Business Coaching

Dr. Rick Franza, Professor of Management at the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he gives tips for being prepared for an unexpected crisis or shutdown. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: We’re hearing rumbles that a new variant of COVID might cause the government to reinstitute shutting down some businesses. Since 2020 is still fresh in our memories, what are some things businesses should do now to prepare, just in case? Rick: The umbrella

Regular readers of this column know that I am teaching two courses this semester: a graduate course in Strategic Management and an undergraduate course in Operations and Supply Chain Management. While the topics covered in these courses will diverge throughout most of the semester, they start out in a very similar place for important reasons. In the first couple of weeks of both courses, I spent a significant amount of time on how firms compete in their markets. Since strategy is all about determining how to devise a plan for

Dr. Rick Franza, Professor of Management at the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he examines the risks of businesses becoming involved in national social issues. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: In the past few months, we’ve seen a backlash against some companies, most notably Bud Light and Target, for their stand on controversial social issues. Is it a good idea for a company to take such a stand? Rick: My answer is, it

Dr. Rick Franza, Professor of Management at the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he examines the characteristics of a good leader. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: What is the difference between being a boss, or manager, and being a leader? Rick: A leader earns authority whereas a boss is ordained authority – but that doesn’t make someone a good leader. The difference between a manager and a leader is that you manage things

Dr. Rick Franza, Professor of Management at the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he talks about the advantages of hiring people who played sports in school. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: Although academics is often the focus of preparing for a career, some companies are finding that people who participated in sports in high school and/or college have valuable assets. Why is that? Rick: Sports and even marching band provide kids with the