Rice Business Wisdom

Data Analysis | Peer-Reviewed Research

Forecasting Retail Sales Just Got Smarter, Thanks to Google Searches

Google search trends can forecast retail sales up to three quarters ahead — giving investors, analysts and policymakers an early glimpse into consumer demand.

17 Apr

Strategy | Peer-Reviewed Research

Where’s the Line Between Rule-Breaking and Strategy?

By pushing regulatory boundaries and engaging with lawmakers, some companies turn nonconformity into a competitive edge — while others lose big.

2 Apr
Crisis Resilience | Peer-Reviewed Research

Too Much Information — The Surprising Cause of “Panic Buying”

In times of crisis, information overload can drive seemingly irrational stockpiling behavior — but calling it “panic buying” misses the bigger picture.

21 Mar

Personal Finance | Peer-Reviewed Research

Here’s How Mobile Banking Apps Can Save You Money

When consumers have a full view of their finances in a single mobile app, they’re less likely to incur non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees.

6 Mar

person looks at mobile phone and holds a coffee

Gig Economy | Peer-Reviewed Research

Thumbs Up: Fixing the Bias in Gig Work Ratings

When a gig-work platform switched from a five-star rating system to a simple thumbs-up/down, it eliminated a 9% racial earnings gap for their workers.

20 Feb
Discrimination | Peer-Reviewed Research

The Hidden Inequality in Auto Lending

Each year, an estimated 80,000 auto loan applications in the U.S. are denied to minority borrowers due to racial bias.

22 Jan