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 talks about the new Junior Achievement Discovery Center coming to the CSRA. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: We’ve been hearing about the new Junior Achievement Discovery Center coming to the area. Are there any updates on it? Rick: They wanted it to be open this fall, but now, it’s not going to open until January, and it won’t get

As we certainly know here in the South, the college football season is underway. We are approximately three to four weeks into what appears to be a very exciting season. Based on early performances of the top teams, there appears to be a little more parity than usual, as top five teams, such as Georgia, Texas, and Florida State struggled this past week, while traditional power Alabama has had a couple of rough games in a row. But, as you know, this is a business column, and as I often

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 importance of financial wellness for employees and employers. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: A number of CSRA businesses have begun offering financial wellness classes for their employees. How do you define financial wellness? Rick: Let’s start with financial literacy. In order to be financially well, you need to be financially literate, and that’s part of the

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