Description: If you think tweets are worthless, you’re wrong. A professor has developed a program that uses tweets to predict where markets are headed. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/21/2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/02/20/mkts_twitter_markets.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: What is the basis for thinking that Twitter can help predict stock market activity? Do you think this makes… Read more »
Monthly Archives: February 2012
A new jobs program for people trapped in unemployment
Description:  The chances of finding a job are grim for the four million long-term unemployed in the U.S., but Joe Carbone is looking to change that in his Connecticut town. Scott Pelley reports. Source: MoneyWatch.com Date: 02/19/2012 Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7399352n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems faced by the long term unemployed. Why does this paid-internship… Read more »
America’s Blue Collar Nostalgia Masks Future Challenges
Description: The U.S. manufacturing sector needs more skilled workers and can’t support middle class living standards as it once did. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/17/2012 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/finance/americas-blue-collar-nostalgia-masks-future-challenges-02172012.html Questions for discussion: What message is there here for managers? How would you expect HR managers to respond to this report?
For Small Theaters, the Digital Future Is Dark
Description: Independent movie houses scramble to pay for expensive new gear Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/17/2012 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/for-small-theaters-the-digital-future-is-dark-02162012.html Questions for discussion: Why are smaller theatres having financial problems? Describe the solutions being presented. How else can they respond to the challenges?
Gen Y Speeds Up Luxury Goods Spending
Description:  Flash sale sites and the fashion industry’s maturing web presence boost sales to young consumers Source: eMarketer.com Date: 02/22/2012 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1008854&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4 Questions for discussion: Summarize the highlights in this report. Do you agree with the reasons given? Where do you think the marketplace is headed?
The euro dream that became a nightmare
Description:  When countries post a 40% youth unemployment rate, you know something is terribly wrong. The last time developed countries experienced such an employment disaster was during the Great Depression, and it is a moot question as to whether the current period will prove to be worse for the southern European countries than the Great… Read more »
The Business Of Lin
Description: From Knicks jersey sales to tickets on the road, many firms are profiting from Linsanity. But can it last? Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/17/2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/02/16/n_jeremy_lin_business.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the sudden financial changes to the various businesses mentioned in the report. Do you think this phenomenon can last? What strategic plans… Read more »
Is Boeing 787 Really a Dreamliner?
Description: The Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” was billed as a revolution for travelers, offering a more humid, comfortable cabin and lighting that would lessen fatigue, dry eyes and jet lag. Scott McCartney on Lunch Break looks at the validity of those claims. Source: Moneywatch.com – video report Date: 02/15/2012 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/is-boeing-787-really-a-dreamliner/CC9F10E4-0EE5-4F2D-A2C2-62B6C6D49DDB Questions for discussion: What are… Read more »
Google’s Bid to Be Everything to Everyone
Description: A rumored audio device and new testing facilities hint at the search giant’s hardware ambitions Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/16/2012 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/googles-bid-to-be-everything-to-everyone-02162012.html Questions for discussion: Highlight Google’s strategic planning described in this report. Do you think they will be successful with this approach? Who would be Google’s competitors in the future if this approach is… Read more »
Look to weaknesses to find your leadership strengths
Description:  (MoneyWatch) Steve Jobs, General Patton, and Mother Teresa. They were leaders who broke the mold, using their uniqueness to do what no one else could do. What they had in common was that they were unique. Source: MoneyWatch.com Date: 02/08/2012 Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-57372852/look-to-weaknesses-to-find-your-leadership-strengths/?tag=nl.e857 Questions for discussion: Summarize the ideas expressed in this article about leadership? What… Read more »