Somnath Das, PhD
Professor
Accounting

Degree: PhD, Carnegie-Mellon University
Courses: ACTG 500: Introduction to Financial Accounting; ACTG 506: Management Accounting; ACTG 590: Case Based Research in Accounting; ACTG 593: Accounting Research: Methodology and Communication
Areas of Interest: Empirical Issues in Financial and Managerial Accounting, Information and Capital Market Valuation and Earning Forecasts
Research Specialties: International Accounting, Financial Accounting, Analysts Forecasts and Earning Surprises, Valuation of Alliances and Intangibles, Health Care Cost Controls, Earnings Management, Security Valuation

Which class do you enjoy teaching the most and why?
I enjoy ACTG 506: Management Accounting because I feel as though I am preaching to the converts. There is no need to try and convince them to pursuing accounting. This course cuts across disciplinary boundaries. It is not only for accounting majors but for those who want to run their own business or in others area of study such as marketing and finance. The examples we discuss in class have to do with gathering and analyzing information which is does not always have to do with accounting. Students are able to bring their personal and corporate life into it.

What do you do on your days off?
I work on research during my weekends so I do not have too much time off. I enjoy biking along Lake Shore Drive. I play soccer mom and take my kids to dance class and soccer.

What is one interesting fact about you?
I am a movie buff who used to act in theatrical plays while I was in school. I had thought about pursuing acting but realized it was not right for me.

Why do you feel an MBA is essential in the business world?
At some point, one needs to have some conceptual basis for structured thinking. Experience is good to have but does not always suffice. Individuals need logical thinking and analysis. Both are critical aspects that students learn in the MBA program.

What was the last book you read for fun?
"The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri.

Do you have any funny moments from your early days of teaching?
Several years ago, I had handed out a final to an undergraduate class that I was teaching. I combined all the sections of the course so there were approximately 150 students taking the exam. During the exam, a student came to me and asked for permission to use the restroom. I allowed him to do so and five minutes later the fire alarm went off. We were all required to evacuate and the student never returned.

Do you have a favorite spot in the city?
The view of the city in front of the Adler Planetarium. It is best at night. There is no other city that even compares, not even the view of Manhattan from Ellis Island.


CONTACT THE LGSB:

Liautaud Graduate School of Business
815 W. Van Buren (MC 077) Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60607

Phone: (312) 996-4573
Fax: (312) 413-0338

E-mail: mba@uic.edu