�鶹AV Desautels Faculty of Management - Saibal Ray's Recent Media Coverage

Wind-powered shipping could make a comeback—but it won’t work for everything

�鶹AV — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:26:24 +0000

Wind has been powering the economy for centuries. Long before giant aluminum windmills were fed into the electric grid, wind filled the sails of ships plying the open seas. French businessman Guillaume Le Grand wants to bring back wind-powered shipping, and his company is already shipping French goods to North America that way. However, the approach will work better for some products than others, according to Vice-Dean of Faculty Saibal Ray.

�鶹AV Desautels faculty members and researchers celebrated at Bravo Gala

�鶹AV — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:55:09 +0000

�鶹AV hosted its annual Bravo Gala on Thursday, March 21, which honours its faculty members and researchers who have won special awards, memberships and prizes over the past year. �鶹AV Desautels is proud to announce 14 of its faculty amongst the distinguished honourees this year. Congratulations to our deserving laureates! Full list below.
#Bravo2024

· Geneviève Bassellier, Best AMCIS Emergent Research Forum Paper, Americas Conference on Information Systems

Maxime Cohen and Saibal Ray named Top Retail Experts for 2024

�鶹AV — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:39:44 +0000

Two faculty members of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management (BSRM) have been named to Rethink Retail’s Top Retail Experts (TRE) list for 2024, one of the most prestigious global accolades in the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.

Holiday grocery price freeze includes more products this year, but long-term affordability solutions needed

�鶹AV — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:20:32 +0000

This year, Canada’s large grocery chains are freezing the price for a greater variety of items than usual before the holidays. While 10-15% more products are included in the freeze this year, the true test of affordability will come later. “How high will grocery prices be when the price freeze ends?” asks Professor Saibal Ray in an interview with CBC Radio’s As It Happens.

Canada's big grocery chains face pressure to cut prices as food costs rise

�鶹AV — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:54:42 +0000

Food prices rose by 5.8 per cent in September, prompting the federal government to ask Canada’s five largest grocery chains to provide a plan for how they will stabilize prices, with staple products a likely focus. “High transportation costs, inventory issues and other pressures driving up costs are subsiding,” says Professor Saibal Ray, who specializes in Operations Management. Ray, commenting to Financial Post and Toronto Star, suspects the grocers’ promises to Ottawa will involve price cuts.

BSRM and MMA launch Data Sphere Lab

�鶹AV — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:27:29 +0000

The Bensadoun School of Retail Management, in collaboration with the Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) at �鶹AV Desautels Faculty of Management, is pleased to announce the launch of the Data Sphere Lab.

Maxime Cohen and Saibal Ray named Top Retail Influencers for 2023

�鶹AV — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 19:20:30 +0000

Two faculty members of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management were named to Rethink Retail’s Top Retail Influencers list for 2023. Professors Maxime Cohen and Saibal Ray were both recognized with this distinction, alongside some of the world’s top retail experts, consultants, analysts, academics, journalists, and thought leaders who are making an impact in the online retail community.

How far is too far for retail innovation?

�鶹AV — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 22:24:08 +0000

Professor Saibal Ray, academic director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, is concerned that the ongoing rise in retail technologies like self-checkout kiosks and smartphone-based order facilities may backfire as some shoppers find these features inconvenient and frustrating. While technology has proven useful for navigating social distancing guidelines, it can only go so far before it disrupts people’s sense of comfort and control, he says.

New trucker vaccine mandate adds to supply chain woes

�鶹AV — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 22:14:23 +0000

As of January 15, truckers crossing from the U.S. to Canada must show proof of vaccination to enter the country. Canadian truckers are exempt from the federal mandate but must quarantine for 14 days upon their return. In a recent broadcast of “CBC News: The National,” Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, says the mandate could result in significant supply shortages. The segment begins at the 8:50 mark.

Shedding light on liquor shortages

�鶹AV — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 22:47:22 +0000

Amid supply chain bottlenecks overseas, Canada is facing a significant shortage of imported liquor, leading provincial liquor authorities to encourage early, local shopping for holiday favourites. According to Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, the ongoing scarcity of transportation resources is only making the shortage more acute.

This holiday season is make-or-break for retailers

�鶹AV — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 17:11:40 +0000

In light of ongoing supply chain bottlenecks and labour shortages, businesses may not offer their deepest discounts this holiday season. According to Professor Saibal Ray, the Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, 2021 sales will signal whether many retailers can stay afloat despite production delays.

Shedding light on the supply chain dilemma

�鶹AV — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:51:32 +0000

As retailers anticipate a welcome uptick in sales amid the holiday shopping season, manufacturing and delivery delays continue to limit just how much profit retailers can expect.

Slowing the vehicle supply chain

�鶹AV — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 21:47:31 +0000

In the race to cut down on global carbon emissions, many experts are turning their attention to automotive manufacturers and their customers. As a potential solution to slowing the vehicle supply chain, Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director at the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, suggests a collective pivot toward car rentals or other ride-share services in place of purchasing personal vehicles. The move would significantly decrease the number of cars in factories and on the road.

In-store technology is transforming retail spaces

�鶹AV — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:58:51 +0000

Throughout the pandemic, in-store technologies like price-check kiosks and self-checkout have created a more convenient shopping experience for consumers and provided retailers with greater access to valuable data on shopping habits. But consumers are concerned about privacy, and retailers may not have the necessary resources to purchase and upkeep in-store tech.

Frictionless shopping pays off

�鶹AV — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 14:25:43 +0000

As convenient becomes more synonymous with contactless, Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, sees a wealth of opportunity for retailers to innovate.

By providing more digital options, both in-store and online, retailers can set the stage for a boost in sales and customer loyalty that exceeds their investment in technology upgrades.

Gauging progress in Canada’s vaccination efforts

�鶹AV — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 13:43:26 +0000

Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, joins a group of experts on the Bill Kelly Show podcast to share his perspective on the status of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout initiative, including the growing pressure to expand vaccine access on a global scale.

Delve - The "New Normal" podcast: Black Swan Event with Saibal Ray

�鶹AV — Fri, 21 May 2021 20:36:07 +0000

In episode 1 of The ‘New Normal’ hosted by Dave Kaufman, Professor Saibal Ray highlights the successes and failures of the COVID-19 vaccine procurement and global distribution, compares Israel's effort to Canada's, and questions if Canada will want to do all that’s necessary to be prepared should similar incidents arise in the future.

Vaccine benefits far outweigh the risks

�鶹AV — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:01:56 +0000

Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, joins the Scott Thompson Show to offer his perspective on the safety of AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines in the wake of health scares.

Listen (from 3:45 – 16:50)

Predicting the future of domestic vaccine production

�鶹AV — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:05:25 +0000

Professor Saibal Ray joins the Scott Thompson Show podcast to answers questions about current state of COVID-19 vaccine acquisition across Canada. Recently, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a substantial provincial investment in the construction of a new, state-of-the-art influenza vaccine facility.

Behind Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine shortage

�鶹AV — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:34:01 +0000

Professor Saibal Ray recently made a guest appearance on The Bill Kelly Show on Global News Radio to discuss the current vaccine shortage in Canada.

From Ray’s perspective, politics has played a central role in many countries’ decision to reserve vaccines for their own citizens, but navigating a complex supply chain has also factored into the difficulties experienced by countries like Canada.

One year later, COVID-19 still disrupting supply and demand

�鶹AV — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 18:15:09 +0000

According to Professor Saibal Ray, most companies were ill-prepared to deal with the surging demand for essential goods after the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020.

Panic buying and hoarding combined with transport shutdowns to make shortages even more severe.

One year later, we are still feeling the ripple effects of the initial shock to the supply chain.

Mass vaccination possible for Canada despite supply shortage

�鶹AV — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:39:13 +0000

As Canada struggles with a shortage of vaccine doses, Professor Saibal Ray says the government has an opportunity to get a mass vaccination plan in place by the time the supply chain stabilizes.

He points to indoor sites such as convention centres and malls as possible vaccination sites during the winter and larger venues like NHL arenas during summer months.

Package-free stores aim to eliminate waste

�鶹AV — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:21:06 +0000

A new wave of sustainability-focused retailers are embracing a package-free retail trend to minimize the environmental impact of shopping for groceries and everyday goods.

Professor Saibal Ray, the academic director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, applauds the innovative attempts to avoid packaging while pointing out the difficulty of implementation.

Pfizer delay causing vaccine shortage in Quebec

�鶹AV — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 22:44:02 +0000

Quebec will receive only half of the expected Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines by February 8^th due to strategy adjustments made by production facilities in Europe. Accelerated vaccine deliveries are planned for February and March to address the shortfall. The shortage will mainly affect elderly patients in long-term care, who were set to receive the second round of the vaccine in mid-March.

Avoiding a vaccine vial shortage

�鶹AV — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:28:33 +0000

The launch of the largest vaccination campaign in history involves the mass production of medical vials constructed out of borosilicate glass.

Restaurant automation gains new appeal during pandemic

�鶹AV — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:19:42 +0000

As social distancing measures remain in replace across Canada, consumers are flocking to buy automated food and drink kiosks for fresh, made-to-order food and beverages with little to no human contact.

Logistical challenges stand in the way of COVID-19 vaccine

�鶹AV — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 18:59:21 +0000

Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, describes the daunting complexity involved in ramping up the first round of COVID-19 vaccine production. From transportation to coordination, getting the right amount of vaccines to the right place and the right time is no small feat. Learn more

Retail for a post-COVID world

�鶹AV — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 21:03:25 +0000

Professor Saibal Ray weighs in on the strategies that will propel retailers to success in a post-pandemic landscape where the optimal customer experience is a frictionless experience. As the academic director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, Prof. Ray oversees the newly launched Master of Management in Retailing and the upcoming opening of a retail innovation lab that will give customers a glimpse of the future of retail.

Montreal retailers plan for month-long Black Friday to stay afloat

�鶹AV — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 19:35:21 +0000

Struggling Montreal retailers hope to build a critical mass of shoppers downtown through offering traditional Black Friday sales and events for multiple days, even up to a month in some stores. Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, weighs in on their Hail Mary strategy.

Learn more

Delve: Adapting our Global Supply Chains During a Historic Pandemic

�鶹AV — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 19:55:36 +0000

For the last several decades we have been conditioned to assume that necessities like food items and cleaning supplies will be readily available whenever we require them. But the COVID-19 pandemic has upended those supply chains, as well as those for other necessities, such as medical devices (e.g. respirators) and personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, gloves). In this context, �鶹AV’s Saibal Ray explores how Canada can best adapt its global supply chains and the lessons to be learned.

Delve: The Retailer’s Post-Pandemic Playbook

�鶹AV — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:06:46 +0000

Even if the spread of COVID-19 shows signs of slowing down and retail stores begin to reopen, the economic recovery from the shutdown will be long and convincing people to visit brick-and-mortar stores will be a challenge. Professors Maxime Cohen and Saibal Ray of �鶹AV’s Bensadoun School of Retail Management share two retail strategies that will be useful moving forward.

Delve: Consumer Behaviour in the Post-Pandemic Retail Landscape

�鶹AV — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 21:30:04 +0000

As the world rallies to contain the spread of COVID-19, consumers continue to adapt to the new normal, characterized by stringent physical distancing and self-quarantining measures. In such a context, few aspects of consumer behaviour will be left unchanged over the long term. Professors Maxime Cohen and Saibal Ray of �鶹AV’s Bensadoun School of Retail Management outline four shifts that we can expect to see.

Protecting consumers from supply chain disruptions during global crises

�鶹AV — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 22:05:01 +0000

COVID-19 has resulted in significant disruptions to the supply chain, particularly for necessities such as medical devices and personal protective equipment (PPE). Such large-scale disruptions have become a matter of life or death for some, with manufacturing and transportation systems almost coming to a global standstill.

Professor Saibal Ray publishes new book

�鶹AV — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:49:52 +0000

In his new book Channel Strategies and Marketing Mix in a Connected World, Professor Saibal Ray puts the spotlight on how the digitalization of the retail channel affects consumers, products, and sustainability.

Learn more

Consumers show a rising interest in retail events

�鶹AV — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 16:02:25 +0000

As we see a growing interest in retail events, retailers are tasked with the challenge of finding new and exciting ways to draw in customers. The expansion of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales into a week-long event indicates that the retail industry is showing no signs of slowing down.

Bensadoun School on the rising popularity of Black Friday sales

�鶹AV — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 15:45:37 +0000

For many stores, Black Friday is now a week-long sale catering to the needs of both online and in-store shoppers. Professor Saibal Ray talks to Global News about the rising popularity of Black Friday sales and how the Bensadoun School of Retail Management is preparing the next generation of retailers to enhance the customer’s journey.

Watch interview

Grocery stores for a more ethical world

�鶹AV — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 17:29:16 +0000

While most will agree with making ethical food choices in theory, it remains difficult to sway consumers to change their buying behaviors.

For Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, the benefits must be apparent and immediate for the average shopper.

The key, he goes on to explain, is finding ways to save people time and money.

Shoppers hit the stores with sights set on bargains

�鶹AV — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 17:51:17 +0000

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become synonymous with frenzied shoppers looking to get the best deals on their favorite products.

In light of their growing appeal, Professor Saibal Ray charts the development of these major shopping events, particularly within the Canadian market.

Insights into the changing face of retail

�鶹AV — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 18:44:39 +0000

On one of the biggest shopping days of the year, Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management joins Global News Morning to explore the unique opportunities that the school will bring for students and researchers interested in the evolving retail sector.

Watch video

Open for Business: �鶹AV’s Bensadoun School of Retail Management dedicated to the future of retail

�鶹AV — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 15:30:09 +0000

Interdisciplinary teaching and research hub equips next generation of leaders to promote sustainable retail practices

It’s full speed ahead for the Bensadoun Retail Initiative

�鶹AV — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:32:22 +0000

Almost one year since the Bensadoun Family Foundation announced the landmark gift to �鶹AV of $25 million, the proposed Bensadoun School of Retail Management has received official approval from the University as of March.

According to Professor Saibal Ray, Academic Director of the Bensadoun Retail Initiative, “We see ourselves as having a unique opportunity to do something on a global level that can differentiate us.

1st Fashion Retailing Conference

�鶹AV — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:11:34 +0000

Join us in Montreal on April 27-28, 2018 for the 1st Fashion Retailing Conference.

Organized by the Bensadoun Retail Initiative, this conference will provide a forum for exchange —for both professionals and academics— at the newly opened Donald E. Armstrong Building. An impressive roster of academic and practitioner speakers will foster discussions about the latest research, industry practices & approaches, trends & challenges in retail.

Recognizing members of the Desautels community

�鶹AV — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:58:17 +0000

The Desautels Faculty of Management is delighted to recognize members of its community who have recently received awards of excellence.

Please join me in congratulating them for their continued and inspiring commitment to Desautels and �鶹AV.

Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou
Dean & Professor of Finance
Desautels Faculty of Management

Bensadoun School of Retail Management highlighted among Quebec’s most innovative business programming

�鶹AV — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 22:07:52 +0000

As business schools adapt their programs to address the grand challenges of our time, �鶹AV’s Bensadoun School of Retail Management stands out as an initiative that will respond to the needs of a rapidly changing retail industry.

With many programs to be created at all levels over the next few years (Undergraduate, Masters, PhD), the School aims to equip students with the tools needed to succeed in an ever-evolving retail world, explains Charles de Brabant (BCom'83), Executive Director of the Bensadoun Retail Initiative.

Saibal Ray on the potential benefits and costs if Amazon chooses Montreal

�鶹AV — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 14:11:53 +0000

As Amazon hunts for a location for its second North American headquarters, Canada’s major cities are building their cases.

In a short interview with the �鶹AV Media team, Desautels Professor Saibal Ray talks about the benefits that a Montreal Amazon office would bring in terms of jobs and indirect benefits to the city’s academic and research sectors.

Desautels professor on cultural sensitivity and western managers working in China

�鶹AV — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 20:34:16 +0000

A piece at CNBM.net.cn quotes Desautels Professor Saibal Ray on how foreign workers in China can work smoothly with their Chinese counterparts.

The piece looks at the major differences in management culture; how factors that would make western workers complain about privacy violations (impacting on family or private time, for instance) play into being a good, caring manager in Chinese business culture.

Pourquoi les manufacturiers doivent augmenter leur productivité de 5 % par année

�鶹AV — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:10:52 +0000

«C’est extrêmement ambitieux, il faut en être conscient. Electricity symbols ks2 Mais je pose la question : avons-nous le choix ?» demande le patron des MEQ dans un entretien avec Les Affaires.

Saibal Ray, vice-doyen de la Faculté de gestion Desautels à l’Université �鶹AV, est aussi sceptique quant à la possibilité que l’industrie québécoise puisse accroître sa productivité de 5 % par année pendant 10 ans. Electricity outage sacramento Malgré tout, il ne croit pas la chose irréalisable.

Three Indo-Canadians are Honorees at Royal Society of Canada

�鶹AV — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 17:47:03 +0000

Three Indo-Canadians have been named Honorees in the prestigious Royal Society of Canada (RSC). All three are academics teaching and conducting research in various disciplines at �鶹AV in Montreal.

They are Dr. Vijay Raghavan, James �鶹AV Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering; Prof. Saibal Ray, Vice-Dean, Research and Faculty at the Desautels Faculty of management and the Director of the Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management Program; and Prof. Hosahali S. Ramaswamy, Professor of Food Science and Agriculture Chemistry.

Pourquoi les manufacturiers doivent augmenter leur productivité de 5 % par année

�鶹AV — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 14:31:48 +0000

La tâche est douloureuse, mais indispensable, affirme Éric Tétrault, président des Manufacturiers et exportateurs du Québec (MEQ). Pour profiter pleinement du futur accord de libre-échange avec l'Union européenne, les entreprises québécoises doivent accroître leur productivité d'au moins 5 % par an au cours des 10 prochaines années.

«C'est extrêmement ambitieux, il faut en être conscient. Mais je pose la question : avons-nous le choix ?» demande le patron des MEQ dans un entretien avec Les Affaires.

GE expansion suggests Canadian manufacturing may get boost from U.S. gridlock

�鶹AV — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:56:34 +0000

Canadian manufacturing could be on the brink of a much-needed investment boost from an unlikely source: the U.S. government.
... “Given that our dollar is weak, the timing is such that, if we are ready, we can take advantage absolutely,” said Saibal Ray, associate dean at �鶹AV’s Desautels Faculty of Management.

Transforming the Chinese Manufacturing Industry through Global Production Sharing -- The GMSCM Program Opening Ceremony & Seminar

�鶹AV — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 19:45:11 +0000

On May 7, 2012, Zhejiang University signed a partnership agreement with �鶹AV to launch an innovative dual-degree program called the Master in Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management (GMSCM). After a year of preparation, on September 13, 2013, the GMSCM program was officially launched with an opening ceremony, welcoming 27 newly admitted students.

Le prix payé pour nous habiller

�鶹AV — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:27:57 +0000

Il y a quelques semaines, le détaillant H&M, deuxième joueur mondial du prêt-à-porter, a fait ce que d’autres n’oseront jamais : publier l’adresse des 1800 usines — et le nom des 785 propriétaires — qui fabriquent ce qui se retrouve dans ses 2800 magasins. Passée inaperçue, la recension révèle toute l’ampleur d’une industrie complexe, ultrarapide et à ce point tentaculaire que près de 90 % des vêtements achetés au Canada viennent maintenant de l’étranger.

S'adapter à la démographie pour vendre en Asie

�鶹AV — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:17:35 +0000

La Chine et l'Inde comptent au total 2,5 milliards d'habitants. Mais si ces deux pays ont en commun d'être très peuplés, la Chine est vieillissante tandis que l'Inde est très jeune. Les entreprises qui visent ces marchés ont donc tout intérêt à adapter leurs stratégies en fonction de leurs profils démographiques, disent des spécialistes.