Shengmao Cao is a Donald P. Jacobs Scholar in the Department of Strategy. He received his BA in Economics and Mathematics from Cornell University, and his PhD in Economics from Stanford University.

Shengmao’s research interests include industrial organization and health economics. His recent work examines competitive strategy and regulations in pharmaceutical markets, sub-baccalaureate education, and automobile industries. 

• PhD, 2022, Economics, Stanford University
• B.S., 2015, Economics and Mathematics, Cornell University

• Assistant Professor, Strategy Department, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 2022-present
• Donald P. Jacobs Scholar, Strategy Department, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 2022-2023

Research in Economics (MECS-560-3)
This course introduces first-year PhD students to the economics research environment. With an emphasis on breadth, and minimal prerequisite knowledge at the graduate level, students are exposed to the process of forming and answering research questions. The course involves multiple faculty providing their perspective on successful approaches to research by highlighting significant recent works in their respective fields of interest.

Analytics for Strategy (STRT-469-0)
This course is an advanced analytics elective that uses data to inform strategic decisions. Should a fast food chain enter the highly profitable breakfast market segment? Not if the incumbents will respond by competing aggressively. Can a bank raise profits by attracting more customers through generous loan terms? Not if it inadvertently attracts risky customers. Data-driven analyses of such issues require going beyond statistically significant relationships (profitability in current market conditions, overall demand for generous loans) to assess underlying cause and effect. The course tackles a broad range of topics in competitive strategy, such as product portfolios (is it profitable to enter a rival's niche?), personnel (do workplace perks reduce absenteeism?), and cost reduction (is it profitable to adopt a new technology?). Students will learn through hands-on experience with performing advanced regression analyses and interpreting their results.Students who have not taken the pre-requisite, DECS 431 Business Analytics II, but have knowledge in regression and coding, can reach out to the instructor for a pre-requisite waiver

Topics in Managerial Analytics (KELLG_MA-326-0)
In-depth examination of selected issues in managerial analytics; topic varies each year.