Media Coverage

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, UCLA and the University of Texas published new research in the INFORMS journal Marketing Science (Editor’s note: The source of this research is INFORMS), that reveals the power of word-of-mouth in social learning, even when compared to the power of following the example of someone we trust or admire. The same research found, however, that both word-of-mouth and following someone else’s lead are two of the most powerful dynamics in influencing others through social learning.

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Michele G. Wheatly today announced the selection of J. Cole Smith as dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). Smith comes to Syracuse from Clemson University, where he has been associate provost for academic initiatives and previously served as chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering. Smith’s appointment, which was approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, is effective Oct. 1.

This week I finished a paper with a colleague of mine, Professor Patrizia Daniele of Italy, which I had been invited to submit to a special issue of a journal. The paper is on international human migration networks, a topic that is very timely, given the various refugee crises around the globe.

Absurdly Driven looks at the world of business with a skeptical eye and a firmly rooted tongue in cheek. I'm tired of nice people. Not people who are genuinely nice, you understand. They simply fascinate me as to how their niceness can be so natural.