Google eyes China as Baidu fumbles
November 16, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business
Description: In 2005, China administered a spelling test that asked respondents to spell “Google” for a search market report: only 60 percent took the test and more than 20 percent got it wrong. Four years later, Google Inc (GOOG.O), whose whimsical name is synonymous with Internet search in much of the world, is still struggling for recognition in China, the world’s largest Internet market by users where local rival Baidu Inc (BIDU.O) dominates.
Source: Reuters.com
Date: 11/10/2009
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5A95HL20091110
Questions for discussion:
- Why has Google had trouble developing market share in China?
- What would you recommend management do to improve success?
- What lessons learned in the Chinese market do you believe apply to other markets in the world? Explain your answer.
Vivendi May Decide to Sell NBC Stake as Sale Window Opens Today
November 16, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business
Description: Vivendi SA, owner of the world’s biggest music company, can decide as soon as today to sell its 20 percent stake in NBC Universal, paving the way for General Electric Co. and Comcast Corp. to combine their media assets.
Source: Bloomberg.com
Date: 11/15/2009
Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a4UvueFpO4oE
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the strategic thinking behind a possible sale by Vivendi SA and the merger of General Electric Co. and Comcast Corp. media assets?
- Do you think the merger makes sense? Explain your thinkning.
Steve Jobs – CEO of the Decade
Description: Apple’s CEO is Fortune’s top business leader of the last 10 years for his impact on computing, movies, music and cell phones.
Source: CNNMoney – video report
Date: 11/04/2009
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2009/11/04/tt_steve_jobs_apple_ceo.fortune/
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the contribution made by Steve Jobs to Apple?
- What motivational role has Jobs played as CEO at Apple?
- Do you think Apple would have been as successful without Jobs? Explain your answer.
Stop the ‘jobless recovery’ madness!
November 9, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment
Description: An economy that isn’t creating employment opportunities simply isn’t doing its job.
Source: CNNMoney.com
Date: 11/06/2009
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the concern for economic recovery that was expressed in this report.
- Why is it so critical that employment start improving?
- What do you believe would cause businesses to increase hiring? Explain your answer.
Buffett buying Burlington rail in his biggest deal
Description: Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc will pay $26 billion to buy out Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp in a bet the nation’s largest rail company will benefit from a recovering U.S. economy.
Source: Reuters.com
Date: 11/03/2009
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5A22A720091103
Questions for discussion:
- Do you think this investment will turn out to be a good one for Buffett? Explain your answer.
- What are the risks to owning and operating a railroad?
Skype Founders Join Buyout Group, Drop Litigation
November 9, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business
Description: The founders of Skype agreed to join the investor group buying the Internet-calling service from EBay Inc. and to drop litigation that had threatened to shut down the company.
Source: Bloomberg.com
Date: 11/06/2009
Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=armXJAA3nReg
Questions for discussion:
- Do you think Skype should be managed independently of EBay or as a part of it? Explain your answer.
- Do you think Skype can maintain its competitive advantage in the marketplace? Explain your answer.
- What other collaborative applications could be developed for Skype, such as the connection with EBay?
Boarding call: PAWsengers only!
November 2, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 4: Marketing Management
Description: The first pets-only airline transports cats and dogs in safe and caring conditions.
Source: CNNMoney – video report
Date: 10/30/2009
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2009/10/30/f_lat_pet_airways.fortune/
Questions for discussion:
- Explain why this airline is doing well when most others are flying through rough skies.
- Is this niche market likely to grow?
- Explain the customer behavior in choosing this service?
- Are there other opportunities for businesses catering to the same target customer? Explain your answer.
Exxon Mobil earnings plunge 68%
November 2, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 5 Managing Technology and Information, Part 6 Managing Financial Resources
Description: Exxon Mobil reported a 68% decline in third-quarter earnings Thursday as oil and natural gas prices tumbled from last year’s highs.
Source: CNNMoney.com
Date: 10/29/2009
Link: http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/29/news/companies/exxon_mobil/index.htm?postversion=2009102912
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the current financial situation for the firm.
- Do you think investors will punish the company stock? Explain your answer.
- How has the stock reacted in comparison to the rest of the stock market? Explain your answer.
Microsoft seen as Diller’s best bet for Ask.com
November 2, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business, Part 4: Marketing Management
Description: Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) is viewed as the most likely buyer or partner for IAC/InterActiveCorp’s (IACI.O) Ask.com if CEO Barry Diller decides to throw in the towel on the struggling search engine.
Source: Reuters.com
Date: 10/28/2009
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/americasPrivateEquityNews/idUSTRE59R44720091028
Questions for discussion:
- Why do you think Ask.com failed to meet expectations for IAC/InterActive?
- Why do you think Microsoft would be interested in acquiring Ask.com?
Home-Price Index of 20 U.S. Cities Up for Third Month
November 2, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment
Description: A gauge of home prices in 20 U.S. cities rose in August for a third consecutive month, bolstering the case that an economic recovery is at hand.
Source: Bloomberg.com
Date: 10/27/2009
Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aBvc2corjATg
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the ideas expressed in this article relating home sales to the economy.
- Explain why home prices and sales are important economic indicators for business managers to follow.
