Thought Leadership

The lifeblood of a business school is its faculty, and at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business our faculty members are inspiring, supportive and world-class. We are attuned to a marketplace that values innovation, entrepreneurialism, analytical thinking and hard work. Our teaching and research equips students with the wisdom of business scholarship rooted in the experiential lessons of the marketplace.

June 14, 2019
Could Renting a Sofa Save the Planet?
There's a growing number of retailers jumping into the rental biz, as part of a sustainability push aimed at keeping furniture and clothing out of landfills. Here's what's behind the trend and what they should do instead.
Read the article : Could Renting a Sofa Save the Planet?
May 23, 2019
2019 Summer Reading List
The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business proudly presents its 16th annual Summer Reading List for Business Leaders, as recommended by faculty and staff.
Read the article : 2019 Summer Reading List
May 16, 2019
Break Up Facebook? What Would That Even Look Like?
The headline on Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes’ New York Times op-ed article made his position clear. 'It’s Time To Break Up Facebook.' But break up Facebook? How?
Read the article : Break Up Facebook? What Would That Even Look Like?
April 2, 2019
The Hunt for Clean Water
Few business problems are more basic than delivering clean drinking water to thirsty customers. Yet solutions remain elusive in the United States and elsewhere.
Read the article : The Hunt for Clean Water
March 31, 2019
How Do You Recover from a Flood?
Niratcha Tungtisanont's research at the University of Maryland examines how industrialization and internet use impact income and recovery after floods. Her findings highlight the importance of communication and community collaboration in effective disaster recovery efforts.
Read the article : How Do You Recover from a Flood?
March 14, 2019
Who Has Clean Hands?
The unclean hands doctrine serves as a safety valve in the judicial system. “It protects the sanctity of the court,” says Maryland Smith professor T. Leigh Anenson.
Read the article : Who Has Clean Hands?
December 5, 2018
Canada’s Move, Not Qatar’s, Is Big News For Oil
It was big news when Qatar announced it was quitting OPEC after nearly 60 years. But a development 6,000 miles away in Canada is likely to have a far more significant impact on oil prices, Maryland Smith's Charles E. Olson says.
Read the article : Canada’s Move, Not Qatar’s, Is Big News For Oil
November 27, 2018
The Rise of the Impact Investor
So you want to put your money where your values are. Then the latest in growing investment trends – impact investing – might be for you.
Read the article : The Rise of the Impact Investor
November 21, 2018
Natural Gas Is the Next Price To Watch
While consumers experience the effects of oil price volatility at the gas pump, there’s another energy market force that’s stealthy and poised to dent bank accounts in 2019. It’s natural gas.
Read the article : Natural Gas Is the Next Price To Watch
October 18, 2018
Time for a Change in MBA Education?
MBA students gain essential tools that enable the kind of critical thinking required to solve problems and lead companies. But there is a downside to the curriculum, Maryland Smith's Rachelle Sampson writes.
Read the article : Time for a Change in MBA Education?