Description: Sales of the latest Grand Theft Auto game reached $800 million on their first day. Take-Two’s stock surged. But EA and Activision are doing well too thanks to their own hit games. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 19, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/09/19/investing-the-buzz-take-two-grand-theft-auto-v.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Explain the financial success of GTA and other… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Part 1 Business in a Global Environment
How the miniature Iron Man flies
Description: A radio controlled flying Iron Man is modeled after a much larger 6′ model, and is expected to be one of the hot toys this holiday season. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 19, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/09/19/t-ts-iron-man-drone-toy.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: How important is the “Iron Man” brand to the price set for this… Read more »
How Cinnabon reinvented itself
Description: At 880 delectable calories, the classic Cinnabon roll isn’t most people’s idea of an every day treat. President Kat Cole tells how the company has managed to expand its brand into smaller indulgences. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 18, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/09/18/f-cinnabon-president-kat-cole.fortune/index.html Questions for Discussions: What is the marketing strategy at Cinnabon… Read more »
Revolution Foods’ Quest to Pack More Nutrition Into Kids’ Lunchboxes
Description: Kirsten Tobey, 35, and Kristin Richmond, 38, launched Revolution Foods in 2006 to supply healthy lunches to schools in low-income communities. The Oakland (Calif.) business has grown into a national operation, preparing more than 1 million meals weekly for almost 1,000 schools across the country. Now it’s going head to head with Kraft Foods Group (KRFT),… Read more »
POSTMASTER SAYS USPS MAY NEED EMERGENCY RATE HIKE
Description: Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said Thursday his agency is in “the midst of a financial disaster” and may need an emergency increase in postage rates to keep operating. Source: AP.com Date: Sep 19, 2013 Link: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/postmaster-says-usps-may-need-emergency-rate-hike Questions for Discussions: What is the problem at the USPS? Why is it important to keep the service going… Read more »
Iron Maiden beer: Now on tap
Description: Trooper Beer from Iron maiden front man Bruce Dickinson has beaten sales expectations since launching in May, with plans to ship to 180 countries. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 12, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/09/12/n-cmr-iron-maiden-beer.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Who is the target market for this brand? Do you think cross-branding the band with their… Read more »
Why Steve Jobs still matters
Description: Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson says the late CEO left a lasting legacy of innovation at Apple. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 09, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/09/09/t-isaacson-jobs-legacy.fortune/index.html Questions for Discussions: According to Walter Isaacson, what is the managerial legacy of Steve Jobs? Do you think Apple can produce a new product that revolutionizes… Read more »
A Burger Chain Taps Local Farms to Sell More Franchises
Description: Franchise restaurant success usually starts with cutting operational costs and purchasing in bulk from national suppliers. The savings that come from volume and standardization are then funneled into mammoth ad campaigns that send Americans flocking to new outlets. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Sep 11, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-09-11/a-burger-chain-taps-local-farms-to-sell-more-franchises#r=hpt-fs Questions for Discussions: What makes this franchise business… Read more »
Wall Street’s Not Buying This ‘Cheap’ iPhone
Description: Apple’s new ‘low-cost’ iPhone is still pretty expensive, which is bad news for profits in an economy where wages are stagnant and truly cheap options are plentiful. Daniel Gross on the stock market’s punishing response—and the bleak outlook in Asia and Africa. Source: Thedailybeast.com Date: Sep 11, 2013 Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/09/11/wall-street-s-not-buying-this-cheap-iphone.html Questions for Discussions: Summarize… Read more »
How Tim Cook can save himself (and Apple)
Description: What the confused Apple CEO can do to avoid getting canned and having to slink away with nothing but his $378 million compensation package as comfort. Source: Fortune.com Date: Sep 12, 2013 Link: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/09/12/tim-cook-apple-advice/ Questions for Discussions: What is the criticism levelled at Tim Cook? Do you think he has been a poor leader… Read more »
