Beyond Case Study: Solving Problems in "Real Time" with AT&T

A semester-long course, Strategic and Corporate Accounting and Finance (SCAF), challenges seniors to apply what they have learned to "real time" projects provided by AT&T. The course, which bridges the gap between theory and practice, has been offered since 1999.

Team-taught by Lee Tavis, the C.R. Smith Professor of Finance, and Tom Schaefer, the KPMG Professor of Accountancy, SCAF is unlike any class on any campus anywhere. At the beginning of each project, AT&T executives present a problem to the seniors and discuss the company's situation. Students then have several weeks to come up with a course of action. Meanwhile, AT&T executives communicate via e-mail any changes to the project. As in a real business environment, students learn that problems change over time.

It's easy to see why ND would have an interest in such a partnership. But why would AT&T invest precious time and resources in such an endeavor? "The course shows students the close links between accounting and finance," said Stephanie Hauge, an AT&T executive who helped create the course. "AT&T also wants to strengthen the company's relationship with Notre Dame."

Left to right: Alene Healy and Patricia Dillon from AT&T, C.R. Smith Professor Lee Tavis, Becky Sinden from AT&T.