Description: Leagues from the NFL and NBA to Ultimate Fighting are finding it nearly impossible to block pirate video sites from streaming live events. Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 02/24/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_10/b4218066626285.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems described in this report? How has the industry responded? Besides the legal and technological solutions, what are some… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Part 1 Business in a Global Environment
Why food prices have skyrocketed
Description: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says corn-based ethanol didn’t cause record food prices, weather and trade policies did. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/10/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/02/10/mkts_usda_food_prices.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Summarize the reasons for the global rise in food prices. Do you think bio-fuel production contributes to higher prices? How does population and… Read more »
The risk of Egypt and Mideast stocks, post Mubarak
Description: Investing in a troubled region with a long-term perspective Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 02/11/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-risk-of-egypt-and-mideast-stocks-post-mubarak-2011-02-11?dist=afterbell Questions for discussion: What does this article have to say about the risks associated with investment and investment in Egypt and the Middle East in particular? Do you agree with these views? What are some good reasons to be… Read more »
Analysis: Microsoft’s Nokia deal no slam-dunk yet
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 »
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 »
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 »
Your private data pays for ‘free’ Facebook and Google
Description: “The cost of reading the New York Times for free is being tracked. The cost of being on Facebook is being data-mined,” Peter Eckersley, a senior staff technologist for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said Friday at a panel discussion on the intersection of technology and privacy. Source: CNNMoney.com  Date: 01/28/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/28/technology/google_data_privacy_day/index.htm Questions… Read more »
