Exploring the Summer Book and Podcast Choices of FIU Business Faculty

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As summer unfolds, you may find yourself in search of captivating books or podcasts to accompany your leisurely days. Look no further, as some of our faculty at Chapman GSB have graciously shared their own personal reading lists and podcast recommendations, spanning a wide range of topics including fantasy, wellbeing, business, marketing, and more.

Allow me to introduce you to some of our faculty members and their selections:

Minye Tang: Business and Economics

Professor Minye Tang., from the School of Accounting, is an expert in accounting for decisions, financial reporting and analysis. As he navigates his summer days, he immerses himself in the thought-provoking world of the "Marketplace" podcast. Hosted by Kai Ryssdal, this podcast offers a daily dose of business and economic news, providing context beyond the numbers. Through interviews with CEOs, policymakers, and individuals from all walks of life, "Marketplace" delves into the heart of global affairs, shedding light on the intricacies of our interconnected world. The best part? You don't need an economics degree or a finance background to understand it.

Jayati Sinha: Well-being and society

Over in the Department of Marketing & Logistics, we have the esteemed Professor Jayati Sinha, an expert in healthcare marketing and consumer behavior. Professor Sinha recently finished the intellectually stimulating book "Well" by Sandro Galea (2021), a captivating examination of the factors that shape health in America. Galea skillfully explores how the nation's health challenges stem from historical and cultural forces, emphasizing the need to prioritize our collective well-being for the betterment of American society and politics.

Currently, Professor Sinha has embarked on an intriguing journey with "Generations" by Jean M. Twenge (2023). This fascinating work offers a revelatory portrait of the six generations coexisting in the United States, delving into their connections, conflicts, and competition. Twenge explores the desires and aspirations of each generation, shedding light on the ideals, challenges, and unique perspectives that define them.

Erica Harris: Adventure and fantasy

In the realm of accounting, we have Dr. Erica Harris, who teaches Accounting for Managers to our MBA students. To the surprise of many, Dr. Harris harbors a love for fantasy books. This summer, she has embarked on an epic adventure with "Tress of the Emerald Sea," an enthralling novel crafted by the talented American author, Brandon Sanderson. Within its pages, readers are whisked away to a realm of mystery, magic, and romance. The vivid prose and richly developed characters offer an enchanting escape from the mundane routines of daily life.

Steven C. Ellis: Operations Management

Professor Chris Ellis, known for imparting one of the most popular MBA courses at FIU, Business Analysis for Decision Making, recently finished reading "The Goal" by Eliyahu Goldratt. This is a story centered around a manufacturing manager who has just 90 days to save his plant from a threatened shutdown. Naturally, the Theory of Constraints helps save the day, protecting hundreds of employees from losing their jobs. Interestingly, "The Goal" is one of the books that Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, requires his top management team to read, using it as a framework for sketching out the future of Amazon.com.

And as Professor Ellis says, "if it is worth doing, it is worth overdoing it." So, he is now reading "Goldratt's Rules of Flow," written by the daughter of "The Goal" author, Efrat Goldratt-Ashlag.

This quick and fun read provides a good understanding and practical advice on how to apply the most important Theory of Constraints (TOC) guidance on protecting and improving flow. It's a book that receives a 10/10 rating from anyone leading projects, as it contains practical advice you can deploy today.

So, whether you are yearning for economic and business insights, profound reflections on health and society, or a captivating fantasy escapade, our faculty's summer reading and listening recommendations are sure to inspire, entertain, and broaden your horizons. Embrace the joy of discovery and dive into their curated selections, and most importantly, enjoy your summer!