to unraveling financial mysteries, forensic accountants are the unsung superheroes. Combining their investigative and problem-solving skills with their prowess in data analysis, they’re able to solve the seemingly unsolvable.
But how do they do it—and what do they do, exactly?
Today, we’re doing a little sleuthing of our own as we untangle the mystery of forensic accounting.
Forensic accounting is the practice of investigating financial records to uncover evidence of fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes. More specifically, forensic accountants are certified public accountants (CPAs), and sometimes certified fraud examiners (CFEs), who specialize in examining the finances of individuals and businesses. They often work for insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, or financial institutions, dedicating their efforts to uncovering evidence of financial crimes.
Their daily responsibilities depend on their particular skill set and the nature of each case but generally include:
Forensic accounting and fraud examination are closely connected fields, often working in tandem to investigate financial misconduct. Both involve analyzing financial data to uncover wrongdoing, whether it’s embezzlement, fraudulent reporting, or hidden assets. In fact, many forensic accountants specialize in fraud examination and apply their accounting expertise to detect, prevent, and explain fraudulent activity.
The key difference lies in focus and scope. While forensic accounting is a broad discipline that includes any financial investigation used in a legal setting, fraud examination specifically zeroes in on identifying and resolving allegations of fraud. In other words, all fraud examiners may use forensic accounting methods, but not all forensic accountants work exclusively in fraud examination.
One of the enticing aspects of forensic accounting is that there are numerous types of crimes to investigate, and no two cases are exactly alike. Whether they work for the FBI or a private financial firm, forensic accountants help solve a diverse range of financial crimes:
Those aren’t the only types of financial crimes that forensic accountants tackle. Other common types include:
In addition to soft skills like attention to detail and problem-solving, forensic accountants are specially trained in relevant areas to ensure they can effectively solve complex financial mysteries, including:
Wondering what it takes to become a forensic accountant or how they help solve financial crimes? Below are answers to some of the most common questions about this exciting and impactful field:
Whether you’re passionate about forensic accounting, guiding clients toward long-term financial success, or exploring another area of accounting, UTPB offers three online programs designed to equip you for a broad range of roles in the industry:
Choose the program that aligns with your professional aspirations and apply today!
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/forensicaccounting.asp
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/white-collar-crime.asp#toc-money-laundering
Other articles you may be interested in:
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…
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…
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….
Robots are taking over the world, but not in the way science fiction writers imagined.
Welding robots assemble our cars. ATMs and online banking handle our deposits. And where overworked retail cashiers once asked, “Did you find everything okay?” there now stands self-checkout terminals.
Automation has long promised to revolutionize blue-collar work, which is repetitive and sometimes dangerous. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up for white-collar workers. Jobs like technical writing, web development, and budget analysis—roles once thought safe from automation—could be at risk.
Will AI take over your job? Let’s find out.
Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, DALL-E, and Midjourney, are deep-learning models that mimic human decision-making processes to create new content, including:
Ask ChatGPT to write a children’s book in the style of Dr. Seuss and the large language model (LLM) will generate whimsical rhymes in seconds. Tell DALL-E to paint a picture of Nosferatu in RuPaul’s Drag Race or Darth Vader ice fishing and that’s exactly what you’ll get.
The truth is that no one knows how generative AI will affect jobs, only that it will.
No one can compete with the speed and efficiency of these AI tools, which have come out of (seemingly) nowhere to threaten office jobs. “To be brutally honest, we had a hierarchy of things that technology could do, and we felt comfortable saying things like creative work, professional work, emotional intelligence would be hard for machines to ever do,” said Erik Brynjolfsson, a professor at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI. “Now that’s all been upended.”
The truth is that no one knows how generative AI will affect jobs, only that it will. A 2023 study conducted by OpenAI, ChatGPT’s parent company, looked at 923 occupations and found that:
So, unless you’re a world-class athlete or a skilled tradesperson, your world is about to change.
“You can replace people, you can augment people, and you can create new opportunities for people. But you do have winners and losers.”
—Mary Daly, CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
AI, particularly generative AI, is inherently disruptive. However, technological advancements of this kind have consistently fueled economic and employment growth.
Some jobs may be lost, but most will benefit from integrating AI technologies. No matter how sophisticated generative AI may be, human expertise remains irreplaceable. There will always be work for people; only now, it will be like everyone has an AI-powered assistant, making it easier to perform advanced tasks and closing the gap between entry-level and experienced workers.
Chances are AI won’t take over your job: your rivals will. Professionals who are more willing to embrace AI tools will almost certainly gain a competitive edge. “When I think of generative AI—or AI writ large—what I see is an opportunity,” explained Mary Daly, CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. “You can replace people, you can augment people, and you can create new opportunities for people. But you do have winners and losers.”
The future of work remains uncertain, but it will be intensely competitive. If you hope to keep up, your best bet is to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E, which will serve as valuable additions to your repertoire of skills. Only by honing your technical and interpersonal abilities can you accomplish things that neither your competitor nor AI can achieve.
That’s where the online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing program from The University of Texas Permian Basin comes into play.
Through our online program, you’ll master both traditional and digital marketing, equipping you with the skills you need to leave the competition behind. Not only will you explore the latest marketing trends, you’ll also learn what it takes to thrive in a competitive landscape increasingly reliant on AI.
Our online BBA in marketing courses include:
Join The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online BBA in Marketing program to stay ahead of the curve. Apply today!
Sources:
https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/generative-ai-and-the-future-of-work-in-america
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/01/15/generative-ai-probably-wont-take-your-job-but-it-will-change-how-you-work/?sh=326dceb8267c
Did you know that there are approximately 33.2 million small businesses in America? About 46% of workers in the United States are employed by these tiny but very mighty companies. However, larger businesses employ numerous expensive marketing strategies to increase their visibility, customer base, and revenue, so how are small businesses supposed to keep up?
Enter social media marketing, a digital marketing strategy that has the potential to bring buyers to small businesses in droves. With 5 billion social media users worldwide, small businesses can use social media to reach a significantly higher number of potential customers (along with a slew of other worthwhile benefits).
Interested in learning more about how social media is revolutionizing the small business landscape? Sit back and relax as we discuss five positive impacts social media marketing can have on small businesses.
If your small business isn’t leveraging social media, your ability to introduce yourself to potential customers decreases significantly. However, by incorporating various forms of social media marketing, such as content marketing, influencer marketing, and paid advertising, you can showcase your brand to individuals within your target market locally and globally.
So, how exactly does social media enhance brand awareness? It provides a popular platform to integrate multiple marketing strategies, including:
Many small businesses use websites as a platform to showcase—and sell—their products or services. And with online shopping bringing in more than $800 billion in annual sales, we can understand why so many companies are joining the bandwagon. But without taking advantage of social media, they’re missing a huge opportunity to bring more traffic (a.k.a. potential customers) to their website.
Let’s imagine you own a crystal company, offering a variety of crystals from rose quartz to labradorite. Despite launching your website, you haven’t seen a significant increase in traffic. However, after a colleague suggests creating a business account on your target audience’s preferred social media platform, you begin to notice a rise in the number of people visiting your site.
As you incorporate customer testimonials, include links to your website in your social media posts, and actively engage with your audience, website traffic continues to grow. This increase ultimately leads to a boost in sales and revenue for your crystal company, proving that social media’s ability to increase traffic also translates to tangible success for your business.
Social media provides an excellent opportunity to promote many types of content, including blog posts, videos, infographics, and podcasts.
Let’s say you wrote a brilliant listicle titled “Ten Healing Crystals That Will Change Your Life.” While you might attract some organic clicks via search engines, consider the potential for increased clicks if you promote it on one or more social media accounts. As your following increases, you’ll be creating a larger platform to showcase your content, simultaneously highlighting your industry expertise. It’s a win-win for your marketing strategy and your business.
Once you jump on the social media marketing bandwagon, you’ll realize that you’re not the only crystal connoisseur out there. While you may have found a specific niche of customers to target your efforts towards, other small businesses selling similar products have also identified their own target audience and are implementing their own marketing strategies to attract potential customers to their content and website.
Social media provides valuable insights into your competitors’ activities and keeps you updated on current industry trends. By monitoring your competitors’ marketing strategies, you can identify what’s working for them and what isn’t, enabling you to adapt and refine your own marketing approaches accordingly.
The impact of social media on small businesses can be profound, whether you’re implementing it for your own business or pursuing a marketing role where you offer your expertise to multiple small businesses. And social media is just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous digital and traditional marketing strategies you can use to help small businesses grow.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing that prepares you for all of the above, from social media and other digital marketing strategies to more traditional methods, such as print and broadcast advertising.
What’s more, we understand that many of our students are working professionals. That’s why we’ve created an online program that caters to adults with busy professional and personal lives. You can take the courses at a pace that’s convenient to you, earning a bachelor’s degree that will strengthen your marketing prowess and give you the tools to help you build businesses from the ground up.
Browse our course offerings, and when you’re ready, start the next chapter in your career by completing an application.
Sources:
https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/state-of-small-business-now
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-global-overview-report
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/04/ecommerce-sales-surged-during-pandemic.html
Women comprise the majority of today’s marketing workforce. Although women are often touted as better communicators, this characterization alone doesn’t explain why women so often pursue an education and career in this dynamic field. Marketing is an area of business unlike any other. In this growing field, anyone can enter on the ground floor and…
Every year, new trends and technologies emerge to influence how we develop strategies, deliver content, and connect with audiences, and 2023 looks to be no different. Marketers with their finger on the pulse of culture and society will have a distinct advantage over the competition. As for those who don’t, they probably aren’t going to…
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…
Astute business decisions play a central role in bringing a business back from the brink, whether that predicament is due to bankruptcy or scandal. Here we’ll look at a few celebrated businesses and brands that were once in serious trouble but have come back to thrive. We’ll conclude with a discussion of the skills necessary to lead a company out of a crisis and how you can develop them.
Below are some notable instances of companies confronting dire prospects and then clawing their way back to success. See what they were facing and what they did to change course.
It may be difficult to fathom, but Starbucks—yes, that Starbucks—hit hard times in the early 2000s. The ubiquitous, astonishingly popular coffee chain had grown too quickly and made changes that didn’t resonate with customers. After shutting down 600 stores and reestablishing its focus on coffee, the chain pivoted from an immense drop in stock value in 2007 to record profits by 2010.
Known for decades as a comic book and trading card giant, Marvel went bankrupt in 1996 owing to a variety of factors. The company had long been licensing its characters to movie studios, but its decision to go into movie production changed its fortunes significantly. Marvel has had some major successes (and a few disappointments) as a film and TV studio since its comeback, but the enduring power of its parent brand, The Walt Disney Company, is likely to keep it alive for many years to come.
The popular and profitable Tex-Mex restaurant chain took a huge financial and reputational hit in 2020 when the U.S. Justice Department fined Chipotle Mexican Grill $25 million for safety violations—the largest fine to date for a case of its kind. Between 2015 and 2018, more than 1,100 Chipotle customers became ill due to health and safety violations. To avoid criminal charges, the company paid the fine and began a food safety compliance program that included food safety audits and extensive employee training. These efforts must have helped: In 2023 the company saw a 14.3% revenue increase over 2022.
Though its products are loved by children worldwide, the block toy company was saddled with debt by the early 2000s. To turn the situation around, Lego sold off a majority stake in their pricey theme parks; moved production from Denmark to cheaper locales; created specialized Lego sets aligned with major brands such as “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter”; and branched out into movies, TV, and video games.
Many big-box stores struggled under competition from online retailers, and Best Buy—for years the go-to store for audiovisual equipment, computers, appliances, and physical media—was no exception. By 2012, the company was losing billions. To compete with Amazon, Best Buy introduced a price-match policy, incorporated in-store showrooms for well-known consumer electronics brands, and started an in-home technology consultation service.
How did all these companies come back from the brink? In every case, people in leadership positions made strategic and often difficult decisions that helped set a new course for the organization: the very definition of crisis management. Such are the actions of leaders possessing the acumen and vision to reorganize, leverage their organization’s advantages and, when possible, do what the others can’t.
Learn to effectively lead any organization through good times and bad. Crisis management, a core capability of effective business leaders, requires strong strategic-thinking skills complemented with broad business knowledge encompassing marketing, management, finance, and accounting concepts. Earning an MBA is a proven way to build this expertise and put it to use in coveted, high-level leadership positions.
But don’t just choose any MBA program! Here’s why you should consider The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online MBA:
UTPB’s tuition rates are some of the most affordable among accredited universities. U.S. News & World Report has even ranked UT Permian Basin one of its Best Value Schools.
Our College of Business is AACSB-accredited, a distinguished designation awarded to only 5% of business programs worldwide.
Our institution is a proud part of the renowned UT System, a distinction highly valued on a resume.
Our program empowers you to complete your studies on your schedule from nearly anywhere in the world.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data makes it clear: Median annual earnings of master’s degree holders are about 16% higher—roughly $11,900—than those of individuals with a bachelor’s degree alone. MBA holders can work in a variety of rewarding roles and industries. See examples, including where UTPB’s MBA graduates are working, right now.
Master crisis management and other business leadership skill sets. Our online MBA program has what you need. Apply today.
Sources:
https://www.cbinsights.com/research/corporate-comeback-stories/
Women hold only 8.2% of CEO positions at large corporations, despite making up half of the population. But don’t let that get you down. Women are making strides in the business world.
We have a long way to go until female entrepreneurs are on equal footing with their male counterparts, but there are an increasing number of successful business women who are setting out to change the narrative. Today, we look at seven of these remarkable women who have not only shattered glass ceilings but also paved the way for future generations of aspiring business leaders.
Taylor Swift is a force of nature. Swift’s success comes from her business savvy, eye for marketing, and willingness to invest in herself. Her Eras Tour, which pays homage to the 33-year-old singer-songwriter’s illustrious career, has brought joy to hundreds of thousands of attendees and has boosted the U.S. economy by nearly $5 billion. We can’t wait to see what she does next, assuming we can get tickets.
Growing up under a communist regime, Zhang Xin’s life was dull, uniform, and gray. Gray buildings. Gray uniforms. There were even sandstorms that turned the sky gray. Xin and the company she cofounded, property developer SOHO China, are credited with bringing lights and colors to the city of Beijing. After becoming “the woman who built Beijing,” Xin went on to found the New York-based film production company Closer Media.
Starting a business is challenging enough without having to worry about sexism, stereotypes, and glass ceilings. To even the playing field, there are numerous resources available for female entrepreneurs.
Small business grants, like those offered by Grants.gov, can help you kick off your business and, best of all, don’t have to be repaid. Small business loans do have to be repaid but can nonetheless be a lifeline. Check out the U.S. Small Business Administration and its Office of Women Business Ownership for loans and additional programs, including training, counseling, and access to credit. Finally, look for mentoring and networking opportunities. Groups like the National Association of Women Business Owners can make a key difference in the professional lives of young female entrepreneurs.
As an engineering student, Debbie Sterling was outnumbered by her male counterparts. Asking herself, “why should boys have all the fun?” Sterling set out to change the status quo. Enter GoldieBlox: an innovative toy company with a mission to ignite girls’ passion for science and engineering. GoldieBlox has been a smash hit, becoming the first small business to be featured in a Superbowl ad.
Stepping into the world of business is already a challenge, and women in business often face the added stumbling blocks of sexism, sexual harassment, and unequal pay. That’s why it’s so important for aspiring female entrepreneurs to hit the ground running. A business degree can help, providing the foundation women need to advance in their careers or even start their businesses and leave the rest behind.
Sara Blakely was looking for the perfect undergarment to go under a pair of white pants. Armed only with a pair of scissors, she made her own from a pair of pantyhose, and from that moment of invention came SPANX. SPANX now has retail shops around the world, and Blakely can be counted among the world’s youngest self-made female billionaires.
Jessica Alba was at the top of her acting career when, in 2008, she gave birth to her daughter, Honor, and decided to take her life in a new direction. Alba launched The Honest Company in 2012, a wellness brand specializing in eco-friendly products. Alba was willing to pivot in her career and dared to imagine a better life than the one she had.
Winfrey was born poor in rural Mississippi. From her humble beginnings, she built a media and business empire, developing and hosting the “Oprah Winfrey Show,” starring in “The Color Purple,” and creating multimedia production company Harpo Productions. She remains an inspiration and a powerful force across multiple industries.
Whitney Wolfe Herd created not one tech giant but two, cofounding Tinder and later its rival, Bumble. With Bumble, Herd wanted to change the gender dynamics of dating, inspired by the advances women had made in the workforce. She took the dating app public in 2021, making her the youngest female CEO to take a U.S. company public.
The inspiring stories of these female entrepreneurs highlight the transformative power of determination, innovation, and resilience. These women have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of aspiring business leaders.
If you aspire to make your mark in the world of business, consider taking the next step in your entrepreneurial journey by continuing your education. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online business programs that will provide a comprehensive foundation for success in the dynamic business landscape.
UT Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers these online Bachelor of Business Administration programs:
Professionals who want to build upon their foundational knowledge and learn to stand out as a business leader can pursue a Master of Business Administration:
Take the lead. Apply to one of our online business programs and, regardless of where your entrepreneurial interests lie, prepare for future success.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/2023/12/01/what-taylor-swift-teaches-women-about-business/?sh=6e5aada2310a
https://www.etonline.com/jessica-alba-shares-why-she-stopped-acting-at-the-top-of-my-career-162904
https://goldieblox.com/pages/our-story
https://spanx.com/pages/about-us
https://closermedia.com/team/zhang-xin
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/11/from-factory-worker-to-real-estate-billionaire-soho-chinas-zhang-xin.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-bumble-ceo-whitney-wolfe-herd-net-worth-family-ipo-2020-9
Not even a week has passed since you stored away your Christmas decorations, and signs of the next big holiday are already on the rise. Pink and red heart-shaped boxes and a plethora of lovestruck stuffed animals line the shelves in every store.
It’s official: Valentine’s Day is approaching. Thanks to several well-planned marketing strategies, companies far and wide are promoting the upcoming cuddlefest event of the year, hoping to entice you to join the 52% of Americans who, on average, spend $192 on the holiday.
Grab your box of chocolates as we explore five of the top Valentine’s Day marketing ideas used for this sugary, sweetheart-filled holiday and expand on what makes those tactics so successful.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of organizing an unforgettable Valentine’s Day for your special someone, your family, or even your friends—especially when you wait until the last minute. According to a survey by the NPD Group, that’s exactly what the majority of consumers do, with approximately 78% of people completing their V-Day shopping a week or less before the holiday. Fortunately for them, plenty of businesses cater to these last-minute shoppers and reap the monetary benefits.
There are several ways companies can capitalize on final-hour buyers:
The strategy of developing and presenting limited edition products adds a must-have touch to exclusive products, especially for shoppers with FOMO. This approach is especially impactful for well-established brands, as devoted customers often pursue the exclusivity of being among the select few to snag a seasonal product for their beloved. Whether it’s an intricately designed insulated cup adorned in pink sparkles or a limited-edition floral-scented fragrance from a renowned perfume brand, this tactic caters to the desire for special and distinctive offerings.
Many people love to show off their Valentine’s Day goodies to, well, anyone who’s willing to watch. That makes user-generated content (UGC) a prime Valentine’s Day marketing strategy. Instead of having the brand market itself, UGC highlights content created by customers, including images, videos, testimonials, and reviews of a brand’s products.
There are several ways you can implement UGC for Valentine’s Day, including:
When you think of personalization, you might recall the classic customized coffee mug that explicitly expresses your partner’s love for you. While personalized marketing is not quite the same thing, it is a highly effective marketing tool.
Personalized marketing involves tailoring your marketing based on the data you’ve collected from your target audience, including their age, interests, purchase history, and more. With that data, you can create various forms of tailored marketing that often make consumers feel special and understood, including:
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean every person will have someone to send heartfelt cards and gifts to—and that’s okay. Approximately half of the population identifies as single, and many plan to celebrate the holiday, solo or otherwise.
That’s why it’s essential to tailor your marketing efforts to multiple audiences for the holiday, including couples, people looking to buy a special gift for friends or family members, and individuals who aspire to break the mold and treat themselves the well-deserved gift of self-care.
Thanks to effective marketing strategies, American consumers collectively spent $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day-related shopping in 2022. If you aspire to emulate the success of the marketing professionals behind such significant figures, you’ve come to the right place. The University of Texas Permian Basin provides several entirely online marketing programs, all accredited by the AACSB, that cater to different points in your career and align with your aspirational goals:
Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing equips you with the skills to promote businesses using both digital and traditional strategies. In your core courses, you’ll analyze demographics and consumer behavior to build marketing strategies and explore the challenges that occur during the marketing lifecycle.
If you’d like to add a few skills in digital marketing to your resume while pursuing an undergraduate degree in a different field, consider our Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing. With this credential, you’ll gain specialized knowledge in social media marketing tactics, learn the fundamentals of Google Analytics, and more.
This online master’s program, ranging from 33 to 42 credits, goes beyond your existing skillset, equipping you with the tools to enhance your leadership capabilities, all with a specialized focus on marketing management.
With three unique paths to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to bring your career goals to life. When you’re ready, jump-start your journey and apply to the program that’s right for you.
Sources:
https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/consumers-plan-increase-valentines-day-spending-nearly-26-billion
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2013-02-06-chi-valentines-shoppers-wait-till-last-minute-poll-shows-20130206-story.html
https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/shocking-valentines-day-stats-that-will-make-you-rethink/288417
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-how-much-americans-spend-on-valentines-day
Thinking about earning a master’s degree in finance? You’ve likely come across two popular options: an MS in finance and an MBA with a finance concentration. While both can prepare you for a successful career, each offers a unique path to your goals.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two graduate degrees—including our 100% online programs at The University of Texas Permian Basin—and help you decide which is the best fit.
While both degrees focus on finance, the MS and MBA each offer unique advantages you’ll want to consider to ensure the best fit for your goals:
An MS in finance is laser-focused on finance. It’ll look at accounting, which is closely connected to finance, as well as management and other business disciplines through a financial lens.
In general, an MBA will provide a broad foundation in all major areas of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management. An MBA in finance includes courses in those topics but places an emphasis on finance.
Like any master’s degree program, an MS in finance and an MBA in finance can vary in credit requirements and, correspondingly, time to completion. Here’s the breakdown for UT Permian Basin’s online graduate finance programs:
Some online finance graduate programs have unique qualities that help them stand out. For example, UT Permian Basin’s MS in finance is among a very small number of Texas university programs of its kind with STEM certification—a quality many employers may value in their candidates’ university credentials.
Choosing the right graduate degree is a big decision. Still weighing your options? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear:
Whether you choose an MS in finance or an MBA in finance, if it’s one of UT Permian Basin’s online programs, you can count on optimal quality and convenience, with:
Did you know that most of the best-known Fortune 500 CEOs have a finance background? If that’s not inspiration enough for you, consider that a finance degree prepares you for a variety of rewarding professional roles. What’s more, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that master’s degree holders enjoy median earnings 16% higher than individuals with a bachelor’s degree alone and are more likely to be employed than anyone with a lesser degree.
See potential career paths, courses, requirements, and other details regarding our programs now.
Curious which program is right for you? Explore your options—and take the next step toward your future in finance.
“I will tell you how to become rich. Close the doors. Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful.” –Warren Buffett, American investor and billionaire Think about the last investment you made. Then think about why you made it. Did it make sense? Our investment choices often don’t come from a…
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…
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,…
