Apple v. RIM: What Canadian companies can learn

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives.

Description:   There are few games out there that test one’s strategic thinking better than chess. A well thought-out plan, coupled with the ability to anticipate and out manoeuvre your opponent, invariably leads to the capture of your opponent’s king. Game over. The world of business is essentially built on the same basic principles, but in… Read more »

Taiwan dumpling sensation goes worldwide

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:  A local Taiwanese chain restaurant sees a boost in business as their ever expanding dumpling restaurant continues to gain success across the globe. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 03/21/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/03/19/n-dumpling-empire.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: What is the recipe for success as described in this report? What are the similarities and differences of this… Read more »

Why Relationship Marketing is Important for Businesses

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:  In this video I interview Mari Smith, author of The New Relationship Marketing and Facebook Marketing: An Hour a Day. Mari shares how relationships have evolved and why businesses need to focus on P2P (people to people) marketing today.  You’ll also discover the story of how Mari came to Facebook marketing and pick up… Read more »

Helping One Big Client, but Wanting to Spread Out

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives.

Description:   THE Four Horsemen Toy Design Studios is a toy company based in New Jersey that creates highly detailed action figures for Mattel while making its own toys that are sold online to adult collectors. Source:  NYTimes.com Date: 03/21/2012 Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/business/smallbusiness/tied-to-one-big-client-but-wanting-to-cut-the-cord.html?ref=smallbusiness# Questions for discussion: What are the particular problems facing these businessmen? What are the… Read more »

What’s driving the manufacturing rebound?

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:  Manufacturing jobs are not close to pre-recession levels, but auto jobs, especially in Michigan, are showing signs of life. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 03/16/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/03/16/n-us-manufacturing-autos.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Why has manufacturing rebounded? What does this mean for the economy as a whole, in your opinion?

Pricey undies, made in the U.S.A.

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:  Hanky Panky is one of very few apparel makers that makes its lingerie in America. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 03/15/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/03/14/n-hanky-panky-usa.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: How is it that this product category can defy the odds and sell successfully? Are there other products that could do as well, in your opinion?

Pass the Books. Hold the Oil.

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives.

Description:   Thomas Friedman: EVERY so often someone asks me: “What’s your favorite country, other than your own?” Source:  NYTimes.com Date: 03/10/2012 Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/opinion/sunday/friedman-pass-the-books-hold-the-oil.html?r=1&scp=2&sq=thomas%20friedman&st=cse Questions for discussion: Summarize Thomas Friedman’s arguments about the development of wealth around the world. Do you agree with his assessments?

In Europe, Goldman letter deepens banks’ trust deficit

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives.

Description:   British politicians visiting Wall Street would once have been only too happy to have their photograph taken with the head of Goldman Sachs. This week in New York, Prime Minister David Cameron met Goldman Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein and other bankers in private. Source:  Reuters.com Date: 03/16/2012 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/16/us-banks-image-idUSBRE82F0RR20120316 Questions for discussion: What are… Read more »

Oreo: An iconic cookie turns 100

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:  CNN’s Felicia Taylor explores how Oreo has remained an American favorite for a century. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 03/06/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/03/06/happy_100_oreo.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Why do you think Oreo has endured for 100 years? Are you surprised to find out that Oreo sells well elsewhere in the world? How would you develop… Read more »

SXSW’s hottest new apps

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 3 Management: Empowering People to Achieve Business Objectives, Part 4: Marketing Management.

Description:  Social discovery apps like Highlight and Sonar are getting buzzed about but come with privacy concerns. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 03/10/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2012/03/10/ts-sxsw-highlight-sonar.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Do you think these apps will become popular? Where are they likely to be used? Is there a business use for these apps in business settings,… Read more »