Research

How much do you know about the economy of your state or region? Does it matter if the general public understands their economy? Robert E.

Everyone needs garbage bags. Women need maxi-pads. Cat people need cat litter. And parents with babies buy diapers.

As companies shift from product to services focus, they face the challenge of a larger, more dynamic and more diverse customer base. Some are turning to universities for assistance from academics to find ways to improve operations or customer relations.

"In real estate, if you keep yourself in front of long-term demographic trends, you will prosper," observes Christopher Cole, founder and chief executive of the Cole Companies, who received the Distinguished Achievement Award at the W. P. Carey undergraduate convocation recently.

The essence of leadership is the ability to make the right decision, and to be able to do that leaders need breadth of experience.

Peter Drucker, sometimes called the father of modern management, once commented that health care organizations are the most difficult to manage of all organizations. For example, American health care is defined by legislative mandate yet implemented in the private sector.

Arizona's record of economic progress in recent years is well documented. In 2006, the state led the nation in population and job growth and was fifth in growth of personal income.

Strategic sourcing, including early supplier involvement and outsourcing, provides significant competitive advantage to companies and represents a fundamental change in the way firms drive the bottom line.

CEOs' home purchases, stock sales and subsequent company performance management

Plenty of consumers sip Maxwell House coffee because it's "good to the last drop," and would proudly answer "yes" if asked, "Doesn't your dog deserve Alpo?" The brand-building punch of such slogans helps companies turn shoppers into customers.