Minor in Economics

Brave New World? AI Researcher Says Ditch Dystopian Fears

April 13, 2023 / Lutgert News / Tags: AI, Accounting, Advertising, Agribusiness, Economics, Finance, Information Systems & Operations Management, Management, Marketing, PGA Golf Management, Real Estate, Resort & Hospitality, Sales

The warnings are ominous and plentiful. For over half a century, we’ve been hit with a deluge of cautionary tales – from books to the big screen – teaching us to fear the unleashed power of artificial intelligence (or AI). Inevitably, in those stories, technology develops sentiency, plunging the world into a dystopian hellscape, leading to the end of human civilization. So why is Chrissann Ruehle, Lutgert College of Business instructor, eschewing pop culture to embrace the latest AI development? “I see this as a collaboration and connection between humans and machines, humans and technology, as well as being a benefit for our students and also for faculty,” she explained. For the past six years, Ruehle has researched the burgeoning field of AI and is working on publishing articles and papers on the subject. She describes one of the newest creations, ChatGPT, as a “generative artificial intelligence program that uses conversational artificial intelligence.”

Professional Development Skills Course Bridges the Gap Between the Classroom and the Workforce

April 05, 2023 / Lutgert News / Tags: Accounting, Advertising, Agribusiness, Economics, Finance, Information Systems & Operations Management, Management, Marketing, Mentorship, New Course, PGA Golf Management, Real Estate, Resort & Hospitality, Sales, Undergraduate

The Lutgert College of Business remains in constant contact with industry partners to make sure our graduates have the knowledge employers are looking for. This consistent communication has led to new majors in Supply Chain Management and Data Analytics, integration of advanced MS Excel skills into the accounting curriculum, and a new concentration in International Business for management majors. Yet the most frequent request across disciplines and majors is the need for “soft skills”: networking with clients, giving effective presentations, writing professional communications. Even a handshake can make the difference between clinching a deal or losing a client.

Inaugural FGCU Economics Poster Presentation Expo

December 09, 2022 / Lutgert News / Tags: Economics, Economics & Finance, Research, Undergraduate

At the inaugural FGCU Economics Poster Presentation Expo, senior economics students presented their empirical economic research papers to faculty and executive council members. Each student defined a research question, conducted a literature review, developed a conceptual model, gathered data, explored the appropriate research methodology, coded in R to answer their research question, and provided a summary and conclusion of their findings.