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, 2018
International House Of Confusion
When IHOP announced a temporary name change to IHOb this week, the jeers came quickly on social media. Yes, it was a gimmick. But was it a success? Marketing professors weigh in
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International House Of Confusion
June 13, 2018
Yes, You’re Excited About the World Cup
Not excited about the World Cup? Just wait eight years.
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Yes, You’re Excited About the World Cup
May 29, 2018
Even More at Stake for Brands in the Hashtag Era
Companies called out by hashtag movements like #BoycottStarbucks face not just a potential loss of revenue, but also a rising likelihood that customers will go out of their way to lie, cheat and steal from them.
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Even More at Stake for Brands in the Hashtag Era
May 24, 2018
Parties Should Hit the Ground to Win Midterm Elections
Success in this year's midterm elections will come down to each party's ability to fire up its base to head to the polls to vote.
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Parties Should Hit the Ground to Win Midterm Elections
May 23, 2018
Saks Fifth Avenue Gets a Risky Makeover
Struggling to compete with Sephora and the omni-threat of Amazon.com, Saks Fifth Avenue is making changes, and some analysts remain skeptical. Smith School professor Jie Zhang is more optimistic.
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Saks Fifth Avenue Gets a Risky Makeover
April 4, 2018
A Learning Curve for Using Online Reviews
Do online ratings and reviews actually help consumers make better decisions about doctors, hotels, schools, restaurants, movies and other purchase options? The answer may surprise you.
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A Learning Curve for Using Online Reviews
March 31, 2018
Predict Presidential Election Results
To win elections, there is a right way for political campaigns to spend their money, according to new research. Smith School professor Lingling Zhang and a co-author studied U.S. presidential campaigns for elections from 2004 through 2012.
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Predict Presidential Election Results
March 30, 2018
Open Shop in Multiple Platforms
Online retail platforms dominate ecommerce. But in crowded markets, how can vendors stand out and maintain a competitive edge? Smith School professor Jie Zhang says vendors benefit from being in multiple places.
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Open Shop in Multiple Platforms
March 28, 2018
What Uber’s Setback Means for Volvo
The name Volvo has long conjured up an image of safety. But the fatal crash involving an autonomous Uber vehicle puts the brand in new peril, says Smith School reputation expert Roland Rust.
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What Uber’s Setback Means for Volvo
March 27, 2018
Beware of the Pull of Prada
Research from Smith School professor Yajin Wang shows that luxury consumption triggers antisocial behavior, but only if the luxury product is perceived as rare and exclusive and is used in front of other people.
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Beware of the Pull of Prada