The fifth Marriott School Web Site Competition hosted by the Rollins Center for eBusiness is getting a face-lift this semester, creating a more challenging and competitive race to produce not only Web sites but also strategic plans for three Utah businesses. The finalists, selected by representatives from the businesses, will win up to $3,200.

Adam Edmunds, founder and president of SilentWhistle, LLC, was named BYU’s 2004 Student Entrepreneur of the Year. The first-place finish earned him $12,500 cash and another $12,500 in support services for his new venture. Edmunds was one of five student finalists who presented businesses at BYU’s 13th annual Student Entrepreneur of the Year Competition.

Ever wonder what scripture is cited most often at general conference? Do you want to compare what General Authorities have said about a particular scripture? The intellectually curious and serious students of the gospel now have a new resource at their fingertips. The online LDS General Conference Scripture Index, developed by BYU faculty and students, can be accessed at scriptures.byu.edu.

Brigham Young University’s Master of Business Administration program ranked fifth among regional schools in The Wall Street Journal’s 2004 ranking of top business programs. BYU ranked second in the ethical standards category, “best for hiring graduates with high ethical standards,” and fifth worldwide for its excellence in accounting.

The National Black MBA Association selected second-year BYU MBA student Jamila Cutliff as one of the top 25 MBA students in the country, naming her a 2004 Coca-Cola scholar. “I didn’t really expect it,” Cutliff says. “I’m grateful that it happened, but if it hadn’t happened, I’d be fine with that too. I’m more excited because it gives recognition to BYU and the MBA program.” Cutliff is one of only 25 nationwide who received a scholarship through the NBMBAA. One hundred seventy-five minority students applied for the scholarships last April; the winners were chosen according to criteria such as outstanding leadership and community commitment. Scholarship recipients were required to submit an essay, have several recommendations, and go through a series of interviews.

Are you looking for ways to distinguish yourself? Do you want to become a more attractive recruitment candidate or make contact with professionals in your field? Consider joining one or more of the 24 student clubs or associations at the Marriott School during Club Week 2004.

Brigham Young University awarded Marriott School Professor of Organizational Leadership and Strategy William H. Baker an Alcuin Fellowship at the 2004 Annual University Conference on Aug. 24. The fellowship recognizes teacher-scholars whose university work has made significant contributions to the general education and honors curriculum. Fellowship appointments are for three years and include a stipend for curriculum development, teaching and research.

When Symantec, maker of the Norton antivirus software found on most desktop computers, purchased Orem's PowerQuest in December, it followed its long-standing strategy for growth, which has involved the acquisition of nearly 20 companies. The company's approach to building its business is highlighted in the August issue of "Harvard Business Review" in an article by Brigham Young University business professor Jeffrey H. Dyer that provides a framework for companies trying to decide to engage in alliances or acquisitions.

This December, John Montgomery will graduate from BYU with not only a master in accountancy on his resume but also the highest student score on the Certified Internal Auditor’s exam. Montgomery received the highest score worldwide out of students sitting for the May 2004 exam. Only 18 percent of the 9,400 professionals and students who sat in the twice yearly exam in May passed.

Brigham Young University’s undergraduate accounting specialty ranked 6th in U.S. News & World Report's annual survey, "America's Best Colleges." The undergraduate management program placed 38th among "Best Business Programs." Both are housed in the Marriott School of Management. The school’s accounting program rose 10 spots in this year’s business specialties.

Students have the opportunity to put their business acumen to the test in BYU’s 13th annual Student Entrepreneur of the Year competition this fall. If testing entrepreneurial skills isn’t enough, this year’s prize money has tripled previous years, totaling $60,000 in cash and in-kind services. Students of all majors are encouraged to apply for the competition.

Instead of having his speech outline scribbled on a 3x5 card, Adam Rushforth will run his fingers over a Braille outline as he addresses students at Friday’s Marriott School convocation. Rushforth, who graduates with a business finance bachelor’s degree, has coloboma, an iris defect, which began deteriorating his vision when he was young.

Three BYU students took top honors at the Future Business Leaders—Phi Beta Lambda National Awards competition held July 9–12 in Denver. The competition drew more than 7,000 students who competed in 40 categories. Julia Skelton and Cory Latschkowski worked together to earn first place in the network design category.

Two-thousand and four is turning out to be a very good year for first-year MBA students at BYU. After weathering several rough years, internship placement has risen sharply this spring and summer. As of the first of July, 92 percent of students seeking internships were placed, compared to 61 percent placed in 2003.

Brigham Young University student David A. Wood has been selected by The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation as the recipient of the 2004 Esther R. Sawyer Scholarship Award. Wood was presented with a plaque and $5,000 during the 2004 International Conference, June 21-24, in Sydney, Australia, for his research and paper that examines how internal auditors can add value by coordinating with external auditors.

Brigham Young University’s Romney Institute of Public Management honored Karen Suzuki-Okabe with its 2004 N. Dale Wright Outstanding Alumni Award. The Romney Institute presented the award at a banquet held 21 May. The award is given annually to an alumnus of the BYU Master of Public Administration program who demonstrates extraordinary service and leadership in the work environment, is actively involved in community volunteer activities and maintains a high standard of excellence.

As corporate scandals like Enron and WorldCom continue to shake out in the courtroom, many investors are still waiting for an acceptable explanation of how it all happened and how similar abuses can be avoided. Noted Brigham Young University fraud expert W. Steve Albrecht has identified nine abuses that converged to create what he calls the "perfect fraud storm," in which CEOs and other high-ranking corporate officers perpetrated the largest financial frauds in history.

The Marriott School of Management will host its 9th Annual BYU Management Conference 24–26 June 2004. Nationally recognized speakers will discuss principles for building outstanding leaders in organizations, communities and families. Special entertainment and evening activities are planned for the whole family.

The Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University announced its 2004 Staff and Administrator Excellence Award winners at a luncheon 11 May. This year’s recipients are Kathy Clark, department secretary for Organizational Leadership and Strategy; Cami Green, program coordinator for undergraduate business management; Joseph Ogden, assistant dean of external relations; Maurice Stocks, assistant dean of corporate development and career services, and Nina Whitehead, external relations specialist. “Each of these individuals excel in their service and work performance,” says Melinda Maughan, a member of the award-selection committee.

Three teams with Brigham Young University students finished first, second and third at the University of Utah Entrepreneurial Challenge. Tropi-Cool, SilentWhistle.com and The Mayan Tree beat out seven other finalists to claim prizes at the April competition. Tropi-Cool, a company specializing in Mexican ice cream treats, won $40,000 for their first-place finish.