by Samuel Handwerger, CPA 

EY Professor Lawrence A. Gordon highlights that cyber risks pose significant threats to businesses, particularly small ones. Limited resources make small businesses prime targets for cybercriminals, who exploit their vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for affordable cybersecurity measures.

The World Bank Group’s “Cybersecurity Economics for Emerging Markets” highlights research from the Smith School, detailing the economic impacts of cyber incidents and strategies for emerging markets, featuring insights from experts Lawrence Gordon, Martin Loeb, and Lei Zhou.

In fall 2023, the University of Maryland’s Smith School launched the Justice for Fraud Victims (JFV) initiative, led by Accounting Lecturer Samuel Handwerger. Smith and UMD students investigate fraud cases, producing reports that have already proven effective in court.

The QUEST Honors Program at the University of Maryland attracts top students from business, engineering, and science disciplines, offering a selective, dynamic learning experience. With a 48% rise in applications this year, QUEST fosters teamwork, innovation, and leadership through experiential projects and interdisciplinary collaboration.

New research from Sean Cao at the University of Maryland’s Smith School shows that AI and human stock analysts complement each other. AI excels in processing large data, while humans outperform in complex, intangible contexts. Combining both reduces errors and improves predictions.

The Smith School welcomes new faculty for Fall 2024. These experts will enhance the school's mission by teaching and advancing research in areas such as AI economics, business law, marketing analytics, and financial policy regulation.

Associate Professor Nick Seybert’s research highlights the impact of “rule-bender” language in job postings on applicant quality. Employers using keywords like “ambitious” and “thinks outside the box” may attract narcissistic applicants prone to unethical behavior, especially in accounting.

NPR's Marketplace spotlighted an accountant shortage, leading Professor Rebecca Hann to study its impact. The study highlights how prolonged vacancies increase financial reporting errors, stressing the critical role of accountants in maintaining robust internal controls.