Experts Matter. Find Yours.
Connect for media, speaking, professional opportunities & more.
Is there a silver bullet for performance ratings?
Yes and no, said Goizueta Professor of Accounting Karen Sedatole. She and colleagues from University of Missouri and College of William and Mary have published a study looking at the role of calibration committees in performance evaluation system. The first major analysis of its kind, Sedatole’s research sets out to put a number of hypotheses to the test; primary among them, the notion that calibration committees deliver a raft of benefits to organizations. Source:
Biodiversity on the brink? Is there any stopping the damage to the Pervuian Amazon?
There’s nothing new or breaking about the importance of the Amazon rain forest. For decades, politicians, celebrities and most recently – even the Pope called on the world to act against the deforestation and further protection of the region. The impacts of this devastation are being felt around the world. The massive forests absorb greenhouse gases, and as deforestation occurs at a staggering rate – so too does the increase in climate change and global warming. But agriculture, mining and development seem to be ignorant to those requests and consequences. While a lot of attention naturally goes to Brazil, Peru’s is in just as much trouble. According to the United Nations, the country is one of 17 "megadiverse" countries on the planet containing 70 percent of the world's biodiversity. There’s still a l lot to know about the affects of deforestation and how losing over a million hectares of rain forest has taken a toll on fish, the ecosystem and the vast flora and fauna that remain undiscovered. That’s where our experts can help. Anthony Mazeroll, PhD, Professor of Biology at Soka University of America, is also Executive Director and Board Chair for the Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes, which is devoted to sustainable breeding and conservation of the rainforest ecology. Dr. Mazeroll is available to speak with media regarding this and many other issues affecting the Amazon - simply click on Anthony’s icon to arrange an interview. Source:
It seems Donald Glover, aka, Childish Gambino, seemed to have broken the internet and the minds of both whites and people of color. The symbolism and messages have been broken down in a variety of different well thought out, and at the same time totally obtuse ways. Many people simply refuse to see it for what the video and lyrics are--and that's art. Art can be interrupted in a variety of ways. But it seems that when it comes to issues of race, people lose all sense of reality and either go into attack or defend mode. But this is the beauty of the video. It created discussion points that are essential American. In relations to the issue of race, the reaction to the video and song is uniquely "America." Since 1619 when the first Dutch flag arrived to the U.S. colonies, people have and continue to defending the status quo and the system of oppression that has enslaved, raped, and psychologically, economically, and socially controlled Black people, fighting against said system, or simply have become comfortable with sitting on the fence. We should use this piece of art, and it is art, to create progressive conversation. Source:
Controversy surrounding the VIX benchmark — this expert saw it coming
There are a lot of eyes on the VIX benchmark these days as regulators explore potential flaws in the Cboe Global Markets product. Focus is on the monthly process through which the price of VIX futures contracts is calculated. According to a recent article on Bloomberg, “That monthly auction has been the focus of intense scrutiny this year, spurred by wild price swings and a 2017 research paper alleging the process is rigged. The stakes are big. Billions of dollars of derivatives contracts and exchange-traded products are tied to the index.” But should this be a surprise to anyone? As the article points out, a Texas McCombs professor has been looking into the VIP benchmark for some time now: “John Griffin, the University of Texas professor whose 2017 paper written with a grad student caught traders’ attention, believes someone is artificially suppressing the price of S&P 500 contracts, then profiting when the VIX settlement price comes in much higher. A more than $200 million distortion in the market was seen during the April 18 auction, he argues. ‘Since the public release and publication of our academic paper last year, the settlement deviations have substantially increased,’ he wrote in this week’s column. [Griffin is a regular columnist for Bloomberg.] ‘We are concerned that market participants may be reading our paper as a how-to-manipulate manual.’” This is a complex issue with literally billions of dollars at stake. And if you need to know more, that’s where our experts can help. Griffin is an educator and researcher in the structured finance field with respect to mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations. His expertise also includes international finance, institutional investment, and forensic finance, and his recent research focuses on understanding the role that conflicts of interest and misreporting by credit rating agencies and investment banks played in the financial crisis.Griffin is available to speak with media. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today. Source:
Just how many glass ceilings do women need to shatter in America?
These days, women are finally making their mark in elected houses and legislatures around the country. It’s seen as a serious advancement since the days of old white men in differing grey suits as the only variety on a ballot. A recent article in Yahoo news quoted University of Mary Washington’s Rosalyn Cooperman observations about how far women have come, but also how much further there is to go. “The attention has been on the record numbers who are running and to the message being sent by those sheer numbers,” says Rosalyn Cooperman, associate professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va. “But what kind of change this brings depends not only on who runs and who wins, but how they navigate the rigid political institutions” they are being elected to. But now that women are inching closer to equal on the ballot – it’s once they achieve electoral victory that a whole other gender gap reveals itself. Cooperman recently observed the Virginia House of Delegates where 12 were women were elected to the first time. “More than half of the incoming freshmen were relegated to the science and technology committee, a committee with a light workload and limited jurisdiction,” Cooperman wrote in an article for the website Gender Watch 2018. “The lone Republican woman freshman was assigned to House finance. “Democratic women (and men) delegates,” she continued, “also saw most of their sponsored bills killed in Republican-dominated committees.” For instance, Danica Roem, who broke barriers by being the first transgender candidate delegate in the assembly, saw all 11 of her proposed bills die before leaving committee or even subcommittee. Of all the bills filed by the 16 freshman Democrats, 85 percent never made it to a floor vote. So, is this just a matter of newcomers that need to learn the fine art of politics and horse-trading or is there a deeper issue? Is politics still a ‘man’s game’ and if so what will it take to change it? That’s where our experts can help. Dr. Rosalyn Cooperman's expertise focuses on women in politics. She is available to speak with media regarding this issue in America. Simply click on Rosalyn’s icon to arrange an interview. Source:
A Dream Team or a Star Struck Idea?
There’s a rumour going around that President Donald Trump is being joined by very popular people, both who aren’t afraid of courting controversy themselves - to attend a Summit on Race. Yes. If there ever were three vastly varied high-profiled people who were as equally different as they are famous it might well be Colin Kaepernick, Kanye West and Donald Trump. It’s a right trio out of a reality show or a skit on Saturday Night Live. Right now, it’s a rumour – but it is getting some traction online and in the media. No one has commented officially apart from Cleveland-based pastor Darrell Scott, an outside adviser to President Trump. He seems to be leading the charge to make this a reality. So, could this happen? Should this happen? For Trump it would be a slam-dunk. For West it’s more promotion for an upcoming album. But for Kaepernick –is it an off-side considering his very credible efforts to confront discrimination? Stranger things have happened. And in Donald Trump’s America the opportunity for surprises is ever-present. Are you looking into this and need to know more? That’s where an expert like Dr. Stephen Farnsworth can help. Dr. Farnsworth is professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington. A published author and a media ‘go-to’ on presidential politics, he is available to speak with media regarding this issue. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source:
The Struggle for DREAMers in Utah - Explore DACA
On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, a third federal judge ruled against the Trump administration’s push to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). U.S. District Judge John Bates called the administration’s attempts to end DACA “arbitrary,” “virtually unexplained,” and “unlawful.” He put a hold on the decision, allowing the Department of Homeland Security 90 days to give better reasoning to cancel the program or it would be fully reinstated. Dr. Stephen Allen, associate provost of International Affairs at Southern Utah University and expert on American immigration policy, sees the struggle for “DREAMers” in Utah and across the nation. “In March, the Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to DACA,” said Dr. Allen. “That decision, along with the April 24 federal court ruling, has taken pressure off of Congress to act on the issue. The result is a great deal of uncertainty for DREAMers, families, and employers.” Originally enacted by President Obama, DACA is an immigration policy that shields undocumented immigrants that were brought to the United States as children. The youth apply to obtain a renewable two-year deferred action from deportation and to be eligible for a work permit. DACA has helped hundreds of thousands obtain driver’s licenses, social security numbers and attend school. Steps to eliminate DACA were initiated by the Trump administration in late 2017, but previous federal rulings have stalled the efforts. “Rescinding DACA would have a tremendous impact on Utah,” said Dr. Allen. “The program has allowed nearly 10,000 young people in Utah to come forward and pass background checks and live legally in the United States. There is strong evidence that the majority of these young people are productive citizens who are gainfully employed and/or enrolled in school. According to the non-profit and non-partisan organization Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ), ending DACA would cost Utah alone nearly $476.5 million in annual GDP losses.” Dr. Allen believes that in general, Utahan’s have a strong commitment to keeping families together. “The United States is the only country most DREAMers have known. Deporting nearly 700,000 individuals would result in separation from families and losing the ability to legally work in the United States.” Dr. Allen specializes in international enrollment and admissions, developing global partnerships, and international education. He is familiar with the media and available for an interview. Source:
As Canadian consumers continue their Connected Life journey – one in which they have seen technology transition from the front office to our homes, from our homes to our fingertips and in our pockets - we are now at stage where tech is now on our bodies and soon will become omni present in our life. Canadian consumers have to decide how deep they want dive into the waters of the next wave of Connected Smart Home products. Join IDC Canada's Research Analyst of Consumer and Mobility Research, Manish Nargas as he explores the current status of the Smart home market, the consumer connected life and today's key players, platforms, technologies and early success stories. This dynamic and interesting session is being held on April 26. If you want to attend this this event as part of the press or for other media inquiries - simply click the analyst's icon to connect with us. To learn more about IDC Directions, please click the image below. Source:
It’s time to invest early in your child’s financial literacy
April 20 is Teach Children to Save Day. It's an educational program established by the American Bankers Association (ABA) to encourage kids to develop good savings habit as early as possible in their financial life. But is it necessary? When kids should be playing and having fun, is getting a head start on economics a bit heavy? The reality is – a quiz about personal finances offered last year by Financial Engines saw only 6 percent of Americans pass. That means a staggering 94 percent of Americans didn't have a confident grasp on financial literacy. Bad financial choices can last a lifetime and that's why it's best to start young, and develop sound habits and wisdom as early as possible. So, what do Americans need to know and do about becoming financially literate? What are the potential consequences to not just Americans, but the country’s economy if we remain a nation that’s basically ignorant to the value of a dollar? Dr. James Philpot, certified financial planner and associate professor of finance and general business at Missouri State University, can address the costs of financial illiteracy and explain how to teach kids about money matters. Click on his icon to set up an interview with him. Source:
#NeverAgain - Students Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
On April 20, 2018, the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, students across the nation will walk out of their classrooms in protest of their leaders’ failure to pass laws protecting them from gun violence. Just last month, hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and supporters rallied in Washington DC, for March for Our Lives, led by a group of students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. These students, some of the latest to be affected by gun violence in schools, are using their voices to inspire change. John Meisner, Assistant Professor of Education at Southern Utah University and advocate for students on and off campus, recently voiced his concerns and support. “As a voting adult, I’m horrified that this problem has only been getting worse since the Columbine High School tragedy, and our elected leaders pretend that there is nothing that can be done. We have countless laws that have been enacted regarding public safety, and yet for this one, we do nothing.” Meisner recommends that as parents, mentors, and peers, we should support the efforts of these students. “I’m hugely proud of these students for refusing to accept this inaction and taking matters into their own hands. I don’t know that we’ve ever seen such organization and movement by high school and junior high school students. They’re often disrespected as ‘entitled’ and ‘lazy,’ but this latest tragedy has mobilized this population into action. We’re seeing youthfulness and enthusiasm combined with a social media savvy that is a powerful force. I think that as adults we should be proud of these efforts and support them fully.” Students crave relevance in their school work and lives. According to Meisner, the walkout is a perfect example of this. “I’m hopeful that they will not relent on the pressure until something is done. Maybe with this new movement, the Parkland tragedy will be the last.” “As educators, we should not only be concerned about the physical well-being of our students but should also see that their academic wellbeing is important too. They will be fully invested in topics that matter to them.” John Meisner has a deep love of education and a passion for teaching. Meisner also serves on the Allies on Campus committee working to support LBGTQ+ students and faculty through social events and educational outreach. He is familiar with the media and available for an interview. Simply visit his profile. Source:
