Description: Eric Schmidt steps down after 10 years at the helm of Google, and the search giant names co-founder Larry Page as the new CEO. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/20/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/01/20/t_google_ceo_schmidt.fortune/ Questions for discussion:  Do you think Google will be better managed now than it was before? Why do you suppose there… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Part 4: Marketing Management
Skype CEO: Only 6% of users pay
Description: Despite a small base of paying users, the VOIP and video chat service is still profitable. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/14/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/01/13/t_connected_skype.fortune/ Questions for discussion:  Explain why Skype dominates this marketplace? How is Skype able to be sustainable when only 6% of users pay anything for services? How can Skype convert… Read more »
Wikipedia, 10 years old, targets India
Description: With China virtually cut off and Western markets maturing, Wikipedia is targeting India first and possibly Brazil next to reach its goal of 1 billion users, Executive Director Sue Gardner says. Source: Reuters.com Date: 01/12/2011 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70B6DP20110112 Questions for discussion: Explain why Wikipedia’s user base has grown so rapidly. Do you believe this rate… Read more »
P&G’s push into rural China
Description: Procter & Gamble launches its ‘$2 a Day’ project, hoping to serve poor people in the emerging market. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/06/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/01/06/n_proctor_and_gamble_two_dollar_a_day_consumer.fortune/ Questions for discussion: How are consumers in the third world different? Is there anything unethical about a firm like P&G marketing products to this market? What are… Read more »
digits: Tablets, Smart TVs in Spotlight at CES
Description: Lauren Goode reports live from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and tells Simon Constable and Spencer Ante why tablets and Smart TVs are expected to be in the spotlight at this year’s show, which kicks off Wednesday. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 01/04/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/digits-tablets-smart-tvs-in-spotlight-at-ces/8A408F6D-A323-49BB-B862-03B1C2446440  Questions for discussion: Which one of… Read more »
Microsoft’s Kinect: It’s a 3D camera!
Description: Developers are writing programs for the motion controller that lets it be used as a 3D camera, holographic puppet generator and other uses Microsoft never foresaw. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 12/23/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2010/12/22/t_tt_kinect_hacks.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: What are some of the entertainment product applications for this developing technology? How will the added-value… Read more »
Someday, Store Coupons May Tap You on the Shoulder
Description: CLIPPING coupons is a hassle. Intentionally. If shoppers were to redeem any more than just a sliver of them, manufacturers would have a self-created financial catastrophe on their hands. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 12/25/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/business/26digi.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the development of coupon use by consumers? How will technology affect this pricing strategy… Read more »
Getting the message out on Facebook
Description: Small businesses are leveraging their profiles on Facebook to boost their business by keeping in close contact with customers. Source: Reuters.com – video report Date: 12/21/2010 Link: http://www.reuters.com/news/video/story?videoId=170540599&videoChannel=6 Questions for discussion: How does Facebook allow small businesses to better serve their target customers? How does Facebook differentiate itself on the Internet?
Higher U.S. Airfares Loom as Crude Climbs Toward $100 a Barrel
Description: Delta Air Lines Inc., American Airlines and other large U.S. carriers may be poised to boost fares with fuel surcharges as crude oil moves closer to $100 a barrel. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 12/22/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-22/higher-u-s-airfares-loom-as-crude-climbs-toward-100-a-barrel.html Questions for discussion: How else can airlines deal with rising fuel costs? How are customers likely to respond to… Read more »
A Tough Sell at Sears
Description: This holiday season, Sears and Kmart, which merged in 2005, are pushing a single message: Buy with layaway, buy with coupons, buy now and pay later, buy with loyalty rewards points  but please, just buy. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 12/21/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/business/22sears.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Why is Sears having so much trouble at… Read more »
