Jeffrey W. Allen, Ph.D ("Jeff")

Assistant Professor of Information Systems

Boston University
School of Management
Department of Information Systems
e-mail: jwallen@bu.edu
(617) 358-2024 Office Phone, Rm 631
(617) 353-5003 Departmental Fax

(617) 312-0096 Cell Number

Jeff  has published research  in the areas of  technological innovation adoption, microcomputer playfulness, end-user computing, and decision support systems.  He holds both a M.B.A. in Finance/Information Systems and a M.S. in Risk Management and Insurance from Georgia State University.  Professor Allen earned his doctorate degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University in the area of Decision Sciences.    His undergraduate degree is a B.B.A. from the University of Georgia in Management Information Systems.  Jeff has worked and consulted widely with such organizations as IBM, Coca-Cola, Atlanta Public Schools, Gwinnett County Schools, AT&T, Intel, Lucent Technologies and the National Football League.  Though research is no longer his main focus, past research was in the area of diffusion of innovation which examines how the process of selecting, adopting and implementing technological change can be better managed.  The research focuses on both the technological aspects of the innovation and the characteristics of the adopter.  A native of Atlanta Georgia, prior to coming to Boston University (June 2001), Professor Allen spent four years at Indiana University in the Kelley School of Business located in Bloomington Indiana.    

A former athlete, Jeff  has written several articles relating to the athlete as a social-being,  the student-athlete: pro and con , “when the cheering stops”, in addition to conducting financial education seminars for the National Football League, Indiana University Credit Union, Continuing Education and IU Executive education.  Jeff has taught in the areas of Decision Sciences, Information Systems, Investment Finance and Insurance  at Georgia State University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Indiana University and Boston University.  Much of his consulting work today is working with athletes and individuals in the capacity as a financial planner/financial advisor.  

Today, Jeff's primary focus as a faculty member is in the classroom and service roles both in the School of Management and at the University wide level.  His involvement over the last 5 years University wide as been related to the  Office of Admissions in making "road-trips" to speak with audiences about Boston University as well as participating in the University's Multicultural weekend event. Jeff prides himself in his classroom teaching and his teacher evaluations show he is an excellent classroom professor.  “I feel the classroom should be first of all an intellectual haven that encourages students to give their honest opinions and to think about the world of technology and how it affects their lives in a much more critical sense.  The classroom should not only be educational, but it needs to be a fun, dynamic atmosphere to capture  and retain the interest of the students.  I see my teaching as a combination of high level intellectual stimulation, relevant analogies and humor with a large dose of reality”.  "I’m a bit like comedian Chris Rock, motivational speaker Tony Robbins and a Southern Baptist preacher”. 

His classroom persona has been characterized as “motivational, creative, inspirational and most importantly educational.” “He’s a combination of preacher, teacher, comedian and motivator, Dr. Allen knows how to teach and he makes the learning experience challenging as well as fun. Most I’ve ever learned in a semester.” Learning should be a FUN process and classroom lectures should be exciting, energy filled and inquisitive!! "Make no doubt about it, My passion in academia lies within the classroom and the "Art" of teaching. It is there where I feel most comfortable".  An Excellent classroom presence and mastery of material with instructor ratings averaging over a 4.50 out of 5.00 over a 11 year period at Boston University.

Student Quote:  "His teaching is impassioned and with purpose, this was a fun experience.  It's is really like comedian Chris Rock,  a motivational speaker and a Southern Baptist Preacher all wrapped up into one.  He GOT SKILLZ!!!". 

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