SBIT B.I.T.S. News for Students
Official Newsletter for Students of Purdue University Global’s School of Business and Information Technology
November 2023 Issue
Official Newsletter for Students of Purdue University Global’s School of Business and Information Technology
November 2023 Issue
Most Americans are familiar with the Pilgrim's Thanksgiving Feast of 1621, but few realize that it was not the first festival of its kind in North America. Long before Europeans set foot in the Americas, native peoples sought to insure a good harvest with dances and rituals such as the Green Corn Dance of the Cherokees.
https://www.si.edu/spotlight/thanksgiving/history
The Diversity & Belonging Action Committee (DBAC) in the School of Business and Information Technology was formed early this year. The committee consists of 19 members including faculty, staff, and students. The four student DBAC members are also members of the SBIT Student Advisory Board and include Stefani Moore, Shanell Johnson, Bambi Cranford, and Cathy Rollins.
MISSION (DBAC)
The mission of the Diversity & Belonging Action Committee (DBAC) in the School of Business and Information Technology is to ensure that all forms of diversity are valued and respected to foster and encourage a community of inclusion and belonging that supports opportunities for increased faculty, staff, and student engagement.
We look forward to keeping you up to date with our DEI initiatives.
Dr. Bea Bourne
bbourne@purdueglobal.edu
Professor and Senior Lead for DEI in the School of Business and IT
America is a vast land of many cultures dating back thousands of years to the original inhabitants of the land. The history and heritage of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Island communities are part of all national parks today. Throughout the year, and especially during November during Native American Heritage Month, the National Park Service and our partners celebrate together the rich traditions, languages, and contributions of Indigenous people.
NATIVE LAND DIGITAL
Native Land Digital is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to documenting the culture of Indigenous peoples around the world. Click on the map and enter any street address to see which Indigenous peoples once inhabited the area. Explore further for additional resources about the history and language of the tribes and nations.
The Commercial that helped make environment and sustainability part of the United States Conscious.
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by Dana Leland
AI and the World of Finance: What is the Connection Series..
How is AI impacting the world of finance? Is it revolutionizing various aspects of the industry? Based on current trends and responses, we can assess some key findings on the effects of AI. This series will focus on AI and its effects on trading. We will focus more on blockchain influences within AI next month.
How does AI impact trading?
Think about the features of algorithmic trading and how it impacts outcomes and investment decisions. Not only does it influence trading strategies, but it enables a variety of tools.AI-driven algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and execute trades at speeds impossible for humans, leading to improved trading strategies (Brogaard, Hendershott, & Riordan, 2014). Further, AI can identify and respond to market trends, helping to mitigate risks and make more informed investment decisions (Cheah & Fry, 2015).
What are the benefits?
The benefits of AI technology within the finance profession enhance the experience through fraud detection and prevention. For instance, AI can detect anomalies in transactions and behaviors, providing a powerful tool for identifying potential instances of fraud (Bhattacharyya, Jha, & Tharakunnel, 2011). These same systems can monitor transactions in real-time, enabling immediate responses to suspicious activities (Liang et al., 2017). AI-powered chatbots can provide immediate responses to customer inquiries, enhancing customer service (Hu, Shin, & Gupta, 2018). Additionally, AI algorithms analyze customer data to offer tailored financial products and services, improving customer engagement (Capgemini, 2019).
This same AI technology has additional benefits when it comes to risk assessment and compliance. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze a broader range of data points, leading to more accurate risk assessments and credit scores (Rath, 2018). This technology can facilitate faster and more efficient loan approval processes, benefiting both lenders and borrowers (Demirkan et al., 2018). AI-powered systems can monitor transactions and activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and they can automate the generation of reports, reducing the time and effort required for compliance documentation (Deloitte, 2020).
How can we use AI for forecasting?
How does AI influence prospective analysis and forecasting? Let me count the ways! These AI-driven models can analyze historical data and market trends to provide accurate forecasts for financial planning (Wang & Zheng, 2020). The use of AI-based algorithms can recommend portfolio adjustments based on changing market conditions and individual risk profiles (Toscano et al., 2019).
Overall, AI technology is revolutionizing the finance industry by enabling faster, more accurate decision-making across various functions. It is important for financial institutions to leverage AI's capabilities to stay competitive and provide innovative solutions to their clients. In the end, financial professionals and institutions should consider this technology as a supplement to current methods and assess key attributes of the algorithmic functions in investments, planning, and overall market analysis.
Dr. Dana Leland, MBA, MTX, MAC
Finance Faculty
References
Brogaard, J., Hendershott, T., & Riordan, R. (2014). High-frequency trading and price discovery. Review of Financial Studies, 27(8), 2267-2306.
Cheah, E. T., & Fry, J. (2015). Speculative bubbles in Bitcoin markets? An empirical investigation into the fundamental value of Bitcoin. Economics Letters, 130, 32-36.
Bhattacharyya, S., Jha, D., & Tharakunnel, K. (2011). Data mining for credit card fraud: A comparative study. Decision Support Systems, 50(3), 602-613.
Liang, D., Hu, Y., Zhang, H., Huang, J., & Yuan, L. (2017). A Novel Credit Card Fraud Detection Model Based on Convolutional Neural Networks. IEEE Access, 5, 3680-3690.
Hu, F., Shin, D., & Gupta, S. (2018). The role of artificial intelligence in fintech: A case study of Ant Financial. Journal of Industrial Information Integration, 12, 22-26.
Capgemini. (2019). World FinTech Report 2019. Retrieved from https://www.capgemini.com/research/world-fintech-report-2019/
Rath, S. (2018). Application of artificial intelligence in credit scoring. The Journal of Finance and Data Science, 4(2), 122-128.
Finextra. (2018). HSBC pioneers use of artificial intelligence in trade finance. Retrieved from https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/72487/hsbc-pioneers-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-trade-finance
Deloitte. (2020). Financial services industry outlooks 2020. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/financial-services/financial-services-industry-outlooks.html
Dear Prospective PG Graduate:
Purdue Global University would like to give you the opportunity to get hands-on training and experience for your accounting degree. An internship with PGFI meets the CAPSTONE requirements for your graduation, but it is an alternative to the CAPSTONE and is a great way to gain hands-on experience while meeting your curriculum requirements.
During the internship you will learn to work as a team to run PGFI, a virtual accounting firm by handling the day-to-day accounting needs of Ginger’s Leasing, PG Technology, Windy City Cleaning, Southern Fixin’s, and Kougar Kicks.
An internship with PGFI can give you a competitive edge by working within a 100% virtual setting, where you will get hands-on training in a number of financial departments, including investments, payroll, accounts receivables & payables, and auditing, all while building your professional portfolio and improving your resume.
“I can honestly say that I have worked with some amazing people who had no issue with following the rules and staying true to who they were and giving their all in their work duties.” Brianisha Parker, Former Intern.
We have a great team ready to welcome you, please consider joining us for our weekly “All Hands on Deck” (AHOD) meeting each Tuesday at 9 PM EST at Https://www.Zoom.us/signin come see what an internship at PGFI is all about, and ask any questions you may have.
Interested? Please email Monica Hubler at mhubler@purdueglobal.edu, or you can reply to this email for more information.
The Experiential Learning Path - AC490
Read below - a story from experience!
Hello students,
If you are unsure of whether to take the capstone or the internship which is an alternative to the Capstone, please allow me to urge you to the internship. I was very scared about graduating as I had no experience in accounting other than what I learned in class. The only jobs I ever had were warehouse work and fast food. I was terrified of graduating for fear that the last four years of hard work would have been all for nothing. I was hopeful when I found out that there is an internship that we are eligible for through the school. The closest one in my area was over 2 hours away and I didn’t even qualify. The first week was scary I was completely unsure of myself. Now, I’m excited to be graduating. I’ve learned so much in the internship. You learn so many new skills, new to me anyhow. I’ve now got experience with accounting software, zoom meetings, how to handle office emails, experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, SOX/Audit and management. I’ve learned how to order inventory, make out invoices, and do bank reconciliations. There are opportunities to learn about payroll, taxes and investments. You really should do yourself the favor and take the internship as you can get real experience. You’re not going to get any experience by taking the capstone, it is just more practice at schoolwork not real-world experience.
Dee
Intern at PGFI
Kerry Bruso, MBA '23
Studying global business has never been more critical, as described in this recent PG article. Developing knowledge of international business strategy, building intercultural fluency, and interacting with other cultures are all vital skills that employers are looking for, and PG's new Education Abroad offerings cover these areas and more.
Registration opens on October 1st for PG's next Education Abroad experience in London, UK in March 2024. Students may participate virtually or in person. The experience also includes the opportunity to earn the internationally recognized AFS Global Competence Certificate, an esteemed designation of intercultural fluency. Opportunities are available across the university for both undergraduate and graduate students as well as alumni, and course fees associated with field experiences may be eligible for financial aid depending on a student’s individual aid package and degree plan. There are several ways to participate, depending on degree plan:
● Undergraduate students may enroll in BU429: Cultural Intelligence (2401C), a 1 credit hour elective.
● MBA and MSML students may enroll in the Global Business concentration. There are only two annual entry points into the concentration, and the next cohort begins in February (2402E) with GB525: Global Business Environment. The field experience will take place in the final concentration course, GB528: Global Strategy (2402E).
● MBA students who aren’t in the Global Business concentration may enroll in the NEW alternative capstone course, GB602: MBA Capstone - Global Option (2402E).
● Alumni and graduate students outside of the School of Business & IT may enroll in GB529: Building Global Competence (2402E), a 1 credit hour elective. Graduate students must be enrolled in E-track to participate.
Check out the PG Education Abroad website for more details, including dates, pricing, and policies. To register interest in the London trip, please go to the website. Contact PG Education Abroad (educationabroad@purdueglobal.edu) with any questions about these opportunities.
October 2023 - Graduation
February 17, 2024
Irving, TX
Registration:
November 28 to December 15
Venue: Toyota Music Factory
Guest Limit: 8 per graduate
😀
May 4, 2024
West Lafayette, IN
Registration:
Opens Spring 2024
Venue: Elliott Hall of Music at Purdue University
Guest Limit: 10 per graduate
New Cybersecurity Non-Credit Courses - Sign up and earn your badge!
The Purdue Global School of Business & Information Technology recently launched two non-credit courses. These free courses are available through the Purdue Global Alternative Credit Center (ACC). If you have not registered for courses on the ACC before, you must create an account to register for a course.
Cybersecurity Awareness Micro-credential You will be introduced to computing, networking, and internet concepts; discuss cybersecurity concepts and threats; and identify protection best practices. Understanding these concepts will help you to protect yourself, your family, your friends, and your organization(s).
Personal Cybersecurity Best Practices Micro-credential You will be introduced to defensive strategies for cybersecurity threats like viruses, ransomware, social engineering attacks, and identify theft. Applying these best practices will help you to protect yourself, your family, your friends, and your organization(s). This course is intended for learners that have taken the cybersecurity awareness micro-credential or have foundational cybersecurity knowledge.
Two additional non-credit courses are expected to launch in July 2023:
● Securing Your Home Network Micro-credential
● A Career in Cybersecurity Micro-credential.
*Some of this information was prepared using ChatGPT and has been edited for publication here.
PG success coaches support students by ensuring they are meeting their academic goals by working with them during intentional coaching meetings. The coaches also help connect students with resources on campus and in their community. Our coaches are trained in basic needs support, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and the best practices in student support. Our goal is to ensure all basic needs of students are met before tackling academic needs, resulting in higher student success and persistence.
The Academic Success Center offers free, live and recorded Purdue Global Student Webinars on course-related and important topics. Links to upcoming events and recordings are located on the calendar. Please note that Purdue Global students, faculty, and staff need to be logged into PG Campus to view Student Webinars.
Today you may notice a new link when using EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), the search box on our homepage. In addition to the Full Text Finder link you see when EDS is linking out to sources external to EBSCO, like from ProQuest, HeinOnline, or other publishers and vendors, you'll now see a Locate Full Text link for articles. The Locate Full Text link is powered by LibKey, a tool that helps quickly connect you to articles, whether they're in a library database or published for free online.
Student clubs are open for undergraduate or graduate students of Purdue University Global.
Affinity groups are open for all undergraduate and graduate students of Purdue University Global who are interested in supporting specific identity groups.
Associations are open for undergraduate or graduate students of Purdue University Global who align with the specific requirements.
Purdue Global and Career Network
MISSION:
To create a literary journal that encourages and celebrates creativity in the diverse Purdue University Global Community; each publication will showcase written and visual narratives. Publication selections are based on the quality and insight of the narrative, rather than on genre or style requirements.
Podcasts From Professionals
WISDOM & EXPERIENCE SPEAKS…
Partnering to build a world where all students can learn from everyone around them.
The goal of PGIPods is not only to entertain and inform but also to provide a training ground for students in business and information technology. Each term, students work as interns, honing their skills by becoming on-air personalities, advertising salespeople, technicians, and program or website developers.
Listen to educational, business, technology, and entrepreneurial podcasts by students, teachers, and professionals.
PGIPods is student and alumni-run and features podcasts as well as programming by students, staff, and faculty on a variety of topics, including books, current affairs, self-help, travel, business, University events, and messages from station personalities and listeners.
Digital badges are visual representations of an accomplishment or credential you have earned that has been issued and endorsed by an organization in a digital, shareable format. As a student at Purdue Global, you may earn a digital badge for several accomplishments, including making the Dean's or Chancellor's List or earning a micro-credential. Micro-credentials are smaller groupings of courses that can “stack” into or fulfill the requirements of other degree programs (such as a bachelor's degree). With these accomplishments represented by a digital badge, they can be easily shared with and verified by others. PG issues digital badges through Credly, our digital badge platform. To learn more, visit this page. If you have questions about digital badges, you can send an email to digitalcred@purdueglobal.edu.
Who are they? SAS was once known as The Center for Disability Services (CDS). The department name was recently changed to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to create a more inclusive environment that provides accessibility to all. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at Purdue Global is the primary office responsible for the coordination of services for students with disabilities. Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Purdue Global will provide reasonable accommodations for students who have met the eligibility and verification requirements of SAS.
What do they do? SAS works directly with the student to provide accommodations that aid the student in being successful in their classes. SAS works as a liaison between the student and their instructors and notifies instructors of the student's approved accommodations each term. Students with temporary medical conditions can also request accommodations on a temporary basis.
How do you request an accommodation? Students with disabilities are responsible for requesting an accommodation. If you are a potential Purdue Global student, or already enrolled at Purdue Global, and are seeking accommodation(s) due to a diagnosed disability, you may request to be referred to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) through your university representative and/or contact SAS directly by telephone, or email. Actively enrolled students may also submit a self-referral to SAS through their student portal. SAS will then send an email to the student with information about requesting accommodations and will provide the required accommodation request forms attached to the email.
Purdue Global Contacts
Registration Issues: 866-522-7747
Textbook Inquiry: Student Support Desk or Academic Advising at 866-522-7747
Technical Issues: 866-522-7747-Support and Solutions
Student Accounts: 800-817-8272
Office of Student Support: 866-522-7747
Financial aid: 866-458-2008 option #2, or at fastudentsupport@purdueglobal.edu
Student Connections
Student Store and Discounts: https://campus.purdueglobal.edu/content/student-store
Purdue Global Blog: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/