Description: JUST before Google first sold its shares to the public in 2004, Larry Page, one of its founders, excited the nonprofit world with a bold commitment to philanthropy. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 01/29/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/business/30charity.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the basic points made in this report. How would you judge the effectiveness of Google’s philanthropic… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility (p34)
Forever 21’s Fast (and Loose) Fashion Empire
Description: The cheap-chic teen retailer is growing amid questions about just how original its clothes are Source: Businessweek.com Date: 01/20/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_05/b4213090559511.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for this retailer’s success. Who is the target customer? Do you think there is anything else that should be added to their business strategy? Are there any… Read more »
Solar Panel Maker Moves Work to China
Description: Aided by at least $43 million in assistance from the government of Massachusetts and an innovative solar energy technology, Evergreen Solar emerged in the last three years as the third-largest maker of solar panels in the United States. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 01/14/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/15/business/energy-environment/15solar.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for moving… 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 »
Profits are Booming. Why Aren’t Jobs?
Description: To gaze upon the world of American corporations is to see a sunny place of terrific profits and princely bonuses. American businesses reported that third-quarter profits in 2010 rose at an annual rate of $1.659 trillion, the steepest annual surge since officials began tracking such matters 60 years ago. It was the seventh consecutive… Read more »
America, it’s time to start taking risks again
Description: After bidding farewell to 2010, many Americans are suffering from a hangover — but it isn’t from excessive partying. Quite the opposite: The unemployment rate in December fell to 9.4%, but job gains for the month disappointed. Meanwhile public confidence about the nation’s future has fallen to historic lows. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 01/07/2011 Link:… Read more »
End the Ethanol Insanity: Ed Wallace
Description: Ethanol damages engines and is not a viable alternative to fossil fuels, but farmers and lobbyists don’t want you to know that. Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 12/23/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/dec2010/bw20101221_927461.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the highlights of this report. Why do you think there is so much controversy over this economic policy? Who are the… Read more »
Madoff victims could soon get billions
Description: Madoff victims might finally get their hands on their stolen billions. The court-appointed trustee trying to recover Madoff’s loot has brought dozens of lawsuits but so far hasn’t been able to compensate victims. That might soon change. A court hearing is set for Jan. 13 that could unlock more than one-third of the $20… Read more »
