Olin Business School

Recent research has indicated a general consumer preference for experiences over material goods when it comes to giving and receiving gifts. But new findings from researchers at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis show that major life events might be the exception to that rule.

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found competing companies should carefully consider both the risks and rewards that can result when reminding consumers of buyer’s regret.

Mark Taylor, dean of Warwick Business School and professor of international finance at the University of Warwick, UK, has been appointed dean of the John M. Olin Business School, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.

Today, new rules go into effect that allow anyone to invest in a startup and receive shares of that startup. Previously, the Securities and Exchange Commission required investors backing private companies to have a certain amount of net worth. A Washington University in St. Louis faculty member says the measures will expand the entrepreneurial playing field, to a point.

In many workplaces, standard processes are the key to a successful operation, ensuring efficiency and safety. New research from Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis shows that motivating compliance with standard processes via electronic monitoring can be a highly effective approach, despite concerns about employee backlash. However, the research also highlights that managers cannot simply “monitor and forget.”

On May 6, President Barack Obama introduced executive reforms designed to eliminate loopholes that allow foreigners to conceal tax fraud and evasion in the United States. Olin Business School’s Lamar Pierce said the move is an effort to show U.S. global partners that it is ready to practice what it preaches when it comes to curbing shadowy financial transactions.

Seeking change is a way of life for entrepreneurial philanthropist Cash Nickerson.

When Thomas Cheong, EMBA ’13 (Shanghai), entered the Washington University–Fudan University Executive MBA program, he had already been working for 20 years, becoming a CFO at age 32 and a CEO by age 40. But he was still able to learn a lot, improved his classmates learning experience, and helped make the program even more global.

Mahendra R. Gupta, dean of Olin Business School, recently announced a four-year, $1.09-million gift from Roger and Fran Koch and Paul and Elke Koch that will launch the Olin Family Business Program.

The Olin Business School recently honored several graduates who have attained distinction in their careers at its 30th Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner, held at the Ritz-Carlton April 15.