Description: While many people are tightening their budgets, shoppers lusting after that “it” bag, a first-class airline seat or a pricey car may now find those luxuries are more affordable than before. Kelli Grant has details on The News Hub. Source: Moneywatch.com – video report Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/luxury-now-within-reach-2011-08-19/E5DE35A1-4CCE-410A-9711-008AE3E5D836#!E5DE35A1-4CCE-410A-9711-008AE3E5D836 Questions for discussion: Do you think… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Part 4: Marketing Management
Audi Cuts A6 Price as Lure for U.S. BMW-Mercedes Drivers: Cars
Description: Volkswagen AG’s Audi, the luxury brand trying to double its U.S. sales, has lowered the sticker price of its redesigned A6 midsize sedan to grab more market share. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-08-19/audi-cuts-a6-price-as-lure-for-u-s-bmw-mercedes-drivers-cars.html Questions for discussion: Summarize how Audi is trying to use price to gain market share. Do you think this strategy… Read more »
As PCs Wane, Companies Look to Tablets
Description: Although the world is dependent on personal computers, making them has not been a great business for most American companies for almost a decade. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/20/technology/as-pcs-wane-companies-look-to-tablets.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Do you think the market for tablets will be greater than the market for PCs? How important are the brand and… Read more »
Food giants mine the gluten-free gold rush
Description: Gluten-free is no longer a niche market. Conglomerates like General Mills and Kellogg’s see profits where there’s no gluten. Source: Fortune.com Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/08/19/food-giants-mine-the-gluten-free-gold-rush/ Questions for discussion: Explain the move by food giants to produce gluten-free products. Do you think the “gluten-free†label can be marketed successfully the same way “organic†and “natural  Read more »
Tracking the money from stocks to gold
Description: After a wild week on Wall Street, CNNMoney’s Poppy Harlow finds out where rattled investors are stashing their cash. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/12/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/08/12/mkts_money_trail.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Why has gold risen in price recently? What would stimulate a return of investment dollars back into the stock and bond markets?
First, Make Money. Also, Do Good.
Description: CORPORATE social responsibility efforts have always struck me as the modern equivalent of John D. Rockefeller handing out dimes to the common folk. They may be well-intentioned, but they often seem like small gestures at the margins of what companies are really trying to do: make money. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 08/13/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/14/business/shared-value-gains-in-corporate-responsibility-efforts.html?ref=business Questions… Read more »
Behind Five Guys’ Beloved Burgers
Description: Carnivores keep coming back for the authentic vibe as much as the beef, but maintaining it throughout the franchise is no simple task Source: Businessweek.com Date: 08/12/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/behind-five-guys-beloved-burgers-08112011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key reasons for the success of the business. How might franchising affect growth of the company? How can they maintain… Read more »
Where you’ll feel the downgrade
Description: CNNMoney’s Poppy Harlow explains how S&P’s downgrade of the US credit rating may impact mortgages, car and student loans. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/06/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/08/06/n_impact_credit_downgrade.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the expected consequences of the S&P’s downgrade. How would these changes be expected to impact the overall economy? How can this problem… Read more »
Your Smartphone May Soon Be Your Wallet
Description:  Around the world, people use their cellphones to pay for groceries and other retail goods, but the technology has been slow to take hold in the U.S. Google and Visa are among the companies aiming to change that, MarketWatch’s Georgia Wells reports. Source: Moneywatch.com – video report Date: 08/02/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/your-smartphone-may-soon-be-your-wallet/2D4AB7BB-2075-41B3-B303-FBDF27502A9B Questions for discussion:… Read more »
Would You Like a Smile With That?
Description: SOMETHING weird is happening inside a Pret A Manger sandwich shop on Broadway in Midtown Manhattan. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 08/06/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/business/pret-a-manger-with-new-fast-food-ideas-gains-a-foothold-in-united-states.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: How is the management of this business different from most other`s in this industry? Do you think their approach will allow the company to succeed?
