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.
May 14, 2025
The Language of Buying: Deciphering AI Conversations
Marketing PhD student Ziting Liao, with faculty Liye Ma and Wendy Moe, developed a model predicting purchase intent from AI assistant interactions. By analyzing language patterns, the tool helps advertisers better target consumers and optimize strategies based on intent.
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The Language of Buying: Deciphering AI Conversations
May 14, 2025
The Tax Revenue and Problem-Gambling Balancing Act
Research co-authored by associate professor Dan McCarthy finds that online sports betting legalization has led to a rise in irresponsible gambling, especially among lower-income individuals. The study highlights financial risks and calls for safeguards to mitigate potential societal harm.
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The Tax Revenue and Problem-Gambling Balancing Act
May 14, 2025
Are You Ready for the Future? AI Can Help
Joseph Reiff, assistant professor of marketing, co-invented The Retirement Visualizer™, an AI tool using GPT and DALL·E to help individuals vividly imagine retirement goals. By making the future feel tangible, it aims to boost motivation and increase retirement savings.
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Are You Ready for the Future? AI Can Help
March 7, 2025
How We React When Apps Crash
App crashes shorten user sessions and reduce content consumption, says Smith’s Michel Wedel. While a single crash boosts engagement, frequent failures can drive users away. Developers should release updates cautiously, target resilient users, and take responsibility to maintain trust.
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How We React When Apps Crash
February 20, 2025
Consumer Spending Rises with Air Pollution: New Study
A study by Smith professor Michael Trusov and Sanghwa Kim finds South Korean consumers spend more on hedonic goods when air pollution rises, seeking mood-lifting purchases. Published in the Journal of Marketing, the research suggests implications for marketers and policymakers in responsible…
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Consumer Spending Rises with Air Pollution: New Study
February 13, 2025
A Guide For Using VR, AR Technology in Foreign Markets
Global businesses use AR and VR to engage consumers, but cultural differences impact success. Smith professor P.K. Kannan’s research finds foreign brands face challenges in South Korea’s XR market. Companies must tailor strategies, choose technology wisely, and build local brand communities.
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A Guide For Using VR, AR Technology in Foreign Markets
October 4, 2024
Small Businesses Take Big Hit from Apple’s Privacy Regulation
Smith marketing professor Daniel McCarthy's research found that Apple's 2021 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) significantly impacted small direct-to-consumer businesses. ATT caused a 37% drop in ad click-through rates and up to a 60% revenue decline for smaller firms reliant on Facebook ads.
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Small Businesses Take Big Hit from Apple’s Privacy Regulation
September 11, 2024
Smith Experts Explain Google Antitrust Implications
Google faces major antitrust cases for monopolizing digital advertising and search. Research Professor Kislaya Prasad suggests that ending exclusive agreements could increase competition, while Associate Professor Bobby Zhou emphasizes breaking up business units like Google’s search could benefit…
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Smith Experts Explain Google Antitrust Implications
September 10, 2024
Smith Experts Discuss how Apple’s AI-enhanced iPhones will Affect Users, Market Position
Smith School marketing professor P.K. Kannan says Apple's iPhone 16, powered by “Apple Intelligence,” marks a significant upgrade, particularly in privacy-focused AI and computational photography, aiding both user experience and market competitiveness.
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Smith Experts Discuss how Apple’s AI-enhanced iPhones will Affect Users, Market Position
September 9, 2024
Will Banning Self-Preferencing in Digital Markets Help or Hurt?
Self-preferencing by large tech companies, like Amazon, faces scrutiny, with Congress considering the AICOA and OAMA bills to restrict the practice. Research by Smith professor Bobby Zhou suggests these regulations could unintentionally raise consumer prices by reducing competition between sellers.
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Will Banning Self-Preferencing in Digital Markets Help or Hurt?