Recent Articles

Smith Research

How We React When Apps Crash

App crashes shorten user sessions and reduce content consumption, says Smith’s Michel Wedel. While a single crash boosts engagement, frequent failures can drive users away. Developers should release updates cautiously, target resilient users, and take responsibility to maintain trust.

World Class Faculty & Research

Kannan Wins AMA TechSIG Lifetime Achievement Award

The AMA TechSIG honored Smith’s P.K. Kannan with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for his impactful research in marketing technology and innovation. Kannan, an expert in digital marketing and AI, shared the recognition with USC’s Gerard Tellis at the AMA Winter Conference.

TerpTax: Roth vs. Traditional IRAs

CPA Samuel Handwerger explains the key differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred savings, while Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals. Future tax rates and career trajectory matter, making the choice complex. Consistent saving is the most crucial factor.

Why We Give: Margie and Bob Bedingfield

Margie (’72) and Bob (’70) Bedingfield’s lifelong bond with the University of Maryland led them to donate $1.75 million in scholarships supporting student-athletes and business students. Their generosity reflects a deep commitment to Maryland athletics, the Smith School and future Terps.

Experiential / Reality-based Learning

Master’s in Management Students Partner With Toyota Mobility Foundation for Experiential Learning Opportunity

Master’s in Management students at Smith will collaborate with Toyota Mobility Foundation under the guidance of Nicole Coomber and Ab Krall. Applying problem-solving frameworks, they’ll explore business expansion and thematic innovation for TMF’s Mobility Unlimited Hub and present recommendations in March 2025.

Experiential / Reality-based Learning

For the First Time, Smith Takes Tech Consulting Across the Pond

Smith’s undergraduate information systems program launched its first study abroad experience, taking students to London for hands-on tech consulting. Students collaborated with companies on analytics and AI projects, networked with industry leaders, and gained real-world experience in global technology and business challenges.

New Groundbreaking Competition Focuses on Ethical, Sustainable Global Business Solutions

The Grand Global Challenges Competition invites UMD students to tackle global issues through ethical, sustainable solutions. This year’s winning team will compete at Loyola Marymount’s International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition in April.

Alumni

Entrepreneurial Education From Smith Helps Alumnus Follow His Passion

Joe Kattan ’23 leveraged his Smith finance degree to land a consulting role at Bain before pursuing his entrepreneurial passion. Now the owner of AppraiseItNow, he applies automation and AI to modernize appraisals, drawing on skills honed at Smith.

Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium Releases Mortgage Credit Risk Index Results

The Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium (SERC) at UMD’s Smith School released Q2 2024 results for its Mortgage Credit Risk Index (MCRI) and Mortgage Redtail Risk Index (MRRI). SERC Director Clifford Rossi noted that credit risk remains stable despite a slight year-over-year rise.

Alumni

Smith Accounting Degree Gave Alumnus The “Edge” For Career In Investment Banking And Beyond

Ralph Dickerson ’92 built a dynamic career in investment banking, corporate strategy, and entrepreneurship. Speaking to Smith MBA students, he emphasized evolving as a leader and leveraging Emotional Intelligence. Now Managing Partner at R2 Partners, he continues shaping high-impact financial and strategic solutions.

Alumni

Alumna Credits Contacts at Smith, UMD for Help With App Development

Smith School alumna Lauren Der ’19 began her career in federal consulting before transitioning to the public sector as a Change Management Specialist for Montgomery County Government. She also developed Opsy, a health-tracking app inspired by her personal health journey.

Alumni

One Alumna and Entrepreneur’s Three-pronged Approach to Success

Shalanda Armstrong, MBA ’12, founded 100KM Ventures to support women-led startups in digital health and the future of work. With a background in engineering, strategy, and finance, she remains engaged with Smith, mentoring students and serving on advisory boards.
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