Kristin Bierle, MBA
Cody Corbridge, MS Accountancy
Dominique Elliott, Accountancy
Kazuma Osugi, Economics
Colin Redifer, Accountancy-Finance (Finance honoree)
Colby Norton, Inform Tech Management
Amanda Gibson, International Business
Buhbuh Clark, General Business
Bianca Jochimsen, Marketing

But getting from good intentions to meaningful change is not without its obstacles.

Business professor Tom Gattiker’s research identifies barriers to successfully implementing environmental goals in the workplace and ways to break down those barriers, particularly as they relate to a company’s supply chain – the organizations, people and activities that transfer a product from company to company, and eventually to the consumer. Companies grapple with who should push for sustainable practices along the supply chain, what rationale for environmental measures resonates with employees, and how to get leadership across the company to buy into the process.

“My research is focused on the micro level,” Gattiker said. “A fair amount of research out there looks at the organization level but there’s not a lot that gives guidance to individuals about what it really takes to move projects forward in the workplace.”

Much of Gattiker’s work is funded and published by the Center for Advanced Purchasing Studies at the University of Arizona. Working alongside colleagues from the University of Tennessee and the University of Nevada, Gattiker has visited and surveyed hundreds of ground-level individuals and companies across the country that are striving to go green.

Whether companies are focused on energy savings, transportation-related improvements or reduction in waste or packaging, Gattiker’s research has shown that inspirational appeals, consultation and rational persuasion are far more effective than forcing environmental initiatives.

One of a handful of recognized experts in environmental supply chain issues, Gattiker’s work is internationally cited. His hope is that it helps champions of environmental initiatives succeed.

“I believe environmental issues are the challenge of our time and our generation,” Gattiker said. “Business schools have a big role to play.” – This article was published in the Research Magazine of Boise State University, Explore and written by Sherry Squires.

Business professor Rob Anson coaches students who work directly with Idaho business clients.

ANSON: CONSULTANT APPROACH ENCOURAGES STUDENT INNOVATION

Textbooks and coursework can teach budding programmers to write code. But they won’t teach them how to work through detailed negotiations with clients, how to recognize nuanced differences between projects, or a whole host of other skills that will help them succeed in the workplace.

Boise State business professor Rob Anson uses an innovative approach to bridge the gap. “There are things that just don’t come from a book and knowledge that is difficult to impart in a full classroom,” he said.“If I can model processes and behaviors for my students, they can learn so much more.”

As a doctoral student, Anson first learned about “cognitive apprenticeship,” the theory that people best learn to think by observing others more skilled than themselves think and act out loud through a situation. He’s been using it ever since.

In his capstone class for information technology majors, Anson acts as consultant for teams of students who do everything from system development to cost benefit analysis for real clients. He believes in the mentoring concept so strongly that he and his wife moved into the business residential college for a year where they could interact with students outside of class. He also advises and supervises students.

When Vincent Lukasavich returned to school for a second degree, Anson helped him understand the information technology field and what types of jobs it might help him attain. Now a senior, Lukasavich works under Anson as a peer adviser to other students. “Dr. Anson has a wealth of knowledge in the field and I’ve often sought his advice,” Lukasavich said. “His demeanor and personality are really open, and he takes a genuine interest in students.” The relationships he’s built with students are equally rewarding for Anson. “Most faculty crave seeing that spark, that moment when the student grasps something. It’s why we are drawn to teaching in the first place,” he said. “When you work with a student one-on-one, you see it.”

This article was written by Sherry Squires and appears in the  Boise State University’s Research Magazine Explore.