Dr. John (Jack) E. Spillan,
Professor
Degrees Held:
- Ph.D. — Warsaw School of Economics, 1995
Career Highlights:
I coauthored a book, "Doing Business in Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities," first published in 2014.
In which online programs do you teach?
MBA, MBA with a Concentration in Supply Chain Management
Which classes do you teach online?
MGT 5362: International Business; MGT 5210: Supply Chain Management; MGT 3150: International Management; and MGT 4660: Business Strategy
What do students learn in your classes? What is the expected outcome?
I try to teach students to think in practical business terms. I like to show them how business theory can be applied. I do this with simulations.
What advice would you give to those considering the UNCP online MBA program?
Think about your competency needs and what businesses are demanding in the real world of work. Is the MBA degree or the capabilities and competencies that the MBA provide [for you]?
What qualities make someone particularly successful in business?
Open mindedness, attention to details, time management, analytical skills, imagination and drive.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in business face today?
Change and how to deal with it. The ability to discern the essence of change and have ideas available to address it. Being flexible and adaptive is critical. Also being competent–read, read and read more. Also listen, listen and listen.
Why did you start teaching?
The constant challenge of broadening my own and others' horizons.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
"Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur"–a book about entrepreneurship that is great.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you.
I have traveled to six continents and taught courses in universities on five continents. I speak Spanish and travel internationally more than once each year. I am also the Director of International Affairs for the UNCP School of Business.
