Description: In the summer of 2012, five American technology companies bid on a project for a demanding new client: the CIA. The spy agency was collecting so much information, its computers couldn’t keep up. To deal with the onslaught of data, the CIA wanted to build its own private cloud computing system—an internal version of… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
McDonald’s and America’s new low-wage economy explained
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?
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!
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
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
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
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
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 »
Dairy Queen CEO on the minimum wage
Description: Dairy Queen CEO John Gainor says ‘people need to be paid a fair wage,’ low wages are connected to turnover, and that the company is currently dealing with rising minimum wages in states. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 07, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/05/07/n-dairy-queen-ceo-minimum-wage.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: How does John Gainer see the impact… Read more »
Munger: ‘Finance needs a few prosecutions’
Description: Warren Buffett’s right hand man, Charlie Munger, says banks are behaving better, but it’s important to charge some individuals with crimes to really change the culture. Source: CNN.com – video report Date: May 06, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/05/06/n-charlie-munger-bank-prosecution-criminal-charges-financial-crisis.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: What does Charlie Munger have to say about controlling questionable behavior of top corporate… Read more »
