Business

Over the past five years the price of oil has gone through wild swings — record highs are followed by more “normal” periods, sharp spikes alternate with modest troughs. Powering all this volatility is a complex mix of economics, political factors and industry developments.

The collapse of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers in 2008 has triggered debates on the role of executive compensations in inducing risk-taking behavior. The implication is far-reaching given that executive pay reforms have been proposed to prevent another financial crisis.

“Fresh new scent!” is a frequent product pitch, and supermarket shelves groan with seemingly endless varieties of soaps, moisturizers, cleaners, air fresheners and more that vaunt their alleged nose-pleasing qualities.

From the Scholars Strategy Network, written by Colleen Casey, University of Texas at Arlington.

From the Scholars Strategy Network, written by Harley Shaiken, University of California, Berkeley.