Debika Sihi
Assistant Professor of Business
University: Southwestern University
Location: Georgetown, Texas
Debika Sihi is an assistant professor of business at Southwestern University. She earned her Ph.D. in Marketing at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin. She also holds a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and MPA (Master of Professional Accounting) from the McCombs School. Prior to entering the doctoral program, Sihi worked at Public Strategies, Inc. and Deloitte, both multinational professional services and consulting firms.
Sihi’s research explores technological innovations and disruptions in the field of marketing. She has published works in peer-reviewed marketing and business journals including the Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, and the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. Sihi teaches a variety of business courses including classes on digital marketing and a capstone course with a focus on innovation in business.
We asked Sihi a few questions. Her answers are below:
WHAT STUKENT COURSEWARE HAVE YOU USED?
I use the Digital Marketing Essentials textbook for my digital marketing course. I have also utilized the Mimic simulation. Stukent materials are fantastic because they are so regularly updated to align with industry practices. In addition, there are so many different formats with which students can engage with the material (textbook, case studies, expert interviews, etc.).
WHAT TEACHING TIPS WOULD YOU SHARE WITH OTHER PROFESSORS?
Since almost all my students engage in e-commerce in some form or another, I dedicate a considerable amount of time in class examining the use of consumer data for targeted marketing and the implications on online privacy.
We discuss the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), policies by the United States’ Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and various case studies. My students are amazing and bring such thoughtful insights to these discussions. I think it is useful for them to be aware of these issues from a consumer and business standpoint.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND TALENTS?
I love animals of all kinds! I enjoy any opportunity to volunteer with Emancipet, a fantastic organization which provides low-cost veterinary services. I also love binge-watching shows on Netflix. Stranger Things, Schitt’s Creek, and The Office are some of my favorites.
CONNECT WITH DEBIKA SIHI
Thank you, Debika, and congratulations!