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The Smithfield Acquisition: ShuangHui Buys the Whole Hog

Famous for producing pork products, Smithfield Foods had a history of aggressive growth. But when that growth stalled for a matter of years, it was time to consider acquisition by ShuangHui International. This case in point discusses the pros and cons and strategic considerations that went into the international deal.

Mission-Focused and Market-Driven: Sustainable Health Care in Haiti

Haiti is one of the lowest income nations worldwide. Though the government provides many public health care clinics, they’re under-resourced. One public-private partnership is working to deliver sustainable primary care to low-income families through a social enterprise model.

The Mathematics Behind Exploding Offers

The “exploding offer,” a job offer with a near-term expiration date, is a technique some hiring managers use to increase the likelihood of acceptance. But does it do what it’s designed to, and under what conditions? New research answers these questions based on game theory and mathematical modeling.

Under the Influence: Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is a key way to engage potential customers, build loyalty and drive a message to a larger market in an organic way. Darden marketing experts provide insights for aspiring influencers and marketers eager to analyze their effect.

Executive Summary: Avoiding the 7 Deadly Sins of Analytic Writing

It is not enough to be correct; to be an effective professional, convincing others of your thinking is an essential skill. Darden Professor Marc Lipson details how to communicate clearly and persuasively, avoiding common pitfalls.

How Not to Kill Your Innovation: Avoiding 3 Pitfalls of New Product Development

Most new ideas never evolve into profitable innovations. Darden Professor Raul Chao spells out an iterative process for increasing the odds of market success and shares insights on avoiding three all-too-common pitfalls.

Strategic Execution: Performance Excellence With 4 A’s

Strategy is important, but it’s execution that makes or breaks a company’s goals. It’s also one of the greatest challenges faced by CEOs and top management teams. Based on information collected across industries, the 4A framework can help businesses establish a playbook for practical, successful execution.

Doing Well While Doing Good: 5 Lessons on Empowered Consumers and Responsible Business

In an age in which the public is actively invested in the values of a company and reputations can change abruptly, corporate responsibility is both a moral and business imperative. Here, Darden experts offer insights on corporate social responsibility and the evolving relationship of business and society.

Thinking of You: Consumer Decisions That Make the Heart Grow Fonder

Research shows that consumers don’t just make decisions based on personal beliefs, attitudes and preferences — at least not those in close relationships when choosing shared experiences. How can this information benefit relationships and marketing strategy?

Creating a Culture of Excellence: Lessons from The 9 Cs Enterprise-Perspective Model, Part 2

To compete in today’s complex business environment, executives must excel at making decisions with an enterprise perspective. Darden Professor Elliott N. Weiss’ 9 Cs Enterprise-Perspective Model offers a useful decision-making framework.