French don’t pan baguette vending machine

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Description: A new vending machine serves hot baguettes, and even the fussy French approve. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 23, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/05/23/n-french-baguette-vending-machine.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: What are the advantages and disadvantages to a baker who chooses to install this machine? Do you think the installation of the machine would affect customers who… Read more »

What the heck is going on with GM?

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Description: General Motors has now set a company record with the number of vehicles recalled in a single year. But will it cost the auto giant sales or the new CEO her job? Source: CNN.com – video report Date: May 22, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/05/22/gm-recall-hits-record.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: How does the report answer the question posed… Read more »

McDonald’s and America’s new low-wage economy explained

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Description: Who owns your local McDonald’s or builds your cell phone tower does not matter much to consumers. But it has huge implications for workers. Source: Fortune.com Date: May 23, 2014 Link: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2014/05/23/mcdonalds-and-americas-new-low-wage-economy-explained/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for discussion: How are wages determined? In your opinion, what are the social responsibilities of the large corporations in this matter?

Can a virtual incubator democratize entrepreneurship?

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Description: Zana, a new virtual incubator from a prominent venture capitalist, aims to bring startup education to the masses. Source: Fortune.com Date: May 23, 2014 Link: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2014/05/23/can-a-virtual-incubator-democratize-entrepreneurship/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for discussion: How does this concept work? Do you think it is a good tool that can be used by managers?

Protesters: Double minimum wage!

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Description: Fast food workers are on the streets again, demanding employers double their federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 15, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/05/15/fast-food-protests.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: What are the arguments surrounding the minimum wage issues? What do you think the government should do? How does this issue… Read more »

Wal-Mart woes deeper than winter snow

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Description: It was a rough winter for retailers and Wal-Mart was no exception. But the company also issued weak guidance for the warmer second quarter as it boosts investments to remain competitive against Amazon and Costco. Source: CNN.com – video report Date: May 15, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2014/05/15/investing-the-buzz-walmart-retailers-kohls.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Why did Wal-Mart miss earnings… Read more »

Sears is in serious trouble

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Description: Sears used to be an American retail icon. Ditto for Sears-owned Kmart. But with sales plunging and losses mounting, the only thing left for Sears to do is sell assets and close stores. That’s not a reason to buy the stock. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 15, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2014/05/14/investing-the-buzz-sears-kmart-retailer-eddie-lampert.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for… Read more »

Social Not a Big Help to Ecommerce

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Description: Ecommerce traffic and sales as a result of social networks extremely low Source: eMarketer.com Date: May 15, 2014 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Social-Not-Big-Help-Ecommerce/1010841/3#sthash.FgYkDA67.dpuf Questions for discussion: What does the report say about the value of social media for ecommerce sales? Why do you think the numbers are so low? Does this suggest that ecommerce managers should rethink… Read more »

Study: CVS has largest CEO-to-worker pay disparity among top companies

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Description: CEO Larry Merlo makes 422 times the median wage for CVS workers. Source: Fortune.com Date: May 15, 2014 Link: http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2014/05/15/cvs-ceo-worker/ Questions for discussion: What does this report suggest about executive compensation and that of the average worker they manage? Is there a “correct” ratio? How does this research relate to the minimum wage debate?… Read more »