Mary Beth Manheim-Watson, PhD
Associate Professor
Director, Center for Research in Information Management
Information and Decision Sciences

Degree: PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology
Courses: IDS 500: Information Systems in Organizations; IDS 495: Competitive Strategy
Areas of Interest: Implementation and adoption of virtual work environments, information-technology enabled work processes, telecommuting, computer-supported communications, and organizational communication
Research Specialties: Management Information Systems, Virtual Work Environments, Telecommuting, Organizational Communication

Which class do you enjoy teaching the most and why?
IDS 500 because we research developing technology and figure out how it applies to an organization. Technology is rapidly changing so we learn the necessary principles and are then able to apply them.

What is your favorite aspect of UIC?
The diversity. I particularly like the different points of view that come out in class.

What was the last book you read?
"Snow" by Orhan Pamuk and "The Beak of the Finch: Evolution in Real Time" by Jonathon Weiner.

What drew you to UIC? What made you want to teach here?
I like urban campuses and really wanted to be at a research institution in Chicago. UIC has exciting undergraduate and graduate programs that grabbed my attention. So, UIC was it.

Do you have any funny moments from your early days of teaching?
Prior to coming to UIC, I taught in a small town in Florida. One of the courses I taught was a televised course that was on cable television during the week. The idea behind it was that those students who were registered for the course would turn their televisions on at 7p.m. and listen to the lecture so that they would not have to commute to school. However, it became clear that it wasn't only the students that watched my class. The entire town was watching me. I would go to the grocery store or cocktail parties and people would recognize me. I could not go anywhere without someone pointing me out from my televised course.

What do you enjoy most about the city of Chicago? Do you have a favorite spot?
I love the variety of restaurants this city has to offer. I like cultural museums and plays as well. My favorite spot in the city is my terrace because I have a great view.

What advice do you have for MBA students?
I would tell MBA students to try to get as much out of your MBA experience as possible by getting to know your peers. It is also important to get to know the faculty. Networking is undervalued. I would recommend you network during and after your MBA.

What is one interesting fact about you?
I am on the board of the Contemporary Arts Council. It is a not-for-profit organization that initiates and sponsors innovative projects and exhibitions by Chicago contemporary artists.


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Phone: (312) 996-4573
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E-mail: mba@uic.edu