Description:Â Google Inc. (GOOG) avoided about $2 billion in worldwide income taxes in 2011 by shifting $9.8 billion in revenues into a Bermuda shell company, almost double the total from three years before, filings show. Source:Â Bloomberg.com Date: Dec 10, 2012 Link:Â http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-10/google-revenues-sheltered-in-no-tax-bermuda-soar-to-10-billion.html Questions for Discussions: Explain how tax laws have influenced financial planning at… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Part 1 Business in a Global Environment
$7 coffee success ‘stuns’ Starbucks CEO
Description: Howard Schultz says he is surprised by how popular the $7 coffee is among Starbucks customers. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 07, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/12/06/n-starbucks-schultz-clover-coffee.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Can you explain the success of these expensive brews? Who is the target customer? What utility is being satisfied by this purchase? Do you… Read more »
Old school bookstore thrives in NYC
Description: The Strand Bookstore in New York has held on for over 80 years despite the changing city around it. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 07, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/smallbusiness/2012/12/07/sbiz-old-bookstore-the-strand-new-york.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Describe the similarities and differences between the operations of this book store and online competitors? Who is the target customer for… Read more »
In Canada, Social TV Viewers Tune In
Description: The convergence of TV and social networking is well underway in Canada, as consumers share comments and post clips on social sites, becoming mini-ambassadors for their favorite shows. Nearly three out of 10 internet users in the country considered themselves a “social TV viewer,†according to a Q2 survey from Solutions Research Group. Source:… Read more »
Alternatives to Running Your Business From Home
Description: When Melissa Thompson began developing her online counseling business, TalkSession, in February, she worked out of a Manhattan apartment. “After three days, we referred to it as purgatory,†she says. “The lines became so blurred between living and working, productivity was affected. I woke up on weekends and my walls were all covered in… Read more »
The Internet of Things: does it start with parking?
Description: They say trying something again and again but expecting a different outcome is a sign of insanity. If you’ve ever circled a few city blocks, over and over again, searching for a parking spot, you’ve probably felt your own sanity slipping away. Source: SmartPlanet.com Date: Dec 06, 2012 Link: http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/report/the-internet-of-things-does-it-start-with-parking/720?tag=nl.e660&s_cid=e660 Questions for Discussions: Should… Read more »
Fiscal cliff? OMG. Like who cares?
Description: American Eagle is the latest youth-oriented retailer to report strong results, a sign that teens are continuing to shop despite economic worries. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 28, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2012/11/28/investing-american-eagle-outfitters.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Explain the financial results at the firms mentioned in this report? How are they related to the buying… Read more »
$500 caviar from a vending machine
Description: California holiday shoppers can spend $12 to $500 for caviar from a vending machine in a shopping mall. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 29, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/11/29/n-caviar-vending-machine.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Who is the target customer for this machine? Explain the reasons for the success of selling caviar through this channel? How influential… Read more »
Dumping its CEO won’t fix Groupon
Description: (MoneyWatch) After disappointing results and slowing growth, the board of Groupon (GRPN) meets today and will talk to CEO Andrew Mason about his performance. The news came out with a surprise question to Mason at a conference in New York yesterday. Source: CBSNews.com Date: Nov 29, 2012 Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505124_162-57556227/dumping-its-ceo-wont-fix-groupon/ Questions for Discussions: Explain Groupon’s… Read more »
The Game of Business
Description: Ever watch gamers thumbing away at Fruit Ninja, World of Warcraft, or Angry Birds? They’re totally absorbed in the moment. What are they playing for? The personal satisfaction of reaching a new expert level or using a magical sword to slay imaginary monsters? Don’t scoff: The video game business is a $70 billion industry…. Read more »
