About this blog
This blog aims to cast an academic’s eye over the goings on in the business world, typically (but not always) in the international arena. It will also offer some insight into the world of research in these areas. Hopefully you will find some posts provocative or at least informative.
Who’s the guy in the cartoon? 
I am André Sammartino. I am a lecturer here in the Department of Management and Marketing at the University of Melbourne in Australia. I teach and research in the broad areas of international business and strategic management. My background etc can be seen at my staff page. Under “Research” you will find links to a range of published and working papers on topics including:
– the debates around regionalisation vs globalisation of multinationals
– the international expansion strategies of Australian retailers and our largest shopping centre chain
I also do occasional work on labour markets (springing from my training as an economic historian), and also applications of transaction cost economics.
This blog initially developed as a teaching tool for an undergraduate subject called Business in the Global Economy, as discussed here.
Oh, and the cartoon itself was created by the immensely gifted Suzanne at Blue Bicycle as part of my wedding invitation earlier in 2008.
International BS Blog 
December 4, 2008 at 10:17 pm |
Hi André,
Good work on the blog. Very interested in the Harvey Norman topic…have you been looking into one of his other rivals other than JB HiFi / Clive Anthonys?
He made a call a few months ago that about 50 retail department stores would be shut by the end of 2008…we’ll see.
Keep up the good work.
BTW, Can I receive prompts when your blog is updated or put me on an email list?
Thanks buddy.
December 5, 2008 at 9:52 am |
Hi Jordy,
I tend to most interested in those Aussie retailers who internationalise. JB (who own Clive Anthony) have yet to venture beyond Australasia (and may still have a lot of these two markets to ‘soak up’ before they look further afield). I can’t help but think JB will keep diversifying into related product offerings rather than try and take their business model international (it tends to be the Aussie retail norm). What other Aussie competitor were you thinking of?
Good question re: an email list. I have added a link (in the top right hand corner so you can get email updates). Hope it works for you.
March 25, 2009 at 3:51 am |
I love your site. Keep it up !
May 25, 2009 at 11:01 pm |
Hi Andre,
I have enrolled for Strategic Management in Sem 2, 2009. Today is my first visit to your blog and i am warming up to the interesting 12 weeks scheduled next semester.
Cheers
Raj
November 19, 2009 at 8:17 am |
Prof. Sammartino
My name is Michael Czinkota. I am a professor in the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. I have begun to publish blog examining issues related to Trade Policy, International Business, Globalization, Marketing, and Politics. You may find it at http://michaelczinkota.blogspot.com Given the nature of your blog, I was thinking it may be of interest to your readers. Perhaps you could publicize the link as a resource for viewpoints concerning those topics.
In addition, as a blog we are hoping to be a forum for affairs concerning international business and are always looking for comments, viewpoints, and feedback. I am welcoming you and your readers to explore the blog and hopefully engage in the conversation. I think it would be of benefit to both our blog and yours. Any help you could provide in this regard would be much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Michael Czinkota
Georgetown University
January 15, 2010 at 6:07 am |
Andre,
Michael Czinkota and I just exchanged links to our blogs and he pointed me to yours which I find a very good read. Please have a look at my blog at http://www.deadlysins.info/wordpress which also deals with international business issues and let me know if you’re interested in exchanging links on the blogroll. Also, I’d be interested in reposting some of your blogposts. Would that be okay for you (of course with the usual acknowledgements)?
Best
Gerhard
January 16, 2010 at 12:41 am |
Done, Gerhard. I have emailed you also.
March 31, 2010 at 1:28 am |
Hi Andre,
great blog. I really enjoyed your posts and have added you on my blogroll. I have a Global business blog (http://hussainrammal.wordpress.com/) and look forward to exchanging views and ideas.
It is good to find another Australian academic on wordpress.
Best wishes,
Hussain
September 8, 2010 at 4:01 am |
Dear Andre,
This is to inform you that your site has been featured on Online Education Blackbook’s recent article, “Effective Management Skills Can Help Organizations and Businesses Function Better”.
http://blackbook.simplydegrees.com/effective-management-skills-can-help-organizations-and-businesses-function-better/
Your blog was described as “Andre Sammartino, the author of the blog and a lecturer at the University of Melbourne, casts an academic’s eye over the going on in the business world, typically in the international arena and the blog reflects his thoughts and research”. Would you be interested in displaying our Trusted Site Award?
If so, please let me know so we can send it to you, or if you have any other questions for me.