Description: Brett Arends, WSJ’s ROI columnist, tells colleague Adam Najberg that those $200 designer shades you’re wearing may be just like the $20 ones you buy at a Lens Crafter store. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 07/21/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/are-your-sunglasses-worth-the-big-bucks/EE3371B8-D867-409F-860A-F8AE69BC4625 Questions for discussion: Do you think customers are aware that one firm dominates the supply… Read more »
Monthly Archives: July 2010
AOL Chief: Display ads not dead
Description: Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong says display advertising will still be dominant, albeit different, in the coming years. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report  Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/07/23/f_bst_aol_armstrong_display.fortune/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the comments made by Tim Armstrong about the future of AOL, online content, and advertising. Do you agree with his opinions? How… Read more »
Dell and Intel: Big Tech behaving badly
Description: Thursday’s $100 million settlement between Dell and the Securities and Exchange Commission was a reminder that the government is going after tech’s bad boys — and Intel is likely next on the feds’ list. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/23/technology/dell_intel/index.htm  Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for SEC actions against these firms? How… Read more »
What Mad Men Gets Right About Innovation
Description: A scene from the Sterling Cooper ad agency offers a lesson about how leaders can foster creativity. Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jul2010/ca20100723_186913.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the main findings of the research report. Are you surprised by any of them? What message is there here for managers and for employees?
Even With All Its Profits, Microsoft Has a Popularity Problem
Description: MEASURED by profits, Microsoft trounces Apple and Google. In the most recent three months, Microsoft earned $4.52 billion, versus Apple’s $3.25 billion and Google’s $1.8 billion. But, dear investors, where is the love for this beaten-down company? Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/24/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/business/25digi.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for Microsoft’s poor… Read more »
Amazon shares fall after earnings disappoint
Description: Online retail giant ramps up investments, sees continued spending Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/amazon-falls-after-earnings-disappoint-2010-07-23?siteid=nwtwk  Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial conditions of Amazon? Would you be concerned as an investor or as a financial manager in the firm? What would you advise management?
digits: Has Apple Lost Its Mojo?
Description: As Apple finally speaks out on the antenna reception controversy surrounding its Apple 4, Simon Constable talks to Alan Murray, Lauren Goode and Rex Crum about whether the company has lost its mojo given this issue and other recent stumbles amid its successes. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/digits-has-apple-lost-its-mojo/E0F1EF8A-0443-48EE-9766-89A1DD9ED361 Questions… Read more »
A Look Inside a Hedge Fund’s Black-Box Trading
Description: A hedge fund started by four young math wizards is using a branch of artificial intelligence, called “computer learning,” to make investment decisions. Rebellion Research’s four, 20-something-year-old partners explain how their computer program “thinks” up their strategy. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 07/13/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/a-look-inside-a-hedge-fund-black-box-trading/BFAFFD06-F76B-4AF3-B2D1-577D3300F2AD Questions for discussion: What do you think of… Read more »
Droid X adds to the challenge of choosing a smart phone
Description: Deciding to buy a smart phone is the easy part. With dozens of models on the market — add one more after Motorola’s Droid X went on sale Thursday — picking your perfect phone requires hours of research on countless details. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/droid-x-adds-to-challenge-of-choosing-a-smartphone-2010-07-16?siteid=nwtwk  Questions for discussion: What are the… Read more »
Was Steinbrenner Just Lucky?
Description: Before he bought the New York Yankees, George Steinbrenner tried to buy the Cleveland Indians. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/business/17nocera.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: How would you explain the increase in value of the NY Yankees from the time George Steinbrenner bought the team in 1971? How important is the team brand to marketing… Read more »
