Business Management

Jim Masciocchi – Faculty
FIDM Business Management/ Merchandise Marketing Instructor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have always been a bit of a ham. In high school I was very involved in our school plays – I had to be on stage; teaching gives me the opportunity to be "on stage" again, while giving the students something they can take with them…they learn and maybe get a bit of a laugh now and again. Travel is a passion, whenever possible you may find me in Italy, France or anywhere else in Europe – the experience of "getting lost" in a foreign country is exhilarating for me personally – I find the challenge of communicating with the locals, and experiencing their city on their terms so much more rewarding than just viewing the "sites".

What is your experience in the industry?
I have over 20 years of retail experience. After graduate school, I decided to go back to retail and started on the floor in Macy's. I was promoted every year for the five years I worked for Macy's – sales, to manager, to Assistant Buyer, in Better & Contemporary Dresses to Associate Buyer, Better & Contemporary Dresses, to Merchandise Manager, 3rd & 6th floor – Union Square. After leaving Macy's, I left retail for a few years only to return again as a manager at Neiman Marcus. I was the dress manager for 11 years and in those 11 years also managed: Designer Coats, St. John, Contemporary Sportswear & Bridge Sportswear.

Describe a favorite class project
In Management Strategies, the first day of class, students are divided into teams and given a task (typically geared to marketing and or management). They must pull one item each (as a team) from their book bag, handbag or whatever. They must use these items to solve their problem. The students never fail to impress me with their ideas or ways of thinking.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at FIDM?
Working with the students. Researching the course and educating myself so I can be fresh and add something different to the class each quarter. If I get bored with the topic, surely the student will as well – so I try to keep as fresh and up to date as humanly possible.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Dennis Morrison – Faculty
FIDM Business Management Instructor

Our students demand practical skills that can be applied in the real world."

Business Management instructor Dennis Morrison is currently the Managing Director of STG Dorian–James, a Los Angeles–based consulting firm that specializes in business turnaround, financial sourcing, and management consulting. His students benefit tremendously from his consulting work in the areas of financial analysis, strategy assessment, and government programs for business assistance. A banker by training, this Business Management instructor has over 20 years teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate business education.

Why did you decide to transition from banking to teaching?
I left the banking industry to start a business turnaround and financial sourcing firm. Consulting is all about giving results–driven advice, and it is no different from teaching. So, I left the banking industry not only to give life to a start–up firm, but also to be a catalyst to aspiring young people who are interested in business management.

Do you have a particular teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is to transfer hard skills to the students through case studies and research projects. Hard skills such as information literacy, strategy assessment, and financial statement analysis give the students a competitive edge over their peers when they graduate.

What makes FIDM special?
FIDM is an iconic institution in the country, and it is a pleasure for me to be affiliated with such a brand. The supportive environment at FIDM is refreshing after other organizations that I have worked with in the past; I also enjoy the creativity of our students. And I have been trusted with the responsibility to assist the Program Chair in running the Business Management Program. FIDM has given me this opportunity, and I appreciate it.

Dennis Morrison is an Outstanding Faculty Award winner, an award given by the student body to outstanding faculty members.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Heidi Westgaard - Graduate
FIDM Business Management/Merchandise Marketing Programs

I looked at other universities
and FIDM is so career-focused;
there's definitely more of a
one-on-one environment
compared to a larger university."

Getting her Bachelor's "had always been a goal" for Heidi, but fashion seemed to be her passion. "I always wanted to be in fashion but didn't know how to do it," she remembers. While attending a junior college in her home state of Wyoming on an athletic scholarship, Heidi began looking into her options. She soon found FIDM online. "I just knew that's what I wanted to do," she recalls. She graduated with an A.A. degree in Merchandise Marketing, with the goals of entering the PR industry, becoming a Buyer and, eventually, a Store Owner.

When deciding to proceed with the FIDM Bachelor's program, she envisioned how it could enhance the knowledge she'd already gained in her Associate's degree to produce a package that would be very attractive to any fashion industry employer.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Gary Anderson - Faculty
FIDM Business Management Program

Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management program instructor Gary Anderson has over 25 years of design and business experience, many of them as an officer and CEO for a firm dedicated to constructing and renovating professional theatres around the globe. Additionally, he has been involved in a number of startup ventures, making him an excellent resource for the students he teaches in the Creativity in Business classes at FIDM.

What is a favorite class project?
Our graduating seniors are assigned to develop new venture business plan videos that they write, film, and edit. I really enjoy the process of guiding students as they transform creative ideas into actual business plans; an idea is only good if it is outlined and detailed in writing.

What do you like most about teaching at FIDM?
The creativity of the students and applying my experiences to help them launch their companies.

Do you have a teaching philosophy?
Yes, it's student-centered. I believe that all students have strengths, and that it is the goal of education to assist them in identifying and building upon these individual foundations. I strive to help them find connections in the curriculum with their own life and interests. By allowing students to bring their own experiences and ideas into the classroom, they are given an opportunity to learn from one another.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Keith Howard - Graduate
FIDM Business Management Program

All the teachers were great
and expertly knowledgeable in
their respective fields. The classes
were more like conversations
than lectures."

FIDM Bachelor of Science in Business Management Graduate Keith Howard is now earning his Master's of Arts in Economic Trade and Development at Eastern Michigan University. "Because of the Bachelor's program at FIDM, I found that I was extremely interested in Economics," he explained. Keith, who is also employed full time at Nordstrom, will finish his Masters in less than two years and then he plans on "working for the government gathering economic statistical data or working for a city planner, or an investment bank."

Why did you decide to pursue an MA program and how did FIDM help you accomplish that goal?
My instructors Dr. Anderson and Dr. Morrison both helped me by giving me advice on pursuing a Master's degree. I also spoke with program director George Sims and he pointed me in the right direction when I began and was always available to answer any questions.

Before earning your B.S. at FIDM you earned an A.A. How did you choose your major?
My advisor suggested Apparel Manufacturing because I had an aptitude for business.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

George Sims - Faculty
Department Chair, FIDM Business Management Program

One of our graduates is now
in the London School of Economics,
while others have started their own
businesses or are pursuing Masters
and PhDs."

George Sims brings a wealth of talent, business acumen, and insight into his role as Department Chair of the Business Management Program. A biochemist by graduate training, he climbed the corporate ladder working in medical and venture capitalist startups. Six years ago he was brought on board to create the program and ensure that it received national accreditation. Since then he has developed 30 courses and hired the instructors to teach them.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.