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.
February 28, 2018
The Perks of Being a Hotel Goer
When it comes to booking a hotel, where to stay can be influenced by more than price. Two Smith School professors examine which hotel amenities are most likely to keep guest coming back.
Read the article
:
The Perks of Being a Hotel Goer
February 22, 2018
‘Black Panther’ Isn’t Just a Great Movie; It's Great Marketing
It's not often that a film smashes box office expectations in quite the way that Marvel Studio's "Black Panther" has. But it's not often that a superhero film gets so many things so right – from the screenplay, to the casting, to the marketing, says the Smith School's Henry C. Boyd III.
Read the article
:
‘Black Panther’ Isn’t Just a Great Movie; It's Great Marketing
February 13, 2018
Why Fashion Week Still Matters
In an era of social media, where the internet brings far-flung places closer and makes location an almost secondary consideration, there is a week when being in the right place – New York City – still matters. It's Fashion Week."It is precisely because of social media that Fashion Week has become…
Read the article
:
Why Fashion Week Still Matters
February 8, 2018
When Finding the Right Words Pays Off
The Smith School's Michael Trusov, associate professor of marketing, proposes a two-part approach to help advertisers gauge how well their paid search ads are performing.
Read the article
:
When Finding the Right Words Pays Off
January 24, 2018
Market Research for the Hashtag Era
Social tags are the keywords that users create as they discuss or categorize topics on social media. And they can offer valuable insights into consumers’ perceptions of products and brands.
Read the article
:
Market Research for the Hashtag Era
December 6, 2017
Why Are Plastic Lego Bricks So Pricey?
Ask anyone who loves those iconic building toys: Lego sets aren't cheap. And those plastic brick sets very rarely go on sale. The Smith School's P.K. Kannan says Lego is part of an elite club of brands that hold their ground on price and quality.
Read the article
:
Why Are Plastic Lego Bricks So Pricey?
November 15, 2017
Profs Reminisce About Their Best Gifts Ever
The best givers take time to understand their customers, who just might want a Miles Davis poster, shares in the local utility company, a piano or a pocket calculator.
Read the article
:
Profs Reminisce About Their Best Gifts Ever
September 22, 2017
How Toys 'R' Us Can Make a Comeback
It's not "game over" for Toys 'R' Us. Its bankruptcy this week is more of a "timeout." The Smith School's Jie Zhang says that if the toy retailer plays its cards right, it could end up a winner.
Read the article
:
How Toys 'R' Us Can Make a Comeback
August 7, 2017
Empathy for the Benevolent Underdog
Upstarts lacking a proven track record can offset their disadvantage by explicitly promoting themselves as highly moral. Sympathetic consumers will respond.
Read the article
:
Empathy for the Benevolent Underdog
June 9, 2017
Inhibited About Bowling Alone
Many people feel embarrassed about doing fun activities alone. Companies that help solo consumers overcome their fears can tap into a vast and growing market.
Read the article
:
Inhibited About Bowling Alone