Blog

IT vs. OT: Differences and Similarities

March 1, 2023

Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our society — everyday communications, how and where we work, and the way products are made. In the digital age, developing and implementing technology has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. For example, as of 2021, an estimated 90% of companies used some type of cloud service. This trend of maximizing technology is expected to continue for the foreseeable future across nearly every kind of organization and industry. Today, interest in information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is growing. Both fields are helping businesses […]

How to Communicate Effectively in the Hybrid Workplace

March 1, 2023

Organizations that previously relied on traditional communication methods must adapt to support both virtual and on-site collaboration. Innovative companies are using communication strategies that are more effective in remote and blended work environments. Now more than ever, business leaders need to understand the importance of strategic communication and hire graduates with expertise in hybrid workplace communication. How Do Employers Communicate Effectively in the Hybrid Workplace? With so many companies switching to hybrid work models, organizations are becoming more strategic about their communication tactics. Experts say that merely calling for “more communication” falls short in organizations that struggle to understand the underlying challenges […]

Opportunity Gap in Higher Education

March 1, 2023

The opportunity gap in education refers to the way that capable students become derailed from their educational pathways through factors outside of their control. In addition to forces outside the school system itself — such as student socioeconomic barriers and family turmoil — higher education routinely fails students who, if given the right support, would have the ability to attain the educational and career achievements they aspire to. Maryville University President Dr. Mark Lombardi views higher education as an industry in crisis — but also as one ready for an “access and opportunity revolution.” Universities need to do more to […]

Data Analytics in Higher Education

March 1, 2023

In a university setting, data analytics is a largely untapped source of value for students, professors, and companies looking to hire and train graduates. Given its immense potential, data analytics in higher education plays a central role in the vision of creating a student-centered learning environment at Maryville University. The term “data analytics” is suddenly everywhere, but what does it mean? And why is it crucial for student-centered universities to embrace it? Data analytics is an expertise dedicated to examining data to find trends and draw insights. It’s an emerging field capable of revolutionizing healthcare, business, and even higher education […]

What Are Soulbound Tokens?

March 1, 2023

While the idea of a digital currency may seem simple, “crypto” and the blockchain infrastructure are about more than digital dollars. A digital currency is built on a network dispersed over many computers on a digital registry known as a blockchain. Like blockchain-based currencies, nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are entries onto the blockchain that act as representations of a physical or digital asset. Each NFT has a unique identification, making it unable to be replicated. Cryptocurrencies are now commonly used to pay for goods and services. Similarly, ownership of an NFT, even if it represents a replicable digital item such as a video or […]

NSCA Exam Prep Tips

February 28, 2023

Students interested in pursuing a career in athletics should look into the benefits of higher education in exercise science and NSCA certification. In addition to improving students’ postgraduation job prospects, certification demonstrates that an individual possesses advanced knowledge and expertise in the field. Below are tips that students can use to prepare for an NSCA exam, as well as information on how Maryville University helps its students gain NSCA certification. What Is the NSCA? The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1978 with the purpose of advancing sports science, and strength and conditioning professions. […]

What Is the Gig Economy, and Who Are Its Workers?

February 28, 2023

The gig economy comprises a broad swath of the American population. From food delivery drivers to web designers — and a wide variety of workers in between — the gig economy included nearly 65 million people in the United States in 2022, according to job platform MBO Partners. And the popularity of working in the gig economy shows no signs of slowing. Projections indicate that by 2028, freelancers who perform gig work will total 90 million and account for more than half of the U.S. workforce, Statista reports. But what is the gig economy? It’s a system in which, instead […]

How to Boost Employee Morale

February 15, 2023

Employee attrition rates climb when morale is low and leaves many companies wondering how to boost employee morale. Experts say that effective communication between employers and employees is one of the most important tools for boosting morale, which in turn improves productivity and employee job satisfaction. Effective leaders need to have a strong background and experience in strategic communication to promote these changes in their organizations. What Is Employee Morale, and Why Is It Important? Employee morale refers to the motivation of a group of workers to reliably pursue shared goals. Employees with high morale have an upbeat attitude at […]

The Need for Change in Higher Education

February 15, 2023

Students want to know whether going back to school now will set them up for long-term career success later. To this question, Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of Maryville University, has a forward-looking solution: empower students with data and services they can use both while in school and long after they’ve graduated. “We’re talking about a network and an ecosystem where the learner owns their own data — educational and otherwise — and can use it throughout their career for continuous learning and skill development,” Dr. Lombardi explains in a speech for SXSW EDU 2022. Career outcomes at Maryville University show […]

Emerging Software Development Trends

February 15, 2023

In developing and testing computer software applications, software developers perform a wide range of activities, including analyzing user needs; applying computer and mathematics principles in their designs; creating specifications; enhancing existing software systems; and collaborating with hardware developers, project managers, and others involved in the software development process. Software developers also monitor software development trends as the demand for technology evolves to meet the global market’s continued appetite for innovation. The future of the software development role looks bright. Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25% between 2021 to 2031, according to the […]