Description: Soaring silver prices are hampering the solar industry’s ability to compete with fossil fuels. Panel makers consume about 11 percent of the world’s supply of silver, the material in solar cells that conducts electricity. The metal has appreciated 74 percent to $35.30 a troy ounce on average so far this year from $20.24 last… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility (p34)
Why American Management Rules the World
Description: The U.S. may lag at soccer, but Americans are the Brazilians of the boardroom, according to a group of European researchers. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 06/14/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jun2011/ca20110614_682279.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made in the report. Do you agree or disagree with any of the findings? Can these findings be useful to… Read more »
Vietnam Cheaper-Than-China Appeal Diminishes as Labor Strikes
Description: Japanese motor maker Minebea Co. chose Cambodia over Vietnam to build a plant for 5,000 workers in a sign growing labor disputes are hurting Vietnam’s appeal as a low-cost alternative to China. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 06/16/2011 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-15/vietnam-cheaper-than-china-appeal-diminishes-as-labor-strikes.html Questions for discussion: What does this article teach you about the global nature of business? How… Read more »
Honda Fails With Toyota to Dominate American Sedan Market: Cars
Description: Stephen Ragsdale is no longer one of Honda Motor Co.’s “Happy Drivers.†A loyal owner for a decade, he ditched a 2009 Accord just 18 months after he bought it. The reason: He coveted his mother’s stylish Kia Optima. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 06/10/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-06-10/honda-fails-with-toyota-to-dominate-american-sedan-market-cars.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made about… Read more »
Toyota Expects 31% Profit Slump
Description: Toyota Motor said Friday that it expected its annual net profit to fall almost a third from the previous year, hurt by production disruptions after the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 06/10/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/11/business/global/11toyota.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Explain the reasons for Toyota’s drop in profits. Do you think… Read more »
In search of the world’s best pizza
Description: When Corky’s closed, a little slice of me died. How I found it back in business. Source: Fortune.com Date: 06/10/2011 Link: http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/06/10/pizza-a-love-story/?iid=H_F_News&iid=H_M_News Questions for discussion: What does this article teach you about business success? How important is the entrepreneurial drive in order to become successful?
Amazon May Soon Need to Collect Sales Tax
Description: A proposal in the U.S. Senate aims to end the longtime exemption for e-commerce Source: Businessweek.com Date: 06/02/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_24/b4232041319222.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the key arguments made in this article about tax collection. What are some of the alternative solutions to the collection of taxes that is fair to all parties?
25 ways of downloading Angry Birds
Description: Rovio has a blockbuster franchise just as notable for its flock of revenue streams as its wildly addictive game play. Source: Fortune.com Date: 06/03/2011 Link: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/06/03/25-ways-angry-birds/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for the success of this business? Why has it become such a global hit? What other prospects exist for this brand?
The Thriving (Online) Shelter Magazine Industry
Description: SINCE Domino, the beloved shelter magazine, folded in early 2009, its staff members have gone on to lucrative consulting jobs, top editing posts, even television gigs, but none have advanced as swiftly as Michelle Adams. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 06/01/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/02/garden/the-thriving-online-shelter-magazine-industry.html?ref=media Questions for discussion: Explain the success of these new online magazines? Why have… Read more »
Knut, the $140 Million Polar Bear
Description: The perils of the high-stakes celebrity animal business Source: Businessweek.com Date: 05/26/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_23/b4231085935993.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the key arguments made in this article. What are the risks associated with this strategy? What are the ethical issues in this story?