Description: A project near Moscow aims to rival the U.S. tech industry, with an “innovation city,” billions in government investment, and a university modeled after Stanford Source: Businessweek.com Date: 09/01/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/skolkovo-russias-wouldbe-silicon-valley-09012011.html Questions for discussion: Do you think this project can be successful? What do you make of the statement by Wilfried Vanhonacker, the business… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Economic Challenges Facing Contemporary Business (p70)
Is the FDA killing innovation?
Description: Investors say the FDA’s approval process of medical devices is inefficient and opaque. The maker of a non-invasive device that’s proven to identify melanomas risks it all to tell the tale. Source: Fortune.com Date: 09/02/2011 Link:  http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/09/02/melafind-fda-innovation/?iid=SF_F_Lead Questions for discussion: What does this report have to say about the affect the FDA approval process… Read more »
Daniel Gross’s Greplin Is One Smart Search Engine
Description: The precocious Israeli coder is co-founder of a startup building the one search box to rule them allâ€â€and to organize your entire online life Source: Businessweek.com Date: 09/01/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/daniel-grosss-greplin-is-one-smart-search-engine-09012011.html Questions for discussion: What does this report suggest about entrepreneurship? Would you invest in this app? What are the difficulties, from a marketing point… Read more »
How Steve Jobs saved Apple
Description: A look back at why Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple and how his return reinvented the computer giant. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 08/25/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/08/24/t_steve_jobs_apple_fall_rise.fortune/ Questions for discussion: How would you describe the business career of Steve Jobs? What do you think Jobs’ legacy will be? Would you consider Jobs an… Read more »
No housing slump for Toll Bros.
Description: A 54% jump in quarterly profits buoyed shares of the luxury home builder despite a beleaguered housing market. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 08/24/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/08/24/mkts_midday_toll.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the reasons why some analysts might suggest that the financial improvements in this firm are “good news†for the economy as a whole…. Read more »
The Great Casual-Dining Upheaval
Description: Midpriced chains are getting facelifts and tweaking menus to lure younger diners Source: Businessweek.com Date: 08/25/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-great-casualdining-upheaval-08252011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize how restaurants are changing their existing strategies. How do you think this target market of customers will respond to the effort?
What Google knows about your eating habits
Description: Google says companies are increasingly using local search data to extract more bang for their online marketing buck. Source: Fortune.com Date: 08/26/2011 Link: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/08/26/what-google-knows-about-your-eating-habits/ Questions for discussion: What do you think of this marketing information? Do you think this information provides real advantage to marketers or consumers? What other applications might also prove to… Read more »
Magnolia Bakery is sweet on Dubai
Description: CNN’s Felicia Taylor visits a Magnolia Bakery in Manhattan and speaks with owner Steve Abrams about the boom in applications for franchises around the world. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/19/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/08/18/n_magnolia_bakery.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Why has Magnolia been a successful global company? Why is franchising a good approach for growing the… Read more »
Luxury (Now) Within Reach
Description: While many people are tightening their budgets, shoppers lusting after that “it” bag, a first-class airline seat or a pricey car may now find those luxuries are more affordable than before. Kelli Grant has details on The News Hub. Source: Moneywatch.com – video report Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/luxury-now-within-reach-2011-08-19/E5DE35A1-4CCE-410A-9711-008AE3E5D836#!E5DE35A1-4CCE-410A-9711-008AE3E5D836 Questions for discussion: Do you think… Read more »
Audi Cuts A6 Price as Lure for U.S. BMW-Mercedes Drivers: Cars
Description: Volkswagen AG’s Audi, the luxury brand trying to double its U.S. sales, has lowered the sticker price of its redesigned A6 midsize sedan to grab more market share. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 08/19/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-08-19/audi-cuts-a6-price-as-lure-for-u-s-bmw-mercedes-drivers-cars.html Questions for discussion: Summarize how Audi is trying to use price to gain market share. Do you think this strategy… Read more »
