Description: Valentine’s Day orders bring 20 percent of annual revenue for ProFlowers. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/11/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/02/11/n_valentines_day_proflowers.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Who is the target market and describe their buying behavior. How important is the Internet for this business? What do you think is the message intended and received when roses are… Read more »
Monthly Archives: February 2011
Why food prices have skyrocketed
Description: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says corn-based ethanol didn’t cause record food prices, weather and trade policies did. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/10/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/02/10/mkts_usda_food_prices.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Summarize the reasons for the global rise in food prices. Do you think bio-fuel production contributes to higher prices? How does population and… Read more »
The risk of Egypt and Mideast stocks, post Mubarak
Description: Investing in a troubled region with a long-term perspective Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 02/11/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-risk-of-egypt-and-mideast-stocks-post-mubarak-2011-02-11?dist=afterbell Questions for discussion: What does this article have to say about the risks associated with investment and investment in Egypt and the Middle East in particular? Do you agree with these views? What are some good reasons to be… Read more »
Analysis: Microsoft’s Nokia deal no slam-dunk yet
Description: Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) has yet to persuade investors that a deal to put its Windows software on Nokia Corp (NOK1V.HE) phones is not just two losers hoping to combine into one winner. Source: Reuters.com  Date: 02/11/2011 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/11/us-microsoft-idUSTRE71A78Z20110211 Questions for discussion: Do you think this strategic alliance will be successful? What favorable and… Read more »
Walgreens Launches Campaign to Push Store-Brand Products
Description: THE next time consumers visit a Walgreens drugstore looking for something to soothe their achy heads, the company hopes they will reach for its private-label pain reliever and not a brand name. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 02/10/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/11/business/media/11adco.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Do you think the use of digital media for this campaign is a… Read more »
Green Bay Packers owned by the fans
Description: The storied franchise is the country’s only publicly-owned, non-profit major professional sports team. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/04/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/02/04/n_green_bay_packers.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Do you think the ownership structure has an effect on the operation of the team? What benefits and disadvantages are there to the team management because of this structure?… Read more »
Excess is back as Ferrari sales soar
Description: Sales of the Italian automaker rose 20% in North America in 2010 and big gains are being made in China. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/04/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/luxury/2011/02/04/lux_ferrari.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Who is the target market for this firm? Why have sales fluctuated? How should the company handle these issues? How do you… Read more »
Company Perks: Reserved Parking Is So Yesteryear
Description: With office cultures becoming more egalitarian and companies mindful of the bottom line, reserved spaces are becoming harder to find. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/04/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_07/b4215081250566.htm Questions for discussion: What does this article have to say about our attitudes toward car parking privileges? Do you think they are a fair reflection of current attitudes?… Read more »
Will millions of people pay for iPad news?
Description: Media companies are making big bets on tablet-friendly newspapers and magazines — even as they bleed cash chasing a still-tiny audience. Source: CNNMoney.com  Date: 02/05/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/04/technology/ipad_magazines/index.htm Questions for discussion: Who is the target market for this app? Estimate the size of the potential market in terms of subscribers and dollars of revenue…. Read more »
In a Graying Population, Business Opportunity
Description: IT’S not easy being gray. For the first time ever, getting out of a car is no picnic. My back is hunched. And I’m holding on to handrails as I lurch upstairs. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 02/05/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/business/06aging.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the basic points made in this report. What are the primary opportunities… Read more »
