MD by day, iPhone developer at night
December 14, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business
Description: Brian Gillett needed some extra money to put his son through private school, so he developed an iPhone app that helps users find a nearby mailbox.
Source: CNNMoney – video report
Date: 12/09/2009
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/smallbusiness/2009/12/09/sbiz_iphone_app_developer_mail.cnnmoney/
Questions for discussion:
- Why do you think developers of iPhone apps come from such varied backgrounds, as illustrated by Brian Gillett. Explain your answer.
- How does the growth in successful apps help the growth of iPhone sales?
- Create an idea for an app that you would be willing to buy for under $5.
Chrysler, GM dealers ready to fight for resurrection
December 14, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 4: Marketing Management
Description: The auto giants plan to field appeals from nearly 2,000 dealerships they shuttered. They’re going to get an earful.
Source: CNNMoney.com
Date: 12/11/2009
Link: http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/11/smallbusiness/small_business_auto_dealers/index.htm
Questions for discussion:
- What are some pros and cons related to the reduction of the distribution network of franchises?
- Other than closing, are there any strategic alternatives for these former franchise businesses?
- What arguments would you make to GM and Chrysler for rethinking this decision? Explain your thinking.
Google wants to sell books to Kindle owners too
December 14, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 4: Marketing Management
Description: Search giant Google, which is making forays into the book world, would happily sell books to readers who own Kindles or other e-readers, said Google Books engineering director Dan Clancy on Friday.
Source: Reuters.com
Date: 12/11/2009
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BB0DH20091212
Questions for discussion:
- Explain the reasons why collaboration with Google would make sense for Amazon and why it might not.
- How do you think consumers will respond to a battle between Amazon and Google for readership dollars?
- Is there a parallel here with other technologies such as iPod/iTunes and other MP3 devices? Explain your answer.
Gordon Ramsay Flees Kitchen as TV Fame Saves Restaurant Empire
December 14, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business, Part 5 Managing Technology and Information
Description: On a gray morning in October, Gordon Ramsay bursts into the kitchen of his south London house, pop music blaring from the radio. At the heart of the room stands a 67,000-pound ($109,000) French cooking range that weighs 2.5 tons and had to be lowered by crane into the celebrity chef’s home.
Source: Bloomberg.com
Date: 12/11/2009
Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aRE.WJ51Hq2s
Questions for discussion:
- Do you think Ramsay is a typical entrepreneur? Explain your answer.
- How is he different? Explain your answer.
- Summarize the reasons for the risk of bankruptcy.
- How did Ramsay fix the problem?
Google CEO: Small biz key to recovery
December 7, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business
Description: After the White House jobs summit, Eric Schmidt explains small biz needs increased lending to stimulate economy.
Source: CNNMoney – video report
Date: 12/03/2009
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2009/12/03/n.schmidt.jobs.google.obama.cnnmoney/
Questions for discussion:
- Why are small businesses key to the recovery?
- Why are they having difficulty?
- Summarize the reasons that explain why Google is growing more than other businesses at this time.
- Compare the major similarities and differences between Google and other businesses with respect to problems and opportunities. Explain your answer.
More top job changes at GM
December 7, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives
Description: Lutz taken out of marketing role, head of engineering becomes president of GM North America.
Source: CNNMoney.com
Date: 12/04/2009
Link: http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/04/autos/gm_management_changes/index.htm
Questions for discussion:
- What do you think is motivating the many management changes taking place at GM? Explain your thinking.
- Do you think the changes are seen as positive developments for the firm by customers or investors? Explain your thinking.
Saks faces dilemma as luxury shoppers stay AWOL
December 7, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 4: Marketing Management
Description: Struggling with slumping sales for the past two years, luxury department store operator Saks Inc is beefing up its less expensive offerings at the risk of diluting its brand.
Source: Reuters.com
Date: 12/06/2009
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B51AA20091206
Questions for discussion:
- Do you believe these changes will damage the brand and the overall image of the firm? Explain your thinking.
- Describe the target market for Saks.
- How would you respond to the challenges facing Saks?
AOL Chief Takes Apple Turnaround as Model to Revive Ad Sales
December 7, 2009 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business, Part 4: Marketing Management
Description: AOL Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Armstrong is on a mission to show that the company isn’t some dot-com has-been selling Web access and e-mail. It’s a digital- media company with 80 Web sites churning out everything from personal finance advice to bedroom tips for women.
Source: Bloomberg.com
Date: 12/04/2009
Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aWVBISfvb7rM&pos=12
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the current situation at AOL.
- Where is it suggested that AOL might be in the future?
- Do you agree with these views? Explain your answer.
- What would you recommend to AOL management in order to revive its fortunes in today’s marketplace?
