Sustainable investing doesn’t only mean companies that are already green—large investors can push polluters to become greener
Many pension funds are pledging to invest in green assets with net-zero emissions, but these investments tend to yield lower returns than the broader market index. Beyond that, a hard shift toward green investments could remove the incentive for heavy emitters to clear up their act.
Samer Faraj appointed president of INESSS’ scientific council
The Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) promotes clinical excellence and efficiency in the health and social services sector. 鶹AV Desautels Professor Samer Faraj has been appointed president of the institute’s scientific council, which will help evaluate the value of new technologies, treatments, and health interventions.
Making the most of meetings isn’t an exact science
鶹AV Desautels Dean Yolande Chan is an engineer by training, but when it comes to running meetings, she sees herself more like an orchestra conductor, listening carefully to ensure harmony and hopefully rise to a crescendo, writes columnist Harvey Schachter in The Globe and Mail. Meetings need agendas and objectives, but too much rigidity can be counterproductive.
Bensadoun School of Retail Management sheds light on understudied sector of the economy
From Walmart to Amazon to Shopify, the retail sector is big business and incredibly important for the economy.
Announcing the 2024 Lionel Pelham Kent Scholarship recipients
Congratulations to Alessandro Cordi (BCom’23), Gavin Delaney (BCom’23), Jonathan Frajman (BCom'23), David Piché (BCom’23), Kitz Richards (BCom’23), and Joshua Rosenfeld (BCom’23) who were awarded the Lionel Pelham Kent Scholarship by the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting (GCPA) program.
In making AI strategies, organizations need to consider a holistic approach
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to streamline inefficient processes, a common issue in many government organizations. To adopt AI effectively, a comprehensive strategy is necessary. And organizations like the United States Office of Management and Budget have already done so.
AI can create ‘ghostbots’ that mimic lost loved ones—but should it?
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create chatbots that mimic a specific human being – even if that human being is no longer with us. An AI companion that mimics lost loved ones could help people process grief and ease the loneliness that comes with the loss, says Emmanuelle Vaast, Professor of Information Systems and Associate Dean of Research at 鶹AV Desautels.
Jordan Cowie (BCom‘24) reflects on journey as 鶹AV Desautels valedictorian
Jordan Cowie, 鶹AV Desautels Faculty of Management’s 2024 valedictorian, spoke with the 鶹AV Reporter about her student experience and shared her insights upon completing her degree. Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Labour-Management Relations and Human Resources, Jordan chose 鶹AV for its affordability and proximity to her family in Westchester, N.Y., and for her strong affinity to Montreal’s urban and natural beauty.
Better data protections in Europe could encourage participation in retail data collection programs
In-store data collection can help retailers provide shoppers with a personalized experience that includes perks like lower prices or options tailored to a shopper’s taste. But uptake for in-store data collection has been slower in North America than it has been in Europe. “The assumption is that if I enter a retail store, cameras are recording. That is an established norm.
SGI’s Inaugural Sustainable Transportation Roundtable on the Future of Urban Mobility
This April, interdisciplinary experts came together at 鶹AV Desautels for the Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI)’s inaugural Sustainable Transportation Roundtable on the Future of Urban Mobility. Sponsored by Alstom, the event featured discussions on reducing fossil fuel dependence, with electric vehicles highlighted as a potential solution.
鶹AV Desautels professors and lecturers recognized at Faculty Awards
Across programs and subject areas, the 鶹AV Desautels Faculty of Management recognizes the vital role that research, teaching, service and media engagement play in enriching the student experience and inspiring the next generation of leaders through the annual Faculty Awards. This year we recognize the following outstanding members of our faculty:
Research
鶹AV to award honorary degree to Monique Leroux for trailblazing ethical leadership and community engagement
鶹AV will confer an honorary degree — the highest order it can bestow — upon Monique Leroux as part of its Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the business world and her advocacy for corporate social responsibility. Leroux, a distinguished Canadian business leader with a career spanning finance, insurance, and cooperative sectors, has been a trailblazer in promoting ethical leadership and community engagement.
Kanuk adapts jackets to milder winters, eyes international markets
Kanuk jackets are made for Quebec winters—but Quebec winters aren’t as cold as they used to be. Bertrand Cesvet (BA’86, MBA’88) wants to make Kanuk jackets more versatile. Cesvet led a group of investors who recently bought the Montreal winter wear company from Champlain Financial, a private equity group.
Organizational restructuring is a visible sign of change but often not effective
Changes to an organization’s structure are tangible but don’t necessarily bring about any concrete results. Consider the example of the UK’s National Health Service. It regularly reorganizes but doesn’t change much. “The reason is simple,” says Professor Henry Mintzberg in an interview with Business People.
ESG investing helped prepare Gillian Stein to become CEO of Henry’s
Gillian Stein (BCom’00)’s great-grandfather founded the Toronto-headquartered electronics business Henry’s in 1909, but she never envisioned becoming the company’s CEO. Growing up, she had seen how stressful running the company could be for her father Andrew, who had a heart attack at the age of 47. “I always had a ton of respect and passion and admiration for the business but it wasn’t something I wanted for myself,” says Stein. “I changed and the business changed.