Description: In 2005, China administered a spelling test that asked respondents to spell “Google” for a search market report: only 60 percent took the test and more than 20 percent got it wrong. Four years later, Google Inc (GOOG.O), whose whimsical name is synonymous with Internet search in much of the world, is still struggling… Read more »
Monthly Archives: November 2009
Vivendi May Decide to Sell NBC Stake as Sale Window Opens Today
Description: Vivendi SA, owner of the world’s biggest music company, can decide as soon as today to sell its 20 percent stake in NBC Universal, paving the way for General Electric Co. and Comcast Corp. to combine their media assets. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 11/15/2009 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a4UvueFpO4oE Questions for discussion: Summarize the strategic thinking behind a… Read more »
Steve Jobs – CEO of the Decade
 Description: Apple’s CEO is Fortune’s top business leader of the last 10 years for his impact on computing, movies, music and cell phones. Source: CNNMoney – video report  Date: 11/04/2009 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2009/11/04/tt_steve_jobs_apple_ceo.fortune/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the contribution made by Steve Jobs to Apple? What motivational role has Jobs played as CEO at Apple?… Read more »
Stop the ‘jobless recovery’ madness!
Description: An economy that isn’t creating employment opportunities simply isn’t doing its job. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 11/06/2009 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/06/news/economy/jobless.recovery.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2009110614 Questions for discussion: Summarize the concern for economic recovery that was expressed in this report. Why is it so critical that employment start improving? What do you believe would cause businesses to increase hiring? Explain your… Read more »
Buffett buying Burlington rail in his biggest deal
Description: Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc will pay $26 billion to buy out Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp in a bet the nation’s largest rail company will benefit from a recovering U.S. economy. Source: Reuters.com Date: 11/03/2009 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5A22A720091103 Questions for discussion: Do you think this investment will turn out to be a good one… Read more »
Skype Founders Join Buyout Group, Drop Litigation
Description: The founders of Skype agreed to join the investor group buying the Internet-calling service from EBay Inc. and to drop litigation that had threatened to shut down the company. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 11/06/2009 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=armXJAA3nReg Questions for discussion: Do you think Skype should be managed independently of EBay or as a part of it? … Read more »
Boarding call: PAWsengers only!
Description: The first pets-only airline transports cats and dogs in safe and caring conditions. Source: CNNMoney – video report  Date: 10/30/2009 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2009/10/30/f_lat_pet_airways.fortune/ Questions for discussion: Explain why this airline is doing well when most others are flying through rough skies. Is this niche market likely to grow? Explain the customer behavior in choosing… Read more »
Exxon Mobil earnings plunge 68%
Description: Exxon Mobil reported a 68% decline in third-quarter earnings Thursday as oil and natural gas prices tumbled from last year’s highs. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 10/29/2009 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/29/news/companies/exxon_mobil/index.htm?postversion=2009102912 Questions for discussion: Summarize the current financial situation for the firm. Do you think investors will punish the company stock? Explain your answer. How has the stock… Read more »
Microsoft seen as Diller’s best bet for Ask.com
Description: Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) is viewed as the most likely buyer or partner for IAC/InterActiveCorp’s (IACI.O) Ask.com if CEO Barry Diller decides to throw in the towel on the struggling search engine. Source: Reuters.com Date: 10/28/2009 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/americasPrivateEquityNews/idUSTRE59R44720091028 Questions for discussion: Why do you think Ask.com failed to meet expectations for IAC/InterActive? Why do you… Read more »
Home-Price Index of 20 U.S. Cities Up for Third Month
Description: A gauge of home prices in 20 U.S. cities rose in August for a third consecutive month, bolstering the case that an economic recovery is at hand. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 10/27/2009 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aBvc2corjATg Questions for discussion: Summarize the ideas expressed in this article relating home sales to the economy. Explain why home prices and… Read more »
