Here’s Why the Public Is Siding With the FBI in the Apple Battle:

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Description: But CEO Tim Cook still has a strong appeal to many. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Feb 26, 2016 Link: http://for.tn/21zePbG Questions for discussion: What are the arguments for and against Apple’s position? How do you think Apple customers will react to Tim Cook’s decision? How do you think this dispute will play… Read more »

Customer Service Channels That Frustrate Consumers

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Description: Consumers will abandon a retailer because of poor customer service Source: eMarketer.com Date: Feb 27, 2016 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Customer-Service-Channels-That-Frustrate-Consumers/1013637#sthash.OCMgf5II.dpuf Questions for Discussions: What does this report say about the importance of customer service? How should managers deal with this information?

Why Silicon Valley is Worried About Backing Apple

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Description: Apple’s business plan is built on encrypted security. Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Feb 17, 2016 Link: http://bloom.bg/1RawBx2 Questions for Discussions: Why is Apple reluctant to help open the phone? How might the conflict between Apple and the government on this issue affect the stock price? What do you think will happen? How… Read more »

The Most Important Apple Executive You’ve Never Heard Of

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Description: A visit with Cupertino’s chief chipmaker, Johny Srouji. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 18, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-johny-srouji-apple-chief-chipmaker/ Questions for discussion: What does this report say about management development at Apple? Why has Apple focused on developing its own chip technologies?

Finding Opportunities in Podcast Advertising

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Description: “Serial,” a podcast from the creators of public radio’s “This American Life,” became widely popular after debuting in 2014. MailChimp sponsored the first season, not knowing it would garner a cult following. Source: eMarketer.com Date: Feb 19, 2016 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Finding-Opportunities-Podcast-Advertising/1013606?ecid=NL1003#sthash.wSo2fSah.dpuf Questions for Discussions: Why is podcast advertising so weak in comparison to other digital… Read more »

Server farms

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Description: Huge buildings full of data servers are sucking power 24/7 at a growing rate. There are solutions on the horizon, but our data demands are outpacing innovation. Source: CBC.ca – video report Date: Feb 11, 2016 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2683590555/ Questions for discussion: How is technology allowing individuals and companies to improve their use of server… Read more »

Twitter woes deepen with lack of user growth

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Description: Twitter added no new users in the fourth quarter, confirming the fears of advertisers and investors alike: the social-media site is in real trouble. Source: SaltLakeTribune – Sltrib.com; Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 12, 2016 Link: http://www.sltrib.com/home/3528866-155/twitter-woes-deepen-with-lack-of Questions for Discussions: What is the problem facing Twitter? How would you go about solving this problem? Would an… Read more »

Why Don’t Consumers Buy More via Mobile?

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Description: For some consumers, the mobile screen is too small for frequently purchasing. Indeed, many mobile device users worldwide would prefer to use a PC instead. Source: eMarketer.com Date: Feb 05, 2016 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Why-Dont-Consumers-Buy-More-via-Mobile/1013557#sthash.Mx8scao9.dpuf Questions for Discussions: What does the research say to managers of ecommerce sites and those developing mobile technologies? How would you… Read more »

Is Amazon’s First Brick-and-Mortar Bookstore the Future of Retail?

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Description: Amazon Books is now open for business in Seattle. The floor is hardwood and the shelves and displays are weighed down by beautiful, physical books. It looks and smells like any ordinary bookstore. Source: Entrepreneur.com Date: Jan 18, 2016 Link: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/254072 Questions for discussion: Why is Amazon opening physical selling space? How is data driving decision-making? Do… Read more »

Why You Won’t Recognize SEO in Five Years

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Description: As marketers, we’ve gotten quite good at evolving our playbooks when it comes to SEO. But the changes we’ve seen to this point are nothing compared to what’s coming next. Source: Hubspot.com Date: Jan 22, 2016 Link: http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/new-era-seo?utm_campaign=blog-rss-emails&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=25512506 Questions for discussion: How is consumer search online and SEO changing? How are marketers reacting to these… Read more »