'Rewarding Failure': Will the Crisis Leave a Residue of Moral Hazard?
The federal government has poured hundreds of billions of dollars into the banking system, and most experts seem to agree that the financial crisis is closer to its end than its beginning. But as attention shifts from fire fighting to rebuilding, many are worrying about the "moral hazard" that may remain, with an apparent government safety net encouraging a new round of foolish risk taking.

---

Getting to 'Wow': Consumers Describe What Makes a Great Shopping Experience
New Wharton research finds that 35% of shoppers have had an extraordinary -- or "wow" -- retail experience in the past six months. But in order to hit that mark, retailers must deliver on as many as 10 different elements of the shopping experience simultaneously. Among the strongest drivers of customer loyalty: brand experience, courteous employees and knowledgeable salespeople. Expediting the shopping process ranked high, too.

---

Hedge Fund Clamp-down? Research Says Investors Can Watch Out for Themselves
According to a study by two accounting professors, even though hedge funds give their managers virtual autonomy in investment strategy, investors can successfully demand effective internal controls to discourage fraud. The paper, titled "Determinants of Hedge Fund Internal Controls and Fees" and written by Wharton professor Gavin Cassar and University of Chicago Business School professor Joseph Gerakos, also looks at the incentives hedge funds have in place to avoid excessive risk.

---

BP's Fiona MacLeod: A Change Agent Sees Change 'Addiction'
Fiona MacLeod is a champion of change -- but only when it's done right. Speaking at the recent Wharton Leadership Conference, the president of BP's convenience retail business in the United States and Latin America said change is often designed to "make a big splash," but ultimately fails for lack of clarity and follow-through.

---

More Savings, Less Plastic: Consumer Credit after the Crisis
The harsh economic downturn that has chastened credit-happy consumers, along with increased scrutiny by regulators, will force card issuers to rethink their business models as the economy begins to recover, according to Wharton faculty and credit industry analysts.

---

Eradicating Mud Cookies: Global Executives Try to Connect Profit to Social Good
Thirty-nine executives -- from countries as diverse as Nigeria, India, Russia, South Africa and The Netherlands -- were challenged to devise a profitable business plan to address social ills around the globe. The effort, part of the Aresty Institute of Executive Education's Advanced Management Program, called on participants' expertise in such fields as oil, aerospace, finance, fashion, entertainment and HIV/AIDS education.

---

---

Knowledge@Wharton

Visit The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Return to Home Page

Special Sections

Podcasts

Sponsors

News Room

KnowledgeToday

Feedback

Home