A team of five undergraduate students from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship has won a $3,000 scholarship from Target in a semester-long case study project.

Robin Furmanski, Patti McLemore, Jason Gendler, Nick Rovisa, and Brandon McKinney made up the winning team, edging out eight other teams -- three from their marketing strategy class taught by Art Weinstein, Ph.D., and Russell Abratt, Ph.D., and five in an organizational behavior class taught by Leslie Tworoger, D.B.A. -- that competed in the project.

The teams all presented their projects and analysis to executives from Target in December. The Target executives then chose the winning team. NSU’s business school was one of just two universities in Florida chosen for the Target Case Study Project, which was launched nationwide this fall.

The winning team’s case study project, titled “Design for All,” examined how Target can connect with multicultural shoppers. The other case study in the marketing strategy class looked at how Target can meet the needs of changing demographics. Teams in the organizational behavior class examined how Target can staff its stores as baby boomers enter retirement.

"The ‘Design for All’ team used research and analysis to devise a comprehensive, creative, and realistic marketing plan to help the Target Corporation attract and retain multicultural shoppers in Florida,” said Weinstein. “Our marketing strategy students greatly benefited from this practical experience as they had an opportunity to apply course ideas to important real-world business challenges."

"The experience was amazing because it brought real-life work experience into the classroom," said Furmanski, a member of the winning team. "We were not just learning from a book but learning from executives and our professors."

Three entrepreneurs, all in their mid-twenties, have found success in cereal.

The Cereal Bowl, founded in 2004, was conceptualized by Kenneth Rader, a graduate of the Bachelor’s in Professional Management degree program at the Huizenga School, his twin brother Joshua Rader, a graduate of the Master’s of Accounting program at the Huizenga School, and longtime friend Michael Glassman. The business venture was thought-up by Kenneth, who was inspired during his late-night cereal-eating during college.

After two years of international media and thousands of franchise inquiries, The Cereal Bowl is proud to announce the launch of its nationwide roll-out, with 16 stores now under development and several slated to open later this year.

"We have spent the last year developing our concept and creating unique products that can only be found at The Cereal Bowl, and are excited to have the opportunity to bring our brand to new markets," said President and CEO Kenneth Rader. Customers at the store's new locations will have the opportunity to enjoy trademark bowls such as 'Give Me S'More', cool off with one of our 'Freeze N' Flakes' or get their health kick with a high protein smoothie known as an Oatie. Customers will also have the opportunity to create their own bowl from a selection of over 35 cereals, 40-plus toppings and a variety of milks.

The Cereal Bowl has also recently moved its corporate headquarters to The Greenery office building in Miami, Florida. The new facility will serve as the corporate headquarters as well as a fully functional classroom known as 'Cereal Bowl University'. Together with the company's flagship Miami café, Cereal Bowl University will serve as the primary training facility for its national expansion. "Our new office and training facility will allow us to make educating franchisees more interactive and productive" said Michael Glassman, Chief Operating Officer.

The Cereal Bowl expects to have three new locations open and 30 stores under development by the end of 2007. In 2008, The Cereal Bowl is expected to launch a Kiosk design to accommodate new locations in venues such as airports, malls and college campuses. "The Kiosk option is something we have been working on since we first created our business plan in college," said President and CEO Kenneth Rader. "We have had a great deal of interest from people wanting to bring The Cereal Bowl brand to their campus food courts as well as interest from major transportation hubs such as airports and train stations."

About The Cereal Bowl:

Founded in 2004, The Cereal Bowl is a new breed of café—fusing an old time favorite with a new and exciting twist. Guests are able to make their own cereal creations or pick from one of many unique combinations created by The Cereal Bowl Team. With over 35 cereals, hot and cold, as well as 40-plus toppings, the possibilities are endless.

The experience does not end with the bowl. Cereal bars, oatmeal smoothies known as Oaties, and Create-A-Parfait will take cereal to a whole new level. WIFI Internet, couches, plasma televisions and newspapers add to the home away from home feel of The Cereal Bowl.

For additional information, contact Michael Brodie at 305-428-2695 x108, info@thecerealbowl.com, or visit www.thecerealbowl.com.

Dan Alpert, Client Director and Digital Marketing Services Lead for the Ft. Lauderdale office of Avenue A | Razorfish, one of the largest interactive services firms in the world, has been named President of the South Florida Interactive Marketing Association (SFIMA) for the 2007-2008 year. Alpert holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Nova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, certifications from the London Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida.

Alpert plans and directs strategic marketing programs for the Southeast region of Avenue A | Razorfish, including rich media, search and relationship marketing programs. Over the past six years, his accomplishments at the world’s largest independent interactive agency have proven his ability to conceive, develop and execute upon global integrated sales and marketing programs. Alpert’s project experience has included organizations such as Carnival Cruise Lines, ADT Security Systems, Hotels.com, Club Med and International Speedway Corporation.

The South Florida Interactive Marketing Association (SFIMA) is a non-profit forum for interactive professionals, businesses and educators. SFIMA is dedicated to the exchange of ideas, information and best practices, as exemplified by case studies and industry leaders that will help members grow their interactive marketing activities and successes. Service on the SFIMA Board of Directors provides an opportunity to promote and advance interactive marketing in South Florida. SFIMA's goal is to be the primary interactive voice in South Florida providing lifelong learning, networking and community outreach opportunities. SFIMA's founding sponsors include DoubleClick, Google, iCrossing, and Yahoo! For additional information on SFIMA and its programs, visit www.sfima.com.

About Avenue A | Razorfish - Avenue A | Razorfish is one of the largest interactive marketing and technology services agencies in the world. The company helps industry leaders such as Kraft, Dell, The New York Times and Starwood Hotels use digital channels to acquire and service customers. Avenue A | Razorfish's full suite of digital offerings includes online advertising, Web site design and development, email and search engine marketing, emerging media strategies, and enterprise portal development. Its award-winning client teams have a great understanding of customer needs and provide solutions through distinct business disciplines, which include: analytics, strategy, technology, media, creative design and user experience. Avenue A | Razorfish has offices in markets across the United States, and global operations in Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. Please visit www.avenuea-razorfish.com for more information.

Doctor of Business Administration Alumnus Publishes Book

Dr. Rodney Oudan, alumnus from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing program and Assistant Professor of Marketing at Worcester State College in the Department of Business Administration and Economics, recently published a book entitled Market Orientation, Benefits to Firm and Economic Development. The book is published by the leading German publishing company VDM Verlag Dr. Muller. In his book, Dr. Oudan asserts that with an increasing trend towards globalization, trade liberalization and a digital world economy companies now need to be market-oriented if they are to remain competitive and improve their performance in the market place. He says that if firms were reformed along more scientific lines the results could be numerous, and market orientation can promote and lead to economic development. The book addresses both firm performance and economic development at a macro level. The book is a good resource for graduate students in marketing and international business as well as practitioners, including global managers, managing directors and brand managers. The book is available at Amazon.com, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Booksmith and most other booksellers. The price of the book varies among booksellers and can range from $64.00 -$76.00.

View Dr. Oudan's Book Cover