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… Read more »
Monthly Archives: December 2009
Chrysler, GM dealers ready to fight for resurrection
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… Read more »
Google wants to sell books to Kindle owners too
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… Read more »
Gordon Ramsay Flees Kitchen as TV Fame Saves Restaurant Empire
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… Read more »
Google CEO: Small biz key to recovery
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… Read more »
More top job changes at GM
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… Read more »
Saks faces dilemma as luxury shoppers stay AWOL
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?… Read more »
AOL Chief Takes Apple Turnaround as Model to Revive Ad Sales
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… Read more »
