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Bobby Zhou
Associate Professor of Marketing
Emerging Fellow at Smith
Department of Marketing
Robert H. Smith School of Business
University of Maryland
Bio
My research focuses on the manner in which competition affects a firm’s marketing strategy, particularly as it pertains to its pricing decisions. I draw inspiration from problems that arise in the real world for which the best-practice solutions can be improved. I do this by incorporating the tools of analytical models and experimental design, which help managers understand the theoretical underpinnings of the problem. This approach allows me to answer questions such as "When and why should service providers allow consumers to bundle themselves into family plans?" and "How can firms achieve higher profits through trade-in and trade-up promotion?" I also enjoy incorporating consumers’ behavioral biases into an analytic framework that then allows me to understand the optimal policy for the firm. For example, this allows me to address questions such as: "How should the firm determine its optimal product line when consumers start anticipating post-purchase regret?" and "Do more strategic managers always outperform their less strategic competitors?"
On a personal note, I have been an avid AC Milan fan for over 30 years. Although the past few years has been very tough, I am hopeful that Milan can return to its glorious days soon. Forza Milan!
Research Interests
Pricing, Marketing Strategy, Platform Business, Emerging Markets, Technology Markets, Media Markets, Online Marketplace, Analytical Models, Behavioral Economics
Teaching Interests
Marketing Research, Marketing Strategy, Pricing, Marketing of High-Technology Products