Maryland Smith has advanced in the top 10 of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs. The new, No. 8 ranking for 2019 is up from No. 9 last year and places Maryland Smith sixth among public schools. It further “reaffirms the program’s reputation, especially in terms of student engagement” – one of five ranking methodology subcategories where Smith has excelled, says Assistant Dean of Online Programs Judy Frels at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.

The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business is No. 9 in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of the best online MBA programs for 2018. Smith’s online MBA program also was ninth in the same ranking in 2017. Among subcategories, Smith ranks fourth in student engagement. In addition to this area, peer reputation, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, and admissions selectivity feed the criteria for the ranking.

Economists point to rural Africa, India, China and Eastern Europe as the next big frontiers for multinational corporations. But to be successful in rural developing markets, companies need to customize their approach to the local market in all aspects of their business strategies.

SMITH BRAIN TRUST -- Economists point to the rural parts of Africa, India, China, Eastern Europe and other developing markets as the next frontier for big multinational corporations. But the challenges of selling products and services to consumers in these environments go way beyond effective marketing campaigns.

Which commercials from the Big Game flopped, flourished or found the right tone?

Companies that aired ads during Super Bowl LIV shelled out big money to grab an amplified audience’s attention through the clever, the emotional or the just plain weird. Our experts discuss which ads worked, and which didn't.