Bartering is on the rise in Canada but only a small part of the economy
High levels of inflation have caused a cost-of-living crisis in Canada, and bartering is one way to help keep costs down. Trading goods and services with others also offers a more personal touch. "Some parts of our economy have become overly financialized,” says Robert Nason, Associate Professor of strategy and organization at McGill Desautels. “We need to put a number on everything.
CEO Series podcast shares insights from business leaders
To succeed in business, you need to win the hearts of the people, says Noah Xie, the founder and president of KMIND, a strategic consultancy headquartered in Shanghai. It’s a lesson that Xie took from The Art of War, an ancient Chinese military text by Sun Tzu.
Opening infrastructure could encourage Canada’s pension funds to invest more domestically
The Government of Canada is exploring ways to increase investments in the country’s pension fund equities, but doing so sacrifices returns, according to The Economist. Over the past decade, Canadian mid and small-cap stocks have returned just 3-4% each year, while U.S. stocks have seen a 13% return annually. Opening infrastructure to investment is another way to encourage pension funds to invest more of their capital domestically.
Pricing models for fitness memberships often hide hidden fees
Gym memberships come with varying price tags and fee structures that can be confusing. Often, a membership contract can come with unanticipated charges. In addition to monthly fees, some charge for signing up, cancellation costs, and annual dues, which is why it is important to do research before signing up, according to Bensadoun School of Retail Management Executive Director Charles de Brabant.
Greece increases length of work week, bucking broader trends
While some countries contemplate shorter work weeks, Greece is heading in the opposite direction. Seeking to boost economic growth, the country recently passed a law allowing employers to implement a six-day work week, though the change is not mandatory. Greece faced a debt crisis in 2010, and its economy has long been among Europe’s laggards.
Domestic investment: Should Canadian pension funds focus on local companies?
Canada’s biggest pension funds are some of the world’s largest investors and their diversified portfolios span the globe. But, should they be investing more in Canadian companies? Some CEOs think so. In March, 90 CEOs signed an open letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland urging her to find ways to get pension funds to invest more in Canadian companies.
Even in challenging times for department stores, Quebec-based Simons is expanding
The rise of e-commerce decimated the business of department store chains, with names like Nordstrom pulling out of Canada altogether. But, department store chain Simons recently announced it is opening two new stores in Toronto. The Quebec City-headquartered retailer has slimmed-down offerings, with no in-store furniture sales or fragrance counters and lots of private label clothing brands.
Higher costs for airlines are squeezing small carriers, driving up prices
High prices for flights and package tours are forcing some would-be travelers to reconsider their vacation plans. Air carriers’ fuel costs are high, and employee salaries have had to increase to keep pace with inflation.
Negative real estate returns have some pension funds considering a change in approach
Over the past few decades, Canada’s big pension funds have piled into direct real estate investments. But, as higher borrowing costs hit property markets, returns have gone negative. Some funds are considering whether they should take a step back and make this type of investment through third-party managers.
Shoeb Hosain, Faculty Lecturer, and the MMA team have launched an initiative to build a dynamic data analytics community
Shoeb Hosain, the Program Director of the Masters of Management in Analytics(MMA) at McGill Desautels, and the MMA team have launched an initiative to build a dynamic data analytics community.
Shoeb Hosain, Faculty Lecturer, Innovates Data Science Education with Creative Solutions at McGill Desautels
Shoeb Hosain, the Program Director of the Masters of Management in Analytics at McGill Desautels, leads the "Analytics and Solution Consulting" course, which aims to equip students with the skills needed to tackle Data Science challenges across various industries.
Anna Kim earns 2024 Award for Responsible Research in Management
We live in an age that valorizes virality, where high-growth enterprises seek to go global in scale. But what works for Silicon Valley doesn’t necessarily work everywhere. In an article published in the Academy of Management Journal, Associate Professor of Strategy & Organization Anna Kim questions the value of high-growth entrepreneurship for economically challenged locales.
McGill scholars receive $190,000 to expand impact of research in the social sciences and humanities
Seven McGill University researchers have been awarded over $190,000 in Connection Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The awards are part of $1.7 million in federal funding invested in 54 projects nationwide.
Provost awards 28 McGill professors with distinguished awards
McGill honours its accomplished researchers with Distinguished James McGill Professor, James McGill Professor, and William Dawson Scholars awards.
Formula drivers are celebrities, but many shy away from the limelight
Formula One drivers are undoubtedly celebrities, but many prefer to stay out of the spotlight. According to Professor Karl Moore, while many sports involve team efforts, F1 drivers face the unique challenge of competing solo, even against teammates. Despite the fame, many are introverts who have dedicated their lives to their passion, often sacrificing a typical adolescence for their sport.
