Bloch Professor Named Fulbright Scholar

Release Date: Jan 20, 2009

While many people will pause for a breath of air after a hectic holiday season, Bloch’s Associate Professor Sidne Gail Ward will begin the New Year with a Fulbright-funded visit to Nepal. Ward was one of two UMKC professors to earn a will begin the New Year with a Fulbright-funded visit to Nepal. Ward was one of two UMKC professors to earn a Fulbright Scholar grant for the 2008-2009 academic year.

For a someone who’s wanted a Fulbright Scholar grant since the 1980s, it’s the perfect New Year’s gift. Ward – who teaches in the Department of Finance, Information Management and Strategy – received a Fulbright Scholar grant to research and lecture about the Impact of Information Systems and e-Learning through Kathmandu University in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Kathmandu touts its MBA program as the best in Nepal. Ward's research interests include information systems in the developing world and the effects of information technology on organizations and globalization. Ward will study how MBA students’ use of e-Learning programs affect grades.

“You can track to see what people access and the relationship between the e-Learning material and grades,” Ward said. “There is a positive relationship for students looking to boost their grades.”

While Ward said e-Learning programs can help improve grades, it is not a replacement for in-person learning.

“I really like being in the classroom with students, and e-Learning is supplemental,” Ward said. “I believe that interaction is the best way to learn, and then you provide supplemental information online.”

From January to June, Ward will teach one or two MBA courses in Nepal.