Dr. Joshua Buch
Professor of Finance
"The MBA should give the students the tools to become business leaders who are capable of initiating and making sound business decisions."
Degrees Held:
- PhD in Applied Economics – The University of Pennsylvania, 1972
- MBA in Economics – Temple University, 1966
- BS in Biology and Agriculture – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1961
Career Highlights:
Dr. Buch is a Professor of Finance at La Salle University, Philadelphia. He served as the finance department chairperson for eight years and as the coordinator of the Minor in International Studies for over 20 years.
He is teaching “International Business,” “Global Finance,” and “Financial Markets and Institutions” both on the undergraduate and graduate levels. His recent research and professional activities center around mortgage-related issues such as the possible causes of the recent sub-prime crisis, mortgage origination fees, the various aspects of the APR, EU mortgage and housing-related issues and more. Articles on these topics were published in Journal of Financial Services Professionals Real Estate Review, Real Estate Finance Journal, International Journal Of Bank Marketing, Management International Review, and other publications.
Which online degree program(s) do you teach?
Why La Salle?
I have a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Temple. In both places, I benefited from wonderful education, hence I know something about universities in the greater Philadelphia area. La Salle is large enough to offer both my students and I all the services and facilities one can expect from a great educational institute. However, it is also small enough to feel like home. Teaching and learning is most rewarding with small classes and no teaching assistants.
Which classes do you teach online?
MBA 601: Financial Accounting
MBA 630: Financial Markets
What do you want students to take away from your classes?
I teach mainly foundation finance courses. My two-pronged goals are:
A: To make sure students are prepared to take and succeed in upper-level finance courses.
B: To make sure students acquire a solid foundation and understanding of finance concepts and tools and apply them to both their personal and professional lives.
What is the value of an MBA?
An MBA should be the base and foundation of a successful managerial career. The MBA should give students the tools to become business leaders who are capable of initiating and making sound business decisions.
Why did you start teaching?
While I was completing my PhD, I managed a small brokerage firm and started teaching. I enjoyed teaching much more.
After 48 years of teaching at La Salle, I know, for sure, that I made the correct decision.
What advice would you give to those considering the online MBA program?
Study and work hard. It is really just up to you. We professors can bring the horse to the water, but we cannot make you drink. This is even more so the case in the fully online courses. You will need self-discipline and determination.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in business?
The ability to make decisions, solve complicated business problems, listen to others and ask relevant questions.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
I love to read fiction and non-fiction, so one recommendation is too difficult. Just READ.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
I am an avid family roots researcher. I also run a 100-meter dash annually at the Penn Relays. Since you saw that I got my PhD in 1972 and have taught at La Salle 48 years, you can figure out which age group I run with. I also love to play tennis.