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MBA

Rob Handley

Dr. Rob Handley
Biography

Dr. Handley received his Associate of Arts from Henry Ford College and his Bachelors of Science in History from Central Michigan University. He received a Masters in Instructional Leadership, Organizational Development and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Jacksonville University. Dr. Handley's expertise is in turnaround leadership, change management, and strategic planning. Dr. Handley is a Service-Disabled Veteran who helps fellow Veterans through the transition from active-duty to campus life as a civilian. Dr. Handley teaches various leadership and management classes at in the MBA, Phd in Organizational Leadership, and DBA programs.

Professional Interests
  • Turnaround Leadership
  • Change Management
  • Talent Retention/Attraction
  • Strategic Planning/Management
  • Adult Learning Principles
Education and Certifications
  • Doctorate of Business Administration
  • Masters of Science in Instructional Leadership, Organizational Development
  • Bachelors of Science in History
  • Associate of Arts
Courses
  • Inter-Disciplinary Foundations of Leadership: Psychology, Management [DBA, PhD in Organizational Leadership]
  • Creating Change and Innovation [DBA, PhD in Organizational Leadership]
  • Contemporary Approaches to Leadership [MBA, DBA, Phd in Organizational Leadership]
  • Strategic Management [MBA]
  • Management, Strategy, and Leadership [DBA, PhD in Organizational Leadership]
  • Capstone: Management in a New Age [MBA]
  • Organizational Behavior and Global Leadership [MBA]
Scholarship and Contributions to the Field
  • California International Conference on Management and Leadership, San Diego, CA                                      May/2023 
    • Case Study with Delgado-Amada, G.. Training Case: Incredible Pizza Co.
    • Case Study with Cho, H.. Hot Desking: A Measure to Improve Space Efficiency
    • Session Chair
  • Global Conference on Advances in Management (GCAM), Jacksonville, FL                                                      March/2019
  • Paper (Working):  Strategic Crossroads:  Bell Construction and the Jacksonville, FL Residential Home Building Market.  A Case Study in Construction Management                                                                     .
  • Paper (Working):  Turnaround Leaders: An Exploratory Study on How Their Attributes Lead to a Firm’s Recovery.

Michael Pittman

Michael Pittman
Biography

Dr. Michael Pittman received his Ph.D. from Purdue University in Hospitality & Tourism Management in 2022. In addition to his faculty appointment, Dr. Pittman has accrued a decade of experience in various roles within the hospitality organizations including Disney, Darden, and P.F. Chang's. Dr. Pittman's research area is primarily within human resources management and organizational psychology seeking to understand (a) why people behave certain ways in the workplace and (b) how to utilize this information to encourage positive behavior and discourage negative behavior. 

Education and Certifications

PhD in Hospitality & Tourism Management, Purdue University, 2022

Executive-Style MBA

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Executive-Style MBA Overview


The executive-style MBA with a concentration in hospitality management program gives you the opportunity to earn your MBA in an executive-style format, with one year of coursework and two years working at one of our partner hotels. Thanks to grants and an interest-free payment plan, the program is affordable for students looking forward to studying and working in the USA.

The program is offered at both the Los Angeles and San Diego campuses at Alliant International University and is taught in an executive format with online synchronous weekly classes, plus in-person class sessions once per month*.

* Two to three days in-person attendance on weekends or weekdays to be decided.

In your first year, you’ll work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) while studying toward your MBA and receiving a salary to help pay for your tuition.

In your second year, you’ll work full-time to enhance your experience through practical training. Training is geared towards achieving a middle-management position in hospitality.

The MBA’s Executive track for Hospitality is a closed cohort and only admits students with approved practical training sites prior to program start. Students may not transfer into this program once courses have begun.
 

 

Program Highlights


Employment in the United States

The program allows many students to move from part-time positions to full-time positions with a two-year commitment

Grant/tuition reduction offered by EduConnect USA

$6,000 grant/tuition reduction will be offered with tuition, paid in bi-weekly installments over 24 months instead of 12 months.

Added grant from hotel partners

Many participating hotel employers offer an added grant, which further reduces bi-weekly payments (Link to partner hotels).

 

Admissions


Learn About Admissions Requirements

Admissions

 

Faculty


Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty 

Faculty

 

Degree Information


Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet

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Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.

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Why CSML

CSML is a business management school that trains you to have a competitive edge in the technology and quantitative fields. CSML offers management and leadership degrees where you can learn to guide and mentor the next generation of professionals and make your mark as an innovator in the modern business world.

Why CSML

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MBA with a Concentration in Hospitality Management

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MBA in Hospitality Overview


Vatel Institute of Hospitality Management LogoThe MBA in hospitality management concentration track is an intensive and innovative program that prepares you to become an effective hospitality industry leader. Through on-campus coursework of your hospitality management program, you'll hone the critical thinking, leadership, management, entrepreneurial skills, and deep expertise required to compete in a diverse global economy with knowledge in international hospitality including the hotel, travel, and tourism fields.

Students interested in the MBA – Hospitality Management track can choose one of two modalities:

Both tracks include practical training from beginning (Day 1) through the end of the program. They contain the same courses and curriculum, requiring completion of 36 credit units for degree completion. The courses are offered in an academic calendar of eight-week terms with a program completion time of 12–16 months.
 

 

Program Highlights


Practical Training Throughout the Program

The MBA program includes practical training throughout the program. You will participate in gaining hands-on experience from the beginning (Day 1) through the end of the program. Engaging in curricular practical training projects distinguishes students in the job market, making them more attractive to potential employers.

From Classroom to Career

Learn practical business strategies for effective hotel management, including business analytics, hospitality marketing, event management, and leadership. Our hands-on approach means that our MBA graduates gain real skills that they can apply immediately in their jobs.

Tailoring Hospitality Leadership for the Modern Market

Our MBA with Hospitality Management program is uniquely crafted for future leaders in the international tourism and hospitality industry. We focus on a business-first mindset so students can navigate the dynamic nature of hospitality business management. Our curriculum is rooted in real-world applications for students to not only learn the theories but also how to implement them in practical scenarios.

Adapting to Industry Trends

Our  MBA program adapts to the latest trends and practices in the hospitality sector. Our goal is to make you a forward-thinking leader who can anticipate and work in the ever-evolving landscape of global hospitality management. You will engage in projects that allow you to apply your learning to current international business challenges and prepare you for the realities of the market.

Connecting with Industry Leaders

 It is the student’s responsibility to find practical training opportunities, however, the Alliant business school will support students in providing practical training and networking opportunities. While studying the MBA degree program, you will be connected with international hospitality management professionals to long-term relationships that will support your career. We help you build your resume and set it apart in the job market.

Hands-on Paid Training

You’ll pair your academic learning in MBA Hospitality with professional experience in day-to-day hospitality operations through paid practical training in four- and five-star hotels and restaurants in San Diego and Los Angeles.

Partner Hotels

Vatel has a network of partner hotels and other hospitality companies, and will help you find an internship at hotels such as the Four Seasons Hotels, the Peninsula, the Waldorf Astoria, and Sofitel.

Study Abroad Exchange Program

As a graduate student of MBA Hospitality and hotel management, you may choose to complete your final academic year at one of ten MBA specialization programs offered through various venues at participating Vatel schools abroad.

 

Admissions


Learn About Admissions Requirements

Admissions

 

Faculty


Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty

Faculty

 

Degree Information


Hands-on, Paid Practical Training

In the hospitality industry, practical training is key to managing and leading. As an undergraduate and graduate student, you'll be offered part-time and full-time paid internships to gain experience and apply your knowledge in the hospitality business and industry.

The Vatel Career and Employability Center works closely with each hospitality business student to understand their career goals in order to match them with an internship that will elevate their expertise. This MBA program concentration equips you with the right knowledge in both business administration and international hospitality. View partner hotels for more information on the prestigious hotels hosting our students.

 

Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet

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Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.

Learn More

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Why CSML

CSML is a business management school that trains you to have a competitive edge in the technology and quantitative fields. CSML offers management and leadership degrees where you can learn to guide and mentor the next generation of professionals and make your mark as an innovator in the modern business world.

Why CSML

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Master of Business Administration (MBA)

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Master’s Degree in Business Administration - Business and Technology Track Overview


The master of business administration with Business and Technology track is a STEM program designed to provide you with the technical and management skills and advanced analytics tools you need to succeed in today’s global business world. The MBA program with Business and Technology STEM track is offered in San Diego and Los Angeles and is approved as STEM for domestic students; it is pending approval as STEM for international students. It is ideal for students who are interested in the technology focused management and leadership decision making and applications. It provides valuable insights into international business, strategic management, and business development. Whether you choose a full-time MBA or an online master program, an MBA in San Diego offers a wealth of networking opportunities with the city’s diverse economy and rich learning environment.

Students can choose one of the three concentrations that are part of the MBA business and technology STEM track: 1) Information and Technology Management concentration, 2) Marketing and Digital Trends concentration, or 3) Management, Leadership and Decision Sciences concentration.

Practical Training Throughout the Program: The MBA with Business and Technical STEM track will allow you to engage in practical training from beginning (Day 1) through the end of the program. Practical training helps you develop verifiable skills in project management, business development, digital marketing, and business technology to solve tough business challenges. As you move through your program and gain experience, you can document your progress and use it to strengthen your resume and expand your pool of potential employers, both in the US and abroad.

The on-campus and online MBA program builds foundational skills and helps you to develop deep expertise in your area of interest during the program. With experienced faculty and hands-on learning opportunities, you'll graduate from this MBA in San Diego program with the education and experience you need to pursue a successful career in the field of international business and more.

The MBA program is offered on-ground at the San Diego and Los Angeles campuses. (A Hospitality Management concentration is offered on the LA campus).

Students interested in the MBA – Business and Technology track can choose one of two modalities:

Both weekday and executive MBA modalities include practical training from beginning (Day 1) through the end of the program. They contain the same courses and curriculum, requiring completion of 36 credit units for degree completion. The courses are offered in an academic calendar of eight-week terms with a program completion time of 12–16 months.

 

 

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Program Highlights


Technical and Quantitative Focus

The MBA program provides skills in advanced analytics, management and business and extensive practical experience in applying and integrating these skills through application, projects, case studies, and presentations. Refer to the catalog for concentrations available in this STEM-MBA program.

Tailored Education with Concentrations

Choose your specialization in Management, Leadership and Decision Sciences, Marketing and Digital Trends, or Information Systems and Technology. You can also build your own concentration that is more specific and relevant to your career path. You can learn more about the MBA program and its concentrations in our catalog.

Practical Training Throughout

The MBA program in San Diego and Los Angeles includes practical training throughout the program. You will participate in gaining hands-on experience from the beginning (Day 1) through the end of the program. Engaging in curricular practical training projects distinguishes students in the job market, helping to make them more attractive to potential employers.

Exceptional Faculty

CSML faculty members have advanced degrees and professional achievements in a variety of industries and cultures. We maintain small class sizes, which allow faculty to offer you mentorship and engagement.

Diverse Perspectives

The MBA program is innovative and diverse, encouraging the development of cross-cultural communication skills and a deep understanding of global business
 

 

A Message from the Program Director


Saba Ozyurt, Professor & Program Director, California School of Management and Leadership

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Degree Concentrations


The concentration offerings for the master’s in business administration program with business and technology focus are designed to give you a higher level of mastery in a specific area of your choosing.

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Information and Technology Management

(Available for both MBA tracks)

This concentration provides you with specialized knowledge in enterprise business models such as process integration, system analysis, data management/business intelligence, and information systems for small- to medium-sized businesses. SAP software is used for a majority of the hands-on instruction. Using this software gives you highly practical skills for real-world IT situations. The concentration provides expert training on the full range of SAP products from Netweaver, ERP, Business Suite, and Business Objects Solutions. For additional details, refer to the detailed SAP instruction sheet.

MBA students choosing this concentration will complete the following courses:

  • Enterprise business process integration
  • Data analytics and decision making
  • Information systems technology and infrastructure management
  • Industry infrastructure, functional aspects and systems

Please note that there may be other requirements for completion or options for elective and specialized courses. Please see the academic catalog for the full curriculum. Course offerings and sequence are subject to change.

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Marketing and Digital Trends

(Available for both MBA tracks)

In this concentration you’ll learn the principles and applications of branding and brand management. Focuses will include: developing and presenting marketing plans, sales strategy, market research, and data analysis. Another key component will include global consumer behaviors and the impacts of national and geographic cultures.

This concentration provides the technical skill sets necessary to function in the rapidly advancing digital marketing age. As marketing continues to develop alongside a range of new technological advancements, the need for professionals who understand the changing digital environment is greater than ever.

Digital marketing skills are in high demand as companies are putting more effort into digital marketing than ever before, which means the job market will continue to grow.

Students choosing this concentration will complete the following courses:

  • Consumer behavior and culture
  • Marketing research and data analytics
  • Digital and social media marketing
  • Industry infrastructure, functional aspects and systems 

Please note that there may be other requirements for completion or options for elective and specialized courses. Please see the academic catalog for the full curriculum. Course offerings and sequence are subject to change.

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Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences

(Available for both MBA tracks)

This program prepares you to take control of a range of business functions through advanced managerial studies.

A concentration in management and leadership includes additional course offerings in the science and art of effective management, enhancing your business skills even further with advanced study of:

  • Risk and opportunity assessment
  • Systems and process analysis
  • Critical problem solving
  • Resource and supply management
  • Organizational behavior and team development

This concentration prepares you to manage people, resources, and processes in a professional setting. You’ll study the effects of change on organizations and learn practical strategies for successfully guiding teams and processes through change.

Course Topics – Management

The management concentration delves into issues covered in the core MBA curriculum, with a focused look at process integration, operations management, and organizational change.

Students choosing this concentration will complete the following courses:

  • Contemporary approaches to leadership
  • Strategic HRM and managing change
  • Project management
  • Industry infrastructure, functional aspects and systems

Courses are taught by faculty with industry-experience and a focus in managerial theory and practice. In the program you’ll receive mentorship and preparation that focuses on the real-world application of concepts covered in course materials.

Please note that there may be other requirements for completion or options for elective and specialized courses. Please see the academic catalog for the full curriculum. Course offerings and sequence are subject to change.

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Hospitality Management

Vatel Institute of Hospitality Management

Vatel Institute of Hospitality Management Logo

Alliant International University and Vatel have partnered to provide students studying hospitality management opportunities to become effective hospitality industry managers and leaders. Vatel was voted Best Hospitality School by the Worldwide Hospitality Awards and is the leading group in hospitality management education with over 50 schools worldwide on five continents, enlisting world-class faculty with deep knowledge and experience in the industry. With Vatel, MBA students are given the opportunity to receive placement and sometimes paid internships at their four- and five-star partner hotels.

MBA Concentration Information

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Degree Information


Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students in the MBA ground program are required to participate in curricular practical training as part of their experiential learning throughout the program. Practical training is intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. This is required throughout the academic program from start on Day 1 to program completion. Domestic students can contact the CSML Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator directly for guidance. International students must apply for authorization for Curricular Practical Training to the Designated School Official (DSO).

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CSML CPT Application Process for International Students

  1. Obtain a job offer letter from your employer.
    1. The offer letter needs the following: To be on company letterhead  
    2. Start and end date. (For example: CPT start date is 10/17/22, End date is 08/20/2023) 
    3. Include specific duties to perform, office location, direct supervisor name and contact number. 
    4. State that it is a part-time position 
    5. Include the following statement: “employer agrees to cooperate with the school in achieving the curricular purposes of the employment/training” 
  2. Complete the Application for CPT and the Advisor Verification Form for CPT. These forms are located on the student portal: https://alliantintluni.sharepoint.com/sites/IntlStudent/SitePages/International-Forms.aspx 
  3. Email your offer letter and the 2 forms to your Program Director/Faculty Advisor at Alliant. 
  4. Once they have signed the forms, please follow up and email ISSO@alliant.edu.  The DSO is the one who will give you the authorization to start working. 
  5. Also, if it is your first time in the USA, you will need to go to the Social Security Administration office to obtain a social security number, this process can take 2 or more weeks. Your employer will need your social security number for you to work. So please start the process as soon as possible. For the address of local Social Security Administration offices, see: www.ssa.gov 
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Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet

 

Accreditation


The California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for its PhD in leadership, doctorate in business administration (DBA), master’s in business administration (MBA), and MS in data analytics degree programs.

ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes offered within CSML programs meet the rigorous educational standards established by said accrediting body, which is a leading specialized accreditation body for business education across the country. ACBSP’s mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize teaching excellence through its recognition of business education programs throughout the world.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What scholarship and financial aid options are available?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.

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What concentrations are available in the MBA degree program?

There are several concentration options within the MBA degree program in California and online, including: corporate finance, hospitality management in partnership with the Vatel Institute of Hospitality and Management, information and technology management, marketing and digital trends, and management and leadership. Each of these concentrations consists of four, three-credit courses that are completed as part of the regular degree program.

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When does the degree program start?

The program is an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during those enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar here.

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How long does it take to complete the MBA degree program?

The master’s degree is a 36-credit program and takes approximately 16 months to complete, across eight terms.

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What is the modality of this program?

You can earn your MBA degree online or on-campus, offering you an educational experience that is both customizable and tailored to your schedule. For working professionals, an online master program offers the flexibility to balance work and study.

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How Do I Get to Alliant’s Grad School in San Diego?

Alliant International University of San Diego is just off exit 14, Pomerado Road. We’re close to Scripps Ranch and the Elliot Chaparral Reserve. Our San Diego Campus address is: 10455 Pomerado Rd. San Diego, CA 92131, and contact number is: (858) 780-5771

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Business School Campus in San Diego

San Diego is referred to as "America's finest city" and for good reason. It boasts picturesque coastlines, ideal weather, and exceptional dining options. These attributes, along with its naval base and reputation as a biotechnological, medical, and military hub, make San Diego a highly sought-after destination for the nearly 1,200 MBA graduates who call it home after graduation. San Diego offers Alliant students an abundance of internship and career opportunities. Alliant's business school in San Diego is located in the scenic Scripps Ranch neighborhood which is close proximity to downtown, nestled between the mountains and the beach. 
 

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a group of practitioners with a masters in organizational psychology

"The program teaches you how to fine tune your ideas via the development of objective-oriented thinking, strategy creation, and implementation. MBA students at CSML are given the best tools to navigate short-term and long-term realities in different contexts, whether it is business or personal. As the saying goes, take care of your business and your business will take care of you."

Radhouane D.
MBA Student
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Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.

Learn More

Anchor

Why CSML

CSML is a business management school that trains you to have a competitive edge in the technology and quantitative fields. CSML offers management and leadership degrees where you can learn to guide and mentor the next generation of professionals and make your mark as an innovator in the modern business world.

Why CSML

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student holding a coffee

Start on your path to impact today