Press Detail

Small Business: Family Businesses

It is likely that if you are a part of a family owned and operated business, than you may have had less trouble with the economic downturn than your non-family owned colleagues. Justin Craig, professor of entrepreneurship at Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business, has recently founded research that gives evidence that a family business is more likely to succeed to sustain during a financial crisis on an international basis. His research provided backing that the members of a family business are more motivated and more aligned with the overall business objectives in a comprehensive way than those in non-family business. There is a greater goal which comes from a 'stewardship theoretical lens', which Dr. Craig proposes as a reason why managing family members can be more productive and community oriented. It seems that family members stick together and succeed in all kinds of crisis, and that works well for their businesses.

Julie Hertenstein awarded Excellence in Teaching Award

Students describe Professor Julie Hertenstein’s teaching as “brilliant” and her courses as both “intense” and “impeccably mapped.” Her vivid case studies introduce students to the application of accounting principles and concepts in complex real-world situations. Holding both herself and her students to high standards of performance, she approaches accounting from a strategic perspective that helps students learn to “think like managers,” report her students.

Nominations for the Excellence in Teaching Awards are made by students. They are asked to consider several criteria, including depth of knowledge in the subject; ability to provide effective links between course content, research, and experiential learning; and the rigor of course content. Award decisions are made by a committee composed of faculty members and representatives of the undergraduate Student Government Association and the Graduate Student Government.
 

J.C. Penney borrows $850 million to boost inventory

J.C. Penney is borrowing money. Sign of financial trouble? Possibly, but it might be the right tactic at the right time. The money is available now, comments Harlan Platt, finance professor at D'Amore-McKim School of Business. "If they had not drawn down the money, it would have come down on its own; they would have lost the availability," says Platt. "You always want to stock up while it's there." So while J.C. Penney may be having some trouble with its competitive advantage over Kohl's Corp and Macy's, this withdrawal of usable funds may be the best advantage for the present moment.

Northeastern Named the Inaugural Champion of the Campus Innovation March Madness Challenge

Not a basketball fan? That's OK, because BostInno's Campus Innovation March Madness Challenge is another great way to see higher education compete for the best. Northeastern topped Babson in the final round after already besting 10 other Boston area schools in the comprehensive bracket.  “Most universities do business plan competitions, we do businesses,” said Frank Spital, professor and group coordinator of entrepreneurship and innovation, at the most recent Entrepreneurship Expo (NEXPO). “We start stuff.” The Entrepreneurship Expo is the brainchild of IDEA, Northeastern's Venture Accelerator. It embodies Spital's definition of Northeastern's approach - "educate, incubate and launch" - as he described to BostInno in the past. This win of Northeastern's for Campus Innovation, is a wonderful continuation of the energy put forth by the $60 million gift to the business school by alumni Richard D'Amore and Alan McKim in 2012 and the launch of the Center for Entrepreneurship Education. According to BostInno reporter Lauren Landry, "President Joseph Aoun said it best: 'The world is about innovation,' and Northeastern is dedicated to promoting it."

Undergrad Ranking: Top B-Schools for Internships

In 2006, Bloomberg Businessweek started ranking undergraduate business programs and for these past eight years, the D'Amore-McKim School of Business has consecutively topped the internship portion of the standing. “The co-op [internship] program is one of the most significant advantages that Northeastern students have over students of other universities,” says business senior Joseph Boccardo. “Not only does it enable us to graduate with more than a year’s worth of real work experience, but it provides us with a significant base of connections in our professional network and starts us out in the job market with plenty of interview practice under our belts.” Boccardo has completed co-ops at IBM in Costa Rica and Greater Than One, a digital marketing agency located in Madrid, Spain, while at D'Amore-McKim School of Business. Most business students at the school graduate with at least two cooperative experiences with more than 600 companies globally counted as employers. These six-month dedicated experiences coupled with academics create a better opportunity for the job force, with 97.5 percent of the business school's graduating class entering the work force with some job experience, according to Bloomberg Businessweek and the student survey it directs annually. 

Bloomberg Businessweek ranks D'Amore-McKim School of Business undergraduate programs #25

Released on March 20, 2013, the Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2013 rankings show the school at #25 having risen two spots since last year's report.

US News ranked the MBA Program #61 in the U.S. for Best Business Graduate Schools

Where the jobs are now

 The unemployment rate is reported to be going down, but are you getting called?The indication may truly be in the graduates. "The employer activity has been crazy lately, phones ringing, e-mails coming in. After a few really tough years, it's exciting," says Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Center Director. She is thrilled that her soon-to-be graduates are getting interviews. This seems to be indicative of a general feeling that people are more comfortable with retiring, moving over, or moving up, giving way to new experience. Sarikas also notes the change in perspective that has come with the recession, "Don't snub an offer of temp-to-permanent as a way to get your foot in the door. Go in and work your butt off - and show you're the right choice."

U.S. Banks Bigger than GDP as Accounting Rift Masks Risk

You often have to read between the lines to assess risk. When it comes to banks, you might need glasses and a team of lawyers. In the U.S., accounting standards are more lenient than international rules. Many items are kept off the books, therefore creating balance-sheets that may be deceiving. “There are probably some dangerous things left off the balance sheet still, and we’ll only find out what in the next crisis,” said David Sherman, accounting professor at Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. “But how many times do we have to go through this to figure it all out?” And still, those in charge are at odds, which is leading banks down further paths of divergence, as if all the rules were tossed up in the air. The fall out will likely create unintended consequences and the continually elusive sense of comfort when it comes to setting a standard book-keeping rule.

Professor Joe Raelin has been selected to receive the national CEIA (Cooperative Education and Internship Association) James W. Wilson Award

Professor Joe Raelin of the MOD (Management and Organization Development) Group has been selected to receive the national CEIA (Cooperative Education and Internship Association) James W. Wilson Award for outstanding contributions to research in the field of cooperative education. James W. Wilson was the Asa S. Knowles Professor of Cooperative Education and Director of Northeastern's Cooperative Education Research Center for many years.

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion and advocacy of research activity in cooperative education. Not presented every year, the last time the award was bestowed was in 2008. Coincidentally but aptly for Northeastern, Professor Raelin holds the same chair as the award's namesake.

2013: Career Resolutions to Make

Water cooler talk is intrinsic to every workplace. But if you want to get ahead, keep your chatting to the news. Director of Northeastern University’s MBA Career Center, Lynne Sarikas, suggests that to improve your satisfaction at work, resist the gossip among co-workers, “If you aren’t part of a solution, you’re part of a problem, and that’s bad for your career and mental health,” she says. Keep mum, and you will likely gain more respect and confidence from your co-workers.

Gloria Barczak appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Product Innovation Management

Gloria Barczak appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Product Innovation Management

U-Turn Audio blows past $70k Kickstarter goal for affordable, high-quality turntable

Northeastern student Ben Carter and his business partners Bob Hertig and Peter Maltzan, are feeling extremely lucky due to the recent success of their U-Turn Audio project where they received funding for more than $100,000 on Kickstarter. Backers are paying from $150 to $250 for different editions of high-end vinyl players. Hertig acknowledges, “We've said from the very beginning it’s mostly a marketing thing more than anything else to make vinyl seem new again. It’s all very calculated and it takes a huge amount of effort to make it a success.” Their success could not have been made possible without the $2,500 in seed funding, as well as legal and professional marketing advice from IDEA, Northeastern’s Venture Accelerator.

Professors Fareena Sultan and Tao (Tony) Gao have received an Honorable Mention in the Best Article Category for Business Horizons 2012

Professors Fareena Sultan and Tao (Tony) Gao have received an Honorable Mention in the Best Article Category for Business Horizons and Elsevier 2012. The article, “Brand in the hand: A cross-market investigation of consumer acceptance of mobile marketing” by Andrew J. Rohm, Tao (Tony) Gao, Fareena Sultan, & Margherita Pagani, published in Business Horizons in 2012 , 55(5), 485-493, was also one of 4 top nominees for the Honorable Mention for articles published in Business Horizons in 2012. 

Chaining seniors to poverty

In this commentary published in The Patriot Ledger, Professor of strategic management at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Joseph Giglio critiques the implications of Obama’s recent proposal aimed at cutting the deficit. The measure known as the chained consumer price index (CPI) would reduce cost-of-living adjustments for government programs such as Social Security. As a result, Social Security recipients will suffer major changes in their spending habits and their standard of living. Giglio also explains that, “When certain products become more expensive, consumers switch to cheaper ones. Chained CPI attempts to account for that by looking at purchasing changes over time and linking, or chaining, the data together. For example, if beef prices rise faster than chicken prices, consumers will substitute chicken for beef.” Giglio concludes that the program is not driving the deficit and should not have a place in the fiscal cliff negotiation.

US Economy 2013: If 'Fiscal Cliff' Is Avoided, What About Debt Ceiling?

Joseph Giglio, professor of strategic management at Northeastern University's D’Amore-McKim School of Business, offers his solution to the fiscal cliff debate and how to prevent higher taxes on dividend income that may impede on the growth of the U.S.  economy. “They need to put a deal together that raises revenue while maintaining adequate demand so the economy continues to heal and generates confidence that we have the discipline to adhere to the plan,” he says.

Definitions of global leadership should not be limited to position or authority

Professor Allan Bird along with Sebastian Reiche, Mark E Mendenhall, and Joyce S Osland, define global leadership and identify the requirements for “developing a global framework” for business in their publication of Defining the 'Global' in Global Leadership. According to the authors, there are three dimensions, ‘contextual, relational and spatial-temporal,’ to identify a global leader. Context is most crucial for leaders to overcome certain global business challenges, and research shows that domestic leaders are less influenced by context than their global counterparts. The authors also note that “Global leadership is also usually a team effort, one in which multiple leaders emerge.”

Executive Education That Works

Ralph Miller, director of corporate information management for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and David Abdow, Associate Dean of Executive Programs, discuss Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business’s executive education program that was created in partnership with Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare. Hard Pilgrim identified the need to establish this program because it recognized “a need to strengthen its business intelligence and analytic capabilities to enhance its competitive position and address market forces affecting its business.” The concepts introduced in the program involve quality of care, performance measurement, and analytics. By partnering with reputable Northeastern University, Harvard Pilgrim is hoping to “create an effective and valuable executive education program with the potential to serve as a model for any organization facing similar challenges.”

Professor Nicole Boyson's research aims to investigate the prevalence of liquidity stocks and fire sales among hedge funds

While you may have thought that that hedge funds were of the many financial institutes that were subject to the fallout of the subprime crisis, evidence suggests that this is not true. Professor Nicole Boyson's research states, While many of the stylized facts suggest that the financial crisis was exacerbated by forced sales of stocks by hedge funds, our analysis suggests otherwise." But then why were hedge funds selling all that stock at a rapid pace during the calamity? "Controlling for a variety of fund characteristics, we find that during crisis funds with high outflows sell significantly more stock an funds with high inflows, consistent with liquidity shocks imposing selling pressure. However, on average, funds with outflows use nearly all their proceeds from tock sales to buy additional stock, inconsistent with forced sales," Boyson's paper concludes. The research suggests that there are no signs of forced sales or significant price drop, both of which more likely to indicate a fire sale.

New business dean for Northeastern discusses first semester, future plans

Dean Hugh Courtney has been at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business since July 1, and the pace is rapid. "It's hard to imagine it being much better. It's not just the naming gift - but I'm coming at a time when the school is at an upward trajectory," says Courtney. Now is the time to review, Dean Courtney says to Online MBA, and talks about the school's priorities, including bolstering the online MBA Program, saying "You have to be great [at online courses]. It's a very competitive space and it's becoming a crowded space. The second priority, Courtney tells Online MBA, is a focus on growing the strategies around D'Amore-McKim School of Business usage of residencies. The school currently has business programs that encourage a hybrid model combining online and on-the-ground learning, and Courtney sees residencies as helping to create 'the optimal option...the mix of both." These and all initiatives by Courtney seem to be fueled by one statement - "One of my jobs as dean is to keep moving us forward."

Unemployment makes American Dream a nightmare(2)

More and more it seems like the American Dream of yesterday's definition - work hard and things will come to you - is just not possible, no matter your work ethic. D'Amore-McKim School of Business Professor, Joseph Giglio discusses, “whether the American Dream of opportunity and increasing prosperity is now out of reach for the average worker” because of the technological changes and globalization that are taking place in the world today. Giglio talks about the constant rise of domestic unemployment and the emotional effect that it is having on 12.1 million Americans. Even though so many Americans are suffering through these hard times, Giglio recognizes how outsourcing labor overseas is too cost-effective to resist for many firms.

America, and its problems, make it hard to love

   Forget the "fiscal cliff," the United States already has problems. American society is still wrestling with an ever expanding class divide, sluggish if not atrophied economic growth, and the continuous search for jobs where there are none. However, the fiscal cliff looms closer and its dark cloud overshadows and makes worse current problems. Professor Joseph Giglio calls for a "broad, bipartisan plan" to head off the fiscal cliff's year end deadline which entails "expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts - including current lower tax cuts on capital gains, dividends, income and estates - and of stimulus measures, such as the payroll tax cut and extended unemployment benefits." All Americans will suffer in someway economically without a plan of action on behalf of Congress and the President. "One thing is certain: even though a majority of Americans want their benefits left untouched, they will have to endure cuts in popular expenditures like defense and entitlement programs," says Giglio. In a back to basics way, if the fiscal cliff is not handled properly, the Giglio suspects the schism among Americans to continue, and "the United States will remain a tough country to love."

Full-time MBA program ranked #51 by Bloomberg Businessweek in 2012(2)

Northeastern's full-time MBA program has been ranked #51 in the 2012 Bloomberg Businessweek report. The program has moved up five places since the last report published in 2010.

Full-time MBA program ranked #51 by Bloomberg Businessweek in 2012

Northeastern's full-time MBA program has been ranked #51 in the 2012 Bloomberg Businessweek report. The program has moved up five places since the last report published in 2010. Employer surveys have moved us from #57 to #48 nationally, reflecting well upon our strong integration of corporate partnerships and experiential education strategy.

Trickle-Up Innovation

In this Wired byline, Professor Ravi Ramamurti, director of the Center of Emerging Markets, discusses tables turning on the typical industry standard. He says, "the poor have begun teaching the rich how to make products and services significantly cheaper and better." These products are not only more economical but more intuitive, solve complex problems in an easier way. Big industries are starting to catch on as globally, economies are starting to become more aware of debt and more careful with their paychecks. Quality at low cost is coming out of the poorest of countries, and the wealthy companies are starting to catch on to the emerging market ingenuity.

How Much or How Little Presidents Affect Your Wallets, Credit Cards

The term “fiscal cliff” refers to the fiscal policy decision the U.S. government will have to face at the end of 2012, the same time the Budget Control Act of 2011 is scheduled to go into effect if Congress cannot agree on an alternate plan to reduce the growing deficit. “While Obama and Romney clearly have different philosophies on how to address our domestic economy ills, the reality is that they will have to gain approval for their programs in Congress,” said Jeffrey Born, professor and faculty director at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University. “The polling data I’m seeing suggests that the new Congress will look an awful lot like the current Congress.” The economic effect of December’s expiration date will influence consumers the most because of the increase in taxes. Experts predict that the country will face a new recession if the government decides to jump off the fiscal cliff by increasing taxes and cutting government spending by $500 billion. Born concludes that any future recession would likely stall forward movement in the housing market and further burden those already behind.

Political chasm between rich and working class

Is the United States economy becoming that of an economic third world country? Joseph Giglio, professor of strategic management at D'Amore-McKim School of Business, a likens the ever growing gap in share of economic wealth to this model. The wealthy are occupying a very small percentage of the population, while the middle and lower classes are more and more blending together. "The presidential debates should focus on this subject, but both candidates are too busy shoring up their bases and trying to ingratiate themselves to the precious undecided voters ... These gladiatorial contests ignore rising inequality and the erosion of the middle class, ambiguously defined as households making an average annual income ranging from $30,000 to $90,000," says Giglio. He concludes that without 'more equitable distribution of wealth', economic recovery is more or less intangible.

Professor Robert Young named Reviewer of the Year 2012 for Case Section of Marketing Education Review

Robert Young, Professor of Marketing at D'Amore-McKim School of Business, has been named Reviewer of the Year by Marketing Education Review for the Case Section Editorial Review Board. Professor Young is one of 16 national professors that sit on the Case Section.

CASE competition team comes in #1 at recent competition

Professor Ray Kinnunen took his CASE competition team to The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) in Philadelphia on Friday, 10/12, where they won first place. This achievement continues the winning tradition that Kinnunen started with the Beanpot Case Competition in the late 90s. The D'Amore-McKim School of Business team had been invited to compete in the 2012 Wharton Undergraduate Case Competition. Competing teams were from the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, University of Toronto, McGill University, University of North Carolina, Duke University, Rutgers University, New York University, and Northeastern University. The four teams competing in the final round were Northeastern, University of Toronto, University of Pennsylvania, and New York University. Congratulations to our students and Professor Kinnunen for this achievement.
 

Yang Lee receives the 2012 Academic Achievement Award, the 2012 Data Management Hall of Famer, from Data Management Association International (DAMAI)

Yang Lee is the recipient of the prestigious 2012 Academic Achievement Award, the 2012 Data Management Hall of Famer, from the Data Management Association International (DAMAI), for her theoretical contribution and work as a thought leader in the field of Data Quality. The DAMAI, a global network for those who practice, study, and teach data management, selected Yang for this honor based on her significant contribution to the field.

The Right Idea

MSNBC highlights IDEA: Northeastern's student-run venture accelerator in this video clip. View the full video here.

Goodbye to summer, hello to career advancement

It's time to create a career advancement plan, suggests Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Center executive director at Northeastern University. With summer being over, the new school year can often feel like New Year's Day - a turning point and fresh outlook, whether you are employed, unemployed and looking, or returning to school. September marks a fresh start. Sarikas advises, "You need to define your goals and develop a specific plan to achieve them. You can’t get there if you don’t know where you are going." Start with a piece of paper, says Sarikas, "Document your plan and measure your progress against it. Set weekly goals and hold yourself accountable. (Then) reward yourself by doing something you enjoy once you’ve accomplished your goals for the week." With the air changing and the leaves turning, it may be the perfect time for you to turn your career direction in a new trajectory.

Step Into the Office-Less Company

Pick up the phone, chat with your colleague via blog, or an occasional flight - you're office is gone. Companies are finding the best of the best, whether they are in the U.S. or Turkey, down the street, or a million miles away. This new office-less life can be a major adjustment to the individual. Jay Mulki, professor of Marketing and Renfro Fellow, College of Business Administration, Northeastern University, says that it is hard for some employees to separate work from home life, and in his studies came across a telecomuter who drove his car around the block every morning to simulate a commute before going to work in his own home. Employers need to be more attentive in this kind of situation because it is harder to check in on their employees to get a baseline of understanding of the job, motivation, and business community effort.

Consider a national pension system

It may be hard to consider contributing to your pension with the stock market in such havoc. Many would rather see that investment in cash up front, instead of wondering and worrying if the contribution is going to grow or decline from the initial value. Joseph Giglio, strategic management professor at Northeastern's College of Business Administration, surmises, "With respect to retirement, middle-class employees face two disagreeable options: Work until you drop or accept forced retirement (from layoff or illness) and be prepared to survive on the lower living standards that employer pensions and Social Security provide." While Giglio urges seniors to go out and vote to increase benefits of Medicare and Social Security, he also projects that "Maybe it is time to create a national pension system that replaces all existing retirement plans and provides everyone with a defined benefit pension, which should be indexed to inflation. It should be fully funded by an initial debt issue and sufficient payments from working taxpayers." While Giglio does point out that this may be misconstrued as an act towards Socialistic ventures, he concludes that, ""Separating employee pensions from the bottom-line pressures employers face by creating a national pension system can restore the fading promise of a comfortable retirement to millions of Americans. At the same time, money paid into the system can be invested to rebuild our country for future generations."

Free trade: Bad for Us, Good for Them

Free trade has made the country less competitive internationally and has noticeably reduced the number of jobs available for Americans due to outsourcing. Joseph Giglio, professor at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, suggests that we adopt a national strategy that “can make the American economy grow fast enough to produce decent jobs for every member of the American family who wants to work.” Giglio continues, We must begin to invest in our “broken-down infrastructure so it can generate economic growth instead of hamstringing it. We could start educating our children so that they become world leaders in something besides sports.” Then, he adds, “We just might become internationally competitive again, and restore our economy to full employment while we’re at it.”

Are you too essential at your job?

Many people become so good at their job that they find themselves to be no longer growing professionally. These types of people are known as ‘essential employees’ because they are very specialized in what they do and, often times, are indispensible. Lynne Sarikas, executive director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University, suggests that if an essential employee is unhappy with his or her job responsibilities, s/he should approach their boss with the issue. Sometimes it’s a good idea to ask your boss for projects outside of your work scope. However, Sarikas advises, “If your manager is not open to this, remind him that if you were to give your notice tomorrow, they would have to find a solution in the next two weeks. You would prefer to stay with the company and are willing to offer a longer transition period. Don’t threaten; let them know you want to stay, but tactfully point out the reality.”

Professor Marius Solomon has been elected a Fellow of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS).

Marius Solomon, Professor and Group Coordinator for Supply Chain and INformation Management at Northeastern's College of Business Administration has been elected a Fellow of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), 2012.

When Management Was About Making

In 1940, business and government worked together to confront a major crisis, which more than a little applicable today, writes Professor Joseph Giglio. In reviewing the publication “Freedom’s Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II,” by Arthur Herman (Random House, 413 pages, $28), Professor Giglio draws parallels with our current economic crisis and the lessons we could learn from those early mobilization efforts. “Both government and business leaders also knew that out-producing the Axis and maximizing profits would be a long struggle. They looked far beyond the next quarterly earnings report to craft a strategy that was a win for business leaders, government and the American people.”

Rae André is winner of the Fritz J. Roethlisberger Memorial Award for the best article in 2011 Journal of Manament Education.

Rae André has been awarded the Fritz J. Roethlisberger Memorial Award for the best article in 2011 Journal of Manament Education. 

First 6 start-ups nurtured by Northeastern take flight

Awarding more than $160,000 in venture funding, IDEA, Northeastern's venture accelerator, sends off this year its inaugural six to graduation. “We see this as a huge experiential learning lab,” said Dan Gregory, a Northeastern business school professor and Idea’s faculty adviser. “We want to build great ventures, but we really want to build great entrepreneurs.” IDEA is a student run group and has nurtured up to 80 start-ups, and continues to grow. 

Career advice for people who prefer texting over talking

Text text text. Do you find it hard to write an email without trying to shorten a word, a la text-speak? Do you write one word answers in response to your friends, or even professors, questions? Are you currently looking for a job? While the trasition from on-the-go texting to formal writing might be a tough habit to break, MBA Career Center Director Lynne Sarikas, of Northeastern University, offers advice. A good place to start is taking a business etiquette class and talking to potential employers about communication styles, she says. "Employers still highly value communications skills -- both oral and written -- and expect students to perform in that environment," Sarikas says. "One of the critical aspects in addressing the gap is to manage expectations. It would be wrong to chide students for inappropriate behavior if they are never told what constitutes appropriate behavior." Sometimes it may be in your best interest to speak up and ask before it's too late.

Questionable Social Security math denies income to seniors who have few options

Do you know what the Consumer Price Index is? Do you know how it may effect you? The Consumer Price Index (CPI) 'is the benchmark measure of inflation caluclated monthly by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics", according to Joseph Giglio, professor of general management at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration. If this number is not caluclated correctly, it could effect your social security. Giglio observes that the way CPI is caluclated right now does not account for future inflation costs, and therefore the cost of living is not effectively evaluated. As a result, adjustments are not made for seniors, and Social Security benefits are less than they should be. Giglio argues that "Perhaps it is time to correct the CPI calculation to give our Social Security recipients what they need for essential items such as food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and medical care."

Kim Eddleston: Accepted Conference Proposal, Family Enterprise Research Conference

Kim Eddleston has received notice of her Accepted Conference Proposal paper entitled "Family Influence and Performance of Family Firms from Emerging Markets: Agency Theory vs. Institution-Based View" by the Family Enterprise Research Conference, to be held in 2014.

Elista Banalieva is the IFERA 2012 winner of the Jeffrey Rothstein Best Paper Award for the Most Creative Paper with an Emerging Scholar

Elitsa Banalieva is the 2012 winner of the Jeffrey Rothstein Best Paper Award for the Most Creative Paper with an Emerging Scholar at the International Family Enterprise Research Association (IFERA) Annual World Family Business Research Conference. This award is sponsored by the Family Firm Institute and Hubler Family Business Associates.

Elista Banalieva is 2012 winner of the Haynes Prize for the Most Promising Scholar Under the Age of 40

Elitsa Banalieva is awarded the 2012 Haynes Prize for the Most Promising Scholar Under the Age of 40 from the Academy of International Business, in Washington, D.C.
 

Elista Banalieva is the 2012 winner of the Best Paper Award in the Emerging Economies Track of the Academy of International Business

Elitsa Banalieva is the 2012 winner of the Best Paper Award in the Emerging Economies Track of the Academy of International Business (AIB),  for her paper titiled "Making the Most of the second Best: Synchronization of Reform Rhythms, Slack, and Performance of Transition Economy Firms."

Ravi Ramamurti received first prize for Best Paper publish in 2011 on Innovation Management at the European Business School's international competition

Ravi Ramamurti received first prize for Best Paper publish in 2011 on Innovation Management at the European Business School's international competition. His paper is titled "Reverse innovation, emerging markets, and global strategy."

Gloria Barczak named new Editor in Chief of the Journal of Product Innovation Management

Effective January 1, 2013, Marketing Professor Gloria Barczak has been named Editor in Chief of the Journal of Product Innovation Management. From PDMA: "Due to her experience on the JPIM editorial board, her familiarity with JPIM and PDMA, and her research track record solidly in the innovation literature stream, she simply is the best person to lead the journal through the next years of publication as the innovation stream continues to broaden and scope and increase in popularity."

Nokia has the right idea in China, but will that matter?

Did you even remember that Nokia made phones? With iPhone and Android continually fighting for the U.S.'s mobile device attention, it's hard to remember that there are any other cellular phone manufacturer’s out there. But in China, it is another story. For perhaps a brief span in time, Nokia, and more specifically, their Lumina handset model, is leading out the competition. Fareena Sultan, professor of marketing in Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, reminds us that the Lumina has a 15% advantage to the iPhone. She explains her reasoning behind this strong lead: "One reason for its market share superiority could be that Microsoft is working with China Mobile, which as 70 percent of the subscriber base in China. Apple's iPhone, it should be pointed out, does not work with China's own 3G system, but China Mobile is interested in continuing to talk with Apple to work on compatible networks. Nokia will likely need to make huge strides in a very short time to stay in the lead over iPhone.

Harness Your Anger's Energy

It can be very easy to reach a boiling point at work. Public outbursts anywhere are not likely viewed with kind eyes, but in the work place, the cast of attention is usually even more infamous. Reconsider your anger and finding ways to keep it under control is almost always most productive. "Many of us have witnessed managers who have quick tempers, says MBA Career Center Director Lynne Sarikas. "They yell a lot and basically make people afraid of them, and those who work with them are constantly on edge. This type of anger is not productive. It certainly can be career-limiting for the manager longer term, and it often results in significant staff turnover in the shorter term." For any position you are in, it may be wise to take a deep breath and react calmly, before your anger gets the best of you, your staff and colleagues, and everyone's energy.

American Airlines-US Airways Merger: Who Wins, Who Loses?

If US Airways succeeds at merging with AMR Corporation, the labor unions win and the passengers lose, according to IBTraveler. Harlan Platt, airline expert and professor at Northeastern University's College of Business says, "What the airlines are trying to do is to create a monopoly, For consumers, it's a disaster." It means less flights and more cost. Platt continues that "a merger would be bad for cities because certain cities would probably lose some, if not all, of their air coverage." This explains why shorter distance flights can be more expensive than others, as cities are "abandoned," according to Platt. This merger means fewer competitors, and better options for labor unions; however, Platt suggests that overall, this potential merger will likely not be a good thing. "The union workers might in fact be better off with a merger, but it would come on the shoulders of the consumers," Platt said. "Not a really good idea in an election year, at a time when consumer wealth has fallen by 40 percent on average, the unemployment rate is above 8 percent and real wages are falling."

Invisible Hand, Greased Palm

Believe it or not, it has been relatively hard to do business abroad without a bribe or two getting you to the top. But as of 1997, things got a lot tougher, and the U.S. led the way. At that time the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), cracked down on international bribes, and Alavro Cuervo-Cazurra, Professor at College of Business Administration, reports to The New Yorker, that there has been traction. Since 1997, businesses have cut investments in countries that prefer a bribe to the rule, and this has caused emerging markets to start abiding by the OECD law, so that they may become a bigger player in the world's economy.

Joseph Raelin is the winner of the 2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Best Paper Award

Joseph Raelin is the winner of the 2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Best Paper Award (Best PIC V and Best Overall Paper), for his paper titled, "The Effect of Cooperative Education on the Self-Efficacy of Students in Undergraduate Engineering."

 

How A Tiny Chicago Suburb Sells Amazon And eBay To Russia

For the moment, Skokie, Illinois is a lifeline for American product starved Russia. BayRu, as the name suggests, is the middleman between eBay and Amazon to Russia; they repackage goods and make sure they get to Russia in one piece. However, as demand increases, Amazon and eBay may too. Sheila Puffer, professor of international business, and Daniel McCarthy, professor of entrepreneurship and innovation, who specialize in Russian markets, say, “A question might be what happens to BayRu when and if companies like Amazon and eBay expand to Russia, which they would seem likely to do over time." Puffer and McCarthy also point out that the smaller, direct competition to BayRu, is increasing in companies such as Wikimart.ru and Ozon.ru, housed locally in Russia. While BayRu is positive that their line on diverse products is what makes their business model work, Professors Puffer and McCarthy warn that BayRu should consider being "well-financed to realize their growth potential."

How to Optimize for Big Job Application Systems

There's no such thing as a "dusty resume" anymore, as everyone is keeping theirs sparkling clean and at the ready. And it's hard to avoid an online job application system either, but there are a few ways that you might be able to optimize your chances. For instance, Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Center Director for Northeastern University, suggests, “When a position does appear online, reach out to your networking contact at that company. Let them know you applied online and ask them if they would forward your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager.” Sarikas also recommends that more is more - apply directly to your contact, and also online. “Many companies don’t allow managers to talk to candidates who are not in the system. Keep your contact posted on your progress through the system and be sure to say thank you," says Sarikas. Other tips for making the best of your online application are being one of the first to apply - as soon as you see a job that fits posted, get out that sparkling clean resume and send it off! And, fill out every box you are reasonably able to in the application form, format your resume so that it is easily read by a computer, and know your odds for the title you are applying by doing some market research.

Kimberly Eddleston and Elista Banalieva are the 2012 winners of the Jeffrey Rothstein Best Paper Award for the Most Creative Paper

Kimberly Eddleston and Elista Banalieva are the 2012 winners of the Jeffrey Rothstein Best Paper Award for the Most Creative Paper with an Emerging Scholar at the International Family Enterprise Research Association (IFERA) Annual World Family Business Research Conference. This award is sponsored by the Family Firm Institute and Hubler Family Business Associates.
 

A Strategic Workforce Planning Officer?

The role of a Strategic Workforce Planning Officer is becoming more and more important to businesses today. Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Services' Director, reports to Human Resources Executive Online, that this position will likely be added to the HR team. "An experienced HR person with a passion for the strategic planning and a willingness to work through a very detailed planning process could succeed in this role with the support of the executive team," she says. It may be just the right time for this organizational role to return. "The challenge comes in trying to identify future needs," she says. "The company can't succeed by maintaining status quo." Sarikas says that while this role has existed before, there is more of an urgency to fill it as organizations are shedding staff, retirement is eminent for much of the workforce population, and that strategic planning may have been neglected as the recession called for layoffs and restructuring.

How we see ourselves: Experts say it’s time to reflect on R.I.’s strengths instead of its flaws

An analogy: When you have more money in your pocket, you tend to feel a little bit more at ease. Things tend to be good all-around when your personal finances are in order. But when you have less money in your pocket, your car breaks, or you forget to pay a bill. Things get a little rough around the edges. This analogy seems to portray the state of Rhode Island. The economy is down in the nation, and it seems to be hitting Rhode Island harder than others. As a result, everything is getting a little bit worse for wear, and it is easier to point out the flaws of other things - schools, roads, jobs, it all goes hand in hand. Northeastern University economist and finance professor Harlan Platt says, “It is difficult to separate the impact of the state’s image on its economy from the impact of the economy on the state’s image. Economists refer to this as simultaneity. States with strong economies today, like Texas, see an improvement in their image; meanwhile, states with good images, like Oregon, attract new businesses and thereby increase their economy. The conflux of image and economic prosperity is like a snowball rolling downhill. First you see one side, then you see the other: a good image improves the economy, a good economy improves the image.” It could be that the best way to take back both the image and the economy of Rhode Island is for the state to look upon itself with favorable eyes, re-assess what its advantages are, and promote them to the fullest. Good things will likely follow if it can re-imagine itself.
 

Gary Young appointed by Secretary of the Treasury to the IRS's Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT)

Gary Young, Director, Northeastern University Center for Health Policy and Healthcare Research; Professor of Strategic Management and Healthcare Systems, has been appointed to the Internal Revenue Service's Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT). Young was named by the Secretary of the Treasury to serve the IRS in this role. According to the IRS, "The ACT includes external stakeholders and representatives who deal with employee retirement plans; tax-exempt organizations; tax-exempt bonds; and federal, state, local and Indian tribal governments. ACT members are appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury and generally serve two-year terms. They advise the IRS on operational policy and procedural improvements." Young is the only academic named to this committee, as other members come from law and tax professions.

The world's 'New Tigers' lie ready to pounce

The economic crisis is bringing out the hook and clearing big players off the stage. What is interesting about this is that it is allowing the understudies to shine. For instance, Ravi Ramamurti, director of the Center for Emerging Markets, says, “[Turkey] has a great location, next to affluent Europe and a booming Middle East.” Ramamurti says that as a result, the nation has become “the region’s workshop,” due to "a large workforce and competitive wages," according to Market Watch of The Wall Street Journal. Other countries experiencing economic limelight are Peru and Colombia in Latin America, Indonesia and the Philippines, bolstered by their large populations, and countries in Africa are slowly and strongly emerging.

Possibilities to Becoming Richer a Year From Now

We all want to be richer, right? The Franklin Prosperity Report says, "It's about changing habits for good." In it's article, the Report gives 'Daily Living Ideas' for making those changes. Nicole Boyson, Professor of Finance at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, suggests that adjusting your stock allocations in an investment fund plan downward each year may protect against market issues as you near retirement, reducing your risk over time. "If you save this way, you are in great shape not only in a year but also years down the line," she says. Coleen Pantalone, dean of undergraduate business at CBA, suggests in the Report that "The real solution [to lowering debt], don't carry credit [cards]." Pantalone says that lower interest credit cards do not really solve the problem of spending. The Franklin Prosperity Report also suggests looking into where your spending your money, budgeting, find tricks to saving - even a piggy bank for adults, and maximize your tax-free and tax-advantage savings plans like 401(k) and IRA options.

Jay Mulki is chosen as an Outstanding Paper Award Winner at the Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2012

Jay Mulki is chosen as an Outstanding Paper Award Winner at the Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2012. “Ethical reputation and value received: Customer perceptions,” published in International Journal of Bank Marketing. The award winning papers are chosen following consultation amongst the journal’s Editorial Team, who agreed that this was one of the most impressive pieces of work they saw in 2011.

MBTA financial plan is Band-Aid, not a solution

It seems that every transportation system in Massachusetts is having a 'financial meltdown,' comments Joseph Giglio, transportation expert and professor at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration. The most recent, and ever present, is the MBTA. Giglio says that when we 'clamor...to build more roads and transit lines...we too often budget based only on the cost of construction, without taking operating and maintenance costs into account." Giglio continues that appropriate revenue needs to be made in order to effectively run, maintain, and grow the transportation system, and that the price - whether fare or tolls, needs to be based on value to the customer. He concludes with the advice that, "Perhaps by then voters will see that a rational pricing system is far less painful than dealing with the fallout from massive debt and maintenance backlogs." Until then, it may be more hearings and price hikes debates that continue, without ever a real solution.

Taxpayers May Accept Some Social Security Reforms

A new study published by CBA's Professors and co-authors, James J. Maroney, Cynthia M. Jackson, Timothy J. Rupert, and Yue (May) Zhang, all of Northeastern University, suggests that where people are worried about social security, they are more willing to accept the burden of reform. However, “Prior to reaching that very high level of concern, the data...indicate there is no change in [people's] willingness to accept a larger share of the burden," the study says. Professor Timothy Rupert continues, "The crux of our study is that people could very well respond to a clear and forthright presentation of this problem much as they have responded in the past to such national crises as wars or natural disasters." For the study, 159 graduate and undergraduate accounting students were randomly chosen for one of three groups were asked "to study taxpayers' opinions about the Social Security system and taxpayers' attitudes about potential changes to the Social Security system," according to the report. 

Giving Shareholders a Voice

Finance and Insurance Professor Olubunmi Faleye's research backs findings that "Investors' support for annual elections is consistent with a significant body of impirical evidence," reports the New York Times. 'Staggered' or 'classified' boards are often used to sheild investors from the inner workings of the board of publically traded firms, the New York Times suggests. They continue that using shareholder proposals, some are successfully moving away from this model, giving more direct influence to individual share owners.

Professor Joseph Raelin and his co-authors receive Ralph W. Tyler Award

Joseph Raelin, along with his six co-authors including Rachelle Reisberg, Director of the Women in Engineering Program at Northeastern, are recipients of the Ralph W. Tyler Award for Outstanding and Distinguished Research and Publication in the Field of Cooperative Education, Internships, and Work-Integrated Learning, for the article, “The Effect of Cooperative Education on Change in Self-Efficacy among Undergraduate Students: Introducing Work Self-Efficacy” (Jr. of Cooperative Education and Internships) was presented at the CEIA Annual Conference, Chicago, April 17, 2012.

The Problem with Digital Design

Digital design cannot stand alone, suggest CBA Professors Tucker Marion and Marc H. Meyer. Powerful design tools need to be continually paired with a strong manamement process, especially as engineering teams become more virtual. Marion, Meyer's research cite two potential problems with skimping on management when using digital design to accomplish a project: "First, because the technology makes the work look complete at every step in the process, it can create a false sense of security." Even though a product design may look complete, the research says, many times front end user testing and accessing user needs is rushed or skipped. Marion and Meyer continue that, "Second, the very ease with which designs can be digitally drafted and prototyped might afford engineers the opportunity to “try it again and then, again and again.” They interpret this to mean that the idea process and numberof ideas that can be accomplished become too many. Revisions can go on and on, and eat up valuable time and money. The researchers encourage that strong manangement can successfully move a product along in a digital age, and may also learn where to act and where not to rush to cause more efficiency in design and productivity.

Postal staffers fear what future will deliver

The term 'Snail mail' applies more and more to the US Postal Service over the last six years. Professor Harlan Platt says that with the failure to respond to big delivery competition such as FedEx Corp. and UPS, and the onset of the internet, that the USPS is in trouble. “When any other business has shrinkage of 25 percent in five or six years, and can probably forecast another 25 percent decline in the next decade, if not more, it obviously has too much of everything,’’ he said. While the Postal Service thinks it can carry on, Platt says, "The way you deal with [decline and shrinkage] is by downsizing. In the long run, the business goes away.’’

Dennis Shaughnessy voted 2012 Best Teacher Award, inducted into CBA Hall of Fame. Professors Bame-Aldred, Clark, Hertenstein recognized.

As part of the College of Business Administration Awards ceremony, Best Teacher Certificates were provided to our four finalists for the 2011 CBA Best Teacher Award: Charlie Bame-Aldred (Accounting), Bruce Clark (Marketing), Julie Hertenstein (Accounting), and Dennis Shaughnessy (Entrepreneurship & Innovation).

Dennis Shaughnessy won the 2012 CBA Best Teacher Award. With this award, Dennis is now inducted into the CBA Hall of Fame, joining other luminary faculty: Michael Cottrill, Joe Giglio and Tim Rupert. Please join me in congratulating Dennis on this well-deserved honor. Chuck Ioven, Senior Financial Analyst for GE Aviation’s Military Systems Operation and MBA 1992, represented GE in presenting Dennis with a check to support his teaching and research.

The CBA Best Teacher Award is given to the faculty member(s), selected by graduating students, who had the greatest impact on their educational experience - the one who has most inspired, motivated, and gone above and beyond to help. Student presenters each spoke of how Professors Bame-Aldred, Clark, Hertenstein and Shaughnessy have served as personal role models, professionally and with life issues. They commented on how these faculty were demanding, and maintained high standards, empowered student learning which changed student’s lives and career paths. Frequent comments were made on how this faculty worked hard to ensure students had ample learning opportunities. It was inspiring to hear the students speak about their personal experiences with each of these professors.

High Costs of Transportation

Professor Joseph Giglio, transportation export in the College of Business at Northeastern University, says that the U.S. should leverage its track record for innovation in order to 'take control of our energy destiny and economic future.' While it's likely on everyone's mind that the high price of oil is causing greater concern on the family dollar, the cost of transportation for manufacturing is feeling the fuel squeeze too. Giglio writes, "Passing higher transportation costs on to customers in the form of higher prices may lead to reduced sales and therefore lower profits. Eating the cost hikes might keep sales up, but it will shrink profits." Another option in trying to make balance of transportation costs is laying off employees and/or reducing benefits or outsourcing more production. Oil and transportation, it seems, makes the economy go-round. Giglio asks that the U.S. take stock of its innovative roots and to move forward in finding 'economically feasible' methods to alternative energy. Finding a more efficient source of transportation of goods and services could make all the difference.

Are some coins too pricey to make?

Do you like pennies? Do you feel they add up, or allow you to save a few cents at the store? Jeffery Born, professor of finance at Northeastern University, tells MSN Money that he doesn't think eliminating pennies will cause companies to round their prices up. MSN Money reports that this is a consumer worry. While living in Fiji, Born found that when they stopped producing the penny, that prices essentially balanced out in favor of both the consumer and the company. "Bills and purchases ending in 1 or 2 were rounded down to zero, which meant the store lost a few cents. Prices ending in 3 or 4 were rounded up, and the store gained a few cents," Born says. Paper money is a lot cheaper to produce, and Born says that small coins are not common in other countries. "Life went on in Fiji. It goes on in lots of countries where the value of coins has become too small to bother with. It's hard to find coins less than 100 yen in Japan, and it was hard to find small lira coins in Italy before the euro." The term "save your pennies" might become more relevant as less and eventually none are produced in the US, to the point where they may be a rarity. Even now, a penny costs more to make than it is worth.

Apple's future depends on transparent supply chain

Apple has been in the limelight lately for how its unbeatable profit margin leaves its manufacturers literally in the dust. According to fundweb and other sources, "Seven hundred miles away in Chengdu [China], another Foxconn factory produced combustible dust while manufacturing iPad2 cases." Ravi Ramamurti, professor of international business at CBA, says, “Foxconn is almost a partner to Apple, because it produces on a scale that smaller suppliers couldn’t achieve." Still, Ramamurti admits that China is hard to police for proper preventative safety standards. Apple, ultimately, will need to create a precident and proof that it is changing its ways with how it treats its labor. It's reputation with its customers, even those most loyal to Apple, may depend on reform. To add to the pressure, Ramamurti says, “workers [in China] are now more willing to protest, both because they feel they have more political rights and because they know they won’t get fired.”

Tunde Kovac receives Outstanding Finance Paper Award at the 2012 Eastern Finance Association meeting

Tunde Kovacs receives Outstanding Finance Paper Award at the 2012 Eastern Finance Association meeting. “Investor Recognition and Seasoned Equity Offers,” co-authored with Don Autore.

Audit rates of millionaires nearly double

If you are a millionaire, the chances of you getting audited on your 2011 taxes are nearly double than the previous year. The IRS released data last week that indicated a 12% jump, for those with income between $1M and $5 million. While the IRS is contributing part of the extra diligence to curb offshore tax evasion, politics are likely a factor as well, says Professor Timothy Gagnon, of Northeastern University's College of Business Administration. "There's so much controversy about Romney's low tax bracket and a lot more attention in the press about the millionaires being favored," Gagnon comments. "It seems like the IRS is trying to show that it's paying more attention to millionaires and that their chance of an audit is higher than the average person." In addition, Gagnon attributes the targeting of millionaires in additional audits is that they are more likely to allow the IRS to boost its own revenue. There are more funds to be had from a millionaires tax oversight than that of the lower or middle class.

For better or worse: FTAs

Foreign trade agreements (FTAs) are a strategy that not all partners of an industry are willing to use. And to their success. Brazil, for instance, has bucked the trends of the US, Colombia, Panama, Mexico and China. And for the record, Brazil is doing great, as the country reported a $29.79 billion trade surplus in 2011. "Brazil has done a nice job of cultivating trade relationships with foreign partners without formal trade agreements," says Christopher Robertson, professor of international business and strategy at the Northeastern University College of Business Administration. "Brazilian leaders have had many meetings with China, and there are some formal agreements in place and in process, yet the big outcome has been the introduction of Brazilian materials exporters to Chinese manufacturers. It seems as if Brazil has many agreements at the industry level, as opposed to the country level." The US is eager to do business with Brazil, and hope that the country may be more and more willing to enter an FTA agreement with them.

Keeping Score

Imaging getting anywhere without a good credit score these days? While it may not have been a thing of the past (even 20 years ago, you wouldn't have had to worry), it's at the forefront of most everyone's financial lives today. Harlan Platt, finance professor at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration says, “Today, credit worthiness is determined almost entirely by computers based on credit scores. Unless you use all cash, there’s no way around it … You need a credit score—the higher, the better.” Learn what yours is and what it means, as it determines everything from the amount of a loan you can receive to the interest you will be paying, to even getting a new credit card in the first place. It's not about the money you have, it's about how you use it. There are many factors as to what makes up a good credit score, and often, factors change. It is generally good to continually check on your own credit and find out what could be effecting your results.

Bloomberg Businessweek ranked the Executive MBA program in the global top 50

US News ranked BSIB #19 in international programs

US News named the Full-time MBA #1 in Boston and #5 in the country for job placement within three months of graduation. (2012)

Send out those Thank-You's!

Just got done with a slew of interviews? Lynne Sarikas, MBA Career Center Director, says that sending one 'thank you' email to multiple interviewers is not likely to win you points. "Multiple interviewers in the same company will often compare notes, so be sure they are customized," she says. It is suggested that job hopefuls send an email, and then send a handwritten note, if you are going to do the latter. This will keep you fresh in the minds of all those you spoke to, and then reinforcement to your cause. "Few people write handwritten notes anymore - they are memorable," says Sarikas.

New route maps at New York-area airports

Delta Air Lines and US Airways Group are making big changes in New York airports. They are adding and downsizing flights, which will change efficiency, cost, and convenience, for better and for worse. Professor Harlan Platt, of Northeastern's College of Business Administration, says, "The route swap between Delta and US Airways will add efficiency and economy to both carriers. This is especially true of Delta whose major investment at LaGuardia needs passengers if it is to make sense." However, Platt agrees that this could cause higher ticket cost pending which airline sees more success and dominance at any of the NY airports.

Transportation fiefdoms a roadblock to shared goal

By cutting subway ('T') services and raising fees, the State's entire transportation system will be effected, advises Joseph Giglio, transportation expert and professor at Northeastern's College of Business Administration. All of roadways, transit and train services need to be considered in order to move customers and goods in the most efficient way possible. Gigilio suggests that moving all of these systems into one business model, with funding being shared appropriately to make best use of all transportation. To do this, Giglio says, the leaders of the Commonwealth will need to consider the 2009 MA Transportation Reform statute and factor in the MBTA fare hike as it works to achieve its objectives in savings and fluidity when it merging transportation agencies.

Why retail gasoline prices are nearing a record

It's hard to not notice that the price of gas is going up, and then up again! The average on national gas prices have been going up steadily since January of this year, Market Watch reports. And even though the demand for gas in the US has decreased, the cost reflects the demands of all countries using oil. Finance Professor Jeffery Born explains why gas prices and crude oil prices tend to concur in fluctuation, as companies use a "last in, first out method...which basically means that they use the most recent cost to compute costs of goods sold." Unless gas companies keep up with these rising prices, "they will experience a decline in profits and profit margins," Born says.

Will the Linsanity Last? Why the NBA, Knicks and Marketers Must Beware of Getting Lucky

Jeremy Lin is not just an overnight success in basketball, he is redefining the business market of the sport. Bruce Clark, Marketing Professor in Northeastern's College of Business Administration, explains the short and long-term effects of 'Linsanity'. Short term, Clark says this is a 'huge win for the Knicks and the NBA'. The chatter that's been created is great for the Knicks, and the league, as memories of last year's lockout linger. Being an Asian-American and ivy league grad, helps add to the interest and sensationalism of Lin. If Lin continues to prove himself for years to come, he just might be the key to the NBA expanding their global interest. Clark gives advice to marketing and communication folks: Use short term luck to set your marketing roots, so that a foundation is built before luck is no longer reliable. Expand awareness and distribution, and capitalize on a short term price premium. Learn how you can spread the wealth by identifying the characteristics of what makes an employee 'spectacular', and using those qualities to train your employees to take on these same practices. Can you make more spectacular employees by mimicking one? In conclusion, Clark warns not to invest everything into one product, but to take the desirable qualities and see how they can be applied to the brand as a whole. The luck of a sensation is a great way to kick off a campaign, but should not account for the longevity of the strategy. The star may fade, but with a strong base being forged, the good impression will likely not.

Scraping MyPlate

The Department of Agriculture overhauled it's Food Pyramid brand last summer and replaced it with a simplified 'MyPlate,' which shows their proscribed healthy balance of five food groups. And it's still tough to get the American public to adhere or get close to the guidelines. In addition, the super market business greatly affects the energy industry. While consumers are looking for natural and organic products, spending must go down, and green energy is fluxuating in stability. Professor Jeffery Born concludes, Some of these [solar, LED, clean air] technologies may not be proven yet, but there's a clearly understood need to try to change the way we use energy." Government investment seems necessary for supermarket and retail reform in eating habits and sales. "The return on that could end up covering all the losses in other areas," says Born.

Continuing Education - It's Game Changing

Did you think you were done with college after you earned your bachelors degree? Time to find a job and leave the books behind? A few years later, you might be reconsidering. Even at the CFO level, Dorothy Whalen, Board President of the National Association of Women MBAs, Boston Chapter, reports to the Boston Globe that going back to school to get her Executive MBA from Northeastern University's CBA was worth the time and effort. "No one can take away my education," says Whalen to the Globe. And while you may be thinking about the financial cost tied to professional studies, the long-term financial benefit often makes it worth it, says Evelyn Tate, Director of Graduate Recruitment & Admissions in the College of Business Administration at Northeastern. Continued skill development in your career has the potential to set you apart from your colleagues at your existing position or candidates for a new job, says Tate. Ultimately, it has the potential to keep you competitive and at the ready for positive change in your career. 

Weighing What the T Should Do

As venues are being changed to accommodate more people attending MBTA hearings, deep down you might be wondering what can really be done? Professor Joseph Giglio, of Northeastern's College of Business Administration, suggests planning for a strategy that integrates cross-subsidies. "With effective cross-subsidies in place, integrated network management can maximize the value the total transportation network delivers to customers. It’s how successful multi-market, multi-product enterprises operate," says Giglio. Financing a project includes not only money, but comprehensively how it is raised, managed, distributed and collected, Giglio reminds. And customer service is a part not to be forgotten either. "Enhanced customer convenience may well translate into additional revenue and improved operating efficiencies."

Martin Marietta presentation on Vulcan Materials is interesting, but backward-looking

While Martin Marietta Materials presents to investors that it has ample reason to take over Vulcan Materials, the debate on validity continues. Hostile take over expert and Finance Professor Don Margotta says: "There isn't anything which has much relevance to valuing Vulcan Materials as an acquisition candidate," Professor Margotta, of Northeastern's College of Business Administration continues, "The value of Vulcan Materials depends on, among other factors, the future free cash flows of the company and those can usually be best assessed by the board and its advisors." Martin Marietta began what is considered a hostile takeover in December of 2010. The two companies mine, crush, and sell rock to road contractors and sit at the top of the industry nationally. 

Caught in troubled waters

AquaBounty, of Waltham, MA, produces Atlantic salmon, starting in a lab. The company is not only waiting for FDA approval of their genitically modified food process and harvesting methods, but it is also started to make plans to cut operating costs and sell more shares. Generally, that is not a good sign, but also not uncommon. Professor David Sherman says of biotech start-ups that "Their financial statements often look the same." This seems especially true in the tenuous time waiting for federal approval, according to Sherman.

Professors Gloria Barczak, Marc Meyer, and Ed McDonough recognized as top innovation management scholars The Journal of Product Innovation

The three scholars recognized by the journal are leaders in the field of business strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship. Both Gloria Barczak and Edward McDonough’s research focuses on new product development. Marc Meyer is active in the areas of new product development and entrepreneurship.> Gloria Barczak is named #19, Marc Meyer, #20, and Edward McDonough, #20, among the world’s top innovation management scholars by the Journal of Product Innovation Management (2012).

Physical fitness can boost fiscal fitness, too

Get healthy and save money! All those vices you have add up and take a toll. If you were to try changing just one habit into a healthy habit, your wallet would get healthy too. For instance, "bring your lunch in a bag rather than buy it," says Finance Professor Harlan Platt, of Northeastern's College of Business Administration. Not only can you save about $5 a day, but you can also control what you eat more easily, says Platt. This pairs well with eating foods in season which translates into healthier choices and also saves on cost. Quitting smoking, staying at a healthy weight, and reducing doctor's visits with health incentives, all have the potential to save you money too.

Staying in love with your job

Just like a human relationship, you and your job will likely experience a 'honeymoon' phase, and then after a while, your job might just lose its charm. You spend a lot of time at your job, and like any other relationship, you have to work to make it work. "No one is in charge of your happiness but you," says MBA Career Center Director Lynne Sarikas, of Northeastern University. It can be important in any relationship you want to keep to think of ways to rekindle and add spark to your life and your cubicle.

Which startups are showcasing at the Northeastern Entrepreneurship Expo (NEXPO)?

Northeastern Entrepreneurship Expo (NEXPO) will feature three clothing start-ups, an organic snack company, social real estate listings, and a concierge service catering to students' needs. Over 18 startups will be featured at the fourth annual NEXPO. In order to be a part of this consortium of entrepreneurs, at least one member of the venture company must be a student, alumnus, or faculty/staff of Northeastern University. The team must have also worked with IDEA: Northeastern's Adventure Accelerator, which mentors, guides, and provides start-up capital for the fledgling companies. 

The Romney kids' $100 million trust fund

As the GOP candidates continue on the road toward election, Mitt Romney's fortune, and that of his 5 sons, has come into the spotlight. Through smart investments and a nimble approach to tax laws, the Romney children have been provided for amply by their parents. Tim Gagnon, professor of Accounting at Northeastern University's CBA remarks, "Romney probably invested the trust in the same kinds of things he invested in himself, like startups and private equities -- investments with high growth." Highering top experts to calculate ways to diminish the affects of gift taxes, capital gains, and efficient trust strategies are a likely addition to how the Romney's have been able to provide so well for their sons' futures.

New Dean at Northeastern

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.

Facebook prepares for risks and rewards

Facebook has gone public, and it seems that the whole world is watching. The big question is will the IPO be successful for the social media mogul. "It is a very valuable company. But there will be bumps on the road ahead," said David Sherman, professor of accounting at Northeastern University in Boston. The service product that Facebook provides is in question, and Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of Facebook acknowledges this:  "Simply put: we don't build services to make money; we make money to build better services. And we think this is a good way to build something. These days I think more and more people want to use services from companies that believe in something beyond simply maximising profits." Sherman agrees, "In the long term that could be a good thing."

Rhetoric a major roadblock to transportation policy

Professor and transportation expert, Joseph Giglio, of Northeastern University's Northeastern University comments on President Obama's recent State of the Union Address, and dissects it for further meaning. Giglio says that if the President does in fact using half of the savings from the retraction of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, that in the next 10 years, approximately $500 billion could be added to infrastructure spending. While the president attributes this to "savings', he would in fact be "reprogramming future borrowed funds once designated to finance the wars", says Giglio. Giglio sees a future for positive infrastructure funding issues "if Congress...enacts the multi-year, surface transportation reauthorization legislation" that has now been extended 8 times since its 2009 expiration. The need for a transportation bill seems to be imminent according to Giglio, as he presses, "Even as both the House and the Senate bills are far smaller than what is needed just to maintain current levels of inflation-adjusted spending, we need to have a transportation bill to minimize the uncertainty that is stalling our economic recovery. The president cannot continue to just make easy lay-up speeches on the need for greater infrastructure spending and post up against the congressional leaders to get a bill passed before March 31."

China feeds copper run, but gains may not last

The profitability of industrial metals are being largely measured on China's growth in 2012. They are the front runners, and the world is watching. In terms of copper in 2011, Jeffery Born, professor in Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, says that the metal "appears to have been [purchased] by Chinese firms building inventories at favorable prices before the Chinese new year. Whether that expectation will occur is open to debate."

Northeastern University ranks #86 in Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2012

Northeastern University ranks #86 in Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2012, and among the top 50 in the US.  As part of the ranking survey, alumni that were polled three years after graduation reported an average salary increase of 112%.

Advising Across Borders

 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.

4 Questions a Hiring Manager Should Never Ask

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

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

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."

4 technology must haves for online students

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.

6 things you'll pay more for in 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.

At ASSA: Higher Returns for Activist Hedge Funds

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.

Marketing professor Jay Mulki was awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant

Marketing professor Jay Mulki was awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to work with Justice K. S. Hedge Institute of Management, India to help identify specialized academic programs that can be introduced in the institute based on current market trends. 

Arnold Wright and Ganesh Krishnamoorthy awarded AAA Auditing Section 2012 Notable Contribution to the Auditing Literature Award

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.

Professors Julie Hertenstein & Marjorie Platt receive Best Paper Award in Communication & Institution Div., Western States Communication Assoc. Annual mtg

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. 

Year-end tax tips for job seekers

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!

Rooting Out Plagiarism in MBA Admissions Essays

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.

Shale gas gives rise to energy independence

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 Rosanna Garcia is the winner of 2011 Product Development & Management Association (PDMA) Research Competition.

Professor Rosanna Garcia is the winner of 2011 Product Development & Management Association (PDMA) Research Competition. She also won the PDMA David L. Wilemon Research Award for that year.

Professor Luis Dau is Finalist in the European International Business Academy's Gunnar Hedlund Award 2011.

Professor Luis Dau is Finalist in the European International Business Academy's Gunnar Hedlund Award 2011.

Infrastructure bank provides invaluable resources

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.

More taxes on air travel? It’s nonsense

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.

Time to answer the call

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

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

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

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.” 

Can I afford to quit my job?

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 Entrepreneurship Club ranks #6th Out of 20 Globally by FledgeWing.

Northeastern Entrepreneurship Club ranks #6th Out of 20 Globally by FledgeWing.

No promotion yet? Maybe you’re not the boss’s favorite

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.

Welcome to the autumn fare hike

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. 

Desperately seeking a job, with cookies if necessary

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.

Should CFO's get on-Board?

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.

Tips for getting the growth you want

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.

Is Google Getting Too Big To Succeed?

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.”

A Massive Cut in NOCs Spending Seems Unlikely

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.

Starting out at 50

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.

Putting the promise in compromise

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

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

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

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.

Start-up firms played key role in Massachusetts’ previous economic recoveries

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.

Mass. Start-up creation slows

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.

How to get a good deal on a car lease

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

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.

Another way to fund roadways?

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.

U. of C. professor argues privatization of assets just like borrowing money

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.

The High Price of America’s Gambling Addiction

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.

Why Employees Are Less Engaged Than Ever

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’

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

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.”

New research on web work and workaholism under way

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.”

Thinking about exporting overseas?

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.

7 tips for negotiating a better salary

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’

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?

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

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

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

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. 

Business Schools Use Software, Online Groups To Combat Plagiarism in Admissions

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.

Fuming over bag fees

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. 

J.C. Penney investors cheer for Apple retail head as new CEO

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. 

Northeastern University and TSiBA Education join forces in entrepreneurship

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 4^th 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

How is the transition to electric cars going?

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.

Deregulating Airports: Some Say the Time Has Arrived

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.

Biggest Tip for Effective Networking?

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

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

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

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

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.

Russian MBA students visit MetroWest Daily News

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.

Proposed rule requiring 20 percent down on a house draws opposition

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.”

Six Resume mistakes to avoid

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.

What not to say in a job interview

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.

Fraudulent tax returns surge 181%

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.

Experts: Bet the bank on Mitt Romney with biz

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.” 

What Every Investor Should Know About Qatar

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.

7 Reasons to Ignore ‘Best Jobs’ Lists

‘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.

A powerful force, mentorship a gateway to growth

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. 

Wal-Mart sex-bias case could have big impact

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.

Internships getting far more rewarding

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.

Starbucks and Makeup: The Daily Ritual of the At-Home Worker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Ravi Ramamurti comments upon 'war for talent'

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.”

Northeastern University Marketing Association raises awareness for organ donation program

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.

How to Retain Top Talent Overseas

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.”

All-Exclusive Cruises

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.”

Loss of the 'Glue'

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.

Let's Get Real About Transportation Policy in the USA

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

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

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?

"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.

Graduate School of Business Administration ranked among the top 100 U.S. business schools

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.

CBA's Full-Time MBA program ranked #56 by Bloomberg Businessweek

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

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.

The Graduate School of Business Administration named outstanding business school by Princeton Review

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.”

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

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.”

Andrew Rohm to discuss marketing at lecture series event

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.

Allan Bird tells IBM the next generation of leaders will be shaped by the world’s growing complexity

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.

H. David Sherman comments upon the complexities of bank acquisitions

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.

Marketing professors Andy Rohm and Devon Johnson in Top Ten most cited articles

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.

Learn the hi-tech way

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.

Accounting professor Arnold Wright receives funding from Center for Audit Quality

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

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

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.

Low-cost battle at Boston's Logan Airport

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

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?'"

Abbreviated IFRS to simplify accounting methods in small companies

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

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.

Goals evolve for audit committees

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

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.

Knowledge and innovation management essential components in competitive strategy of companies

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.

NU College of Business Administration Ranked 14th in U.S. for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program

Program Moves Up 10 Spots in Entrepreneur Magazine/Princeton Review Ranking;
Also Ranked Second in New England.

Social entrepreneurship: profit versus poverty

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.

IP Law showing vulnerability to recession

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

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."

Networking, volunteering helps maintain right attitude when unemployed

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."

College of Business professors’ research on Jim Cramer captures national attention

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.

GM and UAW reach tentative deal

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.

More law firms looking to business education

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

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."

Baggage fees helping airlines recoup losses

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

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

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

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.

Investors wary of mark-to-market easing

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

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

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

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

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.

Transportation reform in Massachusetts needs better management

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."

General Growth’s bankruptcy filing good news for vendors and suppliers

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.

Bashing your employer in public a good way to sabotage your career

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.

Accounting professor discusses recent changes to fair-value accounting rules

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

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

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

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.

Citigroup management change might help new unit gain Wall Street acceptance

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."

Company’s low bond prices sign of looming bankruptcy

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

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."

GM auditors doubt automaker’s ability to continue operations

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

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.

Liquidators turn to discount retailers and foreign markets to sell inventory

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.

Delphi terminates health insurance benefits in effort to emerge from bankruptcy

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.

Finance Professor refutes Icahn’s suggested recommendations for corporate America

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."

Donald Trump’s business style poorly suited for current recession

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.

Major airlines and regional carriers benefits from partnerships

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."

Is IT the answer for troubled retailers?

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.

Satyam fallout revealed weakness in offshoring model

CIO Magazine published an article by Ravi Ramamurti, distinguished professor of international business and director of the Center for Emerging Markets. The article was about the effects of the recent Satyam scandal on offshore outsourcing.

Despite lower oil prices, airlines continue to struggle

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.