UUֱ�� Desautels Faculty of Management - Sustainability

SGI’s Inaugural Sustainable Transportation Roundtable on the Future of Urban Mobility

UUֱ�� — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:03:28 +0000

This April, interdisciplinary experts came together at UUֱ�� Desautels for the Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI)’s inaugural Sustainable Transportation Roundtable on the Future of Urban Mobility. Sponsored by Alstom, the event featured discussions on reducing fossil fuel dependence, with electric vehicles highlighted as a potential solution.

MIPC asks students to devise decumulation strategies for an inflationary environment

UUֱ�� — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 18:18:35 +0000

For its 7th edition, the 2023 UUֱ�� International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC), as part of UUֱ��’s Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI), gathered over 80 teams from 27 countries to address retirement challenges amidst inflation. Participants tackled the task of developing decumulation strategies for the fictional Maple Leaf Pension Plan, simulating real-world data.

UUֱ�� Desautels leads the way in UUֱ�� Workplace Sustainability Certifications

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:15:39 +0000

This winter, the sustainability efforts of 13 University offices were recognized by the rigorous Sustainable Workplace Certification program hosted by the UUֱ�� Office of Sustainability, with nearly half coming from UUֱ�� Desautels. The Academic Affairs Office earned a Gold-level certification, while the Dean’s Office and Infrastructure Team earned Silver, and the EMBA UUֱ��-HEC program, Human Resources Team, PhD in Management Office, and Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship were recognized with Bronze awards.

UUֱ�� Desautels MBA ranked #22 globally most sustainable by Corporate Knights

UUֱ�� — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:48:59 +0000

The UUֱ�� Desautels Faculty of Management MBA is ranked 22nd globally by the prestigious Corporate Knights Better World MBA ranking, jumping 16 spots and proving again to be a leader in sustainability development and corporate social responsibility through teaching and learning methodologies.

UUֱ��’s CIBC Office of Sustainable Finance proposes reforms to address climate change

UUֱ�� — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:32:10 +0000

Canada’s federal and provincial governments have pledged $200 billion to fight climate change—but failed to spend anywhere near that. And corporations often commit to climate initiatives, but there’s no requirement they actually do so.

UUֱ�� Desautels staff lead sustainability charge

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 18:07:29 +0000

In a drive towards environmental responsibility, units within UUֱ��'s Desautels Faculty of Management have embraced sustainability through the rigorous Sustainable Workplace Certification program hosted by the UUֱ�� Office of Sustainability. This initiative, aligned with the Faculty's strategic plan toward sustainability in teaching, research and operations, has seen remarkable success across the university and recognizes five units at the Faculty of Management with certifications, with others steadily progressing.

Gildan makes a $150K donation toward UUֱ�� Desautels’ sustainability initiatives

UUֱ�� — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 20:46:12 +0000

Leading sustainable apparel manufacturer Gildan has partnered with the UUֱ�� Desautels Faculty of Management to advance the University’s Sustainable Growth Initiative. The collaborative effort aims to create actionable strategies for businesses transitioning to sustainability. Over three years, Gildan will be generously contributing $150,000 to UUֱ��'s Annual Grand Challenge on Sustainability. The event, launching this August, encourages Canadian students to address apparel industry sustainability issues.

Inaugural UUֱ�� Transformative Business Law Academy brings together student-fellows to consider pathways toward change

UUֱ�� — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 19:35:12 +0000

In business, short-term thinking often predominates. But the profit maximization often comes at the expense of long-term interests, such as limiting the effects of climate change or alleviating global inequality. This spring, UUֱ�� Faculty of Law and the Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI), anchored at the Desautels Faculty of Management, collaborated to bring together 35 student-fellows for the inaugural Transformative Business Law Academy.

Delve: How the Era of Energy Transition Is Changing Business Leadership

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 20:18:15 +0000

The global transition to net-zero requires significant changes in the way businesses operate and grow. How can business leaders successfully manage this energy transition? What are its opportunities and risks for businesses? And what role do corporate boards and investors play in overseeing and encouraging the transition?

Delve: Why Accounting Holds the Key to Successful Sustainability Initiatives, with Brian Wenzel

UUֱ�� — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:06:34 +0000

What does accounting have to do with sustainability? Essentially, everything. Just as research and regulations around sustainability have expanded in recent years, so has sustainability accounting, focusing on activities of an organization that have a direct impact on its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects.

UUֱ�� Desautels offices lead the way in Sustainable Workplace Certification

UUֱ�� — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:08:15 +0000

Three more teams at the UUֱ�� Desautels Faculty of Management have been recognized for their exceptional commitment to sustainable workplace practices. The IT Customer Service department and the Bachelor of Commerce program have both earned Bronze Certifications, while the UUֱ�� Executive Institute earned a Silver Certification. Eleven teams across UUֱ�� joined the Sustainable Workplace Certification program hosted by the UUֱ�� Office of Sustainability, five of which are from the Faculty of Management.

Armstrong building has LEED Silver certification, leading future building projects to a higher standard

UUֱ�� — Tue, 02 May 2023 16:28:20 +0000

In 2017, the Donald E. Armstrong Building on McTavish Street, former home of the UUֱ�� bookstore, underwent extensive renovations, and it’s now the home of Desautels’ masters’ programs. Throughout the Armstrong building’s transformation, efforts were made to reduce environmental impact. Its energy efficiency was improved by 37% and water efficiency by 40%. UUֱ��’s plans for the future are even more ambitious.

MMF Series: Where Are They Now? Spotlight on Mitchell McEwen (MMF’20)

UUֱ�� — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 12:25:26 +0000

Learn how the UUֱ�� Master of Management in Finance (MMF) can open a number of career doors. On this Earth Day, we catch up with an MMF alumnus working in ESG and Sustainable Finance, Mitchell McEwen (MMF’20). Now Senior Manager, Enterprise Sustainable Finance, TD Bank Group, he first joined the Bank as an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) intern. He credits the MMF program’s flexibility with allowing him to explore the intersection between finance and sustainability.

Delve: AI-griculture, A High-Tech Approach to Decarbonizing Agricultural Food Supply Chains

UUֱ�� — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 19:21:59 +0000

One of the largest contributors to climate change worldwide, the agricultural food supply chain crosses international borders and reaches across industries and sectors. Reducing its environmental impact requires complex, high-tech solutions like artificial intelligence—and the people to implement them at the right time, in the right places.

PIVOT platform is helping small businesses tackle climate change

UUֱ�� — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 21:08:49 +0000

Climate anxiety is real, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but the key to addressing it is to stop dwelling and start doing. Business owners can do more than most. The UUֱ�� Sustainability Systems Initiative wants to help them do exactly that, writes Prof. Karl Moore for Forbes.com. Called PIVOT for short, the program is led by Prof. Dror Etzion, and it’s creating an online community where business owners can share and discover what others do.

CIBC donates $1.25 million to the Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI)

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:47:53 +0000

CIBC has donated $1.25 million to the Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI) at UUֱ��'s Desautels Faculty of Management. CIBC's gift to the SGI will support a cross-faculty partnership between the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Law to develop practical and actionable solutions for building a more sustainable economy.

New challenge drives awareness of the environmental impact of clothing

UUֱ�� — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:13:01 +0000

We all need to wear clothing, but the environmental impact of purchasing clothing is significant, and a new initiative asks people to reflect on their own consumption. Participants in the New Clothing Detox Challenge refrain from clothing purchases during the month of March.

Companies must decarbonize supply chains to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and this can create risk for investors

UUֱ�� — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:57:57 +0000

As part of their effort to reduce emissions, large companies like McDonald’s have announced cuts to emissions from their own operations and power supply. These are known as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, respectively. But large firms often do less to address emissions generated by the products they sell, which are known as Scope 3 emissions. McDonald’s is planning to install LED lights and power its restaurants with renewable energy. But it isn’t doing as much to address the carbon footprint of its food production.

Global competition gets students to take on challenge of investing sustainably

UUֱ�� — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:41:09 +0000

The 2022 UUֱ�� International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC), in its 6^th year, asked undergraduate students from around the world to devise innovative portfolio strategies that could achieve high returns while still ensuring a sustainable future. Participating teams had to consider the same choices institutional funds would need to make to transition to net-zero emissions by 2050, acting as advisors for a fictional superannuation fund in Australia.

Delve: How Banks and Institutional Investment Funds Are Driving the Road to Net-Zero

UUֱ�� — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:58:16 +0000

One of the biggest challenges today for financial institutions is how to meet net-zero climate targets while achieving high returns on investment and satisfying the needs of various stakeholders. What does the road to net-zero look like in the realm of long-term investment, who are the players, and how should the inevitable roadblocks be overcome?

Clothing repairs and thrifting can help reduce the environmental footprint of the clothing you wear

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:24:55 +0000

Clothing companies used to offer just a few collections each year. Today, fast fashion companies like H&M or Zara offer dozens. One way they accomplish this is by reducing the quality of their clothing, but this increases the resources needed to make what we wear, and increases their environmental footprint as a result, said Javad Nasiry in an interview with BNN Bloomberg.

Eco-fashion brand Ecova tells the stories behind its green initiatives

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:19:14 +0000

Positive storytelling can encourage consumers to make better, more eco-conscious choices. That’s the vision the Stephanie Beaulieu (MBA’22) shared with Karl Moore in an article for Forbes.com. Beaulieu founded the eco-fashion company Ecova to make change in the fashion industry.

Delve: Why Environmental, Social, and Governance Investment Standards Need an Indigenous Perspective

UUֱ�� — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 19:21:13 +0000

In the high-stakes realm of finance and investment, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria play a larger role than ever in companies’ decision making and commitment to creating shared value. In this accelerated transition toward cross-sector economic change, whose interests are centred and whose concerns are left out of the sustainability conversation?

Circular economy can help mitigate environmental impact of frenzied Black Friday shopping

UUֱ�� — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:40:52 +0000

Black Friday offers cut-rate deals, but low prices can come with a high environmental cost. If shoppers don’t make choices wisely, their purchases could end up in the landfill.

Desautels ranked among world’s top 40 most sustainable MBAs by Corporate Knights

UUֱ�� — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:19:40 +0000

The Desautels Faculty of Management ranked among the 40 most sustainable MBAs in the world in 2022. The Better World ranking is conducted by Corporate Knights and considers criteria like sustainability research output and classroom teaching. Desautels made the cut in part because of its strengths in sustainability-related research intensity and the diversity of its faculty.

Learn more about the most sustainable MBAs

Delve: Scale Deep Not Up for Sustainable Local Entrepreneurship, with Anna Kim and Suntae Kim

UUֱ�� — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 22:05:28 +0000

How would definitions of business growth and success change if entrepreneurship ventures decided that instead of scaling up, they would “scale deep”? While scaling up allows an organization to pursue fast expansion with goals of going national or global, scaling deep lets an organization pursue enduring growth and sustainability anchored to its original location.

Official launch of the Laidley Centre for Business Ethics

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 20:24:33 +0000

On November 14, the Laidley Centre for Business Ethics hosted students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni and friends of UUֱ�� Desautels for the official launch of the Centre.

The Laidley Centre for Business Ethics will serve as a hub for UUֱ�� researchers across disciplines, from law and religion to economics and engineering, to work toward solutions for the most pressing ethical issues of our time.

Business leaders now operate at the intersection of business operations and global trends

UUֱ�� — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 21:11:37 +0000

Politics has pervaded the world of business, writes Prof. Karl Moore in Forbes.com. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are both changing corporate practices.

Business leaders still need to have a strategic vision, but they also need to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and vulnerability on behalf of their company – all qualities that have historically been concealed to entrench a leader’s authority.

RBC faces Competition Bureau inquiry for greenwashing

UUֱ�� — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 19:57:42 +0000

RBC has positioned itself as a champion of clean economic growth – but has continued to finance fossil fuel industry, according to a complaint filed with Canada’s Competition Bureau. The Bureau has opened an inquiry into greenwashing at Canada’s largest bank, but that’s only the first step according to Dror Etzion, Associate Professor of Strategy and Organization at Desautels.

Hazelview is investing in sustainability education through new scholarship and bursary program

UUֱ�� — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 14:28:09 +0000

Rio Tinto Aluminium hopes new smelting process can reduce emissions from smelting process

UUֱ�� — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 17:52:40 +0000

To generate and store low-carbon energy, we will need large quantities of minerals and metals. Aluminum is among the most important. Its production accounts for 2% of human-produced emissions, and demand for the lightweight metal is predicted to increase. New technologies could help, said Ivan Vella, the Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Aluminium in a Forbes.com article written by Prof. Karl Moore.

GM plans to use dealerships to upgrade charging infrastructure, accelerate EV adoption

UUֱ�� — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 17:49:43 +0000

GM plans to eliminate all tailpipe emissions from light-duty vehicles by 2035 – but right now, we don’t have the electrical grid we need to power all the electric vehicles (EVs) that we would need to replace the existing petroleum-powered ones. That’s a big barrier to EV adoption, especially in rural and remote areas. But GM has a plan to overcome this. “We are going to use our dealerships, which are already well-dispersed and distributed, to help us place those chargers and install them within their communities,” said GM Canada President Marissa West for an article by Prof.

Interpersonal skills are key to managing staff during times of crisis

UUֱ�� — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 17:28:32 +0000

Even the darkest cloud has a silver lining – but there is a time and a place to mention it. When employees are struggling through a crisis, putting a positive spin on the situation can make them feel as though their concerns aren’t being taken seriously, according to Patricia Faison Hewlin, an Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Desautels. Instead, managers should seek to maintain open lines of communication, demonstrate empathy and know how to seek additional resources when they are needed.

Clothing recycling programs do little to address fast fashion’s environmental impact

UUֱ�� — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 19:09:51 +0000

Speed and variety. These are the pillars of the fast fashion model. Retailers like H&M and Zara seek to bring style to the masses by emulating the trends of Paris and Milan, but their model of disposable clothing comes with a high environmental cost. With this business model in place, it simply is not possible for these businesses to be sustainable, said Prof.

Delve: Managing Ourselves Out of Climate Change

UUֱ�� — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 20:13:58 +0000

As heatwaves increase around the world and weather patterns become even more unpredictable, top researchers at UUֱ��’s Desautels Faculty of Management are finding novel solutions to the climate crisis—solutions that link multiple industries, regulatory bodies, leaders, entrepreneurs, workers, and consumers. Because the only way forward is together.

New SEC reporting requirements will be a challenge for companies without strong CSR strategies

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 20:05:28 +0000

With the specter of climate change looming large, the Securities and Exchange Commission has moved to standardize environmental and social governance reporting.

Many companies aren’t prepared for it. “This is coming fast and companies that have not really started on their corporate social responsibility journey need to get organized,” said Hélène V. Gagnon (LLB’93), the chief sustainability officer for CAE, a provider of flight training and simulation solutions.

Luxembourg is investing in innovation to power its future

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 19:58:14 +0000

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world. At 2,586km², it’s less than half the size of Prince Edward Island.

Kalina Newmark brings an Indigenous lens to management in a Fortune 500 company

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 19:55:18 +0000

As a brand manager for Starbucks’ Instant packaged coffee business, Kalina Newmark seeks to make each team member feel that their contribution is valued at the same level. It’s just one of the ways that Newmark seeks to incorporate Indigenous teachings into her work. For Newmark, who is Shúhtagot’ı̨nę and Métis from the Tulita Dene First Nation, the idea of valuing each person’s contribution at the same level is really important, writes Prof. Karl Moore in The Globe and Mail.

BCom graduate recognized by PRME as Global Students Regional Leader in North America

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 19:47:43 +0000

Congratulations to Alice Félix da Silva (BCom’22) on being recognized by Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), the United Nations' largest initiative to advance responsible management education in the world, for her outstanding contributions while representing UUֱ�� Desautels as the 2021/22 PRME Global Students (PGS) Regional Leader in North America!

Management Masters Office achieves Gold-Level Sustainable Workplace Certification

UUֱ�� — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 18:09:44 +0000

Improvements in sustainability are often motivated by a desire to reduce environmental impact, but for the UUֱ�� Management Masters Office, friendly competition plays a role too. In 2021, Sustainable Workplace Ambassador Wesley McCoy challenged a colleague to see who could reach Bronze-level Sustainable Workplace Certification first. The Management Masters Office achieved that goal, and then some. It was recently certified at the gold level, and the effort has had a profound impact on work habits in the office, according to Lauren Houghton, also an Ambassador.

Spotlight on EMBA Scholarship for Managers of Indigenous Origin recipients

UUֱ�� — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 18:15:03 +0000

Kimberly Quinn (BA’99, BA’01, EMBA’21) was on the lookout for new opportunities to learn when she came across the UUֱ��-HEC Montréal Executive program, which stood out for its bilingual structure and its Scholarship for Managers of Indigenous Origin.

For Robert Auclair (EMBA’22), another of the scholarship’s recipients, the EMBA was the perfect way to uphold his family legacy by following in his mother’s footsteps, all while fulfilling a personal goal.

Scarf Ceremony marks end of Spring Convocation season

UUֱ�� — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:53:42 +0000

As Spring Convocation season draws to a close, a Scarf Ceremony celebrating graduating Indigenous students was held on Monday, June 20th, during which 110 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students were honoured for completing their certificates and programs across UUֱ��'s Schools and Faculties, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

impact200 finalists pitch their start-ups on NYC networking tour

UUֱ�� — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 15:56:24 +0000

UUֱ��’s impact200 asked students to develop innovative solutions to address society’s most pressing challenges.

UUֱ�� Desautels Masters Office attains Gold level of sustainability certification

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 19:17:34 +0000

After receiving a Silver certification under the UUֱ�� Sustainable Workplace Certification program, the UUֱ�� Desautels Masters Office has taken it to the next level, earning its Gold certification. The Sustainable Workplace Certification program challenges the UUֱ�� community to foster healthier, environmentally friendly, connected workplaces through individual and collective practices. Congratulations to our Masters team for this stellar achievement; next up, Platinum!

Taxing waste could help make fashion more sustainable

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 16:30:46 +0000

Reducing waste can help lower the environmental impact of any business, and Javad Nasiry believes that policy can help achieve this. The fashion industry is a major source of carbon emissions, and fast fashion retailers have made it worse with low-quality apparel designed to be worn only a few times.

CEO Éric Lachance is guiding Énergir toward a greener future

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 16:08:57 +0000

The future of energy needs to be flexible, according to Éric Lachance (BCom’96), the CEO of Énergir. The company is seeking to replace natural gas with renewable energy generated by hydro, solar and wind. But the alternatives need to fit the situation. Quebec’s short winter days could make wind a better option than solar, says Lachance.

Government of Canada Deputy Minister encourages employees to seek practical ways to encourage reconciliation

UUֱ�� — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 20:28:11 +0000

Talking about racism in the workplace can be uncomfortable, but that’s how you know that it is working, according to Gina Wilson, the Deputy Minister, Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and Senior Associate Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage. Wilson encourages managers and employees to talk about practical things that encourage reconciliation.

Desautels alumnus is accelerating accessibility at Procter & Gamble

UUֱ�� — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 20:46:13 +0000

Thibault Trancart (BCom'15), Desautels Faculty of Management's first blind graduate, is helping make one of the world’s biggest consumer goods companies more accessible. Trancart is a Manager in Responsible Beauty for Europe Hair Care at Procter & Gamble, and has become one of its Accessibility Champions. “Originally, I didn’t want to be the blind guy working on accessibility,” he says. But Trancart, intrigued by the practicality of the work, now addresses the challenges he personally faces. “I’m 80-90% on accessibility and can’t see myself doing anything else.”

Sustainable materials could help solve the fashion industry’s emissions problem

UUֱ�� — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 20:41:30 +0000

The fashion industry is responsible for about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and most originate with the raw materials used in clothing -- like leather, cotton, and synthetic fibres. Evoco is working to reduce fashion’s emissions. Led by James Robinson, the Toronto-headquartered company provides sustainable materials to leading footwear producers like Kodiak and Timberland. The company claims to have saved 948,900 kg of carbon emissions, and in an interview with Prof.

UUֱ�� launches the Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI)

UUֱ�� — Fri, 27 May 2022 16:49:51 +0000

UUֱ�� is proud to announce the launch of the Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI), a new hub anchored at the Desautels Faculty of Management dedicated to providing businesses with actionable solutions for building a more sustainable economy. Through research-to-action projects, engagement workshops, global student competitions, thought leadership and education, this innovative cross-faculty venture will address some of the key challenges businesses face every day.

Economics graduate Teresa Tolo selected as valedictorian for Black Grad 2022

UUֱ�� — Wed, 18 May 2022 19:51:39 +0000

As Teresa Tolo addressed Black Grad 2022 as valedictorian, she was overcome with emotion. The 4th annual edition of the event brought together a cohort of students who have excelled in a wide range of pursuits in academia and beyond. Tolo is graduating with a major in Economics and a double minor in International Development and Management, and credits the UUֱ�� experience and the city of Montreal with providing the space to become comfortable expressing her own convictions and unique personality.

Canada’s largest pension plans are driving green development through real estate investments

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 May 2022 15:59:05 +0000

The skyscrapers of Toronto’s financial district house Canada’s largest banks, and some of its most successful companies. The buildings themselves are largely owned by Canada’s largest pension funds, which have directly developed real estate across major Canadian cities. This approach has generated high returns for the funds over the past two decades, but it has also allowed the pension funds to be leaders in the implementation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Prof.

Dean Chan addresses 2022 graduates at 4th annual Black Grad

UUֱ�� — Fri, 06 May 2022 19:08:41 +0000

Black members of UUֱ��’s Class of 2022 celebrated the completion of their degrees in-person at the fourth annual Black Grad event on Sunday, May 1 at the Omni Mont-Royal. The event, inspired by similar ones at Harvard, Yale and the University of Toronto, honours graduating students ahead of next month’s Convocation – and highlights their accomplishments despite the institutional, economic and socio-cultural barriers to accessing higher education.

Delve podcast: New Normal: How Fast Fashion Can Slow Down and Go Green, with Javad Nasiry

UUֱ�� — Thu, 05 May 2022 14:50:21 +0000

Fast fashion is a rapidly expanding subsection of an already environmentally problematic industry. What does a truly sustainable fashion industry model look like—and will customers buy it?

PIVOT platform shares small businesses climate action stories to inform and inspire

UUֱ�� — Mon, 02 May 2022 18:46:25 +0000

Small and medium-sized enterprises play a huge role in Canada’s economy but lag behind large corporations in addressing climate change. Prof. Dror Etzion wants to change that. The Associate Professor of Strategy and Organization co-founded PIVOT, a peer-to-peer social community that works with the National Film Board of Canada to showcase how entrepreneurs in different sectors are taking action.

Desautels MBA alumna is helping corporate issuers and institutional investors on climate action

UUֱ�� — Mon, 02 May 2022 17:04:39 +0000

Involved in community service since as early as high school, Mariel Langlois (MBA’20) worked in advertising and media for years before enroling in the Desautels’ MBA program to pivot her career as she developed a growing interest in sustainability and social impact.

Now, as an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Consultant at Millani, Mariel advises both corporate issuers and institutional investors on integrating ESG into their strategies.

Desautels alumna advocates for low carbon energy in Washington, DC

UUֱ�� — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:44:38 +0000

Abigail Hunter (BCom’16) wants to usher in the clean energy revolution. She represents the Government of Quebec as an attachée in Washington, DC, where she works to help lawmakers understand the benefits of working with Québec – like how its hydroelectricity and energy storage can supplement less predictable solar and wind energy generation. While at Desautels, Hunter learned about impact investing, social enterprise and advancing ethical, social and governance standards. She credits this education with helping her choose a career path.

Urban planner brings Indigenous worldview to architecture and developments

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 22:23:39 +0000

Regardless of who owns the land, we have a shared responsibility toward it. At Montreal’s Sid Lee Architecture, Pascal Harvey is bringing an Indigenous lens to urban planning, and believes this worldview can be reconciled with real estate development by treating land occupation with collective responsibility–even when land is privately owned. The Innu sociologist, urban planner and entrepreneur shared insights about how Indigenous world views can inform urban planning with Prof. Karl Moore.

To get inclusion right, companies need to ask what they’re doing wrong

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 22:11:12 +0000

Inclusion isn't a warm and fuzzy feeling of belonging. Inclusion means being an integral part of an organization, and having the resources to get the job done, said Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour Patricia Faison Hewlin in Business Insider. In order to achieve it, organizations need to listen.

Delve: Why Organizations Need Authentic People and Inclusive Policies, with Patricia Hewlin

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:50:07 +0000

The complex issue of authenticity at work isn’t only about people within an organization—it’s connected to the organization’s own integrity, including policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion. The value of authenticity for employees, customers and clients, and management is linked to a diversity of people and innovative ideas suited to today’s world.

Dean Yolande E. Chan in conversation with Isabelle Massé

UUֱ�� — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:21:35 +0000

Serving as the head of a major business school, there are a lot of moving parts and things to consider. Desautels Dean Yolande E. Chan joins Isabelle Massé of La Presse to discuss what led her to Montreal, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace, how business schools play a role in preparing students to adapt to an ever-changing world, and the importance of entrepreneurship in business education curricula.

Delve: Using International Supply Chains For Peace in Times of War with Juan Camilo Serpa

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 20:35:00 +0000

Risk is a fact of life in business—it’s also an ever-present reality in times of war. Wars and armed conflicts embroil 60% of the developing world, and now Ukraine and Russia, posing a constant threat to commodity production, the flow of international supply chains, and the economic lifeblood of these nations.

UUֱ�� Desautels Master’s Office receives new level of sustainability certification

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 20:31:01 +0000

After receiving a bronze certification under the UUֱ�� Sustainable Workplace Certification program, the UUֱ�� Desautels Master’s Office has taken it to the next level, earning its silver certification. The Sustainable Workplace Certification program challenges the UUֱ�� community to foster healthier, environmentally friendly, connected workplaces through individual and collective practices. Congratulations to our Master’s team for this stellar achievement; keep up the good work!

Adjusting leadership strategy to even the playing field

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 20:23:15 +0000

Women still face barriers in attaining leadership roles, and rethinking leadership is one part of solving this problem, writes Marine Thomas. For that, the Editor-in-Chief of Les Affaires looks to the ideas of Desautels Prof. Henry Mintzberg. By dispersing leadership throughout an organization, companies can create a flexible and inclusive workplace that is more conducive to the advancement of women’s careers.

The truth behind divestment at public and private firms

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 20:09:19 +0000

The transition to a clean energy economy is only beginning, but its reverberations are already being felt in global markets. Institutional investors like the Caisse de dépot et placement du Quebec are divesting from fossil fuel companies, and divestment strategies are one factor in the drop in the share prices of fossil fuel companies, according to Sebastien Betermier, Associate Professor of Finance at Desautels.

Authenticity and allyship in the business world

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 20:03:29 +0000

Black leaders carry extra burden. Organizations often expect them to take on advocacy roles in equity, diversity and inclusion, but that should be everyone’s responsibility, argued panelists at the Desautels Faculty of Management’s Black History Month virtual event. Moderated by Lysie Salomon (BCom’17), the panel considered authenticity, leadership, and allyship in the workplace. It featured Dr.

Desautels MBA shapes new generation of business leaders

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:48:35 +0000

Students enrolled in the UUֱ�� Desautels Master of Business Administration program weigh in on what aspects of the program have provided the most value. Ebuka Obiakor (MBA’21) and Husham Hajhamid credit the program’s small class sizes, diverse cohort, and experiential learning opportunities for shaping them into professionals who are equipped to lead in a changing business environment.

Healing and reconciliation in healthcare

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:39:12 +0000

In a conversation with Professor Karl Moore and Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer, Jennifer Robinson provides insight on how communities can promote Indigenous leadership in public healthcare. As a resident physician at UUֱ�� Health Centre, Robinson plays a central role in breaking down systemic barriers and helping Indigenous peoples heal from historical traumas within the Canadian health system.

Three tips for going green

UUֱ�� — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 18:48:15 +0000

On a recent segment of CTV News Montreal, Professor Sebastien Betermier shared three key takeaways from the 5th annual UUֱ�� International Portfolio Competition, an event designed to help guide corporate and political leaders toward a greener economy. First, managers should create clear milestones, he says. Second, they must integrate change across industries. Finally, they should develop proactive stakeholder policies.

How to tackle EDI issues in any setting

UUֱ�� — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 19:06:26 +0000

Many organizations say that equity, diversity and inclusion is a priority, but in order to actually achieve equitable outcomes, organizations need to make a real commitment. As part of the MBA lecture series, Prof. Patricia Faison Hewlin and former Faculty Lecturer Jay Hewlin shared some of the common shortcomings they’ve encountered in their research in this space – as well as strategies that organizations can use to make more meaningful change.

Inspiring value-driven innovation among Indigenous leaders

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 16:38:39 +0000

In a conversation with Professor Karl Moore and Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer, Jeff Ward provides insights on how technology can be leveraged to help Indigenous leaders thrive. As the founder of Animikii, a company that creates digital solutions for Indigenous organizations, Ward believes innovation should be driven by love and sustainability, two key Indigenous values.

Preparing young leaders for climate action

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 16:30:26 +0000

The Holme Grange School (U.K.) recently became the first school in the world to earn the eduCCate Global Gold Award in recognition of its efforts to equip students with tools to fight climate change. Inspired by Desautels Professor Henry Mintzberg’s book, Rebalancing Society, the school developed a 15-week sustainability program for Year 9 students called “Radical Renewal.” To commemorate the launch, Professor Mintzberg spoke with students on the importance of collective action.

MMR Retail Leaders series features John Gerhardt

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 19:07:36 +0000

John Gerhardt, Creative Director at Moët Hennessy (LVMH), recently spoke with Master of Management in Retailing (MMR) students about brand identity, sustainability, creativity, and his career trajectory. For Gerhardt, creativity is a vital business skill that ensures differentiation, and he feels risk-taking is crucial to being successful.

Desautels Masters Office earns certificate of sustainability

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 15:57:59 +0000

Four UUֱ�� offices, including the Desautels Faculty of Management Masters Office, have committed to advancing sustainability in concrete ways through the Sustainable Workplace Certification program. In the year ahead, the Masters Office will strive to reduce its ecological footprint with the goal of moving from bronze-level certification to gold and platinum.

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BCom student leads charge toward sustainable business

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 15:27:34 +0000

As a current BCom student majoring in Managing for Sustainability, Maxime Lakat embodies Desautels’ commitment to integrate sustainability into all facets of business. In only a short time at UUֱ��, Lakat has already rallied students around the cause through founding the Desautels Sustainability Network (DSN) and the Canadian Business Youth Council for Sustainable Development.

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Delve podcast: New Normal: Ideal Workers, Gender Equality, and COVID-19 with Alyson Gounden Rock

UUֱ�� — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:33:36 +0000

What do “ideal workers” look like today? New research explores the history of gender differences in work and points to a more equal—and genuinely ideal—future of work for all.

In conversation with Lisa Cohen, Director of EDI

UUֱ�� — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 19:19:58 +0000

The Faculty's first ever Director of EDI, Lisa Cohen, joined the UUֱ�� Reporter to reflect on the past year and a half of her mandate. She discusses the progress that has been made so far, but admits there is still a long way to go. A major step towards that is the Faculty's new EDI Strategic Plan, which launched earlier this year.

Making space for healing

UUֱ�� — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 22:02:48 +0000

In a conversation with Professor Karl Moore and Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer, Chellie Spiller offers insights into how society can better empower Indigenous youth. Currently a professor of leadership and management at the University of Waikato Management School in New Zealand, Spiller affirms the need for Indigenous youth to study their identity in more depth and for non-Indigenous people to prioritize genuine, not performative learning about Indigenous cultures.

Putting ESG front and center

UUֱ�� — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 22:10:35 +0000

Meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards continues to weigh heavily on the agenda for Canadian companies across industries. As Desautels strives to prepare students to meet evolving demands, Professor Sebastien Betermier highlights the importance of integrating ESG considerations into coursework--but not at the expense of fundamental concepts.

PIVOT Project Celebrates Heroes of Sustainable Business

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 20:05:31 +0000

In a new episode of “Canada’s Podcast,” Professor Dror Etzion describes the PIVOT Project’s ongoing efforts to shine a spotlight on Canadian SMEs that are leading the charge toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

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Pushing back against fast fashion

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 19:39:23 +0000

The past five years have seen a rise in privately owned apparel resale companies, bucking previous trends toward fast fashion. Between ongoing clothing supply shortages and growing concern about sustainability, younger Millennials and Gen Zers are turning to curated vintage retailers to stock their wardrobes, explains Anwar White, Program Director of the Master of Management in Retailing.

UUֱ�� professor at the forefront of environmental change

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 19:36:59 +0000

Since its publication in 2014, Professor Henry Mintzberg’s book, Rebalancing Society, has been heralded as a handbook for environment and social sustainability by the United Nations and hundreds of universities and organizations across the globe. Recently, principles included in Rebalancing Society were integrated into the Sulitest (Sustainability Literacy Test), a tool promoted by several branches of the United Nations.

A call to revamp disaster response

UUֱ�� — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 22:49:56 +0000

As the CEO and President of Canadian Red Cross, Conrad Sauve (IMHL’14) has a front-row seat to how climate change continues to wreak havoc through massive floods and extreme droughts. In a new episode of “The Current” podcast, Sauve advocates for a greater emphasis on disaster recovery in addition to emergency responses. From his perspective, a robust disaster response should include ongoing financial and social support for people who are rebuilding their lives, not just short-term supports.

Building sustainable brands

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 17:51:55 +0000

In an upcoming Retail Leaders Talk, Liza Amlani will speak with Master of Management in Retailing (MMR) students about her vision for helping retail brands build more equitable and sustainable strategies.

As the founder of Retail Strategy Group, a consulting firm that helps retailers build more effective organizations, Amlani believes data and technology can be leveraged to create climate-conscious and consumer-facing solutions to a vast array of industry problems, from sourcing materials to selling a final product.

A renewed call to unite against climate change

UUֱ�� — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:26:14 +0000

In response to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this month, Professor Dror Etzion and his colleagues call for accelerated global action against the ongoing impact of climate change. International collaboration is key to the success of initiatives geared toward cutting down on carbon emissions, they say. They also emphasize the need to invite more diverse, non-governmental voices to the table.

Delve podcast: New Normal: Climate Change and the Supply Chain with Sanjith Gopalakrishnan

UUֱ�� — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 22:17:25 +0000

Carbon emissions from a typical company’s supply chain are on average 5.5 times that of direct emissions, including from facilities and company vehicles. In certain sectors such as retail and food & beverage, that ratio goes up to 10 or 20 times. Reducing the environmental impact of supply chain emissions depends on both public pressure and government regulation.

China widens gender and sexuality gap in media

UUֱ�� — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:44:29 +0000

Earlier this fall, the Chinese government banned coverage of feminine-presenting men from TV shows and other broadcasted programming. The news provokes new fears and questions surrounding gender, culture, and art among Chinese communities, says Professor Elena Obukhova. Despite the crackdown, the lines between how the government views feminine and masculine traits remain blurry and undefined, especially in the entertainment industry.

UUֱ�� students spearhead hybrid MIPC

UUֱ�� — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:51:42 +0000

A dedicated group of UUֱ�� students successfully planned the first hybrid iteration of the annual UUֱ�� International Portfolio Challenge.

This year, UUֱ�� invited 114 teams from 26 countries to tackle the challenge of designing sustainable retirement system plans in light of Dutch pension reforms.

New school launched by EMBA grads

UUֱ�� — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 17:41:27 +0000

A new school for First Nations leaders was launched on Nov. 25, ahead of the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec, which took place this past Nov. 25 and 26. Initiated by First Nations, this new school is propelled by Executive Education HÉC Montréal and will welcome its first cohort starting December 9, 2021.

Delve: Why Ultra-Low Yields Don’t Mean the End of Sustainable Pension Funds

UUֱ�� — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 14:30:10 +0000

Retirement systems around the world, from public pension plans to private funds, are weathering a storm of ultra-low bond yields that threaten not only adequate returns for pensioners but the sustainability of the systems themselves. Designing retirement systems that are resilient to low yields requires balancing risk with resilience and innovative approaches.

Students on the frontlines of climate change

UUֱ�� — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:45:15 +0000

Maxime Lakat (BCom’21) is the executive director of the Canadian Business Youth Council for Sustainable Development. Together with peers from UUֱ�� and other universities, Lakat is spearheading a campaign for Canadian business schools to increase student representation on governance boards and actively integrate sustainability and climate change into their course curricula.

Reimagining sustainable production

UUֱ�� — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:43:11 +0000

Jaquelynn Mateluna (MBA'21) is leveraging her background in biology, plant sciences, and business to help her clients develop environmentally, financially, and socially sustainable production practices in the food, agriculture and energy industries. As she builds her career as a strategy consultant at EY Parthenon, she expresses gratitude for the ongoing support she receives from her professors and former classmates at the Desautels Faculty of Management.

Delve podcast: Closing the Inventor Gender Gap with John-Paul Ferguson, Lucy Gilbert, and Negin Ashouri

UUֱ�� — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 21:27:04 +0000

Social inequalities are responsible for the loss of millions of ideas and inventions over hundreds of years. This loss over time is measurable today in a decline in innovation, slowing economic growth, and repercussions on all sectors, from technology to health care. The gender gap among inventors affects what gets invented—and consequently who benefits from innovation.

Management Undergraduate Society Equity Survey

UUֱ�� — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 18:26:43 +0000

The UUֱ�� Management Undergraduate Society Council has commissioned the MUS Equity Survey to gauge the sentiments of MUS members related to diversity, inclusion, and discrimination so that the Society may engage in action to make itself more inclusive for all its members. Voice your opinions!

Undergrads - take the survey >

The gift of service

UUֱ�� — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:10:44 +0000

Soon after the earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010, Laura Parny Germain (BEng’15, MBA’21) moved from Port-au-Prince to Montreal with a deep resolve to use her education for the benefit of others. With engineering and MBA degrees from UUֱ�� under her belt, she looks forward to working toward socially and environmentally sustainable solutions to the challenges her hometown faces.

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Cleaner energy for a cleaner world

UUֱ�� — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:49:26 +0000

Professor Karl Moore sits down with Éric Lachance to discuss how companies around the world can improve environmental sustainability. As the CEO of Énergir, a top natural gas distributor in Quebec, Lachance says it is imperative for companies to draw from multiple renewable energy sources rather than monopolizing fossil fuels. To generate a smaller carbon footprint on the production side of energy use, Énergir is currently focused on developing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Delve podcast: New Normal: The Pivot to Climate Sustainability for SMEs with Dror Etzion

UUֱ�� — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 20:31:39 +0000

Small and medium-sized enterprises account for as much environmental impact as the entire Canadian transportation industry—yet solving their climate impact requires a unique approach. In the "New Normal" Delve podcast series, Desautels Professor Dror Etzion discusses the role of SMEs in the global fight for climate sustainability. Etzion illustrates the power of a “peer-to-peer inspiration model of change” and how the UUֱ��-founded PIVOT project is encouraging SMEs to take action.

Empowering Indigenous women leaders

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:53:46 +0000

Professor Karl Moore sits down with Bobbie Racette to hear about how her Indigenous values inform her work as an entrepreneur. As the founder of Virtual Gurus, an online platform that helps connect businesses with freelance creators, consultants, and other collaborators, Racette plays an active role in breaking down stereotypes about Indigenous women and inspiring new generations to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity.

“Sorry” limits success for women in the workplace

UUֱ�� — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 22:12:04 +0000

Excessive apologizing at work may hinder a woman’s ability to succeed professionally, according to Professor Patricia Hewlin. The habit of saying sorry, even when an apology is unwarranted, stems from societal beliefs about what it means to be feminine in the workplace and contributes to higher stress levels and feelings of inauthenticity. Professor Hewlin and her colleagues urge companies to examine how they can better empower women, rather than only asking women to change the way they operate.

Adopting a holistic approach to environmental change

UUֱ�� — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 22:09:12 +0000

Professor Karl Moore sits down with Joachim Rosenberg, the president of Volvo Energy and a champion for climate change, to discuss the resounding global call to cut down on carbon emissions.

Rosenberg underscores the need for corporations to consider both the values and the practices behind long-term environmental goals.

From product creation to product use, creating sustainable solutions is key to protecting our planet and its inhabitants for generations to come.

Bridging the racial attention deficit

UUֱ�� — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:46:05 +0000

A new study out of Columbia University reveals that white American professionals pay significantly less attention to the work and words of their Black colleagues than to those of their white colleagues. According to Professor Karl Moore, occasionally amplifying Black voices or developing diversity training programs is not enough to eliminate this attention bias. To bring about lasting relational transformation, organizations must actively foster dialogue and listening among their employees.

Creating a greener UUֱ��

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 20:32:47 +0000

Professor Dror Etzion is passionately committed to leveraging his expertise in sustainability to help reduce UUֱ��’s carbon footprint. As the leader of the Divest UUֱ�� movement, he advocates for UUֱ�� to join institutions like Harvard in withdrawing investments from oil and gas companies.

Until significant progress is made, he will continue to sound the alarm about the dangers of maintaining linkages between Canadian universities and companies that perpetuate climate change.

EMBA alumnus appointed chancellor of the Université de Montréal

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 20:20:49 +0000

Congratulations to Frantz Saintellemy (EMBA’20) on his appointment to the role of chancellor at the Université de Montréal. A driven entrepreneur with a long track record of success, Saintellemy serves as president and chief operating officer for LeddarTech Inc., an artificial intelligence company on the forefront of developing assisted driving technology. He is also the founder of Groupe 3737, a centre that promotes diversity in innovation and entrepreneurship.

UUֱ�� joins national call to honour Indigenous peoples

UUֱ�� — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 19:28:31 +0000

In observation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, UUֱ�� hosted a full day of in-depth discussions, workshops, and performances, including a virtual storytelling session facilitated by the Desautels Faculty of Management. Each event was designed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples throughout Quebec. The new federal holiday honours the lives of Indigenous children who suffered abuse and lost their lives under the Indian Residential School System.

Building belonging on Broadway

UUֱ�� — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 00:07:22 +0000

Professor Patricia Faison Hewlin and her husband, CEO of The Hewlin Group, Jay Hewlin, are working to carve out diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces for success on Broadway. As they partner with hit Broadway shows, including Hamilton and Moulin Rouge!, they advocate for initiatives that go beyond diversity statements, pushing for a balance between policy change and personal development.

Spotlighting Inuit leaders

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 13:58:01 +0000

Professor Karl Moore sits down with Kilikvak Kabloona to hear about how her Inuit identity informs her role as a business and community leader. As the CEO of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., she plays a key role in helping First Nations navigate the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.

QS ranks UUֱ�� MMF among top 5 programs in North America

UUֱ�� — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:00:53 +0000

The UUֱ�� Master of Management in Finance (MMF) has been named the number two program in Canada and is one of the top-5 programs in North America, according to the 2022 QS Business Masters in Finance Ranking.

QS ranks UUֱ�� MMA best in Canada for second year

UUֱ�� — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:57:23 +0000

The UUֱ�� Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) has been named the top program in Canada for a second year in a row, and is among the five best programs in North America according to the 2022 QS Business Masters in Business Analytics Ranking.

Going green in the concrete jungle

UUֱ�� — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:19:05 +0000

Professor Sebastien Betermier and his co-researchers published a paper on financial and environmental solutions for sustainable urban development. Canadian pension funds are doing something right, and they outline strategies for other funds and investors to follow suit.

Learn more

Desautels alumnus makes list of “Best and Brightest EMBAs”

UUֱ�� — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 14:42:27 +0000

Congratulations to Ian Picard (EMBA’21) for being named to Poets & Quants’ 2021 “Best and Brightest EMBAs” list. A prominent member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, Picard serves as Deputy Manager of Development and Asset Management for RBA Financial Group, an organization dedicated to providing financial planning assistance and pension funds to First Nations communities across Canada.

New study calls for greater female representation in innovation

UUֱ�� — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:00:12 +0000

In a new study published in Science, Professor John-Paul Ferguson underscores the necessity of identifying and supporting woman-owned patents and innovations, particularly in the biomedical and personal healthcare spheres. Female representation in innovation is crucial to progress in women’s health, Professor Ferguson says, especially because most male inventors focus on male-specific health or otherwise neglect to account for female health patterns when creating new treatments and products.

Canada emerges as a leader in green bonds

UUֱ�� — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 18:05:41 +0000

Canadian retirement pensions are shaping up to be global leaders in issuing green bonds, or funds designated for environmental initiatives. Professor Sebastien Betermier views Canada’s commitment to sustainability as an advantage over other countries in growing both pensions and sustainability projects in the long term. Despite issuing debt, pensions will see increased returns as Canada moves to decrease emissions and create other green solutions to technology, transportation, and real estate.

Graduate spotlight: Kelly Gonzalez, MBA ’21

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 13:07:54 +0000

Poets&Quants recently featured Kelly Gonzalez (MBA’21) on its “2021 MBAs to Watch” list. In one of the highlights of her Desautels tenure, Gonzalez served as the president of Marketing Club. In this capacity, she teamed up with the Desautels Graduate LBGTQ+ Association to launch the first edition of the Desautels Business Challenge, a case competition focused on improving equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Gonzalez will soon take on a new challenge in the Customer and Marketing unit of Deloitte’s Vancouver office.

“Communicating Effectively” seminar makes list of 10 Executive Courses in Leadership Communication

UUֱ�� — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 18:53:16 +0000

The UUֱ�� Executive Institute’s seminar “Communicating Effectively” has made a top 10 list of executive courses in leadership communication. The four-week online course equips participants with the skills they need to foster productivity in the workplace, from navigating difficult conversations to developing strategies to cultivate diversity and inclusion.

Going the distance

UUֱ�� — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 18:40:42 +0000

Dan Park, BCom’03, is redefining the used car sales industry with his start-up, Clutch Canada, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling cars without the hassle and uncertainty usually associated with the process. Clutch Canada gives customers the option to shop for a car from the comfort of home and have it delivered directly to their driveway.

Underscoring verbal connection

UUֱ�� — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 17:36:01 +0000

Eric Saine, Executive Director of the UUֱ�� Executive Institute, reflects on the importance of practicing communication skills in classrooms and professional settings.

By offering seminars on healthy leadership communication, institutions like UUֱ�� set a table for dialogue surrounding social and emotional learning; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and conflict resolution.

Blazing a trail for reconciliation

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 14:55:01 +0000

Professor Karl Moore joins Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer in a conversation with Jolain Foster to learn about how her identity as a Gitxsan informs her career in accounting at Deloitte. Foster is committed to building bridges between peoples from different cultures in every aspect of her work, something she sees as the cornerstone for creating more efficient and successful corporations.

Taiga solidifies head start in race to produce off-road electric vehicles

UUֱ�� — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 15:15:54 +0000

Taiga Motors Corporation, formerly Canaccord Genuity Growth II Corp., recently announced completion of the Qualifying Transaction, solidifying its status as a leading publicly-traded manufacturer of off-road electric vehicles.

In 2016, Taiga Motors won first place in the Innovation Driven Enterprise category of the UUֱ�� Dobson Cup.

Toward a greener future for SMEs

UUֱ�� — Thu, 13 May 2021 14:55:03 +0000

Professor Dror Etzion joins CanadianSME Business Magazine’s Small Business Podcast to share about the PIVOT project, a new online platform that showcases steps taken by Canadian SMEs to advance sustainability. SMEs make up more than 90% of the total private labour force, making their business practices vital to Canada’s environmental and economic future.

Leading the field in food production sustainability

UUֱ�� — Thu, 13 May 2021 14:37:34 +0000

Jaquelynn Mateluna (MBA’21) is featured in Poets and Quants’ 2021 ‘Best and Brightest’ list for her commitment to advancing sustainability in local food production. As Chief of Staff for Lufa Farms, an urban farm-to-table e-commerce platform based in Montreal, the British Columbia native has played an instrumental role in supplying fresh, responsibly-sourced food to more than 20,000 families during the pandemic.

New online platform tells stories of sustainable business in Canada

UUֱ�� — Thu, 13 May 2021 14:28:15 +0000

Led by Professor Dror Etzion, a new online platform called PIVOT shines a spotlight on Canadian SMEs that are taking tangible steps to address the climate crisis in their day-to-day operations. In partnership with the National Film Board of Canada, Etzion and his fellow researchers at the UUֱ�� Sustainability Systems Initiative designed the platform to empower other members of the Canadian business community to make a change.

What indigenous communities can teach us about sustainability

UUֱ�� — Wed, 05 May 2021 20:19:11 +0000

Professor Karl Moore interviews Sean McCormick, a Métis from Manitoba, about his journey to founding Manitobah Mukluks, an Indigenous-owned and operated global footwear brand. McCormick touches on the unique challenges that Indigenous entrepreneurs face and the excellence they demonstrate in preserving finite resources.

Authentic leadership in indigenous communities

UUֱ�� — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:18:30 +0000

Professor Karl Moore joins Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer in interviewing leading indigenous scholars in business, science, and beyond to hear their stories and strategies for success. A central theme that emerges is the importance of developing an authentic leadership style that honours one’s history, culture, and beliefs.

Learn more

Canada’s fashion retailers are under pressure to go green

UUֱ�� — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:15:18 +0000

For Canada’s fashion retailers, reinvention is critical to success in a business landscape where consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of the fashion industry on global climate change and other forms of environmental degradation. Anwar White, Program Director for the Master of Management in Retailing program, shares his insights on the steps that brands should take to reduce their environmental footprint and appeal to a new generation of consumers.

Transforming air travel for people with disabilities

UUֱ�� — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:14:33 +0000

An idea that arose from a nightmarish flight experience for Sandra Gualtieri, founder of Gualtieri Inventions, has blossomed into an innovative new product for people living with disabilities. Informed by her own experience in living with cerebral palsy, Gualtieri designed a prototype for the Universal Seating Apparatus, a portable device that allows people with disabilities to sit comfortably upright on airplanes.

BCom students earn several podium finishes at Happening Marketing

UUֱ�� — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:16:35 +0000

Congratulations to the 33 Desautels BCom students who competed at 2021 Happening Marketing, the largest marketing games in Canada. The UUֱ�� delegation was led by Marie-Noëlle Carrier and Cédric Jutras from the Desautels Management Case Competition (DMCC). UUֱ�� finished with a total of five podiums at the virtual competition;

UUֱ�� students partner with disability rights activist to design comfortable airplane seat

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:57:23 +0000

Sandra Gualtieri, an entrepreneur and disability rights activist with cerebral palsy, enlisted the help of four UUֱ�� students to design a custom airplane seat that alleviates discomfort for people living with disabilities.

Constructed out of memory foam that is designed to rest on top of a traditional airplane seat, the Universal Seating Apparatus prototype won first place in the Social Impact Enterprise track of the 2021 UUֱ�� Dobson Cup Startup competition.

UUֱ�� partners with National Film Board on sustainability program

UUֱ�� — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:46:08 +0000

Professor Dror Etzion is one of the two minds behind a new online social platform that encourages Canada’s 1.1 million small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to act sustainably.

Together, UUֱ�� Sustainability Systems Initiative and the National Film Board of Canada will use the platform to air a series of digital stories that focus on addressing the climate crisis in daily business operations.

Program redesign gives MBA students greater flexibility

UUֱ�� — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:27:20 +0000

MBA & PMBA Academic Director John-Paul Ferguson highlights the benefits of the newly redesigned MBA program.

From providing more flexible program length options to promoting a holistic view of sustainable business throughout the curriculum, the program meets the needs of a broader range of students.

EMBA student creates community to promote women of colour in business

UUֱ�� — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:18:18 +0000

Entrepreneur Fabienne Colas (EMBA’21) recently created Women of Colour Thrive/Ellev Femmes de Couleur with a vision for cultivating diverse female talent in the workplace.

The organization will work in tandem with companies across Canada to identify and address opportunities to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Delve: Overcoming Bias in AI Technologies

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:12:38 +0000

A new study by Warut Khern-am-nuai, an assistant professor of information systems at UUֱ��, proposes a new approach to optimizing the way algorithms process data, without modifying the outcome. To eliminate discrimination in AI, algorithms should see race and gender, according to the study.

This article is brought to you by Delve, the official thought leadership publication of UUֱ��'s Desautels Faculty of Management.

Package-free stores aim to eliminate waste

UUֱ�� — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:21:06 +0000

A new wave of sustainability-focused retailers are embracing a package-free retail trend to minimize the environmental impact of shopping for groceries and everyday goods.

Professor Saibal Ray, the academic director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, applauds the innovative attempts to avoid packaging while pointing out the difficulty of implementation.

Desautels BCom students attain nine podiums at 2021 Jeux du Commerce

UUֱ�� — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 22:55:21 +0000

Congratulations to Desautels BCom students for their outstanding performance at this year’s Jeux du Commerce (JDC), the largest student case competition in Eastern Canada. For the first time, JDC took place fully online and brought together 700 participants from 11 universities.

The Desautels delegation of 57 BCom students was led by Guillaume Ouimet and Sonam Levasseur as part of Desautels Management Case Competitions (DMCC). UUֱ�� finished with a total of nine podiums including two first place wins.

Investors anticipate low-carbon economy

UUֱ�� — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 03:24:32 +0000

As the renewable energy sector grows in leaps and bounds; pension funds, banks, investment companies, and insurance companies are waking up to the risk of devaluation in fossil fuel investments.

Desautels team reaches semifinal round of impact200

UUֱ�� — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 22:13:07 +0000

A team of Desautels students and alumni has reached the semifinal round of impact200, UUֱ��’s Bicentennial Sustainability Challenge for students and recent alumni. The winning team, which includes analytics BCom students, Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) students, Desautels alumni, and a software engineer student, created a platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance food security in Montreal. They will join 29 other teams for the semifinal round of the competition on March 16-18, 2021.

BCom alumnus appointed Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for Nouveau Monde

UUֱ�� — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:21:14 +0000

David Torralbo (BCom’93) was recently appointed to the position of Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for Nouveau Monde Graphite, a Quebec-based sustainable energy company that provides graphite-based material solutions to the lithium-ion and fuel cell markets. Torralbo moves into his new role with substantial legal experience under his belt, having specialized in corporate and securities issues as the Chief Legal Officer of Atrium Innovations Inc. and a member of the corporate group at Davies, Ward, Phillips & Vineberg.

Women network harder for same outcomes

UUֱ�� — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 21:08:04 +0000

Most job seekers rely on networking to land the next position, but women candidates take extra steps to identify workplaces that are inclusive and supportive. In tandem with a professor from Dartmouth College, Professor Elena Obukhova released a study that focuses on the concept of “scouting” for a job.

MBA alumna named one of Canada’s most powerful women of 2020

UUֱ�� — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 23:09:09 +0000

The Desautels Faculty of Management congratulates Sonya Branco (MBA’06) for being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women of 2020 in the “C-Suite Executives” category. Released by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN), this year’s Top 100 Award Winners list recognizes 106 Canadian women who advocate for workforce diversity and make an impact in their sphere of influence. Branco was appointed Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, for CAE in 2016. She oversees the company’s operations in more than 35 countries.

Desautels BCom among top 5 in Canada for sustainability

UUֱ�� — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 23:20:26 +0000

The Desautels Faculty of Management’s Bachelor of Commerce program has ranked 4^th in Canada in Corporate Knights’ inaugural Better World BComs Top 10 list. Schools were evaluated on the following criteria:

BCom alumnus joins board of directors for sustainable energy company

UUֱ�� — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:13:08 +0000

Jamie Scarlett (BCom’75) was recently appointed to the board of directors for Nouveau Monde Inc., a Quebec-based sustainable energy company that supplies carbon-neutral graphic-based material to the growing lithium-ion and fuel cell markets. Scarlett comes with more than 35 years of experience in senior roles at the Ontario Securities Commission, Hydro One, and Canada’s leading corporate law firms.

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The power of an indigenous voice in Canadian TV

UUֱ�� — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 16:10:12 +0000

Professor Karl Moore and Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer sit down with Monika Ille (EMBA’20) to learn about her transformational 25-year career in the media industry. Ille, a member of the Abenaki First Nation of Odanak in Quebec, actively promotes greater recognition of indigenous communities in Canadian society through her role as chief executive officer of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).

Why Canada is a perfect location for finance students

UUֱ�� — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 14:18:00 +0000

Master of Management in Finance (MMF) students at UUֱ��’s Desautels Faculty of Management flock to Canada from 30 countries around the globe. Recently ranked the top program in Canada and 17th globally in the QS Masters in Finance Rankings 2021, the MMF program is recognized for its diversity, alumni outcomes, employability and value for money.

Graduates Laura Santiago (MMF'19) and Yayu Xu (MMF'19) reflect on the time spent in Montreal pursuing their studies in the Master of Management in Finance program.

Delve: It’s Difficult to Breathe Behind a Facade, but Psychological Safety is the Antidote

UUֱ�� — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 23:34:47 +0000

According to UUֱ��’s Professor Patricia Faison Hewlin, today’s socio-political climate has placed diversity and inclusion at the forefront, revealing the depth to which psychological safety has been absent in many workplaces. As a result, many employees, especially those from traditionally marginalized groups, are experiencing the adverse effects of repressing their authentic selves at work on a regular basis.

Interius Farms reaches new heights in vertical farming

UUֱ�� — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:19:17 +0000

Desautels alumni Jonnie Lawson (BCom’20) and Tristan Zeman (BCom’17) are hard at work to make sustainable, year-round produce accessible to Canadians through indoor vertical farms. Over the summer, their innovative hydroponic growing system won first place at the annual UUֱ�� Dobson Cup start-up competition. As they expand into a larger growing facility in Montreal, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Dobson Cup winner uses AI to help railroads cut costs, reduce environmental footprint

UUֱ�� — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 21:58:42 +0000

As a student at UUֱ��, Dev Jain (BEng’19) launched a company aimed at introducing North America’s 650 railways to industry-disrupting innovation. This year, RailVision Analytics won first place in the Innovation Driven Enterprise category of the UUֱ�� Dobson Cup. Now, Jain aspires to raise more than $1 million to commercialize and expand his business.

Learn more

UUֱ��’s redesigned MBA program equips students to lead in shifting business climate

UUֱ�� — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 21:04:13 +0000

The Desautels Faculty of Management at UUֱ�� announced the launch of a newly redesigned MBA program that prepares students to confront the challenges of a rapidly evolving business environment.

BCom alumnus makes Corporate Knights’ list of Top 30 under 30 sustainability leaders

UUֱ�� — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 20:39:02 +0000

Charles Beaudry (BCom’16) joins a distinguished class of changemakers on the Corporate Knights’ list of Top 30 under 30 sustainability leaders. In the absence of a provincial plan for Quebec to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Beaudry is mobilizing more than 50 organizations through the newly created Accélérer 2030 pour le Québec consortium.

Learn more

BCom student makes Top 30 under 30 list of leaders in sustainability

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 21:35:16 +0000

Maxime Lakat (BCom’21) recently joined an accomplished roster of change agents on the Corporate Knights’ 2020 list of Top 30 under 30 leaders in sustainability. In 2019, Lakat founded the Canadian Business Youth Council for Sustainable Development to bring together student organizations focused on sustainable business.

Desautels retained its 14^th place ranking on Corporate Knights’ 2020 Better World MBA list and placed 4^th on its inaugural Better World BComs Top 10 list.

Welcoming exceptional First Nations leaders

UUֱ�� — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:42:43 +0000

Since 2014, the Scholarship for Managers of Indigenous Origin has supported Indigenous students enrolled in the UUֱ��-HEC Montreal EMBA program. La Presse speaks to two recipients, Manon Jeannotte and Robert Auclair, about how the scholarship helped them rise as leaders in their communities while bringing rich perspectives to the classroom.

The case for a long-term divestment strategy

UUֱ�� — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:39:00 +0000

Pressure is on the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) to divest from fossil fuel companies in support of Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Professor Sebastien Betermier comments.

Desautels Capital Management on sustainable investing

UUֱ�� — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:34:52 +0000

UUֱ�� Honours in Invest Management (HIM) and Master of Management in Finance (MMF) students recently published reports on gender diversity on boards across select countries and sectors and America’s transition to a fossil-fuel free economy for Desautels Capital Management’s The Sustainable Investor.

Abolishing racism through systemic integration

UUֱ�� — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:56:00 +0000

An article by La Presse proposes the integration of Indigenous communities into economic life as a first step in abolishing systemic racism. EMBA alumnus and CEO of Société de Développement Économique de Uashat mak Mani-utenam Ken Rock (EMBA’13) comments on their economic development strategies to generate more synergies between Uashat mak Mani-utenam and Sept-Îles.

Desautels students earn all three podium places at Global Goals Jam Case Competition

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 21:58:13 +0000

UUֱ�� graduate student Michael Bourkas (MBA’22) has taken home first place in the Global Goals Jam Case Competition at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, with peers Conor Grieve (MBA’21) and Nandini Biswas Jain (MBA’22) following close behind in second and third places, respectively.

To weather the health and social crises, lead with compassion and authenticity

UUֱ�� — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 20:08:32 +0000

As the world faces an uphill battle against the pandemic and social injustices, Professor Patricia Faison Hewlin is calling on educators to ensure a focus on authenticity, emotional intelligence and race, equality and inclusion is present in their conversations on leadership.

Companies are addressing racism through open dialogue sessions – but is it working?

UUֱ�� — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 20:03:28 +0000

As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to shine a light on systemic racism, many companies are committing to “listening and learning” to the lived experiences of underrepresented groups through open dialogue sessions to help make concrete plans that will advance equity, diversity and inclusion. Despite the well-intentions, these sessions have been subject to criticism.

What we’ve learnt since the youth-led climate march

UUֱ�� — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 14:57:46 +0000

Twelve months ago, youth across the world took to the streets to demand action against climate change. Now, more than six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we can see that change is possible—a promising feat for the climate movement.

“We’re suddenly realizing that systems can change, things can be different and we just need to press forward and make those changes,” Professor Dror Etzion told CityNews.

UUֱ�� among world’s leading universities for female founders

UUֱ�� — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 19:59:15 +0000

UUֱ�� has been named in the top 25 undergraduate programs for female founders in the 2020 PitchBook University rankings.

UUֱ�� MMF secures top spot in Canada in QS World University Rankings

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 16:05:27 +0000

The UUֱ�� Master of Management in Finance (MMF) has been named the top program in Canada and secured a top-20 spot in the QS Masters in Finance Rankings 2021.

Released today, the QS World University Rankings places the UUֱ�� MMF 1^st in Canada and 17^th internationally out of 166 programs. The rankings were informed by five indicator groups: employability, alumni outcomes, value for money, thought leadership, and class and faculty diversity. Of these five criteria, the MMF program performed strongest in:

UUֱ�� MBA ranked 2nd in Canada, QS reports

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:23:30 +0000

The QS World University Rankings today released its 2021 QS Global MBA Rankings, placing the UUֱ�� Master of Business Administration (MBA) second in Canada.

Of the 258 programs considered for this prestigious ranking, the UUֱ�� MBA ranks 59^th worldwide, climbing 12 spots from 71^st in 2020. The rankings were based on five indicator groups: entrepreneurship & alumni outcomes, return on investment, thought leadership, employability, and diversity. Of these, the UUֱ�� MBA program performed strongest in:

QS ranks UUֱ�� MMA best in Canada, 10th in the world

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:18:13 +0000

Only two years since the program launched in 2018, the Master of Management (MMA) program at UUֱ�� has carved a spot in the top 10 business analytics programs in the world and taken the top spot in Canada.

Released today, the QS World University Rankings places the UUֱ�� MMA 10^th in the QS Masters in Business Analytics Rankings 2021.

MBA alumnus Philip Jenkins pays it forward with leadership and diversity scholarship

UUֱ�� — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 18:03:57 +0000

“Talent is equally distributed across the population but unfortunately opportunity is not,” says Phil Jenkins, a UUֱ�� Engineering and MBA graduate who established the Philip Earle Jenkins MBA Leadership & Diversity Award in 2018 to create more business and management education opportunities for visible minorities.

“I started this scholarship because it’s my firm belief that access to education has always been and will continue to be a significant contributor to reversing the institutional inequities that have existed throughout time.”

Toward a more resilient convergence economy

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 18:08:58 +0000

Contrary to the prevailing model, a convergence economy emphasizes resilience over hyper-competitiveness, writes Professor Laurette Dubé in an op-ed for the Montreal Gazette.

Professor Etzion on the fight against climate change

UUֱ�� — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:28:32 +0000

In an interview with Catalan publication La Vanguardia, Professor Dror Etzion shares how he is fighting climate change through his advisory role for the Canadian Government through UUֱ�� and for the National Film Board of Canada is Canada.

Addressing systemic racism in the police force

UUֱ�� — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:22:06 +0000

An exchange between a rookie officer and senior officer in the moments before George Floyd’s death is a telling interaction revealing how systemic racism continues to be enforced by officers in the field. In instances when these interactions aren’t caught on a bystanders’ camera, Professor Brian Rubineau says, rookie officers are more likely to accept these on-the-job lessons from their superiors.

Desautels announces first director of equity, diversity and inclusion

UUֱ�� — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 15:51:53 +0000

The Desautels Faculty of Management at UUֱ�� has appointed Professor Lisa Cohen as its first Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

How businesses should prepare for another pandemic

UUֱ�� — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 12:52:11 +0000

Professor Karl Moore talks to The Street, warning readers that the current pandemic-caused economic recession is not a "black swan", or a rare catastrophe. He predicts global warming or mass migration as a result of climate change as other agents of change to anticipate.

In the article, Professor Moore also touches on the challenge faced by managers to maintain a corporate culture during the age of working remotely and differences in management styles across generations.

A message to Black women scholars

UUֱ�� — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 20:41:31 +0000

Professor Patricia Faison Hewlin, together with Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts of the University of Virginia, has penned an open letter addressing the unique experiences that Black women scholars are facing during the “double pandemic” confronting our society.

Challenging systemic racism through entrepreneurship

UUֱ�� — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 20:31:42 +0000

Professor Karl Moore interviews Frantz Saintellemy (EMBA’20), the co-founder and chairperson of the Board of Groupe 3737, an organization set up to help members who identify as visible minorities start their own business. Saintellemy shares how he is challenging systemic racism through business incubators.

Empowering authenticity in diversity discussions

UUֱ�� — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 20:28:58 +0000

At a panel discussion on “Antiracism, Allyship, and Authenticity: Building Internal Capacity for Institutional Change” hosted by University of Michigan’s Center for Positive Organizations in its Ross School of Business, Professor Patricia Faison Hewlin addressed various diversity measures taken by organizations.

Delve: Leading Global Health Sustainably—Now and Beyond COVID-19

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:13:20 +0000

While the five-phase project management cycle developed by Duncan is, for many, the gold standard, the long-term commitment among recipient populations, health care professionals, and/or governing bodies is not specifically addressed. Thus, Nathalie Duchesne, MD and Eliane Ubalijoro, PhD propose a management and leadership framework that ensures sustainability through the three overarching themes: appreciative inquiry, trust, and culture.

EMBA graduates named in Poets and Quants’ Best & Brightest

UUֱ�� — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 14:57:41 +0000

Two recent graduates from the UUֱ��-HEC Montréal EMBA program, Frantz Saintellemy and Lindsey Kettel, have been named in Poets and Quants’ 2020 Best & Brightest EMBAs.

Leadership insights from Lush North America brand director

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 19:36:37 +0000

Brandi Halls, the brand director for the North American division of Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, talks to Professor Karl Moore about a career in communications, leadership and how Indigenous women can carve out their own path.

EMBA student partners with Netflix to amplify voices of Black filmmakers

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 15:31:37 +0000

Fabienne Colas (EMBA’21), president and CEO of the Fabienne Colas Foundation, has announced new support for the Being Black in Canada program from presenting sponsor Netflix, in collaboration with National Bank, and the support of Canada Media Fund.

Reducing the racial divide through economic emancipation

UUֱ�� — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 18:11:22 +0000

In 2013, EMBA alumnus Frantz Saintellemy (EMBA’20) co-founded startup incubator Groupe 3737 to help facilitate the economic emancipation of diverse communities.

Now facing economic uncertainty, Saintellemy would like to see concrete actions from government agencies and large corporations in supporting businesses like Groupe 3737 that aim to bridge the racial divide.

Turning protest into policy

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 20:52:32 +0000

The recent police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked an uprising across the world with people from all walks of life coming together to fight against systemic racism and violence.

Joining CJAD 800’s The Aaron Rand Show, Patricia Faison Hewlin asserts that, although this is a global movement, reform must happen at the local level, with commitment from leaders to turn their words into tangible actions.

UUֱ�� MMA teams head to semi-finals of Microsoft Discover AI Challenge

UUֱ�� — Tue, 26 May 2020 19:24:35 +0000

Two teams from the UUֱ�� Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) are heading to the semi-finals of the Microsoft Discover AI Challenge on May 27. Hosted by Microsoft, Agorize and UUֱ��, the case competition aims to leverage AI and analytics to create smarter and more sustainable economies using Microsoft’s Cloud and AI tools.

Building leaders in sustainability

UUֱ�� — Thu, 14 May 2020 22:23:16 +0000

For MBA students at UUֱ��, sustainability is a crucial ingredient of successful leadership. UUֱ�� alumni Justin Park (MBA’18) and Natasha Alani (MBA’17) reflect on how the program’s integrated approach to sustainability has informed their professional practices. Professor John-Paul Ferguson, Academic Director of the UUֱ�� MBA, also weighs in on how the program promotes a sustainable mindset.

MBA alumnus named Canadian CFO of the Year

UUֱ�� — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:04:37 +0000

UUֱ�� MBA alumnus Nadeem Velani (MBA’98) has been named Canada's CFO Of The Year™ for 2020. Velani has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of railway company Canadian Pacific since 2016.

This award, presented by the Financial Executives International Canada, PwC Canada and Robert Half, recognizes Velani for the strides he has made in Canadian Pacific’s financial performance, stakeholder relations, operational data usage, and sustainable growth.

A glowing victory at Net Impact Case Competition

UUֱ�� — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 19:58:52 +0000

A team of MBA students from UUֱ��’s Desautels Faculty of Management took the top prize at the Net Impact Case Competition on February 29.

Dean Bajeux-Besnainou on diversity in business schools

UUֱ�� — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 19:53:11 +0000

In a feature in the UUֱ�� Reporter, Dean Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou reflects on the challenges business schools face in improving diversity and the strides both UUֱ�� and Desautels have made in this area.

From the only female professor in her department at the start of her career to now one of eight female deans at UUֱ��, Dean Bajeux-Besnainou has witnessed remarkable change in the industry—but she knows that the fight for gender equality is far from over.

Delve: Converting Commuters into Carpoolers

UUֱ�� — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 19:29:10 +0000

Congestion pricing policies, carpool lanes, and new light rail train or subway infrastructure are all expensive, long-term ways for governments to battle traffic. A simpler solution, focused on human behaviour more than infrastructure, is convincing people to carpool.

Professor Sebastian Betermier on sustainable investing

UUֱ�� — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 20:19:29 +0000

Professor Sebastien Betermier sits down with the UUֱ�� Reporter to talk about sustainable investment strategies. According to Professor Betermier, progressive divestment strategies offer the best of both worlds for investors: they create positive environmental change while respecting the needs of all stakeholders.

However, for progressive strategies to be effective, Professor Betermier says that companies need to clearly communicate the strategy and set tangible milestones.

Masters students tackle sustainability in Desautels Cup

UUֱ�� — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:21:19 +0000

On January 31, the Masters Office hosted the annual Desautels Cup. The event brought together nine teams from the MBA, Master of Management in Analytics and Master of Management in Finance programs and welcomed back MBA and Executive MBA alumni as distinguished judges.

Professor Etzion highlights downside of catastrophe bonds

UUֱ�� — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:43:29 +0000

New research by Professor Dror Etzion highlights the systematic limitations of catastrophe bonds; rather than effectively tackling sustainability issues, they are simply putting more money into investors’ pockets.

What’s holding up the glass ceiling?

UUֱ�� — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 15:33:59 +0000

The glass ceiling still exists for many reasons, leaving some women reluctant to apply for promotions and senior leadership positions. To ensure more women are considered for promotions, Professor Brian Rubineau suggests employers generate their own list of potential applicants.

Download article

When students invest in sustainable finance

UUֱ�� — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 15:18:14 +0000

Le Devoir sits down with four students from the Montreal Social Value Fund (MSVF) at UUֱ��, Lina Dieudonné, Tanya Gandhi, Bhoomika Saxena and Maxime Lakat, to highlight ways in which they are investing in and advocating for sustainable finance.

Delve: When Meritocracy Blinds us to Gender Discrimination

UUֱ�� — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:55:59 +0000

Meritocracies are predicated on the belief that only the best are chosen and that hard work and talent are always rewarded. If we presume that talent and hard work are not gender specific, then why is it that assumed meritocracies show extraordinary imbalances between men and women? Surprisingly, part of the answer is the assumption itself: Assuming a setting is a meritocracy can blind even those experiencing discrimination to its actual inequalities.

Desautels students look for sustainable business practices

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:50:57 +0000

UUֱ�� students are once again at the forefront of the climate movement, finding ways for businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Students in Professor Dror Etzion’s Strategies for Sustainability course are using solutions proposed by Project Drawdown to present viable business cases to help combat climate change.

Can university pension plans help tackle climate change?

UUֱ�� — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 19:50:35 +0000

In November 2019, teams in the UUֱ�� International Portfolio Challenge were asked to provide a solution for a fictional pension fund reassessing its investments in the interest of climate action.

In a piece for The Globe and Mail, Professor Sebastien Betermier considers the winning solution in the context of university pension plans.

Students forging the path to sustainability

UUֱ�� — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 15:28:43 +0000

At the recent UUֱ�� International Portfolio Challenge, students once again demonstrated that they are leading the march to sustainability. Asked to consider the options of a pension fund under pressure to divest from the fossil fuel industry, the winning team from HEC Montréal presented a solution that is both responsible and realistic.

Learn more

EMBA participant Jason Taylor on the rise of ESG practices

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:38:24 +0000

Sustainable investing is transforming the global finance landscape, with companies that switch to greener initiatives gaining popularity. UUֱ��-HEC Montréal EMBA participant Jason Taylor (EMBA’19) comments on the increased transparency of companies reporting on their environment, social and governance (ESG) rating.

MIPC brings students together to tackle sustainable investing

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:49:01 +0000

With a focus on the sustainable investment of public pension funds, this year’s UUֱ�� International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC) demonstrated students’ ability to realistically solve a key issue facing investors today. The winning team’s strategy proposed a progressive, partial divestment while pursuing investment in diverse green initiatives, according to Professor Sebastien Betermier.

Desautels students campaign for a green future

UUֱ�� — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 19:33:26 +0000

BCom student Maxime Lakat, co-president of the student-led Desautels Sustainability Network, joins Corporate Knights to chronicle the network’s efforts in bringing sustainability to the forefront of their education. The award-winning network has taken a cross-disciplinary approach to sustainability, bringing students and industry leaders together for a sustainable business conference, with plans to publish a student handbook highlighting how students can get involved in their own institutions.

MCCHE heading to Mexico for sustainable development symposium

UUֱ�� — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 19:28:16 +0000

The UUֱ�� Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics (MCCHE) is an international strategic partner for the upcoming Innovation for Sustainable Development Network symposium to be held in Mexico on November 12–15, 2019.

Samuel Compton, operations director of the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN), will present on the ongoing creation of the Food Convergence Platform in Canada, a joint initiative between GODAN and MCCHE.

Desautels ranked among world’s most sustainable MBA programs

UUֱ�� — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 19:25:25 +0000

Today Corporate Knights released its 2019 Better World MBA ranking. The Better World ranking, now in its 17^th year, analyzes how business schools across the world fare in integrating sustainability into their MBA programs. With rising concerns of climate change, business schools are ensuring the next generation of business leaders have the environmental know-how to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The Desautels Faculty of Management at UUֱ�� has landed at #14 this year, climbing up two ranks from 2018.

EMBA student Monika Ille appointed CEO of Indigenous television network

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:58:27 +0000

Monika Ille (EMBA’20) has been appointed CEO of the Aboriginal Peoples Network Television (APNT). With more than 16 years’ experience at the network, most recently as the executive director of programming and scheduling, Ille is well-positioned to drive global expansion while adapting to changing viewer habits.

Professor Maxime Cohen’s work recognized at 2019 INFORMS conference

UUֱ�� — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:46:00 +0000

At the 2019 INFORMS Annual Meeting, Professor Maxime Cohen, with co-authors Ruben Lobel and Georgia Perakis, was awarded the Best Operations Management Paper in Management Science Award within the past three years for their paper “The Impact of Demand Uncertainty on Consumer Subsidies for Green Technology Adoption”. This paper also received an honourable mention for the best publication in environment and sustainability award.

Why we should tackle climate concerns at the consumer level

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 13:12:31 +0000

In his latest blog on Les Affaires, Professor Karl Moore interviews Adam Waterous, Managing Partner and CEO of Waterous Energy Fund, about the regional divisions created by energy policies and how he aims to reduce consumer greenhouse gas emissions.

Promoting sustainability through impact investing

UUֱ�� — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 18:47:36 +0000

In an interview with Professor Karl Moore, UUֱ�� alumnus and Founder and CEO of Impact AND Geoff Moore shares his support of impact investing, an investment practice that generates positive, quantifiable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns.

2019 SSHRC Grants awarded

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:21:35 +0000

Congratulations to the Desautels professors who received 2019 SSHRC Grants.

SSHRC Insight Development Grants

EMBA student helps expand Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)

UUֱ�� — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 20:19:20 +0000

As the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) celebrates 20 years on the air, EMBA student Monika Ille reflects on the challenges of increasing viewership. In her role as the APTN’s general director of programming and the network’s grid, Monica helps produce content that is broadcast across Canada on four different channels and viewed by 72% of Indigenous adults.

EMBA alumnus transmits First Nations heritage in new novel

UUֱ�� — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 20:15:01 +0000

Raphaël Picard (EMBA’14), the former leader of the Innu community of Pessamit, has published his first novel at age 70. Through Nutshimit: Inland Lands and Spirits, Raphaël strives to pass on the heritage of his Innu ancestors to the next generation and establish a literary tradition within the community.

Alumnus uses sustainability education to grow urban agriculture business

UUֱ�� — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 15:54:46 +0000

Inspired by his studies in Entrepreneurship and Managing for Sustainability, Thibault Sorret (BCom’18) has accepted a management role at a Montreal-based urban agriculture company. Lufa Farms, co-founded by alumna Lauren Rathmell, uses hydroponics to grow pesticide-free vegetables, fruits, and other plants for 17,000 local customers.

Selling sustainability to small and medium enterprises

UUֱ�� — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 16:21:18 +0000

Professor Dror Etzion and his co-leads, Professors Catherine Potvin and Jaye Ellis, are on a mission to inspire sustainable business practices among Canada’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which employ 90 percent of the population.

Recently, they teamed up with the National Film Board of Canada and a Montreal-based production company to develop a platform to share stories about the steps SMEs are taking on the path to environmental sustainability.

UUֱ�� ranks highest in Canada for producing female entrepreneurs

UUֱ�� — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 20:37:29 +0000

UUֱ�� ranks number 17 on the list of universities whose MBA programs produce the highest number of female start-up founders, making it the only non-U.S. institution to crack the top 25.

Go green, not paperless

UUֱ�� — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 18:23:36 +0000

Renée Yardley (MBA’97) shares her perspective on promoting innovation and sustainability in the pulp and paper industry. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Sustana Group, a producer of recycled fibres and paper products.

Diverse teams drive innovation

UUֱ�� — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 18:13:35 +0000

Professor Karl Moore interviews Edelman executive Ève Laurier (EMBA’11) about the lessons learned during her participation in the 2018-2019 International Women’s Forum Fellows Program. Ms. Laurier joined 35 other elite female executives from around the world for a leadership training experience that includes education modules at Harvard Business School and INSEAD.

Walking the authenticity tightrope

UUֱ�� — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 16:02:17 +0000

New research from Professor Patricia Hewlin and co-authors examines the benefits of being authentic in the workplace, remarking that this tends to be particularly nebulous for minorities.

What’s keeping the glass ceiling intact?

UUֱ�� — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:14:41 +0000

A new study co-authored by Professor Brian Rubineau shows that while the popular practice of network hiring can introduce gender diversity in lower-level jobs, it actually fails to do so at the executive level.

“Network recruitment is not the only process contributing to the glass ceiling, but by working to reduce the processes that contribute to the glass ceiling, we can help promote more equitable workplaces,” says Prof. Rubineau.

Reflections on a year of impact at Desautels

UUֱ�� — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:16:49 +0000

This past year saw many important milestones for the Desautels Faculty of Management, much of which would not have been possible without our loyal and vibrant community. As presented in the 2018 Impact Report, discover the strides that the Faculty has made toward advancing its four strategic pillars: Research Excellence, Student Centred, Community Impact, and Financial Sustainability.

Workplaces reveal vestiges of segregation

UUֱ�� — Wed, 22 May 2019 15:36:56 +0000

Despite progress in the 1960s and 1970s, the desegregation of US employment has largely ground to a halt.

In new research, Professor John-Paul Ferguson finds that individual workplaces have actually become more segregated over the past three decades.

Professor Hewlin on closing the leadership gender gap

UUֱ�� — Tue, 21 May 2019 18:39:31 +0000

In a byline for Getting Smart, Professor Patricia Hewlin explores the tangible impact that universities can make when it comes to increasing the representation of women and minorities in leadership.

“In small and large ways, universities can make a tangible difference […] by hiring diverse faculty, providing effective bias training and encouraging inclusive classroom practices,” writes Professor Hewlin.

UUֱ�� named among greenest employers

UUֱ�� — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 15:59:52 +0000

UUֱ�� has been named to the Canada's Greenest Employers list, a competition organized by the Canada's Top 100 Employers project.

In many ways, sustainability is embedded within UUֱ��’s DNA through program offerings like the Bachelor in Commerce in Managing for Sustainability.

Catalyzing sustainable business across campus

UUֱ�� — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:52:17 +0000

Congratulations to the student-led Desautels Sustainability Network (DSN) who received a Catalyst Award from the UUֱ�� Office of Sustainability this week under the category of Sustainability in Connectivity & Governance!

The DSN seeks to promote sustainability as a profitable opportunity for businesses. Through various events, they aim to break silos between Faculties, connecting Montreal’s professional community with students in the BCom program and beyond.

The problem with assumed meritocracies in engineering

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 20:17:09 +0000

According to a study co-authored by Professor Brian Rubineau, female engineers find consistent evidence that their profession is not an objective meritocracy, but embrace the belief that it is – thus further perpetuating gender (and other) inequalities.

Meet the Tesla of snowmobiles

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 19:26:48 +0000

UUֱ�� Dobson Cup winners Taiga Motors discuss the path to commercialization of the world’s first electric snowmobile, which boasts 0-60 mph in just three seconds and zero emissions to boot.

Professor Etzion co-leads MSSI research project focusing on SMEs

UUֱ�� — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 18:23:40 +0000

Professor Dror Etzion, along with UUֱ�� colleagues Jaye Ellis (Law) and Catherine Potvin (Biology), has been selected to co-lead a research project under the UUֱ�� Sustainability Systems Initiative (MSSI).

Working under the theme of “Transitions”, the team will explore the pivotal role that Small- and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs) will play as they increasingly shift toward sustainable practices.

Still an uphill battle for women in finance

UUֱ�� — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 18:21:49 +0000

Following the release of the American Economic Association’s survey results revealing the predominance of discrimination against women in the world of finance, Professor Francesca Carrieri affirms that the findings are not surprising.

EMBA anniversary celebrated sustainably

UUֱ�� — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 18:10:40 +0000

Coinciding with its theme of Building Future-Readiness, the UUֱ��-HEC Montreal Executive MBA program recently celebrated its tenth anniversary and simultaneously became the University’s 100^th Sustainable Event.

The celebrations were deemed Gold, the highest level of certification, by integrating best practices such as incorporating a land acknowledgement for Indigenous territory, reducing food packaging waste and committing to offsetting greenhouse gas emissions related to travel.

“No one ever says you can create your own job”: Catalyzing women’s big ideas

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 18:32:59 +0000

Randi Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media recently spoke at Place des Arts in Montreal about empowering fellow women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions without qualms, particularly in the tech sector.

An Olympian’s quest for gender equality

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 18:00:38 +0000

Celebrated Canadian Olympian Jennifer Heil (BCom’13) knows very well the positive impact that sports can have on a girl’s confidence, personal growth, and success.

As VP Sport Development at viaSport, she is on a mission to ensure that stereotyping and discrimination are a thing of the past for women athletes.

Bringing home the Net Impact Sustainability trophy

UUֱ�� — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 14:38:58 +0000

Team gREen, comprised of MBA students Heena Chhatlani, Mehreen Haider and Fang Yang earned a first-place finish in the Net Impact Sustainability Challenge, coming in victorious over 12 teams from MBA programs across Canada and the US. Haider was further recognized with the Best Speaker Award.

Hosted by the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, the team competed to solve a live case for QuadReal Property Group on sustainable investing in real estate.

Girl power: Celebrating UUֱ��’s trailblazing women

UUֱ�� — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 15:15:48 +0000

The women of UUֱ�� are expanding the frontiers of knowledge, improving society and inspiring others. Included among them is Dean Isabelle Bajeux for her contributions at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos.

Desautels students unite to reward sustainable business

UUֱ�� — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:54:41 +0000

Paulo Caputo (MBA - Global Strategy & Leadership), Sandra Chang (MBA - Finance, Global Strategy & Leadership), Aditya Chinnakonda (MBA - Business Analytics), Loïc Eloy (BCom - Managing for Sustainability), Maxime Lakat (BCom - Managing for Sustainability), Mari Claire Paoli (BCom - Economics), and Priscille Raynaud (B Arts - Political Science) recently participated in the Finance & Sustainability Initiative (FSI) Awards Ceremony

At home and at work: Is racial segregation becoming more pervasive?

UUֱ�� — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 18:12:57 +0000

Citing recent research co-authored by Professor John-Paul Ferguson, Vox explores how racial segregation in American workplaces has gotten worse over the last generation, suggesting that the shadows of residential segregation follow individuals wherever they go during the day.

2019 FT Global MBA Ranking

UUֱ�� — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 16:50:56 +0000

The 2019 Financial Times Global MBA ranking places the Desautels MBA program 87th globally and 2nd in Canada.

The program is 1st in Canada in the following nine of the twenty sub-categories evaluated:

How sustainability catalyzes new programs

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 20:23:48 +0000

Universities are actively rethinking their programming to include a strong focus on sustainability; one such example is the newly launched Bensadoun School of Retail Management, which will aim to foster sustainable consumption and healthy societies through research and teaching.

THE/WSJ ranks Desautels MBA first in Canada

UUֱ�� — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:56:51 +0000

Times Higher Education/Wall Street Journal has ranked Desautels 48th in their 2018 Global 2 Year MBA Ranking.

Desautels also places 1st in Canada overall, and is 1st in Canada for Outcomes, which measures alumni salary, opportunities, perception of degree worth, network and social good. Desautels is also 1st in Canada for Environment – international student/staff and gender diversity.

Open for Business: UUֱ��’s Bensadoun School of Retail Management dedicated to the future of retail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 15:30:09 +0000

Interdisciplinary teaching and research hub equips next generation of leaders to promote sustainable retail practices

Looking closer at Italy’s economy

UUֱ�� — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:45:27 +0000

With the release of Italy’s new budget law, Professor Francesca Carrieri explores the current state of the country’s economy, emphasizing that any economic growth must come with structural reform to ensure sustainability.

Learn more

Desautels MBAs sweep top spots at sustainable business competition

UUֱ�� — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:37:34 +0000

Congratulations to Desautels MBA students who won first and second place at the John Molson Sustainable Business Plan Competition, along with the two coach’s awards.

The competition unfolded on October 27 among eight teams from UUֱ��, Concordia and HEC Montréal collectively.

Read a summary of the team members and their winning proposals below.

TEAM PATRIMONEY, awarded 1st place and Coaching Award for “Investable Business Idea”

Patrimoney – a platform that provides undocumented immigrants in North America with access to financial services

Universities heed call for socially responsible investing

UUֱ�� — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:11:39 +0000

As universities are increasingly turning toward socially responsible investment (SRI), an article cites the new SRI fund under Desautels Capital Management (DCM) as an “inspiring example.”

Through the SRI fund, students working as analysts at DCM will be able to factor environmental, social, and governance issues into their investment decision-making process.

Great strides for the Desautels Sustainability Network

UUֱ�� — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 17:30:47 +0000

The Desautels Sustainability Network (DSN) registered the greatest amount of students among ten student clubs from Montreal’s six main universities to the Desjardins Coopérathon, the world’s largest open-innovation challenge. For their efforts, the DSN won a prize package worth $5,000 from Desjardins that includes financial aid for the Desautels Business Conference on Sustainability (DBCS), UUֱ��'s largest conference dedicated to the impacts of sustainability within the private sector, and a lunch with Desjardins experts.

An encouraging achievement for EMBA participant

UUֱ�� — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 17:53:38 +0000

Current EMBA participant Marjolaine Tshernish is the first Innu to receive one of two $ 50,000 admission scholarships offered to Aboriginal students each year.

Learn more about how this has inspired her to dream big.

New directions for Énergir

UUֱ�� — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:57:37 +0000

Professor Karl Moore interviews Sophie Brochu of Énergir, previously Gaz Métro, about the company’s move toward other forms of renewable energy and her hopes for the next generation of business leaders.

Each week as part of his new blog on Les Affaires, Karl Moore, Associate Professor in Strategy & Organization at UUֱ��'s Desautels Faculty of Management, speaks with world-class business leaders about their journey, the latest trends in business, and notably, work-life balance.

ALDO Group mixes shoes and social justice

UUֱ�� — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:49:50 +0000

With shoe stores in more than 100 countries, ALDO Group is the first fashion footwear company to offset all of its carbon emissions - and is proud of it.

CEO David Bensadoun traces the company’s strong social conscience back to his father, Aldo Bensadoun (BCom’64) who founded the company decades ago.

Desautels MBA places 60th in the world according to QS

UUֱ�� — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:16:19 +0000

The QS Global MBA Ranking for 2019 has been released and places the Desautels Faculty of Management 60th among 251 MBA programs. The Desautels MBA also excels in many specific areas considered; it is ranked 1st in Canada for Entrepreneurship & Alumni Success, and is tied for 1st in Diversity.

In addition, the Faculty scored higher than the global average in: Employability, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes, Thought Leadership and Diversity.

Four EMBA scholarship recipients who are making an impact

UUֱ�� — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:09:09 +0000

The UUֱ��-HEC Montréal EMBA Program recently welcomed the class of 2020, which includes four experienced leaders who, each in their own way, have a significant impact on their respective communities.

Each of them was awarded a $50,000 scholarship, which recognizes their important work and reflects the EMBA program’s commitment to diversity. The scholarship recipients include those from the non-profit and indigenous communities, which also provides important different perspectives in class.

A glowing victory at HEC case competition

UUֱ�� — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 15:30:50 +0000

MONTREAL, Quebec. On the evening of the HEC Social Business Creation competition, UUֱ�� start-up Kajou delivered, coming home with the First place prize of $15,000 for their business venture. Their business makes apple juice – with the apple of the cashew tree.

CPPIB goes green

UUֱ�� — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 15:05:11 +0000

With news that the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) became the first pension fund in the world to issue a green bond, thereby facilitating investment in cleaner technologies, Professor Sebastien Betermier comments on the implications, as well as the success of defined benefit (DB) pensions in Canada.

Canada: An appealing option for MBA grads

UUֱ�� — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:59:42 +0000

With a relaxed visa regime and strong job market, Canada has emerged as an excellent option for many prospective MBA students. Adam Halpert (MBA’10), Associate Director of MBA Career Services, cites Canada’s embrace of diversity as a contributing factor.

“Canada’s multicultural landscape also makes it a very unique destination for international candidates to get an education and secure employment afterwards without fear of discrimination,” he says.

Desautels students investing in a better world

UUֱ�� — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 15:03:25 +0000

This fall, the Desautels Faculty of Management will introduce a new fund dedicated to Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) under Desautels Capital Management (DCM) – a student-run, registered investment management firm.

Established in 2009, DCM presently comprises three funds totaling $5 million that students enrolled in the Honours in Investment Management and Masters of Management in Finance (MMF) programs have the chance to manage as analysts.

Now what? How to deal with climate change together

UUֱ�� — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 19:31:43 +0000

If major initiatives have been undertaken across sectors to combat climate change, the question arises how to consolidate these efforts for maximal impact?

Professors Henry Mintzberg, Dror Etzion and Saku Mantere address this pressing question in a recent piece for the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

A new school year brings new crop of promising MBAs

UUֱ�� — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 19:42:05 +0000

Laura Botelho de Carvalho, who previously worked in an environmental consulting firm, has just begun her MBA studies at the Desautels Faculty of Management.

In an interview with Poets & Quants she talks about her experience in the program so far and what made her choose Desautels over three other leading Canadian business schools.

Part of the answer lies in UUֱ��’s commitment to sustainability and her outstanding peers whom she likens to family.

TeamMTL: A winning standout at Solar Decathlon China competition

UUֱ�� — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:17:04 +0000

TeamMTL, a collaboration between students and faculty from UUֱ�� and Concordia University, competed against 22 international teams to construct the best solar-powered house.

Setting a winning record, the team won first prize in three categories, including Market Appeal, to which Roman Celac (BCom ’18) and Jiawei Lin (MBA ’18) were instrumental.

UUֱ�� Student Team NutriPulse wins third place at 2018 Food Security Social Innovation Challenge

UUֱ�� — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 17:33:53 +0000

By Nii Addy

At the 2018 Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) held in Toronto on July 12, 2018, UUֱ�� team NutriPulse was adjudged the third place winner among eight finalists, with a $10,000 cash prize.

Desautels and FAES interdisciplinary research with UUֱ�� food startup and Montreal community organization highlighted at the 2018 Montreal Summit on Innovation (MSI)

UUֱ�� — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 16:10:35 +0000

Joëlle Rondeau, Research Assistant, UUֱ�� Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics (MCCHE)

As part of C2 Montreal, the 2018 Montreal Summit on Innovation (MSI) showcased the social impacts of 10 collaborative research projects through an interactive circuit on May 23.

Meet Canada’s trailblazing female business school deans

UUֱ�� — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 19:18:04 +0000

The Financial Times interviews Desautels Dean Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou as one among a new wave of female business school Deans in Canada.

As a leader in a city that is already known for its progressiveness, Dean Bajeux-Besnainou also cites the importance of exposing students to female role models in the classroom, particularly in the field of Finance.

Professor Hewlin on how the G7 can help future women entrepreneurs

UUֱ�� — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 15:31:52 +0000

In an opinion piece for The Globe and Mail, Desautels Professor Patricia Hewlin makes the case for a continued commitment on behalf of the G7 to empower women entrepreneurs and provide them with equal access to the resources that will catalyze their businesses.

In doing so, the role of research will be paramount for Prof. Hewlin, as it can form the basis of transformative knowledge-based solutions.

Diversity in the workplace is essential for Desautels Dean

UUֱ�� — Tue, 15 May 2018 15:22:00 +0000

Dean Isabelle Bajeux was invited by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) to share her thoughts on the value of a diverse workplace that incorporates the perspective of women at higher levels, particularly in the finance sector.

While women are increasingly represented at universities, in the business world, they tend to hold positions at lower levels and are underrepresented in high-ranking roles, remarks Dean Bajeux.

Shaping socially responsible leaders: Professor Etzion’s course recognized by Aspen Institute

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 May 2018 18:48:19 +0000

The Aspen Institute Business & Society Program has announced the winners of the 2017 Ideas Worth Teaching Award, an annual prize that recognizes teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that is redefining excellence in business education.

Professor Perez-Aleman honored with Equity and Community Building Award

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 May 2018 14:53:04 +0000

The annual Equity and Community Building Awards were presented on May 1 to an array of UUֱ�� community members whose efforts are advancing the University’s equity building objectives.

Among the recipients was Professor Paola Perez-Aleman who was selected in the Academic Staff category.

Desautels makes strides to support gender equality

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:40:08 +0000

In a recent interview with La Presse, Dean Bajeux talks about the lack of female representation in the finance industry and how the Desautels Faculty of Management is tackling these prejudices at the university level.

Along the way, she recounts her experience while pursuing her doctorate in mathematics and makes a point to mention the opportunities that were available to her irrespective of her gender.

Delve further into the article to learn more about Dean Bajeux’s journey.

Business school initiatives to back LGBTQ MBAs

UUֱ�� — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 20:33:31 +0000

A recent article published by Business Because highlights many Canadian business schools, particularly the Desautels Faculty of Management, for their initiatives that support inclusive LGBTQ MBA programs.

MBA student Olivier Forgues leads this initiative at Desautels through the OUTlook on Business Club, which is committed to “bridging the gap between the professional world and academia through its strategic existence within the management faculty.”

The sustainability movement is strong

UUֱ�� — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 19:37:27 +0000

At the 8th annual Catalyst Awards Gala, the UUֱ�� Office of Sustainability awarded students, staff, and faculty who have made meaningful and enduring contributions to the sustainability movement at UUֱ��.

The Emerald Key Award for student contributions to sustainability went to Amir Nosrat, a PhD student in the Desautels Faculty of Management, who is researching the impact of climate risks on business practices and businesses’ ability to access finance.

1st Fashion Retailing Conference

UUֱ�� — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:11:34 +0000

Join us in Montreal on April 27-28, 2018 for the 1st Fashion Retailing Conference.

Organized by the Bensadoun Retail Initiative, this conference will provide a forum for exchange —for both professionals and academics— at the newly opened Donald E. Armstrong Building. An impressive roster of academic and practitioner speakers will foster discussions about the latest research, industry practices & approaches, trends & challenges in retail.

The influence of social media

UUֱ�� — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 21:00:50 +0000

The Globe and Mail recently featured the research of Desautels Professors Emmanuelle Vaast and Liette Lapointe that explored the power of social media to propel meaningful social movements.

Using the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as a case study, they analyzed the surge of Tweets that followed to illustrate how social media can effectively rally individuals around a shared cause.

Still room for improvement for empowering women in finance

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:55:49 +0000

Professor Francesca Carrieri sits down with La Presse to talk about the hurdles that women in finance still face and the initiatives in place at the Desautels Faculty of Management to improve this reality.

For example, the Faculty has launched a task force that aims to show undergraduate women that a career in finance is indeed a viable path through mentorship and internship opportunities.

Twitter use during the Gulf oil spill

UUֱ�� — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 18:05:39 +0000

Social media has become a part of everyday life. We enjoy the contact Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc., provide with friends and family, and, indeed, the world.

Sometimes we gripe about the downsides of the technology. People say it’s a time suck. There’s fake news. It’s hard to trust what you see.

Call for Integrated Management Student Fellows

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 18:44:50 +0000

Are you a Desautels student who would like to gain experience addressing organizational and societal challenges?

The Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management (MDIIM) will appoint its first cohort of Integrated Management Student Fellows in the winter 2018 term. The program provides an opportunity to hone practical skills through paid experiential learning.

Desautels joins UN’s PRME initiative

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 20:35:44 +0000

The Desautels Faculty of Management has become a member of the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative. The faculty joins leading business and management schools from across the globe in working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The Principles for Responsible Management Education is the largest organized relationship between the United Nations and business schools, and is housed in the UN Global Compact Office.

UUֱ��-Concordia Solar Decathlon team gets $250,000 boost from Hydro-Quebec

UUֱ�� — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 18:42:57 +0000

TeamMTL, the joint UUֱ��-Concordia team developing the Deep Performance Dwelling for the Solar Decathlon China, has just received $250,000 from Hydro-Quebec to help the team get to the competition in 2018. The money will be used to finish construction of the team’s entry, which is a row-house designed to be net-zero energy and sustainably built, yet affordable and comfortable to live in. The design is flexible to keep it relevant in current-day social and family contexts, so that as a family develops over time, so can the house.

Quebec’s hottest new microbrewery works local angle

UUֱ�� — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 16:26:16 +0000

New Deal Brewing Co. co-owner Daleyne Guay (EMBA’2016) says that, over the past five years, microbews have risen to 8.9% of the Quebec market, while the majors have lost 1% per year and imports have taken up the space in-between. Within this context, Mr. Guay is on a mission to make you to reach for one of his Boldwin beers before you grab that next Stella Artois. New Deal has positioned itself as the province’s only 100% organic brewery, which also maximises sustainability throughout its production process.

UUֱ�� lands on Corporate Knights’ Future 40 list

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 16:48:07 +0000

Now in its fourth edition, Corporate Knights’ Future 40 ranking is a yearly roundup of companies and organizations that are transitioning towards a low-carbon future. The list heavily reflects Ontario-based companies and utilities, but there is also a lot of representation from Canada’s mining sector and medium-sized oil and gas producers, all of which are pivoting towards greater sustainability in their production processes.

Montreal team nets $50,000 for its green housing design

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 16:34:09 +0000

A joint UUֱ��-Concordia effort has won a $50,000 federal grant to bring its innovative row-house design to the International Solar Decathlon in China next year. TeamMTL’s design takes aim at the growing affordable-urban-housing crisis, successfully marrying energy efficiency and sustainability with comfort and affordability.

Desautels recognized for innovative business education project

UUֱ�� — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 15:45:53 +0000

UUֱ��’s Desautels Faculty of Management is one of three Canadian institutions honoured by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in its 2017 Innovations That Inspire list. All together, the accreditation body recognized 35 schools worldwide across three categories: Engagement Across Disciplines, Engagement with Business and Engaging a Diverse community.

Two UUֱ�� Professors Participate in Prestigious Workshop on Green Chemistry

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 19:11:17 +0000

On May 24-25, 2016, experts from the field of green (sustainable) chemistry gathered in Washington, DC, for a workshop on Sustainable Chemistry Technologies. The event was organized by the National Academy of Science’s Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology at the request of the United States General Accountability Office.

Finding inspiration in the EMBA Sustainability Module and turning a final paper into a business

UUֱ�� — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 17:02:58 +0000

From EMBA UUֱ��-HEC Montréal, July 26, 2016:

"Last week, Clément Joubert, pianist, former director of the UUֱ�� Conservatory and a 2015 UUֱ��-HEC Montréal EMBA graduate, launched Men’s Seasons, a new range of skincare products designed for men, which meets the seasonally specific needs of the skin. The products are made in Quebec and sold online.

Desautels Alumni Giving Back: Yalmaz Siddiqui, BCom ’92 and Senior Director of Sustainability for Office Depot

UUֱ�� — Tue, 24 May 2016 17:53:57 +0000

On March 17-18, 2016, Yalmaz Siddiqui, BCom '92 and Senior Director of Sustainability for Office Depot Inc. visited his alma mater to impart his knowledge and lessons learned through leading global sustainability efforts. Mr. Siddiqui spoke in several Desautels classes, providing insight on understanding the B2B Green Marketing and Purchasing Landscape to strategies for stakeholder engagement and community consultation when introducing sustainability into operations.

BCom Managing for Sustainability Program Wins Catalyst Award

UUֱ�� — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 20:48:55 +0000

On April 14, 2016, Desautels’ Bachelor of Commerce Managing for Sustainability (MSUS) Major and Concentration Programs were awarded the Catalyst Award for Sustainability in Education.

MBA students in Canada tackle sustainability to get a competitive edge

UUֱ�� — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 18:33:45 +0000

UUֱ��’s Desautels Faculty of Management ranked second in the latest list, which was released in October 2015, while the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business was fifth. Those Canadian universities all outranked some big name American schools, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.

The rankings consider the number of core courses that focus on sustainability, the quality of each school’s faculty and the depth of their business sustainability research.

Sustainable Innovation through Green Chemistry: Engaging Graduate Students Outside of Disciplinary Silos

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:27:17 +0000

Green chemistry is a rapidly growing area of interest for industry as companies face increased regulatory requirements, supply constraints, and consumer demands for sustainable products. Business innovation is a powerful means to achieve sustainable development, but challenges associated with marketability of clean technologies must be considered for effective implementation.

The Green Bond: Coupling Sustainability with Finance

UUֱ�� — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 15:42:43 +0000

Usman W. Chohan has an MBA from Desautels (2014) in Strategy and Leadership. He has served as a consultant at the World Bank Institute (WBI), and as Special Situations Analyst in Global Equities at Natcan Investment Management, investment arm of the National Bank of Canada. He has been a participant in various important climate initiatives in 2015 including the Pacific Island Development Forum (PIDF) 3rd Summit in Suva, Fiji.

Teaching the impact of climate change to the leaders of tomorrow

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 17:42:42 +0000

The environmentalists and green groups at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which starts today in Paris, will inevitably call for better leadership on sustainability issues. They will not have to travel far to find those willing to teach them.

Green topics become the norm

The Desautels Faculty of Management at UUֱ��, Montreal, “normalised” the climate-change issue as a core topic a long time ago, says Steve Maguire, director of the school’s institute for integrated management.

Multidisciplinary Pre-COP21 Gathering of UUֱ�� Researchers

UUֱ�� — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 21:45:00 +0000

On November 12, 2015, researchers from across UUֱ�� campuses convened to promote connection and collaboration on the topic of climate change in advance of the potentially historic Conference of Parties (COP) in Paris, France. COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, will be negotiating towards a solution which keeps global warming below 2°C through a legally binding and universal agreement on climate.

Now Accepting Applications for the Integrated Management Student Projects Fund (IMSPF)

UUֱ�� — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:37:52 +0000

The most important challenges faced by society and managers in contemporary organizations, be they private, public or not-for-profit, are closely related. They do not respect disciplinary boundaries and cannot be adequately tackled with knowledge from just one management function or university faculty. The Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management (MDIIM)’s mandate is to address these challenges by developing an integrated approach to management - one that breaks down disciplinary barriers, embraces multiple perspectives and encourages holistic thinking about organizations.

New Undergraduate Program Wins Award for Sustainability in Business Curricula

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 19:07:31 +0000

The Desautels Faculty of Management congratulates the Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management (MDIIM) and Desautels faculty members who were recently named recipients of the 2014 Dr. Alfred N. and Lynn Manos Page Prize for Integration of Sustainability Issues in Business Curricula, for conceiving and implementing the new Managing for Sustainability Major and Concentration (MSUS) programs for Bachelor of Commerce students at UUֱ��.

Sustainable Innovation through Green Chemistry Case Competition Promotes Cross-Faculty Collaboration

UUֱ�� — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 20:53:40 +0000

On January 16-17, 2015, the Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management (MDIIM), CREATE in Green Chemistry, and the Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design (TISED), jointly hosted a workshop and case competition on Sustainable Innovation through Green Chemistry.

SEI Impact Internship Program: Seeds of Change Crowdfunding

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:29:36 +0000

UUֱ�� students have incredible ideas and know how to enact positive social change. Now you can help them apply their knowledge and passion through the Impact Internship Program at the Social Economy Initiative (SEI) of the Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management (MDIIM). The program pairs top undergraduate students with social-purpose organizations (i.e. non-profits and social enterprises) for ten weeks over the summer.