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Research With Relevance

Research

Research is key to how we make good on our promise to prepare students and executives for tomorrow’s business world. Our professors examine critical issues influencing 21st century business – you benefit from their insights in the classroom and the boardroom. Contributing to the breadth and depth of our thought leadership are our Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and Centers.

Solar Panels and lightbulb and money cost savings graphic

Profit surge

Net metering could boost profits for electrical utilities, UNC Kenan-Flagler researchers show.

Black Friday: Behind the scenes

On Black Friday, there’s a lot more going on than great sales. Here’s what happens behind the scenes as retailers prepare for one of the busiest shopping ...
Doctor Giving Patient A Shot

How do you motivate busy physicians to give more flu shots?

Money isnt’ the answer, write RJ Niewoehner and Brad Staats.
Woman sketching a business plan on a placard at a creative office

Do accelerators really work?

Accelerators do help startups succeed faster – but design is critical to the process.
Doctor holding neon heart

Resisting change in the face of negative news?

Experience might be at the heart of the problem, according to Brad Staats’ research involving cardiologists.

Shimul Melwani and Angelica Leigh

Black employees matter

UNC Kenan-Flagler researchers examine how minority employees react at work to highly publicized police shootings of black Americans.
Thermometer

Heat waves don’t just take a toll on your health – they can hurt the economy, too

Rising temperatures, especially in the summer, can have a major impact on the future growth of the U.S. economy.
American flag with U.S. cut out and pills

The opioid crisis hurts firm growth

The toll of the U.S. opioid crisis extends to companies, UNC Kenan-Flagler researchers show.
Stormy weather with a sign that reads economic uncertainty ahead.

Economic uncertainty affects economic decisions

Economic uncertainty affects consumption, credit and investment choices – and varies significantly across American households.
Chalkboard sign that reads fair

When companies treat employees fairly, everyone wins

Professor Elad Sherf’s research helps answer why unfair treatment of employees persists.
Grocery shoppers

Even if you don’t shop at Lidl, you benefit from its lower prices

Professor Katrijn Gielens studied the effects of the retailer’s entry into U.S. markets.
Chris Bingham

Improve agility through simple rules

Why are some companies able to adapt and continuously evolve in a complex, dynamic environment while others struggle? A primary challenge that organization...
Tired retail associate

Better work schedules mean better sleep for retail associates

Improving schedule stability in the retail sector means better sleep for sales associates, according to a study on improving scheduling practices in hourly...
Coworkers working together

Stable scheduling in retail is good for business and workers

The plight of retail workers subject to unpredictable scheduling has caught the attention of both the media and lawmakers around the U.S. In some cases, wo...
Female and male colleagues

When compliments don’t work

“Your ideas were good — for an intern.” “You are good looking — for your size.” “For a young woman, your speech was great.” We’ve all heard backhanded comm...