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
Read the article : 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. 
Read the article : Yes, You’re Excited About the World Cup
June 13, 2018
Why the AT&T-Time Warner Decision Is Good News for CVS
A federal judge's decision to allow AT&T's bid for Time Warner to proceed may set the stage for a slew of future so-called vertical megamergers.
Read the article : Why the AT&T-Time Warner Decision Is Good News for CVS
June 12, 2018
The Best (and Worst) Ways To Sign an Email
Experts from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business expose the best and worst ways to close a professional email.
Read the article : The Best (and Worst) Ways To Sign an Email
June 11, 2018
An Upside To Having Busy Board Members
"Multiple directorships may enhance firm performance through board connections, but may also hinder firm performance through time constraints," the authors write.
Read the article : An Upside To Having Busy Board Members
June 6, 2018
Summertime, But Dressing Isn’t Easy
Standing in front of the closet figuring out what to wear in the morning doesn't get any easier just because it's summer. If anything, it's harder.
Read the article : Summertime, But Dressing Isn’t Easy
May 30, 2018
Your Business School Summer Reading List
The Smith School proudly presents its 15th annual Summer Reading List for Business Leaders, as recommended by faculty members. The 2018 edition covers everything from blind spots in statistics to the science of having a good day at the office.
Read the article : Your Business School Summer Reading List
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.
Read the article : 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.
Read the article : 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.
Read the article : Saks Fifth Avenue Gets a Risky Makeover