Full-Time MBA Program
                 
Joanna's Perspective

"At Merage, I have the opportunity to incorporate my research findings into classroom discussions. I find that we have top-quality students because this is a top research-based university."

 
Vital Statistics
Name: Joanna L. Ho
Degree: PhD in Accounting, University of Texas at Austin
Website: N/A
Areas of Expertise and Research Interests:
  • Managers' incentive plans and performance evaluations and their effect on firm performance
  • Corporate governance
  • The impact of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on the U.S. stock market
  • Auditing practices
 
Greater Teacher-to-Student Interaction

In a school the size of Merage, there is greater teacher-to-student interaction (e.g., more attention given to individual students); more individual opportunities to demonstrate leadership in and out of the classroom; and closer student relationships, particularly in terms of networking.
 
 

I examine how corporate governance (e.g., board independence and ownership concentration) affects the relationship between information technology investment and firm performance."

  How Compensation Affects Performance

I have been working on research projects concerning managers' incentive plans and performance evaluations and how changes in compensation schemes affect firm performance. In addition, I examine how corporate governance (e.g., board independence and ownership concentration) affects the relationship between information technology investment and firm performance. My research interests not only pertain to U.S. companies but also to companies in other countries such as China, Japan, and Taiwan. In both managerial accounting and global business classes, I have used my research findings to discuss related issues.
 
Proactively Networking

My advice to incoming students would be: Be proactive in building your networking relationships. The School provides the tools and means for students and it is important that students are willing to approach fellow classmates, professors, and anyone in their realm. The worst thing someone can do is expecting relationships to be built without taking actions and making the effort.
 
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