UPS Offers a Classic Example
of Innovation's Value
Dear Alumni and Friends,
The spirit of innovation has taken individuals and companies to the pinnacle of success. But how does innovation become so ingrained that it literally propels an organization to the next level? In this issue of State of Business, UPS chairman and CEO Michael Eskew gives us some answers. His company, with more than 335,000 employees worldwide, provides a classic example of how innovation helps UPS remain a world leader in package delivery and supply chain solutions.
But if innovation is so critical to an organization, why isn't every company able to make this value come alive? Members of Robinson's all-star faculty gathered recently to discover that answer and explore a variety of other issues related to innovation. Moderated by Marketing Department Chair Ken Bernhardt, the faculty roundtable looked at what happens to innovation in a bad economy, the importance of process innovation as well as product innovation, how to share ideas, getting ideas to the marketplace and how failure can be good.
Still another take on the subject of innovation comes from Ben Barnes, a Robinson alum whose high-tech credit card security company must work to constantly stay ahead of the competition.
The Robinson College is innovating as well. Our MBA curriculum has been fine-tuned to meet market demands. Finance Department Associate Professor Jason Greene, a member of the MBA Steering Committee, provides an overview.
In addition to the new curriculum, there are many other exciting happenings at the College. A special Q&A in this issue will give you a glimpse of future initiatives.
Last but not least are our standing features, including Rajeev Dhawan's award-winning economic forecast.
We hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, we look forward to your comments.
Best regards,
H. Fenwick Huss
Dean
