Important Announcement regarding the GeM Program at GSU

Sidney E. Harris, Dean of the Robinson College of Business, announced that due to the fundamental shifts in the economy, Robinson College of Business will not admit new students into the Global eManagement (GeM) program. Students in the class of 2002 will complete the program as planned.

The action was taken based on the recommendation of Richard Welke, Chair of the eCommerce Institute, and his staff and affirmed by Robinson’s Executive Committee.  This move does not impact the ecommerce concentration in the College's Flex MBA Program.

Interest in the GeM Program began to wane after the dot-com shake-out caused many businesses and universities to re-evaluate their ecommerce initiatives.

"While ecommerce remains vital to the future growth of our economy," said Welke, "the new economy and the old economy are quickly becoming one and the same."

Dean Harris noted that “innovation and experimentation are key ingredients to the way we view market opportunities. The GeM program was a real break-through effort. Its true success comes from the fact that it raised awareness for the College as an innovator and leader and enhanced our reputation as an international educational institution.

"The curricular and technological assets that have accrued as a result of this program have been significant,” continued the Dean, “We are currently looking at ways to incorporate these assets into existing offerings."

Since its inception in fall 2000, approximately 400 students from 10 different countries have graduated from the program through a consortium of leading business schools throughout the world. Twenty-nine students have graduated from the Robinson College of Business and 18 are scheduled to graduate in December.  Graduates receive an MBA degree and a Certificate from the Consortium.

The Dean praised Welke and the faculty and staff of GeM for their hard work and dedication. He also said that every attempt will be made to place employees in other positions within the College or University as appropriate.  [A meeting was held today with all faculty and staff affected by this change.]

“The GeM program has added numerous courses to our catalogs and new competencies to our faculty and staff that will be useful as we move forward with transitions in executive education,” commented Welke.  "Our international, executive and on-line programs have all benefited from GeM.  In addition, the GeM Program has helped develop faculty for other programs such as Executive Education."  Concluded Welke, "We are exploring ways to give current applicants an opportunity to concentrate in our General Management EMBA."

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