What makes a good manager? Whether you lead one or a hundred employees, the expertise and tone you bring to the workplace determines the success and happiness of your team.
In recent times, leadership roles have changed: The COVID pandemic and the rise of remote work have created unique situations requiring managers to possess more vital soft skills and better staff support than ever before. Mastering these skills can help you develop the successful leadership abilities essential in today’s business world.
Here are eight characteristics that can make a manager more effective in creating a positive and productive workspace.
Managers with high emotional intelligence possess an increased sense of awareness which helps them read the room and identify non-verbal cues. They come across as more personable and can recognize—and address—signs such as burnout and dissatisfaction in their employees.
According to a study conducted by the State of Workplace Empathy, 96% of employees believe that a manager showing empathy is essential, yet 92% believe that this does not get practiced enough. Employees appreciate leaders that acknowledge and celebrate their successes and personal well-being and respect themselves and their team. Supporting your employees and checking in frequently, rather than only when problems arise, can help your team stay on track.
In a study by the Economy Intelligence Unit, poor communication in the workplace was cited as having numerous impacts:
This highlights how critical strong communication is to organizational success. Effective managers don’t just give directions; they create open channels for discussion, offer clarity on expectations, and actively listen. This means setting regular check-ins, responding thoughtfully to questions, and being transparent about both goals and challenges.
The need for excellent communication skills is more urgent than ever. With the rise of remote work since the COVID pandemic, traditional workplace dynamics have changed. According to a 2020 Qualtrics study, 44.4% of surveyed remote workers reported declining mental health. Long hours, isolation, and unclear expectations only make things harder. That said, managers who foster clarity and openness—especially across digital platforms—can boost morale, improve productivity, and build trust within their teams.
Technically proficient leaders who can jump in and advise during all stages of a project are a valuable addition to any team. Keeping up to date on new software related to business, employee engagement, project management, or communication is essential to keeping a team connected. Technologically proficient team leaders can also train or retrain their employees with more confidence.
Although many managers use the GROW model to train new employees, successful coaching skills are not easy to implement. A great coach also knows how to:
Task and time management can make or break the cohesiveness of your company. Leaders should be careful not to micromanage but instead delegate tasks and set clear goals and expectations. Good organization can also:
Taking a company’s vision and translating it into decisive actions and a clear strategy is no small task and crucial for success. Determination, reliability, optimism, and persistence are all qualities of a visionary: a risk-taker who creates tactical plans to get work done.
Creativity breeds innovation. Managers who provide resources and guidance for innovative ideas can help employees feel comfortable enough to think outside the box. Allowing employees to provide ideas and even make some decisions allows those team members to grow. Fun activities or team breaks can also encourage creative thinking and improve company culture.
“Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them.” –Paul Hawken, entrepreneur
Being confident and leading by example can help calm employee concerns and create a sense of ambition and purpose. But confidence doesn’t just mean holding your head high. It also involves:
Learn the critical skills needed for effective leadership in any field or corporation, whether as a CEO or team leader. Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management can help you build and develop your skills as a manager, make crucial decisions, and strategize effectively in business and personal situations.
Our College of Business is AACB-accredited, and our courses are entirely online and offer the flexibility needed to fit your busy schedule. Students who complete their undergraduate degree in management may also want to further their leadership skills with our Master of Business Administration and complete an additional master’s degree in less than a year.
Ready to become part of the Falcon Family? Apply to UT Permian Basin today.
Sources:
https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-manager
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-you-manager-can-great-coach-your-employees-
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-ways-technology-improves-proficiency-workplace-abhi-golhar
https://www.lifehack.org/844532/time-management-skills-for-managers
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/traits-of-visionary-leadership
https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/qualities-of-a-good-manager
https://www.liveabout.com/how-managers-can-become-awesome-coaches-2275926
“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…
Meetings. Emails. Last-minute requests. Some days, it feels impossible to knock anything off the to-do list. If this sounds like you, you might be in need of some time management tips and tricks. Time management is a skill like any other, and it can be honed with practice and patience. We’re here to show you…
What makes a good manager? Whether you lead one or a hundred employees, the expertise and tone you bring to the workplace determines the success and happiness of your team. In recent times, leadership roles have changed: The COVID pandemic and the rise of remote work have created unique situations requiring managers to possess more…
In the modern business enterprise, accountants are expected to understand data analytics, forensic accounting, and risk management, among other highly sought-after skills. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies—like the software used to track financial transactions—can make accountants’ lives easier, but with each passing year, these technologies are taking over an increasing number of accounting tasks from trained individuals.
Accountants are understandably interested in the impact of AI on their profession. We’re here to make the argument that accountants should not only accept but embrace these smart technologies. Are AI and accounting the new chocolate and peanut butter? Let’s find out.
Most people’s understanding of AI comes from science fiction: stories in which, let’s say, a rogue AI declares war on the human race. AI, at least in the world of business, simply refers to technologies that can perform tasks that previously required the personal touch of a human.
AI has assumed many of the repetitive and rudimentary tasks accountants once performed, freeing them to focus on more complex responsibilities like analyzing financial records and meeting face-to-face with managers and stakeholders. Here are several ways that AI has changed accounting. Just don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon: AI is still in its infancy.
Data entry
Accounting software can extract and classify data from images with greater efficiency than any human can achieve. (Can you believe there was a time when every single piece of data had to be keyed in manually?) This is where AI impacts accounting most significantly, permitting trained professionals to save time on mind-numbing tasks. The emergence of big data and cloud computing will, however, increase the need for accountants with expertise in data analysis.
Auditing
As hawkeyed as the average accountant may be, there’s no competing with the speed and accuracy of an AI tool. AI can spot anomalies caused by fraudulent spending or human error, and thanks to big data, this technology can be scaled to audit a business’s every financial statement. As these data sets grow, so too will the challenges accountants face in ensuring their companies remain compliant with laws and regulations.
Forecasting
Machine learning, a type of AI that uses algorithms to adapt and improve over time, enables accountants to analyze and glean insights from historical data. This takes the form of predictive and prescriptive analytics, which identify future outcomes and provide recommendations for achieving business objectives, respectively. Accountants will always be needed to help businesses plan for the future. AI is just making their job a little easier.
We’ve left you hanging long enough. AI will not replace accountants, especially certified public accountants (CPAs), anytime soon. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that emerging technologies, including AI, aren’t expected to reduce demand for accountants and auditors, which is expected to grow by 6% over the course of the next decade.
What makes accountants such valued members of any business are their robust skill sets and extensive knowledge of financial planning, risk management, and tax reporting. As startups grow into multinational corporations, accountants can make sense of increasingly complex tax codes and financial records. And we’ve yet to see an AI tool that can build a rapport with clients or explain the results of financial analysis.
Deloitte’s 2022 Global Intelligent Automation survey asked executives to imagine an “ideal organization transformed by automation.” The survey revealed that businesses are moving closer to the ideal, with 46% of respondents planning to implement AI within the next three years. Traditionally, businesses have been slow to embrace disruptive technologies like AI, but those who do are more likely to survive in an increasingly automated world.
The role of accountants is evolving as businesses continue to adopt AI technology. No longer needed to collect and sort through data—leave that to AI—accountants are left to create concise, insightful reports and advise clients on how best to achieve their goals. This shift does, however, mean that accountants will have to further develop their technical and leadership skills and possibly become licensed CPAs. Professionals unable or unwilling to upskill could find themselves outcompeted by both peers and robots.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online programs for aspiring professionals as well as those interested in pursuing a terminal accounting degree. They are:
BBA in Accounting
Our online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting provides the foundational knowledge needed to make it in the world of business. Students receive expert guidance on accounting principles, including the fundamentals of cost accounting, assurance services, and accounting information systems. Graduates are better prepared for careers as accountants, auditors, and financial analysts, among many others.
MBA in Accounting
Our online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with accounting emphasis empowers professionals with the business, interpersonal, and technical skills needed to steer organizations as financial experts. Able to be completed in as little as one year, our program offers students the choice to pursue their CPA licensure or take a broad course of study with our non-CPA track.
Master of Professional Accountancy
Our online Master of Professional Accountancy program provides an in-depth understanding of traditional and contemporary accounting practices. Students can graduate in as little as one year prepared to take the Texas CPA exam and earn their certification. Courses are entirely online and taught by the same business professionals who teach on campus.
All three programs are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), and their online format allows you to pursue your degree without impacting your personal or professional life. Continue working while future-proofing your career with the help of UT Permian Basin online.
Ready to get started? Apply to one of our online BBA, MBA, or master’s degree in accounting programs to develop your skills in this ever-changing career field.
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/accounting.asp#toc-history-of-accounting
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/03/05/harnessing-the-power-of-artificial-intelligence-in-accounting/?sh=185ed1bb1dae
https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/what-ai-does-for-accountants
https://www.becker.com/blog/the-future-of-ai-in-accounting-part-1
What’s Valentine’s Day without a bouquet of roses, heartfelt greeting card, or heart-shaped box of chocolates? At least, that’s what it feels like for anyone shopping for their significant other, if only to outdo the previous year.
No wonder so many people believe that this commercial holiday started as a marketing ploy. In actuality, the origins of Valentine’s Day are steeped in history. (The same can’t be said about Singles Awareness Day, which follows on the 15th.)
Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, beekeepers, and epileptics. Little is known of St. Valentine, and there’s dispute as to whether he was one person. Multiple historical figures were named Valentine or Valentinus, the two most likely candidates being martyrs beheaded on February 14 around 270 A.D. for performing miracles.
According to legend, St. Valentine was a bishop of Terni put to death for healing a blind child. Another legend tells how, after being imprisoned for helping Christians escape Roman persecution, he signed a letter to his jailor’s daughter “from your Valentine.” Separating fact from fiction in these romantic backstories is challenging, however, as most originated after the time of St. Valentine.
How exactly did a Christian martyr become the patron saint of lovers? No one knows. Nonetheless, St. Valentine became a religious and romantic figure, and by the Middle Ages he was one of the most popular saints throughout Europe.
We’ll get back to St. Valentine. Now, our look at the origins of Valentine’s Day takes us to Ancient Rome and the pagan holiday Lupercalia. Celebrated on the ides of February, Lupercalia saw Roman men drink to excess, remove their clothes, and sacrifice a goat. (When in Rome!) They then took to the streets, slapping women with strips of goat hide. Roman women—if history is to be believed—lined up to take part, hoping it would lead to a healthy pregnancy.
Pope Gelasius was not a fan of Lupercalia, to say the least. Condemning the superstitious holiday in the late fifth century, Gelasius and the Catholic Church declared February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day. Certainly, Gelasius picked the date to commemorate the death of St. Valentine, but we can’t help but wonder if he saw an opportunity to replace a pagan holiday.
English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to associate Valentine’s Day with romance. In his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” Chaucer pointed out that Valentine’s Day coincided with the start of bird nesting season, lending credence to the idea that the day should be a celebration of love.
The idea caught on, especially after poets and playwrights further romanticized the holiday. “Tomorrow is Saint Valentine’s Day. / All in the morning betime, / and I a maid at your window, / to be your Valentine,” says Ophelia in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
By the 1400s, friends and couples throughout Europe were exchanging handwritten poems: a precursor to today’s greeting cards. The practice came to the New World in the 1700s, about the time commercially printed cards were gaining popularity.
When Esther Howland of Massachusetts came across an imported card in the 1840s, she was inspired to improve on its beautiful but expensive design. Her creation of gilded lace, wafer paper, and cupid ornaments led to the first mass-produced valentines in America. “No other producer of commercial valentines understood so well their potential for the tactile communication of complex feeling,” wrote author Barry Shank.
Over the centuries, Valentine’s Day has transformed from a blend of Roman rituals and Christian martyrdom into one of the most celebrated and commercial holidays worldwide. Here’s a quick look at how it all unfolded, from ancient rites to record-breaking spending:
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated the world over. According to Hallmark, about 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged every year. Americans spent approximately $24 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2022.
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day has grown into one of the largest commercial holidays, with people everywhere shopping online and in person for the perfect gift for that special someone.
No, Valentine’s Day didn’t start as a marketing ploy. However, that hasn’t stopped marketers from using the holiday to boost sales or tailor their messaging to lovestruck audiences. (We’re guessing this isn’t what Pope Gelasius had in mind.)
Still, marketers must be capable of leveraging holidays like Valentine’s Day if they’re to help businesses, particularly e-commerce sites, rise above the competition.
Curious how a holiday rooted in ancient Rome and Christian martyrdom evolved into one of the biggest spending events of the year? These commonly asked questions unpack the history, myths, and marketing behind Valentine’s Day.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing. Accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), our certificate program provides foundational knowledge of advertising, marketing analytics, social media marketing, and other tools and strategies essential for careers in marketing.
We think you’ll be particularly interested in our online course E-Commerce, which covers such topics as content management, mobile commerce, and online auctions. Upon completion, you’ll be capable of implementing an e-commerce plan of your own.
Our certificate program can be completed in tandem with any of UT Permian Basin’s bachelor’s degree programs. Visit our Programs and Courses page to discover what UT Permian Basin online has to offer.
Ready to get started? Apply now to our online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing. We can’t offer you a Valentine’s Day card, but we think an undergraduate certificate is a worthy substitute.
Sources:
https://theconversation.com/the-real-st-valentine-was-no-patron-of-love-90518?xid=PS_smithsonian
https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/saint-st-valentines-day
https://www.statista.com/statistics/285028/us-valentine-s-day-sales
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? …
Many of us feel the invigorating sense of fresh starts and second chances that New Year’s brings. On January 1st, we’re often eager to embrace a healthier, polished version of ourselves—and we’re not alone. According to a 2024 Forbes Health poll, 48% of participants said improving their fitness was their top priority, 36% cited improving…
Earning a university degree can equip you with skills and credentials that will be a tremendous asset in your professional life. As Abigail Johnson Hess reports on CNBC.com, the long-held notion that a college degree “can be a clear path to stronger job opportunities and higher earnings” still holds true. College graduates take home about $30,000 more each year than those whose highest level of education completed is high school. When choosing a college degree, it’s…
A Master of Science in Finance (MS in finance) opens the door to high-paying roles across industries like banking, corporate finance, investment management, and consulting. Whether you’re seeking career advancement or the tools to become an entrepreneur, this degree can help you reach your goals.
In this article, we’ll cover what you can do with an MS in finance, the jobs it prepares you for, and how The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online program makes earning your degree flexible and affordable.
In finance, there’s a direct line from an organization’s actions to its profitability. Equipped with an advanced finance credential, you can make a significant impact on your organization’s bottom line. An MS in finance empowers you to:
According to the 2022 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, salaries for Master of Finance degree holders are on the rise, with a 15%+ increase in median salaries from $95,000 in 2021 to $110,000 in 2022 alone. Further, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports master’s degree holders are more likely to be employed than individuals with a degree from the undergraduate level or lower.
What do Jeff Bezos, Martha Stewart, and former Nike CEO Phil Knight have in common? Apart from considerable fame and financial success, all of these entrepreneurs have a background in finance. In fact, most Fortune 500 company executives come from a finance background. An MS in finance can be your key to the C-suite.
An MS in finance prepares you to follow many finance-related career paths, from executive leadership to crucial supporting roles. Here are a few examples of those roles and their median annual pay as reported by the BLS:
Unlike some other business degrees, an MS in finance provides students with a specific financial management perspective. The curriculum will help you hone your analytical and executive decision-making skills and build your expertise in statistics, business analytics, investments, corporate finance and strategy, and international finance.
Elective courses in energy finance, investments, and risk management or financial services topics like real estate analysis or financial planning allow you to focus on your preferred industry emphasis.
With the right combination of skills, credentials, and ambition, you can become an entrepreneur. As part of our online program, you’ll choose the elective courses that best suit your interests and professional goals. By following your passion, mastering the fundamentals, and putting in the effort, you just may become a household name!
While employers receive many MBA resumes for finance positions, an MS in finance indicates a more targeted financial education and can make your resume stand out.
An MS in finance program typically requires fewer credits than an MBA in finance program.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a 100% online MS in finance that provides all these benefits —and so much more. Our program is:
See where you can steer your career with an MS in finance! We accept applications year-round, so there’s no need to wait until the end of the current or any semester. Apply now!
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/master-of-finance-job
When you hear the word “accountant,” who comes to mind? Someone balancing spreadsheets and filing taxes? If so, you’re on the right track. But there’s more to it. Within the field of accounting, one credential stands apart: the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While both accountants and CPAs manage finances, advise clients, and ensure the accuracy…
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…
The energy business is a dynamic and challenging field and, for many, the source of a satisfying career. If you’re already working in the field and want to get more involved in the business aspects of the energy industry and increase your potential for advancement, you need to have a few advantages. First is drive, which you must nurture and maintain within yourself. Second is the specialized knowledge and skills required of every energy business leader. And the third? Credentials. You must possess the academic qualifications that validate your expertise before any employer will consider you for a leadership role. With these noteworthy advantages, you’ll find a more diverse and lucrative set of energy jobs at your fingertips.
While it’s important for just about everyone to have some level of analytical skills, they’re especially important for a professional in a leadership role. Defined as the ability to “observe, research and interpret a subject in order to develop complex ideas and solutions,” analytical skills inform all the decisions you will make as a leader. Put simply, you must understand everything that’s going on and know how to proactively address any concern that may come your way while making your team and your larger organization more efficient and profitable.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an energy-focused graduate program that helps you hone the crucial analytical skills every leader must have. Our online Master of Science in Energy Business program was created alongside energy industry professionals to serve the needs of ambitious, leadership-minded graduate students. There aren’t many other online university-level programs of this type available in the U.S.!
During this 30-credit program, you’ll focus on core business topics through an energy industry lens in courses including Energy Accounting, Global Energy Business, Energy Finance, Energy Investments, Energy Technology & Risk Management, and Energy Law. You’ll also gain a firm grounding in financial principles through a curriculum of finance-focused course and explore statistics and analytics.
UTPB’s MS in energy business program offers significant benefits that you’ll experience while completing your studies and long after you’ve finished them.
Our online MS in energy business is offered by our AACSB-accredited College of Business. This coveted accreditation is shared by only 5% of business programs worldwide and signifies that AACSB has put our business school through a rigorous peer-review process to verify that it meets “the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.”
The tuition rates for the master’s degree in energy business and all our programs rank among the most affordable of those at any regionally accredited university of our stature.
Unlike some other programs, you can begin your degree any time of year. You never have to wait until the fall semester.
If you take the recommended course path, you can finish your degree in as little as four semesters.
Though you may finish your master’s degree quicker than you expected, your pace of completion is always your choice. Our program is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format that empowers you to complete your master’s degree on your own schedule from just about anywhere in the world. No campus visits are required.
Your resume will garner more attention from employers with a master’s degree on it. Master’s degree holders not only enjoy higher employment rates than those with a bachelor’s degree alone, they also enjoy about 18% higher median earnings, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This degree may help you secure a role on the business side of the energy industry. Some of these rewarding careers include:
There’s virtually no limit to what you can do with an MS in energy business. You have the drive—now get the skills and credentials you need to excel as an energy business leader. Apply today!
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 be around long enough to be concerned with next year’s trends.
Here are five digital marketing trends to watch out for in the coming year. Who knows, you may even find one that would be perfect for your current marketing strategy.
1. Content Is (Still) King
“Content is where I expect much of the real money will be made on the internet,” Bill Gates wrote in a 1996 essay titled “Content is King.” He saw the internet as a level playing field where anyone with a computer could publish content. His words ring true to this day.
Google recently rolled out its “helpful content update,” which will prioritize content created by and for people. Similarly, Facebook’s News Feed is now called “Feed,” and users are more likely to see meaningful and informative content from people they engage with.
Google and Facebook’s algorithm updates make it harder for businesses to reach target audiences—so what can marketers do? Don’t try to game a search engine or algorithm. Instead, create authentic, satisfying content. The emphasis is on engagement, which will be a running theme in 2023.
2. (Short) Videos Are Taking Over
What would you say is the most popular social media app? Not Facebook. Not Instagram. Since its 2016 launch, TikTok has reigned supreme, with its ads reaching over one billion users each month. TikTok offers a way to reach millennials and members of Gen Z, but the trend to focus on is the rise of videos that have made this platform so popular.
85% of marketers say that short-form videos (videos under 60 seconds) are the most effective format on social media. Maybe it’s because of diminishing attention spans or social media burnout, but people are bored with posts that consist of nothing more than a picture and caption. Audiences want to engage with brands; they want to be wined and dined. Brands that post videos, live demonstrations, and interactive content like online quizzes will have an easier time engaging with their audiences and nurturing a loyal following.
3. Influencers (Big and Small) Are Becoming Brand Ambassadors
Influencer marketing isn’t so much a digital marketing trend as it is a proven marketing strategy. Almost three-quarters (72.5%) of marketers use influencer marketing, collaborating with content creators to reach their followers.
Millennials and Gen Z avoid ads like the plague—Gen Z is particularly adept at using ad blockers—and are far more receptive to influencer recommendations. Influencers are like gatekeepers who hold the key to reaching hundreds, thousands, or millions of people who would otherwise never interact with a brand. Influencer marketing isn’t new, but brands are now forming long-term partnerships with influencers who go on to represent their interests as brand ambassadors.
4. Artificial Intelligence Is Taking Over (Boring) Tasks
Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the face of marketing. Google and Facebook’s AI-driven advertising tools can target audiences with increasingly effective advertisements. Getting into inboxes is easier with tools that optimize email send times and automate the creation of subject lines. As if that’s not enough, ageless “virtual dolls” (AI-generated influencers) are working with brands like Tesla to advertise to tens of thousands of their followers in China.
Most marketing departments already use some AI-driven advertising tools, but as AI continues to disrupt the industry, businesses will be pressured to foster an AI-ready culture. While marketers may not need to become data science experts, businesses will be looking for professionals willing to upskill to leverage the power of AI for their marketing strategies.
5. Old (High-Traffic) Content Needs Attention
Virtually every business is relying on digital marketing to grow, as evidenced by the internet’s over 500 million blogs. Publishing blog posts is a tried-and-true way to rank higher on search engine results pages. (Google loves fresh content.) Over time, however, even the most well-written blog content becomes stale, resulting in diminishing returns for marketing teams.
Want to increase traffic and conversion rates? Update your old blog posts. HubSpot has more than doubled the number of monthly leads generated by old posts through what they call “historical optimization.” Be on the lookout for high-traffic, low-converting blog posts and improve content throughout. Not the flashiest trend, we admit, but it can generate tremendous results with minimal investment: Marketing is all about working smarter, not harder.
Keep Up or Risk Being Left Behind
We’ve presented you with an, ahem, stellar article on upcoming digital marketing trends, but it in no way compares to the formal instruction in marketing you’ll receive at The University of Texas Permian Basin.
UT Permian Basin offers an online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing that can be completed in tandem with any of our bachelor’s degree programs, including our online BBA in marketing. Supplement your undergraduate degree with specialized knowledge of digital branding, marketing analytics, and social media marketing, among other foundational topics.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, we also offer an online Master of Business Administration with emphasis in marketing for professionals interested in gaining leadership and marketing skills essential for achieving organizational goals. Led by the same doctoral-level business professors who teach on campus, this program can help you advance your career or transition into a marketing role, such as a marketing analyst, manager, or strategist.
Apply to one of our online marketing programs to keep up with emerging digital marketing trends and secure your future in a fast-paced industry like no other.
Sources:
https://blog.hootsuite.com/facebook-algorithm/
https://blog.hootsuite.com/influencer-marketing/#2_Know_who_youre_trying_to_influence
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/11/generation-z-avoids-advertising-uses-ad-blockers-and-skips-content.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2022/09/11/4-marketing-trends-on-the-horizon-this-year/?sh=106a00142eae
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 just five years, you can earn both your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and your Master of Business Administration (MBA), saving you time, money, and the hassle of a second admissions process.
Here’s a closer look at the key benefits of UTPB’s accelerated 4+1 MBA and how it can jumpstart your business career.
There are so many good things to say about our 4+1 MBA program, we can’t break them down into just six specific benefits. Instead, we’ve expanded them to six benefit categories:
With our 4+1 MBA program, you’ll enjoy a smooth transition from our BBA to MBA program. No additional application—or corresponding application fee—is required.
U.S. News & World Report ranked our MBA program the second most affordable online MBA in the nation for the 2024–2025 school year—an honor we don’t take lightly. In general, UTPB has lower tuition rates than many accredited universities of our standing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a master’s degree earn significantly more than those with lower levels of education.
As of 2024, average median weekly earnings were:
These numbers highlight the earning power that comes with continuing your education—and why earning both your BBA and MBA through UTPB’s accelerated 4+1 program is a smart investment in your future.
So, how do those numbers translate into real salaries?
Here’s the median annual pay for key business roles, showcasing the earning potential that comes from completing your BBA and MBA:
The BBA portion of our 4+1 MBA program gives you a solid foundation in general education and core business principles. From there, the MBA builds on that knowledge with advanced coursework in management, finance, marketing, and accounting.
Together, these degrees prepare you to pursue a wide range of rewarding business roles, including many at the leadership level.
An MBA is a leadership credential. Commit to gaining crucial professional experience alongside our 4+1 MBA program and you may be competing for business leadership positions when you finish your degree. Follow our recommended course plan and you can complete both programs in an accelerated five-year time span.
The asynchronous, 100% online format of our 4+1 MBA program offers tremendous convenience. You can learn on your own schedule, 24/7, from practically any location. No campus visits are required. This advantage lets you continue giving your professional and personal commitments the attention they need while completing your degree. Our rolling admissions policy and six start times per year provide further flexibility.
Offered through our College of Business, our 4+1 MBA program has its own kind of “business credentials.” The University boasts AACSB accreditation, a distinction that only 5% of business programs worldwide hold. This designation is your assurance that the UTPB’s programs have undergone a meticulous peer-review process to ensure they uphold “the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.”
Program faculty members also have their own impressive credentials. Our team is made up of top researchers with extensive experience working in the business world. The bottom line: Our business credentials equate to a top-quality business education respected by employers.
Still curious about how the 4+1 MBA works? Here are a few quick answers to help you better understand what makes this program such a smart choice.
Ready to give your business career a boost? Apply to join our online 4+1 MBA program!
*Please note students who are enrolled in the BBA in accounting program are not eligible for the 4+1 MBA program.
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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 most pressing issues those working in healthcare leadership are facing now and examine how they’re addressing them.
Many healthcare professionals, including those at the leadership level, are reaching retirement age and leaving the workforce. At the same time, the “great resignation” spurred in part by the COVID-19 pandemic has created further shortfalls in healthcare staffing. Healthcare leaders must now adjust the traditional workplace experience to attract new, younger candidates. This includes offering more benefits, greater flexibility, and access to additional resources to better cope with the inherent stress of medical careers and balance work and personal responsibilities.
The upside of these staffing challenges is more employment opportunities for professionals with the necessary qualifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for medical and health services managers will increase by 28% between 2021 and 2031—much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. During the same time span, the BLS projects employment in healthcare professions overall to grow by 13%, a rate also much faster than the average for all occupations.
The pandemic compelled healthcare leaders to take a fresh look at traditional healthcare delivery methods, and many of them are now considering expanding home care options as a permanent solution, where possible. Home care includes a combination of virtual office visits, device-driven remote monitoring of patients, skilled nursing home visits, and home modifications such as the addition of ramps and rails. With many physicians confident that home care can be delivered at the same level of quality as facility-based care, home care could become the norm, especially for older adults with chronic conditions, as early as 2025.
Cyberattacks are an ongoing threat to healthcare institutions and the patients they serve. The advent of smart medical devices—the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)—makes a hospital’s internal networks, cloud storage, and equipment only part of the equation. The IoMT technology used in remote monitoring equipment can also be hacked, interrupting care and potentially endangering the patient, in addition to raising the cost for their care.
Cyberattacks on the healthcare sector are on the rise. During 2021, more than 600 breaches were reported in the U.S. healthcare sector and more than 22 million patients had their private data compromised. Small- and medium-sized institutions are the most common targets. Under such threats, healthcare institutions are fortifying their cyber security capabilities. Market research shows that the cyber security market for the global healthcare industry reached nearly $13 billion in 2020, and that number is expected to more than quadruple by 2030.
Home care can help alleviate issues caused by staffing shortages, but it also requires a greater investment in cyber security, since remote care technology is highly susceptible to cyberattacks. Understanding these connections, it’s easy to see why these issues are so front-and-center for healthcare leaders—and how they underscore the need for skilled professionals who can become healthcare leaders and tackle the problems that might emerge in the coming years. Through our AACSB-accredited College of Business, UT Permian Basin offers an online degree program that helps you build these healthcare leadership qualities.
As a healthcare leader, you must foresee potential issues and make the right decisions to address those issues effectively. We can help you develop the required expertise with our online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership, an affordable program designed for students who hold an AAS-degree in a healthcare-related field.
Built on a general education foundation that incorporates courses in the humanities, mathematics, history, languages, and sciences, our program explores key leadership subjects both within and outside the context of healthcare organizations, including:
Our BAAS in healthcare leadership is delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format that enables you to complete coursework at your own pace from practically any location on the planet. There are no required campus visits. You can earn your bachelor’s degree while giving professional or personal commitments the attention they deserve. All courses are led by the same renowned faculty who teach at our campus.
Become the healthcare leader you were meant to be! Apply now.
Sources:
https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/blogs/innovation-matters/2022/20220620-healthcare-leaders-shift-priorities-for-2022-and-beyond-three-emerging-themes-from-this-years-future-health-index.html
https://www.spencerstuart.com/leadership-matters/2022/april/four-recent-healthcare-trends-reshaping-regional-health-plan-leadership
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-07-28/staff-shortages-choking-u-s-health-care-system
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/from-facility-to-home-how-healthcare-could-shift-by-2025
Future healthcare leaders are made here at The University of Texas Permian Basin, where we proudly offer an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership and an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Without question, both programs confer skills and credentials that are invaluable for anyone aspiring to a leadership role in healthcare. But there are some fundamental differences in the admission requirements, curriculum, and other aspects of these two programs. Let’s review those now to help you decide which program is right for you.
Our BAAS in healthcare leadership equips future graduates to inspire and guide staff to deliver safe, effective, and efficient healthcare services. In our BBA in healthcare management program, you’ll find greater emphasis on managing the day-to-day business operations of a healthcare facility.
The BAAS in healthcare leadership program was designed for students who hold an associate degree in applied science (AAS) in healthcare fields such as emergency medical services, nursing, or radiology. You are not required to complete an AAS or other college-level degree before applying to our BBA in healthcare management, however, making this an accessible option for transfer and first-time college students.
Math proficiency is considered crucial for anyone who wishes to manage an organization, and both of our programs have a mathematics component as part of their general education requirements. As a business-oriented program, our BBA in healthcare management—like all our BBA programs—also covers statistics, accounting, finance, and data analysis among its required lower-level business courses. None of these topics are the focus of any BAAS in healthcare leadership course.
Our BBA in healthcare management includes courses in international management, international marketing, international finance, and global health nursing, from which you must choose one course. None of these courses are a required part of the BAAS in healthcare leadership program, however.
The BBA in healthcare management explores traditional business disciplines such as finance, management, accounting, marketing, and law in depth from healthcare and general business perspectives. The BAAS in healthcare leadership does not include dedicated finance or accounting courses, though it does introduce the topics in the required Quantitative Decision Tools (ITEC 3301) course.
There are certain advantages that all our business programs share, and the BAAS in healthcare leadership and BBA in healthcare management are no exceptions.
Both programs are offered online through our AACSB-accredited College of Business. AACSB accreditation signifies that a college’s programs have undergone a rigorous peer-review process and have been verified as exemplifying the “highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.” Only 5% of business programs worldwide share this coveted designation. The University itself is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format, our programs enable you to learn on your own schedule from just about anywhere in the world—from Athens, Georgia to Athens, Greece and beyond. You’ll find this especially advantageous if you have ongoing professional or personal obligations.
You may already have a sense of the best program for you based on the differences discussed here, but two simple questions should help clarify your decision:
If you’re still uncertain which program you need, we recommend you speak with our online academic advisors, who are here to answer any questions you have and to help guide you toward the right decision.
Equipped with the applicable credentials and skills, you’ll be primed to take advantage of the tremendous growth that’s happening right now in healthcare leadership professions. Just look at what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has to say on the subject:
The number of available medical and health services manager jobs is expected to grow by 28%—much faster than the average for all occupations—between 2021 and 2031. Offering a potential median annual salary of $101,340, these jobs include:
Compare our online BAAS in healthcare leadership and online BBA in healthcare management programs for yourself and see which one best aligns with your qualifications, interests, and career goals. Or, if you’ve already chosen your program, apply now!
John Wainwright is a computer scientist and pioneer in the field of computer languages, but that’s not why he’s famous. On April 3, 1995, Wainwright ordered the book “Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies: Computer Models of the Fundamental Mechanisms of Thought” from a fledgling online bookseller. The book arrived with a packing slip that read “Thanks for shopping at Amazon.com!” Unbeknownst to Wainwright, he was the first non-employee customer of what would soon become the largest e-commerce company in the world.
E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, has grown and changed significantly since online retailers began opening their doors in the early 1990s. Back then, online shopping wasn’t a part of everyday life; it was as new and unfamiliar as email, instant messaging, and MP3 files. Let’s look back at the evolution of e-commerce and how it continues to shape our society.
The origins of e-commerce can be traced back to the 1948-49 Berlin Blockade, which saw West Germany ordering supplies using a system of electronic typewriters called telex. However, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that we began seeing innovations that would become staples of modern e-commerce, such as electronic funds transfer (EFT). At the time, e-commerce was little more than a convenient way to exchange documents within a company.
Everything changed with the introduction of the World Wide Web in 1991 and the web browser Mosaic, the precursor to Internet Explorer, two years later. These advancements provided the means for the public to search for and purchase products online. E-commerce transitioned to the internet soon after, and it wasn’t long before two of the world’s largest online retailers came on the scene: Amazon and eBay.
E-commerce exploded as internet service providers like AOL connected tens of millions of homes to the web. Excitement reached a fever pitch between 1998 and 2000 as investors poured money into internet startups. This era is known as the dot-com bubble, a period marked by many promising but ultimately unprofitable online companies. Notoriously, online fashion retailer Boo.com burned through $185 million in 18 months before going bankrupt. The bubble burst in 2000 but left behind a robust digital infrastructure that paved the way for modern e-commerce.
E-commerce sales worldwide amounted to over $4.9 trillion in 2021. By 2025, sales are expected to exceed $7 trillion. (Worldwide sales were a little over $1 trillion in the not-so-distant-past of 2014.) This explosive growth has been fueled by increased access to high-speed internet and the spread of smartphones, which are owned by over 5 billion people globally. Online shoppers, once at the mercy of dial-up connections, can now shop anywhere. They can roll over in the middle of the night, fumble for their phone in the dark, and place an order with a single click.
E-commerce is now a part of everyday life.
Amazon, Walmart, and eBay remain the largest e-commerce companies, but the way they conduct business is far more refined than it was in the early days of e-commerce. Websites are clean and responsive. Search engines make finding deals easy and even make recommendations based on a person’s search history. And customizable orders give buyers more options and more control over their online shopping experience than ever before.
This evolving ecosystem also offers new ways for companies to reach customers. Email, text message, social media, and influencer marketing campaigns are all normal facets of online retail marketing. Buyers are encouraged to leave reviews, opt into mailing lists, join loyalty programs, and post on social media, all to build an emotional connection between them and a brand. In this new ecosystem, there’s no right way but many possible ways to reach buyers, and they must all be accounted for if businesses are to thrive in this competitive environment.
The evolution of e-commerce has led to an ecosystem where anyone can open an online shop and compete with leading retailers. Etsy is famous for its marketplace of one-of-a-kind items made by fledgling entrepreneurs. However, this diverse landscape of leading retailers and independent sellers means that any marketing strategy must be louder, bolder, and smarter to make an impact.
UT Permian Basin’s College of Business offers an online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing. Accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), our online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing program will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to develop and implement brand, marketing, and social media campaigns.
In addition to exploring the many facets of e-commerce, our program looks at:
This 12-credit certificate program can be completed in tandem with any of our undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs, such as our Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Attend UT Permian Basin online, and you’ll be able to enter the world of marketing with both a bachelor’s degree and an undergraduate certificate on your resume.
Become a marketer. Apply to our online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing and learn how the biggest names in e-commerce are using marketing to reach new generations of customers.
References:
https://www.britannica.com/technology/e-commerce
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263230905_The_Evolution_and_Development_of_E-Commerce_Market_and_E-Cash
https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/short-history-internet
https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2019/02/05/smartphone-ownership-is-growing-rapidly-around-the-world-but-not-always-equally/
