Knowledge@Wharton Newsletter - January 27, 2016

January 27

PUBLIC POLICY

Is Russia in for a Hard Fall?

While Russia is currently reeling under the weight of sanctions and low oil prices, Western powers may be overestimating the impact of those factors to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to change course, experts say.

TECHNOLOGY

Netflix in India: Will It Be a Blockbuster?

Netflix recently announced that it is launching in India as part of its global expansion. The country is potentially one of the company’s largest markets. Will a one-size-fits-all strategy work?

K@W and Mphasis

Digital Transformation: The Changing Role of the CMO
Former Westfield CMO Beth Ann Kaminkow discusses different facets of digital transformation and the changing role of the CMO. Watch the video.

K@W Books

Learn How to Master the MOOC
New in the Knowledge@Wharton Originals series: Learn how business professionals are using MOOCs to further their careers and help their companies and teams succeed. Learn more.

FINANCE

Why Your Business Is Only as Valuable as Your Customers

Many businesses would say that their customers are their most valuable assets, but few understand how true that is or how to link the value of their customers to the overall value of the firm.

PUBLIC POLICY

The Federal Coal Program Review: Who Wins, Who Loses

The review of the U.S. federal coal program and halting of new leases on public lands will likely boost cleaner fuels, while a shakeout continues within the coal industry, experts say.

FINANCE

With Sanctions Gone, Is Iran a Hot Investment Destination?

Now that international sanctions have been lifted, Iran could prove to be an attractive destination for foreign investors but its religious establishment creates a significant barrier, experts say.

Wharton Executive Education

Women’s Executive Leadership: business Strategies for Success
Gain clarity and confidence in Wharton’s Leadership Program for Women Executives. This week-long program is designed specifically for today’s female executive who aspires to take on greater leadership roles. Learn more.

K@W and Wharton Club of Africa

WCA Executive Investment Summit & CEO Forum 2016
Join Africa’s leading regional and international investors, ministers, executive game-changers, industry titans and award-winning entrepreneurs on March 15 and 16 at the Sheraton Addis Ababa. Learn more.

INNOVATION

For Innovation Success, Choose a Corporate VC

Biotech startups backed by corporate venture capitalists are much more likely to be successful at innovating than if they are funded solely by independent VCs, according to new research.

In the business world, a strong brand name can bring in higher returns. In this opinion piece, Wharton marketing professor David Reibstein says that nations should begin to cultivate their own brands as well, because doing so can create a large economic benefit.

Winter Storm Jonas blanketed much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with snow this week and caused widespread school and business closings and transit disruptions — but the news isn’t all bad for workers’ productivity. Research by Wharton visiting professor Bradley Staats finds that bad weather can actually cut down on distractions and cause people to focus more on work.

In the midst of one of the worst New Year kick-offs ever for U.S. stock markets, some analysts are finding a silver lining in the dark clouds. Equity investors may be seeing a historical opportunity to pick up bargains, so long as they are prepared to plan out three to five years, according to Wharton finance professor Jeremy Siegel.

Facebook | Twitter (@whartonknows)

HELP SPREAD KNOWLEDGE

Do you know people who might be interested in business analysis and research?

If so, please forward this email to them. The Knowledge@Wharton Network is a free service of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.