Description: (Reuters) – Three of the top 20 investors in Microsoft Corp are lobbying the board to press for Bill Gates to step down as chairman of the software company he co-founded 38 years ago, according to people familiar with matter. Source: Reuters.com Date: Oct 01, 2013 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/01/us-microsoft-gates-investors-idUSBRE9901H320131001 Questions for Discussions: Do you think… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Why Home Depot focuses on employees
Description: Home Depot CEO Frank Blake says that his company’s dedication to service and associate training keeps customers coming back. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 25, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/09/25/f-leadership-home-depot-ceo-frank-blake-employees.fortune/index.html Questions for Discussions: Why would taking better care of employees be more important HR strategy for Home Depot than for say, a grocery retailer?… Read more »
What it costs Apple to make the iPhone 5C
Description: Apple’s multi-colored iPhones retail for $549 off contract, but they cost a lot less to make thanks in part to the plastic shell. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 24, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/09/26/t-ts-apple-iphone-5c-teardown.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Given the differences in costs to produce the original model 5, do you think Apple is pricing… Read more »
A solution to skyrocketing CEO pay
Description: For several reasons, the SEC’s proposed rule to address the growing CEO-average worker pay gap will not work as intended. Here’s an alternative approach. Source: Fortune.com Date: Sep 27, 2013 Link: http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2013/09/27/ceo-pay-3/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for discussion: Summarize the new suggestion for controlling the pay-gap between CEO and average worker of the firm. Do you think… Read more »
What 3-D Printing Could Mean for the World’s Factory — China
Description: It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz around 3-D printing. It allows everyone from hobbyists to aerospace engineers to create customized products — toys, prosthetics, even jet engine parts — from the convenience of their home or office. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Sep 26, 2013 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-26/what-3-d-printing-could-mean-for-the-world-s-factory-china.html Questions for Discussions: What are the… Read more »
BlackBerry leaders, success paved way for failure
Description: (MoneyWatch) The history of American business is littered with the remains of once-dominant companies suddenly rendered obsolete by powerful new technologies. BlackBerry is not one of those companies. Source: CBSNews.com Date: Sep 25, 2013 Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505124_162-57604642/for-blackberry-leaders-success-paved-way-for-failure/?tag=nl.e713&s_cid=e713&ttag=e713&ftag=TRE4cf7aca Questions for Discussions: According to the report, why did BB fail? How much blame does management rightfully share?
How Cinnabon reinvented itself
Description: At 880 delectable calories, the classic Cinnabon roll isn’t most people’s idea of an every day treat. President Kat Cole tells how the company has managed to expand its brand into smaller indulgences. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 18, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/09/18/f-cinnabon-president-kat-cole.fortune/index.html Questions for Discussions: What is the marketing strategy at Cinnabon… Read more »
Birchbox’s Sample Sale
Description: Birchbox co-founders Hayley Barna and Katia Beauchamp share the secrets behind the success of their rapidly expanding beauty discovery service. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 18, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/09/18/f-birchbox-hayley-barna-katia-beauchamp.fortune/index.html Questions for Discussions: Describe the business model? Why has organic and word-of-mouth growth been so successful? How does social media help the firm… Read more »
Buffett’s 9% Heinz Dividend Means 3G Cutting Jobs, Mini-Fridges
Description: HJ Heinz Co.’s longtime leader Bill Johnson stood in the Veranda ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, addressing the ketchup maker’s top 50 executives for the last time. Around the corner in a smaller room, his successor as chief executive officer, Bernardo Hees, waited to tell some of the same managers whether… Read more »
Do Amazon’s Lockers Help Retailers? Depends on What They Sell
Description: With two national retailers, Staples (SPLS) and RadioShack (RSH), pulling the plug on Amazon.com’s (AMZN) Locker program, it’s easy to wonder why either decided to experiment in the first place. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Sep 20, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-09-20/do-amazons-lockers-help-retailers-depends-on-what-they-sell#r=hpt-ls Questions for Discussions: What are the advantages and disadvantages for retailers to associate with Amazon? Which… Read more »
