Volume 1 - Number 3

Leading the Digital Economy is your source for business intelligence from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. No time to read? Log on to Smith Podcasts to download video and audio directly to your iPod. Read it here, or get Smith business intelligence when and where you want it. And share it with a friend!

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Are Markets Inefficient? Research Shows they Don’t Account for a Critical Factor

Most business managers understand that satisfied customers are the key to long-term success. So if the stock market is efficient, news about an improvement in a company’s customer satisfaction scores should immediately make that company’s stock more attractive and increase its price, right? Wrong. New research finds investors can realize high returns with low risk by incorporating customer satisfaction scores in their stock trading strategy.

http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/research/ras/spring2006/2.html

ARTICLE    AUDIO PODCAST 

How Death-Related Anxiety Can Hurt – or Help – Your Bottom Line

The reminder that we are all mortal, or “mortality salience,” has important implications for marketers according a new study. The series of experiments found that consumers use consumption behavior as a coping mechanism for dealing with anxiety. This implies that marketers should consider how death-related anxiety might affect their target customers in making marketing decisions such as advertising buys.

http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/smithbusiness/fall2006/knowledgetransfer_3.html

ARTICLE    AUDIO PODCAST 

Alliances that Work – Lessons from Telecommunications Equipment Makers

Innovation is a key driver of success in the digital economy, and pursuing innovation means making a substantial investment in research and development. R&D alliances are a common way for firms to share costs and reduce risk to pursue innovation. But how can firms pick the partners that will benefit them the most and not end up as disappointments? New research on more than one thousand alliances within the telecommunications equipment industry has identified two key factors for success.

http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/research/ras/fall2006/2.html

  ARTICLE    AUDIO PODCAST 

Throw Away Experience! Successful Internationalization Requires Something More

When it comes to developing strategic organizational processes, experience may not be the best teacher – especially as it related to globalization. A study of six technology-based entrepreneurial firms finds that while rules based on experience are important, true success results when those rules become more abstract.

http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/smithbusiness/fall2006/knowledgetransfer.html

ARTICLE    VIDEO PODCAST   

Smith Video Views

Managing a National Disaster - Technology is Mission Critical

In the wake of disasters, from hurricanes to terrorist attacks, the efficient access and exchange of information is crucial in relief and recovery efforts. Historically, though, computer software companies haven't addressed the development of costly disaster management software. This Smith Business Video View sheds light on how technology can make a difference when a catastrophe strikes.

AUDIO/VIDEO PODCAST 

The Biodiesel Phenomenon

Because of rising gasoline prices and environmental concerns, consumers are constantly searching for alternative energy sources. Approximately 700 bus fleets in the U.S. are already using biodiesel, an agricultural replacement for traditional petroleum diesel fuels, which contains no sulfur and is carbon neutral. This Smith Business Video View explains why “The Biodiesel Phenomenon” is picking up speed.

AUDIO/VIDEO PODCAST 

Books

Tough Choices: A Memoir — Carly Fiorina

Behind the headlines—one of the most talked-about business leaders in the world tells her own story. By accepting the CEO job at Hewlett-Packard, an iconic company that had lost its way, Carly Fiorina confirmed her status as the most powerful businesswoman in America. But she also made herself a target for everyone who disliked her bold leadership style and resented her rapid rise.
Tough Choices, due out in October, will finally reveal the real Carly Fiorina, who writes with brutal honesty about her triumphs and failures, her deepest fears and most painful confrontations—including her sudden and very public firing by HP’s board of directors.
Read more about the 1980 MBA graduate of the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and her upcoming book at: http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/smithbusiness/fall2006/

Leadership Development

Digital Economy Forum, October 5-6

Is your organization prepared to succeed as a global player? Once your international expansion strategy is set, the real work begins. So how do you ensure successful translation, internationalization and customer support for your product or service in new markets around the world? The Robert H. Smith School of Business and the Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA) bring together decision-makers to explore the best techniques businesses can adopt to achieve global success while simultaneously expanding their branding, client base, and business strengths.
Register Online: http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/DigitalEconomyForum

CIO Forum, November 3

Information technology has moved beyond supporting the operational mission of an organization and has become an enabler to innovation and the exploration of new opportunities. However, these opportunities are difficult to take advantage of because they are taking place in a very dynamic, competitive environment and involved a great deal of technological uncertainty. Join us as leading researchers and top executives – including keynote speaker Ted Leonsis, vice chairman of AOL LLC and president of AOL Audience Business – explore this critical issue at the Smith School’s 7th Annual CIO Forum, November 3.
Register Online: http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/cioforum

Other Resources from the Robert H. Smith School of Business

■ Leading the Digital Economy Archives

■ Smith Video and Audio Podcasts

■ Research@Smith Newsletter

■ Smith Business Magazine

■ Executive Education Programs

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