Tag: Online Graduate Certificates

What You Won’t Learn From Your Franchisor

What You Won’t Learn From Your Franchisor

By Kathleen Gosser, Ph.D.

So, you have entered into a franchise agreement with a well-established and successful franchisor. You have an entrepreneurial spirit, capital and drive. You believe that you are on your way to infinite success due to the guidance and support you will receive. You are all set… or are you? 

A signed franchise agreement does not guarantee that your franchisor will teach you all you need to be a successful business owner. While you will receive a proven business model, there are many facets to running a business that you may not receive from your franchisor.

Department of Labor Impact on Franchisee Training

In 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) provided insight on the interpretation of “Joint Employer.” The Wage and Hour Division of the DOL views joint employment in the franchise world to mean an individual worker is an employee of both the franchisee and franchisor.

This law has significant impact on the support, training and guidance a franchisor will provide.

There are provisions to make the final determination that include directing or controlling the work performed, employment conditions (hiring and firing), repetitive work (very often present in franchises) and the work is performed on the premises. In light of this interpretation, many franchisors are backing off the support they provide in terms of Human Resource guidance and advanced leadership skills training. 

An Education Gap in Franchising

There are other constraints in place that prohibit franchisors from providing all the information needed to make strategic decisions as a franchisee. Gaps in franchisee education include how to ensure you remain profitable, including managing labor and cost of goods sold, or how to fund your franchise and growth is not always readily available information. For example, while pricing recommendations can be made, the franchisee has the right to price however he/she chooses in the marketplace—thus an area where guidance could be extremely beneficial.

The Business School Proposition

How do franchisees find the information they need to be successful? Aside from gaining and learning from hands-on experience, they have to search for it. There is a great deal of information online; however, it takes some digging. There are courses available through the IFA as well. 

But nothing matches the education that can be earned from a business school.

Coupling a great franchise with sound business principles is a recipe for success. Business schools impart the knowledge you need to better understand the higher level strategic needs as well as the franchisor business model.

To meet this education need, the AACSB-accredited College of Business at the University of Louisville recently launched an innovative, one-of-a-kind Franchise Management Certificate, with the first cohort starting coursework in February 2019.

For more information on the program, visit uofl.me/2z6cmhL.

Dr. Kathleen Gosser (PhD, University of Louisville) is an experienced leader in the franchise industry and a passionate educator. In her 30 year career in the franchise industry, she has enjoyed numerous roles, including leadership of customer satisfaction programs, operations measurement, employee recognition, training and team member engagement efforts. She also had direct P&L accountability as the Region Coach of 10 restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky.

This blog post was originally published on Fransocial.

Building a future in franchise management—newly launched online certificate

Building a future in franchise management—newly launched online certificate

Aiming to address a current education gap in business education, the University of Louisville’s College of Business recently launched the innovative Franchise Management Certificate—designed to prepare franchisees to own their future!

Targeted toward current and future franchise owners, this program delivers expertise in areas fundamental to franchisee success such as franchise team management, franchise law, human resources management, finance, strategic planning and more.

The University of Louisville is working closely with the International Franchising Association (IFA) to align the requirements for credits to apply toward the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) certification.

“Understanding where the gaps in knowledge remain within the industry was crucial to developing a truly student-centered certificate program. Through close partnership with industry experts and experienced franchise managers, the Franchise Management Certificate emphasizes ‘real world’ application to best prepare graduates for a successful future in franchising.”

Todd Mooradian, Dean, UofL College of Business

Notably, the program offers 5-week terms, meaning students can complete the 6-course program one class at-a-time in a just over half a year.

The Franchise Management Certificate is the first in a series of specialized online certificate programs designed to support growth in key industries unique to Louisville.

“Online learning is an extremely important area of growth for the University of Louisville. We continuously strive to offer programs that deliver education at the standard of quality the University is known for while also meeting the needs of today’s adult learners. The online Franchise Management Certificate is just one example of our commitment to bring innovation to higher education.”

Kristen Brown, Associate Director, UofL Online

Want to find out how you can build a stronger future in franchise management? Visit uofl.me/2ws39j2 today!

As Cybersecurity Threats Rise, UofL Online Sees Opportunity

As Cybersecurity Threats Rise, UofL Online Sees Opportunity






UofL Online Cybersecurity and Data Science Programs

The Computer Science department at the University of Louisville has realigned two of their Graduate Certificates to reflect industry standards and market demand.

Cybersecurity: A State of Emergency

In 2015, IBM’s President and CEO, Ginni Rometty, made a statement that data is the world’s new natural resource and the basis of competitive advantage in many industries. She followed up these points with a straightforward conclusion:

“Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world.”

And she wasn’t exaggerating.

In 2016 alone, we witnessed a wide array of cybercriminal activities:

With cybercrime damage costs expected to reach $6 trillion annually by 2021, and an anticipated 1.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2019, the fields of data mining, network security, and information technology now offer more career options than ever before to those with adequate credentials.

UofL Online Sees Great Potential in Data Science and Cybersecurity Programs

The University of Louisville has a long and reputable tradition in providing high quality programs in computer science, data mining (now data science) and network security (now cybersecurity) that fulfill the needs of this growing industry.

The Graduate Certificate programs in Data Science and Cybersecurity will continue to prepare excellent professionals who will be instrumental in managing and securing data for companies of all sizes in the public and private sectors alike.

As described by Dr. Mehmed Kantardzic, Director of Computer Engineering and Computer Science programs at the University of Louisville, “The extraordinary use of computers and flood in production of online data is changing forever the way decisions are made in many disciplines, including finance, medicine, pharmaceuticals, bioinformatics, social welfare, government, education, retail, marketing, security, and the list goes on.

Dramatic growth in the amount and complexity of data that can be collected and analyzed is affecting all aspects of modern society. In today’s fast-developing digital world, data science professionals need skills to collect, process and extract values from big, diverse data sets, and visualize and communicate their findings to other professionals.”

According to the Data Science Association, there are certainly many technological shifts occurring across all industries, so the need for skilled data science and cybersecurity professionals to protect and interpret big data is increasing.

  • The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) uses data science to monitor the financial market and prevent illegal trading activity.
  • Utility companies are installing smart meter readers to collect data, which is then used to improve the customer experience and drive energy efficiency initiatives.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses big data to study patterns of food-related illnesses, allowing faster treatment response times.

Online Graduate Certificate Overview

UofL’s 100% online Graduate Certificate programs range from 12 – 18 credit hours, allowing current students entering the field and those working as data mining and network security professionals, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists or forensic data analysts to acquire valuable education credentials and advance their careers.

Dr. Mehmed Kantardzic adds “Our Data Science Graduate Certificate Program balances theory and applications, enabling our students to handle the flood of big data, and have abilities to create data-driven solutions that boost competitive businesses and new scientific discoveries.”

Professionals who want to enroll in the online graduate certificate programs or the MS in Computer Science program at UofL can learn more about admission requirements and course details by visiting the program website.

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers more than 20 online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.






UofL Unveils Online Graduate Certificates for Structural Engineering and Transportation Engineering

UofL Unveils Online Graduate Certificates for Structural Engineering and Transportation Engineering






UofL Online Civil Engineering Graduate Certificates

The J.B. Speed School of Engineering at University of Louisville is proud to announce two new online Graduate Certificates in Civil Engineering that are designed to serve the nationwide demand for specialized civil engineers.

• Graduate Certificate in Structural Engineering

• Graduate Certificate in Transportation Engineering

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released their 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, indicating the United States has significant room for infrastructure improvement. In the coming years, civil engineers will be tasked with leading the charge to develop more sustainable national and local infrastructures.

Given the ASCE’s report and projected job growth in the civil engineering field (8% through 2024) by BLS.gov, UofL’s certificate programs are well suited to accommodate the education needs of current and future generations of professionals in this field.

Graduate Certificate Program Overview

UofL’s online Graduate Certificate programs are developed specifically with working professionals in mind, providing an ideal educational path for those balancing school, work and their personal lives.

The online Graduate Certificates in Structural Engineering and Transportation Engineering can provide you with specialized skills required of you as a practicing civil engineer, and can prepare you to stand out as a professional and advance your career.

As Dr. J.P. Mohsen, Professor and Chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, expressed:

“These certificates make it possible for you to gain the expertise and credentials needed to be an engineer leader in your organization.” 

Both certificates require 12 credit hours each for graduation, are comprised of three core courses and one elective, and can be completed 100% online in a self-paced learning environment. Certificate credits can also be applied toward the online Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree. Additional graduate admission requirements apply.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering is necessary for admission into either Graduate Certificate program. The GRE is not required, as long you have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in your previous degree. Active-duty military personnel may benefit from a military-friendly tuition rate, upon qualification.

How To Apply and Enroll

Visit the program’s website to learn more about the online Graduate Certificates in Structural Engineering and Transportation Engineering. You may also contact our Online Learning enrollment counselors at 800.871.8635 or by email.

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

The University of Louisville currently offers more than 20 online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.