Nelson Fraiman, Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the W. Edwards Deming Center at Columbia Business School, worked at International Paper Company for seventeen years before coming to Columbia Business School. Originally from Uruguay, Professor Fraiman teaches operations and technology management, including a new Master Class called Retailing Strategy and Operations. In this interview, Professor Fraiman talks about his role as a professor, his current research, and internationalism in the MBA curriculum. The following is an excerpt from his interview.


What research are you currently working on?
Right now, I'm working on retailing and the determinants of entrepreneurs' success in operating across borders. I have a particular interest in entrepreneurs based in emerging economies, particularly Latin America. Small-scale entrepreneurs will be important determinants in Latin America's future economic development. I'm working to create a program in partnership with colleagues at Columbia and other Latin American universities to help these entrepreneurs succeed, an effort that will include training for these individuals who want to succeed across borders. This is all still a work in progress, but we hope to have a pilot session next year.