Tablets, not smartphones, key for HP

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Description:   The world’s largest computer company bets that tablet computers will be a better revenue stream than smartphones. Source: CNNMoney – video report   Date: 01/22/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2010/01/19/ctd_hp_hurd_tablet.fortune/ Questions for discussion:  Summarize the thinking presented by Mark Hurd? Which items do you agree with and which do you think are incorrect? Explain your thinking. What… Read more »

Burger King bar debuts in Miami

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Description:  Burger King Corp. said Friday it plans to open a Whopper Bar in the South Beach area of Miami next month. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 01/23/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/22/news/companies/burger_king_whopper_bar/index.htm Questions for discussion: Do you think this is a good strategy for Burger King? What are the possible problems that can emerge?

Tablet launch, earnings mean big week for Apple

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Description: Few events can steal the thunder from an Apple Inc quarterly earnings day — an Apple product launch is one of them. Source: Reuters.com Date: 01/22/2010 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60L43Y20100122 Questions for discussion:  Examine the news this week about Apple and report the reaction by consumers and investors?  How did Apple stock perform in the stock market?

Now at Starbucks: A Rebound

Posted by & filed under Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business.

Description: Young people wearing hoodies and chunky glasses are sipping microbrew beers and espressos, nibbling on cheese and baguettes made at a local bakery and listening to a guitarist strum and sing. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 01/20/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/business/21sbux.html Questions for discussion: Do you think the new “entrepreneurial” approach at Starbucks will be successful? What are… Read more »

Google vs. China’s great firewall

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment.

Description:  Google’s dispute with the Chinese government highlights some obstacles that Western companies face in China. Source: CNNMoney – video report   Date: 01/15/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/01/15/f_sl_google_china.fortune/ Questions for discussion:  How do you think Google and other foreign companies trying to develop their businesses in China should deal with these issues? Explain your thinking. Does the “controlled”… Read more »

NBC’s late night mess

Posted by & filed under Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:   Fortune editors say the bungling of the Jay Leno – Conan O’Brien dustup is the latest in a series of network missteps. Source: CNNMoney – video report   Date: 01/13/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/01/13/f_sl_nbc_leno_conan.fortune/ Questions for discussion:  Why do you think Leno’s show failed to generate audience ratings? What would you do with these entertainers in… Read more »

Chrysler buys 60-second Super Bowl ad

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:  Chrysler will be the only U.S. automaker to advertise in this year’s Super Bowl, forking over millions of dollars to restore its image following its bankruptcy and the federal bailout that followed. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 01/14/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/14/news/companies/chrysler_super_bowl_ad/index.htm Questions for discussion: Do you think Chrysler is making a wise decision? Explain your answer. How… Read more »

China’s Round-The-Clock Auto Factories Still Cannot Meet Demand

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment.

Description: Nissan Motor Co.’s factory in central China is making cars almost 24 hours a day, yet Pan Xiaowei still waited three months for her new Tiida compact to arrive at the dealership. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 01/15/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=av3dPlponcBw Questions for discussion: Explain the reasons for growth in the Chinese auto market. What does this… Read more »

Verizon, AT&T cut fees, expand price war

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Description: The two largest U.S. wireless carriers, Verizon and AT&T, cut their rates on Friday, escalating a price war that began with smaller carriers. Source: Reuters.com Date: 01/15/2010 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1514325020100115 Questions for discussion:  Do you think these price cuts will bring in more total revenue for these firms? Explain your thinking. What do you think… Read more »

Google Google everywhere

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Description:   From cell phones to microwaves, the search giant’s Android OS was all over devices at CES. Source: CNNMoney – video report   Date: 01/08/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/01/08/n_cmr_google_android_ces.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Do you think Google’s Android strategy will be successful?Explain your thinking. Google started as a search engine. What sort of business do you think Google… Read more »