Description: The quality and safety violations that led to the shutdown of a Tylenol plant were extremely serious, and could lead to tough action by regulators on drugmaker Johnson & Johnson. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 05/14/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/14/news/companies/tylenol_recall_plant_conditions/index.htm  Questions for discussion: Are there any excuses that the firm could offer the public that might mitigate… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Part 1 Business in a Global Environment
Google Data Admission Angers Europe
Description: European privacy regulators and advocates reacted angrily Saturday to the disclosure by Google, the world’s largest search engine, that it had systematically collected personal data since 2006 while compiling its Street View photo archive. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 05/15/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/technology/16google.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize what you learned from the article. Do you think the… Read more »
Fishing Industry Hammered by Gulf Oil Spill
Description: The petroleum and fishing industries have a long and uneasy intertwined history in the Gulf of Mexico. WSJ’s Andy Jordan looks at how the growing gulf oil spill is hurting Louisiana fishermen who supply around one-third of the U.S.’s seafood. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 05/05/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/fishing-industry-hammered-by-gulf-oil-spill/41612D0E-B338-464D-A15E-5885B1D227D6 Questions for discussion: Can… Read more »
Goldman’s Shares Plunge on Inquiries and Downgrades
Description: How much trouble is Goldman Sachs really in? One answer: About $21 billion worth. That’s how much the vaunted Wall Street bank has lost in market value since it was engulfed in a fraud accusation two weeks ago. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 04/30/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/business/01goldman.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the legal and ethical problems… Read more »
Consumers Help Drive U.S. Economy to 3.2% Growth Rate
Description: The United States economy has expanded for three quarters in a row, the Commerce Department said on Friday, helped along by consumer spending. Now the question is, Will the jobs follow? Source: NYTimes.com Date: 04/30/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/business/economy/01econ.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: What does this report have to say about the important role played by the… Read more »
Gulf of Mexico oil spill could cost BP $3 billion or more
Description: There are a lot of uncertainties right now about the Gulf oil spill. But one thing is clear: In addition to the intangible loss of wildlife, it’s going to cost BP a lot of money. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 04/30/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/04/30/news/economy/bp_gulf_oil_spill_cost/index.htm Questions for discussion: Do you believe BP has behaved in a socially responsible… Read more »
Building Up America: Kansas town rebuilds after tornado
Description: Next month marks the third anniversary of a tornado that nearly wiped the small town of Greensburg, Kansas off the map. The town has come back and in the process become “ground-zero” for green energy. Our Tom Foreman has a first-hand look in this “Building Up America” report. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date:… Read more »
Web Coupons Know Lots About You, and They Tell
Description: For decades, shoppers have taken advantage of coupons. Now, the coupons are taking advantage of the shoppers. A new breed of coupon, printed from the Internet or sent to mobile phones, is packed with information about the customer who uses it. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 04/16/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/17/business/media/17coupon.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the improved value… Read more »
Oil traders eye $100 a barrel
Description: NYMEX traders discuss high crude oil prices and the potential consequences for the economy. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 04/08/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2010/04/08/mkts_oil_traders_nymex.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the arguments presented that favor rising oil prices and arguments for prices heading lower? Which direction do you see oil heading over the next six months? Which… Read more »
Consumers in U.S. Face the End of an Era of Cheap Credit
Description: Even as prospects for the American economy brighten, consumers are about to face a new financial burden: a sustained period of rising interest rates. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 04/10/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/business/economy/11rates.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the predictions made in this report. What affect they are expected to have on consumer spending. Do you agree with… Read more »
