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 »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
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 »
MARKETS HUB: US Stocks Slide As Ford, Amazon Sink
Description: U.S. stocks are taking a turn downward on Friday as Ford and Amazon tumble. Kristina Peterson, Kathleen Madigan and Donna Kardos Yesalavich report. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 01/28/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/markets-hub-us-stocks-slide-as-ford-amazon-sink/37D6779C-DD28-4AD2-B771-D137898835D5 Questions for discussion: Summarize the opinions made about the stock market. Are you optimistic about the economy and the stock market? Would… Read more »
Why Netflix avoids new movies
Description: The movie rental company has focused on cheaper, older films for its streaming catalog to keep costs down. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/29/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/01/28/tm_netflix_new_releases_expensive.fortune/ Questions for discussion:  Who is the target market for this firm? Do you think the firm has a sustainable business model? How do you think this market… Read more »
Super Bowl XLV: The NFL’s Last Game?
Description: A labor dispute between the National Football League and its players is threatening to bleed billions in revenueâ€â€and possibly cancel the 2011-12 season. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 01/27/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_06/b4214058410168.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the issues in this situation. How do you think it will be resolved? Whose side is likely to win out in… Read more »
