Research at Lubar

When companies try to predict product sales, they often look at one product at a time. But according to new research co-authored by Huimin Zhao, that approach can miss a much bigger story about how customers actually shop. Zhao, a professor of Information Technology Management in the Lubar College of Business, studies how relationships among products influence sales. His recent research shows that forecasting improves when businesses move beyond the traditional idea that products are …

Doctoral student Hyunji Lee is exploring a timely question in today’s business climate: When leaders fall from grace, should they get a second chance? In her job market paper, “When Leaders Return: How Executive Reappointments Shape Firm Performance,” Lee examines what happens when senior executives return to leadership roles after stepping down due to legal sanctions. The issue goes beyond headlines. It touches on accountability, investor trust, and the real impact of leadership on company …

When you buy something online, you are rarely the first person to do so. Reviews, ratings and social media posts from earlier buyers all shape how confident you feel about clicking “add to cart.” That chain reaction is the focus of research by Dawei Jian, an assistant professor of supply chain, operations management and business statistics at the Lubar College of Business. “Early customers matter a lot,” Jian said. “Their experiences don’t just reflect demand. …

Doctoral student Pouneh “Penny” Sadeghi studies a question that affects more people than they might realize. When companies speak to the public during moments of uncertainty, how do investors, customers, and communities respond? Penny is a graduate assistant and instructor at the Lubar College whose research examines how corporate messages influence investor reactions and firm value. She looks at real-world events, including trade wars and company announcements about adopting generative artificial intelligence. Using market data, …