A Cultural Journey – Jennifer Syed

As an Indian, going back to India through our university for a study abroad session was a very fulfilling and emotional experience. To learn about the contrast of business environments made it fulfilling, whereas noticing the cultural difference between the Continue reading

Innovation and Cooperation in Mondragón

This past summer, Jessica Kort traveled to Mondragón, Spain to learn about the role of the environment and community in innovation and entrepreneurship. Please enjoy reading her perspectives on the philosophy of business, leadership, and life. “It is extraordinary that this Continue reading

Ahlers Fellow Matt Oney: The Dangers of Growing Too Big, Too Fast

“Navera, a start-up in San Francisco, recently tasked me with determining the viability of expanding their product internationally. The team wanted to find out whether potential revenues would outweigh the costs of adapting their product to fit a few select Continue reading

Closing the Gap: An American Experience with Argentine Economics

In January 2015, graduate student Elizabeth Tanner participated in the intersession course (Global Entrepreneurship for Social Change) program in Buenos Aires, Argentina and got a first-hand look at Argentine economics, including a growing wealth gap, which has been affected by Continue reading

Optimizing your Global Supply Chain #3

Through these seminars, students will be able to design and execute a sourcing strategy aligned with a firm’s needs, be able to identify the best practices and key performance metrics in managing your supply chain and develop a “green” supply chain strategy that makes financial sense for the firm. Continue reading

Optimizing your Global Supply Chain #2

Although sound supply chain management practices are not always followed, crafting and executing a thoughtful supply chain strategy is critical–and the benefits are huge. A well-oiled supply chain can go a long way in enhancing global competitiveness and achieving higher profits. It could also be the difference between success and failure. Continue reading

Developing a Focused Global Sales Strategy #3

In today’s global marketplace, individuals and companies are increasingly looking to sell to foreign customers, which often requires that they expand their sales and business operations to international locations. International selling often starts with the basic demands of the current customer who is expanding outside of the U.S. and asking its suppliers to follow. In other instances, companies are looking to sell internationally in order to compensate for slumping domestic sales or otherwise to grow revenues. Continue reading

Leading Across Cultures for Business Interactions and Teams

In the current global business environment, leaders at all levels of the organization interact with peers, clients, subordinates and suppliers from a wide variety of countries. Some of these interactions take place domestically while others are clearly cross-border. In either case, understanding the cultural values that underlie behavior is critical to leadership success. This seminar is designed to develop a level of cross-cultural awareness that will enhance global leadership skills. Continue reading

Strategic Growth, Financial Profitability and Free Cash Flow Valuation #3

This seminar will help participants develop tools for understanding how firms plan (or should plan) for growth, and manage it throughout the firm and industry life-cycle. From early-stage startups to major public corporations, the growth of sales, cash flows and value is at the front and center of decision making. We will examine how industry forces (national and international) impact decision making, and will consider how ratio analysis helps identify potential areas of concern and guide us towards improving the performance of an organization. Continue reading

Strategic Growth, Financial Profitability and Free Cash Flow Valuation #2

Students will examine scenarios that call for a decision to expand, be acquired or acquire another firm. Current public financial information and case study analysis will be utilized through the seminar. This seminar will help participants develop tools for understanding how firms plan (or should plan) for growth, and manage it throughout the firm and industry life-cycle. From early-stage startups to major public corporations, the growth of sales, cash flows and value is at the front and center of decision making. Continue reading