Sample preparation can be a labor-intensive and expensive process. What are the factors that should be considered when evaluating the possible transition from manual to semi-automated or fully automated systems? How do they impact your return on investment?

Now that we have your attention, we have to dash your hopes. This is not a column about Vegas and “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” kind of fun. It is going to provide vital safety information on one of the most widely used laboratory solvents. The title is derived from what is probably the best-known common use of the term outside laboratories— i.e., a chemical stripper or stripping agent.

Do you work in customer services? If you do, it is better to express your positive interpersonal  feelings naturally. Suppressing the benevolent interpersonal emotions of employees for customers has a negative impact on customer satisfaction, as indicated for the first time in a new study conducted by Prof. Dana Yagil of the Department of Human Services at the University of Haifa. The study was published in the journal Motivation and Emotion. “Suppression of positive interpersonal emotions is contrary to natural behavior in social interactions,” said the researcher.

Putting oneself in the customer's shoes makes managers even more likely let their own feelings get in the way

A surprising new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that goal priming can backfire, especially when consumers are in uncommon situations

New study shows how a minor change to a job ad can increase the size and quality of an applicant pool.

Changes may add to challenge of finding new jobs.

Unfortunately, there are still those in business who see having a female CFO as a “token.” But a new research study finds that not only does having a female CFO lead a company to more ethical tax decisions, but having female board members is also beneficial—and necessary—for ethical financial decision making.

Fire extinguishers need to be appropriate to the type of fire.

Screenwriters know there is a magic formula called “structure” that must be adhered to when writing a successful script. A key element is what occurs at the nine-minute mark in a film. That’s when the hero’s life undergoes a change that forces them to take action and regain their footing, which catalyzes the triumphant conclusion.

You are the manager of a big company and you know your business. Each day, you make important decisions regarding money, policy and strategy. You’re in total control. Without warning, you are confronted with a major crisis: an earthquake, a fire or a reputational risk. Now you find yourself uncertain and unsure. You don’t know what to do and you realize that everybody is looking to you for guidance—and the decision you are about to make will directly affect the survival of your company.