Description: The 87th Academy Awards show costs nearly $43 million Source: Money.com – video report Date: Feb 26, 2016 Link: http://money.us/1p8N8Zt Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial management of the Academy Awards event. What is the basis for self-financing and profitability of this event?

Description: How Iroko built its low-budget, DIY, Nollywood-movie-streaming business. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 22, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2016-02-22/the-netflix-of-africa-doesn-t-need-hollywood-to-win Questions for discussion: Describe the business model. How has technology made this possible? What does this report suggest is possible for artistic entrepreneurs around the world?

Description: Consumers will abandon a retailer because of poor customer service Source: eMarketer.com Date: Feb 27, 2016 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Customer-Service-Channels-That-Frustrate-Consumers/1013637#sthash.OCMgf5II.dpuf Questions for Discussions: What does this report say about the importance of customer service? How should managers deal with this information?

Description: Corporations have scored big victories in Congress. But populism puts those gains in doubt. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 25, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-open-season-on-big-business/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the key points presented in this article. Why do you think top managers are responding as they are? Do you think they should be changing?

Description: For $2.6 billion Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Feb 19, 2016 Link: http://for.tn/1SUYsox Questions for Discussions: How can IBM monetize the databases? What are the ethical and social responsibilities for management?

Description: This Las Vegas Business Is Bringing Instant Photography Back to Life Source: NBCNews.com – video report Date: Feb 18, 2016 Link: http://www.nbcnews.com/video/this-las-vegas-business-is-bringing-instant-photography-back-to-life-625804867831 Questions for discussion: Why do suppose there has been a rediscovery of print photos? Who is the primary target market? How would you market this as an instant service at retail?

Description: Apple’s business plan is built on encrypted security. Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Feb 17, 2016 Link: http://bloom.bg/1RawBx2 Questions for Discussions: Why is Apple reluctant to help open the phone? How might the conflict between Apple and the government on this issue affect the stock price? What do you think will happen? How… Read more »

Description: A visit with Cupertino’s chief chipmaker, Johny Srouji. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 18, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-johny-srouji-apple-chief-chipmaker/ Questions for discussion: What does this report say about management development at Apple? Why has Apple focused on developing its own chip technologies?

Description: Weight Watchers shares are surging.The stock climbed as much as 21% Friday after the company said Thursday that an Indiana University School of Medicine study found that adults with prediabetes lost significant weight after they used a Weight Watchers program. Source: InsiderBusiness.com Date: Feb 18, 2016 Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/weight-watchers-share-price-february-19-2016-2 Questions for discussion: What is driving… Read more »

Description: “Serial,” a podcast from the creators of public radio’s “This American Life,” became widely popular after debuting in 2014. MailChimp sponsored the first season, not knowing it would garner a cult following. Source: eMarketer.com Date: Feb 19, 2016 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Finding-Opportunities-Podcast-Advertising/1013606?ecid=NL1003#sthash.wSo2fSah.dpuf Questions for Discussions: Why is podcast advertising so weak in comparison to other digital… Read more »