The tech cure for tone-deaf singers

Posted by & filed under Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description: UJAM co-founder Peter Gorges talks about how and why he created a web app that allows non-musicians to make music. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 06/10/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/06/10/t_tt_ujam_music_sharing.cnnmoney Questions for discussion: Explain the popularity for this software/website? Why is it important to create mobile and other platforms? How can this product be monetized?

Men’s Wearhouse is in fashion

Posted by & filed under Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives, Part 6 Managing Financial Resources.

Description:  Shares of Men’s Wearhouse surge after the retailer reported profits that doubled from a year ago, helped by strong sales across the board. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 06/09/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/06/09/mkts_midday_menswear.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: How has the company managed to succeed while other retailers have faced problems? How has the product and customer… Read more »

Honda Fails With Toyota to Dominate American Sedan Market: Cars

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 4: Marketing Management, Part 5 Managing Technology and Information.

Description: Stephen Ragsdale is no longer one of Honda Motor Co.’s “Happy Drivers.” A loyal owner for a decade, he ditched a 2009 Accord just 18 months after he bought it. The reason: He coveted his mother’s stylish Kia Optima. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 06/10/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-06-10/honda-fails-with-toyota-to-dominate-american-sedan-market-cars.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made about… Read more »

Toyota Expects 31% Profit Slump

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 4: Marketing Management, Part 6 Managing Financial Resources.

Description: Toyota Motor said Friday that it expected its annual net profit to fall almost a third from the previous year, hurt by production disruptions after the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 06/10/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/11/business/global/11toyota.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Explain the reasons for Toyota’s drop in profits. Do you think… Read more »

In search of the world’s best pizza

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 2 Starting and Growing Your Business, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:  When Corky’s closed, a little slice of me died. How I found it back in business. Source:  Fortune.com Date: 06/10/2011 Link: http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/06/10/pizza-a-love-story/?iid=H_F_News&iid=H_M_News Questions for discussion: What does this article teach you about business success? How important is the entrepreneurial drive in order to become successful?

Groupon IPO: Tech boom or bubble?

Posted by & filed under Part 6 Managing Financial Resources.

Description: Deal site Groupon and music service Pandora could continue the tech IPO boom started by LinkedIn and Renren. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 06/03/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/06/03/mkts_groupon_pandora.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Do you think there is a bubble forming in these tech stocks? Do you think these firms are raising sufficient funds for growth purposes?… Read more »

Chrysler CEO on paying back the bailout

Posted by & filed under Part 6 Managing Financial Resources.

Description: Chrysler Sergio Marchionne says the government bailout was a ‘great deal’ for U.S. taxpayers, and we won’t recognize the carmaker in a few years. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 06/03/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/06/03/n_fiat_ceo.cnnmoney Questions for discussion: Do you believe this was a good deal for US taxpayers? Do you believe that alternative financial restructuring… Read more »

Amazon May Soon Need to Collect Sales Tax

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 4: Marketing Management, Part 5 Managing Technology and Information.

Description: A proposal in the U.S. Senate aims to end the longtime exemption for e-commerce Source: Businessweek.com Date: 06/02/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_24/b4232041319222.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the key arguments made in this article about tax collection. What are some of the alternative solutions to the collection of taxes that is fair to all parties?

25 ways of downloading Angry Birds

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 4: Marketing Management, Part 5 Managing Technology and Information.

Description: Rovio has a blockbuster franchise just as notable for its flock of revenue streams as its wildly addictive game play. Source:  Fortune.com Date: 06/03/2011 Link: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/06/03/25-ways-angry-birds/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for the success of this business? Why has it become such a global hit? What other prospects exist for this brand?

The Thriving (Online) Shelter Magazine Industry

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

Description: SINCE Domino, the beloved shelter magazine, folded in early 2009, its staff members have gone on to lucrative consulting jobs, top editing posts, even television gigs, but none have advanced as swiftly as Michelle Adams. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 06/01/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/02/garden/the-thriving-online-shelter-magazine-industry.html?ref=media Questions for discussion: Explain the success of these new online magazines? Why have… Read more »