New Dean at Northeastern
Wall Street Journal, Feb 06, 2012
Hugh Courtney is named dean of Northeastern University's College of Business Administration. Courtney currently oversees undergraduate, MBA and MS degree programs at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland. Upon arrival at CBA, he plans to introduce new programs and overtime implement major changes. Courtney believes that change is easier to apply at private universities as they "tend to move a little bit quicker on entrepreneurial initiatives," than public higher-ed insitutions. "[Private universities] are more nimble," Courtney says.
Advising Across Borders
AdvisorOne, Feb 02, 2012
Jeffery Born, faculty director of the executive MBA program at Northeastern's College of Business Administration, gives financial advise on living and working abroad including taxes, paying bills in your home country, current work, and retirement plans. Even with a PhD in Finance, Born admits he wishes he had hired a tax advisor while living and working in Fiji. Now he is well prepared to share tips on how to make the most of your finances as an Expat or working and living for extended periods of time in one-other or multiple countries. Born suggests getting started on research before accepting a job, such as downloading that country's IRS forms, make advance efforts to negotiate for any family member such as work permits, and research for the long-term. "Whiel Social Security checks may followyou and the cost of living may be lower, your ability to access important services like health care may be substantially limited if you are a non-resident. It could only take one serious illness with a med-flight back home to the U.S. to wreck one's retirement plan," Born cautions.
Northeastern University ranks #86 in Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2012
Financial Times, Feb 2012
Northeastern University ranks #86 in Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2012
4 Questions a Hiring Manager Should Never Ask
U.S News & World Report, Jan 31, 2012
When applying for a job, there are actually questions that hiring managers cannot ask you. With a good conversation flow, you may not even realize that the interviewer asked, or that you offered up the information on your own! "Many interviews work hard to get the candidates to relax and open up. Some do it so effectively that they get the candidates talking and the candidates reveal more than they should without ever being asked. Nothing illegal is being done because the interviewer doesn't ask a forbidden question. Candidates can walk out of the interview amazed at how much they shared, says Lynne Sarikas, director of the Career Center at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration. Remmeber what is off limits: Age, disabilities, sexual orientation, and plans for children.
India Stumbles; Indonesia Rises
Yahoo! Finance, Jan 20, 2012
Professor Ravi Ramamurti is quoted in Yahoo! Finance that "Indonesia is starting to get its act together while India seems to be almost resting on its laurels." The director of the Center for Emerging Markets at Northeastern University, Ramamurti's comments follow January 20's ruling in favor of India's tax policies concerning the mobile giant Vodaphone. Investor's Business Daily has commented that while the legal proceedings have been taking place."
Runaway costs from T neglect
Boston Herald, Jan 18, 2012
Massachusetts: Maintain your assets or keep paying more, explains professor and transportation expert Joseph Giglio, faculty of College of Business Administration at Boston's Northeastern University. The MBTA is in continual disrepair, and the state's transportation department is facing fare hikes that may alienate ridership. While fares are expected to go up, shortfalls are expected to continue in reliability and maintenance challenges. Giglio comments on possibilities of reversing the cycle of higher fares not being able to put a dent in the maintenance required to get up to standard. "One way to address the problem would be to budget based on an asset’s life-cycle costs rather than just the construction price."
6 things you'll pay more for in 2012
CNN Money, Jan 10, 2012
Certain commodities and services are going up in price. The most significant may be airfare. "My overall prediction is that we're going to see a 10% to 15% average increase in domestic and international airfares [this year]," said Harlan Platt, professor of finance at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration in Boston. Meat and fish, coffee, gas, mail, and clothing are also all expected to see increases in dollar amount.
4 technology must haves for online students
U.S. News Education, Jan 10, 2012
Less tech equipment seems to be more when it comes to preparing yourself for an online course. Laptop, desktop, internet, handheld, tablet, printer, web cam, and various other gadgets ... all these things can add up, and it may not make sense to have all these things at your disposal, even if your university requires them. Harlan Platt, finance professor and faculty director of Northeastern University's online M.B.A. program, says, "Any online program that imposes significant technological requirements upon its students is a program [that] is poorly conceived and ill designed." The four basic tech devices you may want to count on for an online course include a printer, an easy bibliography formatting tool, note-taking software, and webcam and headset combo.
Top myths of powerful women.
yzdsb China, Jan 10, 2012
There are many stereotypes women in powerful roles continually have to address and overcome. Many are still pegged as "ice queens", ruthless and overbearing. Single women are outcast as being intimidating towards their male counterparts, or lonely enough to be married to their jobs. Additionally, Lynne Sarikas, MBA career center director at Northeastern University, counters the perception that even though a woman might have all the credentials to serve out the job well, they may be perceived as a 'token' diversity hire, rather than worthy career title bearer. “While companies take their diversity goals seriously, they are not going to settle for less than the best person for the job,” said Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center at Northeastern University. “Women are hired because of their education and experience and what they can do for the company.” These perceptions and others are common myths of powerful female careerists, and seems to be a global topic.
At ASSA: Higher Returns for Activist Hedge Funds
Forbes, Jan 07, 2012
Professors Nicole Boyson and Robert Mooradian recently presented at the Allied Social Science Association (ASSA) conference in Chicago. Their research paper, "The Skill of Frequent Hedge Fund Activists" demonstrated that those activists that are more enthusiastic and aggressive about their targets tend to do better, and the companies benefit as well. The paper finds, "that targets of high frequency activist hedge funds – those that target ten or more firms between fund inception and 2005 – experience better long-term stock and operating performance than targets of lower frequency activist hedge funds or a matched sample." The paper goes on to discover that overtime, these activists' targets do better. "Beginning with long-term stock performance, we show that targets of high frequency activists significantly outperform both targets of low frequency activists and a matched sample for up to three years post-activism." It may be time to watch "high frequency activists" more carefully to improve stock choices.
Profs. Julie Hertenstein & Marjorie Platt receive Best Paper Award in Communication & Institution Div., Western States Communication Assoc. Annual meeting
Western States Communication Association, Jan 2012
Professors Julie Hertenstein and Marjorie Platt receive Best Paper Award in the Communication & Institution Division of the Western States Communication Association Annual meetings, 2012.
Impact of Cold-Calling on Student Voluntary Participation. Elise J Dallimore (NU communication studies), Julie H Hertenstein, and Marjorie Platt.
Arnold Wright and Ganesh Krishnamoorthy awarded AAA Auditing Section 2012 Notable Contribution to the Auditing Literature Award
Auditing Literature Award, Jan 2012
Arnold Wright and Ganesh Krishnamoorthy were recently awarded the AAA Auditing Section 2012 Notable Contribution to the Auditing Literature Award for their paper with Jeff Cohen entitled, “Corporate Governance and the Audit Process” which appeared in Contemporary Accounting Research in 2002.
Year-end tax tips for job seekers
Examiner, Dec 29, 2011
Timothy Gagnon, finance professor at CBA, Northeastern University, gives tips for those filing taxes in 2012 that didn't have a job in 2011. Gagnon says that your transportation to and from interviews and career fares could impact your taxes positively, and you should keep track of milage and receipts from these expenses. Also, Gagnon mentions keeping track of any printing or supplies used while on the job search, right down to the ink you used to print out your resumes, as the information can be counted towards deductions. Some meals can be counted, and telephone calls shoud be tracked too, as long as you delineate what is being used specifically while searching for a job. All of these expenses may compound and benefit you when filing your tax return. And if you are still searching for a job in 2012, start keeping track!
What baby boomer and millennial job seekers can learn from each other
CNN, Dec 19, 2011
When parents are competing with their kids for jobs, you know there are economic struggles. However, this generation gap can be a good thing, if you choose to learn from one another. Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University in Boston explains how to close the gap on job knowledge. "Baby Boomers know that the job search is ultimately about relationships, and [they] tend to invest the time in the process of developing relationships," says Sarikas. Gen X are good at finding the balance between online and in-person strategies, while Gen Y are dynamos at utilizing social media. Bottom line, Sarikas points out, "Regardless of generation, the single most important thing you can do to support your job search is networking." And, she says, "Write a handwritten thank-you note to each interviewer and show your enthusiasm for the job as well as your appreciation for their time." Regardless of your generation, a handwritten note seems to remain the way to go to show true appreciation and boost your hiring potential.
How to be the life of the party
Associated Press, Dec 16, 2011
It's that time of season! With invitations to party after party, many just want to stay home with slippers on. Partying is stressful, but there are ways to get by and to enjoy yourself at the same time! Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University, Boston, suggests that the office party is not off-limits for networking. Try to meet as many people as possible, find out what they do so you have an opportunity to follow-up with them back in the office. Talk to people you meet in line for the bar, waiting for the restroom, whatever. You have something in common by being there so start a conversation." Other suggestions to keep yourself involved and in conversation are to wear something with an interesting (appropriate) flair in order to spark a conversation, give out compliments, and smile.
Danger Zone: Nine tips for partying with your boss
AOL Jobs, Dec 16, 2011
Your office party is your time to let loose with your co-workers, de-stress, and celebrate the end of the year. Not so fast. Make sure you are careful about how much you celebrate, so that you still have a job come January 2. Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Center director at Northeastern University cautions, "Don't make comments on Facebook or other sites about the event that you wouldn't want your boss or your co-workers to see." Remember when your friend told you how embarrassed he was at the last party when he found out what he did on Monday morning? Remember when your co-worker related to you that she wishes she hadn't done that? Remember that your office party whether in the office or not will still come back to you when the party is over. Do make a good impression to last the whole New Year.
Vulcan Materials 'poison pill' plan could deter takeover
al.com, Dec 14, 2011
Vulcan is in the sightlines for a takeover, and with an offer on the table by Martin Marietta Materials, the outcome may look like there is no other choice but to succumb. However, Don Margotta, finance professor at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration suggests that there are options for Vulcan to succeed. Because the offer from Martin Marietta is considered hostile, the option of a 'poison pill' is available to Vulcan to deter the process. A 'poison pill' gives shareholders additional rights by adding in amendments to existing corporate bylaws. This gives them better voting power on boards and may lengthen the process of a board takeover. However, it is not just about shareholders. Directors are to do what is best of the company. Margotta explains, "it is usually a legitimate disagreement as to what the company is really worth, which comes down to the present value of its future cash flows. In some cases, directors simply view the value of the company differently than the current market does."
Rooting Out Plagiarism in MBA Admissions Essays
Bloomberg Businessweek, Dec 14, 2011
Turnitin is checking your admissions essays - twice. The software searches for plagiarism by scanning individual essays and comparing snippets of text against its database of myriad content that might end up in an application. Universities are starting to use this software more often to gauge applicants and rule out plagiarism. Evelyn Tate, Northeastern University's director of graduate recruitment and admissions uses Turnitin after coming across noticeable differences in quality between test writing samples and personal statements submitted with applications. The program cited 10+ essays for the 2012 round of applicants that contained content matches with Turnitin, indicating possible plagiarism. Tate mentioned that rejections for these applicants will be likely.
AMR creditors' committee may be an eclectic mix
Reuters, Dec 03, 2011
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As AMR Corp. declares bankruptcy, many groups want to be represented on the board of creditors. On Monday, the battle for a seat will commence. Some think that creating more than one committee would speak better to the many parties involved – labor, fuel, maintenance, and food to name a few. But Harlan Platt, Finance professor of CBA at Boston’s Northeastern University points out that one committee will be cheaper to have one committee, as more committees equals more fees from financial representatives. However, Platt surmises, the fight will be between secured claimants and unsecured creditors. "It's in the best interest of the unsecured group to take an awful lot of risk to try to raise value," said Platt, a member of restructuring industry group the Turnaround Management Association. "Secureds will be unwilling to accept any restructuring proposal that puts their money at risk." Platt thinks it will be likely that this difference among the two groups will lead to the appointment of two different committees to serve the best interests of each.
Shale gas gives rise to era of energy independence
Hydrocarbon Processing, Dec 02, 2011
Energy independence for the US may be imminent due to the abundance of shale gas found across the nation and new ways to harness it. Lower prices are a major selling point for this alternative fuel source. "The additional supplies coming to the market from [hydraulic] fracturing over the next couple of years promises to be extensive," said Jeffery Born, professor of finance in College of Business Administration at Northeastern University in Boston. 'Fracking' is the controversial way in which natural gas is obtained through hydraulic fracturing. The more controversial it gets, the more the uneasy people may be come for shuttering "promising sites before their production through fracking methods."
Shale gas gives rise to energy independence
MarketWatch, Dec 02, 2011
The U.S. seems to be making headway when it comes to relying on itself for fuel sources. As the nation's oil supply continues to come from other countries, the discovery of shale gas gives hope that energy independence is possible. Shale gas has proved to be abundant and low cost fuel source, with the added bonus of being clean burning. This has caused investment and development to grow tremendously in only a few short years. The method of obtaining this domestic fuel supply ("fracking"), is however controversial, and could be one of the parts that may cause the price of shale gas to rise in the future. "The additional supplies coming to the market from fracturing over the next couple of years promises to be extensive, says Jeffery Born, professor of finance at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration. The worry is that environmental concerns will shut down promising source areas before there is a chance to extract the gas, creating less of a supply for a growing demand and driving up costs.
Professor Luis Dau is Finalist in the European International Business Academy's Gunnar Hedlund Award 2011.
European International Business Academy, Dec 2011
Professor Luis Dau is Finalist in the European International Business Academy's Gunnar Hedlund Award 2011.
Infrastructure bank provides invaluable resources
The Patriot Ledger, Nov 30, 2011
Professor Joseph Gigliocomments on President Obama's proposal to create a national infrastructure bank in this Patriot Ledger op-ed on public funding. With a strong financial infrastructure program, Giglio writes that "States can build more projects with fewer dollars and accelerate construction, especially for projects whose economic benefits can be identified and captured. The idea is that public funds provide the initial investment in the bank used only for infrastructure project loans and bonds. Once paid, the money can be paid out again for continued or new projects, and while continually keeping a solid core financial structure to ensure continued progression and sustainable funds.
How to fix public transportation
The MetroWest Daily News, Nov 27, 2011
Professor Joseph Giglio, transportation expert in Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, proposes utilizing an 'infrastructure bank' in order to address the lacking funds in Massachusetts' transportation coffers. This method would rely on regular banking methods - financial assistance given through lending services complete with borrowing times and interest - to create a long term investment strategy in the Commonwealth's transportation maintenance and future. For instance, Giglio remarks, "First, [infrastructure banks] allow states to leverage existing resources. They can build more projects with fewer dollars and accelerate construction, especially for projects where economic benefits can be identified and captured." An infrastructure bank will allow the state transportation system to handle short term and long term projects, as they work with short term and long-term loans and debt repayment. As Giglio concludes, "A state infrastructure bank offers both private and public sponsors of surface transportation projects significant low-cost financing opportunities to fill the funding gaps."
The 411 on mobile banking for beginners
Yahoo! Finance, Nov 21, 2011
Ah, your bank at your fingertips. No longer having to go to the bank during 9-5 hours has made many take a sigh of relief. Need to transfer money? Done. Need to pay a bill before it's too late? Done. From the subway to just before you check out at a store, mobile banking has made many people super banking savvy. And while your handy internet data plan on your phone can make it happen, some people prefer to take one step at a time, as online banking is still tricky. The remote link you reach through your mobile phone may not be as safe as banking from your computer. "Most of people's banking activity can be conducted at home, at night, on a safe network," says Harlan Platt, finance professor at Northeastern University's CBA in Boston. While the subject of mobile banking is very familiar to Platt, he still prefers to stay off the phone when it comes to his own account.
The Right Study Abroad Program Can Prepare Students for the Global Marketplace
Huffington Post College, Nov 17, 2011
Study abroad is increasingly important, and statistics are backing this up with a 4% annual increase over last year. Markets are changing to, as students travelling abroad are leaving the more traditional Eurpean destinations for Asia, South America, and Middle Eastern countries. While more and more programs are implementing mandatory study abroad semesters into their curriculum, Northeastern University's B.S. in International Business has required international experiential learning since 1994. Global Business Professor Alan Bird, College of Business and Administration, explains, "Students in the BSIB program spend their first three years at NEU studying and completing a domestic co-op placement. Their fourth, expatriate, year is spent first studying language for a semester at a partner school in-country and then completing an international co-op placement. Students then return to NU for their final semester." This plays a critical role in business students getting hired after graduation. "By educating students to become future global managers, the BSIB program develops highly qualified professionals who bring a more competitive edge in world markets to corporations they join," says Bird.
Private jet business prepares to take off
CNN Money, Nov 08, 2011
You might not believe it, but both affluent and less-wealthy alike are trading up for private jets again. With the economy being what it is, you might think this is a ridiculous way to spend money; however, the poor economy has driven up the cost of commercial airlines, and a private jet might actually be the cheaper option in terms of cost and time. Not only can you save money on private jet deals when you fly with your friends ($250 each round trip sounds good!), this is also an indication that economic trends may be on the uptick theorizes Harlan Platt, finance professor at Boston's Northeastern University College of Business Administration. "When people of means decide that the extra $10,000 [to fly on a private plane] is worth it, you'll know the economy has left the contraction. That may be "the best leading indicator of the whole economy," says Platt.
Young entrepreneurers could be saying so long to student debt
BostInno, Nov 07, 2011
Will the new student loan forgiveness plan help you? If you're about to be an entrepreneur, it might. “Student debt is definitely something that causes students to think twice about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship when they graduate,” said Gordon Adomdza, professor of entrepreneurship and innovation in College of Business and Administration, and a faculty advisor of the Northeastern Entrepreneurs Club at Northeastern University. “Because entrepreneurship requires a lot of gut, anything that causes students to think twice about pursuing their idea will probably slow them down.” Young Entrepreneurs Council has started the investment company Gen Y Capital Partners which will extend Obama's student loan forgiveness plan and offer more benefits to those recent grads looking to start their own business - raising capital while having their student loans supplemented.
Are Christmas Club Accounts Still a Good Idea?
Fox Business, Nov 04, 2011
Christmas Clubs are like short term savings accounts. You know you will need the money later, but you have a hard time not spending it today. Why not deposit $5 or $20 each week now, and know you will have enough for the holidays? "It is difficult for many people to come home each night and put $5 in a jar or piggy bank to be accumulated for some stated purpose," says Harlan Platt, professor of finance at Northeastern University. "The nice thing about these clubs is that it is a type of forced savings." And at credit unions nationally, the thought is boding well. Even though it sounds like a thing of the past, many are using Christmas Club type accounts and it fosters saving the whole year round.
Oil Production in Libya Should Jump With the End of Gaddafi
Oil & Gas Monitor, Oct 31, 2011
Though there was oil during Gaddafi’s regime, more oil should be on the way now that he is dead. In this recent op-ed, Jeffery Born, professor of finance at Northeastern University’s CBA, in Boston, even with the unpredictability of Libya’s future, oil production will be one of the mainstays in keeping it together. Because little has been destroyed in the turmoil, the ability to pick up production speed is much more plausible. However, Born says, oil prices will likely fall through the end of this year, as rising supplies and low demand create a slow market.
More taxes on air travel? It’s nonsense
Orlando Sentential, Oct 26, 2011
Didn’t airline fees just go up again? Recently? Brace yourselves, because it is not going to stop. The Obama administration is considering taxing airlines to make up a portion of the national deficit. And the airlines will likely tax you in order to pay the government. Harlan Platt, airline expert and finance professor in the Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration says, “But given the fact that airline passengers are being asked to pay for other government programs, such as the extension of the unemployment payments program or the building of a bridge to nowhere, this [airline tax] is a further e4xample of an administration that thinks it should collect monies from millionaires and retired grandmothers alike.” This tax does not seem to help airlines or passengers, and it is unclear as to whether or not it will truly affect the deficit positively.
Why Women Make Excellent Entrepreneurers in the Digital Age
Mashable, Oct 25, 2011
Women have taken over the business world. In the literal sense, there are more women than men enrolled in college, and they make up the majority of the US work force as of 2010. Women have not quite taken over the C-suites, but they are climbing the ladder steadily. They are also opening the doors to their own new businesses at a higher rate then men. There are many factors to their success. A trait that customers are looking for in both men and women is communication skills, and women seem to exceed at it. Jamie Ladge, professor in management and organizational development at Northeastern University’s CBA, says “We never explicitly say, ‘Develop your feminine side,’ but it’s clear that’s what we’re advocating.” Other strong skills women seem to have strength in more than men are being good listeners, ability to collaborate, and being comfortable with lower risk investments. All these factors are seeing women succeed in becoming entrepreneurs as we delve more and more into digital business.
Colleges Call to Retirees
Second Act, Oct 13, 2011
Baby boomers are less and less likely to more to Florida to retire like their parents might have. They are healthy, and craving excitement in the forms of intellect, arts, culture, and entertainment. What better way to enjoy all those than to move to a college town? However, Professor Harlan Platt, economist and finance professor in College of Business Administration at Boston’s Northeastern University, suggests that retirees looking for a home in college town should consider their financial stability before making a decision. "College economies, especially private schools, generally hold up better than the rest of the economy. Hence, the relative decline in cost of living has declined least in those areas,” Platt says. Those towns are still expensive. Make sure you have the money for the house and the college fun before considering a move.
Fees for using roads could foster economic growth
The Patriot Ledger, Oct 12, 2011
Massachusetts' transportation reserve is seriously underfunded. And a lack of vision on how to build up the cash-supply seems imminent - another gas tax? Transportation expert Joseph Giglio, professor at Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration, however, suggests that when modes of civic government are paid collectively - schools, parks, and town buildings, so should transportation not be the sole burden of the motorist. Giglio says that this method conjugates the wrong notion, "The result is an instinctive sense among motorists that roads are free. This mistaken view further complicates already difficult issues around how much road capacity we need and how it should be managed." However, we are seeing less and less road capacity as there are more and more transit operations - individual motorists and industry alike. Giglio is alike in mind when the suggestion comes up to pay for road usage. "By using a sensible pricing system ['per-mile user fees'] to allocate the use of scarce resources, each motorist will be motivated to make the most efficient use of them, making discretionary trips at times when roadways are less congested, and depending on pricing system, cheaper. When it becomes necessary to expand the [roadways], income from user fees - not new taxes or more debt - can cover expansion costs," Giglio said.
Intellectual Property: Where does the line get drawn between professors and the colleges at which they teach?
BostonInnovation, Oct 12, 2011
You are an experienced professor, you spend long hours on your research or you speak about theories, life, and generalities, on the blog hosted by your University. What of what you published or said really “yours”? “We are independent agents within an organization,” says John Friar, professor of entrepreneurship in the College of Business Administration Northeastern University. Many draw the line at funding – was the research, theory, opinion begotten as a result of the employing University’s funding? While it seems to be slightly different at each establishment, it seems that professors need to double check where the line really does stand on their ‘own’ intellectual property.
Time to answer the call
ANA Magazine, Oct 10, 2011
Fareena Sultan, professor of Marketing at Boston's Northeastern University, is interviewed in this month's ANA Magazine. In it, Sultan comments on the ever increasing demand on mobile marketing. She cites "the sheer number of mobile phone users, the ever-increasing number of smartphones, and the development of more and more apps that allow brands to engage in marketing to consumers through the mobile platform," as to how mobile marketing is and will continue to carving out a huge part of advertising dollars. She also mentions that some companies have been slow to the start. "Oftentimes, marketing departments may not be that familiar with the nuances of mobile campaigns, and metrics for the mobile platform are still evolving." Sultan concludes by answering AMA's question of What are the keys to successful integration? by saying "Understand consumer behavior related to the mobile...Then you will be there too...".
5 go-anywhere funds that are going places
Fidelity, Oct 06, 2011
When you are looking for new investment funds, the key is in the word “flexible” or “go-anywhere”. Look for these words, and you may have much greater opportunity when you invest. But they are not the be-all-end-all. Harlan Platt, professor of finance at Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration warns that while, “They have the potential in certain years to provide substantial rewards,” says Harlan Platt, professor of finance at Northeastern University. “In other years they have the equal potential to provide investors with a sub-normal return.” You should work with your investment portfolio and manager to pick the right “go-anywhere” fund. Reminds Platt, “I would not want to give my money to a manager who has spent 20 years investing with just a single sector on a single continent,” he says. “I’d want someone who has demonstrated an ability to allocate.”
Beta and Better: A Biz School Goes Global – and Mobile
Campus Technology, Oct 05, 2011
CBA is now mobile optimized and it took a great step in continuing its mission to reach potential and current students wherever they may be. Using your mobile device, contact information, degree program offerings, and upcoming events are available on the go. Want to attend an MBA webinar? Check for the location while on the bus! This ease of information came with a great amount of time and effort that goes along with building a mobile optimized site. "There's nothing like building a website together to get to know people. The demands in terms of time, communication, creativity, and technology are significant," says Liz Johnson, executive director of strategic marketing for CBA. College of Business Administration became a beta customer of their development partner, with which it had a previous working relationship, in order to build the mobile site. "The beta relationship allowed both partners to test and push the boundaries of what was possible within this mobile site," said Johnson. "Our mobile site was created with a concise, cogent, and accessible outcome in mind. The information is condensed and specifically designed for a mobile audience. Both partners were conscious not to overpopulate the content. We were thoughtful about anything users would need 'on the go.'" As a result, students are more connected to CBA the way they need to be – quickly and effectively.
Survey Reveals Logistics Leaders More Optimistic About Long-Term Growth
Market Watch / Supply Chain Management Review, Oct 04, 2011
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Robert Lieb, Professor of Supply Chain Management in the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University, and his co-author recently released the 18th Annual Survey of Third-Party Logistics Providers. CEOs of third party logistic (3PL) companies in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America were surveyed, and give good news. In 2010 these 36 companies generated an estimated $58 billion in revenue, and with that 88 percent of North American 3PL businesses showed growth and exceeded profit expectations for the year. Lieb notes, "CEOs continue to grapple with industry dynamics such as stagnating economy, pricing pressures, rising costs and the impact of regulatory changes." He continues to say that the survey revealed “surprising” details. "We expected to see a disruption caused by the natural disaster in Japan last spring, but the industry proved to be remarkably resilient." In fact, Asian logistic industry projections are optimistic for the next year, surpassing its competitive markets. Lieb concludes that “We don’t see any signs that 3PLs and 4PLs will be merged into some kind of global ‘lead logistics supplier … they really do define two different business models.”
Professor Robert Lieb presents at Annual Meeting of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
Oct 02, 2011
Professor Bob Lieb deliveres presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals in Philadelphia In October, 2011. North American, European & Asia-Pacific Markets for 3PL Services: The 2011 3PL Provider CEO Perspective summarizes the findings of three related surveys of CEOs of the major third party logistics companies in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. These surveys are conducted on an annual basis, and this is the 18th iteration of the surveys. Please see the full presentation here. (PDF)
Can countries benefit from having their domestic firms acquired by foreign companies?
Forbes, Sept 28, 2011
Yes, suggests the research of Annique Un, professor International Business and Strategy at College of Business Administration of Boston’s Northeastern University. Un’s research focuses on Spanish manufacturing firms operated by foreign firms. She found that domestic companies being operated by foreign entities were more innovative and it was not because of the amount of monies spent on research and development. Foreign owned domestic brands seemed to output more creativity and innovation, but the reasons are still unclear. Still, the study suggests that the benefits are great for the original domestic business to be in the hands of an outsider.
10 Things Boomers Should Never Do With Their Money
Main Street, Sept 28, 2011
The economy usually fluctuates up and down. Unfortunately, it has mainly been nose-diving over the past few years. This is causing baby boomers to panic a bit, as they are a large population just on the cusp of retirement. And everyone is buying into the fear of not having enough money to get through the later years. However, with all down falls come good advice on what to do and what not to do. Harlan Platt, finance professor at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, advises on practical tactics that may not be obvious at first glance. He says that you should not lend to family or friends. Over history, this has proven to lose both money and ties. Other basic advice given to boomers is to think about retirement and saving for your child's college tuition separately and to spend, not give your money, to your kids as inheritance.
Seven ways to sharpen your brain for school
AOL Jobs, Sept 22, 2011
As an adult, going back to school can be daunting. One you get through the scheduling and financing, there may be that lingering question - 'What if I don't remember how to study?' Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Center director at Northeastern University, says to use the management skills you already have with organizing your life and add in studying. Plan for it in a "sooner rather than later" fashion, by scheduling specific times more than once a week, Sarikas suggests. Making studying part of your routine instead of trying to cram it in should help in the long run.
Northeastern Entrepreneurship Club ranks #6th Out of 20 Globally by FledgeWing.
FledgeWing, Sept 21, 2011
Northeastern Entrepreneurship Club ranks #6th Out of 20 Globally by FledgeWing.
Can I afford to quit my job?
Business Insider, Sept 21, 2011
Jamie Ladge, professor of management and organizational development at Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration, Boston, weighs in on those considering quitting their job. Family members, new opportunities, and other influences are causing people to resign even in this tough economy. While the biggest negative impact may be whether or not you can afford to leave your job, if you do make the decision you can be positively influenced by the fulfillment of making strides towards your career and lifestyle goals. Ladge’s research suggests that satisfaction is also a strong measure of success. She encourages those who do decide to quit for family reasons or to pursue new interests to “…maintain your skill set and keep something in that trajectory.” Just in case you want to go back to work, you will still have the knowledge and know-how to do so.
Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration Earns #9 Spot in Princeton Review’s Annual Entrepreneurship Rankings
The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine, Sept 20, 2011
College of Business Administration announced its Entrepreneurship and Innovation program was ranked #9 in the Top 50 Entrepreneurship programs nationally by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine. Of 2,000 schools surveyed, CBA secures a place among the Top 25 undergraduate entrepreneurship programs, up from #14 in 2010.
The Real Impact of Babies on Career Success
US News & World Report, Sept 19, 2011
People generally don’t “have it all’, but that doesn’t mean they can’t. Jamie Ladge, professor of management and organizational development at CBA, discusses her research on work-life balance and how success is being re-defined. Ladge suggests that timing is most important when trying to plan for career success and having a family. “The earlier you have your children, the more detrimental they are to your career, because you’re interrupting your career or cutting back your hours during that critical period of time, when you’re building up your network base and human capital.” If pay is your main concern, you are set on a linear track, Ladge suggests. However, if pay is not your main concern, “the protean career model suggests there are multiple ways to be successful.” Ladge urges people to think of career success as about ‘self-fulfillment’ and ‘self-actualization.’ She says if you do take a break from your career path to focus on family, to not forget about your long-term goals and to keep in touch with your field. “Try to keep your foot in the door, even if just a little bit,” Ladge advises.
Why Happy Employees Equal Happy Investors
Smart Money, Sept 14, 2011
When the economy tanks, you would think the first to suffer are employees of publicly traded companies. Not so, says research produced by Olubunmi Faleye and Emery Trahan, professors of finance and insurance at Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration. The study, published in 2010s Journal of Business Ethics, shows that the money companies spend on their employees are well invested. The happier employees are, the more valuable they become, as they are more likely to be loyal and harder working for the company that provides for them. This in turn creates more productivity and makes investors happy too. This has caused more and more people to focus on how they pick investments based on worker satisfaction, even before sales growth. Happiness seems to foster growth anyway.
No promotion yet? Maybe you’re not the boss’s favorite
Today Money, Sept 12, 2011
It’s true, favoritism is a big part of what factors into employee promotions. But it’s not about being a gopher and at the beck and call of your employer. “It’s hard to imagine a boss who wouldn’t recognize someone ‘sucking up’, “said Lynne Sarikas, director of Career Services in the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University. Sarikas continues, “Most managers would be turned off by such behavior and it would negatively impact their impression of that employee.” Being the boss’s favorite implies that you are hard-working and reliable, and your boss knows you are going to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and accurately. Becoming indispensible makes you the favorite. Forget the latte.
On Corp Tax Reform, Small Business Wants In
Forbes, Sept 12, 2011
What is good for big business needs to be good for small business too in order to make tax reform work. This is what many are saying, including Harlan Platt, finance professor of College of Business Administration at Boston’s Northeastern University. “You’re not going to get Google or American Airlines to go hire another 400,000 people next year, but small businesses can do that,” says Harlan Platt, professor of finance at Northeastern University. “There’s one rule with tax reform, the changes have to be permanent otherwise why spend money from the savings now if you know that is going to disappear next year. Telling small businesses that if you hire one worker, you get a tax break, or if you sell your business in 10 years you don’t have to pay capital gains taxes.” To not include small businesses in the benefit of this tax break may mean the continued loss of small business.
Welcome to the autumn fare hike
The Economist, Sept 11, 2011
Airlines continue to implement fare hikes to their tickets. Even economically friendly lines like Southwest are adding dollars to their more exclusive tickets. However, you may not notice. Harlan Platt, professor of finance at Northeastern University in Boston, explains, “These [increases] are not substantial and will probably be ignored by most customers. It’s very similar to the local grocery store raising the price on a can of soup from $2.29 to $2.39. Most consumers won’t even see it.” While the increase may be insignificant to the average traveler, it actually may be a testament to demand increase. And this bodes well for airlines trying to stay on solid ground as the economy affects their business too.
Post 9/11 travel: What airport security costs us
CNN Money, Sept 08, 2011
In the aftermath of 9/11, one thing has been clear to consumers – airline travel will never again be what it was. You now have to spend more time at the airport with fewer and more expensive amenities. You can’t bring in your own water and you have to search for your family because they are not allowed to greet you at the gate. You arrive two hours ahead of time, when you could have spent another hour on the beach or with a loved one. And for a shorter vacation, and more tarmac time, patrons are paying more. “To charge someone $25 to check a bag, but then to take away the seven-cent bag of peanuts is just not consumer friendly, says Harlan Platt, airline expert and finance professor at College of Business Administration Northeastern University. Taxes and fees equaling $10 billion have added up from both individual passengers and taxpayers. While airlines are more secure than ever, less people are choosing to fly. Both airlines and consumers seem to be losing.
This is why you didn't get the job!
Career Diva.net, Sept 08, 2011
It’s a tough economy, yes. But you may be your own worst enemy when it comes to getting hired for a job. Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center at Boston’s Northeastern University, points out that the errors are easy to spot, and usually get you eliminated on the spot. Hark back to high school when you first created a resume and heard of a cover letter. Being to quick may get you in trouble here – Sarikas mentioned basics like paying attention to detail, not checking for typos, and attaching the wrong cover letter to the wrong job email may not seem like major mistakes, but are glaring when it comes to the stack of resumes she received for one position. She posits, ‘If you can’t follow the directions in the hiring process what makes an employer believe you will be able to follow directions on the job?’ Sarikas’s frustration led to her writing this op-ed to help out those still looking for a job.
Public transportation funding flawed from the start
Patriot Ledger, Sept 06, 2011
Joseph Giglio, professor at College of Business Administration, takes the time to find the root of the problem in transportation financing in this op-ed. President Eisenhower appointed General Lucius Clay to sort out what would be the best way to finance construction of the Interstate Highway System. Clay reported that issuing federal bonds to fund the highway initially, and then tolling the roads to repay these funds and further reserves for long-term maintenance. Congress took this strategy and did something completely different. As described by Giglio, the result was: 1.) No federal bonds or tolls for the Interstate Highway System; 2.) Pay-as-you-build funding for highways out of federal appropriations; 3.) A federal motor-vehicle fuel tax that was claimed to be adequate for long-term maintenance (assuming that inflation remained near zero and the population didn’t really grow). As a result, Congress didn’t factor a long-term strategy, with operations, repairs, and growth involved, and it has been snowballing since the mid-1950s. Giglio suggests that the government should now try to repair these actions by tolling the most congested areas of interstate highways and a reasonable increase in the federal fuel tax to offset costs. Giglio calls for reform, so that it may be possible to recover and strengthen national transportation rather than continue to weaken it.
Desperately seeking a job, with cookies if necessary
MSNBC, Aug 23, 2011
Unemployment is causing some potential candidates to take desperate measures to get hired. To make a successful impression on your potential employer, however, these acts of distinction should not look desperate. It is one thing to be creative and another to look gimmicky. Lynne Sarikas, executive director of the MBA Career Service Center at Northeastern University in Boston, recounted an alumnus on the job search who would go to the company he was interested in and introduce himself to a new person every day. He would then wait the remainder of the day hoping someone would be interested in meeting him. The person did this for two weeks. “Networking is critical, but stalking is never acceptable,” cautions Sarikas. There are ways to stand out by making positive professional gestures. Job seekers may take cues from the company’s culture as to where their ideas for standing out may cross the line and be careful to avoid doing so.
Tips for getting the growth you want
Inc., Aug 22, 2011
Companies are always growing, from the very beginning and continuing throughout the process of being in business. But how fast should your company grow? Do you feel like your company needs a boost now? One way you may develop your business further is to expand. Marc Meyer, professor in entrepreneurship at the College of Business Administration, says that communication is one of the biggest issues for small businesses wanting to export. Businesses that are interested in expanding to international emerging markets are having increased difficulty. Such as China, Meyer says, “These countries are fundamentally different from Western Europe and you need to go there and do your homework, learning the local selling culture, how your product will be sold and merchandised.” The global markets are important to consider for those wanting to expand. Other ways to bolster the growth of your company are to create and grow good customer service and value so that your customers promote your product for you; learn and participate in social media; and be innovative with your merchandise.
Should CFO's get on-Board?
CIO, Aug 22, 2011
Due to Sarbox guidelines, many CFOs are not serving on the board of their company. Seen as hindering board independence, Sarbox promotes this notion as not being a good thing for the business. However, according to research by Udi Hoitash, professor of Accounting in College of Business at Northeastern University, having your CEO ‘on-board’ may be a very positive decision on behalf of the board members. Hoitash’s research suggests that those companies that put their own CFO on the board were at a benefit. As described under Sarbox Sections 302 and 304, these businesses were less likely to account for internal control weaknesses. Hoitash and his fellow researchers say: “it is important to examine variation in the CFO’s place in the corporate structure, and how that variation relates to the quality of the financial reporting function (the CFO’s area of authority).” While more insiders on the board, including the COO, is not necessarily a benefit, having the CFO on the board can lead to greater financial responsibility and value.
Is Google Getting Too Big To Succeed?
Forbes, Aug 21, 2011
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Google launched Google+ and received a great response. Less than a month later, Google announces its merger with Motorola Mobility. And then questions start sprouting up – Is this too much? Harlan Platt, finance professor at Northeastern University’s College of Business in Boston, compares Google to other businesses of caliber – “Examples of companies that have gotten too large are General Motors, Cisco, and Microsoft.” The S&P seems to agree that Google may be trying to take on star power at too quickly of a rate. They downgraded Google twice in each of July and August 2011. Platt cautions, “There are very few cases where a company does better when it gets larger.”
Starting out at 50
Herald Net, Aug 17, 2011
You may think that the age of 50 is not a great time to start over or start out as an entrepreneur. You are in luck! According to expert reports, it may be the best time. While many think starting a new business is for the younger set, 50 year olds are twice as likely to start a new business than 25 year olds, reports the Kauffman Foundation. While most people will start a new business based on their prior skills, John Friar, CBA’s professor of entrepreneurship at Northeastern University in Boston, says “It is also possible to develop new skills if you want to go in a new direction.” Friar also stresses the importance of finding mentors, even at 50, to learn and gain experience in your new business.
A Massive Cut in NOCs Spending Seems Unlikely
Oil & Gas Monitor, Aug 17, 2011
In this op-ed, Jeffery Born, professor of finance at the College of Business Administration Northeastern University, explores the thought that National Oil Companies’ (NOCs) spending will decline based on global economic woes. Likely, it will not, says Born. He cites three reasons that this is not expected to be the outcome. The first is that the demand for oil and growth in economy is increasing in BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) to the point where they are catching up so that income is becoming comparable between them and countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Born then cites NOCs as having to answer to government agencies rather than public share-holders. While the pressure is still great, the advantage is that these constituents are largely continuing to demand oil, rather than seeing a need to cut back or look for alternative resources. And finally, Born says that as the BRIC countries grow and strengthen economically, it does not seem like they will slow down, and the oil will have to continue to meet those demands. While it is possible that NOCs may slow down a bit and ‘change their financing mix’ most are on stable footing and will continue to bolster their plans concerning energy expansion.
Putting the promise in compromise
Houston Chronicle, Aug 15, 2011
You can and probably should start early when teaching the art of compromise. While most adults do not seem to know the basics, given almost every battle in Congress seems to continue on until someone gives up, rather than gives in, it is possible to learn this most useful art. Ed Wertheim, expert in negotiation and mediation at Northeastern University in Boston, says, “Strangely, I find that often children may be better negotiators than adults are. Often if you tell kids ‘no’ on something, they’ll instinctively try to throw some other things into the pot.” Wertheim encourages people to look at the benefits that each side can offer and bring to the table. In grown up terms, he provides this example: “The key [in the peace negotiations between Israel and Egypt 1978-79], was [President Jimmy Carter] got at underlying interests. And it wasn’t that Israel needed the land – Sinai. They wanted security and Egypt wanted their land back.” By realizing how both parties could give something and get something with compromise, they formed a demilitarized zone.
Taking a Risk
Worcester Telegram, Aug 14, 2011
Massachusetts seems to be ahead of the curve as they indicate a lower rate of joblessness compared to the nation. However, there is a caveat to these numbers pointed out by John Friar, professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University. “Though the jobless rate in Massachusetts is lower…than the national rate…We’ve also, in the last 20 years, done worse in creating jobs,” Friar says. Entrepreneurs are not being cultivated well by the Commonwealth when it comes to incentives for opening new business in the state and sustaining job growth. Start-ups are looking for incentives from the state in terms of lower tax rates and regulations tailored for small businesses. In the meantime, they are hiring less people and utilizing less space. “They make more money and have fewer headaches without employees,” says Friar. In order to sustain their achievement of keeping people employed, Massachusetts may need to take a strategic look at how they can benefit from helping startups succeed and grow.
After plunge, Massachusetts takes stock
Boston.com, Aug 09, 2011
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The most recent plunge in the stock market has caused the state of Massachusetts to take another look at their economic status. Individuals are again scared of what might be happening to their finances and are again conservative in purchases and investments. Harlan Platt, finance professor at the College of Business Administration Northeastern University, comments that the travel and tourism industry will be hit again by conservative individual and business travelers. “If the stock market travails continue, say, through this month, then you’ll see people responding strongly on reducing business travel to save the third quarter,’’ he says. Restaurants, merchants, and the travel and tourism industry are all concerned that the latest plunge will cause their industries to slow even further.
The 10 toughest job interview questions answered
Forbes, Aug 05, 2011
As jobs are getting harder and harder to find, job interview questions are getting more creative and difficult to answer. Employers are looking for not only the answer to the question, but how you handle answering the hard question. One of the toughest is how you handled a team project on which not everyone could agree. Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center at Northeastern University, says that this is a method potential employers may use to gauge your tact and ability to maneuver situations “by understanding how you behaved in the past and what you’ve learned.” She goes on to say that your concise answer should include how you took action to come to an agreement and the outcome. Other tough questions asked of candidates may be to describe systems in laymen’s terms, supervisor conflict, and new solutions to old problems. Your ability to navigate these questions logically and creatively may give you extra points on your interview.
Mass. Start-up creation slows
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Aug 04, 2011
John Friar, executive professor of entrepreneurship at the College of Business Administration, recently released report findings that job creation is dependant on start-up companies. “Over the last 20 years, young firms have been the engines for economic recovery in Massachusetts. The fact that fewer young firms have been founded and those that have started tend to be smaller could slow recovery from the most recent recession.” The Pioneer Institute report found that existing start-ups in Massachusetts are hiring less people and the development of new start-up businesses are declining.
Start-up firms played key role in Massachusetts’ previous economic recoveries
The Patriot Ledger, Aug 04, 2011
The Pioneer Institute recently released report findings on how much Massachusetts relies on start-ups to recover from a recession. John Friar, executive professor of entrepreneurship at the College of Business Administration of Boston’s Northeastern University, found that in both the economic plunges of the early 1990s and 2000s, it was start-ups that spurred the Commonwealth’s economic growth. While older companies tend to play it safe and decrease hiring rates during a recession, ‘young firms’, those operating for three years or less, tend to be more proactive in employment. Still, after the most recent downturn, even start-ups are lacking in creating more jobs to fuel the economy. Friar suggests that a new approach to state policies that attract and aid the creation of start-ups could pick up the economy once again in Massachusetts.
How to get a good deal on a car lease
Daily Finance, Aug 03, 2011
Do you need a new car? It’s likely that you are weighing the possibilities of leasing rather than buying. With the economy’s recent downturn, buying a car may not seem like the good investment it once was. Leasing payments may be cheaper and a lesser risk than taking on a significant loan. However, make sure the money you do invest in a lease makes sense for you. “Owning and holding a car for 10-plus years is the best strategy, though leasing is probably as good as owning if you use a three-year lease,” says Harlan Platt, College of Business Administration professor of finance at Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
The impact of healthcare reform legislation on the compensation received by hospital execs
Live Insurance News, July 29, 2011
Healthcare reform legislation under the Obama Administration may affect compensation for hospital executives in both non-profit and for-profit institutions. Director Gary Young of the Center for Health Policy and Healthcare Research at Boston’s Northeastern University explains what changes hospitals may see. Every three years, the IRS will conduct a community health needs assessment on tax-exempt hospitals. This may eventually lead to a closer look at top-level salaries if hospitals wish to retain this tax status. Young says that these regulations are going to take a closer look at salaries and “whether they can be justified based on what is necessary to hire someone to do the job the hospital needs that individual to do.” Using the ‘accountable care’ model and becoming an Accountable Care Organization may cause an increase or decrease in executive salaries. This model may change patient volumes and leadership structures which may create greater responsibility for a hospital, therefore increasing salaries, or may lower compensation as institutions lower their capacity as people are offered incentives to stay out of hospitals.
2020 Vision: What debt debate might look like in hindsight
Patriot Ledger, July 28, 2011
Professor Joseph Giglio, of Boston’s College of Business Administration Northeastern University, takes a look back at the debt crisis with ‘2020 vision.’ He projects that in the year 2020, the nation will look back on the building U.S. economy crisis of 2000, and realize how things may have become so bad. In this retrospect, the debt ceiling was not raised, as Congress continued to argue over what specific funding would be cut. This led to a dramatic distrust of U.S. citizens toward government. The nation was not able to borrow, and the general economy failed to the point where states began to fraction off and create their own government. Recognized by the UN as “Independent Sovereign Political Entities,” and disallowing the U.S. government to collect taxes, these self-governed states were then able to do business freely around the world without jurisdiction from Washington. Giglio hypothesizes that if the federal government had invested more time, energy, and money into growing the economy with a few strategic projects that would benefit the entire nation. Instead, Giglio laments the government for trying to give a little money to everyone, and not having enough to invest in a growth market.
Another way to fund roadways?
The Milford Daily News, July 25, 2011
Joseph Giglio, CBA’s professor of strategic management, looks at funding roadways based on usage in a recent op-ed. He suggests that metropolitan areas pay more, because this population there uses the roads more via people and product movement. Giglio suggests instituting Regional Mobility Corporations (RMCs) in a public-private partnership to facilitate toll collecting based on mileage, charging those who most use roadways, instead of the taxpayer. This would require a thorough strategic plan on behalf of the RMC to create a strong partnership with the local and federal government. With it in place transportation volume could be alleviated and streamlined in the most congested areas of America’s cities.
The High Price of America’s Gambling Addiction
Daily Finance, July 22, 2011
There has been a steady rise on the number of people participating in gambling since the start of the recent recession. The government in many states has been pushing for its expansion, as it is a great source of revenue. But what is good for the government is not necessarily good for the people. Harlan Platt, CBA professor of finance, says that the uptick of an underclass that regularly loses money to a large business is inevitable when a town fosters gambling. This push for a new revenue stream can cause a ricochet into the town population that is more likely detrimental to the financial and class economy than the government plans.
U. of C. professor argues privatization of assets just like borrowing money
Chicago Tribune, July 22, 2011
A professor at University of Chicago suggests that borrowing money is the same as privatization of public assets. However, Professor Joseph Giglio of the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University disagrees. Giglio says that debt and privatization deals are an incongruous comparison, as cities do not incur additional liability when they lease public assets to private contractors. Giglio does agree that if a municipality where to use privatization for short term gains that this would be a risky way of doing business. Some state governments fail to show to the public that while privatization of public assets may be a good way to do some long term business, that it is not a solution for balancing budgets.
Why Employees Are Less Engaged Than Ever
MSN Business, July 19, 2011
Hiring is a priority as the Nation tries to rebuild the economy. However, many businesses are finding that it is becoming harder to retain those employees they already have. The reason seems to be that the rate of employee engagement is in sharp decline. Lynne Sarikas, MBA career center director at Northeastern University, suggests that engagement is a two pronged approach: “How the individual feels engaged with their specific job, and how the individual feels engaged with the company.” Recommendations to businesses looking to improve employee engagement include providing valuable work, insight into the long term goals of the business, and an empowering and communicative environment.
What’s Behind the State’s ‘Big Shrink’
Business West, July 19, 2011
The current recession has affected everyone across the country; however, Massachusetts is behind all other states when it comes to job creation. Professor John Friar explains in a recent op-ed that in the Commonwealth businesses are ‘shrinking’, hiring less staff and losing large establishments. While small businesses are important, Friar says, they may not help to grow the economy. He suggests that instead of looking to bigger businesses to grow jobs, that the State focuses on creating more business in general. Massachusetts may achieve job growth by taking another look at taxes and current regulations to create a new strategic approach.
Collision Course
The Daily, July 16, 2011
As the country speeds toward August 2 and the debt ceiling negotiations deadline, the Obama administration is reported to be looking at alternatives in case a deal is not met. The country’s assets including gold, transportation, and government buildings all hold possibilities of being sold to stave off time until an agreement can be made. CBA’s Professor Joseph Giglio suggests that this might be a signal that something is really wrong. “Everybody knows that you’re getting divorced, so you have to sell this quickly.”
Thinking about exporting overseas?
Inc. Magazine, July 15, 2011
Small businesses are increasingly interested, despite the risks, in exporting their goods overseas. It is complicated and there are many challenges to overcome for a business with limited resources. Professor of Entrepreneurship at the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University Marc Meyer says that branding and marketing communication is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. “These countries are fundamentally different from Western Europe and you need to go there and do your homework, learning the local selling culture, know your product will be sold and merchandised,” says Meyer of businesses looking to export to emerging markets.
New research on web work and workaholism under way
CNN Money, July 15, 2011
Do you work from home? Do you feel like you are always at work? Jay Mulki, professor at College of Business Administration Northeastern University, has given a preview of research findings that those who telecommute might be more likely to become workaholics. It may be harder to stop working when at home and might be affecting your ability to separate work from your non-work life. Mulki says that managers are starting to realize the toll and help their employees. “Smart managers are directing their people to have the discipline to start and stop work at specific times.” Still, Mulki says,“…some teleworkers feel obligated to work more hours.”
7 tips for negotiating a better salary
Schools.com, July 13, 2011
Despite best efforts, the salary gap is still prevalent. Race and gender can still be attributed to people making significantly less than their male Caucasian counterparts. With this in mind, there are still advances in your career that can be made with a little extra guidance. If you are planning on negotiating salary for a new job or a raise, experts have tips that may help you succeed. Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center in the College of Business Administration, advises, “Women need to be more assertive…Negotiating has to be a win-win, you need to feel good about it and the company needs to feel good about hiring you...” Other tips include doing homework on those who have succeeded in your role, buckling down and turning out better work, and showing how your achievements in work have improved the company's overall results.
Technology may soon change meaning of ‘drive time’
Patriot Ledger, July 10, 2011
Professor Joseph Giglio, of Boston’s Northeastern University College of Business Administration, explains the logistical issues when everyone gets free access to highways. He asks us to consider a type of ‘pay for usage’ system, that advocates charging motorists for length of time travelled and varying rates for on and off peak times. This could be achieved, Giglio says, by developing technology that transmits each car’s variable types of usage, and automatically pay the appropriate cost. These measures should allow for highway costs to be paid for fairly by those who use them.
Is Sucking Up Good for Your Health?
Human Resources Executive, July 07, 2011
A recent study in China says that kissing up to your boss reduces employee stress. Those who do not play the political agenda of your boss often know there are problems to challenge, but may not have the confidence to take action. If this is a prevalent system, human resources should be recognizing the pattern. “… if you have bosses who require their employees to ‘suck up’ to get ahead, the company clearly has the wrong people in leadership positions and needs to make changes as soon as possible,” says Lynne Sarikas, executive director of the MBA Career Center at Boston’s Northeastern University. If you’re in this situation, you may want to rethink your company’s structure.
Brady bond-style solution isn’t a Greek guarantee
TD Ameritrade, June 29, 2011
The “Brady” bonds program worked for Latin America in the 1980s. The French bank is hoping it will work for Greece now. They will create 30-year bonds by reinvesting the Greek debt earnings of private creditors. College of Business Administration's Professor Jeffery Born reminds that these bonds worked in the past. “Because these [sic] bonds were backed essentially by U.S. Treasury securities, they were viewed as very low risk and an active market was ultimately created in these Brady bonds,” he said. However, the new plan leaves out many key elements of the original Brady bond successes, and many experts think that this will protect France’s investments, but ultimately will not aid Greece.
Our transit system is obsolete and fixing it requires a bold vision
The Patriot Ledger, June 21, 2011
Joseph Giglio, professor of international business and strategy, asks government and private enterprise to start looking at transportation as a viable way to create jobs, ensure business efficiency, and ultimately raise the US out of debt. Instead of dealing with what we have, Giglio stresses the need to rebuild and invest dollars into new transportation models and systems. As our economy depends on goods and services and manpower to be streamlined in order to deliver, we depend on our transportation to deliver each of these things. As transit modes decline, grow out of date, and slow down, so does progress.
Interview Tips for Lateral Associates
The Careerist, June 20, 2011
Looking to make a lateral career move as an associate in the legal field? Even though you may know your position inside and out and you may simply want to switch businesses, not positions, you still need to be on your toes when interviewing! Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center at CBA, reminds you to pay attention to walking the line when describing your office personality. You want to find a balance between modest and over-confidence. You would rather tell your potential employer that your current colleagues describe you as a go-getter, mentor, and detail oriented, than “the only employee who did things right’, Lynne cautions. You should keep this line in mind when answering all questions including your personal life, reasons for leaving your current job, and strengths and weaknesses.
Transportation Test
MetroWest Daily, June 16, 2011
In a recent op-ed Joseph Giglio, professor of international business and strategy at Northeastern’s College of Business Administration, urged the nation to look at transportation as a strategy and not something that will be fixed by money alone. He suggests that implementation of technology will create a more streamlined process and provide more value to the customer. Giglio would like to see national transportation succeed through aggressive and creative changes, such as looking for alternative revenue streams. Giglio recommends that the nation look at the whole process and forget the notion that relying on increased taxes and earmarks will fix the ‘transportation condition.’ Like all conditions, we need to understand how it works, and treat in a timely and accurate way, so that it does not fester and become worse.
Business Schools Use Software, Online Groups To Combat Plagiarism in Admissions
Campus Technology, June 15, 2011
The essay portion of a college application was probably the most time consuming and arduous task you had to perform when applying to schools. The College of Business Administration at Northeastern University is implementing software to deter students from plagiarizing these essays. “With the growing call for ethics in business (and business schools), we are looking forward to increasing honesty and integrity of the business school application process…,” says CBA’s Graduate Recruitment and School Admissions Director Evelyn Tate. The tool, called Turnitin for Admissions will cross check applicant essays across a variety of materials, including online archives, prior submissions, and copyrighted documents.
J.C. Penney investors cheer for Apple retail head as new CEO
USA Today, June 14, 2011
When Ron Johnson was recently named head of J.C. Penney, shares rose by 17.5%. Normally the announcement of a CEO poses no change in shares, and when it does, there is usually less than a 3% fluctuation, says Northeastern University Finance Professor Karthik Krishnan. Johnson is widely recognized for revamping Target and most recently Apple, and J.C. Penny shareholders are anxiously awaiting a change in the overall brand and in-store services.
Fuming over bag fees
NECN, June 14, 2011
Additional bag fees and fare hikes on airline amenities are upsetting consumers. Passengers would rather have the price of the additional bag included in the cost of the ticket, rather than tacked on later and sometimes unexpectedly. “The bottom line is, airlines are doing this because they can get away with doing it”, says finance professor Harlan Platt. And while many think it’s a dishonest way to do business, it seems to be the growing trend in the airline industry. Delta, American Airlines, United and Continental are among the top airlines profiting from the fees, grossing upwards of $500 million dollars each from bag fees.
'Universal toll roads' best use
June 12, 2011
‘Universal toll roads,’ a concept which charges per miles traveled on a highway, should create a boon in revenue. Right now, the plan is to reinvest it back into highways only. Professor Joseph Giglio recommends that we embrace a cross promotion of these funds among all transportation types. He suggests incorporating transportation revenue to include not only highway management, but also rail and toll-free feeder roads. This sharing of funds will allow for the financing of an overall plan that will give a broader view to how traffic is controlled. If all of the logistics are looked at from a financial point of view, then we can expect less daily congestion and more efficient product delivery. If we look at the strategy from the perspective that all modes of transit work together, and pair that same concept with financial efficiency, than it is clear that the money made from universal toll roads should not be put right back into the ground.
Northeastern University and TSiBA Education join forces in entrepreneurship
TSiBA Education blog, June 09, 2011
Dennis Shaughnessy, executive professor and academic director of the Social Enterprise Institute at Northeastern University, was recently mentioned in the TSiBA Education's blog regarding the upcoming 4th annual TSiBA / Northeastern Field Study Programme in Cape Town. Peter Kraan of TSiBA recently visited Northeastern, and comments, “I was very pleased to learn that the TSiBA Field Study programme has become one of the most popular field study programmes at Northeastern…” Thirty-six students involved in Entrepreneurship and Innovation studies will join with 52 TSiBA students to work on entrepreneurial projects in Cape Town.
US needs budget clarity
Worcester Telegram, June 07, 2011
The United States has reached its legal debt limit, and will not be able to borrow any additional money if a raise in the debt ceiling is voted down by Congress. Joseph Giglio, International Business and Strategy professor, recently wrote into the Worcester Telegram, suggesting that a strategic overhaul is necessary. He urges the Federal Government to start looking at state and local government fiscal processes where operating and capital costs are separated into separate budgets. Giglio says that this allows them to have a different strategy for each of paying annual expenses with recurring tax revenues, and financing investment strategies. The Federal government combines these two areas, which creates a cumbersome process for evaluating expenses. Giglio says that when developing a plan for capital investment, it is not just the main investment that costs money. Operating and maintenance budgets need to be thought out for the long term as well.
Reigniting Massachusetts jobs-creation engine requires a systematic fine tuning
Boston Business Journal, June 06, 2011
CBA’s Professor of Entrepreneurship John Friar recently wrote into the Boston Business Journal regarding the lack of job creation in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth is in last place in terms of job growth compared to the rest of the country, and it is showing. This is due in part to the fact that the job growth we do see is in small business ventures. These establishments are often operated by self-employed owners, or by minimal staff. Larger industries are not taking root in Massachusetts, or are leaving all together. Friar suggests that everything from reevaluating costs for taxes, unemployment insurance charges, and the legal and regulatory environments, will all play a part in attracting businesses to Massachusetts and make it beneficial to both the industry and the State in order to obtain much needed job growth.
What everyone ought to know about Roth IRAs
Daily Finance, June 02, 2011
Traditional IRA or Roth IRA? Many people still find it difficult to differentiate between the two, and how each can work best to one’s retirement needs. Roth IRAs have many benefits that are unclearly explained, so that people overlook them when planning for their future. Tax free distributions, age benefits, and no RMDs are just a few benefits you can look forward to with a well-planned Roth. However, it can also be easy to look over the limitations for a Roth. For instance, even if you have a Roth IRA in place, if you earn too much income during the fiscal year, you cannot contribute. Professor Timothy Gagnon of CBA warns, “So if you exceed the income limitation at year end (unexpectedly), and have contributed to the Roth, you must get the contribution out, or pay a penalty of 6%.” Do your homework and get the best option for you, but make sure you take a look at a Roth.
Airline Fees Soar
American Public Media, May 31, 2011
We are paying more at the pump, and we are paying more to get away from it all. Airline fees seem to be soaring across carriers, and it is frustrating for consumers. CBA’s Finance Professor Harlan Platt comments that where things used to be complimentary, they are now being tacked on to the bill. However, some airlines are trying to remedy that by offering supplemental services that align directly with the fees you are paying. “That’s great for all parties concerned – the airlines are getting some money and you have this extra information.” Airlines hope that by adding value to their fee based services, that they can gain both your loyalty and a little extra revenue to make up for lost profits due to the rising cost of fuel and the recession.
US airlines lost one in every four jobs in the past decade
Dallas News, May 29, 2011
Between 2000 and 2010, domestic airline employment dropped by 25%, which affected positions from pilots to maintenance workers.The data released from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics compares operations of regional, low-cost, and network carriers. Harlan Platt, finance professor at CBA, says that to measure the influence, it is not accurate to compare the three types of airline carriers. “The transference of flights and climate from network carriers to low-cost or regionals is not direct,” he says. “By that, I mean the job loss at network carriers is far greater than the job gain at the other two.” In the 10 year period, low cost services saw as little as a 7% increase in workforce, whereas regional airlines saw major growth in their employment, some increasing up to 50%.
‘Speed bumps' clutter copper’s trading landscape
MarketWatch, May 27, 2011
CBA’s Jeffery Born recently commented on copper’s influence on the global market. Copper has recently dropped from price which can be seen as a benefit to market consumers as it becomes more accessible. However, that it has fluctuated so much from a record price topper in June to an 11% drop, has put the spotlight on emerging economies. “The more speed bumps that the developed economies of the world encounter on the road to recovery/growth, the more these bullish assumptions come into doubt” that a “robust economic growth would return,” said Born. The ‘speed bumps’ described encompass natural disasters, bank and federal debt, and unemployment. As the price of copper continues to be the barometer for global markets more stability is sought among investors, regardless of the record prices.
Ace Your Phone Interview: 21 Quick & Simple Tips
CBS Money Watch, May 25, 2011
Consider a phone interview your first shot at making a good impression. Even though your potential employer can’t see you, you still need to make a great impression. Lynne Sarikas, Executive Director of the MBA Career Center, reminds you to ‘stay focused’, saying, “Without visual contact, it can be hard to stay engaged … Tell yourself this is the best use of your next hour and give it your 100 percent attention.” This and others are essential tips to come across the wires as put together and confident as you would in person.
For Retirees, a Real-Estate Nightmare Looms
Smart Money, May 23, 2011
Home values have plummeted over the last five years, and many retirees have seen their ‘nest’ go with it. So many were and still are relying on equity to fulfill their needs, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to do the job. Many wonder what to do, and Nicholas Paleveda of CBA’s graduate tax program simplifies that “it depends on the individual situation.” The right solution for you to adjust to a new retirement strategy may or may not be in how you handle your current home. “If you have plenty of assets for retirement, there may be no reason to downsize. If you do not have sufficient assets for retirement, then selling your home to live in a smaller home may be appropriate,” says Paleveda.
Traveling abroad: How to keep employees safe
Benefits Pro, May 19, 2011
Business travel is becoming more and more perilous, and it’s not as a result of a lost suitcase. Employees are looking twice at travel demands, as they are less sure that their company is going to protect their safety while abroad. However, in many ways good business depends on a good in-person meeting. Therefore businesses are putting strategies in place to better safeguard their employees when travelling. Part of this protection comes with teaching culturalisms so that a staff person does not unwittingly put themselves in danger. “[Employees] don’t want to be insulting,” says Lynne Sarikas, executive director of the MBA Career Center. As customs and vary widely from country to country, businesses are implementing better communication, cultural, and logistic strategies to keep their employees safe as they travel.
Deregulating Airports: Some Say the Time Has Arrived
CNBC, May 18, 2011
The airport industry is asking to enter the free market. All except one United States airports are run by local and state governments and this is causing industry makers and business experts to look at the actual profitability of the market. Harlan Platt, finance professor of CBA, posits, “I think the advantage of deregulation is allowing airports to utilize their own infrastructure for renovation.” The airport does not enjoy the same luxury as airlines, which were deregulated in 1978. The regulations imposed by the current set-up do not seem to be efficient when running this possibly lucrative business.
How is the transition to electric cars going?
USA Today, May 18, 2011
You love the idea of an electric car – you are energy efficient, you have reduced your carbon footprint, and you love your car. But you haven’t bought one. You bought a new sedan instead. Why? Marketing Professor Rosanna Garcia says that “despite the fact that most people don’t really drive more than 40 miles a day” that “range anxiety” is the main fear of potential consumers. For many people trying to make the transition from gas to electric, the one thing stopping you is the fear of getting stuck without a charging station. However, as people slowly take on the electric car, just like the gas station, electric car chargers will start popping up everywhere.
Biggest Tip for Effective Networking?
Michelle Villalobos, May 10, 2011
When it comes to networking, it’s not all cocktails and business cards. It’s a work in progress that requires some finesse even for the veterans. There are many tips, tricks and etiquette to networking effectively. For instance, Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, reminds us that ‘networking is not asking for a job’. She continues her strategic advice by suggesting that you “leverage your alumni database to make additional contacts. Your network should expand exponentially.” Networking is hard work, and one should continually hone their skills and methods to create the best possible web of contacts.
Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration ranked #38 overall in the Best Undergraduate Business Schools
Bloomberg Businessweek, May 09, 2011
Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration ranked #38 overall in the Best Undergraduate Business Schools in 2011 by Bloomberg Businessweek.
Torch scholars deliver on NU's hope in them
Boston Globe, May 06, 2011
Torch Scholar Odalis Polanco graduated on Friday with a bachelor’s degree in international business. And while hundreds of students graduated the same day, Polanco’s story is a bit extra-ordinary. He migrated to the US from the Dominican Republic in 2001, spoke very little English, and supported his family from a young age. Polanco made it a personal challenge to attend college, and with his determination, received a coveted Torch Scholarship. The Torch program chooses 11 students out of 500 applicants each year, and not only provides financial assistance, but also one-on-one attention from program administrators and mentors. All this has guided Polanco though his journey at CBA and enabled him to beat academic and personal odds in order to receive his diploma.
Cheers for 401(k) Tiers
Treasury & Risk, May 03, 2011
Tiered investment strategies should help every type of investor make better 401(k) choices. Nicole Boyson, professor in finance at CBA, says: “It’s a step forward in that they’re designed to help people organize the way they think about investments.” Each plan provider will break down their fund types into areas that allow the investor to have a better idea of what works for their income, age, and risk. “If you consider yourself a sophisticated investor … the fourth tier is a solid option because of the brokerage element. If you don’t have a degree in finance, there are other choices more suited to your expertise.”
Sheila Puffer named University Professor
news@Northeastern, Apr 22, 2011
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Professor Sheila Puffer has been awarded the title of University Professor, the highest honor Northeastern can impart upon a faculty member. University Professor and Cherry Family Senior Fellow of International Business, Puffer is a notable expert in the organizational and economic life in Russia and the former Soviet Union. She is ranked internationally as a leading business scholar.
Proposed rule requiring 20 percent down on a house draws opposition
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Apr 21, 2011
The federal government is proposing that all home buyers put down a mandatory 20% in an effort to ward off easy credit from conventional mortgage lenders. Finance Professor Harlan Platt believes that this will negatively impact the housing market and may cause greater problems. The suggested model, used successfully in Canada, does not take into account that “… homeownership percentagewise in Canada is far below what it is in the U.S.," he says. Instead of passing this mandate, Platt suggests, “What they should do is examine whether banks are doing their due diligence when someone applies for a mortgage, and not create barriers for people who don’t have 20 percent.”
Russian MBA students visit MetroWest Daily News
Apr 21, 2011
CBA’s Executive Education practice recently hosted 30 executive MBA students from Moscow State University (MSU) for an American Business and Practices program. Now in its fourth year of operation and going strong, this year’s program focused on Innovation and included a combination of in-class academics and on-site company visits to Akamai, the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology, the Cambridge Innovation Center and GateHouse Media.
CBA’s Executive Education practice offer a wide range of custom executive education programs—from traditional business education to highly customized executive working sessions—for a range of corporate and academic clients. American Business and Practices is one of several custom international programs hosted by CBA.
Six Resume mistakes to avoid
Careers at MSNBC, Apr 20, 2011
The economy is still struggling, the employment rate is still low and your resume is more important than ever. The most common mistakes can ruin your chances of getting noticed. Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, stresses being honest: “So much can be verified easily these days. If you stretch the truth or embellish it you can quickly be eliminated from consideration.” Other tips include being clear and concise, listing a job history that supports your career choice and drawing a compelling story about your job experiences.
Experts: Bet the bank on Mitt Romney with biz
Boston Herald, Apr 19, 2011
Mitt Romney and Donald Trump have both announced interest in the Republican Presidential bid in 2012. As a result their business credentials are being compared – one as shrewd, and one as reckless. CBA’s Professor Harlan Platt draws comparison, saying, “The Donald is always swinging for the fences while Mitt will look to get on base.” The public and critics are siting Trump as being too risky in his worldwide business endeavors, while Romney is considered more astute in his public financial decisions. Harlan continues his parable regarding Trump, “The problem with being a home-run hitter is you get a lot of strikeouts.”
Fraudulent tax returns surge 181%
CNN Money, Apr 19, 2011
CBA’s Professor Tim Gagnon says that when the economy is weak, people try to make up for it with how they file their taxes. “When the economy gets really bad, people get touchy about how much they’re paying in taxes and look at where they can push the envelope a little more," Gagnon says. Often seen by way of fraudulent claims - adoption credits, earned income tax credits, and first-time home buyers’ credits – taxpayers are looking for any way to keep more money in their pockets. Gagnon realizes “100 extra dollars really makes a difference to people now.” However, Gagnon warns that an uptick in audits is likely going to come back on the public.
What not to say in a job interview
FINS, Apr 19, 2011
Routine interview questions are what job candidates seem to miscaluclate the most. Off the cuff answers often take you off the second-interview list. For instance, when asked, How would your current or former colleagues describe you? it might seem like a way for you to bolster your qualifications. However, Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center, says answers like “the only employee who did things right” do not put you in a good light as a candidate. Candidates should be prepared for other typical questions like Why do you want to leave your current job? and So, tell me a little about yourself? as they prepare for the interview process.
A powerful force, mentorship a gateway to growth
Boston Business Journal, Apr 05, 2011
CBA’s Professor Jamie Ladge talks about the importance of having mentors as a woman in corporate business. “Second-generation discrimination” towards women is still prevalent in the workforce, says Ladge. Conditions are improving through the guidance of both genders. However, females now make up the dominant workforce demographic and will rely increasingly on other women to act as role-models. The results will act as an influential cue to society that females are achieving continued career growth. “When women start to see strength in numbers … a lot of people who look like them in the executive ranks, that’s what will make the most difference,” says Ladge.
7 Reasons to Ignore ‘Best Jobs’ Lists
CBS Money Watch, Apr 05, 2011
‘Best Job’ lists may not be a beneficial tool in conducting a practical career search. For instance, director of the MBA Career Center Lynn Sarikas speaks to the movement toward ‘green’ jobs. While this may be a burgeoning industry, there is little opportunity available right now. “Most every [green] job I’ve seen is pretty early stage, and they’re not looking for the skill sets [our students] have to offer. These lists tend to highlight unachievable qualification requirements, overblown salary predictions, and of the moment trends may appeal to the average person, but are unrealistic in attainability.
What Every Investor Should Know About Qatar
CNBC, Apr 05, 2011
Qatar’s rapid economic growth is gaining interest across the world on the stock exchange. CBA’s Professor Jeffrey Born warns that Qatar’s market is “overall much more erratic” than the U.S. The country’s influx of investment is due to its wealth of oil and gas holdings. It is also holding the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is a massive job creator as the country scrambles to create new, air conditioned stadiums for the event. Born continues that “Investors should expect compensation for bearing risk, but a lot of investors have been disappointed over the last five years.” Investors are encouraged to look at both the potential and risk in Qatar.
Internships getting far more rewarding
Boston Herald, Mar 28, 2011
Interns are getting much more attention by small businesses, as they contribute more and more skills to the work force. CBA Associate Dean Coleen Pantalone says, “What an intern brings to a small business is enthusiasm and a different way of looking at things.” Employers reap the benefits of trying out potential candidates and adding highly attuned labor to their work force; interns are getting more valuable exposure through direct observation of their work ethic and abilities.
Wal-Mart sex-bias case could have big impact
MSNBC, Mar 28, 2011
CBA’s Professor Jamie Ladge recently commented on the sex-bias case involving Wal-Mart. The class-action suit concerns the prevalence of gender discrimination throughout the company structure. The allegations are being heard by the Supreme Court. Prof. Ladge says that as the general work force is shifting to be mainly comprised of females that “…women are advocating more for themselves.” Former and current female employees in the numbers of 1.5 million are charging the big box store. The decision of this case will affect big business management everywhere.
Starbucks and Makeup: The Daily Ritual of the At-Home Worker
AlterNet, Mar 23, 2011
CBA’s Professor Kim Eddleston comments that when working from home, one needs to create “temporal, special, and psychological boundaries.” When one doesn’t leave home for the work day, it is easy to get distracted by household tasks and children, finds research from Northeastern University. It is important to compartmentalize or create “segmentation”, says Professor Jay Mulki, in order to create both a work and home identity in the same space.
Giglio: State needs a new transportation strategy
Milford Daily News, Mar 18, 2011
In this recent op-ed, Professor Joseph Giglio addresses the plight of Massachusetts’ overall transportation system. Citing Gov. Deval Patrick’s recent comments on healthcare reform, Giglio draws a similar comparison to what must be done to overhaul the Commonwealth’s mobility needs and inefficiencies. He comments that a long term and all-encompassing strategy must be created. Giglio also looks at how implementing routine maintenance and new technology can increase revenue, rider safety, and achieve customer service needs. Giglio feels that it is critical that all these ideas be carefully considered and applied in order to correct the Commonwealth’s fiscal issues surrounding transportation.
Transportation's road to reform
Worcester Telegram, Mar 17, 2011
Massachusetts has made vast plans to ramp up its transportation systems since passing a 2009 reform law. However, its efforts are often misguided and poorly designed. In this op-ed, Professor of Strategic Management Joseph Giglio writes that until Massachusetts completes an overarching and long term strategy for its transportation systems, no grounds will be effectively gained to fix its overwhelming mass of issues. Giglio urges the state to ask fundamental questions of its transportation system. The answers to these questions should guide policy for state mobility in the present and a long term plan amid ever changing technological and societal evolvement.
On the flip side
Fund Strategy, Mar 14, 2011
There are always two sides to every story, and the economic crisis is not immune to this parable. Natural gas, for instance, is saving property owners tremendously. CBA’s Professor Harlan Platt says, “Natural gas is a much cleaner fuel, and many industries and homeowners have already converted from oil, or are planning to. Conversion provides them with a rebate, since gas prices are so low.” Other advantages of the economic crisis include a boom in export trade due to the weak dollar, as well as record low interest rates causing Platt to mark them as ‘giveaways.’
Full Disclosure
nwi.com, Mar 13, 2011
Many employers and potential employees struggle to share the right balance of information. Candidates are exaggerating their work experience. Employers are not giving enough detail of actual responsibilities and expectations. MBA Career Center Director Lynne Sarikas says, "If people get into something that's not what they're expecting they're disappointed and it influences their performance, which influences the employers' perception of them.” To ensure a good fit, both sides need to be honest about abilities and requirements.
The Accidental Social Entrepreneur
Forbes, Mar 10, 2011
Myles Lutheran, BSBA 2010 recently shared how his co-op changed his career path and outlook on entrepreneurship. He writes "My undergraduate internship was, to put it mildly, an eye-opener." After completing his six-month Fortune 500 type co-op, Lutheran had a different kind of experience through CBA’s Social Enterprise Institute. Today, Lutheran is the marketing manager for clothing company Moms and Jobs, Inc., with a mission to give low-income single mothers better career opportunities.
How to leverage technology to improve transportation cheaply
The Providence Journal, Mar 08, 2011
Technology is improving systems everywhere, and no better example is the nation-wide progress it has made in transportation. Commuters can rejoice as both rail and freeway infrastructures become more efficient, proving less traffic, and more on-time arrivals. Professor Joseph M. Giglio, of CBA, writes that while Massachusetts is slow to the start, they are improving their willingness to participate. They have implemented technology to announce MBTA arrival and wait times on the platforms, as well as iPhone apps giving riders a feeling of better control over their time. However, the state is far behind its neighbors, as Salt Lake City reduces bus travel time, Seattle has seen fewer accidents, and San Francisco, New Hampshire, and New Jersey have reduced overall highway congestion. All this is being achieved through new technology measures, which not only improves the travel experience, but also affects the bottom line for each of these states financially. Improved data collection and operating measures would increase Massachusetts’ ability to handle its overall ridership and usability and increase revenue sources, something it desperately needs to achieve, especially as the MBTA falls deeper into debt and perceived disrepair. As the state embraces the use of new technology to improve its systems, there should be visible benefits shared among both management and customer and demonstrate an improvement of overall financial health of the Commonwealth’s transportation system.
CBA internships come out on top of national rankings
Yahoo! News, Mar 07, 2011
Northeastern University ranks #1 again in internships according to Bloomberg’s Businessweek. For six years, the publication has been posting the best of the best undergraduate business programs. Out of 113 national programs scored, the College of Business Administration’s internships ranked 96.6 percent in the Undergraduate Business Profile. In a live chat discussing the results of the metrics, Businessweek editor Louis Lavelle commented that “Northeastern has a terrific co-op program that accounts for that higher number.”
CBA coaches the write stuff
The Wall Street Journal, Mar 03, 2011
MBA students across the country are being cited for overly complicated writing that is affecting how they come across in the business world. Simplification is the message, as Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration seeks to teach their MBA students how to be more concise with their proposals and assignments. “The first sentence should begin with, ‘The single most important issue here is.’ You’d be amazed at how few students do that,” says Professor Bruce Clark. In CBA, students’ papers are graded by both professor and writing coach to ensure content is both accurately and cogently written.
From Profit to Impact: A B-School Grad's Path to Social Enterprise
Vault, Feb 22, 2011
While completing his coveted Fortune 500 type co-op, Myles Lutheran, BSBA 2010, realized that he wanted to do more for the global economy. He turned to CBA’s Social Enterprise Institute, where he was able to apply his knowledge and aid social issues through business practices. Lutheran writes that the SEI program "…challenged me to excel in a business environment and satisfied my passion for doing something meaningful with my life and skills." Today, Lutheran is the marketing manager for clothing company Moms and Jobs, Inc., with a mission to give low-income single mothers better careers.
Northeastern University Marketing Association raises awareness for organ donation program
American Marketing Association, Feb 07, 2011
The American Marketing Association (AMA) recently recognized members of the Northeastern University Marketing Association (NUMA) for their successful marketing efforts during AMA’s "AMASavesLives" campaign. During Marketing Week, members of NUMA promoted organ donation awareness through instructional flyers and by allowing students to borrow laptops to register on site. NUMA also received a “Top Video” award for its promotional efforts.
Ravi Ramamurti comments upon 'war for talent'
North Jersey Media Group, Feb 07, 2011
Ravi Ramamurti, professor of International Business and Strategy, tells North Jersey Media Group that the lawsuit filed by HOV Services, Inc. against Cognizant Technology Solutions is demonstrative of a larger "war for talent." “Despite India’s large population, there is a limited number of workers trained to the standards required by U.S. clients, and outsourcing companies spend heavily to improve the skills of new employees,” says Ramamurti. “The worker shortage has historically resulted in turnover rates of 20 percent or more among outsourcing companies as employees jump from one to another.”
How to Retain Top Talent Overseas
Chief Learning Officer, Feb 03, 2011
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In a case study featured in Chief Learning Officer, Dean Thomas Moore explains how to reduce attrition amongst high-potential employees in emerging markets. In response to high turnover rates experienced by IBM, Northeastern University collaborated with IBM Global Business Process Delivery to craft an online MBA program for IBM’s high-potential managers in its India and China operations. As a result of the program, IBM experienced lesser attrition rates amongst the cohort populations. Dean Moore asserts, “Increasingly, companies are looking for ways to recruit by investing in education. Because online learning offers borderless educational opportunities, it may soon become the global solution to attract, recruit, retain and develop high-potential employees.”
Loss of the 'Glue'
Red Room, Feb 02, 2011
Recently, Red Room featured an article authored by Joseph Raelin, professor of management and organizational development. The piece asserts that the loss of a key person in a group, especially the one who is the “glue” who bonds everyone together, can have serious repercussions on the group dynamic. The affable manner of these typically silent leaders seems to mysteriously keep everyone together. At the departure of the “glue,” the remaining members struggle to rebuild group cohesion.
All-Exclusive Cruises
National Geographic, Feb 02, 2011
Finance professor Harlan Platt tells National Geographic Traveler Insider that the economic model of the cruise ship industry has changed. While cruise expenses used to be “all-inclusive," passengers are increasingly facing excess and unexpected costs once they step aboard. “Cruise ships no longer make money by carrying passengers,” says Platt. “They make money by marketing a variety of services to them. The bigger the ships, the more they lean on these products, which range from drinks served at the nightclub to nine holes of mini-golf.”
Let's Get Real About Transportation Policy in the USA
Edge, Jan 31, 2011
When discussing the condition of the national transportation infrastructure, Senior Academic Specialist and Executive Professor of General Management Joseph Giglio tells Edge that we must reevaluate the way in which we support infrastructure. Giglio outlines three hard facts: "The challenges in transportation...represent a 'permanent' condition...that will never go away of its own accord and could be life-threatening if not promptly treated,...our transportation infrastructure network needs net new resources,...[and] our budget deficits and debt constrain the federal government's ability to deal with transportation infrastructure investment." In response, Giglio recommends "accelerating the deployment of smart technologies in the transportation network."
The drill with workforce training
Boston Business Journal, Jan 28, 2011
In a Boston Business Journal article co-authored by strategic marketing professor Joseph Giglio, Giglio suggests that the government must turn to present and future education demand data to guide education investments and to promote a skilled workforce. Giglio asserts, “By combining lessons from the past with future trends, we can make education investments that will yield both the workforce that will help us emerge from the current economic downturn and one that will satisfy coming economic needs.”
Benevolent business schools in demand
The Prague Post, Jan 27, 2011
According to The Prague Post, “a growing number of first year business students are beginning to weigh future financial rewards less heavily than moral dividends and are filling up courses in social entrepreneurship.” The current wave of business students is interested in making the world a better place by applying business acumen to non-profits, NGOs, and charitable businesses, rather than corporations. Entrepreneurial students in Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration have helped farmers in poor countries increase efficiency, and CBA graduates have gone on to work for local non-profits in their own communities.
What keeps 3PL chiefs up at night?
DC Velocity, Jan 26, 2011
"The North American Third Party Logistics Industry in 2010: The Provider CEO Perspective,” a study co-authored by supply chain professor Robert Lieb and Emerson College professor Kristin Lieb, documents the most important problems facing the third-party logistics (3PL) industry in North America. Top 3PL CEOs reported that the most prominent industry concern is continued downward pressure on pricing, followed by a shortage of professional talent at a time when contract logistics service providers are starting to rebuild their work force.
5 crafty ways to spy on your bank
Bankrate.com, Jan 19, 2011
In the wake of recent bank failures, Finance Professor Harlan Platt tells Bankrate.com how consumers can determine the health of their own bank. When gauging a bank’s vitality, determine if your bank is a FDIC member, check your bank’s ratings, tap SEC filings, check with bank regulators, and look at your bank’s fees and charges. "The good news is that there's a lot of information out there," says Platt. "Unfortunately, very little of that information is going to be useful in terms of gauging the health of your bank, because the bad news usually comes out after the event."
The challenge of transitioning to the business world
Security Director News, Jan 18, 2011
In an effort to make security managers more effective in the business world, Christopher Walker, executive professor of strategy, has developed a course in collaboration with ASIS International that will cover finance, negotiation, marketing, strategic thinking, and case studies. The interactive course, Business Concepts for the Effective Security Manager, is a four-day executive education program designed for mid-to-upper level security managers. “The genesis of this program is to provide people with a better understanding of the elements of business, so that combined with their current knowledge of the organization and security, they can determine what they’d like to accomplish and it will help make them more effective security managers,” Walker said.
American Airlines joins forces with Priceline.com
CNNMoney, Jan 18, 2011
Harlan Platt, finance professor and airline industry expert, was quoted in a CNNMoney article discussing the recent ticket-selling agreement between American Airlines and Priceline.com. This agreement came after similar deals with Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity.com were severed due to the websites’ unwillingness to utilize American Airlines’ in-house “Direct Connect” online ticket sales platform. However, Platt believes that the “Direct Connect” system has been a justifiable cost-saving measure for this airline: “The money-saving move was much needed, since American is one of the only airlines that didn't go through bankruptcy and have to transform its cost structure to become more competitive.”
B-Schools Give Firms Say Amid Tough Jobs Market
The Wall Street Journal, Jan 06, 2011
In a recent article, The Wall Street Journal asserts that business schools are responding more aggressively to feedback from recruiters and are adjusting their courses accordingly. Northeastern University's College of Business Administration made several changes to its program this fall in response to the competitive job market and employers' feedback. Employers such as Ralph Miller, director of corporate information management at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Inc. (HPHC), have noticed the improvement. Miller reflects, "The school has been very proactive about getting companies involved in improving the curriculum, especially with the job market being what it is." HPHC has since hired an increasing amount of Northeastern students and graduates.
Now arriving: the golden age of air travel
MSNBC, Jan 04, 2011
While some wistfully yearn for the age of pre-deregulation flying, airline experts such as Finance Professor Harlan Platt recognize that times have changed. While travelers prior to 1978 experienced superior amenities and attention to service, today’s travelers enjoy greater conveniences and affordability. Platt states, “We have become a very casual society. Air travel today has entered the Levi era- in the same token that Steve Jobs wears Levi’s and a turtleneck to work versus a suit, travel has gone from luxury liners where people wait on you to, $29 and $49 tickets on AirTran and Southwest.”
US businesses push back on lease accounting change
Reuters, Jan 03, 2011
Accounting Professor H. David Sherman was recently quoted in a Reuters article discussing the proposed FASB changes that would bring hundreds of billions of dollars in leases onto corporate balance sheets. Although backers say the revisions will give investors crucial information, business groups are gearing up to delay the anticipated accounting rules, as the changes are viewed as a potential threat to leasing companies. "It's definitely going to be a disruption, and [companies] would rather not have it in the middle of these uncertain economic times,” says Sherman. “There’s a whole industry that’s been structured around those rules. With the rule change, some leasing companies will lose a key driver of their business.”
More business schools embracing do-gooders
MSNBC, Dec 28, 2010
Thomas Moore, Dean of the College of Business Administration, was quoted in an article discussing the growing trend towards social enterprise programs. Moore notes, “There’s a lot of interest in social enterprise at the business school, and I think it’s partly generational...the current generation of young people has a strong sense of social responsibility. These days students don’t want to wait; they want to make a difference now.” Northeastern’s growing investment in the Social Enterprise Institute has shifted the perspective of students like Myles Lutheran. “Every class in business school is about making money, but in social entrepreneurship the end result is more meaningful. You use the same skills as you would on Wall Street, but there’s a different result,” says Lutheran.
Analysis: Ernst faces risks in fighting Lehman lawsuit
Reuters, Dec 23, 2010
In a recent article, H. David Sherman, a Northeastern University accounting professor, tells Reuters that the impending lawsuit against Ernst & Young “is not the kind of thing that major accounting scandals are made of.” Ernst & Young may soon face charges in response to claims that the auditor played a role in Lehman Brothers’ collapse. However, Ernst & Young denies such claims, contending that it “acted properly as Lehman’s outside auditor.” Sherman asserts, “One key point is that the alleged accounting gimmick did not result in a big enough change in Lehman's reported leverage to have caused its bankruptcy.”
Airlines at highest profitability in 10 years
money.cnn.com, Dec 22, 2010
Finance Professor and airline industry expert, Harlan Platt, was quoted in an article on domestic airlines' success this year in garnering profits. "[Airlines] have shown some discipline finally," said Platt. "... They're maintaining a limited supply of seats and that has enabled them to continue to charge higher fares."
Graduate School of Business Administration ranked among the top 100 U.S. business schools
Poets&Quants, Dec 22, 2010
Poets&Quants ranks Northeastern University’s Graduate School of Business Administration among the top 100 business schools in the U.S. Northeastern’s full-time MBA program is a 60-credit program that can be completed in 24 months of full-time study. In addition to building a strong foundation of business knowledge, students gain practical experience by participating in a six-month corporate residency, specializing in a career track, and completing a business plan project for a corporate partner. Northeastern’s MBA program is nationally ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report among others.
Nicole Boyson explains how a recasting strategy can reduce future mortgage payments
Las Vegas Review-Journal, Dec 07, 2010
Nicole Boyson, professor of finance, tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal how borrowers can reduce monthly payments while maintaining loan terms and interest rates. By utilizing a “recasting” strategy, mortgage borrowers pay a large chunk of principal and then have their lender re-amortize the remaining principal over the same remaining mortgage term and interest rate, thereby reducing future monthly payments. Boyson advises, “Only borrowers who are certain their cash flows will go down in the short-term…and for whom recasting is a very low cost, should consider a recast.”
Hedge-Fund Firms Woo the Little Guy
The Wall Street Journal, Dec 06, 2010
According to The Wall Street Journal, the hedge fund industry is increasingly offering hedged mutual funds for the masses as we recover from the recent financial crisis. However, because hedged mutual funds cannot use certain high-risk strategies, these mutual funds are unlikely to provide the same profits hedge funds can. According to a study co-authored by Northeastern University Finance Professor Nicole Boyson, Georgia State University Professor Vikas Agarwal, and London Business School Professor Narayan Naik, “Hedged mutual funds outperformed traditional mutual funds by an average of 2.7 percentage points per year.” The study examined 2,179 hedge funds, 3,679 traditional mutual funds and 52 hedged mutual funds.
Globalization from the Bottom Up
The Korn/Ferry Institute, Nov 30, 2010
Ravi Ramamurti, director of the Center for Emerging Markets, tells The Korn/Ferry Institute that emerging-market multinationals (EMMs) have recently experienced enormous growth due to their ability to adapt to volatile markets. EMMs have excelled by abiding by the following five principles: familiarity with local culture is vital; if there is no market for your products, make one; local knowledge is important at all levels of management; know how to deal with risk, but do not be afraid of it; and corporate structure is different in emerging markets. In an effort to compete, “A few Western multinationals are getting the message and changing their ways,” said Ramamurti. “But we can’t forget that a lot of these techniques are originating with the emerging market multinationals.”
Rough Future Ahead for Auto Suppliers
Portfolio.com, Nov 29, 2010
Finance Professor Harlan Platt tells Portfolio.com that automotive industry suppliers should not assume success in response to General Motor’s recent initial public offering. Although GM suppliers have always found their prosperity tied to that of GM, Platt believes that the company’s historic IPO will not necessarily give its suppliers “a new lease on life.” Platt argues, “The success of the IPO brought in billions of dollars to General Motors, which is obviously very important for the company, but it doesn’t mean that GM won’t continue to be very careful with its supplier infrastructure. It will still require its suppliers to produce best-in-class products at the lowest possible price.”
Survey on the Spot
Scottrade, Nov 29, 2010
In a recent Scottrade article, Felicia Lassk, associate professor of marketing, comments upon the successful implementation of a new SURVEY ON THE SPOT customer feedback tool. Restaurants are using SURVEY ON THE SPOT to encourage customers to provide real-time feedback by utilizing their mobile devices. According to Lassk, this mobile research method has proved successful because “every customer wants to feel like an expert when it comes to getting what they want and when a restaurant reaches out to a guest before they even leave the table, it makes the customer feel important and the feedback is more likely to be accurate and substantial.”
B-School Admission Essays, For a Fee
Bloomberg Businessweek, Nov 29, 2010
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In a recent Bloomberg Businessweek article, William Crittenden, senior associate dean and dean of faculty, speaks out against applicants who use professional essay writers to craft admission essays that they then pass off as their own. Crittenden believes that a mounting pressure to get into top programs will only improve the market for essay writers and others who claim to help people buck the system: “Among [applicants], there's a sense that to succeed, they have to get into select programs. There's more pressure on them to meet the [candidate] profile that they think is accepted at these schools, so they're seeking these services.” However, such misrepresentation is not tolerated. “If the application raises serious questions—for example, if the committee sees too many inconsistencies between the admission essays and the verbal and essay parts of the GMAT exam scores—the applicant will most likely be rejected,” says Crittenden.
Giglio: Hamilton, Jefferson and free trade
The MetroWest Daily News, Nov 26, 2010
Recently, The MetroWest Daily News featured an article authored by Joseph M. Giglio, professor of strategic management. Giglio promotes free trade in an America spectrally shaped by founding fathers Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. While Thomas Jefferson believed in America as "a rural fairyland of gentlemen farmers like himself…the heroes of Alexander Hamilton’s America are people like the masterful tool and die maker, whose artful mind and skilled hands can sculpt metal into the jigs and tools that make efficient mass production possible.” Giglio supports free trade, “Just so long as we don't let it get in the way of putting Americans back to work in cherished home-grown industries that make things - and pay decent wages to the people who do it.”
Three Survival Tactics for Black Friday
Forbes, Nov 24, 2010
Gloria Barczak, professor of marketing, tells Forbes that retailers should prepare themselves for customers armed with smartphones this holiday shopping season. The latest smartphone applications allow customers to compare prices, access deals, and ascertain if a product is in stock within given stores. As retailers take advantage of increasing technology, Barczak notes that “according to reports, consumer spending for the holidays is already surpassing this time last year. And consumers seem to be spending on items for themselves as they shop for the holidays…in part the numbers are due to the sales that retailers have been having prior to Black Friday.”
State agency hires consultant to mull raises
Boston Herald, Nov 23, 2010
Joseph Giglio, Senior Academic Specialist and Executive Professor of General Management, tells the Boston Herald that MassDevelopment staffers should not hire a compensation consultant when the state’s top development authority is already packed with two dozen employees making six-figure salaries. Although MassDevelopment claims that it conducts a market survey every three years to review compensation, Giglio contends, “It strikes me as strange during these economically difficult times that we are expending funds to retain compensation consultants to evaluate the compensation levels for senior management in a quasi-public agency... How do you justify that to hard-working people who every day are sitting around the kitchen table struggling with issues about job security, mortgage payments, increases in the price of food and energy?”
A 'Welcome Minorities' Biz School Plan
National Public Radio, Nov 18, 2010
In a recent National Public Radio interview, Senior Associate Dean and Dean of Faculty William Crittenden speaks of a collaboration between seven Massachusetts business schools formed to boost the ranks of black and Latino faculty members in their respective schools. This collaborative recruiting effort encourages sharing minority candidates’ resumes and helping to place candidates’ spouses. Crittenden states, “All of us recognize that having a diverse faculty adds to the educational experience, adds to the educational excellence of our students, and we want to show Massachusetts and the Boston area as a welcoming place for diverse faculty.” Marla Baskerville Watkins, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizational Development, hopes this effort will increase minority representation among the business school faculties and give students role models she didn’t have: “So much of what we think we can do is based on what we see. So if I don’t see anyone who looks like me, it is easy to think, ‘oh that’s not for me'.”
The Price of Strong Board Oversight
Compliance Week, Nov 15, 2010
In a blog that outlines the broader context of regulatory developments, Compliance Week details the implications of “The Cost of Intense Board Meetings,” a paper co-authored by Olubunmi Faleye and Udi Hoitash of Northeastern University and Rani Hoitash of Bentley University. The research explores “the proper balance of boards’ two primary duties: monitoring corporate behavior, and providing strategic advice.” Although boards must find the right balance of monitoring and advising, recent governance regulations have put too much pressure on boards’ monitoring committees, thereby undermining the value of the boards’ strategic advice. As a result, “The negative advising effects appear to outweigh monitoring improvements, resulting in net value losses, especially among firms with greater advising needs.”
Past time for U.S. to go parliamentary
The Providence Journal, Nov 12, 2010
In a Providence Journal editorial article, Joseph Giglio, Senior Academic Specialist and Executive Professor of General Management, opinions that a parliamentary government structure would better address the issues facing the U.S. than would the current federal government structure. Giglio explains that the federal government is currently “cutting federal spending, reducing the deficit and paying down the national debt—all with nary a word of detail about exactly which services the Feds will stop providing to generate the promised savings, or exactly which private industries are going to take up the economic slack by buying new plant and equipment and hiring more workers.”
The New Golden Girls
The Wall Street Journal, Nov 11, 2010
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, tells The Wall Street Journal that an increasing number of single, older women are choosing to share houses or apartments for financial reasons. According to recent studies, “The financial realities of aging have always been particularly challenging for women, and the recent economy has only made them worse. Sixty percent of women say they are less confident about their retirement than they were just a year ago.” After finding the right person to live with, Platt recommends discussing the details: “Talk about how you’ll budget shared expenses, who pays the bills, who cleans what and when. Then, have a follow-up chat every three months.”
CBA's Full-Time MBA program ranked #56 by Bloomberg Businessweek
Bloomberg Businessweek, Nov 11, 2010
Bloomberg Businessweek announced the results of their MBA Ranking survey for 2010. The College of Business Administration's Full Time MBA program was ranked # 56. Contributing to this success include a combination of the program's curriculum, selectivity, corporate partnerships and student experience.
Professor Giglio Mentioned in Two New Books
Obama's Bank: Financing a Durable New Deal, Nov 10, 2010
Professor Joseph Giglio has recently been mentioned in two new books. In Obama's Bank: Financing a Durable New Deal by Professor Michael Likosky, Professor Giglio is cited as one of the two private sector architects of a National Infrastructure Bank during the late 1980s. President Obama has proposed creating a National Infrastructure Bank to handle a $50 billion Infrastructure Rebuilding Plan. Many of the features of the bank are patterned after Professor Giglio's proposals. Additionally, Professor Giglio is prominently mentioned in The Sellout: How Three Decades of Wall Street Greed and Government Mismanagement Destroyed the Global Financial System by Charles Gasparino. Giglio is cited for his unique style of investment banking when he worked on Wall Street.
Global 3PL CEOs See Light Shining Through, Albeit Slowly
Industry Week, Nov 08, 2010
Dr. Robert Lieb, Professor of Supply Chain Management, recently presented the results of the17th Annual Survey of Third-Party Logistics Providers at the annual meeting of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. This study was sponsored by Penske Logistics and co-authored by Dr. Kristin Lieb, Assistant Professor of Marketing Communication at Emerson College. Robert Lieb concludes, “The CEOs involved in this year’s surveys are more optimistic about growth prospects than they were last year, but appear to be more cautious about how growth will be achieved.”
Nepotism or Networking? Is there a difference?
CareerBuilder, Nov 05, 2010
While some believe that there is some overlap between nepotism and networking, Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, tells CareerBuilder that there is a distinct difference between the two. Although both means use connections to help get ahead, Sarikas believes that “Networking is not taking the easy way out; it is work, it takes time and the process needs to be managed but it is the single most effective tool in the job search arsenal. While you will likely start your networking with family and friends, it should quickly expand to alumni connections, LinkedIn connections, former colleagues, etc. Nepotism is an attempt to shortcut the job search process and it often backfires.”
High-Paying Seasonal Jobs
CNBC, Nov 04, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, tells CNBC that seasonal job-seekers can make extra cash while setting themselves apart from others who take a break during these times. Seasonal job-seekers can find employment in positions ranging from personal gift shopping to catering. Sarikas also encourages job-seekers to take advantage of the post-holiday tax season: “The approaching end of the fiscal year means that businesses need professional office help and budget preparation assistance at a time when they can’t hire new staff…Tax preparation services hire a seasonal tax force and many provide training.”
The Tea Party’s Bridge to Beyond Nowhere
PBS, Nov 03, 2010
Joseph Giglio, Senior Academic Specialist and Executive Professor of General Management, tells PBS that infrastructure is not going to repair itself without government leadership and intervention. Although discussions about transportation issues have been virtually absent from Tea Party rhetoric, the responsibility to maintain these networks is the responsibility of all politicians, regardless of party affiliation. In response to the prospect of privatizing our transportation systems, Giglio remarks, “We must be careful about selling off our highways and roads, lest willy-nilly tolling schemes lead to unintended traffic congestion. If Americans are grumbling now about a 5 cent/gallon gas tax increase, just wait until privately managed companies start charging market rates for using roads. The year 2010 will be known as ‘the good old days’.”
Good Idea, Good Deals
STORES Magazine, Nov 01, 2010
Marketing Professor Gloria Barczak tells STORES Magazine that shopkick, a location-based iPhone shopping application, responds to the primary goal of retailers: get customers through the doors. This new application has taken “geo-location technology and combined it with coupon and loyalty strategies.” Barczak says, “Retailers can make money off of shopkick by bringing customers into their stores who might have passed them by. They can also advertise special items, sales, etc. that can draw customers into their store as they are walking by.” Although the application currently offers consumers deals in 3,500 stores, Barczak believes that shopkick needs to rapidly expand its partnerships with stores and cities in order to counter both existing and future competitors.
Gloria Barczak explains how 50% discounts really work
The Wall Street Journal, Oct 28, 2010
As the holiday season approaches, stores are confronted with the challenge of offering discounts while still turning a profit. In a recent Wall Street Journal Smart Money article, marketing professor Gloria Barczak explains that although a discount of 50% may seem like a gift to consumers, retailers are still able to profit from these sales. Such discounts are a means to attract shoppers into the store and to create repeat customers. However, Barczak claims that stores are not able to successfully inflate prices to make deals look better: “Local shoppers are quick to spot price or quality changes and won’t buy or will look elsewhere.”
Jamie Ladge presents at New England Higher Education Recruitment Consortium event
Harvard Gazette, Oct 28, 2010
Recently, Jamie Ladge, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizational Development, spoke at the New England Higher Education Recruitment Consortium general meeting. This assembly met to address the “numerous challenges [facing] human resource administrators in higher education, ranging from recession-related woes to new social media technology to changing definitions of diversity.” As the key presenter, Ladge discussed, “Enhanced Employee Health, Well Being, and Engagement through Dependent Care Support."
Emerging Markets: Bubble or Growth Leader?
Bloomberg Businessweek, Oct 28, 2010
In a recent Bloomberg Businessweek article, Ravi Ramamurti, director of the Center for Emerging Markets, commented upon the emerging-market bubble debate of 2010. Ramamurti believes that developing economies are struggling with their newfound riches: “They are not desperate for capital inflows, and currency appreciation is hurting their exports.” Currently, opinions amongst investors are divided between “those who predict an emerging-market bubble and those who see a permanent shift in global equities…Many investors now worry that the ardor for emerging markets will destabilize the global economy. Others see a long-overdue rebalancing.”
Which MBA program is the right program for you?
MBA.com, Oct 22, 2010
Kate Klepper, Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs, tells MBA.com that students must take many factors into consideration when deciding between full-time, part-time, accelerated, and online MBA programs. Students must consider WHY they are pursuing a degree, are they someone WHO has the income and time, and HOW will they be best able to pursue their degree. According to Klepper, deciding upon a MBA program “is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, so carefully consider your true needs, motivations, and goals.”
Why the Future Belongs to Emerging Markets
Emerging Investor, Oct 19, 2010
Ravi Ramamurti, Distinguished Professor of International Business and Director of the Center for Emerging Markets, has authored a column for Emerging Investor in which he discusses the projected success of emerging markets in the world economy. Ramamurti predicts, “The rise of emerging economies is a long-term phenomenon, not a passing fad…it will be one of the defining megatrends of the 21st century.” This forecast will depend upon two key expectations: “Growth in the rich economies will slow relative to historical rates, while in emerging economies it will continue to be high or even accelerate.” Current conditions favorably support these expected trends.
Dogged by veterinary bills? Harlan Platt offers advice
Chicago Tribune, Oct 14, 2010
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, has been recently quoted in an article discussing the economic sensibility of pet insurance. Although many pet owners view pet insurance as a “how much I love my pet issue,” owners must consider whether the cost of insurance premiums over the years will cost more than vet expenses. For a typical pet, Platt recommends self-insurance: in lieu of buying insurance, set aside money on a monthly basis to pay for big vet bills. Platt asserts, “Insurance companies wouldn’t stay in business if everybody collected more in reimbursements than they paid in premiums. People who buy the insurance on average will be worse off as a result.”
SEC probe revisits thorny accounting questions
Reuters, Oct 14, 2010
In response to a recent SEC probe of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc., Accounting Professor H. David Sherman tells Reuters that “revenue recognition has been and always will be one of the key accounting issues.” Although revenue recognition errors have declined since the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley law toughened misrepresentation penalties, companies feel pressure to “tilt results” to appear better than competitors: “Revenue accounting involves a good deal of judgment and managers naturally tilt the reporting to show their business in a good light.” As a result, revenue reporting practices remain inconsistent across and within industries.
The Graduate School of Business Administration named outstanding business school by Princeton Review
Princeton Review, Oct 12, 2010
The Graduate School of Business Administration at Northeastern University in Boston, MA was named an outstanding business school by the Princeton Review. According to Robert Franek, Princeton Review Senior VP-Publishing, "We are pleased to recommend Northeastern's College of Business Administration to readers of our book and users of our site, www.PrincetonReview.com, as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn an MBA. The Princeton Review went to the best AACSB-accredited MBA programs globally to collect the opinions of more than 19,000 students. In addition, in order to give prospective students the widest possible base of information on selecting the right business school, comparative statistical information was gathered on many more MBA programs. According to the Princeton Review, “The annual release of our Best Business Schools guidebook generates a surge of attention, awareness, and queries about the outstanding schools we recommend in it, from both the news media and the highly coveted audience of prospective applicants.”
Hefty severance for HEFA head
Boston Herald, Oct 06, 2010
In a Boston Herald opinion editorial article, Joseph Giglio, Senior Academic Specialist and Executive Professor of General Management, speaks out against the severance pay awarded to Massachusetts’s Health and Educational Facilities Authority (HEFA) Executive Director Benson Caswell. In response to Caswell’s severance package, a Freedom of Information Act request was enacted to examine the lucrative compensation. It was found that Caswell had "a highly unusual and generous supplemental retirement plan, and the payout he now seeks is roughly equal to three years of salary.” Giglio’s remarks shed “much-needed light on the murky world of these quasi-public authorities and the role their boards of directors play...Too often, seats on the commonwealth’s quasi-public boards are handed out as political payback instead of going to those most qualified to provide the necessary oversight."
No 'Parity' in Baseball? Think Again
CNBC, Oct 06, 2010
According to a report by Professors Sangit Chatterjee and Frederick Wiseman, money doesn’t guarantee success, but it does make it easier in Major League Baseball. According to the report, “the difference in the average number of games won between teams whose payrolls were in the top quartile and those teams whose payrolls were in the bottom quartile was almost 15 games between 1998-2002.” However, MLB teams are currently experiencing greater parity as opinioned that “a couple smaller revenue/lower spending teams have had great talent evaluators, while a group of bigger revenue/higher spenders have had horrible talent evaluators.” Over the last decade, teams that boast the top 10 payrolls have only a 46% chance of making the postseason; in 2010, only 30% of the top teams made it to the playoffs.
How to Advance Your Career with Continued Education
More Magazine, Sept 29, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, tells More Magazine how to advance your career with continued education. If you are thinking about returning to school to stay current and competitive at work, “Be wary of programs that make big claims, like guaranteeing employment immediately after graduation or instant diplomas and certificates,” warns Sarikas. “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Robert Lieb's study identifies top supply chain industry trends
Reuters, Sept 27, 2010
Reuters reports that findings from the 17th Annual Survey of Third-Party Logistics Providers were recently presented at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Annual Global Conference. Survey authors Dr. Robert Lieb, Professor of Supply Chain Management, and Joe Gallick, Senior Vice President of Sales for Penske Logistics, analyzed responses from 31 large third-party logistics companies. Lieb discovers, "The CEOs involved in this year's surveys are more optimistic about growth prospects than they were last year, but appear to be more cautious about how growth will be achieved… They are likely to spend more time 'qualifying' new accounts, while devoting less attention to accounts in industries that are more cyclical in nature."
Jamie Ladge tells Fortune how to ask a boss for flextime
Fortune Magazine, Sept 24, 2010
Jamie Ladge, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizational Development, was recently featured in a Fortune Magazine article discussing flexible work options for those taking care of elderly family members. Ladge tells Fortune that elder care programs are on the rise: “33% of large employers in the U.S. now offer elder care assistance of some kind, up from about 15% just 10 years ago.” When facing a skeptical boss, develop a plan and “ask for a short trial period, say two weeks or 30 days. Then use that as an opportunity to prove you can work flexible hours and still get the job done…Flextime employees are just as productive as other employees. The problem is that some bosses don't believe it."
Is Citigroup finally off the ropes?
Fortune Magazine, Sept 21, 2010
Recently, Finance Professor Harlan Platt was quoted in a Fortune Magazine article discussing the sale of Citigroup’s student loan portfolio. Citigroup unloaded approximately $40 billion of troubled loans to Discover Financial Services in an attempt to refine its identity as a banking giant, “not a one stop supermarket for everyone.” In regards to the remaining troubled assets, Citigroup’s CEO has been moving “slowly but surely” in the right direction. Although troubled assets currently remain, Platt comments, “The low-hanging fruit has obviously been dealt with.” It is expected that Citi stocks could climb into the double digits in 2011.
Harlan Platt compares Spirit Airlines to Ryanair
CNNMoney.com, Sept 20, 2010
Harlan Platt, a finance professor who closely follows the airline industry, tells CNNMoney.com that Spirit Airlines’s low-cost fares may give the carrier a competitive advantage. Spirit Airlines, which recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering, describes itself as “an ultra low-cost, low-fare airline.” However, Spirit intends to reduce base fares while adding additional fees for baggage and other select services. Platt draws a parallel to Ryanair, a “lost-cost Irish airline that relies heavily on fees.”
Profits Scarce In Red-Hot India
Investor's Business Daily, Sept 20, 2010
Ravi Ramamurti, Director of the Center for Emerging Markets, was recently quoted in an Investor’s Business Daily article advising U.S. companies to be cautious when eyeing India’s “red hot economy.” Ramamurti warns, “Multinational companies are lured into China and India by the promise of top-line growth, but oblivious to the challenges of achieving bottom-line growth." Although India’s economy has experienced exponential growth, foreign entrants face several challenges: price competition, stringent government policies, rising costs of raw materials, and tight consumer budgets. Furthermore, “local companies…often know better what local customers value. Many MNCs (multinational companies) are forced to slice their margins to unattractive levels just to stay in the game."
The Social Enterprise Institute leads ambitious Field Study Program
BizEd Magazine, Sept 08, 2010
According to BizEd Magazine, the Social Enterprise Institute’s Field Study Program (FSP) sets ambitious goals for its participants: “Master microfinance, help startups succeed in emerging markets, develop sustainable solutions, engage different cultures effectively, [and] raise communities out of poverty.” The FSP is a hybrid approach to education that enables students to “work in a developing country, learn about enterprise-based solutions to alleviate poverty, and then see those solutions unfold to transform individuals and communities.” Esther Chou, assistant director of programs for SEI, says that students often go on to work for microfinancing institutions after learning how small loans can change the lives of entrepreneurs.
The Center for Family Business announces new sponsor
Boston Business Journal, Sept 07, 2010
Recently, the Northeastern University Center for Family Business announced a new sponsor: the law firm of Burns & Levinson. Thomas Moore, dean of the College of Business Administration, states, "Family businesses face unique business challenges, including capital development, family dynamics and an increasingly more competitive environment. In these difficult economic times this generous support and participation from Burns & Levinson clearly highlights their dedication and continued commitment to family businesses."
Bestselling authors reference Bert Spector's study
Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, Sept 03, 2010
In Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, a narrative by bestselling authors Chip Heath and Dan Heath, writers reference Professor Bert Spector’s study of organizational change initiatives. The research, as described in Spector’s The Critical Path to Corporate Renewal, outlines the difference between “change goals” and “behavioral goals.” While most employees set goals that broadly address a situation, the most successful employees set goals that specifically address the behaviors driving the desired transformation. Switch authors comment, “Until you can ladder your way down from a change idea to a specific behavior, you’re not ready to lead a switch. To lead a movement, you’ve got to be specific and concrete.”
The Work-Life Balancing Act
Woman's Day, Sept 01, 2010
Jamie Ladge, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizational Development, tells Woman’s Day that the traditional 1950s view that men go to work and women take care of the house and kids is severely outdated. With 50 percent of women in the workforce, mothers are demanding that their careers offer more flexibility. Woman’s Day offers three options for those seeking flexible schedule alternatives: job-sharing, self-employment, and telecommuting. Ladge comments, “A new generation of workers—both men and women—who have grown up on technology and changing values is pressing employers to let them work remotely.” Telecommuting jobs are best suited for information and idea-based positions that primarily require the use of a telephone and computer.
Northeastern University International Business Program Ranked 13th in Nation and First in New England by US News and World Report
Northeastern University International Business Program Ranked 13th in Nation and First in New England by US News and World Report
Big U.S. Banks Go Global in Fair-Value Fight
American Banker, Aug 31, 2010
H. David Sherman, professor of accounting, has recently been featured in an American Banker article discussing the repercussions of a controversial Financial Accounting Standards Board proposal aimed at using fair-value as the default standard for all assets and liabilities. This proposal strays from previous reporting standards that allowed banks to use fair-value for loans held for sale, and amortized cost for loans and other assets held to maturity. The stated proposal conflicts with FASB’s goal of converging U.S. and international accounting standards. Sherman echoes, "Even if you thought neither system was better or ideal, at this moment to come out with this divergence is really kind of shocking…Not only is it a lot of change, it's also very costly for companies at a time when the world economy is in miserable shape and nobody wants to spend more money than they have to.”
How to Take Your Career International
Yahoo! Hotjobs, Aug 30, 2010
Looking to expand your career overseas? Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, tells Monster.com and Yahoo! HotJobs that “if you're considering an international job search, knowledge of language, as well as cultural customs, employment law, and visa requirements, can be crucial.” If you are not able/willing to take the leap in the immediate future, Sarikas recommends applying to companies that have international offices so that you can learn the company culture and establish internal contacts before going abroad.
Lynne Sarikas says the picture will brighten for MBA graduates
International Business Times, Aug 30, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center, was recently quoted in an International Business Times article predicting an optimistic outlook for MBA hiring trends. According to Sarikas, “companies had cut back so drastically during the peak of the recession that they could no longer postpone hiring talent as business rebounds.” Specifically, Sarikas forecasts that “graduating MBAs will see a large number of opportunities in marketing and sales…followed by financial areas other than investment banking.” Sarikas also has noticed “a significant increase in demand for students with a supply chain management concentration and related work experience.”
MBA student finds value in the social side of online learning
UniversityDecisions, Aug 29, 2010
In a recent article, UniversityDecisions highlighted the journey of Tia Wiggins, a Northeastern University student, in her quest to obtain a master’s degree online. Online coursework has become increasingly popular amongst the population of busy, professional adults—like Wiggins—who find value in “borderless working.” Although Wiggins was geographically separated from her classmates, she utilized expanding technology to interact with them through “video and telephone conferences, chat rooms, e-mail and discussion boards.” Wiggins was able to obtain her master’s degree in business administration by taking advantage of the flexibility and the unique interactions that the online program provided.
Andrew Rohm to discuss marketing at lecture series event
Northeastern University Office of Alumni Relations, Aug 26, 2010
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Andrew Rohm, Associate Professor of Marketing, will appear as Northeastern University's Insight guest speaker on September 8, 2010. Insight, a faculty lecture and dinner series event, offers guests the opportunity to engage with members of Northeastern’s award-winning and nationally recognized faculty and staff. In a program entitled, “Brand in the Hand: Marketing Communications in the 21st Century,” Professor Rohm will discuss advances in marketing communications and what it means today to both companies and their consumers.
Harlan Platt claims bankruptcy doesn’t offer shelter it once did
Travel Weekly, Aug 22, 2010
In a recent Travel Weekly article, Harlan Platt, economist and professor of finance, asserts that large network airlines can no longer look to bankruptcy protection as a strategic business maneuver. Previously, airlines relied upon bankruptcy declaration as a way to “shed debt, cut labor costs and, essentially, get their financial act together.” However, Platt claims that airlines can no longer expect to receive this financing due to the fragile economic state. Mexicana creditors are now seeking protection via the U.S. Chapter 15 bankruptcy code, “a tool to help determine jurisdiction in a complex bankruptcy case involving a foreign company with a web of international connections.” Platt cautions that “this can be the cost of doing business with overseas companies…It’s a little bit of a minefield."
Tips to Get Your Writing Sample Right for a Job Application
Monster.com, Aug 21, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, tells Monster that companies are increasingly expecting writing samples from applicants during the interview process. Writing samples should be specifically crafted so that the style and tone mirrors the context of the new job opportunity. Lynne recommends providing pieces that are no longer than two pages: “Most employers seek employees who can synthesize large amounts of information into a short, concise, actionable summary...Often a one-page memo is a more compelling example than a long term paper.” When applying for jobs, “have a couple of samples prepared in advance so you don’t have to scramble to find or create something at the last minute.”
Panelist Ravi Ramamurti offers insight about India’s burgeoning infrastructure industry
India New England, Aug 17, 2010
On August 3, 2010, the IndUS Entrepreneurs Boston chapter held an event entitled “Infrastructure and the Path Forward” to discuss the growing infrastructure industry in India. Amongst the three panelists was Ravi Ramamurti, Distinguished Professor of International Business and director of the Center for Emerging Markets. The panel discussion highlighted the successes and challenges that India’s government is currently facing in regards to infrastructure projects. Ramamurti advised, “Private-public partnerships between the Indian government and private equity firms are central to the success of India’s current and future [infrastructure] projects.” However, Ramamurti cautioned that India must first address its auxiliary problems such as homelessness, as it is projected that infrastructure development may displace homeless people who are unable to find low-cost housing elsewhere.
Politics, business precarious partners
Delaware Online, Aug 16, 2010
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, was quoted in a Delaware Online article discussing the implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that eliminated bans on corporate support during elections. Although companies with broad target audiences tend to shy away from publicly supporting a single candidate, smaller companies with a similar political and social outlook may find success when mixing business with politics. Professor Platt believes that the U.S. Supreme Court decision is “going to open up a watershed of donations from companies, for issues and candidates.”
Lecture Capture: Policy and Strategy
University Business, Aug 12, 2010
University Business explains that technology has enabled business students to excel in the classroom. Northeastern University has integrated a Tegrity system, a system that makes lecture recordings accessible online, into the classrooms of more than fifty faculty members. This initiative has proved especially successful for student-athletes. Because athletes can miss up to thirty percent of their classes, the Tegrity system allows individuals to access lecture material remotely at their convenience. Coleen Pantalone, associate dean of undergraduate business, says that Julia Marty, competitor on Team Switzerland’s 2010 Winter Olympics hockey team and student, used the system to access videos of the missed classes and “had an extremely successful spring term.” Frederick Wiseman; faculty athletics representative and professor of information, operations, and analysis; partnered with Lauren DeSantis; director of student services; to create the initiative. Dean Thomas Moore supports the funding of the technology and encourages College of Business Administration faculty to adopt this strategy.
Americans relate to 'sliding the chute'
Chicago Tribune, Aug 10, 2010
In a recent Chicago Tribune article, Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center, tells readers that Jet Blue flight attendant Steven Slater will have difficulty finding another job after his “slide to freedom.” After conversing with an unruly airline passenger, Slater reportedly swore at the individual over the intercom system, grabbed a beer from the beverage cart, and slid down the plane’s emergency escape chute. Slater has since evolved into a folk hero, embodying the frustration that many Americans have with their jobs. However, Sarikas warns that “Slater's stunt is not the way to deal with conflict in the workplace…People are naively finding it glamorous to vent and let it all out, but can you imagine what his chances are for finding another job as a flight attendant?"
Motherhood and the Corporate Ladder
WBUR Radio Boston, Aug 09, 2010
Jamie Ladge, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizational Development, has been featured in a WBUR Radio Boston interview discussing the implications of maternity and paternity leave on parents’ abilities to sustain successful careers. New research has found that having a child is the “#1 career-killer a woman can have.” Women who step out of a management position for even a brief time can earn 75% less than their previous wages. Those with a MBA in the corporate and finance industry are most affected by a period of leave due to the little flexibility that these sectors provide. Ladge comments that businesses are losing talent when women are forced to make the decision between a family and a career. Some women adapt by postponing having a child, searching for part-time employment, or becoming lifestyle entrepreneurs.
Lynne Sarikas comments: 6 Soft Skills Everyone Needs
Yahoo! HotJobs, Aug 06, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Center Director, tells Yahoo! HotJobs that there are six soft skills everyone needs to move ahead in a career. Although technical experience may help you secure an interview, the following skills will help you to get the job and keep it: communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, adaptability, problem solving, critical observation, and conflict resolution skills. “You need to have the skill to develop mutually beneficial relationships in the organization so you can influence and persuade people,” says Sarikas. "That means sometimes being a leader, sometimes being a good follower, monitoring the progress, meeting deadlines, and working with others across the organization to achieve a common goal.”
Joseph Giglio named guest speaker at the 2010 ITS Tri-Chapter Information Exchange Summit
Transportation Communications Newsletter, Aug 04, 2010
Joseph Giglio; Senior Academic Specialist, Executive Professor of General Management, and author of Unspeakable Truths: Is Transforming Transportation a Key to Solving America’s Economic Crisis?; has been selected as the guest speaker at the 2010 Intelligent Transportation Society Tri-Chapter Information Exchange Summit. Giglio will discuss the methods in which technology can be used to improve customer service, increase operating efficiencies, and enhance operating revenues for transportation providers. Although transportation investment has not been prioritized in the recent economy, Giglio will explain how technology and public-private partnerships can increase the real GDP without increasing public debt. The Summit will take place August 18th & 19th in Gettysburg, PA.
MBA programs court minority Ph.D.s
Boston Business Journal, July 30, 2010
In a recent Boston Business Journal article, Senior Associate Dean and Dean of Faculty William Crittenden speaks of a collaboration between five Massachusetts business schools formed to increase the ranks of minority professors. This new collaborative between the University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Bentley University, Salem State College, and Northeastern University is a break from academic tradition: while universities typically compete for the best talent, this group aims to share information about their respective Ph.D. candidates to promote racial diversity within business faculties. “We understand that students need diverse educational experience to make them culturally aware,” says Crittenden. “In order to give them that diverse experience, it includes having faculty representation from the underrepresented populations.”
Whistleblower Hotlines Create a Culture of Compliance
The Hedge Fund Law Report, July 23, 2010
In a recent article, finance professor Harlan Platt tells The Hedge Fund Law Report that hedge fund managers can use whistleblower hotlines to create and demonstrate a culture of compliance. Hotlines within hedge funds would encourage compliance with the Report of the Asset Managers’ Committee to the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets, the statement of best practices in the hedge fund industry. Platt comments, “In the hedge fund context, the individual’s own personal opportunity for gain is so far in the front that when they are below a hurdle point or simply out of the money, they may take some undue risks to try to generate that alpha.” Platt asserts that the existence of a whistleblower hotline can act as a deterrent to those motivated to cut corners.
Mars vs. Venus: Which sex runs the better business?
MSN Business on Main, July 14, 2010
Kimberly Eddleston, professor of entrepreneurship and innovation, was recently featured in a MSN Business on Main article entitled, “Mars vs. Venus: Which sex runs the better business?” Physiological research proves the existence of gender-based management styles. Eddleston states, “Men tend to use transactional styles of leadership, whereby they exchange rewards for results and lead through power and control…Women are more relationship-focused than men. Thus, they tend to use more democratic and participative leadership styles.” No manager is 100 percent male or female in style. The more you can adopt the recognized strengths of the opposite sex, the more likely your business will benefit.
Allan Bird tells IBM the next generation of leaders will be shaped by the world’s growing complexity
IBM, July 14, 2010
In a recent interview with Global Business Services, IBM’s business consulting organization, Dr. Allan Bird explains that the upcoming generation of Millennial leaders is heavily influenced by the world’s growing complexity. In an increasingly interconnected world, Bird asserts that “the implication for leadership is that there is need to develop the capability for more ‘systems’ thinking.” Bird continues, “The control of knowledge equated to a competitive advantage [in previous generations]. Today it’s more about being a participant in the flow of information.” As the world transforms, Bird believes that the following skills are particularly relevant to the Millennial generation: inquisitiveness, judgment skills, openness, and responsibility.
So You're a CPA Thinking About Law School
Going Concern, July 12, 2010
Timothy Gagnon, assistant academic specialist of accounting and attorney specializing in estate planning and taxation, tells Going Concern that CPAs thinking about law school may face both challenges and rewards. Although there is an uncertain job market and you may incur a large debt, CPAs-turned-attorneys are assets within law firms: “Clients recognize the value that a background of a CPA can add to providing legal services.” Gagnon also advises that being a CPA could possibly put you at an advantage when applying to law schools. “They’re looking to diversify their class, age, experience and you could bring something that diversifies the class that they can’t get out of somebody that just got out of undergrad.”
Harlan Platt comments: Obtaining a deed in lieu of a floreclosure
HouseLogic, July 08, 2010
Harlan Platt, economist and professor of finance, tells HouseLogic that homeowners are able to obtain a deed in lieu of a foreclosure. Using this foreclosure alternative, the mortgage loan is canceled in exchange for the deed to the house, making the lender the new owner in a faster process than a short sell. This alternative, made available through the government’s Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, requires that “you need to make a good-faith effort to sell your home before seeking a deed in lieu... you need to be at least 31 days in arrears before attempting to craft a deed in lieu of foreclosure agreement...and you mustn’t have any other liens on your home.”
Ravi Ramamurti discusses trend towards emerging marketing economies
Emerging Investor , July 07, 2010
Ravi Ramamurti, professor of international business, director of the Center for Emerging Markets, and co-author of “Reverse innovation, emerging markets, and global strategy,” was recently featured in an Emerging Investor (Korea) magazine interview. Discussing the sustainability of the trend towards emerging marketing economies, Ramamurti asserts that emerging markets are the new engines of global GDP growth, accounting for 60 percent or more of world GDP growth in the coming decades. Emerging markets present the following opportunities for global companies: they have a growing middle class with increasing purchasing power, they serve as an attractive base for low-cost production of goods and services, and they are the hot-beds of innovation. Ramamurti advises, “No global firm can afford to ignore these markets.” However, companies cannot assume that proven approaches in existing markets can be applied successfully in emerging markets: companies have to carefully develop a strategy for each emerging market.
New Ideas Spark Innovation for Fifth-Generation Business
Akron Beacon Journal, July 06, 2010
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Ted Clark of the Center for Family Business tells the Akron Beacon Journal that family businesses like the A.I. Root Company are "pretty impressive." A.I. Root Co., a nationally acclaimed candle maker, has recently marked its 141st year in existence. This fifth-generation company is a rarity amongst family businesses. Ted Clark cites that “only about 3 percent of family enterprises survive into a fourth generation.” Faced with heavy competition and the economic recession, Root has been making changes. The company reformulated its fragrance products, embraced a more collaborative ‘kaizen’ business style, utilized focus groups, and soon will host tours of the factory. Clark credits Root’s success to innovation: “Family companies tend to cling to what they know and they don’t innovate. And that’s the death of any business.”
Lynne Sarikas offers networking tips for shy people
NetworkIN North Idaho, July 05, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center, recently offered NetworkIN North Idaho helpful networking tips for shy people. Sarikas recommends starting small with known contacts and fellow alumni. Once contact is established, stop apologizing: “Introverts and inexperienced networkers often apologize when asking for an individual’s help because they see networking as an imposition, not as an exercise in relationship building.” Shy individuals should tap into their passions when building a network: join a book club or strike up a conversation at a baseball game. Sarikas encourages taking risks and getting over your fear of rejection. “In the course of networking, you’ll encounter people who can’t or don’t want to help you. That’s life,” says Sarikas. “Don’t take it personally and don’t dwell on it. It’s all part of the process.”
Ravi Ramamurti comments upon the growing Chinese labor movement
FOXBusiness, July 02, 2010
Ravi Ramamurti, professor of international business and director of the Center for Emerging Markets, tells FOXBusiness that “we’re at the beginning of the end with China as the world’s low-cost labor factory.” Recent workplace disputes in China have highlighted a growing labor movement that may derail companies from relying upon the country as a vast pool of cheap labor. A Labor Contract Law—enacted in 2008 to provide additional rights to workers—has resulted in rising labor costs for nearly 80% of American-owned businesses in the region. Ramamurti adds, “The cheap labor pool of even 10 years ago has mostly disappeared, replaced by a young population smaller in size than previous generations…These younger Chinese also grew up in a time when China began taking its place as growing economic and international power.” A small but growing percentage of international companies are now considering moving operations to cheaper labor markets elsewhere.
H. David Sherman comments upon the complexities of bank acquisitions
Morningstar, July 01, 2010
Accounting Professor H. David Sherman has been quoted in a Morningstar article discussing the complexities of bank acquisitions. Banks purchased through FDIC brokers require complicated accounting practices, thereby allowing banks to record distorted gains. Because surviving banks assume the loans and assets of the acquired bank, it is often difficult to predict future cash flows. Morningstar advises investors that if management repeatedly revises expected cash flows upward, start asking questions. Reporting inconsistencies exist because disclosure quality varies among banks. “The way you make those judgments can really affect the earnings stream,” says Sherman.
Big Dig swap transactions too good to be true
Bloomberg Businessweek, June 30, 2010
Joseph Giglio, a management professor and former head of municipal securities at Chase Manhattan Bank, was recently quoted in a Bloomberg Businessweek article addressing the interest-rate swap transactions that further heightened "Big Dig" project debt. Businessweek explains, “In a swap transaction, two parties exchange payments, typically a floating one for a fixed. State and local governments usually [sell] variable-rate bonds and negotiated with banks to leave them paying fixed interest that [is] lower than prevailing municipal rates.” However, Massachusetts engaged in swap transactions that backfired as credit markets faltered, leaving taxpayers with an unexpected multi-million dollar tab. Professor Giglio warns, “Use of these types of derivatives is making a bet...If it seems too good to be true, it is.”
Harlan Platt comments: Can you relocate if your mortgage is underwater?
Monster.com, June 29, 2010
A Monster.com article recently discussed the implications of accepting a job opportunity in a distant city when one's home mortgage is underwater. Monster.com asserts that the career leap is possible, but it isn’t easy. Finance Professor Harlan Platt suggests that homeowners engage in a short sale (mortgage holders agree to accept less than homeowners owe out of fear that homeowners will stop making payments, ultimately resulting in a greater loss). "A short sale may be the strategy for a family, because it doesn't leave the stigma of a bankruptcy or abandoned mortgage," says Platt. “However, a short sale will likely downgrade your credit rating, though perhaps not as drastically as a foreclosure would.” Those facing relocation must consider both the long-term benefits and the short-term hits.
Lynne Sarikas draws parallels between successful athletic teams and successful companies
MSNBC.com, June 28, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Center Director, recently told MSNBC that France’s World Cup defeat offers lessons on teamwork within companies. France’s loss has been attributed to a lack of trust, respect, and communication that ultimately led to infighting and insubordination. Such circumstances can doom any team, or any company. Sarikas states, “Nothing breeds success like success, but when the going gets tough, that’s when things sometimes break down and people start to think more of themselves.” Sarikas advises that if you’re not being a team player right now in the work world, you could be in trouble: “We’ve asked employers what’s important to them from a job candidate, the qualities and skills they want to see in students to make them successful. Teamwork was at the top of their list. That’s how the work gets done.”
Professor Jamie Ladge tells The Boston Globe that parents benefit from work-backed child care
The Boston Globe, June 23, 2010
A study co-authored by Professor Jamie Ladge and the Watertown-based Bright Horizons Family Solutions was recently cited in a Boston Globe article suggesting that parents benefit from employer-sponsored child care. Researchers found that employees who are offered child care “enjoy their jobs more, work harder, and have fewer health problems than employees without it…[These individuals are] 30 percent less likely to report lost productivity due to stress and had 25 percent fewer stress-induced health problems.” The study also found employees experienced greater job satisfaction, had better relationships with their co-workers, and experienced lower turnover rates. “It’s hard to be fully engaged in the work that you do,’’ said Ladge, “when you’re thinking about those other outside stressors.’’
More MBA Graduates Will Get Jobs in 2010
US News & World Report, June 18, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, was cited in a US News & World Report article that suggests an optimistic job outlook for recent MBA graduates. While candidates searching for MBA positions in 2009 faced dismal hiring trends, 2010 MBA graduates can expect more employment opportunities than their 2009 counterparts. Lynne Sarikas states, “This time last year, I had to check to see if my phone was still plugged into the wall. It didn't ring. People weren't looking to hire. This year, my phone is ringing." Although the outlook for MBA students has improved, career experts contend that “it still requires a great deal more effort to land a position than in flush times.” It is recommended that graduates still looking for work take advantage of resources such as Northeastern’s MBA Career Center.
A study co-authored by Jamie Ladge reveals that new dads want to be more than breadwinners
Reuters.com, June 18, 2010
A recent study by Northeastern University professor Jamie Ladge, Boston College professor Brad Harrington, and Boston College senior research associate Fred Van Deusen was recently cited in a Reuters article examining fathers in the workplace. Researchers found that “the changing dynamic of females in the workplace is affecting how men are behaving in a parenting role.” "The New Dad: Exploring Fatherhood within a Career Context,” inspired by Ladge's 2007 study on first-time mothers re-entering the workforce, reveals that professional men are attempting to strike a work-family balance by redefining what it means to be successful and happy.
Getting Your Resume Into Human Hands
mediabistro.com, June 15, 2010
With recent studies revealing that there are approximately six applicants for every available job in America, Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, explains the importance of getting a resume into the right hands. In an article featured on mediabistro.com, Lynne Sarikas states that “Companies require that you apply online so you are in the system, but often no one sees those resumes.” When networking, Sarikas emphasizes the importance of establishing a human connection: "You need to network to identify contacts at your target companies so a human can physically pass your resume to a hiring manager. Those are the resumes that get reviewed."
A Partnership Between Northeastern University and IBM Spurs High Impact Learning in India
The Times of Delhi, June 14, 2010
“High Impact Learning,” an article featured in The Times of India Delhi, recently discussed the partnership between Northeastern University and IBM in the creation of an online degree course that makes it possible for IBM employees based in Mumbai, Bangalore, and New Delhi to earn a MBA without disrupting their careers. Dean Thomas Moore of Northeastern University reports that the creation of the program was spurred by a conversation in which Peter Lynt, vice president for global process delivery at IBM, expressed concern about the difficulties IBM faced maintaining a high-quality workforce in India. In reference to the program, Dean Moores states, "The aim was to provide IBM’s high potential managers the opportunity to complete an internationally accredited MBA programme while remaining on the job.” Dean Moore claims that “[students] report high levels of learning and point out that they can immediately implement what they are learning in the online MBA in their roles at IBM. They have improved their technical skills in accounting, finance, marketing, as well as gained a keener insight into strategic issues.”
Lynne Sarikas offers resume advice to recent college graduates
SheKnows, June 14, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, Director of the MBA Career Center, was recently quoted in a SheKnows article that features valuable resume tips for recent graduates attempting to stand out amid a sea of competition. Sarikas suggests that college grads omit high school from the education section; focus on accomplishments that are transferrable, valuable, and relevant to an employer; use action verbs; and never embellish or overstate accomplishments. In regards to resume length, Sarikas states, “Your resume should never exceed one page at this stage of your career – employers won’t read more than that. Focus on keeping only the most recent and relevant accomplishments.” Sarikas also emphasizes that a resume should always be accompanied by a customized cover letter that relates one’s experience and relevant skills to the specific position.
Professor Jamie Ladge comments: Is the new economic era better suited to women?
The Atlantic Magazine, June 09, 2010
In a recent publication by The Atlantic Magazine, Jamie Ladge, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizational Development, comments upon whether the new economic era is better suited to women. Once previously dominated by males, “the working class, which has long defined our notions of masculinity, is slowly turning into a matriarchy.” As we recover from the recession, Professor Ladge predicts that some traditionally male jobs will return in the cyclical service industries, but the long-term trend will mark “a turning point for women in the workforce.” As a reflection of this movement, business schools are increasingly more apt to teach a “more-feminine management style.”
Harlan Platt explains recent rise in airline customer satisfaction
The Boston Globe, June 09, 2010
For the first time in four years, the latest J.D. Power and Associates North America Airline Satisfaction Study reflects a rise is customer satisfaction. Stuart Greif, vice president and general manager of the global travel and hospitality practice, reasons that “the turnaround is partly due to the decreased number of people traveling in the past year, which has led to less congestion, lower fares, and more on-time flights.” However, Harlan Platt, finance professor and airline expert, contends that “travelers are just getting used to things that formerly annoyed them, like baggage fees… [He thinks] another way to say this is there are no new gripes…you just develop a tolerance for pain.’’
Professor Chris Robertson Comments Upon Nike's Corporate Social Responsibility Practices
Ethisphere Magazine, June 07, 2010
A blog entitled “Business practice via experts learning” recently featured an article entitled “How Nike is Changing the World, One Factory At a Time.” Within this article, Christopher Robertson, associate professor of international business and expert on Latin America, comments upon Nike’s approach to corporate social responsibility. In reference to international components of a supply chain, “[Robertson truly believes] Western firms have played a significant role in raising standards in [the developing world by demonstrating] how we think, how we do things and how we treat our people.” However, Robertson admits the establishment of such CSR practices are complex: “It’s an uphill battle in some areas and the ebb and flow of investment into a country has major impacts on the standards and what can be done.” This article was originally featured in Ethisphere Magazine on March 26, 2008.
MASS. MARKET: Boston group pushes for Ronald McDonald’s retirement
The Patriot Ledger, May 29, 2010
Marketing Professor Andrew Rohm was cited in a Patriot Ledger article that examined the marketing tactics of the McDonald's Corporation. Recently, Corporate Accountability International, a Boston-based non-profit organization, was met with rebut at McDonald’s annual shareholders meeting when organization members urged for the retirement of Ronald McDonald. Although Rohm agrees with Corporate Accountability’s underlying message that discourages marketing fast food products to children, Rohm states that “the group could be more effective by focusing on what actually draws kids to prod their parents to go to McDonald’s restaurants in the first place." However, Rohm recognizes the effectiveness of pursuing a singular figure like Ronald: "such an approach can more easily resonate with the media than attacking more amorphous targets, like all the cheap Happy Meal toys that can act as plastic bribes to draw children under the Golden Arches.” Professor Rohm's remarks were also featured in an article by EnterpriseNews.com.
What the climate bill means for the US way of life
NewScientist.com, May 18, 2010
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A study co-authored by Professor Richard Goettle and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was recently cited in a New Scientist article addressing the implications of a proposed climate bill designed to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Examining the bill’s potential effects on the American lifestyle, Goettle’s study concludes that “electricity costs more, but consumers adapt to use less of it and maintain their lifestyles at the same time.” In reference to rising gasoline prices, Goettle predicts that the bill will add about 20¢ to gasoline prices by 2020, but contends that “the US economy has been hit by larger increases without suffering too much.”
Carried Interest: some senators want venture capitalists to get a CG ride on their compensation income
ataxingmatter.blogs.com, May 13, 2010
“The Private Equity Myth,” an article written by Professor Harlan Platt, was recently referenced in a blog entitled “A Taxing Matter.” Author Linda Beale, a law professor at Wayne State University Law School, addresses the debate concerning whether “carried interest” within venture capital firms should be treated as compensation and taxed at standard rates. The author points to Professor Platt’s work when examining whether private equity firms truly add value to the American economy.
Should CFOs Serve on Their Own Boards?
CFO.com, May 06, 2010
Recently, CFO.com referenced a study co-authored by Northeastern University Assistant Professor of Accounting Udi Hoitash, Bentley University professor Rani Hoitash, and Bentley University professor Jean Bedard when examining the costs and benefits associated with CFOs who serve on their own companies’ boards. Most notably, having a CFO on the board is associated with a “lower incidence of material weakness.” However, costs associated with a CFO on a company’s board include higher expected compensation and greater turnover rates. Ultimately, researchers found that "if a company is trying to improve the quality of its financial reporting, the CFO is clearly the person to appoint to the board."
United and Continental to merge
CNNMoney.com, May 03, 2010
Finance professor and airline industry expert, Harlan Platt, was quoted in a CNNMoney.com article addressing the recent announcement of a merger between United and Continental Airlines. Currently positioned as the world’s largest airline, this conglomerate may yield better pricing control. Professor Platt remarks that “the merger would allow the airlines to control more than 80% of international flights to and from major airports in Newark, N.J.; Houston and San Francisco.” Platt admits that although this market presence would allow the airline to better control airfares, the Justice Department presents a potential hurdle: “the regulator could force the airlines to give up some of their gates at these airports.” If approved by antitrust authorities, this airline is expected to serve more than 144 million passengers per year.
Bringing Clean Water to the People of Ghana
MIT.edu, Apr 29, 2010
Gordon Adomdza, Teaching Associate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, has been quoted in an MIT News article referring to a project that will help bring water filters to 1 million people in Northern Ghana. Pure Home Water (PHW), a non-profit company, has sold over 100,000 filters to people in need, and hopes to reach 1 million by 2015. PHW has a great chance at being a successful company given their proven business model, “they can then reinvest that money to help supplement the filter deployment” said Adomdza, who is optimistic their future as a self-sustaining organization.
3PL service providers ahead of the game
yahoo.com, Apr 22, 2010
Supply Chain Management Professor, Bob Lieb, was quoted in an article about his co-authored "Third Party Logistics Sustainability Report." "Compared with other industries, 3PL service providers are ahead of the game," said Professor Lieb. "They appear to be planning for the long-term by recognizing emerging customer preferences and providing services consistent with them, even in the current market downturn." The report has also been quoted on marketwire.com, msn.ca, emediaworld.com, and many others.
The pitfalls of telecommuting
New York Post, Apr 05, 2010
Marketing professor Jay Mulki was quoted in an article on potential issues for telecommuters. "Most of the people telecommuting were doing it out of choice and saying, ‘I’ll have more flexibility..." That’s not happening anymore,” says Mulki. “What they thought was that they would be able to balance work and life. More and more people are finding that they are not, partly because they’re always tethered to the phone or voice mail or e-mail.”
Waiting in Line Adds to the iPad’s Appeal
Boston.com, Apr 03, 2010
Nancy Upton, assistant professor of marketing was quoted in a Boston.com article about the willingness of Apple enthusiasts to wait in long lines for the new Ipad. Apple has some of the most brand loyal customers around and although ordering is available online, there have been reports of customers waiting in long lines at New York and Chicago's Apple stores. “They have sort of a shared experience with other folks in line" says Upton, "There is a significant interest on the part of consumers to talk and interact around a product."
iPad Economics
WSJ.com, Apr 03, 2010
David Wesley, Research Program Manager at Northeastern University has been quoted in a WSJ.com article about the the number of apps available on iPhones being one of Apple's biggest bragging points. However, Wesley argues “even the most creative programs will have a hard time attracting the notice of potential customers… iPhone and iPad users are left to wade through a sea of poorly thought-out applications.” Wesley predicts that customers “will increasingly limit their purchases to popular titles from companies with large advertising budgets or apps that have been recommended by friends, TV personalities, and other influential people"
India a Land of Pitfalls and Potential
GlobalAtlanta.com, Mar 29, 2010
Ravi Ramamurti, professor of international business at Northeastern University, was recently quoted in an article regarding the potential of economic growth in India. "The state is incompetent," Ravi said. "As somebody said, 'China's success is because of the state and India's success is despite the state." Although India has experienced government corruption and other problems, they have enjoyed steady economic growth and remain a land of opportunity for many companies and businesses.
MBA a good all-around degree
Metro International, Mar 29, 2010
Kate Klepper, Associate Dean, Graduate Business Programs at Northeastern, has been quoted in an article by Metro International about the trend for some MBA programs to offer a more specialized curriculum, with a stronger focus on their degree. While many programs are narrowing their curriculum, Kate contends "Even if you know your main interest is finance, the MBA can help put those numbers into context for you. The MBA is really a general business degree. You get a bit of everything."
Family businesses face extra strain from financial hardship
Wall Street Journal, Mar 23, 2010
Ted Clark, executive director for the Center for Family Business, was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article on how family business relationships can be strained when finances get tight. "I tend to joke that when times are good and ther is tension between family members, a new car will solve the problem," said Clark. "But in tough times, they have to actually address the problem."
Lehman Mess: Bad Intent, or Just Bad GAAP?
Compliance Week, Mar 23, 2010
H. David Sherman, professor of accounting, has been featured in a Compliance Week article discussing the source of Lehman Brothers’ collapse into bankruptcy. While some argue that company accounting practices were intentionally deceptive, others believe that the company’s actions were aligned with interpretations of GAAP. Using “Repo 105” and “Repo 108” maneuvers, Lehman moved securities off the balance sheet for a short period of time to artificially polish reports. While Sherman maintains that there is much to be explored before investors or regulators can conclude if Lehman was truly deceptive, Sherman reminds readers that “many companies have had major adjustments to cash from operations and balance sheet adjustments that have not affected earnings, and none of these have been big scandals…Many have been allowed to be treated as simple adjustments to a clarification of how to apply GAAP.”
Google stops censoring in China
CNNMoney.com, Mar 22, 2010
Fareena Sultan, marketing professor at Northeastern University was quoted in a CNN Money article about Google's recent pull-out from mainland China. Google had been censoring search results on google.cn in accordance with Chinese laws, but will now operate from Hong Kong, forcing the Chinese government to censor material they deem "controversial" . Goggly will continue its ad sales business operations in China but they conceded that the size of its salesforce will depend on the ability of mainland Chinese users to access google.com.hk. Sultan was quoted saying, "Both parties realize they need each other, so some sort of compromise will come from this in the long run".
Airline Stocks Take Off
CNNMoney.com, Mar 15, 2010
Harlan Platt, a professor of finance , who studies the airline industry at Northeastern University was quoted in an article about a recent upward surge in airline stocks. The upward trend reflected an increase in seasonal travel, a growing sense of economic recovery and the industry's ability to maintain capacity constraint and cost controls. "Maybe some investors are confused and think the halcyon days will return," he said. "They won't. Airlines have scaled back and reduced their flights and the fleets. Despite that, they're just barely eking out profits, if they're lucky."
Fine-tune skills in job hunt; transfer to job
modbee.com, Mar 14, 2010
Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University has been quoted in an article about how you can improve certian skills to make your job search easier. Job searching is a learning experience, not just learning about companies and the people, but learning career management and other critical skills that you can use later on at work. Sarikas advocates these skills as a long term investment in yourself “Job search skills are life skills (used) numerous times over the course of our career”.
Rat Out A Tax Cheat
CNNMoney.com, Mar 03, 2010
Tim Gagnon, Assistant Academic Specialist of Accounting, was quoted in a CNNMoney.com article about an IRS program intedned to reduce tax fraud. The IRS is encouraging people to report anyone they know who is cheating on their taxes by offering them a percentage of the underpaid amount. "They're kind of asking the person to be a detective or work for them and go hunt all this information down" said Gagnon. In 2008, the first full year of the program, the IRS recieved 476 tips from informants identifying 1,246 taxpayers.
ForbesWoman And TheBump.Com Survey Results
RIANovosti.com, Mar 03, 2010
Jamie Ladge, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizational Development, was quoted in a RIANovosti.com article about the results of a survey determining when most women believe is the best time to start a family, while still being able to sustain a successful career. 2,210 women participated in the survey and found that most of them felt that 25-29 years old is the best time to start a family while maintaining a career. Ladge contends "the more time you put in in the beginning, the easier it will be to on-ramp after a temporary career exit."
Do Customers Want Alternative Fuel Vehicles?
LA Times, Feb 25, 2010
Rosanna Garcia, Associate Professor of Marketing, was quoted in an LA Times article questioning if government and manufacturing focus on alternative fuel technologies matches consumer demand. "The focus with alternative-power vehicles has always been on manufacturing and governmental policy, but consumers have a big impact, and their needs and wants aren’t really taken into consideration," said Garcia. Fuel efficiency and cost are the main barriers for hybrid and electric vehicles, and in addition to consumer's lack of knowledge, account for the low demand for alternative fuel vehicles.
IBM Article Focus on eMBA Students
IBM Daksh , Feb 22, 2010
In a partnership with Northeastern, IBM Daksh has 44 of their top employees undergoing the online eMBA program through Northeastern University. Students are looking to expand their managerial skills, knowledge and grasp a better understanding of the "real world" benefits the Northeastern eMBA can offer. “Any education is good only if it effectively trains ones mind to think and analyze in a structured manner. The NEU course does this very effectively" says Bhuvana Natrajan, a domain expert on Insurance. The program provides a foundation in all areas of business from operations, finance and marketing, to strategic planning.
External risks on pressured products and how management should respond
icis.com, Feb 04, 2010
Ronald M. Whitfield, lecturer of Finance and Insurance has authored an article on icis.com regarding legal, regulatory and social pressures that are forcing companies to access risk and deal with it in a timely manner. Growth of blogs and social media websites have only increased these pressures on companies, forcing them to adapt their products to a rapidly changing environment. However if managed correctly, companies can use these risks to strengthen their business and modify their strategy successfully.
Massachusetts showed little to no growth for 18 years
Boston.com, Jan 29, 2010
John Friar, Executive Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, was quoted in an article on job growth in Massachusetts. The state experienced almost a half-percent of job loss during the period of 1990 through 2007, while the nation-wide trend during that time was a 27 percent increase. "We're kind of flat-lined," said Friar. "We haven't done a very good job of generating jobs in a long time." The statistics were released as part of Friar's study, Failure to Thrive. The report has been mentioned in the Providence Business News, National Review Online, and by Jill Stein, the Green-Rainbow candidate for governor.
Online degrees increasing in popularity
Boston Globe, Jan 10, 2010
Professor Mike Zack, executive faculty director of online graduate programs, was quoted in an article on the increasing popularity of online degrees. "Our general approach has been to look at online as just another delivery method," he said.
Unspeakable Truths: Is Transportation a Key to Solving America's Economic Crisis?
AASHTO Daily Transportation Update, Jan 07, 2010
Joseph Giglio, executive professor of management and transportation expert, has a new book out, Unspeakable Truths: Is Transportation a Key to Solving America's Economic Crisis? It has been featured on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials daily newsletter. "Professor Giglio has written yet another provocative, accessible book dealing with the financial crisis and its implications for infrastructure investment," says the Honorable James Simpson, former Federal Transit Administrator.
Innovation at Mars
BusinessWeek, Dec 28, 2009
Marc Meyer, the Robert Shillman professor of entrepreneurship, was quoted in an article on Mars' changes to their product innovation methods. Among their efforts was Pioneer Week where research teams were given minimal time and limited budgets to create a trial production line. "The teams were allowed to bypass some of the testing normally associated with product development," said Professor Meyer.
Marketing professor Nancy Upton’s article among most downloaded
Journal of Retailing, Dec 17, 2009
Assistant professor of marketing Nancy Upton’s article from earlier this year is the number 2 most downloaded article in the Journal of Retailing based on a recent analysis by its editors. The article entitled “Customer Experience Management in Retailing: Understanding the Buying Process” is also the focus of a doctoral seminar at BU. The Journal or Retailing currently has the greatest impact among all marketing journals and is ranked 4th among business journals, according to ISI citation records.
Second-generation CEOs find it tough to follow dad's footsteps
USA Today, Dec 03, 2009
Ted Clark, executive director of the Center for Family Business, was quoted in an article on second-generation CEOs. “All companies struggle under leadership changes, but it's more entertaining to watch when leadership goes from a first-generation entrepreneur with "style and swagger" to a second-generation son or daughter who can't replace a mythical, larger-than-life figure,” says Clark. “Not many can pull that off.”
Marketing professors Andy Rohm and Devon Johnson in Top Ten most cited articles
Scopus, Nov 24, 2009
Research papers by marketing professors Andy Rohm and Devon Johnson have made the Top Ten most cited articles over the past 5 years in the Journal of Business Research according to information retrieved from Scopus, October 2009. Professor Johnson’s paper, “Cognitive and Affective Trust in Service Relationships”, was published in 2005. Professor Rohm’s article, “A Typology of Online Shoppers Based on Shopping Motivations” was published in 2004.
Marketing professors Fareena Sultan and Andy Rohm finalists for Mobile Marketing Association award
Mobile Marketing Association, Nov 24, 2009
The research team of professors Fareena Sultan and Andy Rohm was chosen as a finalist for the 2009 Mobile Marketing Association Academic of the Year Award. The Academic of the Year Award is presented to the leading individual researcher or research team that has provided unique and significant conceptual, qualitative, or quantitative research contributions to the mobile industry’s understanding of mobile marketing theory and practices. Candidates are evaluated for the overall quality and significance of intellectual contribution to the understanding or practice of the mobile marketing industry made during the previous year.
Pregnancy doesn't have to be a career derailment
The New York Times, Nov 21, 2009
Jamie Ladge, assistant professor of management and organizational development, was quoted in an article on career challenges facing pregnant women. "Keep your foot in the door while you are on maternity leave by calling in to see how projects are progressing and stopping by with the baby for a visit," said Ladge. In her research she found that being a parent can open doors. “You make friends with more senior people, clients and those in other departments, easing into a conversation without making it all business. Now you have this common ground and that can have very positive ramifications for your career.”
Music games aren’t dead, just waiting to be reborn
Wired.com, Nov 16, 2009
Professor and group coordinator of marketing Gloria Barczak and research program manager David Wesley's forthcoming book on videogame marketing was mentioned in Wired magazine online edition. The article also included a quote from their blog post 'Too Much of a Good Thing: Explaining the decline of Guitar Hero and Rock Band': "Once people own a music game, there is less reason to purchase another one. Each additional music game purchase becomes subject to the law of diminishing marginal utility. Given that fact, the 2009 sales numbers seem respectable. (…) One should expect further deterioration in 2010 before sales begin to level off. At that point, the franchises will need to focus on add-ons and adapt to having a smaller number of new customers. (…) One thing is certain. Neither company appears willing to accept the fact that instrument simulation games cannot continue to be released at the current rate indefinitely."
Click here for the complete blog post.
Javanka! Real estate's newlyweds
Crain's New York Business, Nov 15, 2009
Ted Clark, director of the Center for Family Business, was quoted in an article on the marriage between Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. “They are in the same industry, so each understands what the other is going through,” says Clark. "Yet being in the same business also sparks jealousy and competition between couples. That is just human nature.”
Citi's Primerica IPO points to strategy shift
TheStreet, Nov 09, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, was quoted in an article on Citigroup's IPO of Primerica. "They must have shopped it around to competitors and the best bid offer was in their opinion less than their perceived value of the business," says Platt. "The market appears to be gaining comfort in buying IPOs based on recent experience including the Hyatt IPO and they may suspect that they would do better through this route. Hyatt is a good brand. Primerica is a good brand."
Secrets of family business
Success Magazine, Nov 04, 2009
Ted Clark, executive director, Center for Family Business, was quoted in an article on family business. “The biggest challenge is being insulated from the outside world,” says Clark. “When a family business works well, you can’t beat it. It’s really hard to compete against them. You think about a business that is saying: I’m going to take my payoff next year, or I’m going to take my payoff in the next generation.”
Marketing professor Jay Mulki awarded Best Article for 2009
The Editorial Review Board and Senior Advisory Board of the Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, Oct 26, 2009
Jay Mulki, assistant professor of marketing, and his co-authors have been awarded the Journal of Marketing Theory & Practice Best Article for 2009 (Volume 17). The paper is titled: “Examining the Impact of Service Quality: A Meta-Analysis of Empirical Evidence”. The award is being presented at the Society for Marketing Advances Conference in New Orleans.
Professor Fareena Sultan's paper among most downloaded
Social Science Research Network (SSRN), Oct 14, 2009
Marketing professor Fareena Sultan's working paper 'Determinants and Role of Trust in E-Business: A Large Scale Empirical Study' has made the top ten list on the SSRN site for Internet and E-Commerce downloads.
16th annual survey of third-party logistics provider CEOs
The Journal of Commerce, Sept 23, 2009
Robert Lieb, professor of supply chain management, presented his '2009 3PL Provider CEO Perspective' survey at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Annual Global Conference. "This year's survey results underscore the caution and anticipation felt by 3PL executives as they wait for signs of a global economic recovery. Yet, despite bearish growth projections and acknowledgement that consolidation, pricing pressures and operational reductions were, and may continue to be, necessary adjustments, the opportunities for improved collaboration with customers, expansion into emerging markets and the possible addition of new management talent have many excited about the next several years," commented Lieb.
FASB proposal likely to add cost, liability to difficult valuations
Investor Advisor Week, Sept 21, 2009
David Sherman, professor of accounting, was quoted in an article about a new FASB proposal concerning hard-to-value securities. "The proposal doesn't mark a major change, but an evolutionary one. I see it as an extension of what the SEC said to CFOs last September, that investors should be told what went behind the calculations and the sensitivity range," said Sherman. "The proposal could raise and lower liability risks. Raise them because you'd be more responsible for supporting the range of value - as opposed to a set value amount - yet also potentially lower liability because you are using a range and not an exact figure."
Citi may benefit from M&A boom
The Street, Sept 10, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, was quoted in an article about Citigroup's improved chances of selling off its assets due to a recent trend of mergers and acquisitions. "A frozen credit market will defrost for the highest-quality borrowers first, which plays well into the hands of Citi -- because anybody who is going to be buying the type of assets that they own is a premier company," says Platt. "The evidence we have in the last two weeks suggests that premier companies can in fact gain access to capital and make acquisitions. ... Two to three quarters from now, then even buyers for the bad stuff will surface. But right now there is so much risk and so much regulation."
Dean Thomas E. Moore interviewed as expert in online learning
Economic Report with Greg Gumbel, Sept 09, 2009
Dean Thomas E. Moore was interviewed as a leader in online learning on Greg Gumbel’s Economic Report, September 9, 2009. The interview appeared on CNN Headline News in cities throughout the U.S., including Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, San Francisco, and New York.
Mark-to-market: Fair in theory, but of what value?
American Banker, Sept 08, 2009
David Sherman, professor of accounting, was interviewed about expanding his 2009 FAS 157 Answer Book due to changing fair value rules. "...if there was something radical, it was the revision the FASB made in April, where they said you could take the change in value and separate the part that's due to credit risk from the part that's due to inactivity in the market - and the part that's due to the market you don't have to put through to income. Also, the fair-value hierarchy with Level 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities - this is really a remarkable development. It's accounting, but it also is a broad business issue now in terms of what the implications are. People say things like, "From now on we're only going to take Level 1 as collateral." Investors, lenders and security analysts are making business decisions using this new vocabulary," explains Sherman.
Learn the hi-tech way
Financial Chronicle, Sept 07, 2009
Northeastern University's online MBA for Indian IBM managers was featured in an article about the rapid growth of online education in India. The web-based model is very practical and cost-effective for corporations.
Bailed-out execs get boost as stocks rally
The Washington Times, Sept 02, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, was quoted in an article about Congress feeling the pressure to further tighten up Wall Street exec's pay packages. "It's a shame to have Congress getting involved in compensation issues, but when you have a crop of CEOs who think they deserve eight-figure salaries for not doing their jobs then we probably do need some regulation," said Platt. Explaining the challenge, Platt remarked, "The problem is at least in part that the compensation committee at many firms is controlled by other CEOs who expect the same generosity when their firm's committee meets. That's sort of like inviting a dark-alley mugger to keep a watchful eye over your piggy bank. It's not going to be there when you return."
Accounting is more popular than ever
Career In Accounting, Aug 25, 2009
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Marjorie Platt, professor and group coordinator of the accounting group was quoted in an article about the rising popularity of accounting degrees. "As Wall Street faces serious layoffs, quantitatively oriented students may decide to focus on accounting rather than finance. We've seen our number of majors continue to grow over that past year while the number of finance majors is flat or trending down a bit. Since the two subjects are highly related, it may not take a lot of extra effort or coursework to refocus one's major," said Platt.
Accounting professor Arnold Wright receives funding from Center for Audit Quality
Pensions and Investments, Aug 21, 2009
Arnold Wright, professor of accounting and international business, was granted funding for research by the Center for Audit Quality. Wright and his coauthor Stephen Asare of the Warrington College of Business were chosen for their paper "The Collaboration Between Financial Statement Auditors and Fraud Experts in Fraud Risk Assessment." The Washington-based group selected five projects from nearly 50 proposals it received addressing audit quality, professional judgment, professional skepticism, and the value of the audit.
Traders keep buying old GM stock, despite warnings
Associated Press, Aug 20, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and expert on corporate bankruptcies, was quoted in an article about investors picking up GM stock, despite indications that the shares may soon be worth next to nothing. To anyone thinking they are getting a bargain, Platt has a warning: "There are people who think they are buying the new General Motors. Stop. You're not. You're buying the detritus." This article has been picked up by media such as USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Miami Herald and others.
GAAP interpretations create problems for GE
Compliance Week, Aug 18, 2009
David Sherman, accounting professor at Northeastern University, was quoted in an article about GE restating financial results after a SEC investigation. Sherman believes this case demonstrates why the changing interpretations of GAAP standards would warrant a switch to International Financial Reporting Standards. "This is an important policy issue. Under U.S. GAAP, the accounting is nightmarish. But under IFRS, it would be totally acceptable. A lot of the things GE and Fannie Mae did probably would have been considered reasonable under a principles-based approach," he says.
Small talk advice: listen, listen, listen
CNN, Aug 17, 2009
Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, was quoted in an article offering tips on small talk. "...in a conversation, listening is just as important as speaking," said Sarikas. "Early in my career I heard very sage advice: "There is a reason you have one mouth and two ears; you are intended to listen more than you speak." Still true today. Show the other person respect by listening to what they have to say. Acknowledge, either verbally or with a nod, as appropriate. Ask questions. Use the person's name. Do not interrupt when they are speaking."
Low-cost battle at Boston's Logan Airport
Associated Press, Aug 15, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and expert on the airline industry, was quoted in an article about low-cost carriers JetBlue and Southwest competing in the Boston market. "It makes me think of gunfighters in the Old West - who is going to be the last man standing?" Platt said. "When you enter a town the size of Boston as really the sole low-cost carrier (like JetBlue did), you really can pick off a lot of the legacy carriers. But when the last two gunfighters are JetBlue and Southwest, you've got another game." This article has been picked up by media such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Miami Herald and others.
Banks turn to Twitter to regain customers’ trust
TheStreet.com, Aug 14, 2009
Marketing professor Andy Rohm was quoted in an article about banks using Twitter for customer service. Banks have to be careful to emphasize communication over advertising, because users don't want to engage with banks that "hawk their wares," says Rohm. He has already executed an innovative idea with Netherlands' Rabobank, creating the virtual Yvette which can help multiple users through online chatting services. Care has been taken to make her appear genuinely friendly. "She can respond in both functional and social chat," explains Rohm. "She might engage with you saying, 'Hey it's nice to chat with you again. How was your trip to Barcelona?'"
Executive education programs worth the investment
Business Management USA, July 10, 2009
Beth Cliff, Director of Executive Education at the College of Business Administration recently discussed the value of a sound executive education program to companies during an economic downturn. "Armed with the right approach (practical, customized and results-oriented), the right faculty (industry and area-focused) and the right executive education partner (quick, responsive and flexible), a company can't help but provide top-notch educational experiences to their executive team. In times like these, this is precisely the muscle that's needed," said Cliff. For more information on the College of Business's Executive Education program, click here.
Abbreviated IFRS to simplify accounting methods in small companies
CFO.com, July 10, 2009
Accounting professor H. David Sherman was recently quoted in an article on changes made to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Revised to make accounting methods less costly for underdeveloped countries, the abbreviated document will also benefit small, private companies in the US. By simplifying this document, the International Accounting Standards Board has essentially said, "all of those choices are a complication and impose a burden in valuating the accounting each year, so we're going to take them away and just say here, this is a good policy to use," said Sherman.
GM's plan to cut executives may help company's turnaround
Associated Press, July 08, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and corporate turnaround expert, was quoted in an article about General Motors' plan to further cut its workforce, including some executives. In response to the cuts Platt said, "That's great. But if it doesn't end up with General Motors being transformed, then it's just another step on the way toward the ultimate demise of General Motors." Provided by the Associated Press, this article has been picked up by media such as Businessweek, salon.com, forbes.com, msnbc.com and various news stations.
Recent graduate sustains entrepreneurial success
Fox News Business, July 01, 2009
Dominic Coryell, a 2009 graduate of the Northeastern University College of Business, recently appeared on FOX News Business to discuss the success of his company. Coryell is CEO of Garment Valet, a laundry and dry cleaning delivery service. "The way our model works is we do the distribution and marketing and all the customer service," said Coryell. Its business model has allowed Garment Valet to perform well despite economic conditions. "We have a sufficient revenue stream of about $1M. There are VC options but right now we're using our own profits and our own money to just keep growing," he said. Coryell won the Global Student Entrepreneur Award in 2008 for his leadership of this venture.
Goals evolve for audit committees
Harvard Business Review, June 30, 2009
Accounting professor H. David Sherman co-authored an article, with Dennis Carey, and Robert Brust, about the changing agendas of board of directors' audit committees. At this point, most committees have mastered Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and are looking for other areas to analyze and increase business value. According to Sherman, the committees need a wider array of knowledge in order to adequately tackle the issues.
Rise in bankruptcies possible hint of what’s to come
Businessweek, June 23, 2009
Finance Professor Harlan Platt was quoted in an article on the dramatic rise of the number of commercial bankruptcies and how this might just be the beginning. "I think the surge in commercial bankruptcies is probably not yet here," said Platt.
NU College of Business Administration Ranked 14th in U.S. for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program
Boys Life, June 22, 2009
Program Moves Up 10 Spots in Entrepreneur Magazine/Princeton Review Ranking;
Also Ranked Second in New England.
Knowledge and innovation management essential components in competitive strategy of companies
Wall Street Journal Online, June 22, 2009
An article co-authored by Michael H. Zack, professor of information, operations and analysis, and Edward F. McDonough, III, international business and innovation management professor, was recently recommended on Wall Street Journal online as further reading for insights on innovation. Featured on the MIT Sloan Management Review, the article states that in order to stay competitive, companies must strategize "based not only on what an organization makes or the service it provides but also on what it knows and how it innovates." To read professors Zack and McDonough's article, 'Integrating Innovation Style and Knowledge Into Strategy,' click here.
Social entrepreneurship: profit versus poverty
Tonic.com, June 16, 2009
Executive professor of entrepreneurship and innovation, Dennis Shaughnessy, was quoted in an article on a recent College of Business Administration course. CBA students helped locals in the Dominican Republic plan and build profitable, sustainable businesses. "Profit is the key to fighting poverty," said Shaughnessy.
Netbooks gain corporate clout
Digitalmediabuzz.com, June 11, 2009
Marketing professor Gloria Barczak was quoted in an article on the increased usage of netbooks among corporate America. "It appears that netbooks have already made the leap from consumer toy to business professional," said Barczak. "Customers, both consumers and business, are looking for an inexpensive device that performs the primary functions they need -- Internet browsing, e-mail, typing documents and sharing some digital media. In addition to their functionality, netbooks are low price, very portable due to low weight and typically have longer battery lives than some laptops due to lower power requirements. So overall they are convenient, affordable and functional."
IP Law showing vulnerability to recession
Boston Business Journal, June 05, 2009
Multi-disciplinary executive professor of law and business, Susan Montgomery, was quoted in an article on decreasing intellectual property work, previously thought to be recession-proof. "As a general statement, which we've certainly heard in the past, IP is recession-proof. But I think that that's an overly broad way of looking at it, and that may be why you're seeing indications that perhaps it's not true now," said Montgomery.
Third party often needed to mediate family business breakups
CNNMoney.com, June 04, 2009
Director of the Center for Family Business, Ted Clark, was quoted in an article on advice for breaking up a family business. "Try to get a third party to open the lines of communication," suggests Clark. "Find a professional who everyone can agree is neutral so that no one feels that party has favorites."
Northeastern Online MBA for India Managers
Financial Chronicle, June 02, 2009
Director of Distance Learning Programs, Dee Masiello, was quoted in an article on the new online MBA program specifically tailored for IBM managers in India. "The target is to register a maximum of 20 managers from India to reach our first year target of 50 students for this unique online MBA course," said Masiello. "The course is completely online, no residency requirement now," she said.
College of Business professors’ research on Jim Cramer captures national attention
May 31, 2009
Finance Professors Paul Bolster and Emery Trahan did a study on the stock picks by Jim Cramer of CNBC's Mad Money. Their research showed that his picks did remarkably well using straight numbers. However, when adjusted for the risk involved, his picks showed only marginal gains and losses. Their study has been picked up by CNBC.com, CXO Advisory Group, NYTimes.com Deal Group, Haaretz.com, as well as NPR. Audio content of that piece is available here.
Networking, volunteering helps maintain right attitude when unemployed
Washington Post, May 31, 2009
Director of the MBA Career Center, Lynne Sarikas, was quoted in a Washington Post article on the advantages of volunteering and continuing to network while unemployed. "[Those who are unemployed] need that moral support, that accountability," said Sarikas. "[Volunteering] does wonders for the self-confidence."
GM and UAW reach tentative deal
Associated Press, May 26, 2009
Finance professor and corporate turnaround expert, Harlan Platt, was quoted in an article on GM and UAW reaching a tentative deal. "[This deal is] the best for everyone involved," said Professor Platt. "This is great for the workers because some of their jobs will be there in the future. This is great news for the Obama administration because they've demonstrated they're respecting contracts." The AP story has been covered by the San Francisco Chronicle, CNBC.com, Yahoo.com, NPR.org, USA Today, and abcnews.com, among others.
Northeastern University College of Business customizes online MBA program for IBM
Financial Times, May 24, 2009
The College of Business customized an online MBA program for IBM managers in India. The program was conceived by Dean Tom Moore after speaking with Peter Lynt (BS '83), vice-president for global process delivery for IBM. "By getting these high potential managers into an MBA programme, we're adding value to IBM and helping the company recruit and retain workers," says Dean Moore.
Recent election in India may not increase FDI
Investor's Business Daily, May 21, 2009
Professor Ravi Ramamurti, director of the center for emerging markets, was quoted in an article on India's recent democratic election and the new government's propensity towards growth. "Just because the government will focus more on growth doesn't automatically mean they are going to open the floodgates to foreign direct investment," Ramamurti said. "In India's case, growth can come from giving a freer hand to the domestic private sector."
More law firms looking to business education
Wall Street Journal Online, May 20, 2009
A customized College of Business Administration executive education program for second-year associates at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in Boston was mentioned in a Wall Street Journal Article. Jane Eiselein, director of professional development, said the program was a success and will be offered again.
NY Yankees’ gaining top dollar for sale of old stadium
Boston Herald, May 14, 2009
Marketing professor Andrew Rohm was quoted in an article on how the Yankees have been selling off, piece-by-piece, parts of the old stadium. "The old Yankee Stadium is no more, while Fenway still stands, making the Yankees' items more valuable," said Rohm. "If you were buying the last Fenway seats as the Sox moved to another stadium, those would be certainly be worth more than the old seats the team sold."
Spouses can be invaluable support in job search
Wall Street Journal, May 12, 2009
Director of the MBA Career Center, Lynne Sarikas, was quoted in an article on how spouses can boost each other's job searching skills. She recommends mock interviews to better prepare for unexpected questions.
Baggage fees helping airlines recoup losses
CNNMoney.com, May 12, 2009
Airline industry expert and finance professor Harlan Platt was quoted in an article on how airlines made over $1 billion in the past year from baggage fees. According to Platt, airlines pay an average of $15 per checked baggage. "It's hard to argue with user fees," he said. "Why should a guy who's not bringing luggage on the plane pay for the guy who's bringing too many bags?"
Jim Kramer’s stock picks outperform S&P 500 index
NPR.org, May 11, 2009
Research done by Finance Professors Paul Bolster and Emery Trahan was quoted on NPR's website. Their research has shown that CNBC's Jim Cramer's advice resulted in an annual 12% return on investment. "Overall, the results suggest that, while Cramer may be entertaining and mesmerizing to many of his viewers, his aggregate or average stock recommendations are neither extraordinarily good nor unusually bad."
Obama needs to support small businesses more
Boston Herald, May 10, 2009
Entrepreneurship professor Kim Eddleston was quoted in an article about Obama's efforts to support small business efforts in the U.S. "The goal should be encouraging investment, hiring and growth," said professor Eddleston. "That would help immensely and it would encourage hiring."
Airlines offering wireless internet access
CNN.com, May 04, 2009
Finance Professor and airline expert Harlan Platt was quoted in an article on airline carriers' increasing use of wireless internet access (wi-fi) on flights. "Normally, air carriers rush to purchase capital equipment that raises their cost but doesn't raise their revenue. ... This is actually a revenue-producing tactic. And it's a good one because it's providing value to the passenger and it's creating incremental revenues for the airline," Platt said.
‘Sell in May’ stock strategy not viable in current market
The Tennessean, May 01, 2009
Finance Professor Paul Bolster was quoted in an article on investors' time-tested strategy of selling stock in May. According to Professor Bolster, research has shown that this strategy does not work in extreme markets. "This suggests that when market conditions get really bad, they stay bad regardless of the month of the year," he said. "2009 certainly has the potential to be a bad year for stocks from end to end."
Investors wary of mark-to-market easing
American Banker, May 01, 2009
Accounting Professor H. David Sherman was quoted in an article on FAS 157-4, a set of new Financial Accounting Standards Board guidelines for mark-to-marketing accounting rules and little these rules seemed to have changed things. "Before, you could say that there are just three objective ways of looking at [asset categorizations by level] and then use the one that makes the most sense. Now you have to be concerned [that] people think you're using the one that makes you have the smallest losses," said professor Sherman.
Citigroup and other large banks required to raise more capital
The Street, Apr 28, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and corporate turnaround expert, was quoted in an article about Citigroup and other large banks being forced by the government to raise more capital. "Seeing success they're having in the auto industry, they're going to take a very similar tactic with these 19 banks that are too big to fail," Professor Platt says. "The government is going to light some fires under some butts and force people to sell off assets that have value as opposed to selling off assets that have limited value."
Doubtful if GM’s latest cost cutting plans will keep the automaker out of bankruptcy
The Flint Journal, Apr 27, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and corporate turnaround expert, was quoted in an article about GM's plans to cut costs further and eliminate the Pontiac brand. "It's not to say that Pontiac didn't make really nice cars," Professor Platt said, "(but) it's easier trying to plug four holes than trying to plug five."
Only a small percentage of family businesses make it past the fourth generation
The Boston Globe, Apr 26, 2009
Ted Clark, executive director of the Center for Family Business, was quoted in an article about the Zildjian centuries-old business with its 15th generation ready to continue the family legacy. "Less than 3 percent of family businesses make it to the fourth generation. Are they successful? Absolutely," Ted Clark said. "Everyone knows who they are. They have an extremely powerful brand."
CBA student highlighted in U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report, Apr 22, 2009
Courtney Heath chose to attend the College of Business Administration six years after finishing her undergrad degree and having achieved most of her initial career goals. She chose Northeastern University because of its renowned co-op program. "It was the right time, right place for me to go to business school," said Heath.
Bashing your employer in public a good way to sabotage your career
Foxbusiness.com, Apr 17, 2009
Director of the MBA Career Center, Lynne Sarikas, was quoted in an article on six ways to sabotage your career. In the article, she recounts the story of a senior vice president firing an employee due to an overheard conversation. "Apparently, he had been riding the T (a subway in Boston), and one of the employees was on the train talking to someone -- in a loud enough voice to be overheard -- bashing his manager and the company," said Sarikas.
General Growth’s bankruptcy filing good news for vendors and suppliers
The Washington Post, Apr 17, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and corporate turnaround expert, was quoted in an article about General Growth's mall reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Professor Platt mentioned that bankruptcy announcement is positive for vendors and suppliers as it assures payment for their services. "Uncertainty, which has been sort of looming over everyone's head in this case, is now removed," Professor Platt said.
Transportation reform in Massachusetts needs better management
SouthCoastToday.com, Apr 17, 2009
Joseph Giglio, executive professor of management and transportation expert, co-wrote an op-ed with Charles Chieppo on transportation reform in Massachusetts. Professor Giglio wrote: "At this late date, putting transportation reform back on track, not to mention implementing it successfully, will take real leadership and seasoned, experienced management. To find people with those qualities, state officials must look beyond candidates whose primary credentials are political."
Accounting professor discusses recent changes to fair-value accounting rules
Compliance Week, Apr 10, 2009
H. David Sherman, professor of accounting, was interviewed by Matt Kelly, editor of Compliance Week , about the recent revisions to fair-value accounting rules. The banking industry and other companies that carry significant financial assets on their balance sheets will benefit from these changes. To download an mp3 of the interview, click here.
Country of origin and brand name of luxury labels crucial in consumer purchasing decisions
Women's Wear Daily, Apr 02, 2009
Samuel Rabino, professor of marketing, was quoted in an article that highlighted the results of the research study 'An International Perspective on Luxury Brand and Country of Origin Effect,' which Professor Rabino co-authored. "Country of origin association is extremely high with all of these luxury brands, which indicates to us that consumers know these brands quite well," said Professor Rabino. He also added that while the country of origin is an important factor in the consumer purchasing decision, the study revealed that "even higher attention is paid to the brand name itself."
Financial market indicates economic turnaround near
NECN, Mar 29, 2009
Richard Goettle, lecturer of finance and insurance, was interviewed on NECN's 'This Week in Business' segment to discuss current economic conditions and the Obama Administration's plans to overhaul the way the nation's financial institutions are regulated. "I think things are starting to reach the bottom in the financial market. I don't think things are starting to reach the bottom in the fundamental economy," Professor Goettle said. "Everyone expects unemployment to continue to rise, businesses continue to be in tough times, and profits continue to erode. But I do think that the financial markets are the leading indicator that we are nearing the bottom of the bad news in terms of housing and in terms of maybe the stock market. The downside risk is a lot smaller than what it was three to four month ago." To watch the discussion, click here.
Tips on how to make a great first impression on an interview
NECN, Mar 25, 2009
Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center, was interviewed on NECN to offer helpful tips on how to make a great first impression on a job interview. An important aspect of the interview process is to follow up with a hand-written note. "Follow up is usually a critical part of the job, so here is an opportunity to demonstrate your attention to that. A hand-written note does differentiate you because not everyone does it." To watch the interview, click here.
People tend to reflect on the past during tough economic times
CBS, Mar 24, 2009
Nancy Upton, assistant professor of marketing, was interviewed for The Early Show on CBS to talk about the recent trend of designers and companies drawing inspiration from The Great Depression. "We see that in times of prosperity, people will oftentimes look forward. And in times of economic downturn, as we're seeing right now, that there's a tendency to reflect back on the past," said Professor Upton.
Citigroup management change might help new unit gain Wall Street acceptance
The Street, Mar 20, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, was quoted in an article on Citigroup's recent management change, which puts CFO at the helm of Citigroup's new unit, Citi Holdings. "This is an example ... where you have somebody whose talents have come to the surface and have been recognized," Professor Platt says. "This is an anticipatory change so that the spun off company will have a cadre of executives that will be well accepted on the Street so that the valuation [of the assets] will be high."
Move toward principles-based accounting regulations could mean more clarity
CFO.com, Mar 13, 2009
H. David Sherman, professor of accounting, was quoted in an article about the possibility of U.S. rules-based GAAP system becoming more like the judgment-centered IFRS. While speaking at a panel on the future of accounting regulation, Sherman pointed out that a more principles-based system, like the one outlined in the SEC's roadmap for global convergence of accounting rules, financial statements' footnotes will inevitably increase to provide the details previously given under U.S. GAAP. "It means you get a lot more clarity," Professor Sherman said. This story also appeared on SmartBrief.com.
Company’s low bond prices sign of looming bankruptcy
Los Angeles Business Journal, Mar 09, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, was quoted in an article about Univision Communications, a Spanish-language broadcaster, struggling with sharp decline in its bond prices. "When a bond trades at nine cents, the market is anticipating a bankruptcy filing," said Professor Platt. "All media companies have suffered a startling decline in advertising revenues, and I suspect that Spanish-language stations are no different."
Department stores’ strategy of running large sales a difficult to reverse model
Footwear Plus, Mar 06, 2009
Tony Gao, assistant professor of marketing, was quoted in an article about many department stores, even Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, offering large sales that are deeper and earlier than in the past. "This is almost a path of no return," says Professor Gao. "It's hard to reverse this model."
‘Going concern’ ruling by GM auditors blatantly obvious
Bloomberg, Mar 05, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and turnaround expert, was quoted in an article about auditors giving GM a 'going concern' ruling because of the company's dependence on government funds. "It's telling you what you knew all along," Professor Platt said about ruling. "They issued what was obvious, blatantly obvious, in November."
GM auditors doubt automaker’s ability to continue operations
Associated Press, Mar 05, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and turnaround expert, was quoted in an article about GM auditors doubting the automaker's ability to continue operations despite its ambitious restructuring plans. "I think the government has forced the hands of everybody," Professor Platt said. "In 18 months to 24 months, I anticipate they will be profitable, in the black. A mean and lean competitor that will be world-class." This story also appeared in Forbes, Businessweek, Marketplace, iStock Analyst, and The Los Angeles Times.
Corporate fraud scandals raise question of auditor liability
CFO.com, Mar 04, 2009
H. David Sherman, professor of accounting and former SEC academic fellow, was quoted in an article about auditor liability in connection with fraud allegations. One of the most recent examples is the Satyam Computer Services scandal involving Price Waterhouse India. Professor Sherman says that the audit firm is at fault to some extent because it did not discover the fraud issue.
Research on mood and spending provides useful tips to alleviate the woes of recession
Chicago Tribune, Feb 27, 2009
Nancy Upton, assistant professor of marketing, was quoted in an article about useful tips based on research about mood and spending. "If your desire is solely to pick up mood, there are much better mood regulators available," Professor Upton said. "Especially in the case of stress or anxiety, both cognitive and physical stress can be alleviated by exercise. And not only is it a mood regulator, it can be more cost-effective, as well."
Liquidators turn to discount retailers and foreign markets to sell inventory
Baltimore Sun, Feb 25, 2009
Tony Gao, assistant professor of marketing, was quoted in an article about liquidation sales run by firms specializing in going-out-of-business sales. Professor Gao mentions that liquidators generally generate much better profits by selling inventory to deep discount retailers and foreign markets.
SEC should reinstate 'uptick rule' to get economy back on track
Advanced Trading, Feb 24, 2009
Harlan Platt, finance professor and business turnaround expert, wrote an article on short selling that was published in Advanced Trading. "Investors are selling stocks short, not because they know something bad about these companies but because everyone else is," Professor Platt writes. "If they drive companies into bankruptcy these investors come out winners. The losers are everyone else in the country. The solution is simple: the SEC needs to reinstate the uptick rule. The market will recover, the economy will recover, and the shorts will take a bath."
Wide range of problems in auto sector reason behind Delphi’s benefits cuts
MidMichigan, Feb 24, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and bankruptcy expert, was quoted in an article about health and life insurance benefits cuts for Delphi Corp. employees. "What's transpired in the auto sector has been devastating," Professor Platt said. "Delphi is under good management but is seeing this onslaught of problems (spin) out of its control. ... In the case of Delphi, events have amounted to an unending case of bad news and ramifications for the firm."
Delphi terminates health insurance benefits in effort to emerge from bankruptcy
Associated Press, Feb 22, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and bankruptcy expert, was quoted in an article about Delphi's benefit cuts for salaried retirees. Professor Platt said that the auto supplier's benefit termination request is a "sign of absolute desperation" for Delphi. He predicts that the judge is likely to approve Delphi's appeal.
Donald Trump’s business style poorly suited for current recession
Associated Press, Feb 17, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and bankruptcy expert, was quoted in an article about three Atlantic City casinos, which were once run by Donald Trump, filing for bankruptcy protection for the third time. "Mr. Trump has a way of doing business which was perfectly aligned with American capitalism over the last 20 years, but will probably be misaligned in the future," Professor Platt said. "He has lots of leverage and a tendency to make very bold bets." This story also ran in Forbes, New York Magazine, BusinessWeek, and on MSNBC.com.
Finance Professor refutes Icahn’s suggested recommendations for corporate America
Wall Street Journal, Feb 17, 2009
Donald Margotta, associate professor of finance, wrote a letter to the editor in response to the op-ed article 'Capitalism Should Return to its Roots' by Carl Icahn who is the chairman of Icahn Enterprises, a publicly traded diversified holding company, and Blockbuster Entertainment. Professor Margotta wrote that while some of Mr. Icahn's criticisms of corporate America are valid, "his proposed solutions to those problems have apparently not worked for his own companies."
Major airlines and regional carriers benefits from partnerships
The Star Ledger, Feb 13, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and airline industry expert, was quoted in an article on major airlines' partnership with regional carriers for commuter flights. "A regional carrier could never have the computer network for attracting new passengers, and the large carrier couldn't afford to fly from large towns to small ones," said Professor Platt. "You have a number of well-managed, highly professional regional carriers that operate this way, and for the most part, their safety record is unparalleled around the world."
The current recession and the ‘Lipstick Effect’
Marketing Daily, Feb 12, 2009
Nancy Upton, assistant professor of marketing, was interviewed by Marketing Daily about the "Lipstick Effect" in this recession. "During the Depression, we saw an increase in cosmetic sales, especially lipstick. It's a small, relatively inexpensive purchase that cheers you up. We're seeing similar patterns today," Professor Upton said. "McDonald's sales are up, as are other lower-end restaurants--people know it's cheaper to eat at home, but it's an inexpensive way to lift their mood--especially if they're working late. Workplace morale is low, stress levels are high--people are looking for short-term gratification." This story also ran in The Kansas City Star.
Is IT the answer for troubled retailers?
CIO, Feb 02, 2009
Tony Gao, assistant professor of marketing, was quoted in an article about the question whether a smart IT strategy can help retailers survive the economic downturn. "Unfortunately, many retailers are under tremendous pressure from investors to deliver short-term sales and financial results," says Professor Gao, "and don't have the luxury of longer decision-horizons." This story also ran on Network World.
Tough economy requires MBA students to put dream job on hold
Boston Business Journal, Jan 30, 2009
Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center, was quoted in an article about tough job market. "It's going to be incredibly competitive, so they're going to have to sell themselves well," said Ms. Sarikas. "This isn't the time to hold out for your dream job."
Not all companies cut dividends to hold on to capital
CNNMoney, Jan 28, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance, was quoted in an article about dividend cuts. "Some massive companies may need to reduce their dividends not so much to retain capital but simply because they don't need to pay their shareholders extraordinary returns," Professor Platt said. "A company with a high yield is a company at risk to reduce it since the market is suggesting they are overpaying."
‘Lipstick Effect’ purchases calm economic anxiety
Forbes, Jan 27, 2009
Nancy Upton, assistant professor of marketing and an expert in the effects of mood on consumer behavior, was quoted in an article about the 'Lipstick Effect.' "During the Depression, we saw something referred to as the 'Lipstick Effect', which showed an increase in the consumer purchase of cosmetics, especially lipstick," Professor Upton says. "What we saw was a consumer trying to make themselves feel better through small, indulgent, hedonic consumption." This story also ran in Financial Post, The Toronto Star, KIVI-TV, and PhysOrg.com.
2009 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards
BigNews.biz, Jan 26, 2009
Thomas Moore, Dean of the College of Business Administration, was quoted in the press release about Northeastern University's 3rd annual Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards program, which will be held on April 29, 2009. "Given that family businesses create 78% of all new jobs, it seems more appropriate than ever in these tough economic times to acknowledge and support family businesses. Family businesses are an important economic engine of the Commonwealth. They account for 60% of total U.S. employment and with all the long-term contributions that family firms deliver to their employees, the economy, and the Commonwealth, it seems fitting to highlight and recognize their achievements and success," said Dean Moore.
Despite lower oil prices, airlines continue to struggle
CNNMoney, Jan 21, 2009
Harlan Platt, professor of finance and airline industry expert, was quoted in an article about additional layoffs at struggling airlines that have been cutting capacity since last summer due to lofty oil prices. "The reduction in oil prices and jet fuel prices has been a welcome benefit to the airlines but the floor has fallen out of air travel," said Professor Platt. This story also appeared on Market Watch, PR Newswire, iStock Analyst, Top News, Aircraft Maintenance Technology, and The Earthtimes.
Accounting scandal in India raises concerns about oversight of international companies trading in U.S.
Bloomberg, Jan 13, 2009
Ganesh Krishnamoorthy, associate professor of accounting, was quoted in an article about India's biggest corporate fraud investigation involving Satyam Computer Services Ltd. "If you're an auditor working in an emerging market like India and you believe regulatory scrutiny is going to be somehow lower than if you were doing it somewhere else in the world, then there are less incentives to give the same quality audit," Professor Krishnamoorthy said.
India and China leaders of innovation
SiliconIndia, Sept 24, 2008
Ravi Ramamurti, a professor of international business and director of the Center for Emerging Markets, was quoted in an article on the rise of India and China as hubs for innovation. "China and India are already well-recognized as centers of production of low-cost goods and services for the world. But their potential as centers of research and development and innovation is only starting to be recognized. They will fuel global innovation in at least four ways," said Professor Ramamurti. This story also appeared on IndiaNewEngland.com.
Strong economy but weak infrastructure fuels India’s 3PL growth
Shipping Digest, Apr 01, 2008
Supply Chain Management Professor, Robert Lieb, was quoted in Shipping Digest on India's weak infrastructure and growth of Third Party Logistic companies (3PLs). The article, 'India's economy is booming, but weak infrastructure hampers growth' examines constant logistics issues companies in India face and how businesses are arising to deal with those issues. "Thousands of small companies are emerging from the transportation and warehousing sectors in India to operate as 3PLs," said Lieb.
Indian Company, Tata Group, to buy Jaguar brand from Ford Motor Co.
L.A. Times, Mar 22, 2008
Director of the Center for Emerging Markets, Professor Ravi Ramamurti was quoted in an article on Tata buying Jaguar, which was formerly a British company until it was bought by Ford. "The media like to call it the empire striking back. But I think there's more to it than that. There's a lot of evidence in international business research that companies will go to countries that are close to their own countries, close being defined broadly either in cultural terms or historical terms," said Ramamurti. This article also ran in the Baltimore Sun on March 26.
Indian companies more successful at buying out first world companies
Investor's Business Daily, Mar 15, 2008
Bornstein Senior Fellow of International Business & Strategy, Ravi Ramamurti, was quoted in the Investor's Business Daily article, 'Third World's Corporate Giants Embarking on Global Takeovers.' The article discusses Indian private firms' successes in buying out U.S., Canadian and European companies while potentially state-owned Russian and Chinese companies are encountering difficulties. "Indian companies get cut some slack because generally they're private, so there is not much anxiety involved in acquisitions," said Ramamurti. "Many of the multinationals coming out of China or Russia still have close government ties, and state control is viewed with trepidation. It's a red flag. That's why China gets more flack."
Non-Resident Indians boon to India’s businesses
Littleindia.com, Mar 01, 2008
In a littleindia.com article, 'NRIs Turbo Charge Indian Businesses,' Professor Ravi Ramamurti is quoted extensive on the benefits of non-resident aliens (NRIs). "Émigrés can help their countries of origin in a variety of ways, providing economic capital that may be in short supply domestically, providing "hard" skills, like engineering training, and "soft" skills, such as a more intimate knowledge of global business culture."
Corruption in India has grown, but isn’t unmanageable
Forbes, Feb 01, 2008
In a Forbes.com article, "Will Growth Slow Corruption In India?", Professor Ravi Ramamurti is quoted on the role of corruption in India. "The paradox," Ramamurti said, "is that even though India's faster growth in recent years is the result of fewer government controls, most Indian managers would tell you that corruption has increased, not decreased, in tandem. The good news," said Ramamurti, "may be that at least the most egregious forms of corruption are exposed by social activists or the media."
Retail Corruption in India
The Times of India, Aug 26, 2007
Professor Ravi Ramamurti, Director of the Center for Emerging Markets, is featured in the August 26th The Times of India story entitled, 'Retail graft has gone wholesale'. The article is about India's thriving retail industry that's rife with corruption between companies wanting to gain a competitive advantage and bureaucrats and politicians. Professor Ramamurti explains that India is ahead of many developing countries but still has ground to cover. "India has a long way to go before our institutions are truly professional and independent, or the average public official's salary is high enough to make corruption unappealing," says Professor Ramamurti. "Keeping in mind that most corrupt officials earn many times their salary through corruption, it will take a huge pay increase (or moral awakening) to wean them off corruption."
CBA Professors Dan McCarthy and Sheila Puffer offer their insight as to why U.S. companies are slow to move in Russia.
Industry Week, Jan 01, 2007
In the January 2007 cover story of Industry Week entitled, 'BRIC Crumbling?,' by John McClenahen,Entrepreneurship and Innovation Professor Daniel McCarthy states that outside of the energy sector, US companies have been slow to relocate to Russia. "For the most part, because of the obsolete condition of the manufacturing sector in general in Russia, [U.S. manufacturers] have to go in through another [company's] greenfield [investment]," adds International Business Professor Sheila Puffer.
Foreign Automakers involved in Chinese export-only factories says CBA Professor Ravi Ramamurti
Investor's Business Daily, Oct 30, 2006
With the Chinese Government offering foreign auto manufacturers incentives to move their manufacturing on Chinese soil, these manufacturers are doing just that, says Ravi Ramamurti, says CBA Professor Ravi Ramamurti in Investor's Business Daily. In an Investor's Business Daily article, 'China Starting To Export Autos, But It's Not Ready For U.S. Yet,' by Reinhardt Krause, Ravi states that China is allowing foreign automakers to own a majority stake in export-only factories. "Honda has provoked other global carmakers into thinking about the Chinese-made option," says Prof. Ramamurti.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission
Investment News, Oct 02, 2006
In an Investment News article, 'China Temporarily Freezes Licensing For Brokerage Firms' by Riva Froymovich, International Business Professor Ravi Ramamurti believes that this timeout is good so that local companies can consolidate and get enough market clout. "We know they want to develop Shanghai as a global financial center. The WTO allows members to take a timeout from foreign competition if it's very disruptive to domestic industry," Prof. Ramamurti said. "That's using trade policy in a very strategic way, which the Chinese are very good at doing."
Ramaiya Balachandra, Professor of Information, Operations and Analysis, argues for Offshore IT Outsourcing in Optimize magazine's 'Square Off' section
Optimize, Aug 01, 2006
In Optimize magazine's section, Square Off, IOA Professor Ramaiya Balachandra takes the 'Yes' stance in answering the question 'Is Offshore IT Outsourcing Losing Its Luster?'. "Offshoring is growing the fastest with respect to activities like R&D and design, which companies such as General Electric, General Motors, and Toyota are widely outsourcing to India and China. I believe these enterprise leaders will influence many smaller businesses to follow suit and take their operations offshore, resulting in even larger increases in such overseas activities for the next decade." Professor Balachandra specializes in managing R&D and technology.