Knowledge@Wharton

When Groupe PSA — the French manufacturer of Peugeot, Citroën, Opel and Vauxhall automobiles — and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced a binding agreement to merge last month, FCA CEO Mike Manley said the move would execute what has “only been theorized many times before, which is smart industry consolidation.” Whether it ends up being […]

During economic recessions or booms, the fortunes of a small set of firms hold powerful pointers to the health of the industries they represent, and also the broader economy, according to recent research co-authored by Wharton finance professor Sergio Salgado. “A small fraction of firms represent a disproportionate number of the losses during a recession,” […]

Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning are arguably the most powerful general-purpose technologies invented since the dawn of modern computing. Extracting value from these is an imperative for business and society. It requires a deeper understanding and self-reflection among leaders of human strengths and frailties in contrast to that of modern, software-based machines and […]

When consumers order online these days, they want what they want, and fast –whether it’s a pair of earrings, a lawnmower or a takeout dinner. They also expect a good price, and outstanding service if there are any issues. Meanwhile, e-commerce companies are vying to differentiate themselves, to fulfill customers’ ever-higher expectations, and to push […]

Health care in India faces several challenges including inadequate access, low insurance penetration and a growing chronic disease burden. At the same time, traditional business models have found it hard to show attractive returns on investment, except for a few large providers. Technology infusion — along with expanded infrastructure and efficiencies from process improvements — […]

In spring 2019, Saks Fifth Avenue unveiled a lavish, much-publicized $250 million renovation of its iconic Manhattan store. Meanwhile, Seattle-based luxury retailer Nordstrom — which had already staked a claim in New York City with its Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom Local stores — just threw down the gauntlet with its first-ever New York flagship. The […]

Most business books push a singular narrative around negotiations: Go hard or go home. The advice is tied to the idea that the negotiation table is a place of conflict where one party must best the other. But research conducted by Maurice Schweitzer, Wharton professor of operations, information and decisions, and Einav Hart, Wharton postdoctoral […]

Uber has lost its license to operate in London – one of its biggest markets globally – for the second time in two years. Last week, Transport for London (TfL), the regulator of taxi and private hire services in the city, stated that it has “identified a pattern of failures by the company including several […]

As debates rage over the need to regulate Facebook and other social media giants, a question that keeps coming up is whether these platforms can be regulated without stifling innovation. In this opinion piece, Ravi Bapna argues that the answer may lie — among other factors — in a combination of business model innovation and […]

Many mid- and late-career managers find themselves forced out of their jobs before they are ready to retire. A study last year found that more than half of older U.S. workers confront this risk. In this opinion piece, Jeff Pundyk offers insights into the factors driving this trend as well as steps late-career managers can […]