Business & Entrepreneurship

As Americans celebrate independence this July 4, they may wish to consider the plight of another democracy – one that is young and struggling and whose continued success could have a dramatic impact on the world economy, the price of gasoline and other critical U.S. interests. James V. Wertsch, director of International and Area Studies at Washington University in St. Louis suggests that America needs to pay attention to developments in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia for its own sake, and for the sake of the rest of the world.

Every week you see it: the local supermarket’s specials include a discount on Brand X tuna fish. Common knowledge assumes that a sale on tuna fish will induce more people to buy Brand X, which boosts profits for both the manufacturer and the grocery store. However, a recent study by professors in the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis has found that discounts are not always in the best interest of the retailer or manufacturer. In fact, some promotions may end up hurting future profitability.

“On top of his academic work, his students will tell you that he is equally world-class when it comes to his teaching,” Dean Stuart I. Greenbaum says.

The urban legends about managed care convey a sense that managed care often leads to early death. However, the business methods employed by managed care frequently result in reduced cost for the companies and the individuals enrolled in the programs. Because of the potential savings, the trend has been to encourage Medicare enrollees to use managed care programs. A recent study by a professor in the business school Washington University in St. Louis and a colleague suggests that it’s not managed care that increases mortality; it’s lack of drug coverage. The study suggests that a one percent increase in the number of people enrolled in Medicare Managed Care without drug coverage would result in an additional 5,100 deaths among the elderly population of the United States in one year.

It’s been two years since New York Attorney General Elliot Spitzer’s crackdown on the securities industry spawned the “Global Analyst Research Settlement.” Spitzer targeted analysts and bankers from the same company for getting a little too cozy with each other. Recently, two professors from Washington University in St. Louis’s Olin School of Business released a report indicating that the Global Settlement is successfully eliminating the apparent conflict of interest.

GreenbaumStuart Greenbaum, dean of the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis, will deliver his annual State of the School address at the Olin School’s Century Club Speaker series on Thursday, May 12 at 8 a.m.

Four alumni of the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis received Distinguish Alumni Awards on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at the school’s annual dinner at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis in Clayton. Business school dean Stuart Greenbaum also presented the Dean’s Medal at the same dinner.

GuptaMahendra R. Gupta, senior associate dean of the Olin School of Business and the Geraldine J. and Robert L. Virgil Professor of Accounting and Management, will become dean of the business school as of July 1, 2005, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. Gupta will succeed Stuart Greenbaum who is retiring from the position after ten years of service.

A new Web site designed to capitalize on St. Louis’ entrepreneurial energy was launched by the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. The new site is called IdeaBounce.com and will support the growth of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurial activity. IdeaBounce.com participants will also have a chance to vet their ideas before a panel of judges during a quarterly event at the Olin School of Business. The first IdeaBounce event is this Thursday, April 28th at 5 p.m.

WHAT: The International Business Outlook Conference (IBOC) is a daylong meeting where area business leaders, entrepreneurs and small business owners will discuss and learn about challenges and opportunities in the global marketplace. WHEN: Wed., April 20. The conference begins at 8 a.m. with keynote speakers and breakout sessions until 4 p.m. The Rt Hon John […]