Focus on: Break-Out Innovation

While many large companies in today's environment view employees as a liability they can limit with job cuts, Wharton Professor Ian MacMillan believes these very same employees can offer an "incumbent's advantage" in shaping innovation. Professor George Day argues that this may be time to double down on innovation investments, but Professor Dave Reibstein counters that for companies that need to find cash, this could be the time to harvest past investments in R&D and brand. Finally, we consider how one innovative team that broke from the current recession mindset succeeded far better in a management simulation. And we offer a host of upcoming programs that can fire up your own ideas and innovations.

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Articles

Thought Leaders I

Exploit the "Incumbent's Advantage": Tap Customers and Employees for Organic Growth

In a tough economy, large companies can feel burdened by large workforces to serve extensive customer bases. But Wharton Professor Ian MacMillan (who examined strategies for rethinking customer segments in the February newsletter) notes that these companies can realize an "incumbent's advantage" if they can capitalize on this customer knowledge. More

In the Classroom

Double Down: Stepping Up Investment in Innovation

This is the time for many companies to "double down" on their investments in innovation. Wharton Professor George Day discusses strategies for driving organic growth through innovation while managing risks. More

Thought Leaders II

A Time to Harvest: This Could Be the Time to Cut R&D and Marketing

Some suggest that during an economic downturn is the time to increase marketing and R&D budgets, as there is less competitive clutter. This is a good point, but Wharton Professor of Marketing David Reibstein says that for some companies, this may be a good time to harvest their R&D and brand equity. More

Senior Management

Breaking the Recession Mind: Simulation Encourages Strategic Innovation

Sometimes the biggest limits on innovation and creativity result from our limited view of the world. In a recent simulation in Wharton's Executive Development Program, managers brought a recession mind to the challenge, but the one team that broke from the conservative pack did phenomenally well. More

Industry-Specific Programs

Wharton Launches New Aerospace & Defense Report

Wharton Executive Education launched a new knowledge resource for leaders in the Aerospace and Defense industry — the Wharton Aerospace & Defense Report. The new site — which offers news, faculty and industry analysis, podcasts, research reports, and organizational learning solutions — was announced during the Sixth Annual Wharton Aerospace Conference on February 6. More

February Poll Results

View Wharton@Work readers' response to the question "What are your most significant challenges in leading virtual global teams?" More

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Featured Programs:

Executive Development Program

Wharton's two-week Executive Development Program gives managers the core business knowledge and organizational understanding to take on broader leadership responsibilities and add more value to their organizations. Wharton's faculty present and apply key knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, leadership, and strategy based on current research and best practices. More

The Leadership Journey

This course will enhance your ability to lead and build good leadership capabilities — no matter what the future brings. It uses diverse approaches including team exercises, case discussions, computer simulations, physical challenges, Shakespearian drama, and a battlefield visit. More

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In This Issue

Upcoming Programs

FUTURE PROGRAMS

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA):
FINRA Institute at Wharton Certificate Program
Phase I: Foundation
Aug. 16-21, 2009
Phase III: Capstone
Nov. 1-6, 2009

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"Leading in a Dynamic and Unpredictable World"
Jun. 16, 2009

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