Mobile Couponing Brings Mixed Results to an Iowa Jiffy Lube
June 22, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
A Jiffy Lube manager’s foray into the world of mobile couponing convinced him the practice has potential but it also proved that human nature can be a funny thing.
Source: Clickz.com
Date: 6/19/2009
Keys: Marketing, Internet technology, promotions
Link: http://www.clickz.com/3634148
Questions for discussion:
- Why do you think the promotion program isn’t working out?
- Is there something that the company can do to make it work?
- Would this type of promotional tool work better for another product or service? Explain your thinking in terms of the product and the target customer.
Unfriendly skies for airlines
June 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
Fortune’s Andy Serwer says a combination of higher oil prices and less demand are hurting the air carriers.
Source: CNNMoney – video report
Date: 6/08/2009
Keys: Marketing, economics,
Link: http://money.cnn.com
Questions for discussion:
- Summarize all of the reasons for airline distress starting with the rise in fuel costs. What response could management employ that would help mitigate some of these problems?
- How else would you suggest the airline industry respond in order to deal with the drop in demand for service?
- What other businesses are also likely to feel the negative effects of rising fuel costs?
- Can rising prices be good for anyone? Explain your thinking.
Investors bet on Detroit housing market
June 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
As Detroit home prices crash, sales are heating up. But with all of the plant closings and layoffs, who’s buying? Investors — some of whom are snapping up five and 10 houses at a time.
Source: CNNMoney.com
Date: 6/12/2009
Keys: Economy, prices, real estate, investments
Link: http://money.cnn.com
Questions for discussion:
- What does this article teach you about supply and demand and the change in real estate prices?
- Do you think these investors are smart in their thinking?
- Explain the conditions by which real estate ownership might eventually return to individual owners and residents in this market.
- Are these investors a negative or positive force in the local economy? Explain your answer.
Tobacco Bill Gives FDA New Power
June 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
A tobacco bill nearly a decade in the making is heading to President Barack Obama’s desk after clearing its final hurdle today on Capitol Hill. The House passed a measure to give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco, confirming the Senate’s decision Thursday.
Source: ABC News
Date: 6/12/2009
Keys: Government regulation, marketing
Link: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Health/story?id=7823890&page=1
Questions for discussion:
- Is this a good or bad decision for other businesses that might be considered causing harm to some people – such as candy manufacturers? Explain your answer.
- Is there a limit to government involvement regulating businesses?
- What is that limit and explain your decision?
Web Ads’ Contribution to U.S.: $300B and Gobs Of Jobs
June 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
Online advertising contributes $300 billion to the U.S. economy, totaling 2.1 percent of the nation’s total gross domestic product, claims a study conducted by two Harvard Business School professors on behalf of the Interactive Advertising Bureau.
Source: Clickz.com
Date: 6/10/2009
Keys: Economy, marketing, Internet technology
Link: http://www.clickz.com/3634042
Questions for discussion:
- How has online advertising contributed to the growth of free email services such as Hotmail to social meeting sites such a MySpace and Face Book?
- Why is online advertising superior to other forms of advertising media such as television and radio?
- How does online advertising support the growth of content distribution such as music and print content?
Palm’s Hail Mary
June 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
The long-maligned smartphone maker tries to claw back with its new Palm Pre.
Source: CNNMoney – video report
Date: 6/03/2009
Keys: Marketing, new product development, competitive advantage
Link: http://money.cnn.com
Questions for discussion:
- Do you think the Palm Pre will be successful in the market competing against Apple’s iPhone and Research in Motion’s Blackberry brands? Why or why not?
- Which product features do you think present the greatest value to buyers?
- To which target market would you direct your Palm Pre marketing campaign? Explain your reasons?
- Do you think there might be too many choices for buyers to consider when selecting a smartphone? Explain your answer.
GM to sell Saturn to Penske
June 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
Penske Automotive Group, owned by racecar legend Roger Penske, will buy GM’s castoff brand.
Source: CNNMoney.com
Date: 6/05/2009
Keys: Finance, mergers and acquisitions, marketing
Link: http://money.cnn.com
Questions for discussion:
- Will the absence of any association between Saturn and GM be a positive or negative influence on Saturn? On GM? Explain your answer.
- Do you think Penske will be able to grow sales of Saturn after the brand is no longer associated with GM?
- How would you recommend Saturn differentiate its brand in the very crowded automobile market?
- Would you appeal to different buyers?
- Would you create any new models?
U.S. Job Losses Slow, Signaling Recession Is Abating
June 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
The U.S. lost fewer jobs than forecast in May, reinforcing signs that the deepest recession in half a century is starting to abate.
Source: Bloomberg News
Date: 6/05/2009
Keys: Economy, business cycle, economic indicators, employment
Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aSRonN0872Wg&refer=news
Questions for discussion:
- The economic indicators suggest that the recession is ending. Which businesses do you think will likely be first to re-hire employees as the economy begins to recover? Explain your answer.
- What you do think the employment prospects are likely to be in the auto and construction industries – two hard hit and large employers in the economy? Explain your thinking.
NBA Pushes Recording of Finals through TiVo Ads
June 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
The National Basketball Association this week will become the first professional sports league to market itself through TiVo’s interactive ad platform as it urges viewers to record — and hopefully watch — the finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic.
Source: Clickz.com
Date: 6/05/2009
Keys: Marketing, brands, internet technology
Link: http://www.clickz.com/3633995
Questions for discussion:
- Do you think this example of co-operative marketing is a good idea for these two firms? Why or why not?
- Can you think of any more collaborative marketing efforts that either the NBA or TiVo might consider with others? Explain your suggestions.
Why AmEx laid off workers
June 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
CEO Ken Chenault says his company did not cut employees to increase short-term profits.
Source: CNNMoney – video report
Date: 5/28/2009
Keys: Management, leadership, HR
Link: http://money.cnn.com
Questions for discussion:
- Reducing payroll costs is a quick way to improve profitability. What do you think about Ken Chaenault ‘s explanation for layoffs at AmEx?
- Do you think AmEx employees would consider him a good leader and manager of the firm? Explain your thinking.
