The Blackburn College Department of Business and Economics hosted a student Deal or No Deal: Management vs. Labor Negotiation event for students this month. This hands-on learning opportunity is an annual department-wide event organized by Dr. Christina Langwell McCurley, Professor of Business and Social Science Division Chair at Blackburn.
Seventy-eight students taking high-level business, accounting, marketing, and human resources courses attended to learn first-hand the art of negotiation by reviewing a contract from both the laborer and management side. Throughout the event, everything from wages, premium pay, scheduling, and random drug testing were factors included as part of the negotiation. Professionals from the region, Glenn Reed from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), Jay Steinhauer, and Laren Zeller from Teamsters helped students gain an understanding of the negotiation process from their perspective.
Cassidy Eyman, a junior business major from Livingston, IL, described the event as a welcomed challenge. “It was my first time being on the management side of the table and it taught me a different perspective of negotiation,” she said. “The professors and teamsters were a wonderful help when it came down to negotiating, and I am so glad I participated again.” Cassidy Eyman, a junior business management major from Livingston, Il
“The Deal or No Deal event was a valuable experience for every student involved,” said Alexis Drury, a senior graphic design major from Pawnee, IL. “It provided the opportunity to navigate give-and-take scenarios, much like those encountered when negotiating business contracts. We received guidance from professionals during the event to help us all learn and succeed in our negotiations.”
Blackburn Professor of Marketing, Dr. Carley Swalley, DBA, was one of the department faculty members who helped facilitate the event. “Providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through real-world examples is crucial for their success,” she said. This event encourages creativity while allowing students to directly apply the business knowledge they’ve acquired. The ability to transition from learning to applying is a critical skill in the business world, and it’s one that Blackburn College students are actively developing. By engaging in such experiences, students not only enhance their understanding but also build practical skills that will be essential in their future careers.”