Description: The TV dealmaker is selling a new entertainment vision in which advertising and content are inextricably mixed. Is anyone buying it? Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 03/03/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_11/b4219060707213.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the new business model envisioned by Ben Silverman. Do you think this model can succeed? Do you think this approach will eventually… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Economic Challenges Facing Contemporary Business (p70)
Not your granddad’s Airstream
Description: TVs, showers, bedrooms are just a few of the new features added to the classic RV icon. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/24/2011 Link:   http://money.cnn.com/video/luxury/2011/02/24/lux_airstream_review.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Who was Airstream’s typical target customer in the 1950s and 60s? What has changed the customer buying behavior? Who is the typical customer today? Do… Read more »
Pro Sports vs. the Web Pirates
Description: Leagues from the NFL and NBA to Ultimate Fighting are finding it nearly impossible to block pirate video sites from streaming live events. Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 02/24/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_10/b4218066626285.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems described in this report? How has the industry responded? Besides the legal and technological solutions, what are some… Read more »
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 »
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 »
