Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/59887
Headlines tive partner is being considered for a program alliance, which includes joint degree programs. Another 26 percent say success hinges on agreement in objectives and terms. Respondents urge schools considering alliances to look beyond opening expressions of good will to the substance in each proposal. Don't just base alliances on personal relationships, they say; plan them carefully. And make sure both parties benefit from the relationship. Another key, say 18 percent, is managing the alliance well by keep- ing promises, setting up measurable goals, communicating openly, and exhibiting patience. Developing interest and commitment is also important, according to 11 percent of respondents. They recommend surveying both students and faculty to discover how much interest they would have if a strategic partnership were to be arranged. The final three pieces to creating a healthy alliance are maintaining quality (according to 10 percent), committing the resources (6 percent), and keeping environmental issues, such as safety, in mind (2 percent). Despite all the effort involved, most institutions involved in a strategic alliance believe it has been worth the work. Fifty-six percent of respondents say their alliances have been extremely successful or very successful when considered as an educational experience. The picture is less rosy from other perspectives. Have alliances been extremely or very successful in terms of enhancing reputation? Yes, say 37 percent. In terms of faculty development? This time 30 percent say yes. From a financial point of view? Only 11 percent agree. 10 BizEd MARCH/APRIL 2005 Setting Off for San Francisco Deans and business educators will gather in San Francisco April 21 through 23 for the International Conference and AnnualMeeting (ICAM) hosted by AACSB International. Approximately 1,200 business school representatives from more than 40 countries are expected to attend the conference. The conference will cover topics such as strategic planning, corporate social responsibility, and professional development. The two days of pro- gramming will include opportunities to network with peers, participate in Affinity Group sessions, visit with exhibitors, and attend social events. Keynote speaker for the event will be Ed Rust, CEO of State Farm Insurance Companies, headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois. Rust, who has led the insurance giant for nearly 20 years of stable prosperity, is a pas- sionate advocate for education. He has worked with numerous educa- tional organizations, including President Bush's education advisory committee. Also among the presen- ters will be Tilden J. Curry, dean of the College of Business at Tennessee State University in Nashville. During the plenary luncheon on Friday, April 22, Beta Gamma Sigma will present its International Honoree: James H. Blanchard, CEO of Synovus Financial Corporation since 1971. The multibillion dollar company provides diverse financial services to people around the world. A proponent of servant leadership, Blanchard has fostered a culture of work/life balance at Synovus, which has caused the company to be named to Fortune magazine's list of "Best Companies to Work For." ICAM will be held at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel. To regis- ter, go to https://www.aacsb.edu/ conferences/Registration/Default.asp. Or contact Lora Parker at lora@aacsb.edu or 813-769-6521. For information about exhibiting at the event, contact Bill Cotner at 314-843-5128 or billc@aacsb.edu. B-School Profs See Salaries Rise Salaries for business school professors are continuing to increase at a robust pace, according to the 2004-2005 AACSB Salary Survey. Across all ranks and business fields, the average nine-month salary for business facul- ty in 2004-2005 increased by 4 per- cent, to $93,500. That compares to $89,900 in 2003-2004. One reason for the increase is the Ph.D. shortage, which continues to put upward pressure on new doctor- ate salaries. While U.S. business doc- torate production sunk to 1,035, its lowest level in more than a decade, the average new doctorate salary increased to $93,300 from $89,700. Salaries earned by new doctorates in accounting rose to $105,800 on average, which is 5.1 percent higher than the previous year. Increases for new doctorates in high-demand fields continue to raise