Description: Google (GOOG) is tinkering with the ever-delicate balance between selling advertisements and creeping its users out. On Friday the company said it would begin including recommendations that Google+ users make in advertisements. The new policy kicks in on Nov. 11. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Oct 11, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-10-11/google-plans-to-include-users-faces-in-ads#r=read Questions for Discussions: What is the… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Part 4: Marketing Management
Smartphones Are Go-Everywhere, Do-Anything Devices for Mothers
Description: Portability and efficiency make smartphones a staple for mothers on-the-go Source: eMarketer.com Date: Oct 10, 2013 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Smartphones-Go-Everywhere-Do-Anything-Devices-Mothers/1010283#ODmkXUBjKVyp3ZIj.99 Questions for Discussions: Why do you suppose mothers have increased their use of smartphones so dramatically? How do mothers use smartphones? What opportunities might there be for app developers and advertisers?
Inside the Vertu luxury smartphone factory
Description: Each Vertu smartphone is all assembled by a single person and the finished product can run thousands of dollars. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Oct 02, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/10/02/t-vertu-luxury-smartphone.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: How has Vertu managed to succeed in the very competitive smartphone market? Why would it be a mistake to switch manufacturing… Read more »
Chipotle: The One That Got Away From McDonald’s
Description: AOL (AOL) + Time Warner (TWX).?Daimler (DAI:GR) + Chrysler (F:IM).?Bank of America (BAC) + Countrywide. The Corporate Hall of Shame is wallpapered with press releases from decades of regrettable mergers. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Oct 03, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-10-03/chipotle-the-one-that-got-away-from-mcdonalds#r=hp-lst Questions for Discussions: Why do you think McDonald’s sold off Chipotle when they did? What does… Read more »
Do You Want Wine With Those Fries?
Description: Who says Big Macs can’t be gourmet? That’s the message McDonald’s pushed at a fancy invitation-only event last week. Abby Haglage on the charm offensive—and why it’s such a tough sell. Source: TheDailyBeast.com Date: Oct 01, 2013 Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/10/01/do-you-want-wine-with-those-fries.html Questions for Discussions: Summarize the PR strategy and intended goals envisioned by management at McDonald’s?… Read more »
Social Media Managers Must Work Around Lousy Business Models
Description: Raise your hand if you’ve ever been screwed over by an airline. Yeah, me too — multiple times. Source: Hubspot.com Date: Oct 01, 2013 Link: http://blog.hubspot.com/social-media-bad-business-models?utm_campaign=blog-rss-emails&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=10441255&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9WDzzcVziskZhTb_4ms0Yrd2oS17ZxaDc6H5t1pPkCxXmPN22OwgjrY8tJgJsQ8H1PAjJsCf_OHAUFgsb_yb7VqBLJQQ&_hsmi=10441255 Questions for Discussions: How can social media be used to attract customers? How can social media be used to empower customers?
Coke CEO: I fear youth unemployment unrest
Description: Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent says it’s important for corporations to take stands on social issues and work with local governments and non-profits to solve problems like youth unemployment. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 24, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/09/26/n-coca-cola-ceo-social-problems-youth-unemployment.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Summarize the ideas expressed by Muhtar Kent in this report. Do you… Read more »
Nike’s stock goes swoosh!
Description: Shares of Nike are riding high in their first week as a Dow company. The stock’s at an all-time high thanks to strong earnings and a rosy outlook. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 27, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/09/27/investing-the-buzz-nike-earnings.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Why are share values doing well? How has the addition of the… Read more »
J. C. Penney Is on the Brink
Description: J. C. Penney (JCP), the centenarian retailer, is reeling from post-traumatic stress disorder. Its sales, stock price, and management credibility are all tanking. The company is in disarray after activist hedge fund manager Bill Ackman installed a chief executive officer (now departed) whose aborted attempt to reinvent the department store failed miserably and alienated… Read more »
BlackBerry leaders, success paved way for failure
Description: (MoneyWatch) The history of American business is littered with the remains of once-dominant companies suddenly rendered obsolete by powerful new technologies. BlackBerry is not one of those companies. Source: CBSNews.com Date: Sep 25, 2013 Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505124_162-57604642/for-blackberry-leaders-success-paved-way-for-failure/?tag=nl.e713&s_cid=e713&ttag=e713&ftag=TRE4cf7aca Questions for Discussions: According to the report, why did BB fail? How much blame does management rightfully share?
