http://www.wharton.universia.net/ Universia-Knowledge@Wharton en-en Copyright (c) 2006 The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/globals/images/katw_white.gif http://www.wharton.universia.net 125 45 Universia-Knowledge@Wharton Research Public Policy and Management http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2201&language=english On April 16, the Argentine government took over a majority of the Spanish-owned shares in oil and gas company Repsol YPF, effectively nationalizing YPF, the unit based in Argentina. According to the government, Repsol -- the Spanish operation -- was under-investing in oil exploration and production in Argentina, forcing the country to become a net importer of fuel. Repsol, meanwhile, has vowed that it will legally defend its stake in YPF. Beyond the question of how this dispute can be resolved, the loss of YPF has left the Spanish oil firm facing an uncertain future, experts say. Wed, 02 May 2012 10:21:28 EST Public Policy and Management http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2202&language=english http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2202&language=english Lithium is considered the "fuel of the future" because it can be used as a replacement for hydrocarbon pollutants in manufacturing the batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles, among other applications. It is found in abundance in Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, in a region some are already calling "the new Saudi Arabia." Of the three countries, Chile leads in the commercialization of lithium, but the nation still has a long way to go in order to exploit the mineral and create a value-added industry. Wed, 02 May 2012 10:21:28 EST Finance and Investment http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2200&language=english http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2200&language=english Europeis in crisis -- and that has major implications for multinational firms with significant operations in the region. In fact, while much is written about the race by corporations to penetrate emerging markets like China and Brazil, the reality is that the investment by multinationals in Europe dwarfs the assets they have in those fast-growing economies. And the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, along with weak economic growth, is sparking changes in how these firms operate -- altering everything from manufacturing strategies to marketing to financial maneuvers.  Wed, 02 May 2012 10:21:47 EST Marketing http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2198&language=english http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2198&language=english Word-of-mouth buzz is highly valued by marketers, but generating it can be a tricky proposition. In a new paper, Wharton marketing professors Jonah Berger and Raghuram Iyengar discuss how marketers can be more precise in crafting their campaigns to achieve better results. It's not as simple as blanketing the web with pop-up ads or blasting the airwaves with commercials, they note. It's about picking the right medium for the right message.  Wed, 02 May 2012 10:20:52 EST Human Resources http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2197&language=english http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2197&language=english Reports that some U.S. employers are asking job candidates to provide their Facebook logon information has generated intense outrage from some circles, along with a bevy of legal and privacy-related questions. But these recent events only highlight a new reality: The identity that individuals create in the world of social media is quickly becoming an important factor in hiring decisions and in people's broader professional lives. Wed, 02 May 2012 10:19:58 EST Managing Technology http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2199&language=english http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=2199&language=english The global market for mobile payments is expected to reach US$670 billion by 2015. But while portable devices such as tablets and smartphones slowly become the predominant means for staying connected and online, MOBIbucks CEO and co-founder Jorge Fernandes says the reason the world is moving to a digital lifestyle is because of a shift in culture and consumption patterns. Speaking with Arabic Knowledge@Wharton, Fernandes shares his thoughts on the mobile world, emerging technology, digital learning and innovation leapfrogging. Wed, 02 May 2012 10:21:06 EST