Learn, Question, Succeed: MMS 370’s Winning Formula

Vishal Balachandar

Professor Ed Tiryakian standing in classroom with a group of students.
Professor Ed Tiryakian

Few professors command the respect and admiration that Duke University’s Ed Tiryakian has earned over a distinguished career. With more than three decades in the finance and education industries, Ed T has become synonymous with academic excellence and life-changing mentorship. 

Professor Tiryakian's course, MMS 370: Managerial Finance, lies at the intersection of academic rigor and real-world application. Known for its engaging curriculum, the class offers students an immersive experience in finance, top-tier guest speakers, hands-on learning, and an unexpected addition in Fall 2024: a group of men’s basketball players.

The Power of Asking the Right Questions

Central to Professor Tiryakian's teaching philosophy is the belief that success in finance and business hinges on asking the right questions. "In my class, we don’t just focus on finding the right answers—we focus on identifying the right questions," says Ed T. “The ability to question assumptions, challenge conventional wisdom, and dig deeper into financial strategies sets successful professionals apart. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the decisions behind them."

"By engaging with industry leaders, my students don't just learn about finance-they see it in action." Professor Tiryakian

By encouraging his students to think critically and question the status quo, Professor Tiryakian ensures they understand financial theories and develop the analytical mindset to navigate complex business challenges. This focus on inquiry is reinforced by his choice of guest speakers, each of whom has had to ask and answer the right questions to thrive in their respective industries.  Blending theory with practice, guest speakers include:

•    Dan Dickinson, CEO of HCI Private Equity,
•    Rob Draughon, Co-Founder of WebMD,
•    George Land, head of the NBA’s growth strategy in Africa and China,
•    Jayne Peressini, Senior Director of Electronic Arts and Chair of Women in Gaming, 
•    Lew Sherr, CEO of the US Tennis Association, 
•    Neal Triplett, CEO of the Duke Endowment and Duke Management, 
•    Gideon Yu, original Facebook CFO.

Large group of MMS 370 Managerial Finance students standing in their classroom.
MMS 370 students pose with Lew Sherr (right of center), CEO of the US Tennis Association.

Real-World Learning 

Hands-on projects deepen students’ understanding of economic principles and equip them with tools to succeed in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. They analyze current market trends, prepare investment portfolios, and evaluate corporate financial strategies. Ed T teaches students how to integrate academic knowledge with these and other experiences.  For example, several basketball players applied their unique perspectives on teamwork, leadership, and high-pressure decision-making to class discussions and assignments. When describing the link between basketball and MMS 370, one of the players explained, “On the court, we make split-second decisions under pressure. In finance, we do the same thing—evaluating risks, weighing options, and making decisions that affect the team. I’ve found that the skills I develop in class translate directly to the basketball court.”

The blend of athletes and aspiring finance professionals creates a vibrant environment of problem-solving through diverse approaches. Another student shared, “The exposure to real-world professionals and the practical financial challenges we address in class has given me a deeper understanding of the field and helped me build a network I know I can rely on throughout my career.” Clearly, MMS 370 is not just a class; it’s a launching pad for future leaders in finance and other industries.