Description: Can fast-food be healthy? Canadian startup Freshii is testing the waters by building a chain of healthy fast-food restaurants in the U.S. and around the world. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Apr 12, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/magazines/fortune/2013/04/12/f-t-freshii-healthy-fast-food-chain.fortune/ Questions for Discussions: How can this business fit into the mix of fast-food competition? Who is the… Read more »
Monthly Archives: April 2013
Hollywood’s new funding model: Kickstarter
Description: After initial rejection from Hollywood studios, the creators of canceled TV-show ‘Veronica Mars’ turned to Kickstarter to fund a film version. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Apr 11, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/04/11/t-kickstarter-veronica-mars.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Describe the method used to raise funds. Do you think this method can lead to a greater number of… Read more »
The Game Theory Behind Starbucks’ Big Coffee Price Cut
Description: Good news for the caffeinated masses: Starbucks (SBUX) is cutting prices, starting May 10, on its bags of coffee sold in grocery stores. The $1-per-bag discount represents a 10 percent discount on its eponymous beans, a 12.5 percent drop on its cheaper Seattle’s Best brand. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Apr 12, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-04-12/the-game-theory-behind-starbucks-big-coffee-price-cut#r=hpt-lst Questions… Read more »
Sometimes, We Want Prices to Fool Us
Description: WHEN the board of J. C. Penney ousted its chief executive, Ron Johnson — news that broke last Monday — you might say it was, in some small way, because he didn’t understand Tracie Fobes. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Apr 13, 2013 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/14/business/for-penney-a-tough-lesson-in-shopper-psychology.html?ref=business&_r=0 Questions for Discussions: Summarize the importance of pricing strategies, the use… Read more »
A Snapshot of Startups in Small-Town America
Description: In recent months, Entrepreneur has been taking a virtual tour of cities around the country to see how the recession sparked or dampened entrepreneurial activity. Source: CNBC.com Date: Apr 12, 2013 Link: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100637442 Questions for Discussions: What does this report say about startup opportunities in smaller towns? What are some of the reasons smaller… Read more »
TV streaming startup vs. the networks
Description: Aereo allows users to stream broadcast networks over the internet and the major media companies are not happy about it. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Apr 03, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/04/03/t-aereo-networks-tv.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What does this technology suggest to you about the future of television distribution? What would you advise networks and cable… Read more »
Daily Report: Start-Ups Aim to Build Brands by Selling Direct
Description: A wave of e-commerce companies are trying to build premium brands at discount prices by cutting out middlemen and going straight to manufacturers, Claire Cain Miller and Stephanie Clifford report Monday in The New York Times. Source: NYTimes.com – video report Date: Apr 01, 2013 Link: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/01/daily-report-start-ups-aim-to-build-brands-by-selling-direct/ Questions for Discussions: Describe the method used… Read more »
Mark Zuckerberg: Why we don’t want to build a phone
Description: In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview, the Facebook chief talks to Fortune about Apple, China, and what his personal challenge is for the year. Source: Fortune.com Date: Apr 04, 2013 Link: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/04/04/mark-zuckerberg-we-dont-want-to-build-a-phone/?iid=SF_T_River Questions for Discussions: What does this report say about the direction of operations at Facebook? Do you think these strategies make sense?
Best Buy turns the tables on ‘showrooming’
Description: Investors are cheered by deal to feature Samsung in-store shops Source: Marketwatch.com Date: Apr 04, 2013 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/best-buy-turns-the-tables-on-showrooming-2013-04-04?siteid=nwtwk Questions for Discussions: How has Best Buy responded to the challenges related to e-commerce? How has this response changed the traditional channels of distribution? Do you think this strategy will succeed?
Win workplace wars with these strategies
Description: As they strive to keep their people working together in harmony, some business owners feel every day is a battle. If you feel the same way, maybe it’s time to trade in your three-star general’s helmet for the clipboard of an industrial psychologist. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Apr 01, 2013 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/04/01/win-workplace-wars-with-these-strategies/ Questions for Discussions:… Read more »
