Description: Robots aren’t just for the big guys anymore. A new breed of so-called collaborative machines—designed to work alongside people in close settings—is changing the way some of America’s smaller manufacturers do their jobs Source: WSJ.com Date: Sep 17, 2014 Link: http://online.wsj.com/articles/robots-work-their-way-into-small-factories-1410979100 Questions for Discussions: How have robots improved productivity, as illustrated in the report?… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
The Government Keeps Helping People Buy Failing Cold Stone Creamerys
Description: Would you loan someone money to buy a Cold Stone Creamery franchise if you knew that more than a quarter of those loans default? If you’re the U.S. government, the answer is yes. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Sep 16, 2014 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-09-16/franchises-the-government-keeps-helping-people-buy-failing-brands#r=nav-fst Questions for Discussions: Why do you suppose the SBA loans continue to be… Read more »
Kids playing with toys shows Wal-Mart what to order
Description: For any major retailer, nailing the right holiday season product inventory is essential. That’s why Wal-Mart turns to kids between 18 months and 12-years old. Today, the big-box giant releases the results of its “Chosen By Kids” survey. Bloomberg’s Julie Hyman went to Dallas to see what the kids liked best. Source: Bloomberg.com –… Read more »
Apple Watch is Here: Why Apple’s big bet is a big deal
Description: Now that Apple has entered the watch market with the Apple Watch, Bloomberg’s Sam Grobart takes a look at two things: the current state of play in smartwatches and whose world gets upended if Apple’s bet pays off.(Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Sep 09, 2014 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/apple-watch-what-it-means-for-wearables-and-watchmakers-lkbm4f2lTTSMPp5T23Nfvw.html Questions for Discussions: Summarize… Read more »
A Hedge Fund’s 294-Page Recipe for Fixing Olive Garden
Description: Olive Garden doesn’t know how to cook pasta, soaks its salads in too much dressing, dumps sauce haphazardly atop its dishes, forgets to sell wine, and has strayed far from its Italian roots with dishes no one in Italy would touch. And that’s how the slumping restaurant chain is seen by people who dearly… Read more »
Skills Gap Bumps Up Against Vocational Taboo
Description: Federal, State Governments Push Apprentice Programs, but Find Few Domestic Takers Source: WSJ.com Date: Sep 05, 2014 Link: http://online.wsj.com/articles/skills-gap-bumps-up-against-vocational-taboo-1410473392?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_business Questions for Discussions: What does this report say about the effort to establish apprenticeship programs? Why do you think more managers are not getting on board this initiative? How can incentives be used to increase… Read more »
Food trucks and college business majors: A most delicious match
Description: Entrepreneurial undergraduate business students across the country are increasingly trying to break into the crowded market, whipping up cheesy potato latke sandwiches, waffles, burgers, and everything in between. Source: Fortune.com Date: Sep 10, 2014 Link: http://fortune.com/2014/09/10/food-truck-business-majors/ Questions for Discussions: Why do you suppose these entrepreneurs chose their respective businesses? Which business seems to be… Read more »
CVS CEO: Tobacco an obstacle to health care
Description: Newly re-branded as CVS Health, the pharmacy chain has rid its shelves of tobacco products. Cristina Alesci talks with CEO Larry Merlo. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 03, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/09/03/cvs-ceo-on-tobacco-free-stores.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Is this decision by CVS an example of good corporate social responsibility? Strategically, how can CVS expand its… Read more »
Lego’s domination, brick by brick
Description: Lego’s Chief Financial Officer explains how movie franchises and new markets have helped Lego become the world’s biggest toymaker. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 04, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/09/04/lego-world-dominatin-brick-by-brick.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: How is Lego able to leverage itself as a global toy maker? Where is the growth for this firm? Should Lego… Read more »
Starbucks to test new store designs
Description: Starbucks announced it will introduce two types of retail locations. An upscale roastery and tasting room for its rare Starbucks Reserve line, and smaller, alternative stores for speed and convenience. Source: Fortune.com Date: Sep 05, 2014 Link: http://for.tn/WmfXTc Questions for Discussions: Describe and explain Starbucks’ new strategies. Do you think they will resonate with… Read more »
