No grimacing for McDonald’s investors
April 23, 2012 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 6 Managing Financial Resources
Description: With a boost from strong earnings, McDonald’s isn’t the only fast food co. on the up and up. Chipotle and Yum! Brands are following suit.
Source: CNNMoney.com – video report
Date: 04/20/2012
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/04/20/mkts-bz-fast-food.cnnmoney/
Questions for discussion:
- Compare the financial results for the firms mentioned in this report?
- How do you explain their performance?
- Would you be a buyer or seller of any of them?
Nokia: The Finnish RIM
Description: Mobile device makers Nokia and Research in Motion continue to struggle against Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android operating system.
Source: CNNMoney.com – video report
Date: 04/11/2012
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/04/11/mkts-bz-nokia-rimm.cnnmoney/
Questions for discussion:
- Do you think there is a strategic solution for either of these firms?
- How much blame lies with management? Explain.
Avon, 125 years old
Description: Avon Products, the iconic door-to-door cosmetic seller, celebrates 125 years in business, Felicia Taylor reports.
Source: CNNMoney.com – video report
Date: 04/02/2012
Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/03/09/n_avon_taylor.cnnmoney/
Questions for discussion:
- What does the Avon brand represent to women today?
- What are the benefits to Avon’s participation in social causes?
Hostess Serves New Batch of Cuts
Description: If negotiations fail, Hostess and its unions will face off in a trial over whether the company can scrap its labor contracts-an example of how wage levels across many once-vibrant industries are falling. Mike Spector reports on Markets Hub. Photo: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images.
Source: Marketwatch.com – video report
Date: 04/02/2012
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the main points presented in this report.
- What are some possible resolutions that you would put forward as a labor conciliator?
Online Movies Set to Overtake DVDs and Blu-rays
Description: Web-based movie download and rental services, coupled with tablets and connected TVs, have led to greater online movie consumption
Source: emarketer.com
Date: 04/02/2012
Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1008945&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize the changes taking place.
- What are the reasons for these changes?
- How would you suggest the industry respond?
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?
Green Mountain falls as Starbucks takes on Keurig
March 12, 2012 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 4: Marketing Management, Part 6 Managing Financial Resources
Description: Shares in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc (GMCR.O) tumbled 14 percent on Friday, on fears that it may lose its near monopoly in the U.S. single-cup coffee market after partner Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O) outlined plans to launch a rival coffee and espresso machine.
Source: Reuters.com
Date: 03/09/2012
Questions for discussion:
- Why have share values of the firm fallen?
- How would you expect this part of the industry to develop?
- What strategic thinking would you suggest?
How Twitter predicts the stock market
February 27, 2012 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 6 Managing Financial Resources
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 sense?
For Small Theaters, the Digital Future Is Dark
February 27, 2012 by Brahm Canzer
Filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 6 Managing Financial Resources
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?
