February 2006

Silver Screen Activist
Jeff Skoll, MBA '95, has created his own film company with an eye to producing four to six features annually, choosing titles to support his interest in solving social problems. [Details]

Designing Stanford's d-school
A multidisciplinary endeavor to use design to change human behavior, the d-school includes the Business School's James Patell on its founding faculty. [Details]

Personal Finance: Investing for Retirement
Faced with raising families and advancing their careers, even MBAs may shortchange retirement planning. [Details]

Viewpoint: Internet Babies
A student intern finds internet startups are easier and faster–thanks to the internet. [Details]

Ask A Professor
Prof. Stefan Reichelstein discusses why cost accounting is important. [Details]

ClassNotes Available Online
Sign in today and read about your friends on a password-protected site. [Login]

February cover
Photo by
David Strick

		In Our Next Issue From a nonprofit in Bulgaria to an insurance company in Australia, Stanford’s MBA students are finding more opportunities for internships outside the United States, and alumni are delighted to have their talents. Dangerous half-truths that pass for business wisdom need to be replaced with evidenced-based management, two veteran Stanford professors say.

Microfinance: Small Loans Make a Big Impact
Alumni are working to improve the business model for microfinancing—a lending technique that is helping lift families in developing countries out of abject poverty. [Details]

Doing Good Pays Unexpected Dividends
A philanthropic foundation started at a manufacturing plant in Mexico produced not only assistance for those in need but also potential leaders from a diverse group of employee volunteers. [Details]