Description: Godiva, one of the leading gourmet chocolate makers, is implementing new strategies to increase chocolate consumption. Source: E. Holmes, “Breeding a Nation of Chocoholics,” Wall Street Journal Date: November 30, 2011 Article Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204262304577068191047284320.html Questions for discussion: Examine Porter’s competitive strategies framework. In what quadrant would you place Godiva prior to this new strategy?… Read more »

Description: Rock and roll bands have more to worry about than whether fans like their music. The volatility of international markets and currencies can make it difficult to schedule concerts, pay bills, and maximize profits. Source: N. Shah, “Overweight in Metal, This Band Tries to Play Tunes in Forex,” Wall Street Journal Date: December 5,… Read more »

Description: Fast food giant Wendy’s, the number three chain in America, is looking to rebound from years of lackluster performance following the death of founder Dave Thomas in 2002. Former Wendy’s exec Emil Brolick was hired recently as CEO and charged with restoring the company’s image. Source: T. Turner, “Wendy’s Works to Restore ‘Luster’ Under… Read more »

Description: After five months without a labor contract, the National Basketball Association is ready to resume play. As is typical with strikes/lockouts, the two sides bitterly contested the issues. In the end, both recognized a deal was necessary for the survival of professional basketball. Source: K. Clark, “NBA’s Owners Win Big,” Wall Street Journal Date:… Read more »

Description: Apple, the company known for its innovative devices like the iPod and iPhone, now wants to shift storage away from specific devices and needs experts to help develop a solution. Source: J. E. Vascellaro, “At Apple, Cloud Experts Wanted,” Wall Street Journal Date: November 23, 2011 Article Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203710704577054441840532680.html Questions for discussion: Review the… Read more »

Description: Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has an aging hit with its cholesterol drug Lipitor. Is the drug ready for retirement or can the company squeeze a little more life out of it? Source: J. Rockoff, “Helping Lipitor Live Longer,” Wall Street Journal Date: November 22, 2011 Article Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203710704577052350701638614.html Questions for discussion: Does offering Lipitor through… Read more »

Description: President Obama’s campaign group was known for masterful fundraising leading up to the 2008 election. Most knowledgeable sources forecast that the group will raise in excess of $1 billion for his re-election bid. Source: J. Weisman & D. Yadron, “Inside the Obama Money Machine,” Wall Street Journal Date: November 19, 2011 Article Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204517204577042142257818640.html… Read more »

Description: Pop and country idol Taylor Swift is interviewed about her meteoric career. The video reveals that she knew from a very young age what she wanted to achieve and executed a plan to get it. Source: 60 Minutes (www.cbsnews.com) Date: November 20, 2011 Questions for discussion: What aspects of the planning process are evident… Read more »

Description: Sweet Loren’s Cookies is a provider of organic cookie dough. Loren Brill’s own battle with cancer inspired the launch of the company. Source: USAToday.com Questions for discussion: Compare Loren Brill to the entrepreneurs profiled in the section Who Are the Entrepreneurs. Does her story parallel any of those individuals? In other words, does she… Read more »

Description: Recent events at Penn State University, while certainly reflecting a very serious issue that should not be taken lightly, provide a unique opportunity to explore several aspects of management. The decision to use this situation as a basis for discussion should be carefully considered. Source: J. W. Miller, & R. Bachman, “Paterno Ousted at… Read more »