IT and Firm Profitability
Fall 2009, Research@Smith |
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By the late 1980s there was computer on every desk. But that wasn’t
necessarily a good thing, according to some researchers, who observed
that there was hardly any visible workplace productivity improvement in
services despite this initial influx of information technology. But IT
has come a long way since then. While the productivity effects of IT
have been obvious for some time, new research indicates that investing
in IT may have more of an effect on a firm’s profitability than
advertising or even R&D. |
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How Peer Groups Comparisons Affect Executive Compensation
Fall 2009, Research@Smith |
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In 1980, the average CEO’s compensation was about 42 times what the
average worker was paid. By 2007, CEOs received about 344 times the
average worker salary. Some view the ballooning of executive
compensation as a failure of corporate governance, or evidence of abuse
of power. Others argue that it just reflects market forces: top CEOs
must be paid top dollar, or they’ll take their (presumably
irreplaceable) talents to other organizations.
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Developing Managerial Talent through Stretch Assignments
Fall 2009, Research@Smith |
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On-the-job experience can be a powerfully transformative tool for
professional growth—in fact, research indicates it may be the primary
vehicle for learning critical leadership skills. Many companies use job
assignments to groom high-potential managers, but what kinds of
experiences are really valuable for developing manager potential? And
what kinds of managers benefit most from these experiences?
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The Potential Pitfalls of Attack Advertising
Spring 2009, Smith Business |
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In the battle for market share, companies often try an aggressive
approach when advertising their products. This kind of combative
strategy often involves knocking the company’s chief competitors. But
that may not get the results you want, warns Yogesh Joshi, assistant
professor of marketing. A study co-authored by Joshi, Yuxin Chen at the
Stern School of Business, and Jagmohan Raju and Z. John Zhang, both at
the Wharton School, found that combative advertising can actually cause
consumers to feel less inclined to choose one product over another—the
exact opposite of what advertisers desire.
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Angel Investors vs. Venture Capital
Spring 2009, Smith Business |
| Angel investors are every entrepreneur’s dream—affluent individuals
who provide capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for
convertible debt or an equity stake in the business. Angels don’t exert
as much control over the developing business; they are less likely to
control the board of directors, have special rights to shut down the
firm, or have liquidation privileges. |
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Coming Forward
March 2009, Research@Smith |
Research by Ken G. Smith and Kathryn M. Bartol
Industry norms are more effective than sanctions in encouraging good
corporate behavior. |
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Causes and Consequences of Initial Network Positions
March 2009, Research@Smith |
Research by Benjamin Hallen
Who you know matters, but only within the first year of the new
venture’s life. |
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