Description: A look back at why Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple and how his return reinvented the computer giant. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 08/25/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/08/24/t_steve_jobs_apple_fall_rise.fortune/ Questions for discussion: How would you describe the business career of Steve Jobs? What do you think Jobs’ legacy will be? Would you consider Jobs an… Read more »
Monthly Archives: August 2011
No housing slump for Toll Bros.
Description: A 54% jump in quarterly profits buoyed shares of the luxury home builder despite a beleaguered housing market. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 08/24/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/08/24/mkts_midday_toll.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the reasons why some analysts might suggest that the financial improvements in this firm are “good news†for the economy as a whole…. Read more »
The Great Casual-Dining Upheaval
Description: Midpriced chains are getting facelifts and tweaking menus to lure younger diners Source: Businessweek.com Date: 08/25/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-great-casualdining-upheaval-08252011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize how restaurants are changing their existing strategies. How do you think this target market of customers will respond to the effort?
5 triggers that will ignite the next bull market
Description: Watching debt, gold, banks and other catalysts that move stocks Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 08/26/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-triggers-that-will-ignite-the-next-bull-market-2011-08-26 Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points in this report. Do you agree with the analysis? What other indicators do you think investors are waiting for before jumping into the market?
What Google knows about your eating habits
Description: Google says companies are increasingly using local search data to extract more bang for their online marketing buck. Source: Fortune.com Date: 08/26/2011 Link: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/08/26/what-google-knows-about-your-eating-habits/ Questions for discussion: What do you think of this marketing information? Do you think this information provides real advantage to marketers or consumers? What other applications might also prove to… Read more »
Magnolia Bakery is sweet on Dubai
Description: CNN’s Felicia Taylor visits a Magnolia Bakery in Manhattan and speaks with owner Steve Abrams about the boom in applications for franchises around the world. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/19/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/08/18/n_magnolia_bakery.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Why has Magnolia been a successful global company? Why is franchising a good approach for growing the… Read more »
Luxury (Now) Within Reach
Description: While many people are tightening their budgets, shoppers lusting after that “it” bag, a first-class airline seat or a pricey car may now find those luxuries are more affordable than before. Kelli Grant has details on The News Hub. Source: Moneywatch.com – video report Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/luxury-now-within-reach-2011-08-19/E5DE35A1-4CCE-410A-9711-008AE3E5D836#!E5DE35A1-4CCE-410A-9711-008AE3E5D836 Questions for discussion: Do you think… Read more »
Audi Cuts A6 Price as Lure for U.S. BMW-Mercedes Drivers: Cars
Description: Volkswagen AG’s Audi, the luxury brand trying to double its U.S. sales, has lowered the sticker price of its redesigned A6 midsize sedan to grab more market share. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-08-19/audi-cuts-a6-price-as-lure-for-u-s-bmw-mercedes-drivers-cars.html Questions for discussion: Summarize how Audi is trying to use price to gain market share. Do you think this strategy… Read more »
As PCs Wane, Companies Look to Tablets
Description: Although the world is dependent on personal computers, making them has not been a great business for most American companies for almost a decade. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/20/technology/as-pcs-wane-companies-look-to-tablets.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Do you think the market for tablets will be greater than the market for PCs? How important are the brand and… Read more »
Food giants mine the gluten-free gold rush
Description: Gluten-free is no longer a niche market. Conglomerates like General Mills and Kellogg’s see profits where there’s no gluten. Source: Fortune.com Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/08/19/food-giants-mine-the-gluten-free-gold-rush/ Questions for discussion: Explain the move by food giants to produce gluten-free products. Do you think the “gluten-free†label can be marketed successfully the same way “organic†and “natural  Read more »
