TOPIC: Control ARTICLE SUMMARY: When the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) took over Georgian Bank, it became the 95th bank to fail in 2009. Banks are failing largely because of bad real estate loans. The FDIC’s insurance fund is rapidly dwindling, reaching its lowest point in nearly two decades, while industry analysts are predicting many… Read more »
Monthly Archives: September 2009
Chronically unemployed
ARTICLE SUMMARY: With the economy in a recession, unemployment is high. Despite efforts to stimulate the economy, unemployment numbers continue to rise. This leaves many unemployed for long periods. Congress has had to reauthorize unemployment benefits and extend eligibility for some that used up their benefits. This article describes the plight of the chronically unemployed… Read more »
Proctor & Gamble’s new plan
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Cincinnati-based Proctor & Gamble, the maker of a variety of well-known household products, has been losing market share to competitors and experiencing declining sales growth. As a result, new CEO Robert McDonald introduced plans to cut prices, increase promotional spending, and position new versions of traditional products as low-priced value brands. QUESTIONS: What… Read more »
A shot at greatness
ARTICLE SUMMARY: After 16 years, boxer Juan Manuel Marquez finally gets his shot at greatness. The Mexican fighter will face formerly retired champion Floyd Mayweather in a pay-per-view event. Mayweather has never lost a professional fight, but has been out of action for two years. Although the fight is a non-title bout, there is a… Read more »
The Steve Jobs Effect
TOPIC: Organization Culture, Leadership ARTICLE SUMMARY: Technology events often create quite a buzz as consumers and investors anticipate the release of new and improved products. However, the stir at a recent Apple public event was due more to the appearance of CEO Steve Jobs than announcements related to the company’s popular iPod and iPhone products…. Read more »
Kraft & Cadbury
TOPIC: Strategy ARTICLE SUMMARY: Kraft Foods initiated a buy offer for British candy maker Cadbury. The offer, valued at $17 billion, would give Cadbury shareholders cash and Kraft stock. The offer was rejected on the grounds that it undervalued Cadbury and that Kraft’s strategy was too conservative to capitalize on the full potential Cadbury offers…. Read more »
Disney & Marvel
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Disney created quite a stir in the entertainment industry by acquiring Marvel Entertainment. While some analysts contend that Disney overpaid, many believe the fit is good and Disney is poised to create plenty of value provided it can work out existing licensing agreements. Proponents of the deal see this as an opportunity for… Read more »
Penalizing Pfizer
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer will pay $2.3 billion to settle a lawsuit brought against the drug manufacturer by the Department of Justice. The suit alleged that Pfizer engaged in unlawful practices to market its products to doctors. The penalty reflects the fact that Pfizer is a repeat offender. Allegations of wrongdoing were exposed by… Read more »
The Fight for Healthcare Reform
ARTICLE SUMMARY: After a brief honeymoon period in which everything seemed to go his way, President Barack Obama finds himself in a fight to get healthcare reform approved. The rhetoric is strong on both sides of the debate and, apparently, words are carefully chosen for the impression they will create on those still considering the… Read more »
Lessons from Katrina
ARTICLE SUMMARY: On the four-year anniversary of the event, President Barack Obama reflected on how government, the Federal Emergency Management Agency in particular, responded to the crisis that emerged from Hurricane Katrina. He pledged that progress in the long, drawn-out recovery process would be more efficient. The lessons of Katrina offer an excellent opportunity to… Read more »
