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Inside the World of the Project Baron

In many industries, including architecture, companies that do customized projects for clients are common. New research offers insights into the politics typical in these organizations. Executives who lead projects are akin to “barons” — powerful individuals who exhibit competitive, protective and entrepreneurial behavior. They also can squirrel away resources such as money or knowledge rather than share them. Read more »
DIGITAL VIDEO WEBCAST: For a limited time, you can watch our interview with MIT Sloan’s Andrew McAfee on how to capitalize on smart computers and more.

“Everything You See is Ripe for Innovation”

In her new book “inGenius: A Crash Course on Creativity,” Tina Seelig of Stanford’s School of Engineering explores how to mine and unleash the capacity for creativity and innovation.

Big Data: Service From the Cloud

A number of companies are starting to look to the cloud not only for storing massive amount of data, but for analyzing and delving insights, too. One option: Google BigQuery.

Kimberly-Clark’s Sustainability 2015 Goals

Peggy Ward, director of K-C’s Enterprise Sustainability Strategy Team, explains how internal leadership and an external advisory board set the company’s aggressive course.

Are Habits More Powerful Than Decisions?

The science of how we develop habits is used by companies both to mold consumer preference and to shape company culture. Findings from “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg.

The Perils of Social Coupon Campaigns

While social coupons generate value for customers, they can have long-lasting negative financial effects for participating companies. Three guidelines to help avoid the pitfalls.

Marketing Not the Key Sustainability Driver

Only 8% of respondents to a MIT SMR poll said sustainability initiatives originated in Marketing. Nearly four times as many, 29%, said it came from Environmental, Health & Safety.

To Be More Productive, Limit Interruptions

Allowing constant interruptions reduces effectiveness as much as an all-nighter, says Boston University’s Marshall Van Alstyne. It’s critical to batch time on task and turn off social media.

Self-Awareness: A Key to Better Leadership

NBC-Universal’s Lauren Zalaznick, former Charles Schwab CEO David Pottruck and PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi (left) all benefited from self-awareness prompted by comments from colleagues.

MIT SMR’s Sustainability Study, Made Interactive

Our new interactive tool presents customizable charts about the major trends in sustainability commitment and what kinds of companies have developed a proven value proposition.

Uncommon Sense: Turning Beliefs Into Action

By launching an airline engine fleet management service, Rolls-Royce neutralized a similar move by GE Aviation. It was an example of the value of re-examining company beliefs. Free to site members
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The Problem With Digital Design

With today’s product development nearly all digital, managers need to guard against work appearing complete before it actually is and the endless tinkering that can delay production.

Why Detailed Data Is As Important As Big Data

Big Data gets all the press these days, but as important — and perhaps even more important — is detailed data, says Sam Ransbotham, assistant professor at Boston College.

Value Through Business Model Innovation

Could your company benefit from a new business model? A look at 59 post-IPO e-businesses in Europe and the U.S. found that business model choices often go unchallenged for long periods. Free to site members
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How to Become a Better Leader

Most successful executives, such as Virgin Group’s Richard Branson, have had to work hard on themselves, to recognize and manage both their strongest and their weakest tendencies. Free to site members
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FROM THE MAGAZINE

Spring 2012: Cover Story
Innovation

Achieving Successful Strategic Transformation

How companies successfully make major changes — without sacrificing financial performance.