Some national pension funds operate on a ‘pay as you go’ model, meaning that retiree pensions are primarily funded by current workers. But other national pension plans—including the Canada Pension Plan—operate on a capitalized model, meaning that workers contributions are invested to fund future payouts. Capitalized plans allow for funds to be invested in a wider variety of assets, and can yield much bigger returns, according to research by Patrick Augustin, Associate Professor of Finance at McGill Desautels.

As part of the first graduating cohort of McGill’s Master of Management in Analytics (Online) program, Hari Gopalan (MMA’25) is using data to improve healthcare systems at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Applying insights gained from the program, he’s developed models to optimize exam scheduling and forecast waitlists, driving measurable improvements in patient care. Hari credits the MMA for expanding his technical and problem-solving skills, and for connecting him to a network of analytics professionals across industries.

While experts call for stronger oversight of artificial intelligence (AI) technology development, including clearer legal frameworks, the legal system itself is grappling with AI-related challenges. In recent days, Quebec and several other jurisdictions have issued substantial fines to individuals who submitted court documents containing “hallucinations,” the term for false or invented information generated by AI tools. 

At McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management, the DataSphere Lab is transforming how companies use data and how students learn.

Launched in 2023, the lab connects organizations eager to make smarter, data-driven decisions with McGill students who apply advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI to real-world challenges.

On The Office, Steve Carrell plays Michael Scott, a boss at a small paper and office supply wholesaler who is frequently delusional, insensitive and annoying—sometimes all at once. Still, there are lessons to be learned from the misadventures. “The Office captures the realities of business operations in an exaggerated yet familiar way,” said Kai Zhao (MBA’15) in an interview with Poets & Quants. “It serves as a reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s also about people, communication, and adapting to challenges--sometimes in the most unconventional ways.

The emergence of e-commerce has made for a revolution in retail. Whenever you make a purchase online, you generate data, and that data allows for a higher degree of personalization.

Meghan Markowski (MMR'25) captures key takeaways from this year's Reshaping the Future of Retail Conference, which brought together over 250 retail leaders, academics, and students at Montreal’s Sofitel Golden Mile on September 26.