A wonderland of chocolate

Posted by & filed under Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description:  Koppers Chocolate factory is the oldest and largest factory left in New York City. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/14/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/smallbusiness/2012/02/13/sbiz_koppers_chocolate.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Describe the business model for this company. Why do you think it has remained relatively small when compared to  bigger competitors? What advantages are there to choosing to… Read more »

A new jobs program for people trapped in unemployment

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Description:   The chances of finding a job are grim for the four million long-term unemployed in the U.S., but Joe Carbone is looking to change that in his Connecticut town. Scott Pelley reports. Source:  MoneyWatch.com Date: 02/19/2012 Link:  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7399352n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems faced by the long term unemployed. Why does this paid-internship… Read more »

America’s Blue Collar Nostalgia Masks Future Challenges

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Description:  The U.S. manufacturing sector needs more skilled workers and can’t support middle class living standards as it once did. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/17/2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/finance/americas-blue-collar-nostalgia-masks-future-challenges-02172012.html Questions for discussion: What message is there here for managers? How would you expect HR managers to respond to this report?

For Small Theaters, the Digital Future Is Dark

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Description:  Independent movie houses scramble to pay for expensive new gear Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/17/2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/for-small-theaters-the-digital-future-is-dark-02162012.html Questions for discussion: Why are smaller theatres having problems? Will these strategies work, in your opinion? What else could management do?

Gen Y Speeds Up Luxury Goods Spending

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management.

Description:   Flash sale sites and the fashion industry’s maturing web presence boost sales to young consumers Source:  eMarketer.com Date: 02/22/2012 Link:  http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1008854&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4 Questions for discussion: Summarize the highlights in this report. Do you agree with the reasons given? Where do you think the marketplace is headed?

The euro dream that became a nightmare

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management.

Description:   When countries post a 40% youth unemployment rate, you know something is terribly wrong. The last time developed countries experienced such an employment disaster was during the Great Depression, and it is a moot question as to whether the current period will prove to be worse for the southern European countries than the Great… Read more »

The Business Of Lin

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Description:  From Knicks jersey sales to tickets on the road, many firms are profiting from Linsanity. But can it last? Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/17/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/02/16/n_jeremy_lin_business.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the sudden financial changes to the various businesses mentioned in the report. Do you think this phenomenon can last? What strategic plans… Read more »

Bringing the Right Recipe to Style Blogging

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Description:  Style blog Cupcakes and Cashmere has become a destination for fashionistas from around the world. Wendy Bounds talks to founder and author Emily Schuman about the secrets behind her success. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 02/14/2012 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/bringing-the-right-recipe-to-style-blogging/24FBE84B-43FB-4C7F-9A5D-AF93E71BDACF Questions for discussion: Why is Emily Shuman a success? What lessons are presented to entrepreneurs… Read more »

Google’s Bid to Be Everything to Everyone

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Description:  A rumored audio device and new testing facilities hint at the search giant’s hardware ambitions Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/16/2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/googles-bid-to-be-everything-to-everyone-02162012.html Questions for discussion: Highlight Google’s strategic planning described in this report. Do you think they will be successful with this approach? Who would be Google’s competitors in the future if this approach is… Read more »

Launch Fast, Nurture What Works, Kill What Doesn’t

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Description:  Gregory Galant is the accidental head of a fast-growing social web empire. Galant is the founder of Sawhorse Media, the company behind Muck Rack, Listorious and the Shorty Awards, but he didn’t start out with the intent to build a media company with several brands. Source:  Sprouter.com Date: 02/15/2012 Link:  http://sprouter.com/blog/launch-fast-nurture-what-works-kill-what-doesnt/?utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content=15+February+2012+%2F%2F+Hottest+StartUps%2C+Events+%26+Resources&utm_campaign=Sprouter+Weekly%3A+February+15%2C+2012&utm_term=btn-readon_png Questions for discussion:… Read more »