He is presently serving on a number of boards, including Circuit City Stores, Harrah's Entertainment, The Neiman-Marcus Group, Quaker Oats, and Hannaford Bros. Co., where he was outside chairman until the company was recently sold. He is also on the boards of two Internet startups and one software startup in the retailing arena. Professor Salmon also serves on the boards of Tufts Associated Health Plans and Harvard Business School Publishing. In its depth, variety, and staying power, the Harvard Business School Executive Education experience is unlike any other in the world. What sets HBS apart are the myriad dimensions of learning offered, especially its often-imitated case study method.
Participants analyze case studies individually, in group discussions, and through team projects.
Putting themselves in the positions of the managers involved, they must analyze facts, define problems, compare alternatives, formulate solutions , commit to an action plan, and sell colleagues on the merits of their respective positions. Debate and interactive discussion are integral parts of the case study experience. In addition to case studies, faculty members use multiple learning approaches tailored to fit their teaching objectives. Comfortable amphitheater-style seating encourages optimal interaction among participants and faculty. One of the most powerful forms of learning is peer-group interaction.