Forever 21’s Fast (and Loose) Fashion Empire

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment.

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

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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

Posted by & filed under Part 1 Business in a Global Environment, Part 4: Marketing Management.

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?

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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 »

End the Ethanol Insanity: Ed Wallace

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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 »