Costello College of Business News

Retail investor attention creates an incentive for firms to present earnings that satisfy investors' expectations using accounting discretion. Such a “numbers game” – the use of legally permissible accounting practices to influence reported earnings – makes investor attention an economic force influencing corporate reporting decisions, argues finance professor Lei Gao of George Mason University.

The suspension of CMMC Phase 2 should not be reduced to a win for industry or a setback for cybersecurity. It is a stress test for whether DoD can build a cyber assurance model that works in practice, not just in policy.

When Faris Madani started at George Mason University, he opted to major in economics, assuming there were limited classroom learning opportunities for someone aspiring for a career in business. It was not until he took the Survey of Accounting course with Peggy Tsirigotis, assistant accounting area chair at the Costello College of Business, that his perception began to change.

As workers enter new organizational roles, join new employers, or transition into different fields, they often experience emotional turmoil associated with changes in their professional identity. To ease the adjustment, they can train their “transition muscles” by learning from past experiences and anticipating future changes, suggests a new book chapter from George Mason University management professor Sarah Wittman.

How fast is too fast to reply to a prospective employer? Wrong question, argues George Mason University management professor Einav Hart. Across several settings and contexts, Hart and her co-authors found that once a hiring manager is interested enough to reach out, even the slightest delay in responding could harm your chances.

When Kha Han Trieu immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 2019, she was uncertain of the career opportunities available to her. Encouraged by her aunt, who had been living in the United States for many years, she decided to give accounting a try.

“I think it's the real American dream to have something of your own, build something of your own,” says Bailey Mahoney, MBA ‘26. He grew up witnessing firsthand not only what could be built but also the freedom it created, as his father, who owned an electrical contracting business, always made time to be present for the important moments in his life. Without even realizing it, Mahoney found his first business mentor in his father.

The best way to resolve a consumer’s doubts about electric cars is to let them drive one for a day or two. But Ioannis Bellos and Hang Ren, professors in the information systems and operations management area at George Mason University, argue that extended test drives can sometimes do more harm than good, for both profits and the planet.

This award recognizes a graduate student who contributes positively to the program and embodies the values of service, engagement, and collaboration.

The Costello College of Business at George Mason University is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Graduate Students of the Year. These individuals exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their field. Learn why they chose George Mason, the impact of their business education, and the advice they would give to prospective students.