Description: The top-grossing movie in the world, Avatar, is on screens now, and it clearly identifies the most evil force in the universe. It’s business. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 01/29/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/28/news/economy/business_populism.fortune/index.htm Questions for discussion: Do you agree with the argument presented by the reporter? Do believe attitudes toward “big business†have changes because of the… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Just blowing the froth off?
Description: January has been the worst month for stock investors since February last year just before markets took off on a stellar risk rally. Source: Reuters.com Date: 01/29/2010 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60S42520100129 Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for why the stock market might be poised to advance in February or continue on its decline. What… Read more »
The Places They Go When Banks Say No
Description: IN the glory days of the digital photo frame business, when his products were still a novelty and shoppers were flush with cash, getting a bank loan to manufacture them was a cinch, Michael Levy says. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 01/30/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/business/smallbusiness/31order.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems facing small businesses since the financial… Read more »
Tablets, not smartphones, key for HP
Description:  The world’s largest computer company bets that tablet computers will be a better revenue stream than smartphones. Source: CNNMoney – video report  Date: 01/22/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2010/01/19/ctd_hp_hurd_tablet.fortune/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the thinking presented by Mark Hurd? Which items do you agree with and which do you think are incorrect? Explain your thinking. What… Read more »
Burger King bar debuts in Miami
Description: Burger King Corp. said Friday it plans to open a Whopper Bar in the South Beach area of Miami next month. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 01/23/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/22/news/companies/burger_king_whopper_bar/index.htm Questions for discussion: Do you think this is a good strategy for Burger King? What are the possible problems that can emerge?
Tablet launch, earnings mean big week for Apple
Description: Few events can steal the thunder from an Apple Inc quarterly earnings day — an Apple product launch is one of them. Source: Reuters.com Date: 01/22/2010 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60L43Y20100122 Questions for discussion: Examine the news this week about Apple and report the reaction by consumers and investors?  How did Apple stock perform in the stock market?
Now at Starbucks: A Rebound
Description: Young people wearing hoodies and chunky glasses are sipping microbrew beers and espressos, nibbling on cheese and baguettes made at a local bakery and listening to a guitarist strum and sing. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 01/20/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/business/21sbux.html Questions for discussion: Do you think the new “entrepreneurial†approach at Starbucks will be successful? What are… Read more »
Google vs. China’s great firewall
Description:  Google’s dispute with the Chinese government highlights some obstacles that Western companies face in China. Source: CNNMoney – video report  Date: 01/15/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/01/15/f_sl_google_china.fortune/ Questions for discussion: How do you think Google and other foreign companies trying to develop their businesses in China should deal with these issues? Explain your thinking. Does the “controlled  Read more »
NBC’s late night mess
Description:  Fortune editors say the bungling of the Jay Leno – Conan O’Brien dustup is the latest in a series of network missteps. Source: CNNMoney – video report  Date: 01/13/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/01/13/f_sl_nbc_leno_conan.fortune/ Questions for discussion: Why do you think Leno’s show failed to generate audience ratings? What would you do with these entertainers in… Read more »
Chrysler buys 60-second Super Bowl ad
Description: Chrysler will be the only U.S. automaker to advertise in this year’s Super Bowl, forking over millions of dollars to restore its image following its bankruptcy and the federal bailout that followed. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 01/14/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/14/news/companies/chrysler_super_bowl_ad/index.htm Questions for discussion: Do you think Chrysler is making a wise decision? Explain your answer. How… Read more »
