Apple Labor Pact Could Ripple Across China
Description: Manufacturers grappling with rising labor costs and worker demands in China could face further pressure if a critical probe of a major Apple supplier sets a new standard for China’s factory workers, Andrew Dowell reports on digits. Photo: Getty Images.
Source: Marketwatch.com – video report
Date: 03/30/2012
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the main points presented in this report.
- Do you think the criticism of Apple’s role is warranted?
- Do you think working 60 hours a week is unfair?
- How do you think this decision will influence other companies in China?
- How would you deal with this problem if you were part of management at Apple?
Best Buy’s moves meet with investor skepticism
Description: Best Buy Co., the largest U.S. electronics chain, swung to a fourth-quarter loss, hurt by charges and lower sales of notebook computers and televisions.
Source: Marketwatch.com
Date: 03/30/2012
Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/best-buy-swings-to-loss-to-shut-50-stores-2012-03-29?siteid=nwtwk
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the reasons for Best Buy’s financial problems.
- Do you think they can be resolved easily?
JetBlue Actions Show How Training Altered Cockpit Culture
Description: The events aboard a March 27 JetBlue Airways Corp. (JBLU)flight, on which the co-pilot locked an erratically behaving captain out of the cockpit and diverted the plane to a safe landing, show how much has changed in a culture once typified by autocratic captains browbeating underlings even in the face of potential hazards, safety specialists said.
Source: Bloomberg.com
Date: 03/30/2012
Questions for discussion:
- What are the managerial lessons described in this report?
- Do you think there are similar cultural problems that need to be addressed in other work environments?
Apple v. RIM: What Canadian companies can learn
April 2, 2012 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives
Description: There are few games out there that test one’s strategic thinking better than chess. A well thought-out plan, coupled with the ability to anticipate and out manoeuvre your opponent, invariably leads to the capture of your opponent’s king. Game over. The world of business is essentially built on the same basic principles, but in this case, the prize is revenue, earnings, market share and share price growth. In an increasingly integrated, competitive and fast-paced global economy, the path to these riches is complex and by no means certain.
Source: GlobeandMail.com
Date: 03/27/2012
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the criticisms leveled at management.
- Are they warranted in your opinion?
- What should management do now to improve investor relations?
- What should management do now to improve customer relations?
Taiwan dumpling sensation goes worldwide
Description: A local Taiwanese chain restaurant sees a boost in business as their ever expanding dumpling restaurant continues to gain success across the globe.
Source: CNNMoney.com – video report
Date: 03/21/2012
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/03/19/n-dumpling-empire.cnnmoney/
Questions for discussion:
- What is the recipe for success as described in this report?
- What are the similarities and differences of this business in comparison to say, MacDonald’s or other successful international fast food chains?
Why Relationship Marketing is Important for Businesses
Description: In this video I interview Mari Smith, author of The New Relationship Marketing and Facebook Marketing: An Hour a Day. Mari shares how relationships have evolved and why businesses need to focus on P2P (people to people) marketing today. You’ll also discover the story of how Mari came to Facebook marketing and pick up some useful social media marketing tips.
Source: SocialMediaExaminer.com – video report
Date: 03/15/2012
Link: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/why-relationship-marketing-is-important-for-businesses/
Questions for discussion:
- What are the lessons for managers presented in this interview?
- Do you think there is any down-side to this type of communications?
Helping One Big Client, but Wanting to Spread Out
March 26, 2012 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives
Description: THE Four Horsemen Toy Design Studios is a toy company based in New Jersey that creates highly detailed action figures for Mattel while making its own toys that are sold online to adult collectors.
Source: NYTimes.com
Date: 03/21/2012
Questions for discussion:
- What are the particular problems facing these businessmen?
- What are the solutions being considered?
- What would you advise them to do?
What’s driving the manufacturing rebound?
Description: Manufacturing jobs are not close to pre-recession levels, but auto jobs, especially in Michigan, are showing signs of life.
Source: CNNMoney.com – video report
Date: 03/16/2012
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/03/16/n-us-manufacturing-autos.cnnmoney/
Questions for discussion:
- Why has manufacturing rebounded?
- What does this mean for the economy as a whole, in your opinion?
Pricey undies, made in the U.S.A.
Description: Hanky Panky is one of very few apparel makers that makes its lingerie in America.
Source: CNNMoney.com – video report
Date: 03/15/2012
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/03/14/n-hanky-panky-usa.cnnmoney/
Questions for discussion:
- How is it that this product category can defy the odds and sell successfully?
- Are there other products that could do as well, in your opinion?
Pass the Books. Hold the Oil.
March 19, 2012 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives
Description: Thomas Friedman: EVERY so often someone asks me: “What’s your favorite country, other than your own?”
Source: NYTimes.com
Date: 03/10/2012
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize Thomas Friedman’s arguments about the development of wealth around the world.
- Do you agree with his assessments?
