Description: In the nearly four decades since Cody Campbell’s family began hand-blocking fedoras, porkpies, and straw hats in New York’s Garment District, the domestic apparel industry has shrunk dramatically. But when it comes to marketing and sales, things aren’t much different from 1974, when Campbell’s mother opened Makins Hats. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Nov 19, 2012… Read more »
Monthly Archives: November 2012
Big Losses, Bigger Paychecks
Description: Why do managers of failing firms get paid so well? Source: The DailyBeast.com Date: Nov 19, 2012 Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/19/big-losses-big-paychecks.html Questions for Discussions: What are the arguments surrounding executive compensation in failing companies? What would your approach be to resolving the issues related to the choices available?
Wal-Mart workers protest on Black Friday
Description: Wal-Mart employees and union members around the country came out on Black Friday to protest the pay, the hours, the healthcare practices of the country’s biggest retailer. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 23, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/11/23/n-walmart-protest-ca.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Do you think these protests harmed or benefited Wal-Mart sales on Black Friday?… Read more »
Another day to save Hostess jobs
Description: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain will serve as a mediator in the labor negotiations between Hostess and unions. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 20, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/11/20/n-hostess-twinkie-bankruptcy-court.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What are the implications for management, the unions, and the workers if the firm is declared bankrupt? What is the “best” legal… Read more »
Wal-Mart and the perils of ignoring staff complaints
Description: Whether a business has millions of employees or just a few staffers, leaders ought to have a plan to deal with reputation damage that can stem from rumblings within the ranks. Source: Fortune.com Date: Nov 23, 2012 Link: http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/11/21/walmart-black-friday-protests/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for Discussions: Summarize the message for management in this report. What do you think… Read more »
Why Steven Sinofsky Really Left Microsoft
Description: About every six weeks, a small group of Microsoft (MSFT) executives gathers at a Seattle restaurant to talk strategy. The location varies, but the cast of characters tends to stay the same: Don Mattrick, the head of the division that produces the Xbox, will be there sitting alongside Qi Lu, the head of search… Read more »
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos: The ultimate disrupter
Description: He’s a pro-customer, tightfisted risk-taker who is conditioning Wall Street to embrace his erratic earnings. If you’re running a business with high margins — watch out. Source: Fortune.com Date: Nov 16, 2012 Link: http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/11/16/jeff-bezos-amazon/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for Discussions: What does the article say about Jeff Bezos’ management thinking and style? Why has Amazon succeeded? What… Read more »
Mobile apps hunt down holiday deals
Description: CNNMoney goes holiday shopping using apps to determine our destinations. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 16, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2012/11/16/mobile-apps-holiday-deals.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: In what ways do you think these apps will change the way people shop? How important is price in the consumer’s buying process? How should retail management respond to this… Read more »
Hostess CEO: Strike brought us down
Description: CEO Gregory Rayburn says there’s plenty of blame to go around but the baker’s union strike was the final straw in Hostess’ downfall. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 16, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/11/16/n-hostess-ceo-twinkies.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why did Hostess close down, according to CEO Gregory Rayburn? Do you think there are other reasons?… Read more »
Twinkie Maker Hostess to Close
Description: Hostess Brands Inc., the maker of iconic treats such as Twinkies and traditional pantry staple Wonder Bread, said Friday it is shuttering its plants and firing about 18,000 workers as it seeks to liquidate the 82-year-old business. Source: WSJ.com Date: Nov 16, 2012 Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324556304578122632560842670.html Questions for Discussions: Summarize the reasons for the demise… Read more »
