Collegiate Associate Professor, Business and Management Studies     School of Undergraduate Studies     University of Maryland University College     Waldorf Center for Higher Education     Waldorf, Maryland U.S.A.     Office tel. (Waldorf): (301) 632-2931     UMUC e-mail (Classes): nbrockunier@umuc.edu

CURRENT POSITION

Collegiate Associate Professor, Business and Management, University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Maryland (July 2002 to Present). In July 2002 Mr. Brockunier returned to teaching as a Collegiate Associate Professor in Business and Management Studies within the School of Undergraduate Studies at UMUC. Duties: Responsible for teaching selected courses in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Management Studies. Responsible for developing, revising, and supporting assessments for interactive online business courses taught via the web. Teach interactive web classes and face to face classes in Management and Organization Theory, Marketing Principles and Organization, Introduction to Business and Management, Customer Service Management, Advertising, Fundamentals of Building Wealth, Organizational Culture, Employee Training and Development, Leadership and Change, Strategic Management, Transportation Management, and the Small Business Plan at UMUC. Mr. Brockunier is interested in the study of leadership and management and co-authored the text, Leadership, Management and Diversity: Readings, Exercises and Cases, third edition, with Alan G. Heffner, published by McGraw-Hill in 2001. He is also interested in the study of customer service management, entrepreneurial management, and employee training and development. He works with the Business and Management Studies unit on current projects as needed.

PREVIOUS POSITION

Assistant Dean and Collegiate Associate Professor, Business and Management Studies, University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Maryland (1994 to 2002). Responsible for the undergraduate business majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Environmental Management, Fire Science, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Management Studies. Also responsible for minors and certificate programs in the business area. Responsible for development, revision, support, and assessments for interactive online business courses taught via the web, supervising academic directors. Taught an interactive web class on Organizational Culture at UMUC. In terms of other teaching, Mr. Brockunier is interested in the study of leadership and management. He co-authored the text, Leadership, Management and Diversity: Readings, Exercises and Cases, third edition, with Alan G. Heffner, published by McGraw-Hill in 2001. He is also interested in the study of customer service management, entrepreneurial management, and employee training and development. As Assistant Dean (August 1994 through July 15, 2002) his mission was to:

• Develop interactive learning for adults in accounting, business administration, environmental management, fire science, human resource management, marketing and management studies.

 

• Integrate skill-building in effective writing, computing, information literacy and research methods, international perspective, cross-cultural and interpersonal relations, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, historical perspective, and civic responsibility in majors, minors, certificate programs, and courses that lead to a degree or competency through course work in the classroom and online.

This work included development and scheduling of classroom and web-based courses as well as development of assessment models and activities. He also worked with faculty and staff on applying web-based learning strategies, coaching skills and assessment tools to teaching. He also guided the scheduling process, review of faculty promotions, curriculum development, and development of assessments in business disciplines.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION

Associate Professor and Coordinator, Management, University of Maryland University College (1993-1994);
Lecturer and Coordinator, Management, University of Maryland University College (1991-1993);
Lecturer and Coordinator, Marketing, University of Maryland University College (1989-1991).
Responsibilities included teaching courses in management and marketing. Also involved in curriculum development, distance education, and administration. Directed project team work on new courses in leadership and management, managing diversity, accounting, global business, business analysis methods, organizational communication, marketing management, total quality management, and strategic management. Also worked on video program development for course delivery.

Lecturer, Institute of Public Service, Development Administrators Training Program, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut (1973-74). Served as administrative coordinator for training center, oversaw budget, and supervised office staff. Developed training materials and trained state, local and foreign public administrators, including a simulation training exercise, "Nutmeg," for local government training. Revised and edited simulation training exercise, "Datapland," for foreign public managers.

Lecturer (adjunct), University of Maryland University College, College Park, Maryland (1986-87). Taught Transportation Management to adult students at College Park and Andrews Air Force Base.

Instructor (adjunct), School for Life Long Learning, Regional Center for Educational Training, University of New Hampshire, Lebanon, New Hampshire (1983). Taught Business Policy to college-level adults majoring in business. This was the capstone course in the business curriculum required for graduation.

MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

Route Manager, Eastern Routes, Marketing, National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Washington, DC (1983-1989). Directed marketing planning and product management for Eastern and Midwestern routes, involving environmental scanning, analysis, and planning changes in service, schedules, advertising and promotion for over half of Amtrak's routes. Developed service enhancements and service improvement programs. Led planning and implementation of service enhancements on major, high-volume routes.

Manager, Equipment Service Requirements, Marketing, National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Washington, DC (1980-1983). Directed service level planning and market research related to food and beverage services and their pricing. New car planning and design drew heavily on this research. Also developed detailed capital investment proposals for equipment, stations, and service enhancements.

Manager, Route and Equipment Planning, Operations, National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Washington, DC (1978-1980). Planned implementation for new and refurbished passenger cars and locomotives. Reviewed potential operational changes for cost reductions and improved efficiency. Made on-site operational studies with regional management to identify beneficial cost reductions and operational changes.

Senior Financial Analyst, Budgets and Financial Analysis, Operations, National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Washington, DC (1976-1978). Administered and reviewed a budget of $100 million for the central operating region of Amtrak.

Reviewer and Information Analyst, Information Systems Company, Informatics, Inc., Rockville, Maryland (1975). Supervised information analysts and clerical staff involved in indexing a large document collection.

EDUCATION

M. B. A., University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, with concentration in Management and Transportation.

B. S., Business Administration, University of Maryland University College, College Park, Maryland.

B. A., History, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Attended Amtrak Executive Program at the Colgate Darden School, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1981.

 
• Attended Tier II Leadership Development Program seminar presented by Amtrak Training in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 1987.

 
• Attended Tier II Follow-Up Leadership Development Program seminar presented by Amtrak Training in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, 1983.

 
• Attended and presented at International University Consortium Annual Conference in February 1992 at College Park.

 
• Attended International University Consortium Annual Conference in April 1994 at College Park.

 
• Attended Second International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks in November 1996 in New York.

 
• Attended Third International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks in October 1997 in New York.

 
• Attended Managerial Practice Series seminars, UMUC, 1997.

 
• Attended and presented at Fourth International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks in November 1998 in New York.

• Attended, chaired a panel, and presented at the Fifth International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks in October 1999 in Adelphi, Maryland. (UMUC served as the host institution, with several co-sponsors.)

• Attended, chaired panel, and presented at the 28th Annual IBSCA Conference in July 2000 in Erie, Pennsylvania at Gannon University regarding "Distance Learning in Practice: Reflections from UMUC".

• Attended and presented at the 6th International Conference on Asynchronous learning Networks in November 2000 at Adelphi, Maryland.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

• Co-presented on "Aspects of Using Small Groups and Team Activities Online in Business Management" in panel on Learning Effectiveness at 6th International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks, November 3-5, 2000, at UMUC, Adelphi, Maryland. Teaching accounting and business management online is becoming widespread. Online teaching utilizing small discussion groups, interactive exercises, case studies, and group projects has become critical to enhancing online learning effectiveness. Discussion focuses on design of assignments, group selection, group management techniques, grading, and evaluation tools.

 

• Presented on "Teaching Business Management Online Using Small Groups, Cases, and Projects" in panel on "Distance Learning in Practice: Lessons from UMUC" at 28th Annual Conference of the International Business School Computing Association, July 16-18, 2000, at Gannon University, Erie, Pennsylvania.

 

• Participated in developing a faculty development workshop on "Effective Use of Student Groups and Evaluations" at the University of Maryland University College in April 2000 at Adelphi, Maryland. Wrote a short vignette exercise for illustration purposes. Presentation focussed on interactive groups and teams.

 

• Co-presented a staff development workshop on "Leadership 2000: Management and Diversity" at University of Maryland University College in October 1999 at College Park, Maryland. Discussion focussed on elements of leadership vs. management, leadership styles, motivational issues, communication, developing vision, and implementing strategy.

 
• Chaired panel on "Learning Assessment in ALNs" and co-presented on "Competency Development for Accounting Students in an Online, Asynchronous Mode" with Kevin Michel and Joseph Whelan at the 5th International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks in October 1999 at Adelphi, Maryland (held at UMUC). The main question addressed was whether the online, asynchronous mode of delivery facilitates accounting students' attainment of requisite professional competencies. Employers have indicated for years that accounting graduates lack the skills necessary to perform effectively in entry-level positions. In response to these findings, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is developing a Competency Framework for PreProfessional Accountants. UMUC offers an accounting specialization program in which 12 of 17 courses are currently available in an online, asynchronous mode. The curriculum was recently assessed against the criteria in the AICPA's Draft Competency Framework. Results indicated that the online, asynchronous mode provides effective opportunities to develop the competencies in the framework. The presentation discusses development of self-assessments in ALN accounting courses, including use of an integrating case study to allow for assessment of competencies in selected areas. The presentation focuses on: (a) differences and similarities in competency measures between students in traditional classes compared to online, asynchronous classes; (b) opportunities for developing interpersonal and broad business context competencies that are unique to the online environment; and (c) opportunities for developing critical thinking and international perspective competencies in the online, asynchronous mode. Other topics include: (a) instruments used in the assessment; (b) converting the framework to criteria for comparison; (c) developing measures and indicators for the gap analysis; and (d) development of recommendations and implications for further study. Information on the logistical issues connected with use of the case study and implementation in classroom as well as online ALN classes is reviewed. The use of custom publishing for the integrative case study and development of pre- and post-assessments for online and classroom classes in finance are also discussed briefly.

 

• Co-presented a faculty development workshop on "Using Student Group Activities and Case Studies Effectively" at the University of Maryland University College in April 1999 at College Park, Maryland. Discussion focussed on teaching and learning through interactive groups and teams.

 

• Presented on "Learning Effectiveness in Undergraduate Web Courses in Accounting, Business, and Management" in the Learning Effectiveness Panel at the 4th International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks in November 1998 at New York. Discussion focussed on delivery and effectiveness of a variety of courses utilizing ALNs - recently via world wide web. Examined recent information on learning effectiveness of courses for students and major issues and potential impacts for curriculum specialists, content experts (faculty), instructional designers, and university support structure. Grade distributions, withdrawals, incomplete grades, and comparative grades for individual students between courses online and in traditional classroom formats were reviewed. Development of appropriate presentation templates for courses in certain disciplines and selection/training of faculty for online course development and teaching were considered.

 

• Presented a workshop on "Teaching and Learning Using Voice Mail Conferencing" at the International University Consortium Annual Conference in February 1992 at College Park. Discussion focussed on teaching and learning in relation to a marketing course at a distance via cable TV and voice mail for the National Universities Degree Consortium (NUDC) and Mind Extension University (ME/U).

 

• Presented and facilitated the case study "Bill Jasper's First Night," which was co-authored with Alan Heffner (1990), for six UMUC New Faculty Orientation sessions from 1990 through 1994. The case itself won the POD "Bright Idea Award" for 1990.

 

• Presented and facilitated a workshop on "Using the Case Method in Teaching," which was offered through the UMUC Faculty Development seminar series. (1990)

PUBLICATIONS

• Publication of third edition of textbook titled Leadership, Management and Diversity: Readings, Exercises and Cases, co-authored with Alan G. Heffner, published by McGraw-Hill in January 2001. First edition published in January 1994, and second edition in July 1996.

 
• Published an article on "Cases, Marketing Plans and Critiques to Encourage Creative Thinking" in Great Ideas for Teaching Marketing (3rd ed.), by Hair, Lamb, McDaniel, and Roach in 1996.

 
• "Service Without A Smile," case studies used in Services Marketing Management and Leadership courses. (1992)

 
• "Super Ice Cream," case study used in BMGT 498D Services Marketing Management and Leadership courses. (1992)

 

• "Creating Marketing Planning: Using Case Studies and Advertising Examples," article which appeared in the book Great Ideas For Teaching Marketing, edited by Joseph F. Hair, Jr., Charles W. Lamb, Jr., and Carl McDaniel (published by South-Western Publishing Co., 1992).

 
• Units 4 and 5 in the Student Course Guide for MGMT 300 Leadership and Management in an Age of Diversity. (UMUC, 1991)

 
• "People Express: 1982," case study utilized in MGMT 300 Leadership and Management in an Age of Diversity. (1991)

 
• "Goal Setting: Some Learnings," exercise utilized in MGMT 300 Leadership and Management in an Age of Diversity. (1991)

 
• "Lydia Green (A): Involving Diverse Students in Class" (1991), case study for AAHE use in faculty development of college teachers at 2-year and 4-year schools.

 
• "Bill Jasper's First Night," case study co-authored with Alan Heffner, published by POD in a book titled To Improve the Academy in 1992. This case won a national award in 1990.

BOOK REVIEWS

• Book review for the editor of the textbook by David W. Cravens, Strategic Marketing, 3rd ed. (Homewood, IL: Irwin, 1991).

 
• Book review for the editor of the textbook by Kinnear and Bernhardt, Principles of Marketing, 3rd ed. (New York: Harper Collins, 1991).

FAMILY AND OTHER INTERESTS

Married to Anne Crowley, who is now a practicing acupuncturist in Port Tobacco, Maryland. We have two children: a daughter, Angela, who is 17, and a son, Daniel, who is 14. I have a range of interests, including genealogy, leadership, management, customer service, e-commerce, history, training and development, photography, model railroading, railroad photography, camping, biking, travel, creative writing (poetry and fiction), and web site design.