8 concept cars that show how technology will dominate the drive of the future

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Description: Concept cars have been a staple of the automotive landscape for decades. Manufacturers use them to pique consumers’ interest, but also to showcase new technology and features they hope to unveil in later production cars. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Nov 08, 2018 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/08/8-concept-cars-shaping-the-technology-dominated-drive-of-the-future.html Questions for discussion: What do these concept cars… Read more »

Reduced holiday temp hiring is a sign Amazon is turning to more automation and robots: Citi

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Description: Amazon has reduced the number of temporary hires it needs this holiday shopping season as the company turns to more robots, Citi analyst Mark May told CNBC Friday. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Nov 02, 2018 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/02/citi-mark-may-amazon-relies-on-robots-less-temporary-holiday-hires.html Questions for discussion: What does this report suggest is happening to low-paying jobs like sorting and… Read more »

Now Is Not a Good Time to Skimp on Worker Training

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Description: With unemployment near a record low, many businesses have no choice but to spend to upgrade employee skills. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Oct 26, 2018 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-26/now-is-not-a-good-time-to-skimp-on-worker-training?srnd=businessweek-v2 Questions for discussion: What does the article say about training in different countries around the world? How should managers interpret the suggestions in this article?

The true cost of an iPhone over your lifetime: $300,000

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Description:  That’s how much you would make if you invested the money you spent on your smartphone from the age of 18 to 78 Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Nov 02, 2018 Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-true-cost-of-an-iphone-over-your-lifetime-300000-2018-11-01 Questions for discussion: Do you think consumers understand the “cost” of owning an iPhone in these terms? What is the value received from… Read more »

This is the unbelievable story of beauty, bad business and Bugatti

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Description: Bugatti makes the world’s most expensive cars, and, arguably, the most beautiful. But to truly understand the brand you must know its history. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Oct 17, 2018 Link: https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2018/10/17/bugatti-chiron-divo-volkswagen-fastest-production-car.cnn-business/video/playlists/business-drive-cars/ Questions for discussion: What does the Bugatti brand represent? Describe the target customers using segmentation criteria? How would you grow… Read more »

Uber’s shot at replacing personal car ownership starts with Jump Bikes

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Description: E-bikes and scooters are a key part of the company’s pivot from ride-hailing giant to mobility platform–and integral to its future vision for cities. Source: FastCompany.com Date: Oct 23, 2018 Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/90254182/ubers-shot-at-replacing-personal-car-ownership-starts-with-jump-bikes Questions for discussion: How are the two business models good fits for each other? Which other businesses could share this space?

Mobile Ad Spending to Surpass All Traditional Media Combined by 2020

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Description:  This year, mobile will surpass TV ad spending by more than $6 billion, according to our latest ad spending forecast. By 2020, the channel will represent 43% of total media ad spending in the US—a greater percentage than all traditional media combined. Source: eMarketer.com Date: Oct 16, 2018 Link: https://www.emarketer.com/content/mobile-ad-spending-to-surpass-all-traditional-media-combined-by-2020?ecid=NL1009 Questions for discussion: What… Read more »

SPOS #641 – Planet Funny With Ken Jennings

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Description: Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – Episode #641 – Host: Mitch Joel. I’m a moron. I did not put two and two together. My buddy, Scott Stratten, let me know that a new book called, Planet Funny, had recently been published. I’m all-in on any non-fiction book that can bridge comedy, culture and things like… Read more »

Why Sears bankruptcy will be bad for J.C. Penney

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Description: Struggling J.C. Penney (JCP) best brace for an avalanche that has been set in motion by the death of longtime foe Sears. Source: Yahoo.Finance.com – video report Date: Oct 18, 2018 Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-bankruptcy-will-rock-j-c-penney-foundation-200803793.html Questions for discussion: Why did Sears fail? Why will the Sears bankruptcy be bad for J.C. Penney?

How Target will try to crush Amazon and Walmart in toys this holiday season

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Description:  The holiday season is approaching, and with it the holiday toy wars. Source: Yahoo.Finance.com – video report Date: Oct 18, 2018 Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-will-try-crush-amazon-walmart-toys-holiday-season-160044412.html Questions for discussion: What is the strategy Target is using for this toy buying season? Are they targeting kids or their parents? Do you think they will succeed with this seasonal… Read more »