Schulich launches new Graduate Diploma in Accounting Analytics

Spreadsheet Data On Computer Monitor In Office

York University’s Schulich School of Business, a global leader in digital accounting and data analytics, recently announced the launch of its new Graduate Diploma in Accounting Analytics (GDAN).

The diploma program will provide accounting professionals with the latest expertise in accounting data analytics and visualization, helping them to hone their critical thinking abilities and cultivate analytical and leadership skills within the dynamic world of data analytics and information technology in accounting. 

Shanker Trivedi,
Shanker Trivedi

“The Graduate Diploma in Accounting Analytics is designed to develop graduates who are well-versed in the interface between the broad areas of accounting, information technology, data analytics and data visualization,” says Shanker Trivedi, director of Schulich’s Master of Accounting (MAcc) program and associate professor of accounting. “What sets our program apart is its focus on practical, immediately applicable skills that empower graduates to make an immediate impact in their careers.” 

The program includes a hands-on, real-world consulting project carried out at an organization, requiring students to provide data-based, actionable, strategic business insights. The program also embraces generative artificial intelligence technologies, guiding students to use them effectively and securely in an accounting context.

GDAN’s Associate Program Director Manuel Campos, a Schulich alumnus and digital transformation expert, provides a robust industry perspective that will help students acquire the analytics and consulting skills required by the market.

The fully remote, part-time diploma program – one of the first of its kind in Eastern Canada – will commence in September of this year and will be offered online over an eight-month period. The program is designed for accounting graduates or professionals with two to four years of accounting-related work experience.

For more information about Schulich’s new Graduate Diploma in Accounting Analytics, visit the program website.

Pharmaceutical firms should focus on intellectual capital, says prof

Woman scientist holding red pill

New research from York University’s Schulich School of Business shows that firms operating in the pharmaceutical industry are most often better off investing in intellectual capital than in lobbying.

Moren Lévesque
Moren Lévesque

The findings are contained in the paper “The interdependent influence of lobbying and intellectual capital on new drug development,” which was recently published in the journal Research Policy. The paper was co-authored by Moren Lévesque, a professor of operations management and information systems at Schulich and the CPA Ontario Chair in International Entrepreneurship.

The results of the study have important practical implications for pharmaceutical companies, which are among the top lobbying spenders in the U.S. “From a managerial perspective, our results suggest that lobbying might not always be the most effective way for pharmaceutical firms to enhance their new drug development performance,” says Lévesque. “A shift in focus from lobbying to intellectual capital development may therefore enable firms to reap longer term benefits, both in terms of new drug development and reputation.”

Lévesque says the research also has clear implications for policymakers, who should focus on nurturing intellectual capital development in the pharmaceutical industry to achieve economic growth, as well as focusing on increased transparency with regard to lobbying and the political decision-making process.   

With declining R&D [research and development] productivity being of increased concern to the industry, understanding how to allocate scarce and precious resources is vital,” says Lévesque. “Our research findings might prompt decision-makers in pharmaceutical firms to carefully review their portfolio of activities and redirect resources from lobbying to R&D.”

Timing is everything in sales conversations, study finds

Salesperson talking to woman in yellow shirt

New research from York University’s Schulich School of Business shows that when it comes to sales, service and marketing communications, it’s not just what you say that matters – but when you say it.

Grant Packard
Grant Packard

The findings are contained in the recently published article “When Language Matters” in the Journal of Consumer Research, co-written by Schulich marketing Professor Grant Packard and collaborators from the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in China and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

The researchers carried out a multi-method investigation, including analysis of thousands of moments across hundreds of service conversations at two sales firms, plus four separate experiments, to document the moment-to-moment dynamics between language and important marketing outcomes like customer satisfaction and purchases.

The researchers demonstrate their approach to identifying when language matters by looking at “warm” and “competent” language – which can be as subtle as the difference between a salesperson asking, “How are you today?” (warm) versus, “How may I assist you?”(competent). Conventional wisdom in marketing is that a warm approach leads customers to think employees are less competent, so competence should be prioritized throughout the customer interaction.

This new research shakes up this conventional wisdom. Customers were more satisfied – and spent more money – when employees used both warm and competent language but at separate, specific times. Specifically, customers were more satisfied when agents used warmer language at the beginning and end of conversations. Warmer language, it was found, can be costly during the middle of the conversation, when customers expect to “get down to business.” Competent language works the opposite way: it can be costly at the start and end but enhances customer satisfaction and purchases when emphasized in the conversation’s middle.

“Our research helps update beliefs about the ‘warmth-competence paradox,’ provides a method for determining when certain kinds of language matters and highlights ways to improve the customer experience,” explains Packard.

Managers and researchers who want to put these findings into practise using their own data can try out the free, automated language analysis tool developed by the research team, at WhenLanguageMatters.net.

“Our findings can help improve customer service, aid employee assessment and development, and fine-tune artificial intelligence chatbots’ effectiveness,” Packard says. “They can also more broadly be used to shed light on word-of-mouth, sales interactions and marketing communications.”

Schulich breaks new ground in marketing education

presentation given on colorful board BANNER

Earlier this month, York University’s Schulich School of Business launched a Future of Marketing course intended to help undergraduate students stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving marketing landscape. Taught by Schulich professors David Rice and Martin Waxman, it is believed to be the first university course of its kind in the world.  

David Rice close-up portrait
David Rice

The course’s lectures and content focus on cutting-edge topics, including generative artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT, synthetic media, neuromarketing and biometrics, chatbots, augmented and virtual reality, and the metaverse. Living up to its name, the course will also delve into even more futuristic marketing concepts such as advertising in dreams and persuasion through brain-computer interfaces.

“The course challenges students to reimagine marketing and society in a time of rapid technological change,” says Rice. “While other universities are debating the use of ChatGPT in the classroom, we encourage its use so that students can learn first-hand what the potential and limitations are of generative AI technology, and imagine how it may alter the marketing future.”

Martin Waxman
Martin Waxman

To help ensure students are coming away with real-world skills, each class includes an experiential exercise where students have the opportunity to test their abilities and creativity with cutting-edge applications. Adding yet another practical element, the course wraps up with a pitch night in a boardroom format similar to CBC’s hit show “Dragons’ Den,” where student teams present their concepts for a new marketing technology, product or service to a group of senior marketing executives.

Later this year, Schulich is planning to expand the reach of this new course by offering it online through the Future of Marketing Institute, a global think tank based at the Schulich School of Business, of which Professor Rice is the executive director and Waxman is the associate director.

Schulich ExecEd expands health-care training partnership in Guyana

Schulich ExecEd Guyana group photo

Schulich ExecEd, an extension of the Schulich School of Business at York University, is building upon its existing partnership with the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana by launching a new Guyana-Schulich ExecEd Masters Certificate in Physician Leadership Program and kicking off a second cohort of the Schulich ExecEd-Guyana Masters Certificate in Hospital Leadership Program. Both programs are set to begin their virtual classroom sessions this month.

Representatives from Schulich ExecEd travelled to Guyana last month to celebrate the new program launch with members of Guyana’s government. The attendees from Schulich ExecEd were: Rami Mayer, executive director; Dr. Susan Lieff, program director; Jeff MacInnis, facilitator; Robert Lynn, associate director; and Ai Hokama, program co-ordinator.

“I am excited to announce the continuation of our partnership with the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” said Mayer. “Together, we are pioneering transformative learning programs focused on social innovation that are aimed at equipping health-care leaders with essential skills crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of health care in the Guyana region.”

The Schulich ExecEd-Guyana Masters Certificate in Hospital Leadership Program focuses on fortifying the administrative skills of health-care workers, equipping them with the knowledge to effectively manage health-care facilities, resources and personnel. Its sister program, the Guyana-Schulich ExecEd Masters Certificate in Physician Leadership Program, is a direct response to the needs of physicians in the region. The goal is to build up physicians’ leadership abilities, improve their decision-making skills, and sharpen their capacity to manage health-care facilities and resources. 

“These programs have been specifically designed to empower health-care professionals in Guyana and enhance the quality of health-care services they provide to their patients,” said Frank Anthony, Guyana’s minister of health. “We are grateful for the co-operation of the Ministry of Public Service and the Government of Guyana in delivering this training to the participants free of charge.”

Schulich ExecEd’s ongoing mission with this partnership is to transform Guyana’s health-care system to deliver more equitable, accessible and enhanced health care. The shared vision of these partners is to develop better health care and physician leaders in Guyana and to provide innovative health-care solutions to improve patient outcomes across the country. Program participants hail from all 10 regions of Guyana, including the country’s Indigenous communities.

“Our programs are meticulously designed to fill critical gaps in business education, addressing skill needs not traditionally covered in medical school,” explained Mayer. “We are committed to empowering physicians and health-care leaders with the tools to manage difficult conversations, solve complex problems, foster collaboration, lead effectively and elevate the overall quality of care in the country.”

Both programs are expected to graduate their current participants in September of this year.

For a closer look at the Schulich ExecEd team’s celebratory trip to Guyana last month, visit vimeo.com/901964260/c095aa81b2?.

York alumni-founded startup breathes new air into industry 

(Left to right) Blade Air founders Aedan Fida, Giancarlo Sessa and Joe Fida

By Diana Senwasane, student and community engagement coordinator, YSpace and VPRI 

Since its inception five years ago, YSpace – York University’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub – has supported hundreds of startups from ideation to incubation to scale. One such startup venture is Blade Air, which is quickly establishing itself as a national leader in the air filtration industry.   

Founded by two York alumni from the Schulich School of Business, Giancarlo Sessa (BBA’19) and Aedan Fida (BBA’19), along with his brother Joseph Fida, Blade Air was recently named the fifth-fastest-growing company in Canada for 2023 by the Globe and Mail

(Left to right) Blade Air founders Aedan Fida, Giancarlo Sessa and Joe Fida
Left to right: Blade Air founders Aedan Fida, Giancarlo Sessa and Joe Fida.

The trio is also celebrating one of their other latest achievements from earlier this year: the acquisition of CleanAir.ai, a Toronto-based startup that specializes in electromagnetic HVAC filters.  

The move will enhance Blade Air Smart IAQ Platform, the company’s innovative software for indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions.  

“With this strategic acquisition, Blade Air has access to patents and technology that will fast-track the next generation of its Blade Air Smart IAQ Platform,” says Sessa, chief revenue officer. “This enables businesses, real estate groups and facility managers to access critical, real-time data regarding their indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions and lowering operational costs.” 

So far, Blade Air has implemented air quality solutions in over 540-million cubic feet of building spaces across North America, including for government, educational boards, hospitals and commercial enterprises. The list continues to grow as more spaces prioritize indoor air quality after the COVID-19 pandemic.   

A Blade Air HEPA Air purifier, the portable air quality solution for commercial spaces
A Blade Air HEPA Air Purifier, the portable air quality solution for commercial spaces.

Sessa says the company’s success is due in part to the support they received early on from YSpace, which provides access to mentors, testing equipment, and connections with funders and key resources.  

“YSpace was extremely supportive in providing us with the resources we needed to succeed, including great advisors, tools for making our business processes more efficient and an always cheerful and supportive network,” he says.  

The company has also prioritized sustainability, working to reduce its carbon footprint using zero-waste technology. They also created the world’s first zero-waste carbon filters.  

This commitment to innovate and be leaders in their industry stems from Sessa and Fida’s days at York.  

“Attending York University not only gave us the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the world of business, but we also found the inspiration to dream bigger and the network to make those dreams a reality,” Sessa says. “York empowered us to turn our vision into a thriving venture, and for that we are forever grateful.” 

To learn more about Blade Air, visit bladeair.com.  

Paper explores impact of consumer protection on vulnerable borrowers

Man holding open an empty wallet

New research from York University’s Schulich School of Business shows consumers are ambivalent toward stricter government consumer protection interventions in Alberta’s payday loans industry.

Ela Veresiu
Ela Veresiu

The findings are contained in the paper, “Vulnerable Consumer Experiences of (Dis)Empowerment with Consumer Protection Regulations,” recently published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs. The article was co-written by Ela Veresiu, associate professor of marketing at Schulich, together with Schulich’s most recent marketing doctoral graduate, Rowan El-Bialy (now an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management); Mohammed El Hazzouri, an associate professor at Dalhousie University; and Kelley Main, dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and a professor of marketing at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business. 

As payday loans are a highly unequal service relation of power and domination that empowers lenders by positioning disempowered borrowers as indebted and solely responsible for future obligations, the study set out to examine how increased consumer protection regulations affect financially vulnerable consumers’ experiences.

“We chose the location of Alberta, Canada as our study’s context for two main reasons,” says El-Bialy. “Alberta was the first province in Canada to introduce stricter regional-wide payday loan regulations intended to protect consumers, and Alberta has a large population that experiences financial vulnerability due to multiple economic, historical and political factors.”

“We do not find a straightforward answer, rather some payday loan consumers perceive stricter regulations as either empowering, disempowering or both, depending on their individual situations,” notes Veresiu. “For example, the most vulnerable consumers in our sample, namely those receiving government support and those with multiple, precarious sources of income, found it harder to obtain a payday loan after the new regulation was put in place, especially if they owed previous debts.”

The results of this research demonstrate that stricter consumer protection regulations in the context of the payday loan industry have produced several favourable short-term outcomes for financially vulnerable consumers, thus empowering them. It is, however, necessary to recognize that the payday lending industry is dynamic and that regulations will need to continue evolving alongside it. 

A guide to navigating the holidays sustainably

assortment of wrapped gifts banner

The holiday season, with traditions rooted in gift giving and big meals, can be a challenge for those looking to consume responsibly, keeping sustainability in mind. Associate Professor Nicole Mead, an expert in consumer behaviour, shares a few tips on how to navigate the season sustainably.

Mead, who is also an expert in sustainable consumption, offers these suggestions for finding ways to shop – whether for gifts or food – with sustainability in mind throughout the holidays.

Research who and where you are buying from

Nicole Mead
Nicole Mead

As sustainable consumption has grown as a priority across the world, resources have become available to provide transparency about which companies are prioritizing sustainability, too.

“Even five years ago, it was hard to know what the provenance was of what you were purchasing,” says Mead. “There’s increasingly consumer-friendly ways to identifying companies that are more sustainable than others.”

Going into holiday season, she encourages searching Google and scanning company-provided QR codes linking to sustainability transparency, among other options, to better understand the sustainability practices of companies you want to buy from. She also points to resources that have done some of the work already.

“There’s a lot of other companies that are doing independent work to make the supply chain a lot more transparent to consumers,” says Mead. For example, she points to B Corp, a non-profit organization that provides businesses with a certification indicating high sustainability standards, as one of many resources now widely available to be help make informed sustainable consumption decisions this holiday.

Consider buying better quality

Inflation has proven a financial challenge for many this year, with hard-earned dollars not going as far as they used to. When considering gifts, that can lead to consider more frugal options. “As we feel the pressure on our bank accounts, there’s perhaps a tendency sometimes to buy cheaper things,” says Mead. She suggests reconsidering.  

“In terms of sustainability, there’s really good evidence that buying higher price or better quality goods is really important for the environment,” she says. “Maybe up front there is a higher ticket price, but you’ll probably save time and money down the road, because what you buy will actually last longer.”

Shop locally

“If you’re going to be planning a holiday gathering – if you’re going to be cooking food – consider local markets, where farmers are selling their products,” says Mead. Beyond the benefits of supporting one’s local community, shopping locally supports sustainability since the shipping and transportation of goods can be a huge source of carbon emissions. Buying locally – not just food, but even handmade goods as gifts – helps people consume more sustainably during the holidays.

Explore alternative modes of giving

There are more ways to shop than through big-name online or box-store retailers. Sustainability options exist that go beyond material goods. Experiences – which can include museum memberships, donations, group outings and more – can be gifted, which consume fewer resources, making them an option that is not only better for the planet but can be good for the soul. “There’s research that suggests that experiences can be actually better for your happiness. You’re going to enjoy them more over time, in part because they can help us connect to other people,” says Mead.

Another means of giving that can minimize resource consumption is repairing and regifting something loved ones already appreciate. “A lot of times we have things around the house that we love that need a little bit of extra attention or to be repaired. We just don’t really get around to actually doing it, but we really would like to use those things again,” says Mead. Someone fixing and regifting something can be a sustainable and appreciated mode of giving.  

By following these tips, it’s possible to join a movement that rights the future through increasingly easier and more rewarding ways of being sustainable. “It’s no longer this environment of ‘I need to sacrifice in order to be sustainable.’ Now it’s ‘I can be sustainable and really enjoy what I’m consuming.’ That’s the way forward for our world,” says Mead.

Schulich ExecEd launches municipal leadership training program

Business team training session

York University’s Schulich ExecEd has partnered with the Ontario Municipal Administrators Association (OMAA) to launch the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Leadership Program.

The dynamic, five-day program will help government administrators gain the vital leadership skills and strategies needed to better support elected officials and effectively implement council policies.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with the Ontario Municipal Administrators Association in launching the prestigious Chief Administrative Officer Leadership Program,” said Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd. “Upskilling and reskilling municipalities are crucial endeavours that hold significant importance in adapting to the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by local governments. This partnership recognizes this need, equipping participants with essential business skills and acumen, as well as providing a clear pathway for leadership success in municipal governance.”

The program will cover trending topics in the industry such as political acuity, digital transformation and data analysis. Upon completion, participants will be ready to thrive in their CAO roles or move up the career ladder to more senior positions. The program’s hybrid format allows easy access to programming and materials for busy professionals.

“The CAO position is a uniquely challenging one that has lacked a clear educational pathway for those considering entering,” said Scott Vokey, OMAA executive director. “OMAA is very pleased to collaborate with Schulich to help start construction on this pathway.”

OMAA represents CAOs and aspiring CAOs in municipalities of all tiers and sizes across Ontario. It fosters excellence in CAO leadership, know-how and professional management of municipalities. Paired with Schulich ExecEd’s expertise in professional development and experience in upskilling and reskilling public sector organizations, the partnership marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of leadership excellence.

“Through our partnership with Schulich ExecEd, we are offering unique and true value as well as deep insight into what is required to be an effective chief administrative officer,” said Peter Neufeld, OMAA president and CAO of the Municipality of Leamington. “OMAA is excited to help develop the first certificate program to specifically focus on the unique needs of the CAO position.”

The CAO Leadership Program is kicking off on April 4, 2024, and registration is open now. Visit the web page to enrol or to learn more: Education and Training – Ontario Municipal Administrators Association (omaa.on.ca).

Schulich receives $1M commitment for Centre for Customer Centricity

woman presenting

York University’s Schulich School of Business has received a new $1-million commitment from StarTech.com in support of the school’s Centre for Customer Centricity, a hub for the creation, application and dissemination of knowledge related to making organizations customer-centric.

Schulich’s Centre for Customer Centricity, which assists organizations in implementing a customer-centric management philosophy and culture, was established in 2019 thanks to an initial $1-million gift from StarTech.com, a leading manufacturer of information technology (IT) connectivity products. The centre also provides organizations with customized consulting projects involving extensive industry, competitor and customer analysis, followed by insights and practical recommendations.  

The consulting projects are carried out annually by teams of master of business administration (MBA) students from Schulich, who are coached and guided by Professor Ajay Sirsi, the centre’s director and an associate professor of marketing at Schulich.

“We’re very excited about the continued support provided by Paul Seed (StarTech.com chief executive officer and owner) and StarTech.com for this unique centre,” says Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick. “The Centre for Customer Centricity is providing invaluable, real-world learning for our Schulich MBA students as they help companies solve complex problems, boost their bottom line and grow their customer base.”

Since its inception, the centre has provided 225 MBA students with experiential learning opportunities that have benefited 30 companies.

“I am grateful for the trust Paul Seed has put in me and the Schulich School of Business to honour his desire to share with companies and MBA students the customer-centric thinking that has made StarTech.com a leader in IT connectivity accessories,” says Sirsi. “The only centre of its kind in the world, the Centre for Customer Centricity will continue inspiring students and guiding organizations wanting to put the customer at the heart of their decision-making.”

Companies or organizations interested in participating in a consulting project with the Centre for Customer Centricity can contact Sirsi at asirsi@schulich.yorku.ca. For more information on the centre, visit schulich.yorku.ca/faculty-research/centre-for-customer-centricity.