Pandemic breeds empathy in leaders
Professor Karl Moore discusses his recent research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced extroverted and introverted leadership styles. Most people slowly became ambiverts in lockdown, Professor Moore says, with extroverts learning how to be alone and introverts realizing how much they missed social interaction.
Professor of Practice Sujata Madan Receives Prestigious Academy of Finance Excellence in Teaching Award
The Desautels Faculty of Management is pleased to announce that Professor of Practice Sujata Madan is the recipient of the 2021 Academy of Finance Excellence in Teaching Award. This prestigious award is given annually to recognize excellence in teaching, to encourage teachers to share experiences that have led to them becoming great educators and how they continue to improve their teaching skills.
After pandemic lockdowns, consumers are ready to spend
Retail experts like Charles de Brabant, Executive Director at the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, are signaling the rise of revenge shopping, a phenomenon describing how consumers purchase more for pleasure as retailers re-open their doors to the public. Clothing retail will see a particular uptick in sales, de Brabant predicts, along with home decoration and renovation.
Desautels Alumnus Appointed Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge
This fall, Kamal Munir (Ph.D.’00) will step into a new role as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge (UK). Munir taught at McGill for four years before moving to Cambridge, where he has served as an instructor of policy and strategy at the Judge Business School for the past 20 years.
Saint-Hubert airport searches for competitive edge
Montreal’s Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport is intent on expanding its services to include more frequent, lower-cost flights, some to international destinations. Professor Karl Moore believes that most business professionals will continue to fly through Billy-Bishop Airport for convenient flights between downtown Toronto and Montreal.
The rise of passive fund investments
Professor Laurent Barras joins the hosts of RikaTillsammans, a Swedish podcast and video series that provides followers with weekly financial insights. In this episode, Professor Barras discusses his research on the correlation between manager performance and fund performance. Whether a fund is actively or passively managed, its success does not necessarily reflect the skill of the manager, he finds.
Taking a deep dive into pension plans
In a Q&A for the Montreal Gazette, Professor Sebastien Betermier takes a closer look at the terms and metrics related to the funding status of a pension plan. The growth rates and termination costs of a fund, he emphasizes in the piece, largely depend on the type and risk level of assets owned.
MBA alumnus steps up to serve victims of domestic violence
Kamran Shojaei (MBA’13) spends his weekends volunteering with Transit Secours, a Montreal-based organization that provides moving and storage services for women and children fleeing domestic violence. In addition to providing logistical support in high-risk, time-sensitive contexts, Shojaei and his fellow volunteers work to build trust with clients by providing a safe space for them to share their stories.
Ashton Kutcher’s twin brother inspires with story of overcoming adversity
Michael Kutcher never let his cerebral palsy diagnosis stop him from impacting the lives of thousands through his public speaking, not-for-profit service, and memoir. Professor Karl Moore spoke with Kutcher, who is actor Ashton Kutcher’s twin brother, about the innovative mindset, values, and family support that led Kutcher to his current role as the Assistant Vice President of Transamerica.
Montreal ranked #1 student city in North America
In the recently released QS Best Student Cities 2022 Rankings, Montreal is tied for #1 in North America (with Boston) and #9 globally (with Boston and Paris). Montreal’s consistently high ranking reflects its wealth of career opportunities, safe environment, high student satisfaction ratings, and welcoming attitude toward international students.
New bursaries to support BCom undergraduates
Inspired by the academic talent he sees in his students, Professor Gregory Vit is committed to eliminating any financial barriers that might stand in the way of pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree. With the support of generous alumni and friends of McGill, he has launched two endowed funds dedicated to BCom students: The Professor Gregory Vit Entrance and In-Course Bursaries.
New study calls for greater female representation in innovation
In a new study published in Science, Professor John-Paul Ferguson underscores the necessity of identifying and supporting woman-owned patents and innovations, particularly in the biomedical and personal healthcare spheres.
Working less to accomplish more
More Quebec workplaces are making the transition to a four-day work week in an effort to boost the productivity and wellbeing of their employees, particularly young professionals who place a higher priority on work-life balance. From Professor Jean-Nicolas Reyt’s perspective, employees work more efficiently during shorter weeks because they’re more rested and focused.
Canada emerges as a leader in green bonds
Canadian retirement pensions are shaping up to be global leaders in issuing green bonds, or funds designated for environmental initiatives. Professor Sebastien Betermier views Canada’s commitment to sustainability as an advantage over other countries in growing both pensions and sustainability projects in the long term.
A new act for Cirque du Soleil
At the end of 2020, a creditor consortium led by Catalyst Capital became the new owner of Cirque du Soleil only months after the famed circus producer made a failed bid for bankruptcy protection. While Catalyst Capital has been plagued by controversy in the past, according to a new investigative article from La Presse, it offered a way out for a company that has endured a catastrophic year.