Smith Brain Trust

July 10, 2018
Can a Robot Create Better Movie Trailers?
It takes just a few seconds for a movie or series trailer to grab you – or to lose you. New model makes most of each second.
Read the article : Can a Robot Create Better Movie Trailers?
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
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
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.
Read the article : 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.
Read the article : 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.
Read the article : 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.
Read the article : Beware of the Pull of Prada