Faculty
Dr. Esper conducts research on several strategic logistics and supply chain management concepts, including online retail logistics, customer service, and supply chain orientation. His work has primarily been published in the Journal of Business Logistics,but he also publishes in Journal of Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Journal, and Journal of Supply ChainManagement.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: There are so many favorite memories of CIMBA…if I had to choose one, it would be going through the LIFE program. It was eye-opening and I learned many things about myself and about leadership. Besides that, every chance I get to engage with CIMBA students is a favorite. We really have something special here, and I feel immensely blessed to be part of it!
I do research in Behavioral Finance and Economics. Current areas include trust and reputation, retirement portfolio asset allocation, and prediction markets. Publications include the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Management Science,Review of Financial Studies, the American Political Science Review, among others.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: It’s great to interact with the CIMBA students and watch when things “click” as they begin to fully understand the implication of a topic.
Research speaking up at work and how employees stay engaged as they transition between work tasks. Have conducted NASA research with astronauts aboard the International Space Station, isolated crews in Houston, and cosmonauts in the Mars training facility in Moscow.
Favorite CIMBA memory: Celebrating with students at Al Sole in Paderno and graduation at Old Cap in Iowa City
My research centers on organizational control. In particular, my focus is on formal controls and compensation contracts and their effects on employee behavior. I utilize a blend of psychology and economics theories as well as multiple research methods (e.g.,archival, experiments, surveys) to examine research questions.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: Honestly, there are just too many. A few: olive picking, pizza making, and wine-tasting in the Cantina.
My research includes the impact of overseas study, with numerous publications across accounting, operations research, and information systems.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: The day a chicken wandered into our classroom—much chaos, laughter, and running ensued!
My research explores the intersection of markets and society, focusing on consumer culture and values.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: Experiencing the unique energy in CIMBA classrooms—unlike anywhere else. Also, a chance encounter with an old friend at a local restaurant, which immediately made Italy feel like home.
My research improves user experience in technology environments. I’m the co-founder of Tech3Lab and creator of ERPsim, a simulation game used globally.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: Watching students fully immersed in business simulations, with friendly but fierce competition as they aim to win.
My teaching focuses on leadership, team dynamics, and strategic growth, equipping students with tools to navigate organizational challenges.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: Watching students build spaghetti towers in class—teamwork and friendly chaos at its best!
My research focuses on rural development and entrepreneurship in developing nations, with an emphasis on agritourism.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: The sense of community among students and faculty, particularly at graduation celebrations.
My research focuses on consumer perceptions of marketing and advertising's influence on vulnerable groups. I employ a mixed-method approach to study consumer behavior.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: Walking together during class breaks and gathering around the coffee machine, forming connections with students and colleagues.
Dr. Rapert serves as the Director of the Walton College of Business Center for Teaching Effectiveness and served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Walton College Alumni Society, among many other service activities.
- Intro to Finance
- International Finance
- Econ
- Finance Management and Managerial Accounting
My career spans 31 years in finance, alongside teaching in Italy, Austria, Czechia, Lithuania, and the UK.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: Leading student hikes to Monte Grappa and meeting my now-wife at CIMBA.
- International Economic Environment of the Firm
- International Economics
Eric Olson
- PhD in Economics – University of Alabama
- MA in Economics – University of Alabama
- BA in Economics – University of Alabama
- Certifications: Data Mining, Applied Analytics, and Credit Scoring – SAS Institute
- International Economic Environment of the Firm
- International Economics
I specialize in financial economics and time-series econometrics, with over 35 academic publications. My research explores the interaction between politics, international trade, and economics, always with a global view inspired by my exchange studies in Wales.
Favorite CIMBA Memory: Taking students whitewater rafting down the Brenta River! Fun fact: I scuba dive in the Jenks Aquarium to help keep the tanks clean.
My research centers on organizational control. In particular, my focus is on formal controls and compensation contracts and their effects on employee behavior. I utilize a blend of psychology and economics theories as well as multiple research methods (e.g., archival, experiments, surveys) to examine research questions.
Favorite CIMBA memory: Honestly, there are just too many. A few: olive picking, pizza making, and wine-tasting in the Cantina.