• Management Information Systems
• Strategy
• Technology-Mediated-Communications
• Videoconferencing
• Teams and Communities

My current research is aimed towards a better understanding of how Technology Mediated Communications (TMC) differ from face-to-face communications. Media Richness Theory was a good start in understanding how different channels have different effects. Since then, researchers have found that there are many more dimensions than bandwidth that affect what and how we communicate. By doing a number of laboratory and field experiments (of diverse communication tasks made using different channels like email, instant messaging, phone, videoconferencing, and face-to-face) I expect to gain a deeper understanding of those effects and of the processes that take place inside our minds during the communication event. This knowledge should help managers -and people in general- not only make a better media choice for each of the communication tasks but also appreciate how certain outcomes may have been induced by the channel used and not so much by the intention of the parties involved.

• ACCTG 512 – Financial Accounting Theory and Reporting Problems
• BUSAD 537 – Management Information Systems
• M I S 531 – Management Information Systems
• MGMT 571 – Strategic Management

• Doctor of Business Administration
  Major in Management Information Systems
  Minors in Strategy and Methodology
  Boston University, MA, USA (2000).
• Master in Finance (Cum Laude)
  Universidad Metropolitana, Caracas, Venezuela (1991).
• Postgraduate degree in Management Information Systems
  Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela (1994).
• Licenciate (BS) in Management Science
  Minor in Banking and Finance
  Universidad Metropolitana, Caracas, Venezuela (1990).
• 4 years of study in Electrical Engineering (5 years required for degree)
  Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela, (1983-1985)
  Universidad Metropolitana, Caracas, Venezuela (1985-1987).

Penn State Great Valley
30 E. Swedesford Rd.
Malvern, PA 19355

cferran@psu.edu